Steps to Take After Water Damage. Hire a Restoration Business
First, let's go over a quick primer on what mold is. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is toxic to you and your family is relatively uncommon in the fungus world, 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 cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you call a commercial mold removal University Of Mn MN company for help if the mold growth takes up more than 9 square feet. When you see any large amount of mold growth, however, it's wise to reach out for help from mold damage cleanup. They can help you test for hidden mold in other places around the house using tools such as temperature sensors, moisture detectors and more.
Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Turn off any HVAC systems. Then, work to stop 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 problem in as small an area as possible. You could tape off the room with plastic sheeting, for example.
Should you get a mold removal service to help or can you complete the cleanup on your own? Beyond thinking about the extent of the damage, think about any exacerbating health issues you may have that make you susceptible to becoming sick.
Once you've decided, there are vital steps to take in either direction. To finish the mold removal yourself, pick up supplies such as gloves that reach your forearms, full-coverage clothing, non-ventilated goggles and approved mold masks. You will probably also need a throwaway tarp and tools to fix drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Experts agree that you should not leave drywall that has mold on it anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Bleach is less effective than other detergents and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly and all its spores completely. Bleach-based cleaners is bad to breathe, particularly if it's ever mixed with substances such as Windex, which contains ammonia. Find better cleaners at the hardware store.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold problems to look for solutions on the web, you will want a professional mold removal service. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, find one in your area because various molds grow in different geographic locations and you need technicians who know the ideal mold damage mitigation strategies to remove what you have came upon in your structure. The more local, the better.
Before you schedule an appointment with any expert, make sure that they are certified properly and that they are certified by groups such as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection. The State Business Licensing Division is a good place to start, and you can check for affiliations such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
Mold damage left to grow sends off spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can harm your possessions very quickly. If you don't, mold growths will continue to feast on your structure and can ruin your possessions.
The safest way to solve your mold damage is to get mold removal assistance. Don't hesitate.