Engage the Experts for a Professional Mold Removal Process

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

Engage the Experts for a Professional Mold Removal Process

Mold is part of the natural co-existence in the environment and can thrive indoors and outdoors. In fact, it's not a problem until it starts growing indoors as that results in mold damage. Mold growth can take place on any organic substance as long as it has moisture and oxygen. As such, homeowners are likely to find mold on wood, carpets, and food. Big mold infestations occur where the sources of moisture remain undiscovered. Additionally, the mildew is evident in darkened grout lines in the shower, decks, and drywall. Dry rot and smelly odor also indicate mold growth behind wall. With the increasing awareness about the health and other effects of indoor exposure to mildew, homeowners seek various mold remediation and mitigation techniques. The next discussion highlights steps a restoration and a commercial mold damage removal company follows:

Assess the Extent of Mold Growth and its Cause

Mildew is the most visible mold species that starts off as tiny dark spots that sprout to large colonies. It is the result of mold growth behind wall or the dry rot on moist deck boards and painted siding. Most people mistake it for a dirty surface. During mold inspection, the commercial mold damage professional identifies the source of dampness that is causing mold in home. He also assesses the extent of growth, damage, manifestations of invisible mold, unusual smelly odor, and mitigation procedures to prevent reoccurrence. This way, he develops a work plan for the mold removal process.

Determine the Type of Mold Infestation

The restoration company professional then collects samples of the fungus and performs air quality tests, which he sends to an accredited laboratory to determine its species. There are different types of mold; Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and the Stachybotrysatra that is also known as the black mold (the most dangerous kind). The Aspergillus fungus is the most common mold in home as it is found in air conditioning systems and foods. Cladosporium is the mold growth behind wall, toilets and fiberglass air ducts, and the dry rot on wooden surfaces. The Stachybotrys chart arum occurs as a black slimy substance and is the most toxic kind. A report provided by the laboratory identifies the type of mold and helps the professional determine a cost-effective technique to resolve the mildew problem.


Scope of Mold Damage

The expert determines the extent of mold growth, mold damage, the sources, the appropriate remediation process, and safety protocols required for a successful mold removal.

Decontamination and Containment of Mold Damage

The restoration company professional closes off the area and monitors it regularly to avoid cross contamination of the fungus to other rooms of the home. Experts estimate a replication of the spores from 10-100 times during the remediation process.

The Mold Removal Process

Once the containment area is set up and the necessary negative pressure level achieved, the removal process begins. All damaged surfaces like the drywall, carpet, or other porous materials are removed and disposed of. Semi-porous and non-porous materials can be cleaned up and disinfected. Mold growth behind wall and surfaces that have dry rot or black mold are sealed with plastic sheathing before removal to avoid cross contamination.

Deodorization

Black mold contamination creates a smelly odor. Commercial mold damage removal professionals use carbon filters to assist in deodorization during the remediation process. They may also use specialized cleaning solutions and air cleaners in the deodorization procedure to ensure there is no reoccurrence of smelly odor in the future.

Cleaning and Vacuuming

Unlike DIY removal and mitigation projects that advocate for the use of bleach for black mold removal, commercial mold damage techniques involve the use of anti-microbial treatments on hard areas and HEPA vacuuming on porous materials. The restoration company experts then perform deodorization and air purification to rid of mold spores and mycotoxins, using accredited DOP tested HEPA air cleaning equipment. No traces of black mold can be found after such procedures.

Post Mold Remediation Process

A mold restoration company conducts a post remediation check to ensure there is no mold in home and recommend appropriate mold mitigation procedures. The environment has natural fungus that may invade a residential property and cause mold growth. A clearance investigation involves a visual inspection using specialized equipment, full range surface sampling, and air quality checks.
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