Mildew or Mold Doesn't Mean All Your Belongings Are Moldy
First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic 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 mitigated and completely removed.
Because of the chance of danger, you should generally contact a black mold remediation Annapolis MD company if you find discover mold in your home. When you see any big amount of mold growth, though, it's wise to call for cleanup assistance from mold damage cleanup. They can help you make sure there is no hidden mold in other places around the structure using tools such as hygrometers, thermometers, laboratory-grade mold test procedures and more.
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 moisture source that brought the mold in the first place. Make sure damaged roofs are no longer getting into your ceiling and staunch the flow of any water that has penetrated your basement. Next, stop it from spreading. You might block off the area with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a mold removal company to help or can you finish it on your own? Beyond considering the extent of the problem, think about any exacerbating health concerns that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've selected a solution, there are important things to do in either direction. To finish the cleanup yourself, gather items 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 repair drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Experts agree that you should not leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. Just don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a substantial mold repair problem. It's mostly ineffective for soft surfaces, and only somewhat effective on hard surfaces. It's also dangerous because it can release fumes and should never be mixed with ammonia.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold damage to do online research, you will want a professional mold removal service. If you choose to hire a mold removal service, look for one in your city because various molds grow in different geographic locations and you want technicians who know the perfect mold damage repair strategies to clean up what you have found in your structure. The more local, the better.
Check licensing and certifications before you hire a mold damage cleanup service. The State Business Licensing Division is a good place to start, 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 should mitigate any mold you find to prevent further harm, and do it now. If you don't, harmful mold will keep eating on your structure and will destroy your possessions.
The best way to solve your mold problem is to get mold damage cleanup help. Don't delay.