Even without the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy affecting Long Island, it is undeniable that the environment is right for mold growth. The damp conditions that these troublesome little spores love is prevalent in the seaside communities of Long Island’s South Shore like Southampton. High quantities of this mold, as most people will already know, lead to health problems, unpleasant odors, and can even compromise the structural integrity of a home. Immediately following Hurricane Sandy, the majority of homeowners had Southampton mold testing done, but how many have followed up? The answer is: surprisingly few.
According to Moldbusters, the top local mold remediation company, it can take years for mold buildup to affect the health of a home’s inhabitants, but that the potential for disaster increases exponentially each year it is allowed to worsen. In many cases, especially after the flooding and water damage that a storm such as Hurricane Sandy can cause, the problem is unseen: it is hidden in the walls, floors, basements, attics, and air ducts of homeowners. It is for this very reason that ongoing Southampton air duct cleaning and mold testing is so important.
How Often Does My Southampton Home Need Mold Testing Post-Hurricane Sandy?
Every homeowner in Long Island should have the air quality tested in their home at least annually. If you were in an area where water damage occurred during the storm, then you should be testing twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. These seasons can be wet and blustery, encouraging the growth of mold spores. They are also transition seasons in which our air ducts are left dormant then suddenly switched back on for summer or winter temperatures, potentially dispersing mold spores throughout the house, and altering your Moldbusters technician of a bigger problem.
What if My Home Has Mold?
If the laboratory results of your Southampton mold testing should come back positive, you will need an air duct cleaning and subsequent follow-up testing to determine if the problem has been permanently resolved. A positive result for mold is cause for alarm, but not panic. Many homes in the NYC and Long Island area have mold as a result of geographical location and climate, and it does not always indicate a larger problem, such as mold caused by flooding or other damage.
Should it be the case that mold is continually present in the air of your home, a full investigation should be conducted to determine the source and attempt to contain and remove it. When you choose a reputable company like Moldbusters with extensive experience conducting Southampton mold testing, you get a lab report which details your property’s mold condition, allowing you to make the most intelligent possible remediation choices.
Whether or not your home suffered any direct damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy, it is wise to continue to protect your family from dangerous and structurally compromising mold growth. This is possible with regular preventative Southampton mold testing and mold inspection. To speak to a qualified technician, call Moldbusters of Long Island.