Mold Remediation Provo addresses the root cause of a mold problem and includes implementing preventative measures. It may involve removing porous materials like drywall, carpeting, and insulation and scrubbing nonporous surfaces with biocide.
Depending on the extent of your mold issue, it can take weeks or months to remediate your home fully. During this time, it is important to follow safe work practices.
Mold spores spread where there is moisture, and if left unchecked, they can cause severe damage to building materials and contents. To prevent this, it’s important to address any moisture and humidity problems in your property, including leaky ceilings, pipes, ductwork and more. However, while mold removal focuses on treating symptoms, it doesn’t address the underlying conditions that allow the mold to grow in the first place. Therefore, even after mold removal is complete, it can quickly return if conditions are right for its growth.
Mold remediation is a more in-depth process than mold removal that addresses all areas of mold growth, both visible and not, along with the conditions that led to its growth. This includes identifying the mold species (genus and specific type) to be removed, determining how extensive the mold growth is in terms of size and depth, assessing any damage and how it affects the structure of the property, as well as examining the impact on health by testing air quality and assessing occupants’ symptoms.
During the remediation process, an experienced and licensed mold assessor will isolate affected areas to prevent cross-contamination, install engineering controls such as negative air machines and HEPA vacuums, and use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to prevent further sporulation. Then, non-porous surfaces are cleaned and sanitized with cleaning agents and disinfectants while porous surfaces are either removed or sanitized using antifungal encapsulant.
Once the area is safe, the next step is restoring the area to its original condition. This may include repairing drywall, flooring and insulation and replacing any damaged items that can’t be saved. It’s also a good idea to get a post-remediation assessment done to make sure the project was performed properly and that all of the mold has been successfully removed.
After the completion of a mold remediation project, an inspector will test the area and provide a written passed clearance report. If the area is found to be free of all visible signs of mold growth, it is considered safe and ready for restoration work. For best results, it is recommended to have the same company that performs the inspection and remediation services conduct the post-remediation testing.
Containment
As the mold remediation process gets underway, it is important to contain the work area to limit release of mold spores into occupied spaces. A HEPA Filtered Negative Air machine should be set up to draw contaminated air away from the work area and exhaust it outdoors through flexible tubing or ductwork. This will help to prevent the spread of mold spores during cleanup and also help control dust generation.
Remediation workers should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as a respirator, gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with mold spores and to reduce their exposure. If occupants are present, they should be relocated to another part of the building for the duration of the project.
Containment of a mold remediation project should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the level of safety precautions that are required. This determination should consider the number of occupants who may be exposed, the nature of the contamination, and how much surface area is affected. Guidelines suggest that full containment is needed for surface areas greater than 100 ft2 and any situation where it appears likely that mold spores could be distributed to other parts of the building during cleaning and removal activities.
Mold spores are constantly dispersed in the indoor and outdoor air by the mold’s reproductive system. Once they land on a moist spot indoors, they begin to grow and digest whatever they are growing on. They produce toxins and volatile organic compounds that can cause health problems, such as allergies and asthma. In addition, some molds produce potent irritants that can trigger other types of health concerns.
Non-structural surfaces can usually be cleaned by scrubbing and detergent washing. However, it is often necessary to remove and replace any impacted structural materials, such as wood framing, drywall, insulation or carpeting. Structural material replacement is generally more difficult and labor-intensive than cleaning.
After all non-structural cleaning and removal is complete, it is critical to HEPA vacuum the entire affected area to remove any remaining spores. It is also a good idea to perform a post-remediation assessment and create a written passed clearance report or final status document.
Removal
A mold infestation is often more than just an unsightly stain. In many cases, mold growth reveals hidden damage to the structure of the property as well as exposing residents to harmful toxins. While some homeowners are able to clean small patches of mold, large, widespread contamination will require a professional. A reputable mold remediation company should begin any project with an inspection and assessment of the property. This will include testing for mold as well as identifying the type of mold present. This will also include determining the source of moisture that led to the mold growth. Once the mold is identified, a containment plan can be put in place. This will ensure that the mold spores do not travel to other areas of the home during the cleanup process.
During the cleaning process, mold spores are killed and surfaces are cleaned with antimicrobial agents. Non-porous materials can be cleaned with simple soap and water, while more absorbent materials will require a more extensive cleaning regimen that may include scrubbing and use of specialized detergents and cleaners. The team will also dry the affected area by using dehumidifiers or fans, to eliminate any remaining moisture that could potentially promote future growth of mold.
Once all surfaces have been cleaned, the team will apply a biocide to the space. This is a liquid that is approved by the EPA to kill mold spores and other organisms. It must sit overnight before it is considered fully effective.
Finally, the team will encapsulate the space with a special mold resistant product that will prevent future infestations. The team will also replace any materials that have been damaged or contaminated by the mold.
While it is impossible to completely remove all mold spores from the indoor environment, the goal of a mold remediation project is to return the indoor air quality to a level that is safe and healthy for all residents, especially those with allergies or respiratory conditions. To achieve this, a trained remediation specialist will follow the guidelines set out in the EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings guide, as well as the recommendations of other professional or government agencies.
Remediation
Once the scope of the problem is clear, an expert mold remediation company can proceed with the necessary steps to safely and effectively remove and treat all affected areas. This will include removing all porous building materials, such as drywall and insulation, and restoring non-porous surfaces like tile, wood floors, carpeting and HVAC systems. This also means that all contaminated items must be removed and properly disposed of. Some contaminated materials may need to be sanitized and disinfected, while others might simply need to be cleaned and dried.
The next step in the remediation process is to establish containment barriers to protect remediators and building occupants from exposure to mold spores during the removal process. A team of experts will set up plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to contain mold spores within the contaminated space. This is particularly important if the mold is found in difficult-to-reach places like air ducts and drywall.
Negative air pressure in the contaminated space will help trap and flush out any spores that become airborne during the removal process, which helps prevent their spread to unaffected spaces. HEPA filters and air scrubbers will be used to keep the negative pressure in place, and dehumidifiers will be utilized to speed up the drying process.
During this stage, it’s also important for the remediation crew to communicate with any affected building occupants and make sure they understand the project scope, the steps that will be taken, and what their responsibilities are. This will help alleviate stress and minimize any miscommunication issues that might arise during the project.
It is a good idea to have all of the work completed by an experienced and certified mold removal company that follows all local, state and federal guidelines for proper remediation. Choosing the right company can mean the difference between a quick, successful project and serious damage, health problems, and long-term repairs. Ask for references and check for certifications from professional industry organizations. Lastly, be sure to hire a company that offers post-remediation inspections to ensure the job was done correctly.