What Is Mold Remediation?
What Is Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation is the process of removing and repairing mold-infected materials. This may include drywall, carpeting, insulation, and more.
After removing the affected materials, mold removal professionals spray an EPA-approved biocide to kill the mold spores in the air and keep them from re-growing.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Mold can be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing them with water and detergent, and drying thoroughly. If mold is on porous materials, such as ceiling tiles or carpet, it may not be possible to remove the mold completely.
In addition, surface mold that grows on wood or drywall can be difficult to remove from these materials. In these cases, a chemical disinfectant should be used to kill any mold that is missed by the cleaning process.
When a disinfectant is used, it should be applied according to the label directions and warnings. It should also be handled carefully, and it should never be mixed with ammonia or acids.
Using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner during the mold remediation process helps to lessen the number of airborne mold spores that are stirred up into the air. In addition, air grilles and negative air machines are used to isolate the work area and vent the mold-contaminated air outdoors to prevent the spread of spores.
Removing the Affected Materials
Removing the affected materials is typically the most time-consuming and expensive part of the remediation process. However, it is an essential step in ensuring the long-term health of your property and the safety of you and your family.
The first step in removing the affected materials is to completely seal off the contaminated area from all other areas of your home or building. This ensures that airflow across moldy surfaces is kept to a minimum and prevents the spread of contamination throughout the entire building.
Once the contaminated area is fully sealed, all impacted materials should be bagged and placed in a dumpster or other appropriate container for disposal. This includes things like baseboards, drywall, carpeting, carpet pad, tack strip, insulation, building paper, and more.
This also applies to non-salvageable items, such as furniture and electronics. If the mold growth is too large, or if the item cannot be saved, it will need to be packed out.
Repairing Moisture or Humidity Issues
Depending on the materials affected, repairing moisture or humidity issues is an important part of mold remediation. This step can help ensure that the remediation works and that no recurring problems develop.
All mold needs moisture to grow, so it’s essential that building occupants prevent and solve moisture problems in their buildings as soon as possible. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation, reducing air temperature to keep indoor relative humidity (RH) below 60% – ideally 30-50% – and insulating and/or re-insulating building materials to reduce surface temperatures that can lead to condensation on cold surfaces.
In addition, addressing water damage immediately after it occurs is key to mold prevention and removal. For example, if there is a leaky faucet, the leak should be repaired within 24 hours to prevent mold growth. Similarly, if there is a flood in the basement, drying out the area and removing wet or damp materials and areas should be done as quickly as possible to reduce the likelihood of further mold growth.
Contents Pack Out
After mold damage or other property damage has occurred, many items that are saveable need to be moved to a safe location for the restoration process. This includes clothing, electronics, artwork, furniture, and photos.
When a home suffers a major disaster, it is usually easier and more secure to move these items to an offsite facility where they can be cleaned and restored. This is where our contents pack-out services come into play.
Our team of experienced content pack-out experts will take your belongings to their new home, utilizing a series of inventory procedures and documentation, ensuring they receive the care and protection they deserve. We understand your needs and can help you make this a stress-free experience for you and your loved ones. Call today for a free inspection. The best part is, we are always available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We are proud to be your go-to resource for any type of disaster.