Still aren’t sure when you need to call a mold remediation specialist and when to try to handle the mold removal yourself?
That’s not an uncommon issue. Lots of people are confident they can perform mold removal themselves and are displeased to see it reappear later.
Here’s a quick guide on when you need to call a mold remediation specialist, when you can DIY, and why it’s in your best interest to trust a pro for those bigger jobs.
When you need to call a mold remediation specialist
So, you’ve spotted some mold in your home and you’re trying to decide whether you need to call the professionals. The first thing to do is consider the size of the growth.
If it covers an area larger than 10 square feet, you need to call a mold remediation specialist. This is because mold spores are microscopic, multi-cellular organisms that travel through the air and reproduce asexually – meaning it only takes one spore to begin reproducing. So, even if you remove the mold you can see, small amounts can spread and multiply during the cleaning process. It is hard to prevent this without the special equipment professionals such as Mold and Water Guys have.
This is also a reason not to hire a handyman for mold removal. The way they can sometimes be cheaper than a mold specialist is they also don’t have the right equipment to guarantee complete removal and prevent mold from growing back.
When is DIY mold removal safe?
If indeed the size of the mold growth is smaller than 10 square feet, you can safely remove it yourself if you feel confident enough. However, you will need to be good at cutting out and replacing drywall.
To safely and effectively perform mold removal yourself you’ll need:
- Drywall saw
- N-95 mask
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles or glasses
- Plastic sheets to seal off the affected area
- Garbage bags for the molded drywall
- Window fan
- Utility knife
Be sure to take every precaution to protect yourself and prevent the spread of mold spores. One overlooked tip – moisten the surfaces with mold before you begin cleaning and removing them to prevent the spores from going airborne during the mold removal process.
Why you should call a mold remediation specialist
You may not think of mold as being that dangerous. You’ve likely heard of people just scrubbing it off their walls using bleach (that isn’t effective, it’s likely grown into the wood) and calling it good. However, breathing in mold is hazardous to your health.
Less severe symptoms include allergic responses similar to hay-fever symptoms. If your household includes children, elderly people, or someone with a weakened immune system the reactions to mold can become more severe. For example, it can trigger an asthma attack.
Further, if not properly contained and removed, mold can keep coming back. So, DIY mold removal could end up costing more than hiring a professional.
Mold remediation near Springfield, MO and surrounding communities
Mold and Water Guys are the mold and water removal specialists in Springfield, MO and the greater Southwest Missouri area.
We respond quickly to inquiries and will take care of your mold problem in a fast and efficient manner. You can fill out the form on this page or call us at 417-885-9493.