Steps to Take After a House Flood. Phone a Restoration Business
First, let's go over a quick review of mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to you and your family is relatively uncommon in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you contact a black mold removal service Blythewood SC company for cleanup help if the smelly mold takes up more than about 36 square inches. When you see any frightening mold growth, however, it's smart to reach out for help from professional mold removal services. Certified technicians can help you make sure there is no mold spots in other spots around the house using tools such as temperature sensors, moisture detectors and more.
Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to stop the moisture source that supplied the mold in the first place. Make sure roof leaks are no longer getting into your house or business and staunch the flow of any moisture that has seeped into your basement. The next step is to contain the problem in as small an area as possible. You could tape off the area in question with disposable tarps, for example.
Now, you're ready to decide if you need to get mold damage removal help. Think about not only the mold area, but also any aggravating health issues you may have. People who already struggle to breathe, for example, should not perform mold cleanup activities.
Once you've decided, there are vital things to do in either direction. If you're doing the work, start with gathering the right equipment and clothing. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, clothing items that are easy to wash and that cover your extremities, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You should also get new disposable rags and a disposable tarp or two that can help catch mold spores as you remove them. Health officials agree that you should never leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere because it can't be cleaned thoroughly.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold damage to do online research, you will want a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold removal service, find one local to your area because various molds thrive in different areas and you want technicians who know the ideal mold damage mitigation strategies to remove the ones you located in your home or business. The closer to home, the better.
Before you hire any company, make sure that they are certified properly and that they are approved by organizations such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. The State Business Licensing Division is a good place to start, and you can check for affiliations such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
You should clean up any mold growth you find to stop further harm, and do it now. If you don't, harmful mold will continue to feast on your home or business and can ruin your possessions. Some molds, those that release toxic spores, can also cause sever health problems ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related illnesses and ongoing ill health. Mold can be especially dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The best way to mitigate your mold growth is to get professional mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't delay.