Mold Removal is a complex process. Look for a restoration company that can explain it in simple terms and charge reasonable prices.
The next step is assessing the extent of the mold damage. This includes locating and identifying the types of mold, as well as finding out what caused it.
Mold remediation is a process of cleaning and restoring affected areas. It is often done to rid a home or business of dangerous black mold, as well as other types that can cause various health issues, including sneezing, coughing, itching, skin rashes and blood poisoning (mycotoxin).
The process involves isolating the area with visible mold growth, identifying the type and extent of the infestation, assessing moisture levels and determining how the contamination has affected building materials. It also includes identifying the source of the mold, such as leaks, condensation and high humidity levels. It’s important to note that every mold situation is different, so be sure to find a company that provides a thorough assessment of your property.
When preparing for a professional mold remediation, it’s recommended that you remove all items from the contaminated area. This includes furniture, rugs and personal belongings. This will help prevent the spread of mold spores during the cleaning process. For larger items, you may need to wrap and seal them for safe transportation.
Once you’ve removed any non-porous materials, it’s time to clean the surfaces that have been affected. A qualified mold remediation company will use a combination of chemical cleaners and specialized equipment to thoroughly clean surfaces and prevent future mold growth. They’ll also take care to dry the areas using dehumidifiers, fans and air conditioning.
During this stage, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your remediation company to ensure all your questions are answered. The professional will provide you with a detailed report on their findings, including the type of mold and its extent in your home. They’ll also explain any steps that need to be taken to address the issue and what the next step is in the cleanup and restoration process.
Moisture is the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive, which means that even after remediation, the problem could return. That’s why it’s so important to identify the source of the moisture and address it quickly. This can include fixing leaks and addressing humidity levels to prevent further problems.
Cleanup
When you’ve completed the mold remediation process, it’s important to thoroughly clean the affected area. A variety of cleanup methods are available, and the selection will depend on the type of building materials affected by the mold.
Before beginning the cleaning process, ensure that the work area is well ventilated. Open windows and use fans to promote air flow. If you’re cleaning a large area, consider closing off air vents in adjacent rooms to prevent cross-contamination. In addition, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including rubber gloves and eye protection.
To minimize the spread of mold spores during cleanup, it is recommended to use a HEPA vacuum cleaner with a filtration system. This will remove mold spores and other airborne impurities from the work area.
A professional may choose to treat the contaminated surface areas with an antifungal solution, such as a fungicide. This treatment will kill the mold spores and make the area more difficult for new spores to grow.
For surface areas that are not easily cleaned, a professional may recommend the use of a disinfectant, such as bleach, to eliminate the mold and help the surface dry. To apply the disinfectant, a professional will put on rubber gloves and spray the area with a water-bleach mixture. After spraying, the area will be scrubbed with a brush or sponge and rinsed with clean water.
A mold inspection will help to identify the type and extent of the infestation. Once the professional has inspected the area, they will provide an estimate for the mold removal cost.
The best way to prevent further mold growth is to correct the moisture problems that led to the initial problem. In many cases, this will involve fixing a leak or reducing humidity levels.
Containment
The process of removing mold can disperse airborne spores, so it is important to isolate the affected area in order to prevent this from happening. This is done by establishing containment barriers to keep mold spores from reaching other areas of the building while remediation is taking place. The barrier also protects occupants and the remediators from being exposed to mold spores.
There are several ways to construct a containment. One way is to use a sandbag or another similar method to surround the area with a sealant. This method is a quick and cheap solution but is not as effective as a more comprehensive containment solution. Another way is to build a physical barrier using polyethylene sheeting that is secured to the floor and ceiling. This method is ideal for smaller containment projects that involve less than 100 square feet of mold contamination. This type of containment should be kept on the job site until all the mold is removed and the area has been cleaned.
Another way to contain mold is by using negative air machines, also known as HEPA machines, to create a negative pressure environment in the contained area. Negative air keeps contaminated air from flowing into adjacent, unaffected spaces and contaminating them during the cleanup process.
The International Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standard for professional mold remediation requires that negative air be maintained in the work area during the entire remediation process. To achieve this, a decontamination chamber or airlock must be built to serve as the doorway into and out of the contaminated area. It should be large enough to accommodate a waste container and allow the remediator to put on and remove personal protective equipment.
Once the negative pressure is established, it can be verified by visual observation or by using a smoke tube. Smoke should move uphill if the negative pressure is being maintained, downhill if it is not. Pleated pre-filters should also be installed to provide make-up air and prevent the collapse of the containment. Properly designing and constructing containments takes time and planning. It is a critical step in the entire remediation process and should be considered a priority for any project.
The remediation process starts by determining the contamination area. If you have a large, widespread mold problem, the team will follow the recommendations in EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. For smaller projects, the team will follow guidelines from other professional or government groups.
Once the work area has been isolated, a crew member will remove non-porous building materials such as drywall, carpeting and insulation. They will then clean and disinfect all surfaces. The contaminated surfaces are misted with detergent solutions and scrubbed to ensure all mold is removed. Then, they are placed in plastic bags and sealed. The outside of the bag is wiped down to reduce the chance of spores being dispersed into the air during removal.
The contaminated building materials are then disposed of. The team will also take measures to dry the affected area. They may use dehumidifiers, fans or other methods to speed up the drying process. They will also check the humidity level and make sure it meets a specific range to prevent new mold growth.
If the remediation company finds a problem that needs to be fixed, such as a loose bathroom fan duct that could cause a sand-like dust to form in the attic, they will repair it. Then, they will apply biocide/fungicide/moldicide solutions to help prevent mold re-growth.
It’s impossible to completely eliminate all mold spores in the air. However, the goal is to get the spores to a level that is safe and healthy for you and your family. A professional mold inspector can determine whether a home has reached this level, which is referred to as “normal fungal ecology.”