Mold Remediation For Homes With Water Damage

Mold remediation is a process that involves a lot of work and exploration. This usually occurs in houses, buildings and structures that have had a spot of seepage or flooding in the past. Flooding is always a problem because of the dirt and mud that comes with it from the outside. Water damage from leaks is not so bad, because these usually come from the pipes that are basically clean and thus involves less painful cleanup. The problem comes when everything has been cleaned up and dried. Many homeowners do not give a second thought to the population of molds that can occupy areas of their home after water damage. Their initial thoughts are usually to clean up and get the home in good running order again.

Well, a few weeks after the water has receded or the place has been dried, one might notice some dark spots on some areas of the house, usually in sections where the water may have encroached during the time of the flooding or seepage. Sometimes the owner of the house might not actually see the manifestations of the molds, but instead smell a musty, moldy smell in some areas of their house. Mold remediation experts should be called in to check on any suspicions that the homeowner has. The reason behind the need for quick action is that some kinds of organisms are toxic to humans and other mammals. Some can be lethal when inhaled, while others might cause an allergic reaction in human beings when it comes into contact with their eyes, nose and other parts. Aside from their possible toxicity, they can also destroy the organic materials of the house, albeit slowly.

Cleaning Up

When a population of these organisms is observed, it should be cleaned up properly and quickly to prevent any allergic reactions or lethal consequences. Mold remediation experts should be asked to check out the house thoroughly for any additional populations in other areas. Before any clean up can be done, it is important to make sure that the person cleaning up is covered up well and wearing protective glasses, just to be sure. The area should be ventilated well or supplied with a fan that will ensure circulation of air. Wiping them off from the material that houses these organisms should be done with a cloth that has been dipped in a water-and-detergent solution or a water-and-bleach solution. Damaged materials should be removed and replaced accordingly because these might house more spores and contribute to the instability of the house.

After the damaged materials are cleaned or replaced, it is also important to use a vacuum filter for the air in order to get rid of any stray spores that may be flying around the area. HEPA vacuums are recommended for this job. After the air has been filtered, mold remediation experts will need to discard of the damaged materials and vacuum bags properly. Before discarding, the waste should be wrapped in plastic bags and sealed to prevent any spore leaks.