First, let's go over a quick review of mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is dangerous to people is relatively rare in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business 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 remediation Weston FL company to clean up the mold if it is more than 3 square feet.. When you see any frightening amount of mold growth, however, it's smart to call for cleanup assistance from professional mold damage cleanup. Certified technicians can help you test for hidden mold in other spots around the structure using tools such as temperature sensors, moisture detectors and more.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Turn off any ventilation. Then, work to halt the dripping or condensation that supplied the mold in the first place. For example, fix leaky faucets or dry out standing water if you can. The next step is to contain the problem in as small an area as possible. You could tape off the area with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a professional company to help or can you do it by yourself? Beyond considering the size of the problem, think about any exacerbating health concerns you may have that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do. To complete the mold removal damage yourself, pick up items such as long mold-approved gloves, coveralls and a mold-safe mask and a pair of goggles. 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 avoid leaving moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. Whatever you do, don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a substantial mold damage situation. It's completely ineffective for soft surfaces, afterall, and only somewhat effective on hard surfaces. It's also potentially toxic because it can cause fumes and should not be mixed with ammonia-based cleaners such as window cleaner.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold problems to look for solutions on the web, you will want 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 grow in different geographic locations and you need people who know the best mold damage repair strategies to clean up the ones you found in your indoor environment. The closer to home, the better.
Check licensing and certifications before you hire a mold removal company. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, and you should check for affiliations such as 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 clean up any fungal growth you come across to prevent further mold damage, and do it right away. If you don't, mold growths will continue to feast on your structure and can destroy your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release toxic spores, can also cause major health risks ranging from brain damage. Mold in the environment can be especially dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The safest way to mitigate your mold growth is to get professional mold removal help. Don't wait another minute.