Surface molds like the type you find in the grout of your shower can be easily scrubbed with a cleaning mixture of bleach and water. More serious cases require a professional.
Containment: Mold spores become airborne when surfaces are disturbed so containment is essential for mold remediation. Negative air machines with HEPA filters control spores while contaminated surfaces are cleaned or removed. Click the Mold Remediation Los Angeles to know more.
Mold Remediation is an umbrella term for all of the steps a restoration company takes to get your home or building back to normal. During this process, the restoration company will perform mold testing, containment, cleaning, sanitizing and other remediation techniques.
First, they will test for and identify the type of mold in your home or building. They will also look at the situation that caused the mold growth, such as a water leak, and repair it, if possible.
Once the problem is pinned down, the restoration company will begin the cleaning and remediation. This will include a thorough cleaning of non-porous materials that are contaminated with mold, such as drywall and carpeting. Then, the restoration company will use a biocide, fungicide or moldicide solution to clean and disinfect the area. If the mold has grown into porous materials such as drywall, insulation, or wood framing, the damaged material may need to be removed and disposed of.
Moisture is the key to mold growth, so a good remediation company will check for and repair any areas of moisture build up. If this step is skipped, the mold will likely return and spread to new areas. Then, they will dry the affected areas and use a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels in the house.
At this point, it is usually safe for you to move back into the space. The restoration company will retest the air and surface for mold spores to ensure they have brought the area back to a level of normal fungal ecology. This is the only way to know that the mold has been fully remediated and that the spores are at a safe level for you and your family.
One important thing to remember is that mold spores are always present in the indoor environment. Even if you remove all the visible mold from your home, there are still millions of microscopic spores in the air that can grow into new colonies and cause problems. That’s why it’s important to fix any water issues right away and keep your indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Prevention
Mold can damage drywall, insulation and carpeting. It can also cause serious health problems, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. The best way to prevent mold is to take steps to keep it out, such as fixing leaky pipes or drying water-damaged materials as quickly as possible. Other preventive measures include keeping humidity below 50% (particularly in areas like bathrooms and basements), removing carpeting from humid rooms, and using dehumidifiers during the summer.
Even with the best prevention measures, there is still a possibility that you may need mold remediation. Mold spores are present everywhere, indoors and outdoors, and can float in through windows, doors or on clothing and pets. They thrive on moisture, and will grow into colonies if they are exposed to enough of it.
When mold spores are detected in your home, there are a few things you can do to save money on mold remediation:
Clean up as much of the affected materials as possible. This includes removing and replacing the moldy carpeting, insulation, and drywall. If you can replace these materials before they are contaminated by excessive mold growth, you can save a lot of money and time.
Repair any leaks and dry water-damaged areas as soon as possible. Check your homeowners insurance to see if you are covered.
Scrub hard surfaces to remove mold spores with commercial products, soap and water or a bleach solution of 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. Be sure to use rubber gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning contaminated surfaces. Open all windows and doors, and run fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
If the mold is extensive, a hazardous waste company may be needed to transport and dispose of the contaminated materials. This step can be expensive, but it is essential to protect your health and the safety of others.
Removal
Mold can spread quickly, so it is essential to act immediately. It is also important to take steps to prevent additional mold growth, such as repairing leaks and drying water damage quickly.
A few splotches of surface mold on tile walls or in a bathtub may not be a big deal, but if the problem is more extensive and/or widespread, it is best to hire a professional. Professionals can assess the severity of the situation, determine the most effective remediation method and repair any underlying issues that could cause future mold growth.
During the remediation process, the affected area will be isolated to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the building. In addition, negative air machines with high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters will run continuously to ensure that mold spores, dust, microbial volatile organic compounds and other contaminants are removed from the atmosphere of the affected room.
Any contaminated materials that can be safely removed will be taken away for cleaning and disposal. This includes drywall, insulation, carpet and wood trim.
The mold will be cleaned using a variety of methods depending on the type and severity of the problem. If the mold is only on non-porous surfaces, it can usually be scrubbed clean with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in a household cleaner such as bleach or vinegar. A brush is sometimes needed to get into tight corners and other hard-to-reach areas. Fabrics that can’t be washed should be dry-cleaned or taken to a professional.
If the mold is on porous surfaces, it will need to be sanded or sanded and then treated with a fungicide to prevent further mold growth. A mold expert will test the air after sanding to ensure that all of the spores have been killed. Then, the area will need to be dried again with fans and dehumidifiers. After the mold has been removed, the walls and other affected surfaces will be inspected for damage, and any damaged materials will need to be repaired or replaced. Finally, the building will need to be tested for spores again to make sure all of the mold is gone.
Cleanup
When mold remediation is completed, it is crucial to follow a plan for clean up. This includes ensuring the contaminated space is completely dry and addressing the moisture problem that allowed the mold to grow in the first place.
Remediation professionals use air scrubbers, air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture and prevent future mold growth. They will also clean the contaminated areas using a wire brush, disinfectants and disposable wipes. All materials that have been affected by the mold must be removed, including drywall, insulation and carpeting. The mold spores that have escaped during the cleaning process will need to be killed as well.
The next step is to encapsulate the area and seal all surfaces. This is a critical step to prevent further mold growth, and it must be done properly to ensure the integrity of the property.
During this stage, a restoration company may use plastic sheeting to separate the area from the rest of the home. They will also use dryers and fans to ensure the contaminated space is below a certain humidity level. This will help keep any spores that have escaped from previous steps dead and prevent them from returning.
After the encapsulation is complete, the restoration company will vacuum and clean the contaminated area. This is a critical step to ensure the space is free of mold, and it will also reveal any damage caused by the mold to other parts of the home or building.
Once the home is cleaned, it must be re-inspected to make sure there are no visible signs of mold or odors. If the inspection is clear, the homeowners can return home as soon as they wish.
Although many people attempt to do DIY mold remediation, it is always advisable to leave this type of work to a professional. The spores released during mold removal can be dangerous for those who are not protected by the proper personal protective equipment. This includes an N95 mask with a particle filter, a face shield with no vents and rubber gloves that extend to the mid-forearm.