Mould Removal: Should You Handle It or Call a Professional?

Mould is a common issue that can affect both homes and businesses. Whether it’s caused by high humidity levels, excessive moisture, or poor ventilation, mould growth can harm your property and your health. From small patches to serious infestations, mould can damage your space, affect air quality, and cause health issues if left untreated. But the big question is: Should you try to clean up the mould yourself, or is it better to hire professionals?

In this post, we’ll help you understand when to handle mould on your own and when to call in a professional mould remediation service. You’ll also learn some helpful prevention tips to stop mould before it starts.

What Causes Mould to Grow?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp places. For it to thrive, it needs excessive moisture and poor ventilation. Common causes of mould in your home include leaks, condensation, and water damage. These can lead to mould forming in areas like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.

Here are some specific reasons why mould might grow:

• Leaking roofs, windows, or pipes
• Flooding or water damage
• High humidity levels
• Condensation on cold surfaces

Even a small amount of water in a space that isn’t properly ventilated can encourage mould spores to grow. Knowing what causes mould is important in deciding whether to handle the issue yourself or get professional help.

Visible Mould vs. Hidden Mould

Not all mould growth is easy to spot. While visible mould may appear on walls, ceilings, or floors, hidden mould can grow behind walls, under floors, or in unseen places like crawl spaces. Knowing how serious your mould problem is will help you decide if it’s safe to handle it yourself.

• Visible Mould: Small spots of mould on surfaces might look easy to clean. But often, visible mould is just the tip of the iceberg. If you don’t fix the moisture issue causing the mould, it will come back, even if you clean what you see.
• Hidden Mould: This kind of mould can be more dangerous. It can grow out of sight for a long period of time, leading to bad air quality and even structural damage. If you notice a musty smell or know there’s been water damage, having a professional check for hidden mould is a good idea.

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The Health Risks of Mould Exposure

Breathing in mould spores can cause a wide range of health problems, especially aggravating those with allergies, asthma, or weak immune systems. It can cause irritation in your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. If someone in your home or business has been exposed to mould for too long, they might experience serious health effects, including chronic respiratory problems.

Some types of mould, like black mould, produce toxins that can cause more severe health problems. If you or someone else in the home is showing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or itchy skin, you should consider whether mould in your home might be the cause.

Mould Testing and Assessment

Identifying the full extent of the mould problem can be challenging without a proper assessment. A comprehensive mould assessment typically includes indoor air quality testing, moisture readings, and a detailed visual inspection of your indoor environment. These tests help pinpoint areas where mould spores may be circulating or moisture issues might be contributing to hidden mould growth.

By combining these methods, professionals can provide a thorough evaluation, identifying both visible and hidden mould while determining the moisture levels that allow it to thrive. This helps guide the appropriate mould remediation measures for your home or business. If you suspect mould but are unsure about its extent, consulting with a qualified inspector is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and effective remediation plan.

When Is It Safe to Clean Mould Yourself?

If the area of visible mould is small (less than 10 square feet) and there are no deeper moisture issues, you might be able to clean it up yourself. Here’s how you can safely deal with a small mould problem:

1. Wear Protective Equipment: Always wear gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask to avoid inhaling mould spores.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Solution: A mixture of water and detergent works well on non-porous surfaces. Don’t use bleach—it isn’t always effective, especially on porous materials like drywall.
3. Fix the Moisture Issue: Clean-up alone won’t stop the mould if the source of the moisture isn’t addressed. Make sure the area is properly ventilated and dry.
4. Run a Dehumidifier: After cleaning, using a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels and prevent mould from returning.

When to Seek Professional Help

There are situations where professional mould remediation is the safest and most effective option:

1. Large Mould Growth: If mould covers more than 10 square feet or has spread to multiple areas, it’s best to call professionals. Large mould infestations are often a sign of bigger moisture issues.
2. Hidden or Hard-to-Reach Mould: Mould that grows behind walls, under floors, or in air ducts needs to be professionally handled to avoid spreading spores during removal.
3. Health Concerns: If anyone in your household or workplace is suffering from mould-related health issues, professional remediation will ensure the mould is completely and safely removed.
4. Recurrent Mould Problems: If mould keeps coming back, it’s a sign of a deeper moisture level problem. Professionals can find the source and fix it for good.

Why Hire a Professional Mould Remediation Service?

Hiring a professional mould remediation company like Healthy Environmental comes with several advantages:

• Thorough Inspections: Professionals use advanced tools to find both visible and hidden moulds, ensuring the entire problem is addressed.
• Safe Removal: Experts have the proper equipment and techniques to remove mould without releasing harmful mould spores into the air.
• Long-Term Prevention: Professionals don’t just remove mould; they also fix the moisture issues that caused the problem, ensuring the mould doesn’t return.
• Better Air Quality: A professional service can improve your indoor air quality by removing all traces of mould and fixing the source.

Tips to Prevent Mould Growth

Keeping your home or business free of mould is easier when you take steps to prevent it. Here are some practical tips for mould prevention:

1. Control Humidity Levels: Keep the humidity in your home or business below 50%. Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure rooms like kitchens and bathrooms are well-ventilated. Install exhaust fans if needed to keep the space dry.
3. Fix Leaks Immediately: Address any leaks in your roof, windows, or plumbing as soon as they appear to prevent moisture issues from leading to mould growth.
4. Check Moisture Levels Regularly: Monitor areas prone to dampness and use moisture meters if necessary to track moisture levels.
5. Use Mould-Resistant Materials: When renovating, opt for mould-resistant drywall, paint, and insulation to reduce the chance of future mould problems.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

Mould can cause serious problems if left untreated for your health and your property. While you might be able to handle small areas of visible mould on your own, larger or hidden infestations require professional help. By acting quickly and managing moisture levels in your home or business, you can avoid the long-term effects of mould.

If you suspect mould growth or need help with mould remediation, reach out to Healthy Environmental. Our team of experts can assess the situation, provide safe removal, and help you prevent mould from returning. Protect your property and the health of everyone inside by contacting us today.