Water Damaged My Home. What Do You Do Now?
First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to people is relatively rare in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be mitigated and completely removed.
The rule of thumb is to contact a mold restoration contractor huntsville al company to clean up the mold if it is more than 36 square inches.. When you see any sizable mold growth, though, it's wise to reach out for help from professional mold damage cleanup. Certified technicians 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 damage repair technicians, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to halt the dripping or condensation that supplied the mold in the first place. For example, clear standing water and fix plumbing problems if you can. Next, stop it from spreading. You could tape off the area in question with disposable tarps, for example.
Next, figure out whether to get professional help. Think about not only the mold area, but also any exacerbating health problems you may have. Allergy or asthma sufferers who struggle to breathe, for instance, should not perform mold cleanup activities.
Once you've decided, there are vital steps to take. If you're performing the cleanup, get started with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, clothes that are easy to wash and that cover your arms and legs, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You should also get dedicated sponges and disposable plastic sheeting that will help catch mold spores as you remove them. Health officials agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to research, you need certified a professional mold removal company. It is best if you choose a mitigation service in your geographic location, so contact if you live in that area. Doing this will make certain that you find a company with relevant experience.
Before you choose any expert, 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. You can also make sure the company knows and follows federal mold cleanup recommendations whether your mold is in a business or a residence.
You should remove any mold you come across to prevent further harm, and do it right away. If you don't, parasitic fungi will keep eating on your structure and will destroy your things. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause sever health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related infections and generally poor health. Mold 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 solve your mold growth is to get professional mold damage help. Don't hesitate.