Whether you should attempt mold removal depends on the size of the affected area and your health. Mold spores can be spread by breathing them, so professional technicians wear respirators and protective gloves when they clean.
Mold and mildew need two elements to grow: water and organic material. They can grow on clothes, wallpaper, carpets, and wood and inside walls. Click here to Learn More.
Mold growth can cause serious health concerns, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. It can also damage building materials and furniture. Mold remediation is the process of addressing a mold problem to prevent further growth and to restore items affected by the problem.
The first step in the process is establishing containment. A restoration company will erect barriers to separate the area where the work will be done from areas that will not be affected. This will limit cross-contamination and protect the property.
Next, a professional will evaluate the severity of the mold infestation. This will include determining the amount of growth, the type of mold and how long the material has been affected. The evaluation will also identify the source of moisture and the impact of the mold on the property.
After evaluating the mold, professionals will begin cleaning and disinfecting. This involves scrubbing and spraying the contaminated areas. The surfaces that are unable to be cleaned will be encapsulated in plastic to keep the spores from spreading.
Surfaces like tiles and glass can be cleaned using water and cleaning products that are specifically designed for mold removal. Porous surfaces such as drywall and wood may be treated with antimicrobial chemicals to kill the mold and remove hidden spores.
A professional will also test the air quality in the area to ensure that it is safe to continue working in the property. Mold spores can trigger respiratory issues in people with allergies or asthma, so it is important to ensure that the air is free of spores before continuing work on the property.
Mold testing kits are available that can be used to test indoor air for the presence of mold spores. These kits typically include a swab, petri dish, gloves and mask, and instructions for mailing the sample to a laboratory for testing. The results can be emailed back to the home owner within a few days.
Once the surface mold has been removed, the restoration team will dry wet materials. This can take a while, but fans and dehumidifiers are often used to speed up the drying process. Lastly, any contaminated materials that cannot be salvaged are replaced. This includes drywall and carpet, which may need to be replaced completely in order to stop further mold growth.
Inspection
Mold inspections focus on identifying the extent of a mold problem. They also determine the type of mold present and assess its impact on the property. The inspection also looks at the cause of the mold growth, including any sources of moisture.
Before a professional inspector arrives, prepare your property for the inspection by eliminating furniture, clutter and items that block access to areas where mold could be hiding. Notify occupants of the inspection and request their cooperation in providing unobstructed access to all areas of the property.
A mold inspector uses a series of tools and techniques to visually examine the property for signs of mold. This includes taking air samples inside and outside the home to compare levels of spores. The spores are then tested to identify the species. This information helps the inspector understand how severe your mold issue is and what the best solution may be.
The inspector will also take moisture readings to see what the level of humidity is in your property and if it has been affected by water damage. Once the inspector has assessed the property, he or she will make a recommendation on what the next steps should be.
Mold remediation can be a lengthy process, depending on the severity of the mold infestation. During this time, the team will work to contain the affected area and protect themselves from spreading mold spores. They will also work to remove damaged materials and dispose of them according to EPA regulations.
Once the contaminated material is removed, the team will use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area. This can take several days, and it is important that the moisture levels are kept low to prevent the return of any mold growth.
A mold remediation specialist will check the property after the work is done to ensure that all areas of the building have been treated. They will also test the air quality to confirm that the spores are gone and the environment is safe. This step is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of the mold remediation and establishing a clean, safe environment for your family or employees.
Treatment
Mold often grows in places where water gathers, such as a leaky basement, damp crawl space or water-logged drywall. These areas can also be the result of natural disasters or even just a lack of proper air circulation. Regardless of the source, these environments provide the perfect environment for the growth of toxic molds that can cause health problems for those who are sensitive to them.
If you spot a patch of visible mold in your home, it is important to act fast. If you wait, the spores will spread and the problem will become much more difficult to resolve. This is why it is recommended to call a professional who will be able to assess the situation and take action promptly.
In addition to removing the visible mold, it is also essential to fix any sources of moisture. This may include fixing plumbing leaks and ensuring that all materials are dry. It is also a good idea to clean all materials that have been affected by mold with a mild detergent or household cleaners. Be sure to use rubber gloves and a mask to avoid inhalation or contact with the spores.
While cleaning, it is important to remember that the spores can linger in your clothes, shoes and in the air of the room. This is why it is a good idea to change out of your old clothes and into fresh ones. It is also a good idea to use a fan and dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
There are several products available that can kill and remove mold, including vinegar, bleach and fungicides. Vinegar is a good option for many surfaces, but it should not be used on stone, aluminum or iron because it can damage them. Bleach can be dangerous if it is overused or if it comes into contact with your skin. It is a good idea to wear gloves and a mask when using bleach. Fungicides can be useful when trying to kill the roots of a mold infestation, but it is important to use them sparingly and only in well-ventilated rooms.
Cleanup
Mold is not just unsightly, but it can break down building materials and contaminate the air with mycotoxins (spores) that can cause a wide range of health problems. Even if the mold is not toxic, inhaling the spores can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as sore throat, rashes and watery eyes. It is therefore important to follow the proper steps to prevent and treat mold problems.
To properly clean a home with mold, it is first necessary to isolate the affected area. This is done by closing all doors and windows between the contaminated area and other areas of the house for level 1 remediation, or by covering them with 6 mil plastic sheeting for level 2 remediation. The area is also sprayed with a detergent solution to help remove any remaining mold spores. Once the area is contained, it is important to control dust and vapors, which is usually accomplished by misting the contaminated area.
It is also important to remove any materials that are severely damaged by the mold, including drywall and carpeting. In most cases, these materials can be cleaned and reused, but in more severe situations, they may need to be replaced. Once the contaminated materials are removed, it is important to clean and dry the area to prevent future mold growth.
In some cases, the underlying issue that caused the mold to grow needs to be fixed. Fungi thrive in moist environments, and the best way to prevent future mold infestations is to fix any problems with moisture or water intrusion immediately.
A minor mold problem in a small, isolated area such as a bathroom corner can typically be easily taken care of by a homeowner with a weekend afternoon and some basic supplies from the hardware store. However, a major mold problem in a whole house or commercial facility requires professional assistance to minimize the risk of negative health and property impacts. In addition to proper training, a qualified mold remediation contractor should utilize the following recommended procedures: