Our Family's Home Suffered Flood Damage That Damaged A Lot of My Valuables. We Reached Out to a Restoration Company
First, let's go over a quick primer on what mold is. All molds are fungi, and share biology with mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is dangerous to you and your family is relatively uncommon in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't harmful. However, some molds are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be mitigated and completely removed.
You could think about contacting these mold remediation contractor Arlington TX companies even if you see less mold than that. If you see mold, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to stop the moisture source that supplied the mold. Make sure damaged roofs are no longer getting into your attic and staunch the flow of any rainwater that has penetrated your basement. The next step is to contain the mold in as small an area as possible. You might block off the area in question with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a professional company to help or can you finish the cleanup on your own? Beyond pondering the extent of the issue, think about any exacerbating health issues that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've selected a solution, there are important steps to take in either direction. To complete the mold removal damage yourself, purchase supplies such as long mold-approved gloves, coveralls and a mold-safe mask and a pair of goggles. You might also need disposable plastic sheeting and tools to repair drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Experts agree that you should never leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. A note on cleaning with bleach: Don't. Bleach is less effective than other alternatives and often doesn't kill mold growth and all its spores completely. Bleach also puts off toxic fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia, a common ingredient in many household cleaners . You can get better cleaners at the hardware store.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to do online research, you need certified mold removal technicians company. For example, don't hire a mitigation service focused in humid climates.
Check licensing and certifications before you hire a mold damage cleanup service. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, and you should check for affiliations such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
You should clean up any fungal growth you find to prevent further harm, and do it now. If you don't, mold growths will continue to feast on your home or business and will ruin your things. Some molds, those that release toxic spores, can also cause major health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related infections and generally poor health. Mycotoxins can be particularly harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The smartest way to mitigate your mold damage is to get professional mold damage assistance. Don't wait another minute.