First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. Every kind of mold is a fungus, and share biology with mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is toxic to humans is uncommon in the fungi world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you call a mold remediation services Gresham OR company for help if the mold you discover takes up more than 36 square inches. If you see mold, there is probably more behind walls, in attics and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to prevent the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to stop the moisture source that brought the mold in the first place. For instance, make sure damaged roofs are no longer flowing into your house or business and restrict the flow of any water that has gotten into your basement. The next step is to contain the problem in as small an area as possible. You could block off the room with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Now, you're ready to decide whether to get professional help. Consider not only the damaged area, but also any aggravating health problems you have. People who already have trouble breathing, for instance, should not perform mold mitigation activities.
Once you've selected a solution, there are important steps to take. If you're doing the work, begin with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need airtight goggles, clothes that are easy to clean and that cover your arms and legs, and mold-safe masks and gloves. You should also get dedicated rags and a disposable tarp or two that can help trap the mold you get off. Experts agree that you should avoid leaving unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned thoroughly. Just don't clean with bleach, especially if you're dealing with a serious mold damage problem. It's completely ineffective for soft surfaces, and only somewhat effective on hard ones. It's also dangerous because it can cause fumes and should never be mixed with ammonia.
If you're worried enough about mold damage to do online research, you will want a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one in your city because different kinds of mold thrive in different geographic locations and you need experts who know the right mold damage mitigation strategies to remove what you have located in your structure. The more local, the better.
Check credentials before you hire a mold damage cleanup service. The State Business Licensing Division is a good place to start, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. You can also make sure the company knows and follows federal mold cleanup recommendations whether your mold is in a business or a residence.
You need to clean up any mold growth you find to stop further mold damage, and do it now. If not, mold growths will continue to feast on your structure and can ruin your things. Some types of mold, those that release toxic spores, can also cause major health risks ranging from brain damage. Mold in the environment can be especially harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system .
The smartest way to handle your mold damage is to get professional mold damage cleanup help. Don't wait another minute.
mold remediation services Gresham OR