Mold Remediation is the process of removing and cleaning contaminated building materials, including wood trim, insulation, drywall, carpet, and drapes. This is a very thorough process that involves several steps, and it’s important to remember that mold spores can spread throughout the house during the remediation. In order to stop this from happening, the team will install protective structures like ram boards and padding in all entry points of the affected area. They’ll also shut off the HVAC system and close any ventilation in the affected space, as recycled air can carry mold spores to other areas.
Before the company Mold Remediation begins work, you’ll need to clear a path from the outside to the affected area. You should also sequester any house pets in a separate room and remove cars from the driveway or garage. This is because mold spores can be blown around the house during this process, and the spores can settle in your car, making them difficult to remove later.
Once a crew has begun work, they’ll lay plastic sheeting between the moldy space and the rest of the home. They’ll also use filtration devices and negative air pressure to contain the spread of spores. They’ll also set up air scrubbers to clean the air as they take apart contaminated materials. Once the affected materials are removed, they’ll be disposed of at a hazardous waste disposal site.
The contaminated items that are unsalvageable will be placed in air-tight plastic bags. They’re then sprayed down with an EPA-approved biocide to kill any remaining mold spores. This is a very effective method for destroying mold, but it’s not as thorough as encapsulation. The bags will be sealed, sprayed down again, and then placed in an outdoor debris disposal area.
Porous materials, such as cardboard, drywall, wood trim, and carpeting, are typically discarded in this stage. Non-porous items, such as ceramic tile and treated wood, can stay. If the contaminated items are expensive or have sentimental value, you may wish to have them professionally cleaned after the contamination is complete.
After the affected area is free of fungus, it’s vital to dry it. This is because moisture is what caused the mold to grow in the first place. One of the remediation specialists will use fans, dehumidifiers, and other tools to restore the room to a normal humidity level. They’ll also fix any leaks that could lead to a new mold problem in the future.
Once the contaminated area is thoroughly dried, the contractors will use antifungal cleaners and sealants to prevent the growth of any future mold. They’ll also reseal any areas where the walls have been exposed to excessive moisture.
When the job is finished, an environmental testing company will perform a visual inspection, odor detection, and environmental sampling to determine whether the mold has been successfully removed. This ensures that the occupants can return to the home once clearance is given, and it can also help identify any underlying issues.