It's important to understand what mold is and why it grows. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to you and your family is rare in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Because of possible toxicity, you should generally contact a mold remediation contractor Rochester NY company if you find discover mold in your home. This is because if you see mold, there is probably more behind walls, in attics and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Then, work to stop the moisture source that brought the mold in the first place. For example, fix leaky faucets or dry out standing water if you can. Then, contain the problem. You could tape off the area in question with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a mold mitigation company to help or can you do it by yourself? Beyond thinking about the magnitude of the damage, consider any exacerbating health concerns that make you prone to risk.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do in either direction. To finish the mold removal yourself, gather items such as long mold-approved gloves, coveralls and a mold-safe mask and sealed eye protection. You could also need something to trap mold from reaching the floor and a saw to cut out and replace drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Health officials agree that you should avoid leaving drywall that has mold on it anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Don't. Chlorine bleach is less effective than other alternatives and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly and all its spores completely. Bleach also puts off toxic fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia, a common ingredient in many household cleaners . Ask for better alternatives at the hardware store.
If you're worried enough about mold damage to do online research, you need certified a professional mold removal service. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one local to your city because different kinds of mold thrive in different areas and you want technicians who know the ideal mold damage mitigation strategies to remove the ones you came upon in your indoor environment. The more local, the better.
Before you select any company, make sure that they are licensed and registered properly and that they are approved by trade organizations such as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
You need to remove any mold growth you find to prevent further mold damage, and do it right away. If not, mold damage will keep eating on your structure and can destroy your possessions.
The smartest way to clean up your mold damage is to get mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't delay.