San Francisco is considered a haven for allergy sufferers. Due to the coastal breezes, allergens are blown out to sea.
San Francisco is considered a haven for allergy sufferers. Due to the coastal breezes, allergens are blown out to sea. The vegetation in the region is low in pollen, compared to many places in the United States. However, there is a problem in the city due to molds that grow in damp spots within a home. San Francisco contains many old buildings, many of which currently have the perfect environment where mold can grow. Add to that the high humidity in the area, and you have a real situation possibly brewing at your house.
The Common Questions about Mold Inspection
Here are five common questions people ask regarding mold remediation in San Francisco along with the answers:
1. Should I get my home tested for mold?
Arbitrarily testing for mold growth in your home isn’t recommended. You can usually tell if there is the likelihood of mold in the structure. When you see these telltale signs, you should get your home tested. The signs are commonly: variously colored stains on walls or ceilings (black, brown, green), musty or mildew smells in certain rooms, or extraordinarily humid places in the home that never seem to dry out or areas that were flooded.
2. Is the Stachybotrys mold the only one I should worry about?
This slimy, green-black mold is usually found on paper or wood - any cellulose products in the home. This mold can, like any mold, create bad health effects. All molds should be treated the same, however, and must be removed from a home in order to assure the residents’ safety.
3. Who should I call to test for mold?
Mold inspection and remediation companies are the best to call to do a mold inspection. They have experts who are familiar with the different types of mold and know where to look to find any mold growth in the home.
4. Can I clean areas of mold in my own home?
If mold is found in your home, it is very possible to clean them up yourself. There are strict guidelines to follow so you and others aren’t exposed to the harmful spores.
Guidelines to Cleaning up Mold in Your Home
If you want to clean up mold found in your home upon inspection, you should do a thorough review of what is needed, which you can find on some public health websites. The guidelines are basically:
- Fix any area where moisture is getting in
- Discard any materials affected that cannot be dried
- If you can’t discard the material affected, it must be cleaned with soap or detergent solution
- After thoroughly cleaning as above, you must disinfect with bleach
- Minimize all dust. Mist with water. Do not scrape or sand moldy surfaces.
- Double-bag and seal all contaminated materials.
- Ensure proper ventilation and isolate the work area completely.
You must also wear protective clothing which can be cleaned easily or discarded when you are done. Rubber gloves and a HEPA respirator mask are a must. However, keep in mind – if the area you are handling is over 30 square feet, you should definitely call a professional.
Getting a Professional to Conduct a Mold Inspection
San Francisco mold inspection is best done by a professional. Certified and licensed workers know all the ins and outs of mold inspection, finding it in places you may not suspect. The safety and health of your family depends on you taking the right actions to find any harmful mold within the structure of your house so you can get rid of it permanently.