Is there something I can do? Or should a pro handle it?
2007-07-24 13:54:05 · 11 answers · asked by tonymonton 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You will definitely need to replace the carpet. If the mold problem is widespread you will need to hire a professional to get rid of it.
2007-07-24 14:01:10 · answer #1 · answered by missmuffin 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, this seems like a very common question, and I think I have a good answer for you. I am certified with the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration) and you definately need to get this done by a professional and I will give you many reasons why.
From my own experience I have walked into a job that is affected by water and found mold. Where did it come from? Well, the answer is simple, it is obviously not the first time it has been flooded. The worst part is, it probably wasn't dried professionally and now the job is going to cost twice as much if not more and most insurance companies don't cover mold unless you have a secondary policy. So your looking at a lot of money out of pocket or a lien on your house.
Next, if you ever plan on selling your house, and the person moves in and gets breathing problems, it will link directly to the mold and you will get sued. Keep in mind, mold is not always visible and you need the proper chemicals to kill it and everything it has grown on needs to be disposed of in a proper manner.
When you are doing a mold remediation you need PPE (personal protective equipment). A respirator, tyvek suit, and rubber gloves etc. The area also needs to be contained. DO NOT put positive air flow on the affected area without an air scrubber(has a hepa filter to contain mold spores. Any kind of tearing out or movement of the affected area will cause the spores to become air born and that's when it can be dangerous.
To sum it all up you need a professional because you are not qualified for this type of remediation. Even if you removed all of the visible mold, there is still mold that you cannot see. Over time it could turn into stacybotris(deadly black mold) or other harmful microbial growth. Also when you kill mold some types give off mycotoxins which can also be very harmful to your health. Without proper removal you will never get rid of the odor either.
If you would have called someone within the first or second or even third day it could have saved you a lot of money because there are mold PREVENTION specialists that specialize in structural drying. You could have saved your carpet, walls and everything. Now you have waited a week and probably costed yourself thousands of dollars. It's worth paying and putting it behind you and take it as a lesson learned.
Any time you have a flood or pipe break or any kind of water damage, call a professional IMMEDIATELY! They are there 24hrs a day 7 days a week. Mold is nothing to mess with.
If you have any other questions or are having trouble finding a reputable company E-mail me.
GOOD LUCK!
2007-07-28 01:33:52 · answer #2 · answered by diamond m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need a specialist or a professional. I've handled these problems for many years.
You have to tear out the carpet, it will mold. You could have saved it, had you done this right away. Now, it's to late.
Both the carpet and the pad will have to be dumped. Then the floor cleaned. You could save a lot by doing it yourself unless someone is an asthmatic, then have someone do it for you.
2007-07-25 07:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, you could do it yourself, if you want this big of a job! You absolutely need to take the carpet out certain molds can have harmful effects on you!! If you want new carpet it's not that hard to put carpet in, just time consuming....good luck!
2007-07-25 03:31:10 · answer #4 · answered by Kathi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let a pro rip it out--mold can make you VERY ill--they have the equipment to breathe down there without these issues. You tearing a rug up will just spread it through the house--fix the leak and let the place dry out--make sure it doesn't leak again--then do the NEW rug.
2007-07-24 20:57:57 · answer #5 · answered by fire_inur_eyes 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First get a water removal specialist, they will know if the carpet is worth trying to save. If not get ready to buy more carpet.
2007-07-24 20:57:19 · answer #6 · answered by Monte T 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your insurance should cover tht. They will have an adjuster come out and give an estimate for replacement of all things damaged then cut you a check minus your deductable. You can also have at least three companies come out and give you estimates on ripping it out and replacing it and give that to the claims adjuster when they come out.
2007-07-25 00:40:16 · answer #7 · answered by MJ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll never get rid of the mildew. Tear out the carpet and replace it.
2007-07-24 20:57:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get it out of there. Mold is nothing to be lax about. Then worry about getting a sump pump and paint the floors.
2007-07-24 21:02:38 · answer #9 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
either get a butt load of fans and plug them up and hope they dry our carpet. or rip the carpet out and lay tile down. as long as you put some sort of air flow down there it shouldnt mold really quick. mold grows in dark damp places. so try to air it out as much as possible.
2007-07-24 21:13:16 · answer #10 · answered by shellie s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋