Should You Handle a Mold Cleanup on Your Own?
With so many “How To” videos and blogs available on the internet, New Jersey homeowners are learning that some minor home repair projects can be pretty simple and easy to handle without hiring a professional. Unfortunately, this also creates a cycle of misinformed or overly confident property owners trying to solve serious problems that are beyond DIY repairs and require professional attention. This is especially true with indoor mold growth in South Jersey. DIY mold removal can be a very realistic solution in cases of minor mold growth; however, it is important for NJ homeowners to know when to call it quits and let the professionals properly handle it.
Industry standards dictate that, in most cases, areas of minor mold development in an area of 10 square feet (roughly 3ft by 3ft) can be effectively cleaned by a non-professional with a little guidance and direction. However, if you are faced with larger area of of contamination, or if you suspect more hidden mold growth beyond what you can see, then you need to consult a mold removal professional in New Jersey. Even in cases of minor mold growth, if you (at any point) feel overwhelmed or unfit to handle the cleanup, contact a professional for help.
Dangers of DIY Mold Removal
It is ill-advised to tackle a major mold remediation project on your own with DIY mold removal. Widespread mold growth requires professional mold remediation to safely and effectively restore a safe environment for you and your family. There are specific cleanup procedures and strict safety protocols that must be followed to ensure a safe and effective solution to your mold problems. By taking on a mold problem, too large for you to handle on your own, you could be putting yourself, your family and your home at risk.
Inadequate Equipment- Professional mold remediation companies use a variety of equipment and products to safely and effectively remove mold. This includes the use of air filtration systems, targeted cleaning agents, specialty vacuums, demolition equipment and other specialized cleaning tools. Without the appropriate equipment, the mold is likely to return. In some cases, the mold will return with a vengeance and leave you with a costlier repair.
Lack of Personal Protection- Mold can cause various health issues, like allergies, asthma and skin issues. To avoid exposure and potential health risks, you need to wear special personal protection equipment. Depending on the severity of the mold contamination, a simple dust mask, gloves and goggles from the hardware store is likely not sufficient protection. Do not jeopardize your own safety. Let the South Jersey mold professionals help.
Mold removal experts are fully armed with the necessary personal protection equipment to keep themselves safe and execute an effective mold remediation. Technicians are also trained in the proper removal of personal protective wear in order to prevent the spread or inhalation of airborne mold spores.
Cross-Contamination- Without effective containment and protection, DIY mold removal can cause cross-contamination to previously clean, unaffected areas and leave you with a bigger, more expensive mold remediation down the road. DIYers often do not have the necessary knowledge or equipment to properly isolate the contaminated areas before starting the cleanup project. Once cleanup begins, you will inevitably disrupt settled mold spores and send them airborne. Airborne mold spores can travel to, land on and contaminate virtually any clean, unaffected surface in your New Jersey property.
Professional mold remediation technicians in NJ are trained to carefully seal off all mold contaminated areas with containment barriers. Effective containment will prevent the risk of cross-contamination and allow for and effective mold removal in the areas of concern.
Health Risks- Indoor mold growth can lead to serious property damage, as well as put you and your family in danger of health risks. Varying types of mold have varying potential to release mycotoxins which can make people sick. Some people have severe allergies to certain types of mold while others have none at all. Most of us are unaware of these allergies until they start to see symptoms following exposure. The combination of a lack of adequate equipment, lack of proper containment and lack of sufficient personal protection can create an unhealthy environment and potentially make you and your family sick.
Unknown Source- Cleaning up the mold does not address why the mold is there in the first place. Mold is often a sign of a much larger indoor moisture problem. Even if you manage to effectively clean up the mold contaminated area, it will regrow as long as the moisture source still exists.
The mold remediation process in New Jersey includes active removal of existing mold growth AND a diagnosis of the moisture source that caused the mold in the first place. In order to prevent recurrence after an effective cleanup, the mold remediation company you hire will provide solutions for the moisture problem. Often times, DIY mold removal is inadequate and only leads to more problems in the future.
If you’ve discovered a serious mold problem in your New Jersey home or business, you should consider hiring a professional South Jersey mold removal company. While cleanup of small areas of minor mold growth may be manageable on your own with the right guidance and direction, larger areas of mold growth should be addressed by a certified professional with the necessary training, equipment and knowledge. DIY mold removal, in cases of serious mold growth, can be ineffective and leave New Jersey homeowners with a costlier repair.
