Tackling a Mold Damage Problem in the Home
Dealing with mold damage in the home can be quite a problem. Regardless if the damage is a result of high humidity, flooding or a leak in the plumbing, mold must be dealt with promptly before it spreads further. With the right conditions, mold spores can attach themselves to surfaces and form colonies which can infiltrate walls, floors as well as the foundation of your home. Mold spreads at an alarmingly fast rate so time is definitely not on your side when it comes to battling this unwanted intruder.
Mold is the cause of many health problems-especially to people who have allergies, asthma or a weakened immune system, so safety must be a priority when dealing with mold. If you plan to tackle the problem yourself, you should be sure to wear protective gear such as a face mask, eye protection and gloves. Be certain to keep the area you are working in properly ventilated when using harsh chemicals or bleach as the fumes are harmful to breathe. Mold can be scrubbed off of wood, metal, glass, plastic, ceramic and glass using a mixture of water and chlorine bleach (one gallon of water to one cup of bleach). Once the area has been scrubbed with the water/bleach solution, it should be rinsed thoroughly. Applying a laundry or dishwashing detergent to the clean surface and leaving it on can help to stop the mold from returning.
Even though it is possible to clean mold yourself, it is often best to employ the help of a professional because there may very well be mold damage that you cannot see. A mold removal professional will determine the cause of the mold by discovering what exactly is causing the moisture that allows the mold to grow in the first place. A widespread mold problem can begin its destruction between 24 to 48 hours from the time of onset of the moisture buildup, so quick action is an absolute necessity. Cleaning a removing mold in a home can only be accomplished once a property has been thoroughly dried out and repaired. Identifying the source of the water or flood damage source will be the first step in the cleanup process for your restoration company. A professional mold removal company will respond quickly to your call for help and will arrive equipped with a large dehumidifier to decrease the level of humidity buildup in the damaged area and they will see to it that ventilation is increased as well.
It is also important that the area in the home that contains the mold damage be sealed off because mold spores tend to travel when disturbed. The space should remain sealed off for a couple of days after treatment to allow for it to completely dry-preventing any possible spread of spores.
