It sounds almost deceptively simple: Why hire one of the mold removal companies when you can try to remove your home’s mold yourself?
There are actually several drawbacks to DIY home mold removal. Many homeowners aren’t aware of the respiratory issues that can be involved and the health consequences if it’s not removed in a manner that meets stringent EPA standards.
Even worse, one small mistake can cause you to actually spread the mold all over your house!
We’ve outlined 10 reasons you should seek mold removal services from First Call instead of trying to do the project yourself.
10 Dangers Associated with Home Mold Removal
1. Using the Wrong Equipment
It’s easy to believe that just a mask and gloves will give you all the protection you need. But consider this information from the Environmental Protection Agency:
Not only do molds often create allergic reactions, but they can also cause:
- Asthma attacks
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
- Nasal issues
- Sore or irritated throats
- Lung problems
In addition, there continues to be ongoing research into the negative effects of mold, so there are likely additional issues not listed here.
Home removal companies utilize equipment including sophisticated air filtration systems that create negative air pressure. This keeps contaminants outside your home and prevents them from coming inside, ensuring the health and safety of all involved.
2. Failing to Remove All the Mold
Are you sure you got all the mold? If you overlook even a tiny bit, the spores can continue to release contaminants into the air, affecting your health.
Often, it’s not the mold you can see that causes the problem. It’s the mold that you can’t see.
Mold can fester in wood and in crawlspaces, particularly if your home has been damaged as a result of flooding.
This also means that the mold may cover a much larger area than that which is visible to you. You’ll need the expertise of mold removal companies to determine the true size and scope of your problem.
3. Failing to Have Indoor Air Quality Testing
Even if you remove all the visible mold, there may still be some lurking beneath the surface.
Therefore, to ensure that your home is safe, indoor air quality testing is always a good idea, particularly if mold has been an intermittent problem in your house.
Mold isn’t your only problem: dust mites, allergens and pollutants can become trapped in your air vents, prompting the need for professional air quality testing services. Once you contact First Call, we’ll provide a thorough evaluation and determine if you have an air quality problem. If you do, we’ll spring into action to offer you the timely services you need to safeguard the health of you and your family.
4. Contaminating Your HVAC System
If the mold has found its way into your HVAC system, you’re facing some serious, ongoing health problems.
Running the HVAC system before the mold problem is thoroughly resolved can spread mold throughout your entire home.
If you aren’t able to inspect your own air ducts—or if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for—you should leave it to the professionals.
5. Causing more extensive problems
To fully appreciate this danger, you have to understand how mold spreads. Mold produces spores. When these become airborne—such as with improper DIY home mold removal—these spores can spread to other areas of your home.
If someone in your house struggles with allergies or asthma, you can’t afford to have unseen mold spores lurking in your home, just waiting to “bloom” and create health problems.
6. Failing to Properly Cleanup After the Work is Done
Mold removal is complicated and can be hazardous. This means the work must be completed in stages. One of the last stages is to properly clean and remove equipment that was used in the process.
If you’re doing the project yourself, failure to decontaminate the cleanup equipment you’ve been using can cause the problem to start all over again. This is yet another reason it’s better to leave this to the pros.
7. Being Unable to Identify the Different Types of Mold
There are different types of mold, and while they can all cause health problems, some require a different cleanup method.
In order to complete a thorough eradication of the mold, the first step is often determining what type of mold it is. If you don’t, then your efforts will not only be in vain, but you’ll receive more exposure to the mold you’re trying to eliminate.
8. Exposing Yourself to Harsh Cleaners
Most people simply head for the bleach to clean mold. Not only will this not be the most effective, but you can subject yourself to prolonged chemical exposure.
Professional home removal companies not only invest in the best equipment, but we also have access to the protective gear needed. We also offer “green” cleaning options which provide the most efficient job without exposure to harsh chemicals.
9. Missing Other Contaminants
Perhaps your mold problem is caused by a sewage leak. If so, you’ve got another problem to deal with, and more extensive restoration may be needed. If it’s something like a sewage leak or flooding damage, thorough repairs are necessary to make your home healthy again.
10. Failing to Treat the Underlying Cause
We mentioned in #9 above that what you believe is the source of your mold may not be what you think. The only way to truly fix your problem is to deal with the root cause. For example, maybe you think that moisture in your bathroom is the source of the mold when, in actuality, your HVAC system is spreading spores throughout your house.
To get the job done right, you need professional home mold removal services.
When You See Mold, Remember that First Call is the Right Call for Mold Removal Services
When you see mold, your first instinct may be to roll up your sleeves and do the job yourself. However, doing so can put you and your family at risk! Not only could you spread the mold, but you may not be treating the underlying issue—this means that mold is likely to return or spread.
Don’t take chances when it comes to your health or the well-being of your family. Contact us for an estimate today.
