A Flood Damaged My Home. What to Do With All Those Spoiled Valuables?
First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is dangerous to humans is uncommon in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be mitigated and completely removed.
You might consider contacting these who repairs mold damage Powder Springs GA companies even if you see less mold. This is because if you see mold, there is probably hidden mold 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. Turn off any ventilation. Next, work to halt the dripping or condensation that brought the mold. For example, clear standing water and fix plumbing problems if you can. Next, contain the problem. You might block off the area in question with disposable tarps, for instance.
Now, you're ready to figure out if you need to get mold damage removal help. Consider not only the mold area, but also any exacerbating health issues you may have. People who already struggle to breathe, for example, should not perform mold mitigation activities.
Once you've selected a solution, there are important steps to take in either direction. If you're going at it alone, begin with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, coveralls 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 new disposable sponges and a disposable tarp or two 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. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Bleach doesn't work as well other cleaners and often doesn't kill mold. Bleach is bad to breathe, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia, a common ingredient in many household cleaners . Find better alternatives at the hardware store.
Chances are that if you're worried enough about mold problems to do online research, you need certified mold removal technicians company. It is highly recommended that you choose these companies in your geographic location, so call for if you live there. Doing this will ensure that you find technicians with enough experience.
Check credentials before you hire a mold damage cleanup service. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to begin, and you should check for approval by groups 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.
Mold damage that is allowed to grow releases spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can harm your possessions rapidly. If you don't, mold damage will keep eating on your home or business and will ruin your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause major health problems ranging from brain damage. Mold can be especially dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The best way to mitigate your mold damage is to get professional mold damage assistance. Don't delay.