Trying to get mold out of the house

[Guest guest]

I have been having hard time getting treatment or even fungal testing for myself

so decided to just work on my house and had 'first' handyman over today, someone

who works on my house form time to time and he looked at area I want to clean of

mold (master bedroom) by containment method and cut out dry wall and insulation

behind of area where wall and ceiling are stained from ceiling/chimney leak and

he said 'oh he would just paint over that' with oil based anti-stain paint or

hiding paint. He said if stain comes through again, probably still have water

leak, if it doesn't, then mold will eventually dry up and won't be a problem.

So, I guess it can be a problem to get people serious about treating your house

TOO. I have book on household mold and told him about containment procedures

and mask. I have a place where I can rent a negative air machine from mold

remediation place.

We have had record amounts of snow and rain lately so as said and they have

said on television here too, good time to look for leaks so I asked handyman to

go up in attic and check the attic for roof leaks. He said the chimney isn't in

good condition but he said if there is any mold, you won't get it into the

house, so don't worry about it. I can see how these problems can go on and on

and why remediators can make alot of money at this. There are limited

possibilities.

Oh well, perhaps it is better I have a professional. I just wanted to save the

money and think I can and other people can follow directions/procedures for

removal.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

---In , Barb <barb1283@y...> wrote:...

<Oh well, perhaps it is better I have a professional. I just wanted

to save the money and think I can and other people can follow

directions/procedures for removal.>

You might be able to, Barb. It will take a lot of your energy,

though. If you are well enough, give it a try. I recently had a

friend buy a house that they tested for mold as part of the

inspection (did that because they knew what we'd been through).

It tested positive in some areas - no too bad. (of course, we would

have walked away - too sick).

They consulted a mold remediation company, some heating and air

people and educated a contractor they knew and trusted. Had a lot of

work done and are about to move in. I don't know what they spent but

know they saved over what the remediation company estimated.

We used that remediation company (same that consulted with them) and

were very satisfied. Some in the profession differ on some of the

steps they take. Some are protective of the measures they take for

competitive reasons - possibly copyright, I don't know.

I think the difference is we were way too sick to deal with it, our

friends are not but are more aware. So think seriously about how

much you can deal with. Take precautions if you will be there when

work is done. Containment is good but when they actually rip out an

area that is known to have mold - it's probably best for you not to

be around - or wear a respirator. Decontamination of you and your

clothes is also important as your place is converted to a clean

environment. As we've said, mold is a living organism - you can

recontaminate even though the sources and problem areas are being

cleaned up. You could become more sensitive after you remove the

main stuff as your body begins to heal.

I have to say that I applaude you. All the treatment in the world

means nothing if the source is still filling you with toxins.

Cleaning the environment is critical and, if you can do it, is the

first thing you should do.

winslake