The Basics of Mold Remediation
1/25/2019 (Permalink)
If water damage occurs in a home or commercial property, there is a good chance that mold growth is likely to follow. In fact, mold begins growing within 48 hours of exposure to moisture.
Knowing your next steps when faced with a mold issue is very important, which is why we’re discussing mold remediation in this blog.
You’ve probably seen ads for mold remediation and ads that promise mold removal, but mold removal is a fallacy. Removing all mold from a home or business is simply impossible. A qualified restoration company will focus on mold remediation, setting a goal for bringing mold levels back to a normal and natural range.
It is true that mold spores are a natural occurrence everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. They only create a problem when a minor mold issue is left untreated and then it turns into a major mold infestation.
During a mold remediation, the professional technicians isolate all contaminated areas, either by closing all doors and windows or completely and effectively sealing off all doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting, dependent on the level of remediation. Dust in the contaminated areas is then suppressed through misting.
Plastic bags are used to remove and discard wet and mold-damaged materials. All areas exposed to and affected by the mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. Sometimes, a HEPA vacuum will be used to help remove contamination and debris.
The mold area will then be treated with a biocide, and the technicians will leave it to sit overnight to allow it sufficient time to kill the mold spores. The following day, the mold remediation crew will return to encapsulate the affected area and beyond.
If you suspect your home or business may have a mold problem, you’ll want to act quickly. It is time to contact the professionals if, upon evaluation of the size of the problem, it is found that the mold has affected more than 10 square feet.
It is important that any professional company you hire be highly trained and certified in areas like:
- Applied microbial remediation
- Water damage restoration
- Applied structural drying
Many home and business owners have successfully resolved some minor mold issues on their own, but the safest way is to always use a professional mold remediation company to get the quickest resolution to the problem.
At SERVPRO® of San Gabriel, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.