A Guide To Removing Black Mold

By Roy Forchet


The process of getting rid of mold is a fairly easy one and with the proper equipment it can be a safe one as well. The process begins by locating the affected area and determining if it is a porous material or a hardened surface. If it is porous then additional work will be required because the material will need to be replaced.

Before beginning the cleaning process, the most important step is to obtain safety equipment such as protective clothing. Eye protection such as safety goggles are the best choice because they provide full protection for the eyes. A respirator is the best item to use for protecting lungs because it has a built in filtration system.

Clothing should include full length pants meaning no shorts, also a long sleeved shirt is ideal because the less exposure the better. Gloves are also required so there is no skin contact whatsoever when dealing with this hazardous material. The clothes that are worn during the removal process will need to be washed immediately after finishing the project to prevent spreading of spores.

Porous material like drywall must be cut out using a saw and replaced in order to prevent the collection of more spores. If the surface is wood, a sander can be used to remove the spores and if a sander does not work the piece has to be replaced. Concrete can be cleaned with special cleaners, materials including paper and cardboard it have to be thrown away.

Ensuring the area is dry from moisture is the best preventive measure to take and this involves waterproofing when the area is a basement. The waterproofing process is easy and only requires waterproof sealant paint and some caulking. The caulking is used to seal up any cracks or holes and then the paint is applied over the walls and floor.

If the affliction is located inside the home, there is a strong chance it is a leaky pipe or faucet causing the problem. Repairing the leak if it is faucet is quite easy and may include replacing one of the pipes or the faucet itself. When the problem is in the walls and is a leaky pipe, calling a plumber is often the best option.

The process involving getting rid of mold from a home or a basement is an easy one that most homeowners can do themselves. When the problem requires structural repairs it may be time to call in a contractor. When contacting a contractor, always get a written estimate before allowing them to start performing the work.




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