Black Mold: How It Got There And How To Get Rid Of It

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartum, is an unwelcome guest in too many homes. It doesn’t mean that your home is dirty, and it doesn’t mean that it’s uninhabitable. However, if you do notice black mold, you’ll definitely want to take immediate action to resolve the issue to prevent it from getting worse and potentially hurting your family. Here is everything you need to know about black mold and how to get rid of it.

Basics of Black Mold

Black mold is actually a fungus, like a mushroom. It’s generally black or very dark in color. You’ll probably smell the mold before you see it, though, because it has a bad, musty smell. If you notice that smell accompanies with mold on the walls, you likely have black mold. You may also suspect black mold in your home if you’ve experienced a flood or water damage. Mold in itself is not always dangerous, but black mold is because of the toxins it releases into the air. Get your home tested by a professional company if you’re not sure if you have black mold or not.

Causes of Mold

Black mold grows very well. That means that the only thing it needs to get into your home is the right environment. Wood, paper, and other items with high levels of cellulose are a good place for black mold to start growing. This is especially true in warm areas with a lot of moisture. Bathrooms and basements are particularly popular areas for it to develop. Of course, it can grow anywhere in your home. It generally grows more rapidly in the summer time and in areas with a lot of heat.

Health Effects from the Presence of Mold

Many people don’t think mold can be damaging to their health. However, black mold can crate serious health problems for you and your family, especially if you don’t get rid of the mold right away. Since we breathe in the toxic fumes without even noticing, the biggest problem is the adverse effect on our respiratory system. It can even damage the lungs after time. Some of the signs of illness from lack mold include:

• coughing
• red, watery eyes
• asthma/ trouble breathing
• sneezing

Since many of these symptoms are similar to the common cold, many people don’t realize the cause is actually the mold in their home. If you notice everyone in the house getting sick with these symptoms, it’s best to go to the doctor to see if they can find a cause. People with asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, babies, and the elderly are all at a higher risk than others.

Mold Prevention

While mold can grow easily, that doesn’t mean you can’t stop it! There are plenty of things you can do to prevent black mold from growing in your home. Some of the best steps to take include:

• buy a dehumidifier
• clean warm, damp rooms often
• clean all spills and leaks
• put fans and other ventilation in warm, damp rooms

Every Tulsa home or business is susceptible to black mold, so it’s up to you to take these steps before you develop a problem.

Mold Removal or Mold Remediation

If you already have a problem, it’s time to get rid of the mold in your home. Small issues can be handled at home by you. Try over the counter products specifically designed to remove mold or a mixture of bleach (1 cup) and water (1 gallon). When cleaning out the mold yourself, be sure to do a thorough job. Clean areas that haven’t been affected yet to prevent it from spreading. You also want to take special care around vents and other areas that put out air into your home for your family to breathe. Wear the proper protective equipment to avoid damaging your skin with the bleach or breathing in the black mold.

Some situations are simply too big for you to take on your own. Luckily, you can call a company about mold remediation and restoration. The cost of the mold remediation will depend on the severity of the case. You can generally get a free quote, and the company will start on the work as soon as possible. You may have questions, though. What do you do until the mold is gone? Does the company offer a guarantee? It’s also a good idea to call your homeowners insurance to see if they can cover the cost of the mold remediation. Don’t forget to get quotes from multiple companies and check their credentials to get the best service!

Once the mold is removed, it’s time for the restoration. The restoration itself can be quite the ordeal, depending on the severity. The mold remediation process can involve removing parts of the wall or throwing out fixtures or furniture. You need to restore your home back to its original condition. Most companies can do both the mold remediation and the restoration at a reasonable price.

If you have black mold in your home, don’t fret! It can happen to absolutely anyone. Try not to breathe around the mold, keep the kids and the pets away, and then get to work on removing the mold and restoration. It may be an expensive process, but it will keep your home healthier and smelling better. Once you get the mold removed, make a point to prevent it from coming back.

Reset Restoration are mold remediation experts in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Don’t Let Mold Cause Health Problems In Your Tulsa Home or Business

If your Tulsa building or home requires mold remediation, contact the Reset Restoration mold remediation experts immediately. Reset Restoration provides 24/7/365 emergency mold remediation response.

If your friends, family and neighbors have had significant mold damage to Tulsa homes or businesses you can contact Reset Restoration mold remediation experts in Tulsa 24/7 to inquire about Tulsa mold remediation services. Call Reset Restoration today at (918) 582-7373.

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