First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is dangerous to people is relatively rare in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds aren't harmful. However, some are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be cleaned up and completely removed.
The rule of thumb is to contact a mold remediation services Annapolis MD company to clean up the mold if it is more than 36 square inches.. When you see any sizable mold growth, however, it's a good idea to call for help from mold damage cleanup. They can help you test for mold spots in other spots 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 stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Then, work to halt 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 problem. You could tape off the area with disposable tarps, for instance.
Next, decide whether to get professional help. Think about not only the damaged area, but also any exacerbating health issues you have. People who already struggle to breathe, for example, should avoid mold mitigation activities.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do. To complete the cleanup yourself, pick up supplies such as gloves that reach your forearms, washable coveralls, non-ventilated goggles and approved mold masks. You might also need disposable plastic sheeting and tools to fix drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Mold removal specialists agree that you should never leave drywall that has mold on it anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. Whatever you do, don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a serious mold damage problem. It's completely unsuccessful for any porous surfaces, afterall, and only partially effective on hard surfaces. It's also potentially toxic because it can release fumes and should not be mixed with ammonia-based cleaners such as window cleaner.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to research, you will want mold removal technicians company. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one local to your city because various molds thrive in different geographic locations and you want experts who know the perfect mold damage mitigation techniques to stop what you have came upon in your home or business. 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 get started, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Restoration Industry Association, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and Contractor Connection.
Mold that is allowed to grow sends off spores, which act like seeds and can cause damage to spread in short order. If not, mold growths will keep eating on your structure and will ruin your things. Some molds, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause major health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related illnesses and ongoing ill health. Mycotoxins can be particularly harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The smartest way to solve your mold damage is to get mold damage assistance. Don't wait another minute.