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Understanding Mold in Your Home: When to DIY and When to Call a Professional

Let's Break it Down

Mold is a common issue for many homes, but knowing what types of mold you might find could possibly help you decide if this is a do-it-yourself kind of job, or one that requires an expert's experience. At Bio-One Fremont, we specialize in biohazard remediation, including professional mold remediation services. Here's a quick overview that we've put together for you on how to identify the different types of molds and know when it's time to call in a professional.

Types of Mold Found in Homes

The three major types of mold commonly found in homes are Cladosporium, which appears in damp places such as basements and bathrooms; Aspergillus, which is common on walls and paper products; and Stachybotrys (Black Mold), which is typically found in areas where water damage has occurred over a long period or where humidity is high. All these kinds must receive due consideration and, in some instances, professional attention for effective and safe remediation.

  1. Cladosporium:
    • Appearance: Green, brown, or black.
    • Common Areas: Damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
    • Handling: Can often be cleaned with household cleaners, but extensive growth may require professional intervention.
  2. Aspergillus:
    • Appearance: Yellow, green, gray, or white.
    • Common Areas: Often found on walls, insulation, and paper products.
    • Management: Some small areas can be managed using DIY techniques, but large colonies should be managed professionally to mitigate the potential health hazards.
  3. Stachybotrys (Black Mold):
    • Color: Black or dark green.
    • Common Areas: Surfaces that have sustained severe water damage and are constantly wet or have experienced high humidity.
    • Management: Always calls for professional remediation as it may be harmful to health because of the mycotoxins that it produces.

When to Handle Mold Yourself

Small Scale Mold Growth: When the mold is small in scale (less than 10 square feet) and the area is easily accessible and any underlying moisture problems, or any leaks or leaking pipes, have been corrected, you can try to clean it yourself. Wear personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and an N95 respirator mask. Clean the area thoroughly using a solution of detergent and water.

Make sure that you give first priority to your safety with the right protective gear. The most crucial of these is a well-fitting N95 respirator mask. It will filter out the mold spores from being inhaled, just like all other particles that you don't want in your lungs as you work on the cleaning process. Also, wear gloves and goggles to prevent direct contact between the skin, the eyes, and the molds and cleaning solutions. Ensure that, at the end of it all, the area is fully dried to avoid re-colonization.

When to Call a Professional

Extensive Mold Growth: If the mold covers an extensive area (greater than 10 square feet), is located in a hard-to-access location (inside walls), or toxic mold like Stachybotrys is suspected, contact professional services for mold remediation from Bio-One Fremont. Our expert technicians have significant experience in removing the mold safely and properly, mitigating damage, and preventing any future growth.

Associated Health Problems: If anyone in your household is presenting with symptoms associated with mold exposure, like respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, and coughing, then professional remediation should be utilized, as the mold will need to be fully killed.

Why Choose Bio-One Fremont?

Bio-One Fremont understands that mold removal is an emergency process. We are a certified team experienced in dealing with biohazard situations, including mold, and have a commitment to thoroughness and safety. We use the most superior techniques and equipment to ensure your home will be free of mold. Never let mold compromise the safety of your home or the health of your family; contact Bio-One Fremont today for a free estimate for professional mold remediation that you can trust.