Mold Removal: How To Get Rid Of Mold Safely
There is a very common problem that most people face at some point in their life. It can be caused by many different factors, including water damage and poor ventilation. If you have mold on your property or home, it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible.Mold remediation Miami is a leading provider of mold remediation, restoration and removal services in Miami, FL.The longer the mold remains, the more likely it will cause health problems for you and your family. Here are some tips to help you remove mold from your house safely.
1) Cleaning up Water Damage. Before starting any mold removal process, make sure to clean up all the water that is present on your property. This includes cleaning up standing water, washing down walls and floors with soap and water, and removing wet carpeting. You should also check for leaks around windows and doors. If there is any water leakage, stop it immediately.
2) Ventilate Your Home Properly. Make sure that you keep your home well ventilated during the entire process of mold removal. A good way to do this is to open windows and doors throughout your home so that air can circulate freely. Also, make sure that you don’t leave any areas closed off where moisture could accumulate.
3) Remove Moisture From Surfaces. After you’ve cleaned up any water that’s been left behind, you’ll need to dry out surfaces that may have become damp. Use paper towels to wipe away excess moisture from wood, tile, linoleum, and other porous materials. Be careful not to use too much pressure when wiping these surfaces, since excessive force can actually spread the mold spores
4) Seal Up Any Leaks. Once you’re done drying out the affected area, seal up any holes or cracks that might allow moisture back into the space. You can use caulk to fill small gaps, but if you notice any large openings, such as those near pipes or electrical outlets, you’ll want to hire an expert to fix them properly.
5) Seal Any Openings In Walls And Floors. Once you’re done drying out the surface, seal any openings in walls and floors with caulk or expanding foam. This will prevent mold spores from getting back inside your home.
6) Check For Signs Of Infestation. Finally, once you’re finished sealing any holes and cracks, take a look around your home to see if you can spot any signs of infestation. Look for black spots on walls, discoloration on ceilings, or even mold growing on furniture. These are all clear indications that you have a serious mold problem on your hands.
7) Contact An Expert. Now that you know what steps to take to get rid of mold, contact a professional who specializes in mold removal services. They will be able to tell you whether or not your home has a mold problem, and they can give you tips on how to avoid future issues.
8) Follow Their Advice. When you call a professional, follow their advice carefully. Don’t try to handle the situation yourself unless you’re trained to do so. Otherwise, you risk spreading mold further, which can lead to serious health complications.
9) Keep Yourself Out Of Harm’s Way. While you’re working to get rid of mold in your home, make sure that you stay safe. Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and masks to protect yourself against airborne particles. Make sure that you don’t inhale any mold spores, either.
10) Stay Calm. Even though mold removal can be stressful, remember to remain calm. Mold can be dangerous, especially for children and people with asthma. If you feel overwhelmed by the situation, ask for help from family members or friends.
11) Hire The Right Company. Finally, before hiring anyone to remove mold from your home, make sure to find a reputable company. There are many fly-by-night companies that offer low-cost estimates, then charge exorbitant rates after they arrive at your house. Avoid these businesses whenever possible. Instead, only work with a company that offers free inspections and quotes.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that reproductively grows by expelling microscopic spores called conidia into the air. These spores float around and land wherever there is water. Once they hit water, they germinate and begin growing rapidly. They reproduce by forming spores called hyphae. These hyphal cells can grow anywhere in the environment, including inside our bodies. If we inhale enough spores, it could lead to respiratory issues, especially in people who already suffer from allergies or asthma.
While mold is most readily identified visually, high concentrations can also produce a musty or mildew odor. In addition to being unpleasant, mold growth can damage property and even pose health risks.
When these spores land in a moist area, they can grow and spread quickly. As long as there is moisture present, mold can continue to expand. This is why you’ll typically see mold in places like bathrooms, kitchens, attic, basements, and windowless bathrooms. Molds love dark environments and are discouraged by light. This is why you’re probably seeing more mold in those areas.
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Different Types Of Mold
Molds come in many different shapes and sizes. In fact, according to the CDC, there are probably hundreds of thousands of types of mold, if not more. Depending on the type of mold, it might cause mild discomfort, such as a runny nose or sneeze, or severe health problems, including respiratory distress and even death. Some molds actually break down dead plant material and help keep our environment clean, while others pose serious threats to human health.
The good news is that most people don’t have much contact with fungi. But some people do, particularly if they spend a lot of time indoors or work around construction sites. And because of the increased risk of exposure, it’s important to know what kinds of mold you’re dealing with and how to avoid getting sick.
Types Of Mold
There are three main categories of mold: airborne, terrestrial, and aquatic. Each category has its own characteristics and affects people differently.
Airborne Mold
This includes any kind of mold that floats through the air. It doesn’t need to touch anything to grow, so it can easily travel throughout homes and buildings. Airborne mold can cause allergic reactions, but it isn’t usually dangerous unless it gets trapped in the lungs.
Terrestrial Mold
This includes all kinds of mold that grow on surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and other objects. Terrestrial mold needs to be touched by something to grow, which makes it less likely to get into the air. However, it still poses a threat to humans, since it can enter the body through cuts and scrapes.
Aquatic Mold
This includes any type of mold that lives in water. Aquatic mold can grow on almost any surface, including wood, paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Unlike airborne mold, this type of mold does need to make physical contact with something before it can grow. So it’s harder for it to move through the air.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in people with respiratory issues like allergies, asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. Symptoms typically begin within 24 hours of inhalation of the mold spores and include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, symptoms can progress into severe conditions such as pneumonia or sinus infections.
The most common types of mold found indoors are black mold, white mold and pink mold. Black mold is usually associated with rotting food while white mold is often found growing on damp surfaces. Pink mold is less dangerous because it does not produce mycotoxins, although it still causes respiratory problems.
While there are several ways to identify whether a mold problem exists inside your home, one way to determine if you have a mold issue is to check for visible signs of growth. You can look for black spots on walls, floors and ceilings and see if there are cracks in drywall. There should be no moisture present near the mold. A musty smell is another indicator of possible mold.
If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact a professional immediately. They can help identify the type of mold and provide solutions to prevent future damage.