It's important to understand what mold is and where it thrives. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to you and your family is relatively rare in the fungi world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Because of possible toxicity, you should generally contact a commercial mold removal Fort Myers FL service if you find discover mold in your home. If you see mold growth, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Then, work to halt the moisture source that brought the mold in the first place. Make sure damaged roofs are no longer dripping into your house or business and staunch the flow of any moisture that has penetrated your basement. The next step is to contain the problem. You could tape off the area with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a mold removal company to help or can you finish the cleanup on your own? Beyond thinking about the size of the problem, consider any exacerbating health issues you may have that make you susceptible to becoming sick.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do. To do the cleanup yourself, gather supplies 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 fix drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Mold removal specialists agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. 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. Most bleach is also toxic and can cause dangerous chemical fumes, 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 damage to do online research, you need certified mold removal technicians service. For example, don't choose a mitigation service focused on humid areas.
Check credentials before you hire a mold removal company. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, and you should check for approval by groups such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
You should remove any mold you find to stop further mold damage, and do it now. If not, mold damage will keep eating on your structure and will ruin your things. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause sever health risks ranging from brain damage. Mold in the environment can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system .
The smartest way to mitigate your mold damage is to get professional mold damage cleanup help. Don't hesitate.