Water Damaged My Home. Now What?
It's important to learn about what mold is and where it thrives. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is dangerous to people is 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 you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
You should consider contacting these commercial mold removal Charleston WV companies even if you see less mold. This is because if you see mold, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to halt the moisture source that brought the mold. Make sure roof leaks are no longer flowing into your attic and stop the flow of any moisture that has penetrated your basement. The next step is to contain the mold in as small an area as possible. You might block off the room with plastic sheeting, for example.
Should you get a mold removal company to help or can you finish it by yourself? Beyond considering the size of the issue, consider any aggravating health issues you may have that make you prone to risk.
Once you've decided, there are important steps to take. To do the mold removal damage yourself, pick up supplies such as gloves that reach your forearms, full-coverage clothing, non-ventilated goggles and approved mold masks. You might also need disposable plastic sheeting and a saw to cut out and replace drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Experts agree that you should avoid leaving unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. Just don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a substantial mold damage problem. It's mostly ineffective for any porous surfaces, and only somewhat effective on hard surfaces. It's also dangerous because it can release fumes and should not be mixed with ammonia.
Chances are that if you're worried enough about mold problems to do online research, you need a professional mold removal company. Don't choose a mitigation service focused in humid climates.
Before you schedule an appointment with any expert, make sure that they are certified properly and that they are certified by organizations such as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, 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.
You need to mitigate any fungal growth you find to stop further harm, and do it right away. If not, parasitic fungi will continue to feast on your home or business and can destroy your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release toxic spores, can also cause sever health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related illnesses and generally poor health. 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 smartest way to clean up your mold damage is to get professional mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't hesitate.