It's important to learn about what mold is and where it thrives. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is dangerous to you and your family is uncommon in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't dangerous. However, some molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
You might consider contacting these black mold remediation Hilton Head Island SC services even if you see less mold. This is because 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 prevent 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. For instance, make sure damaged roofs are no longer dripping into your attic and staunch the flow of any water that has seeped into your basement. The next step is to contain the mold. You could block off the area with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a professional service to help or can you do it on your own? Beyond considering the magnitude of the damage, consider any aggravating health issues that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do. If you're doing the work, get started with gathering proper equipment and clothing. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, clothes that are easy to wash and that cover your arms and legs, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You should also get new disposable sponges and a disposable tarp or two that can help catch mold spores as you remove them. Health officials agree that you should avoid leaving drywall that has mold on it anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Any bleach doesn't work as well other detergents and often doesn't kill mold growth and all its spores completely. Most bleach also puts off toxic fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with substances such as Windex, which contains ammonia. Ask for better alternatives at the hardware store.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to do online research, you will want a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold removal service, find one in your area because various molds thrive in different geographic locations and you want people who know the right mold damage repair strategies to remove the ones you located in your structure. The more local, the better.
Check credentials before you hire a mold removal company. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to begin, and you can check for affiliations 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 that is allowed to grow sends off spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can cause damage to spread in short order. If you don't, mold damage will continue to feast on your structure and can ruin your things.
The best way to handle your mold growth is to get professional mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't hesitate.