Mold Removal – What You Need to Know
When you see mold on a surface, like the grout between ceramic tiles, you can usually clean it by spraying it down with a solution of bleach and water.
If you have a more extensive problem, it’s time to call in the professionals for mold removal. That’s because mold spores are incredibly dangerous to humans and can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and even mold poisoning.
Remediation
Mold remediation is an essential step in the process of removing mold damage. It includes a thorough mold inspection to determine the type of mold and its source, as well as a complete cleaning and abatement strategy to remove the current growth and prevent it from reoccurring.
The most important thing is to get the water problem under control before mold removal can start because mold spores flourish wherever there’s moisture. This means repairing any leaks that caused the water, as well as reducing humidity and other factors that can help mold thrive.
You should also make sure you’re prepared for the mold removal crew to enter your home and work in it. That’s why it’s helpful to clear the area in advance, putting away pets and moving as many personal items as possible out of the way.
Containment
One of the most important steps in removing mold damage is containment. This ensures that clean, unaffected areas of your home are not contaminated by airborne mold spores during the cleanup process.
Containment can take many forms, but most involve the installation of heavy plastic sheeting in the contaminated area. The material covers HVAC vents, doors and pipes to prevent spores from entering the rest of the building.
It also protects the mold remediation technicians and their equipment by keeping any spores out of the work area. It lessens the amount of dust that is created during the process and reduces cleanup time.
For this reason, it is important to use a quality plastic sheeting product for mold containment. A minimum of 6 mils thick is recommended, and you should choose a self-adhesive, polyethylene film that does not billow out to keep contaminants contained.
Cleaning
Mold grows when there’s moisture or water in a home. It can appear on drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, and other surfaces, or it can be hidden beneath or behind items like furniture, carpeting, or walls.
Almost every home has mold infestations that need to be dealt with before they become a health hazard. Once they get out of hand, it’s time to call in the professionals.
After a professional mold test confirms the presence of fungi, remediation experts will begin cleaning mold damage. During this phase, they’ll wear personal protective equipment and eliminate existing colonies.
The best way to remove mold from porous surfaces is by using a mixture of bleach and water. Spray the area with a solution and scrub it thoroughly. Afterward, disinfect your rags and brush to eliminate mold spores.
Prevention
Mold grows in damp, dark or steamy areas where there is a moisture problem, such as a leaky roof or pipes, flooded basements, plumbing spaces and rooms with poor ventilation.
In these cases, the only way to control mold growth is to remove the cause of the mold and fix the water or moisture problem. To do this, Ragsdale recommends a thorough inspection of the affected area and checking for structural damage.
Once the source of the mold is found, it’s crucial to remove and replace any porous materials (such as drywall, carpeting, and insulation) that are prone to mold growth. To prevent the spread of airborne spores during the cleanup, moisten the contaminated surface with a garden sprayer while you’re working and use a wet/dry vacuum to pick up any debris that isn’t easily cleaned away.
After cleaning, it is important to open windows and doors to provide fresh air. Wear non-porous gloves and protective eyewear to prevent infection from spores that can enter your eyes and lungs.
