cleaning up after a natural disaster

If there are overwhelming odors in your home that smell like must and mildew, it's time to get professional help. There are many health risks you may experience when living in a home that has mold on the surfaces and inside the building materials.

Mold is an issue that should be treated by professionals, to make sure that the treatment is effective and that the mold is handled safely. Here are a few steps you should take when you are suspicious that you have mold in your home so you can get the treatment process started.

Mold Testing

The mold testing process can cost you anywhere between $300-1,000, depending on the size of your home and your living spaces. The professionals will walk around with units that will test the air, building materials, and spaces in your home. Moisture mapping will be done to see if there are extremely moist areas and leaks around the house, along with air and surface testing from samples.

Remediation Options

Get quotes for mold remediation services. Professionals have the safety gear and high-powered tools to do the job quickly and efficiently.

You don't want the mold to just be removed, it should also be remediated so all of the spores are treated and so this doesn't become a problem again in the near future. Once all the mold is removed and treated, it's important to keep the space dry and sanitized.

Ventilation Cleaning

The HVAC system in the home is a common area for mold growth, and mold spores could be circulating daily when you have the furnace or air conditioner running. Make sure that the HVAC appliances and ductwork are tested when the professionals are testing the home, and also that these areas are cleaned properly when the remediation process is taking place. This will help improve your air quality as well.

If there is mold deep in the insulation around your home, throughout the attic, and behind drywall, there may be a lot of work that is needed to make your house safe for living. You will want to get cost estimates from the mold treatment teams about how much work needs to be done and how long it's going to take.

Compare the costs of more than one mold treatment company to see the different mold treatments, recommendations, and needs each company thinks the house requires to be livable. From there you should pick a company and move forward with the process. For more information about mold testing, reach out to a local service.