First, let's go over a quick review of what mold is. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to you and your family is relatively uncommon in the fungus world, meaning most kinds aren't harmful. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you contact a who repairs mold damage Conroe, TX company for help if the smelly mold takes up more than 3 square feet. If you see mold, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Next, work to stop the dripping or condensation that supplied the mold. For instance, make sure damaged roofs are no longer dripping into your attic and staunch the flow of any rainwater that has penetrated your basement. Next, stop it from spreading. You could block off the room with plastic sheeting, for example.
Should you get a professional company to help or can you finish it by yourself? Beyond thinking about the magnitude of the problem, consider any exacerbating health concerns that make you susceptible to becoming sick.
Once you've made the decision, there are vital things to do. If you're doing the work, get started with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, clothing items that are easy to launder and that cover your extremities, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You will also want dedicated rags and a disposable tarp or two that can help catch mold spores as you remove them. Health officials agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Bleach is less effective than other alternatives and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly. Bleach-based cleaners is bad to breathe, especially if it's ever mixed with ammonia, a common ingredient in many household cleaners . Ask for better alternatives at the hardware store.
If you're worried enough about mold damage to look for solutions on the web, you need certified a professional mold removal service. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one in your city because different kinds of mold thrive in different geographic locations and you want technicians who know the ideal mold damage repair techniques to remove the ones you found in your structure. The more local, the better.
Check credentials before you hire a mold removal company. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to begin, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
Mold damage left to grow releases spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can harm your possessions rapidly. If not, harmful mold will keep eating on your structure and can ruin your things. Some molds, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause major health risks ranging from brain damage. Mycotoxins can be especially harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The safest way to clean up your mold growth is to get professional mold damage assistance. Don't delay.