A Flood Damaged My Home. Now What?

First, let's go over a quick review of what mold is. 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 you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some toxic molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be mitigated and completely removed.

Government experts recommend that you reach out to a commercial mold removal company Greencastle PA company for assistance if the mold you discover takes up more than 36 square inches. If you see mold, there is probably more behind walls, in attics and elsewhere.

Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to prevent the mold from growing. Turn off any HVAC systems. Then, work to stop the dripping or condensation that brought the mold in the first place. For example, fix leaky faucets or dry out standing water if you can. Then, stop it from spreading. You might block off the room with plastic sheeting, for example.

Now, figure out whether to get mold damage removal help. Consider not only the damaged area, but also any aggravating health issues you have. People who already have trouble breathing, for example, should not perform mold mitigation activities.

Once you've selected a solution, there are important things to do in either direction. To do the mold removal damage yourself, purchase supplies such as long mold-approved gloves, coveralls and a mold-safe mask and a pair of goggles. You could also need something to trap mold from reaching the floor and a saw to fix drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Health officials agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Chlorine bleach doesn't work as well other alternatives and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly and all its spores completely. Bleach-based cleaners is also toxic and can cause dangerous chemical fumes, especially if it's ever mixed with ammonia, a common ingredient in many household cleaners . Find better alternatives at most big box stores.

Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold problems to research, you need a professional mold removal company. Don't hire a mitigation service focused on humid areas.

Before you hire anyone, check that they are licensed and registered properly and that they are certified by organizations such as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.

You should remove any mold you come across to stop further harm, and do it right away. If you don't, harmful mold will keep eating on your home or business and can ruin your possessions. Some molds, those that release toxic spores, can also cause major health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related illnesses and generally poor health. Mycotoxins can be especially dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.

The smartest way to mitigate your mold damage is to get mold damage help. Don't hesitate.