Mold Baton Rouge
Here in Baton Rouge, we’ve seen a lot of people attempt to handle their mold remediation themselves after the flood. With the laundry list of large expenses, it’s understandable that homeowners would want to save money where they can, and with local pest control companies offering “mold spray” and big box stores selling the same, it seems like an easy route to take. We are now starting to see the side effects of such a decision- and it’s not pretty.
Homeowners who did their own mold remediation, or cut corners by having a pest control guy or a non licensed person “spray for mold” are now finding mold in their homes.
When Mold Should Be Left to a Professional
Homeowners who attempt to tackle mold removal put their health at risk, as well as their property if the job is done poorly. Here are some situations in which mold removal is better left to professionals:
- When the area covered with mold is larger than 10 feet square, the extent of the damage may be too big for DIY mold removal. Large mold-infested areas should be immediately handled by a team of professionals to mitigate the losses and prevent further mold growth.
- Mold sometimes contaminates the heating and ventilating system of the home. Because these systems can further spread the infestation, mold should be removed immediately to prevent it from growing in other parts of the home. Most property owners don’t have the necessary equipment and knowledge to decontaminate their HVAC systems
- Often times, mold hides in unseen areas, such as behind drywall, and removing it requires specialized detecting equipment and techniques. Specialists can detect hidden mold in the home, which allows them to create a proper plan of action.
- Structural repairs are sometimes needed in a remediation job. For instance, removing and replacing damaged drywall, or caulking and repainting an entire room. Many homeowners don’t have the time, skills or tools to do structural repairs. Plus, there is a risk that they will do more damage to the home, which can lead to costly repairs.
- Mold may be the result of flooding due to burst sewage pipes or sewer overflow. This contaminated water contains dangerous chemicals, and the property should be cleaned, sanitized and dried by professionals. DIY removal in these conditions can be hazardous and much more difficult.
- Exposure to mold can worsen a medical condition, such as asthma or allergies. If you plan to do DIY remediation in the home, make sure to check with your doctor first and find out if mold exposure will damage your health. If you’re already feeling headaches, coughing, sneezing or other exposure symptoms, stay away from mold and have someone else remove it.
- In many DIY cases, mold is not properly removed from the property and will most likely recur several days after the cleanup. As already mentioned, some mold can be difficult to detect without specialized equipment and techniques.
UNITED FIRE & WATER DAMAGE OF LA, LLC Offers These Services
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation – LA State Lic #250487
- Reconstruction Services – LA State Lic #555937
United Fire & Water Damage of LA, LLC services all of Southern Louisiana and can typically be on site for any restoration related emergency within 2 hours of first notice. 60 minutes in the Greater Baton Rouge area.
