Time for Mold Remediation

Mold remediation must be done as soon as the problem is discovered. Sometimes high humidity has caused the problem and other times there is a leak in some portion of your house structure. If you decide to take care of the problem yourself, you must wear appropriate protective garments and do a thorough job eradicating it. Here are some things to think about:

- Tools to combat mold: Make a solution to clean the area that is comprised of half water and half bleach. Spray or sponge this on the infested area but be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves. Gloves should be made of neoprene, nitrile, PVC or polyurethane in order to be able to hold up to the solution.

- Ventilation: This solution and the mold itself are dangerous to breathe in. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Wearing a mask ventilator may be helpful as well.

- Carpeting and insulation: It’s very difficult to remove mold and mildew from soft materials such as carpet and insulation. If these materials contain it, you may need to get rid of them.

- Have it tested: Determining what kind of mold it is will help in planning how to get rid of it. Contacting an environmental and ecological service would be a good place to start. Another service to contact would be one that measures air quality. A state or county health department would be a valuable resource in finding these service professionals.

- In case of severe damage: Sometimes a home’s exterior has been severely damaged by a mold invasion. While this is unfortunate, it’s sometimes an opportunity to completely transform the look of the exterior. If siding and wooden components are rotten and mildewed, removing them and changing the appearance of the façade can be an exciting transformation.

- Don’t paint over mold: If a person decides not to remodel but just repaint, it’s important to completely remove the moldy substance or it will just eat through the paint. Make sure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned or replaced before repainting.

- Professional services: If a mold infestation is small and confined to one tiny area, a homeowner may be able to take care of the problem by him or herself. If it’s spread throughout the structure, basement, attic or exterior, it will be time to call in the pros for sure. Not only is expertise required, but exposure to this much problematic material can cause health problems in the DIYers.

- Health problems: Some common health maladies that occur with an infestation include breathing difficulties, asthma and allergic reactions. If an individual has any of these symptoms after exposure, he or she should seek medical advice.

Mold remediation must be taken care of immediately upon discovery of the problem. First, the source of the moisture must be found and repaired. Next, a careful step-by-step removal process must take place with the proper protective clothing, tools and advice from an expert when needed. If this problem occurs at a public facility or commercial establishment, a team of professionals must be brought into the mix.