A Flood Damaged My Home. What Do You Do Now?
You shoud understand what mold is and why it grows. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is toxic to people is relatively uncommon in the fungus world, meaning most kinds aren't dangerous. However, some toxic molds are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be mitigated and completely removed.
The rule of thumb is to find a black mold removal service Bridgewater MI company to get rid of the mold if it is more than 9 square feet.. If you see mold growth, there is probably hidden mold trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Next, work to halt the moisture source that supplied the mold in the first place. For example, clear standing water and fix plumbing problems if you can. Next, contain the problem. You could tape off the room with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Now, you're ready to decide whether to get mold damage removal help. Think about not only the damaged area, but also any exacerbating health problems you have. Allergy or asthma sufferers who have trouble breathing, for example, should avoid mold cleanup activities.
Once you've decided, there are vital steps to take. If you're going at it alone, begin with gathering the right equipment and clothing. 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 sponges and disposable plastic sheeting that will help trap the mold you get off. Mold removal specialists agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. Whatever you do, don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a serious mold damage situation. It's completely ineffective for soft surfaces, and only partially effective on hard ones. It's also dangerous because it can release fumes and should not be mixed with ammonia-based cleaners such as window cleaner.
If you're concerned enough about mold problems to do online research, you will want a professional mold removal service. For example, don't select a mitigation service focused on humid areas.
Before you choose anyone, make sure that they are certified properly and that they are certified by organizations such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
Mold left to grow sends off spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can cause damage to spread rapidly. If not, mold growths will continue to feast on your structure and will ruin your things.
The smartest way to clean up your mold damage is to get mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't delay.