Mold refers to a wide variety of fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. If certain molds colonize your home, they can threaten both your health and property. An infestation requires professional mold cleanup, so use this guide to learn more about the service.

What to Know About Mold Cleanup

Why is mold harmful?

While some people are more sensitive to mold than others, everyone exposed to the substance can be affected. You might experience a variety of health issues, such as stuffiness, eye and throat irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, and itchy skin. People with respiratory allergies and conditions like asthma can be especially vulnerable to the spores.

Mold can be a serious risk to your home’s structural integrity because it feeds by breaking down the organic bonds in materials for energy. Wood, plaster, paper, glue, and carpeting can all suffer significant damage from mold.

Where is it usually found in the home?

The substance requires moisture to grow, so it’s usually found in damp, dark places. Common locations include leaky areas around window frames, roofs, and pipes, as well as basements and crawl spaces.

It grows particularly well on surfaces made from wood, paper, or cardboard. It can even be found in dust, insulation, drywall, paint, and fabrics such as curtains or upholstery.

How can you prevent it from spreading?

Controlling the moisture levels on your property will help you prevent the growth from spreading. Occasionally inspect the dark, out-of-the-way corners of your home for signs of mold. These include musty or damp smells, visible water stains, leaks, discoloration, or spongy surfaces.

Promptly fix any leaks and have flooded areas thoroughly cleaned. Also, consider using a humidifier to control moisture in at-risk areas. It’s also important to ventilate humid spaces such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.

What does mold cleanup involve?

If you discover mold in your home, it’s necessary to hire a professional inspector to determine the extent and severity of the problem. A mold cleanup professional will ensure that the area is properly sanitized and the spores are removed from the property. 

They’ll dispose of any materials that can’t be fixed with a simple cleaning. You might need to hire a construction contractor to replace the affected walls and other materials. You should consider spending a few nights away from home if the infestation is especially severe or if you have respiratory issues.

 

If you require immediate mold cleanup, contact HomeTech Restoration in Atlanta, GA. These experts offer remediation, restoration, and moving services for families affected by mold, smoke, water, and structural damage. Call (770) 710-0185 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their process.