DIY Or Pro: Which Is A Long Term Solution For Mold?

Mold is unwelcome in homes. It grows between tiles, darkens bathroom corners, and stains walls. It feeds on and rots damp wood. Mold can grow and become difficult to remove.

When we get exposed to toxic mold spores, it causes respiratory illnesses and prolonged exposure is generally harmful to our health, even our pets.Thus, when you see visible signs of mold growth in any part of your home, you should act quickly before the situation gets worse. While some homeowners choose to remove mold themselves, employing mold removal professionals is also not a bad idea either. Reliable firms like Moisture Master Pros mold removal company can be easily be contacted to provide comprehensive solutions.

Here are factors to consider when deciding between DIY and hiring a professional mold removal company.

• Skills and Experience

Mold removal methods and practices vary depending on several factors, such as the length of mold growth, the affected areas of the home, and how to prevent mold visibility.

For you to be able to properly assess the problem, you must have the right knowledge, training, and experience. Moreover, this factor is critical as you and other members of your household may be exposed to toxic mold spores if you lack the necessary information.

• Appropriate Tools And Equipment

Depending on the severity of the problem, mold removal may require special equipment such as fumigation systems, infrared cameras, dehumidifiers, and thermo-hygrometers, to name a few.

Without the proper tools to completely eradicate severe mold growth, this problem will just simply recur.

• Cause Of Mold Growth

Molds are caused by the presence of moisture, oxygen, and organic materials such as paper or wood.  Unfortunately, these elements are present in every home. Thus, knowing what caused the mold problem is critical in deciding whether to do it yourself or hire a professional.

Remember that there could be places in your home that are not visible but provide the perfect conditions for mold growth.  Identifying the source of the moisture is the first step to prevention.

• Amount Of Mold Growth In Your Home

Without a good mold examination, estimating the level of mold growth is difficult. Mold might reappear after cleanup if it is still deeply rooted in your walls. Deeply rooted molds might be dangerous to remove yourself, especially if you lack the necessary skills and equipment.

When To Call the Pros

Regardless of the amount and cause of the mold, professional mold cleanup companies can provide you with a long-term solution.

Firstly, your safety is of paramount importance. Mold experts have the necessary training and equipment to deal with large-scale mold infestations.  Engaging with professionals also means that you can expect all the work done. Leaving the job to them will also demand less of your time and effort.

However, there are a lot of companies out there who claim that they can deal with this problem effectively. Before you contract with a company, it is best to do your research and thoroughly evaluate their services.  Trusted and highly-regarded mold removal companies have customer reviews on their website and carry a mold remediation protocol certification that can guarantee good service quality.

When To DIY

If the mold is less than 10 square feet, not deeply rooted, and no one in your household is immune-compromised whether young or old, you can tackle the problem yourself.

Here are some DIY tips you may want to consider so you can safely accomplish the task.

• Do your research. First, learn about the various levels of mold infestation and the protection required for both you and your home. Mold spreads via millions of spores in the air. It’s best to avoid disturbing a mold infestation unless you can seal it off and protect yourself from further exposure.
• Take precautions. Close any affected heat or air vents and use a window fan to move air outdoors. A plastic covering placed above the entryway seals the area. Never touch mold, don’t get it in your eyes, or inhale it. Wear disposable work clothing that you can discard afterward. Soak in a hot tub or shower after the work is done.
• Take the Correct Approach. Mold cannot be removed by bleach, as many believe. It will remove the surface but not the roots, which will re-appear in days, if not hours. In general, removing mold-affected components and rebuilding them is the best solution.

Take Away

You, like most homeowners, want to learn how to remove mold yourself. It’s a good thing to know the must-haves and must-dos to eliminate mold. A professional should be hired if you are uncertain about the full mold mitigation process or if your mold infestation is too complicated to handle. They have the knowledge, training, and tools to successfully remove mold. As the old saying goes, health is wealth. Making a small investment to remove and prevent mold from occurring in the future can help you live a long, healthy, and happy life.