Water Damaged My Home. Now What?
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 relatively uncommon in the fungi world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
You should consider contacting these mold remediation services Cambridge MD services even if you see less mold than that. If you see mold, there is probably hidden mold behind walls, in attics and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Then, work to stop the moisture source that supplied the mold. 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 might tape off the area with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Should you get a mold mitigation company to help or can you do it on your own? Beyond pondering the magnitude of the damage, consider any aggravating health issues that make you prone to risk.
Once you've selected a solution, there are vital steps to take in either direction. If you're doing the work, get started with gathering the right equipment and clothing. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, coveralls that are easy to launder 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 sponges and disposable plastic sheeting that will help trap the mold you get off. Mold removal specialists agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Bleach doesn't work as well other cleaners and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly. Bleach is bad to breathe, especially if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. You can get better alternatives at most big box stores.
Chances are that if you're worried enough about mold damage to look for solutions on the web, you will want certified mold removal technicians service. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, find one local to your city because various molds thrive in different areas and you need people who know the ideal mold damage cleanup strategies to remove the ones you came upon in your indoor environment. The closer to home, the better.
Before you schedule an appointment with anyone, check that they are licensed and registered properly and that they are approved by watchdogs such as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection. The State Business Licensing Division is a good place to start, and you can check for affiliations such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
Mold left to grow sends off spores, which fly like dandelion seeds and can cause damage to spread very quickly. If you don't, mold damage will keep eating on your home or business and will destroy your possessions.
The smartest way to handle your mold problem is to get mold damage cleanup help. Don't wait another minute.