When your home gets a case of mold, your first instinct might be to clean it yourself. Common types of mold which can grow out of control indoors are Stacybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata – also informally known as “black mold”. Trying to figure out how to clean up black mold on your own, however, is a dangerous idea for homeowners. You face a real possibility of not fully correcting the problem, and in the process you can expose yourself and others to a variety of health hazards.
At ServiceMaster Tri Cities, we know who know how to remediate mold effectively and efficiently. As experts we, also, know what can go wrong when you try on your own. Read on as we break down why removing black mold is a job best left to the professionals.
Risks Associated with Removing Black Mold
First and foremost, it’s important to realize that black mold can lead to health problems such as respiratory distress, headaches, eye irritation and other symptoms of mold sensitivity. Those with allergies, asthma and compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to health threats from black mold and the toxins it can create. It’s no wonder why professional crews use respirators, full-body suits and other specialized equipment to limit their exposure.
In addition to taking into account the obvious health risks, a residential mold removal service knows exactly how to tackle a black mold outbreak and is able to completely eradicate your mold problem with equipment and proven techniques. They’re experts in the multitude of scenarios and ways in which black mold can pose trouble to a Tri-City homeowner intent on DIY mold cleanup. Here are just a few:
1. Mold that covers a large area. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency points out, the size of your mold infestation will influence the equipment and methods needed to properly contain it. The larger the contamination, the more complex a cleanup can be. An expert will know the best way to tackle the mold infestation based on its size, location, cause and other factors.
Keep in mind that improper cleanup of a small outbreak can actually make things worse by releasing mold spores into the air, failing to address the root cause and other common mistakes that homeowners can make. Let a pro handle the job right the first time.
2. Mold that develops after flooding. If you’ve experienced a flood in your home, from a burst pipe, faulty appliance or roof leak, you might assume that once you’ve cleaned up the standing water you’re all set. If any mold develops later it can appear and spread quickly even in small areas impacted by flooding. Without fully eradicating the black mold outbreak and completely eliminating its source of moisture, the problem won’t go away. That’s where the experience and know-how of a professional comes in handy.
3. Mold in your air system. If you see visible mold on your vent covers or air conditioning slats, you can try to wipe down those particular areas. However, this visible mold may be indicative of a system-wide infestation which may be circulating mold throughout your house. You need evaluation by a professional to find out if there’s a problem and take care of it from the inside out. A professional service provider knows how to detect and clean up black mold even when it’s hiding inside those hard-to-reach areas.
4. Mold that’s growing on wood. Sometimes moldy wood is salvageable, and other times it needs to be replaced. In many cases, moldy wood may be hiding in a part of your home that you can’t see, such as inside walls or in your crawlspace. Do you know which scenario you’re dealing with? An expert will.
How else can a professional mold remediation service help you deal with a black mold outbreak? Our brief video explains:
Hopefully you never have an issue with mold in your home, but if you do, contact us for help. Our experts know exactly how to remediate mold problems of all sizes, thus helping to keep your home air quality safe for your family and your home spared from further damage. When it comes to something as tricky as removing black mold, this is one job you’ll be glad you left to the professionals.
Call ServiceMaster Tri-Cities by Fuson to properly remove black mold from your home.
