Should I Try to Remove Mold Myself?
It’s the one thing that many homeowners or property managers dread: mold. The fungus is unsightly, damages property, and presents a serious health risk to people.
If you find mold in your home or office, it’s essential to be careful. Disturbing it can cause more spores to be released into the environment, which is what causes health problems.
Many people may think that they can take care of mold removal on their own. It’s easy to be confident when you see the number of online videos encouraging you to DIY. But that’s not always the best way.
The reality is that mold removal is not the same as a minor household repair. While you may be trying to save a little money, if the mold removal isn’t done carefully, you could end up spending a lot more than you expected. That’s why it’s important to ask if you really should try and remove the mold yourself or leave mold removal to the professionals.
Types of mold
Although all mold is a fungus, not all mold is the same. And it’s crucial to understand what type you’re dealing with during the mold removal process. Here are the different kinds of mold that may be letting off spores around your home.
Alternaria
This type of mold is usually found in fabrics or wallpaper, but it can also grow near windows, air conditioners, kitchens and bathrooms. It is white with black spots.
Aspergillus
This type of mold can grow with very little ventilation. It will be green, with or gray and has a powdery appearance. You’ll find aspergillus in fabric, walls, attics and basements.
Aureobasidium
If you see mold in your home that is pink and has black spots, it’s Aureobasidium. It mainly grows on wood, in walls, on chalking and grout.
Cladosporium
One of the most common indoor molds, the colour of Cladosporium is brown, green or black. You’ll find it growing in either cool or warm spaces. Cladosporium is a mold that grows on wood, carpets, or other fabrics. It can also be found in your heating or cooling ducts. You may also see it grow on the back of toilets. Although it is not considered very toxic, it can still cause allergic reactions in people.
Penicillium
Another common indoor mold, Penicillium is blue, green or yellow. It can grow under carpets, in basements and even insulation.
Stachybotrys/Black mold
One of the more toxic molds, Stachybotrys can cause serious medical problems, such as difficulty breathing, sinusitis, headaches, persistent cough, nose bleeds, and more. It is black or dark green and looks slimy. Black mold is most often found on paper, fiberboard and drywall.
Trichoderma
While it starts out as white, Trichoderma turns green after releasing spores. You can find it in wood, windows, bathrooms and kitchens.
Dangers of mold
The biggest risk of mold in your home or office is the health issues connected with mold spores. Those around mold may suffer from various health concerns, including:
- Irritation of the nose, eyes, or throat
- Coughing or phlegm build-up
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Asthma symptoms
- Various allergic reactions
Those with underlying health conditions are likely to suffer the most, specifically individuals with asthma or allergies. According to Health Canada, babies, children, and seniors are most at risk for adverse reactions to mold. It can even cause lung infections in some people, such as those with leukemia or a weak immune system.
Why hire professional mold removal specialists?
The bottom line is that mold removal is complicated. It can be a time-consuming job, and it shouldn’t be rushed. Here are some reasons you should trust the experts for your mold removal.
1. Comprehensive identification
If you see mold in one area of your home, it’s important to look at other areas as the spores can easily travel. A mold removal professional has the skills and expertise to uncover other mold outbreaks that you may overlook. And once these additional mold outbreak areas are identified, they too can undergo a mold removal process. Hiring a professional will give you the peace of mind that your mold problem is really gone.
2. Experience
Tackling mold removal requires diligence and time. Professional mold removalists have the experience to know the right approach for each situation. They are equipped with the most up-to-date practices and supplies, including air filters and dehumidifiers.
3. Health risks
Mold removal presents a level of health risk that professionals know how to handle. They understand the techniques and equipment needed to do the job right. On the other hand, if you were to attempt mold removal on your own, you could put yourself and others at risk for health complications.
4. Deep clean
Getting rid of mold requires more than a surface cleaning. To ensure that you’ve eliminated the problem, you need to give the space a good, deep clean. Unless you can sufficiently get rid of the spores, the mold will find a new place in your home or office to grow.
Remember that after your mold removal treatment, you’ll need to fix any underlying issues that cause it. These can include too much humidity or water damage. This will help you prevent mold from growing again. Remedies may consist of using fans in the bathroom and kitchen area, fixing your pipes and keeping the humidity level in your home low.
Why FIRESTONE Restoration?
When you find mold in your home, you want to know you’re hiring a mold removal specialist you can trust. Here at FIRESTONE Restoration we are committed to providing the best customer service and care.
Our mold removalists use the latest equipment and processes so you can be sure the job gets done right. We have our IICRC certification and ensure that our team has been properly trained to meet international restoration standards.
Let us help get your home or office back to normal with our mold remediation service.