There is Mold in My House. Now What?
First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is toxic to people is uncommon in the fungi 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 contact a black mold removal service Minneapolis MN company to clean up the mold if it is more than 9 square feet.in area. This is because if you see mold growth, 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 growing. Turn off any HVAC systems. Next, work to halt 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 mold. You could tape off the area with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Now, you're ready to figure out if you need to get mold damage removal help. Consider not only the damaged area, but also any aggravating health issues you may have. People who already struggle to breathe, for example, should not perform mold mitigation activities.
Once you've made the decision, there are important steps to take. To do the cleanup yourself, gather supplies such as long mold-approved gloves, coveralls and a mold-safe mask and sealed eye protection. You might also need something to trap mold from reaching the floor and tools to repair drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Mold removal specialists agree that you should never leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere you find it 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 remediate mold thoroughly. Bleach-based cleaners also puts off toxic fumes, especially if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. Find better alternatives at the hardware store.
If you're concerned enough about mold damage to look for solutions on the web, you will want certified a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold removal expert, find one local to your area because various molds grow in different areas and you want experts who know the ideal mold damage mitigation techniques to stop the ones you came upon in your structure. The more local, the better.
Before you select anyone, check that they are certified properly and that they are certified by watchdogs such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to start, and you can check for affiliations such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. You may 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 growth you find to stop further harm, and do it now. If you don't, parasitic fungi will keep eating on your structure and will destroy your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release toxic spores, can also cause sever health risks ranging from neurological damage to breathing problems and mold-related infections and ongoing ill health. Mycotoxins can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The smartest way to solve your mold problem is to get professional mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't delay.