Last Updated on October 8, 2014
Toxic mold are usually referred to as the types of molds that are deadly to human beings. Although most people tend to believe that there is just one type of mold, there are at least more than a hundred species of molds, some of which are harmless to human beings. Mould can grow on virtually any surface provided it is moisturized and is well oxygenated. It can make its home in carpets, food sources, insulation, wood and even paper. Here is a snick pick of mold remediation guidelines to protect your health.
Prevention
Preventions always the best remedy to any possible mold problems. Start by fixing any leaky plumping as soon as you detect them. Watch out for condensation as well as wet spots, and fix any sources of moisture problems as soon as you can. Arrest moisture that comes about due to condensation by heightening the surface temperature or alternatively, you can reduce humidity to rise surface temperature in the home. You can also increase air circulation to create enough ventilation.
Other measures that you can take to minimize growth of mold in your home include heating regularly, repeated ventilation and efficient air conditioning of (HVAC) drip pans, venting any appliances including your dryers from which moisture emanate, maintaining minimal indoor humidity, inspecting your HVACs on a regular basis. Also, make sure to clean any wet areas on a limited time span of forty-eight hours, and lastly, create sufficient drainage allowances for all your foundations.
Hidden mold problems
It is possible for you to track down moulds enjoying the comfort of your house in extremely hidden places, including the backside of your dry walls, ceiling tiles, under your sinks, carpets, and even below wallpapers. Among other areas of the house that you can possibly locate mould conducting their cheeky businesses are in pipe chase, walls that’s are blocked by household furniture, utility tunnels, acoustic liners found within ductwork, roofing materials, condensate drain pipes and various roofing materials. Environments that are also sufficiently philanthropic towards mold growth are building materials, the likes of wood paneling with vapor barriers that capture moisture underneath them.
If you have used all your eye intuitions and cannot seem to bust moulds, then have professionals investigate the property. Do not rush to uncover these mold sites since it may bring forth health problems; for instance removing wallpaper from your walls may take mold spore on a joy ride all over your house.
Remediation plan
If you are thinking of remediation, you should first access the extent of the mould damage. If you do not have an idea about the tit bits of the remediation process, bring in the specialists. Remediation specialists will clean up your belongings using the processes outlined below, since leaving the mold to accumulate tends to damage the items that you highly treasure. Remember that a remediation expert ought to be in a position to clear the mold and restore the area to its original condition. This may involve restoring the structures or materials and sealing them with mold inhibitors. To ensure more objectivity, call in a third party inspection to conduct a clearance infection. Before hiring, consider asking for an insurance certification and go for a mold remediator holding certifications from a reputable organization. In addition, do inquire if they offer any kinds of warranty and expect a three-month warranty on the minimum.
1. Wet vacuum
These vacuum cleaners especially designed to contain water. They remove water from your floors walls, ceilings, carpets, wallpapers and other hard surfaces effectively. However, these cannot work on highly porous materials.
2. Damp wipe
This more generalized mold removal strategy involves the cleaning of mold-infested spots using a cleaning detergent and water either by scrubbing or by wiping. These surfaces should however be dried almost immediately to prevent molds from crawling back in.
3. HEPA vacuuming
HEPA vacuuming is done as a final clean up on remediation areas after all mold-affected materials have been effectively dried and disinfected or discarded. The process can also be employed for getting rid of dust or debris that has settled on surfaces that are not within the remediation area. Read information from the internet regarding HEPA vacuuming and see to it that the professionals you have hired handle the gadget in the best way.
4. Discarding method
Materials damaged by molds and can no longer be salvaged from the damage must be double bagged in polythene sheets and disposed regular construction waste sites. The mould-infested items should be safely sealed in containment bags before being relocated to the waste disposal area from the containment areas.
In all these, it is highly recommended to hire a professional company to deal with the mold outbreak in your house. This is because professionals are well able to do the work more thoroughly than you possibly will. Moreover, removing mold is not an easy task, as it may seem. The process of removal can release microscopic spores into the air which can cause health related problems, and can lead to the growth of other molds in the house.