Mold Removal in Residential Basements

New home or old, a basement doesn’t’ have to be dark and dingy to provide a breeding ground for mold.  When mold appears, chances are it’s either starting to spread or has already spread. That’s why mold removal is so important, and why doing it properly is even more important. The last thing that a homeowner wants is residual mold that is growing and spreading after an unprofessional attempt at mold removal.

Yes, mold is natural, and organic, and even does some good. But inside the home, it’s not a welcome guest. Beyond growing and spreading, mold releases spores into the air. This is not a desirable situation in the basement, or in any other part of the home. In fact, wherever mold is found, mold removal is the next logical step. And for most homeowners, mold removal and remediation is best left to experienced professionals.

Needless to say, the Internet is full of products and advice and suggestions on how to best handle mold removal. It’s handy to know, and important to be well informed, but mold removal can get complicated and potentially hazardous. This could be a project that is beyond the capacity of a typical homeowner. Indeed, many experts in the field recommend that remediating mold is always best handled by a professional.

To begin with, and even before mold removal, it would be good to know if the mold is toxic, if the infiltration is small or large, and to what extent has the mold spread. These are things that an experienced mold removal contractor can accurately assess with the help of diagnostic tools. In addition, a reliable contractor will do the proper testing to determine mold composition, before making recommendations for remediation.

Understandably, mold removal in the basement is not a matter of cut and scrap. Mold can be dangerous - it requires protective gear – it requires special equipment – and it requires expertise in disposal. Above all, proper mold removal must ensure that mold and mold spores are completely removed, and are prevented from returning. For this, a reputable mold removal contractor can supply a long-term guarantee for their work.

The process of mold removal is likely to disturb the mold, and disperse spores into the air. This is something that a professional can manage, especially when outfitted with protective clothing (goggles, gloves, mask and respirator) and the right equipment. It may also be necessary to seal off the basement during mold removal so that nothing spreads to other parts of the house. Again, the professionals know how to do it right.

Some homeowners may well decide on a DIY approach to mold removal – they may even decide to use bleach or vinegar or ammonia. The experts would ask if it’s worth the risk. A mold infiltration is not the right time for a quick fix – it’s a time to eliminate a potentially hazardous material and prevent it from returning. And although mold removal may be an extra cost, the benefit of long-term wellbeing is worthwhile.