If your home has recently weathered a severe storm, you're probably looking at significant water damage, which could mean mold. As you take steps toward finding a mold removal solution, here are some things to consider.
Be aware of the potential health risks. This substance can lead to skin irritation, difficulty breathing, a stuffy nose, and eye irritation. If you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions, you may be more sensitive and it could present serious risks for you. Individuals with suppressed immune systems, including people with HIV infection and people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, are at greater risk of developing complications from exposure to this substance. They may experience infections in their lungs.
You may be able to spot this substance by sight. If your walls or ceiling are discolored with patches of growths or even simply with water damage, it's probably safe to assume that you're going to have a problem. In addition, you may be able to recognize it by a musty, earthy stench.
After your home suffers water damage, the first thing you'll want to do is aerate the space by opening the doors and windows. You can use fans to dry out your carpet, furniture, and belongings. If you're unable to dry some of your items, you'll want to remove them from your home immediately. While you're waiting for your insurance claim to go through, you may want to find a place to store your items outside your home.
Meanwhile, before you bring in a contractor, you can take care of some basic mold removal mississauga duties yourself by cleaning items and surfaces with detergent and water. This will prevent the growth from returning. Still, it's much safer to leave the mold removal job in the hands of a qualified contractor.
To find a suitable contractor, you can contact the Better Business Bureau and ask for a list of highly-rated specialists in your area. They will be able to tell you whether any given contractor receives a high number of customer complaints, and they also keep track of how companies handle such disputes. Once you've narrowed it down to a few contractors, ask them for estimates. They should be able to provide you with copies of the standards they follow for remediation. If a contractor refuses to show you the guidelines he or she follows, that throws up a big red flag. Your contractor should also detail his or her experience, training, and certifications for you.
Remediation is not a regulated profession in all states. You can contact your local health representative to find out whether your contractor needs a license to perform mold removal work. If so, ask to see the license and ensure that your contractor is in good standing with that regulatory agency.
Mold Removal - When to Call a Professional
If you have noticed mold in your home or commercial building, it can be unsettling. Not only is it not aesthetically pleasing, but also it can cause a serious health hazard for those in the immediate area. This substance can be harmful to breathe in, and it is especially dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as those with asthma, or children and the elderly.
Regardless of the extent of the damage, it is incredibly important to act quickly when it comes to mold removal. If the area that has the issue is small, it may be easily treated with bleach. You can spray the solution direction on the mold, depending on the surface, and let it sit before washing it with water.
If you suspect that the problem may be due to something like poor circulation and high humidity, you may want to consider investing in a dehumidifier to avoid future issues. Keep a close eye on the area to ensure that the problem does not return.
If you have found the substance on clothes or furniture, you may be able to get rid of it with a cleaning solution of diluted vinegar. If that does not work, sun bleaching may be your best option. Simply spray the solution on the damaged area and leave the item outside in direct sunlight for as long as possible. Again, make sure that you pay close attention to the area to avoid any regrowth.
If the growth is more significant and potentially due to water damage or other similar factors, it may be time to call a professional in to assess the situation. An expert will be able to explain the extent of the issue and provide you with solutions to the problem.
It may be an even bigger job than it first appears to be, and it could require work that involves replacing drywall or tearing out tiling. When it comes to mold removal, these types of projects are definitely best left to a professional.
You do not want to start what seems to be a quick project on the surface only to have it turn into a time-consuming and costly repair that could have been more effectively and economically handled by a professional. So, contact a few local specialists in your area to get estimates and a timeframe for when the job could be completed. That way, you know exactly what to expect. Whether the job is big or small, mold removal is definitely something that should be handled promptly.