Thursday, March 21, 2024

What Happens During Mold Remediation

Prepare Area For Effective And Safe Mold Removal

Proper Containment During Mold Remediation

This is one of the most important steps because it ensures that mold spores do not spread through out the home.

During this process containment, decontamination chambers and negative air is set up!

The area is contained and negative air pressures are set and regularly monitored to prevent cross contamination of mold spores and mycotoxins to other areas of the home.

During the mold removal and remediation process mold spores become disrupted meaning spore counts can increase 10 to 100 times.

Proper procedures, containment and HEPA filtration equipment are required to prevent cross contamination.

Without these controls, the situation can become much worse than the original issue.

What Happens During Mold Removal

What Happens During Mold Removal?

Puritan Restoration is proud to serve residential and business owners in Norwood, Newton, Framingham, Cambridge, Needham, Brookline MA and surrounding areas. We are passionate about helping our customers with their mold concerns and dedicated to educating consumers. To date, we have published several articles on mold:

  • Does Bleach Kill Mold?
  • Have you ever wondered what professional mold removal specialists do to restore the fungal ecology of your home to a healthy state?

    Here is a short video showing what some our team members are doing to remove mold in an attic. Notice, we have containment set up to prevent spores from contaminating other parts of the home.

    The purpose of this article is to explain why you need to hire a professional when you do find mold that needs to be removed by explaining the step by step process.

    Got Mold Concerns? Puritan Restoration specializes in mold removal. Our staff are highly educated and trained on all aspects of indoor air quality. We are experts at indoor air quality because your health and well being is our biggest concern. If you think you have mold, please give us a call, or send us an e-mail

    Why Is Mold Remediation Necessary

    As well as creating a mold infestation, there are other reasons why you would need to have mold remediation done. For example, high humidity levels cause mold to grow. If a property is leaking water or has humidity levels over 50%, mold will begin to grow if the other conditions are right for it. In many cases when a property is moved into, it may have been in storage and maybe carrying with it the moisture that isn’t removed from the new location.

    When mold is found in a property, or if it’s suspected that mold is present, there are a number of steps that need to be taken to remove the mold and clean up the area. These steps include:

    Getting expert help on testing for mold and determining which type of mold has grown in the property and whether it needs to be treated. When a professional comes out to evaluate a problem, they will take samples from within the home and send them off for testing. There are several different types of mold that can be found in a home.

    Stachybotrys: Stachybotrys is a black mold that is found in damp, humid areas, and is the rarest type of mold to be found. It will often grow inside of walls or along ceiling lines.

    Cladosporium: Cladosporium is the second most common type of mold found in homes. It is a greenish-grey, thin mold that grows on surfaces where food is stored or where flooring and insulation have become wet. This type of mold can give off allergens that can cause respiratory problems for humans as well as pets.

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    Do You Need Mold Removal

    If you are experiencing mold growth on your property, the answer to this question is straight and simple yes, you do. When you detect mold growth in your home or office, you immediately want to have it removed. You either look for natural ways to get rid of mold, or search for a company that offers professional service.

    Nonetheless, it is important to note that removal is only a part of the process of combating mold problems. Having mentioned that, complete mold removal is impossible and mostly undesirable, the next best thing is to remediate mold. The process of mold remediation involves removing mold to a level that is safe for your health and your premise. This level is known as the point of normal or healthy fungal ecology.

    Mold Removal Vs Mold Remediation

    What Happens During Mold Remediation

    Mold removal is the process of completely removing all traces of mold from an area. This usually involves demolishing and rebuilding affected areas of your property. Mold remediation, on the other hand, is the process of cleaning and treating mold-affected areas so that mold can no longer grow there. Mold remediation is less invasive than mold removal and often takes less time, making it a more popular option for many people.

    However, it’s important to note that mold remediation will not completely get rid of all traces of mold from your property. There is always a chance that mold will come back after remediation .

    So, should you choose mold removal or mold remediation? The answer depends on several factors, including the extent of the problem, the type of property you have, and your personal preferences. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, consult with a professional before taking any action.

    Mold is a serious problem that should be dealt with immediately. When deciding how to deal with mold, you have two main options: mold removal and mold remediation. Mold removal is more invasive than remediation and often requires rebuilding affected areas of your property. However, it offers a higher chance of completely getting rid of all traces of mold.

    Each Franchise is independently owned and operated.Franchise Location:Oakland Park, FL 33064

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    The Mold Remediation Assessment

    The first step is an assessment. A specialist will make an inspection assessment using techniques like air quality testing and moisture surveys.

    They will determine the next steps, then examine the location and cause of the mold, as well as determine if there is any mold out of sight in the ceiling and walls.

    If the problem is the result of a moisture problem, such as a leaky pipe, you may have to fix the issue before the mold remediation.

    Hire Mold Removal Professionals

    The biggest problem facing our industry is the fact that any contractor can offer mold removal services. This is not an ideal situation because most consumers are not sure who is the best contractor to work with.

    To protect yourself, it is imperative that you do your due diligence and research the references and reputation of the prospective contractors you are planning to work with. In a previous blog, we listed 10 questions that you should ask and also gave you advice on what three documents you should request from the mold removal company you are considering hiring. This article, which documents how mold removal cost is determined, should be reviewed so that you can properly prepare for the research process.

    Think of it this way, when you are sick you seek out a physician who may then recommend that you see a specialist. If you are diagnosed with a sickness that requires surgery or a long term treatment, you may seek a second opinion.

    Similarly, if you have mold in your home, do not just hire the cheapest or easiest option presented to you, consult with at least 3 professionals. Qualified and professional mold removal specialists have invested in education and training. Mold remediation professionals are building doctors whose objective is to assess the indoor air quality of your home and prescribe the best solution to fix the problems that are causing poor health.

    Be very cautious if you get estimates from so-called mold removal contractors that recommend the following:

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    How To Select A Mold Remediation Contractor

    Selecting a mold remediation company to clean up and restore your property after a disaster is a big decision. These projects are complex and require knowledge of multiple aspects of construction, including: water mitigation, water damage restoration, electrical, plumbing, roofing, remodeling, ground-up construction, insurance assistance, and complex project management.

    Look for a mold remediation contractor with the following qualifications:

    • Is licensed, bonded, and insured
    • Experience working with complex projects that require coordination with multiple different parties
    • Experience managing staged restoration projects that may require parallel demolition and installation
    • Experience working with water, fire, mold damage repairs and restoration
    • Experience working with insurance companies on damage claims

    An experienced mold remediation contractor can help you restore your property as if the damage had never happened.

    What Is Mold Remediation

    Antimicrobial Use During Mold Remediation

    Mold remediation entails the removal and cleaning of mold-infested areas in your home. It is a thorough cleaning process performed by mold professionals who inspect the affected mold area, treat it, and completely remove the visible mold. The process entails disinfecting mold-contaminated areas of your home with professional equipment and methods that ensure complete mold removal and prevent new mold growth. If you have more than 10 square feet of mold, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a mold remediation company to fix the problem.

    Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Vacant House

    Finally The Difference Between Mold Removal And Mold Remediation

    Within the industry and among mold professionals, mold removal, mold mitigation, mold abatement and mold remediation are often used interchangeably along with other terms such as mold cleaning and mold restoration. The significant difference is in the procedure.

    While mold removal is the process of removing the mold, it does not address identifying the source. However, mold remediation centers on all actions taken to combat mold infestation and return mold level to the point that is not dangerous to the health of inhabitants and the buildings structure. Mold remediation will identify the cause of active mold growth and controlling how much mold is present.

    While some degree of mold removal is included in the mold remediation process, mold remediation is an extensive process that focuses on problematic areas of infestation. The series of actions involved in remediation effectively return mold levels to a natural point that is safe for both the structure and its occupants.

    A complete mold remediation procedure is what keeps potentially harmful mold problems away.

    This article was originally published in Dec-2020 and was last updated in Oct-2021.

    Preparation For The Mold Remediation Process

    If you have invited a mold remediation company to come and fix your problem, you must plan ahead of time. The first step is to remove any mold-infected furniture and other items from the infestation area. When the company arrives, the site should be clear if there are any cars in the garage or driveway, you should move them as well. Set aside a room where you will keep your pets away from the affected area as soon as they arrive.

    Mold thrives in moist environments like kitchens, bathrooms, sink cabinets, basements, and window sills. Mold thrives in areas of your home that have high moisture levels. Mold detection is done by mold professionals using special mold testing and moisture detection tools such as thermal imaging. In order to prevent future mold growth, inspect and repair your plumbing system, including leaky kitchen and bathroom faucets.

    Read Also: How To Get Mold Out Of Lawn Chairs

    Areas Of The Home That Develop Mold

    All places where water is found can develop mold. An excessive amount of humidity in a house can condense and cause mold. Ironically, newer homes can often experience more mold growth than older homes because they are more tightly insulated. Fiberglass insulation provides fertile ground for mold growth and makes it difficult to eradicate and remove.

    • Under window unit air conditioners

    What Happens During Mold Remediation

    What Happens During Mold Remediation?

    Home » Blog » What Happens During Mold Remediation

    No one likes surprises when having any kind of work done in ones home. It is a disruptive situation no matter what the project. In the case of mold remediation, you are going to have strangers in your home in other worldly outfits using serious chemicals. You will feel much less stressed if you know just what the mold remediation companys MO is.

    Firstly, you have a few things to do before the remediation crew arrives:

    Fix the water problem that caused the mold. Mold remediation is an involved and costly process. You dont want to have to do it all over again.

    Clear a path for the crew to move easily from the outside to the mold area and back. For instance, remove cars from the driveway and garage.

    Keep pets out of the wayin a room with the door closed, in the yard if the crew wont be working there.

    The mold remediation company parks the truck as close to the house as possible, lays plastic sheeting down and runs hoses from the doorway to the mold area .

    The mold remediation workers suit up: head-to-toe white suits, booties, respirators and goggles. They do this on every job, toxic mold or non-toxic. They then spray the mold area with an EPA-approved biocide . The workers leave while the biocide does its thing.

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    Mold Basics: How Molds Can Affect Your Health

    Wear personal protective equipment. Wear an N-95 respirator at a minimum, goggles, and protective gloves.

    Use portable generators carefully, outside and away from the home, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.

    Ensure the mold cleanup is complete before reoccupying your home.

    Exposure to mold can lead to asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. It can lead to severe infections in people with weakened immune systems. Avoid contaminated buildings and contaminated water as much as you can.

    Flood water may have carried sewage or chemicals into your home. This could expose you or your family to viruses, bacteria, disease carriers , and parasites, as well as mold. To learn more about cleaning and disinfection go to: www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/flood/standing.html.

    You can protect yourself and your family from mold exposure by following these steps.

    A Little Background On Mold

    Mold is fungi that live off of moisture and decomposing organic matter to survive. However, once it begins to grow on the material that it is growing, there are toxins released into the air. While some people may have no reaction at all from these toxins, others can have allergic reactions and breathing problems. As mold feeds on a growing fungus colony it grows in colonies from very small to large.

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    Manage The Finances And The Frustrations

    This photo shows new sheet rock, subfloor, plumbing, framing plus new sheet rock, plumbing, and framing in the area below this bath. Remediation means removing and cleaning up mold. Abatement means removing and cleaning up asbestos, lead, lead-based paint, chemicals, or sewage. The is seldom an easy or inexpensive process. Following these steps will save your money, your timeline, and maybe your sanity.

    What Is The Mold Remediation Cost

    How To Do a Mold Remediation In Your Home

    The cost to remove mold from a home or business in the Baltimore area depends on several factors: the extent of the mold problem, what areas are affected, and the types of contaminated materials. Mold remediation is charged by square footage. The average cost per square foot can vary depending upon the conditions. Our mold remediation experts can provide a quote to address your specific mold issue.

    Our team of mold removal specialists will thoroughly assess your homeâs mold damage and work with you to devise a plan of action for the remediation process

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    Failed Air Sampling After A Mold Remediation

    Finally, we get to the matter of a failed mold remediation when found in an air test. Sometimes, our clients will be shocked to see that mold spores are more elevated after the remediation than prior. How can that happen? A number of items can come into play. First, an air scrubber or negative air machine should be used during and after the heavy remediation to remove the excess number of spores that will inevitably be tossed into the air. This almost always occurs with the cutting and removal of moldy surfaces on drywall or wood. Air cleaning should be a basic practice for all remediation companies. Sometimes it is not.

    Second, if there is an excess level of spores from the air sample, it may be an indication that the air scrubbers did not run for a long enough period of time. Oftentimes, having the scrubbers running for a few more days is all that is needed to properly clean the air. It can be helpful to move them around so that airflow patterns can reach dead zones such as corners.

    Finally, when turning off the air scrubbers, the remediation contractor should cover the inlet to prevent any back pressure burping back spores into the area of containment. Since the spores are what we breathe in, they are of paramount importance in being cleaned.

    There are differences of opinion on whether air scrubbers or negative air machines should be run during any air sampling. That is a complex issue that well need to cover in a different blog post.

    S Of Mold Removal And Remediation

    Fire, storms, and water can all be disastrous and can cause serious damage to your property. But if theres one word that truly makes homeowners cringe, its mold. Why? For many, it manifests a fear of illness, not to mention the aesthetic and structural deterioration it can create.

    Mold has been linked to health problems and can be harmful to you, your family, and your employees. Its something that isnt always easily detected, but could cause serious long-term damage to your house or business.

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