First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to humans is relatively uncommon in the fungus world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some molds are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be cleaned up and completely removed.
The rule of thumb is to contact a mold clean up service winchester va company to get rid of the mold if it is more than 36 square inches.in area. This is because if you see mold growth, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Then, 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 ceiling and stop the flow of any rainwater that has gotten 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, decide whether to get professional help. Consider not only the damaged area, but also any aggravating health issues you have. People who already struggle to breathe, for example, should avoid mold cleanup activities.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do. If you're doing the work, start with gathering the right equipment and clothing. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, coveralls that are easy to clean and that cover your extremities, and mold-safe masks and gloves. You should also get dedicated rags and a disposable tarp or two that will help trap the mold you get off. Mold removal specialists agree that you should not leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. Whatever you do, don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a serious mold damage problem. It's completely ineffective for soft surfaces, afterall, and only partially effective on hard surfaces. It's also potentially toxic because it can cause fumes and should not be mixed with ammonia.
If you're concerned enough about mold damage to look for solutions on the web, you need mold removal technicians service. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one in your city because different kinds of mold grow in different areas and you want technicians who know the perfect mold damage mitigation strategies to stop what you have found in your indoor environment. The closer to home, the better.
Check licensing and certifications before you hire a mold removal company. The State Business Licensing Division is a good place to get started, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. You might also make sure the company knows and follows federal mold cleanup recommendations whether your mold is in a business or a residence.
You need to clean up any mold you come across to stop further toxicity risk, and do it now. If not, mold growths will continue to feast on your structure and will ruin your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release toxic spores, can also cause sever health problems ranging from neurological damage to breathing problems and mold-related illnesses and generally poor health. Mold can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The ideal way to handle your mold problem is to get mold damage help. Don't delay.