Mold remediation is the process of removing, cleaning, and disinfecting mold-contaminated areas of your home. The remediation process requires specialized tools to ensure mold removal and prevent new mold growth inside the home.
If you’ve noticed mold inside your home, it can be an alarming experience. But, with the proper care, you can stave off the symptoms of mold, like respiratory and sinus-related issues and the damage that can be part of mold infestation.
Keep reading to learn what to expect during the mold remediation process.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that breeds in areas with high moisture. Although mold occurs naturally, there are specific types you need to watch out for. In addition, mold comes in many colors, including:
- Green
- Black
- Purple
- White
- Pink and other colors
The most harmful mold is black mold. Black mold is also called Stachybotrys chartarum. This mold is commonly associated with the mold most people think of when considering mold remediation.
The reason for this is it is the mold that is linked with health issues like asthma, allergies, respiratory issues, etc.
What Causes Mold in the Home?
In many cases, mold in the home results from excess moisture in the home due to a flood, a broken plumbing pipe, or a roof leak. That is because mold needs moisture to grow and spread.
After one of these events in your home, you must call a mold removal specialist to come out and check the damage or spread of possible mold in your home. Attacking it early is the best way to ensure the mold doesn’t spread and affect more areas in your home.
Mold Removal: The Process Explained
While mold remediation is mostly thought of as removing mold from the home, it entails much more. To help homeowners understand the process more fully, we’ve created this short step-by-step guide.
Step One: Assess and Isolate the Issue
The first step of mold remediation is for our team of IICRC certified technicians will come out to your home. During this meeting, our team will assess the extent of mold damage in your home. In addition, it’s an important time to document any issues you may have in your home for your insurance company.
Next, our technicians will assess the cause of the mold and what could be causing it. They’ll also assess if mold is in your walls or your ceilings.
Last, the team will work to contain the contamination through the use of plastic or polyurethane sheeting. That will help to isolate the issue and contain it before it can grow further.
Step Two: Suiting Up
The next step in the process is when the team will suit up in protective gear to protect them from mold issues. That often includes:
- Goggles
- A respirator or mask
- Booties
While this may look strange, it is only for protecting the team from coming into contact with mold spores. Although, it’s a good indication of how harmful mold spores can be.
Step Three: Suppressing Dust
After suiting up, the team will add moisture to the area to help suppress the dust in the area. For example, a humidifier might help create an ambient mist to cut down on the amount of dust at the site.
Step Four: Removing Harmful Debris
At this stage of the process, building materials affected by mold are removed. That may include:
- Drywall
- Carpeting
- Insulation
- Other building materials
This part of the process must meet EPA standards and must be followed accordingly. In addition, any damaged items must be packed, sealed, and sprayed down to eliminate any mold spores that may have accumulated on the outside of the bag.
At this point, the mold remediation team disposes of the affected items.
Step Five: Cleaning the Area
Special brushes and wipes are used to clean the area for any parts of the home that couldn’t be removed but show signs of mold. Then, they are cleaned with special detergents. This step is rather cumbersome as the cleaning process can stir spores into the air.
If the tools used to clean the area cannot be disinfected, they are disposed of to meet EPA standards. If the HVAC system has been affected by mold, the team will use special tools and methods to clean the system.
Step Six: Contents Are Restored
Although property damage has the potential to be ruined forever, content restoration technologies have advanced to the point that many can be saved. During the early stages of the mold remediation process, a team will pack up and seal any items that may have been affected, including:
- Clothing
- Textiles
- Photos
- Electronics
- Other items
These items will be taken off-site to restore. Although not every item can be salvaged, some can.
Step Seven: Biocide Is Used
The mold remediation team will apply a special chemical called Biocide to the entire space. Biocide is a liquid that the EPA approves to remove mold spores. It usually takes 24 hours to kill mold spores.
After that, the team will apply a mold-resistant coating to protect the space. It stops mold from coming back while protecting against future infestations.
Step Eight: Plastic Sheeting Is Removed
The plastic sheeting is removed at this time. Then, the team uses a high-powered HEPA-approved vacuum to capture any mold spores.
Step Nine: Dry the Space
The team will use dryers, fans, and other tools to ensure the space reaches specific humidity standards. This part helps to ensure the mold will not return.
Step Ten: Mold Remediation Testing
For the final step, a mold remediation expert will come out to inspect the job. They’ll check humidity and moisture readings and look for any visual signs of mold damage to ensure all mold is eliminated. They’ll also test airborne spore samples both inside and outside the area.
These tests assess whether the mold remediation was successful. Upon completion of a successful inspection, it is deemed safe for remodeling and occupancy.
Don’t Delay the Mold Remediation Process
If you notice mold or signs of mold, it’s imperative to schedule the mold remediation process. PNW Restoration offers 24/7 and emergency service. To schedule an appointment or emergency service, call 503.352.5209 or contact us online.
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