First, let's go over a quick review of what mold is. All molds are fungi, and share biology with mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to humans is relatively uncommon in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be mitigated and completely removed.
That means contacting a mold damage repair company is almost always a good idea. If you see mold growth, there is probably hidden mold behind walls, in attics and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Then, work to halt the moisture source that brought the mold in the first place. For instance, make sure roof leaks are no longer flowing into your ceiling and staunch the flow of any moisture that has seeped into your basement. Then, stop it from spreading. You might block off the room with plastic sheeting, for example.
Next, figure out if you need to get professional help. Think about not only the damaged area, but also any exacerbating health problems you may have. Allergy or asthma sufferers who struggle to breathe, for instance, should avoid mold mitigation activities.
Once you've selected a solution, there are vital steps to take in either direction. To complete the mold removal yourself, purchase items such as gloves that reach your forearms, washable coveralls, sealed eye protection and approved mold masks. You will probably also need something to trap mold from reaching the floor and a saw to fix drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Health officials agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. A note on cleaning with bleach: Don't. Any bleach is less effective than other detergents and often doesn't kill mold growth. Most bleach also puts off toxic fumes, especially if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. Find better cleaners at the hardware store.
If you're concerned enough about mold problems to research, you will want a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, find one local to your area because different kinds of mold thrive in different geographic locations and you want technicians who know the perfect mold damage repair techniques to stop what you have found in your indoor environment. The closer to home, the better.
Check credentials before you hire a mold damage cleanup service. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to begin, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection. You may also make sure the company knows and follows federal mold cleanup recommendations whether your mold is in a business or a residence.
Mold damage left to grow releases spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can cause damage to spread rapidly. If not, harmful mold will keep eating on your structure and can destroy your possessions.
The ideal way to mitigate your mold problem is to get professional mold damage cleanup help. Don't hesitate.
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