It's important to understand what mold is and why it grows. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to humans is relatively rare in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some toxic molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you reach out to a who repairs mold damage Winston Salem NC company for assistance if the mold you discover takes up more than 36 square inches. This is because if you see mold, there is probably hidden mold trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to prevent the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to halt the moisture source that supplied the mold. Make sure damaged roofs are no longer flowing into your ceiling and staunch the flow of any rainwater that has penetrated your basement. The next step is to contain the problem in as small an area as possible. You could block off the room with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Next, you're ready to decide if you need to get mold damage removal help. Think about not only the mold area, but also any exacerbating health issues you have. Allergy or asthma sufferers who struggle to breathe, for instance, should avoid mold mitigation activities.
Once you've decided, there are vital steps to take. If you're performing the cleanup, start with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need airtight goggles, clothing items that are easy to clean and that cover your arms and legs, and mold-safe masks and gloves. You should also get new disposable sponges and disposable plastic sheeting that can help trap the mold you get off. Experts agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Don't. Bleach doesn't work as well other detergents and often doesn't kill mold and all its spores completely. Bleach is bad to breathe, especially if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. You can get better cleaners at the hardware store.
Chances are that if you're worried enough about mold problems to research, you will want certified a professional mold removal company. For example, don't choose a mitigation service focused in humid climates.
Before you hire anyone, check that they are licensed and registered properly and that they are approved by groups 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 get started, and you should check for affiliations such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
You need to mitigate any mold you come across to prevent further toxicity risk, and do it right away. If you don't, harmful mold will continue to feast on your home or business and can destroy your things. Some molds, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause major health problems ranging from neurological damage to breathing problems and mold-related illnesses and ongoing ill health. Mold in the environment can be especially dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The smartest way to mitigate your mold problem is to get mold removal help. Don't wait another minute.