Have Mold in Your Home? Find Some Restoration Experts
First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to humans is rare in the fungus world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some toxic molds are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be mitigated and completely removed.
You could think about contacting these black mold removal service Fort Collins CO services even if you see less mold than that. If you see mold growth, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Turn off any HVAC systems. Then, 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 in as small an area as possible. You could tape off the area in question with disposable tarps, for example.
Now, you're ready to figure out if you need to get professional help. Think about not only the mold area, but also any exacerbating health problems you may have. Allergy or asthma sufferers who have trouble breathing, for instance, should avoid mold mitigation activities.
Once you've made the decision, there are vital steps to take in either direction. If you're performing the cleanup, begin with gathering proper equipment and clothing. You'll need airtight goggles, coveralls that are easy to clean and that cover your extremities, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You should also get dedicated rags and disposable plastic sheeting that will help trap the mold you get off. Health officials agree that you should never leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Chlorine bleach is less effective than other alternatives and often doesn't kill mold growth. Most bleach is bad to breathe, especially if it's ever mixed with substances such as Windex, which contains ammonia. Find better cleaners at most big box stores.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to research, you need certified a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one in your city because various molds grow in different geographic locations and you need people who know the ideal mold damage cleanup techniques to clean up what you have located in your home or business. 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 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 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 left to grow releases spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can harm your possessions rapidly. If not, parasitic fungi will keep eating on your home or business and will ruin your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause sever health risks ranging from brain damage. Mold in the environment can be especially harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The ideal way to handle your mold problem is to get mold damage assistance. Don't delay.