Mold is a common issue found in homes and buildings. Visible black, green, and white growths on surfaces are a clear sign that you have a serious problem that needs professional attention. Other indicators include a musty smell, sagging ceilings and wall framing, and high energy bills.
Mold Remediation is a process that involves addressing the underlying cause of the issue, preventing it from coming back, and re-establishing proper air ventilation. It also includes educating the client and providing preventative maintenance to avoid future issues.
While a good number of people are capable of cleaning up small amounts of surface mold with a mixture of bleach, water and detergent, the most difficult problems typically require professional remediation. A trained Mold Remediation specialist will inspect the affected area, identify the source of the problem, and decide on the best course of action to take.
This might involve a combination of treatments including removing and cleaning contaminated materials, disinfecting and encapsulating the remaining areas, and preparing the building to be rebuilt. Depending on the extent of the problem, this could take one to five days. During the mold removal process, negative air machines and HEPA-filtering vacuums are used to control spores from becoming airborne.
All wet and contaminated materials are bagged, sealed, and carried away in plastic containers to limit the spread of spores. Non-porous surfaces are sprayed and scrubbed to remove spores. The mold removal process is often completed by spraying the entire area with biocide to keep the spores from returning.
The next step is to allow the remediated spaces to dry. This can take a few days, but fans and dehumidifiers are often used to speed up the drying process. During this time, a trained microbial tester will examine the site and ensure that all traces of mold are gone.
After the remediated spaces have been allowed to dry, the mold remediation team will apply a special coating called an encapsulating product to all exposed surfaces. This will stop mold spores from growing and will prevent future outbreaks.
Regardless of how much you do to address a mold outbreak, if the source of the moisture is not addressed, the mold will return. This is why it is so important to fix any leaks right away.