Mold is a fungus that can grow on any organic material, including wood, paper, and fabric. It is common to find mold in homes, especially in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections. It is important to take action immediately if you find mold in your home.
Steps to take if you find mold in your home:
- Identify the source of moisture. Mold needs moisture to grow, so the first step is to find the source of moisture and fix it. This may involve repairing a leaky pipe, fixing a roof leak, or improving ventilation in your home.
- Contain the affected area. Once you have identified the source of moisture, you need to contain the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores. This can be done by sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure to keep the spores from escaping.
- Remove moldy materials. Any moldy materials, such as drywall, insulation, or furniture, need to be removed and disposed of properly. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as a respirator, gloves, and goggles, when handling moldy materials.
- Clean and disinfect the affected area. Once the moldy materials have been removed, you need to clean and disinfect the affected area. This can be done using a biocide or other mold-killing product. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
- Repair the affected area. Once the affected area has been cleaned and disinfected, you can begin to repair it. This may involve replacing drywall, insulation, or other materials that were damaged by the mold.
- Prevent mold growth in the future. Once the mold has been remediated, it is important to take steps to prevent mold growth in the future. This includes reducing humidity levels in your home, improving ventilation, and fixing any leaks or water damage promptly.
Contact a mold assessment & restoration company
If you are not comfortable remediating mold yourself, you should contact a mold assessor to find out the type of mold & then a restoration company to remove and restore your home. Mold restoration companies have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove mold from your home.
When to contact a mold restoration company:
- If the mold growth is extensive or in a difficult-to-reach area.
- If you have health problems that may be exacerbated by mold exposure.
- If you are not comfortable remediating mold yourself.
Benefits of hiring a mold restoration company:
- Mold restoration companies have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove mold from your home.
- Mold restoration companies use specialized equipment and products to remove mold and prevent it from returning.
- Mold restoration companies can provide you with a warranty on their work.
How to choose a mold restoration company:
- Make sure that the company is licensed and insured.
- Get multiple estimates from different companies before choosing one.
- Ask the company about their experience remediating mold in your area.
- Make sure to get a written contract from the company before they begin work.
Mold growth in the home is a serious problem that can impact your health and the safety of your home. If you find mold in your home, it is important to take action immediately to remove it and prevent it from returning.
If you are not comfortable remediating mold yourself, you should contact a mold restoration company. Mold restoration companies have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove mold for good from your home.
