One of the worst things that can happen to any home is a mould infestation. While not as immediately dangerous as a fire or flood, moulds can present risks to the health of residents. Coughs, sneezing, runny noses, red eyes, skin rashes, and asthma attacks are just some of the things that mould can cause.
Infants, children, older adults, people with allergies, people with asthma, and immunocompromised persons are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of the different types of mould. In a world that is being ravaged by a disease that attacks the respiratory system, a mould infestation in your home is not something you can ignore.
If you suspect a mould infestation in your home, read on. We’ve created a guide for prepping the home for mould removal even before the professionals have arrived.
1) Locate the Source
Moulds thrive under the following conditions: dark, damp, and wet. As such, they are often found in porous materials, such as wood, drywall, carpet, concrete, and sheetrock—basically, a lot of home construction materials. Introduce moisture to this, and you have yourself a recipe for mould. They are also known to form in secluded crawl spaces and the seams between walls and appliances.
Moulds are characterized by a musty smell that can be described as something old, rotten, or stale. Once you’ve found all the mould, it’s time for the next step.
2) Identify the Source of Water
The most common causes of mould are moisture from a leaky pipe or broken appliance. Melting snow and broken gutters are also common, especially in Canada. While many of these might easily be fixed by a professional, there are DIY solutions all over the internet that you could use until the problem can be addressed.
If the mould is caused by sewage backup or basement flooding, professional help will be necessary. Professional mould removal services often have machines and techniques for moisture removal that are unavailable to the average person.
3) Remove the Mould
Small formations of mould are common in bathrooms, and these are easily addressed with a mixture of bleach and water. There are also plenty of mould removers available that are meant for bathroom use. However, it is important to wear a mask, safety gloves, and safety goggles when dealing with mould. Moulds release spores that can be inhaled and cause various respiratory problems, so make sure to take every safety precaution.
For more persistent and widespread infestations, professional mould removal services are a necessity.
4) Ventilate
If you’re dealing with a little bathroom mould and have removed it, ventilate the bathroom by leaving the door and windows open for a few hours to remove the excess moisture. You may also hasten this process by using electric fans to promote airflow.
Professionals dealing with mould damage on a larger scale will also execute this part of the procedure on a larger scale. Using industrial fans, they will ventilate the area until the moisture inside is at an acceptable level. After ventilation is completed (in either case), it might be advisable to deodorize the area with your favourite scents and essential oils to eliminate the musty smell of flooding and mould.
Final Thoughts
Mould removal can be difficult depending on the scale of the infestation, but with some elbow grease and a familiarity with the science behind mould formation, you can prevent it from becoming an expensive problem.
If it does become an expensive problem, don’t hesitate to call on the best mould removal services in Edmonton: Nationwide Restorations. We don’t just deal with moulds; we can help you with flood and fire damage as well.