Mold Remediation includes thorough removal and disposal of affected materials, cleaning non-porous surfaces and addressing the source of moisture. This step helps prevent future mold growth and repair damage to contaminated areas.
Guidelines suggest that mold remediators and building occupants use personal protective equipment in heavily contaminated areas. However, professional judgment should be used to determine appropriate protection levels. Visit https://utahmoldremovalandremediation.com to learn more.
Before the remediation process begins, a trained mold removal specialist will inspect your property to see what has been affected by mold. They’ll take note of any water damage, moisture problems and areas where mold is most prevalent. They’ll also take air samples to determine the level of mold spores in the environment.
If the mold growth is extensive, or if it’s in hard-to-reach places like behind walls and ceilings, they will contain the area using plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of spores. They’ll also remove any items that have been contaminated by mold and dispose of them appropriately. The entire area will then be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized with advanced cleaning techniques and chemical solutions, including antimicrobial treatments.
Once the space has been cleaned, they will spray an EPA-approved biocide to kill all of the mold spores and fungus. This is a crucial step in mold remediation because if the spores are not killed, they can return to their original, unhealthy state once the mold has been removed.
For this step, it’s important to use proper ventilation and air filtration equipment. It’s also essential to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the cleaning and disinfection process, such as gloves, a face mask and eye protection.
After all of the contamination has been cleared, all of the building materials that have been affected by the mold will need to be dried and dehumidified. Industrial fans and air movers are usually used to speed up this process. They’ll also be used to dry any contaminated surfaces, such as floors, walls and ceilings.
Once the building has been completely dried, it will need to be re-inspected to verify that there are no signs of recurring mold or water damage. If everything checks out, the remediation team will write a clearance report and pass the property back to the owner.
Moisture Survey
During the inspection and assessment, mold experts locate the source of the moisture that enables and promotes mold growth. This step is critical, since mold spores can travel quickly and cause serious health issues.
Using non-invasive testing equipment, such as the Tramex Moisture Encounter 5, a moisture survey is performed to determine if a wall or floor has an elevated moisture level. This is accomplished by comparing an affected area to a dry standard. The dry standard is established by obtaining a moisture reading of a known unaffected material, or by determining the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH).
A visual inspection of the affected area is also done to identify the mold species and the severity of the infestation. Then, the remediation process is implemented. This includes cleaning, sanitizing and containment of the affected area and its contents. It is important that all the mold spores are removed.
After the mold remediation is completed, a final inspection is done to verify that the moisture problem has been corrected. Ideally, there should be no sign of visible mold or odors after the home has been restored to normal.
The underlying issue must be addressed or the mold will return, as it thrives on water and humidity. The best way to prevent mold is to keep humidity levels below 50% and to routinely inspect for water leaks or dampness.
For example, a homeowner may be able to prevent the formation of black mold in their bathroom by ventilating the room with windows and running a dehumidifier. They can also avoid the accumulation of wet towels and clothing by hanging them up to dry after each use. Finally, homeowners should apply a waterproof sealer to all shower tiles and drywall to keep them watertight.
Cleaning
In this step, experts clean the moldy area and disinfect any non-porous materials like metals or tile. They may also use an EPA-approved biocide or fungicide to kill any mold spores on porous materials like wood wall studs. This is important because if mold spores are left to grow again once the surface is cleaned, they can become airborne and spread to other areas.
Using the proper cleaning products and techniques is essential to the success of any mold remediation project. Having the right tools for the job, including disposable wipes, plastic sheets and tape to seal off rooms, and scrub brushes of different sizes, is also a must. If it’s going to be a messy job, putting on some old clothes or even some disposable coveralls can help to protect you from being covered in mold spores when you’re finished.
If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, a little bit of vinegar can work wonders on soft surfaces. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the moldy area. Then, scrub the affected area with a brush and rinse it clean. This solution won’t remove any stains, but it will kill most species of mold and should leave your surfaces smelling fresh and clean.
If you do want to use bleach, there are color-safe bleach products available that will not only kill the mold but will brighten colors as well. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide can be used in place of bleach and will kill all the mold spores without damaging any surfaces that you might be trying to save. Lastly, there are also natural fungicides that you can find online or at home improvement stores that will not only kill the mold but prevent future growth as well.
Dehumidification
Mold spores float in the air and can hitch a ride on people, pets, or anything else that comes into contact with them. They can also enter a home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or just by drifting in on a breeze. Since mold spores thrive in moisture, it is important to address any sources of water or humidity before beginning remediation. Otherwise, the problem will likely return.
For this step, a team of professionals will seal off the affected area using plastic sheeting and tape, and create negative pressure in the room. They will also use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area. This step is crucial, as it prevents spores from spreading to clean areas and ensures that any spores that are disturbed during cleaning are killed.
A mold remediation professional will also wear a respirator and protective eyewear during this process. The level of protection needed will vary depending on the type and severity of the mold and the potential for remediator and occupant exposure. It is recommended that any items that can be contaminated by mold spores are placed in plastic bags and sealed before being discarded. These materials can include drywall, carpeting, insulation, and wood.
During this part of the remediation, building materials that are contaminated by mold will be removed and replaced. Often, this is the case for attics where there is significant mold growth. A dehumidifier will be used to reduce the moisture level in the room, and any remaining mold spores will be killed. All cleaning solutions, scrub brushes, and rags must be double-bagged in a clear, thick plastic bag and disposed of. This process will be repeated as necessary to eliminate all contamination.
Disposal
Molds come in many varieties, and each requires slightly different cleaning methods. A professional assesses the problem, including hidden areas and air ducts, and develops a plan for remediation. They also set up containment barriers such as plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to prevent the spread of spores during the cleaning process. This is especially important when invasive procedures are used to examine or clean porous materials like wallboard or when fans are used to dry wet items. Remediators must use personal protective equipment such as masks, eye goggles, and respirators to avoid breathing in mold spores.
Remediation specialists spray an EPA-approved biocide on nonporous materials to sterilize them, and they use commercial-grade antimicrobial sprays on porous materials such as wooden wall studs and drywall to kill any remaining spores. After the remediation process, the experts check the area to ensure that all the mold spores have been eliminated and the area is safe for habitation.
Mold spores are microscopic and float in the air, so they can enter a home through open windows or doors, or hitch rides on clothing or pets. They can also attach to contaminated building materials and furnishings, making them difficult to remove or to clean. This is why it’s best to leave mold remediation to the professionals. They can ensure that all the spores are removed, and they can treat the source of the problem so that it doesn’t return. Mold is a symptom of a moisture control issue, and the underlying cause must be addressed or else the mold will return. Mold growth is typically the result of dampness caused by leaks or flooding.