There is Mold in My Home. What to Do With All the Damaged Valuables?
You shoud understand what mold is and why it grows. All molds are fungi, and share biology with mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to you and your family is rare in the fungi world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
The rule of thumb is to find a commercial mold removal Alexandria VA company to get rid of the mold if it is more than 3 square feet.. When you see any sizable mold growth, though, it's a good idea to call for help from professional mold damage cleanup. The best mold removal services can help you test for mold spots in other spots around the structure using tools such as temperature sensors, moisture detectors and more.
Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to halt the dripping or condensation that brought the mold in the first place. For example, clear standing water and fix plumbing problems if you can. The next step is to contain the mold. You could block off the room with plastic sheeting, for example.
Should you get a mold mitigation service to help or can you do it by yourself? Beyond thinking about the extent of the problem, consider any exacerbating health concerns that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've selected a solution, there are important steps to take. To finish the mold removal yourself, gather items such as long mold-approved gloves, coveralls and a mold-safe mask and sealed eye protection. You might also need something to trap mold from reaching the floor and a saw to repair drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Mold removal specialists agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. A note on cleaning with bleach: Don't. Any bleach doesn't work as well other detergents and often doesn't kill mold growth. Bleach is also toxic and can cause dangerous chemical fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. You can get better alternatives at the hardware store.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to do online research, you need certified a professional mold removal service. If you choose to hire a mold removal service, look for one in your area because different kinds of mold thrive in different geographic locations and you need technicians who know the right mold damage mitigation techniques to remove what you have came upon in your home or business. The closer to home, the better.
Before you select any expert, make sure that they are licensed and registered properly and that they are approved by trade organizations such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
Mold that is allowed to grow releases spores, which act like seeds and can cause damage to spread in short order. If you don't, parasitic fungi will keep eating on your structure and will ruin your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause major health problems ranging from brain damage. Mold can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The best way to handle your mold problem is to get professional mold removal help. Don't hesitate.