It lurks inside walls, behind drywall and under flooring. It’s called toxic black mold and it thrives wherever there is moisture. You may be diligent in keeping obvious areas of your home dry, but what about the places you can’t see? The water that accumulates behind your shower walls, or the moisture that clings to the rafters in your attic: these are all sources of un-checked moisture.
Two of the most common causes of water damage result from plumbing leaks and flooding. When that water is allowed to remain, it can quickly breed mold. Toxic black mold is one particular type of mold that is more serious than others. Health effects of exposure include:
- Chronic coughing and sneezing
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Rashes
- Chronic fatigue
- Persistent headaches
- Asthma
- Lung infections
- Seizures
Improperly remediated water damage promotes the growth of black mold. If you have recently experienced flooding or a leak, it’s imperative that you have the situation checked out and addressed. Fixing the root of the problem – removing the water source – and then treating and removing the mold, is the only way to ensure it doesn’t come back.
The Solution: Water Damage Restoration
Water damage restoration starts with the initial task of water extraction, whereby powerful pumps are used to remove the water from your flooring, carpets, rugs, or drywall via the use of commercial strength, truck-mounted water removal systems. Water extraction is useful after leaking or flooding from pipes, heavy rains, or sump pump failure.
Next up is the inspection and cleanup phase. Once water extraction has taken place, trained technicians will inspect the structure for signs of mold growth. They will determine the level of moisture saturation, check on the state of your flooring and walls, and remove any materials from the site that can’t be saved, such as damaged carpeting and padding.
Only once the area is thoroughly dried out can it be deemed safe. Removing the standing water without addressing the source is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound. It will happen again and again. So, for instance, if your basement is prone to flooding, install a sump pump. If your pipes are failing, install new pipes. It’s imperative to remove the offending materials as well. You can’t just mop up the water and think everything’s OK. Water is tricky. It gets everywhere – even places you can’t see. Then it hides and waits. Mold grows, and the cycle starts all over again.
To prevent the proliferation of toxic black mold, immediate action by a professional is required.
Contact 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration
Have you recently experienced flooding or leaking in your home? Call the team at 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration for an inspection and consultation. Don’t wait. The longer you put off calling a professional, the higher the chance of black mold developing. To schedule an appointment for water damage restoration in Metro Detroit, call us at (248) 491-3088.
