It's important to understand what mold is and why it grows. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to people is relatively rare in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business 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 more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Turn off any ventilation. Next, work to halt the moisture source that brought the mold. For example, fix leaky faucets or dry out standing water if you can. Next, stop it from spreading. You could tape off the room with disposable tarps, for example.
Now, you're ready to figure out whether to get professional help. Think about not only the mold area, but also any aggravating health problems you have. Allergy or asthma sufferers who have trouble breathing, for instance, should not perform mold mitigation activities.
Once you've decided, there are vital things to do in either direction. If you're performing the cleanup, begin with gathering proper safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need airtight goggles, coveralls 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 will also want new disposable rags and a disposable tarp or two that will help trap the mold you get off. Experts agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly.
If you're concerned enough about mold problems to research, you will want a professional mold removal company. Don't hire a mitigation service focused in humid climates.
Before you select any company, check that they are certified 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 left to grow releases spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can harm your possessions in short order. If not, harmful mold will keep eating on your structure and will ruin your possessions.
The ideal way to mitigate your mold damage is to get professional mold damage assistance. Don't delay.
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