The Proper Steps for Handling Mold Damage

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

The Proper Steps for Handling Mold Damage

One of the first things people ask when they suspect mold in the home or commercial mold damage is how they handle the mold removal process. Do they attempt to handle mold removal on their own or do they call a professional restoration company for mitigation and remediation in addition to mold removal? Unlike some at-home situations where home and business owners get to decide on their own whether to do it themselves or call the pros, the art of mold removal must be handled by a restoration company.

Without proper removal techniques, remediation, and mitigation, mold in the home and commercial mold damage are more likely to return and to cause far more expensive damage. It’s never safe to try DIY mold removal, though there are a few things home and business owners can do to help. If the mold growth is due to a flood, it’s imperative homeowners and business owners begin removing water from the building immediately. They can turn off the air and heat to prevent the additional spread of mold spores, and they can learn to recognize the signs of mold growth in plain sight as well as mold growth behind the walls.

Recognizing Mold Growth

Mold growth can occur visibly in any home or office, but mold growth behind the walls is very likely to occur without anyone noticing. Some of the most common commercial mold damage as well as mold in the home is caused by mold growth behind walls, and it’s often unnoticed until it’s too late. Most people report smelling a smelly odor with a slight musty scent. They use deodorization such as lighting candles and spraying air freshener, but they quickly realize deodorization isn’t getting rid of the smelly odor.

This is likely due to the fact that the smelly odor is from mold growth behind the walls. Deodorization is fine if it’s just to mask the smelly odor to make things more pleasant at home or work, but it’s not a solution. Additionally, without professional restoration, remediation, and mitigation, the smelly odor might not disappear. It requires professional deodorization to handle this.

Mold is a fungus, so the presence of any fungus or even mildew in a home or office is a sign of potential mold damage. Many home and business owners ignore mold damage because they assume mildew and fungus growth in certain rooms are normal. Mildew and fungus both need high humidity and moisture to thrive, which is the same thing mold needs. Commercial mold damage and mold in the home are both sometimes accompanied by the discovery of dry rot.

Dry rot is caused by moisture, and dry rot is an indication mold damage is an issue. It’s not a guarantee, but any home or business owner who notices dry rot should call a restoration company.

Helping with Mold Removal

No one should do it themselves, but they should call a restoration company. The best thing home and business owners can do if they find mold or mildew or fungus at home is leave it alone. They can clean up any water damage as quickly as possible, but it’s imperative they do not touch mold. It makes it spread faster, which could create further mold damage.

One more thing home and business owners must know is black mold is not the only problematic mold. Black mold is discussed commonly, and most people think they know all about black mold and what it means. The truth is that most mold is black mold, and it all comes with a different level of seriousness. This is why it’s best left to the professionals.

Calling for professional help handling mold is the only solution for business and homeowners who find mold damage. It’s not something anyone can or should attempt alone. It’s a problem that only becomes more serious and more expensive the longer it’s ignored. Remediation and mitigation cannot wait.
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