Mold Remediation is the process of professionally cleaning up a mold problem to protect occupants’ health and restore a safe environment. Remediation can involve a variety of tasks, from conducting an inspection and containment to sanitizing surfaces and air with antifungal and antimicrobial treatments. It may also include removing contaminated materials, repairing and replacing them with non-contaminated materials, and addressing the source of moisture that caused the mold growth in the first place.
The first step is the inspection, which involves locating the affected area and isolating it to prevent cross-contamination from other areas of the home or business. This step often includes using cutting-edge technologies to locate hidden mold growth. Once the contaminated areas are identified, the team will lay plastic sheeting between the affected area and the rest of the structure to prevent mold spores from traveling to unaffected areas and growing again.
Once the contamination is contained, the remediation company will take down and dispose of the plastic sheeting. They’ll then begin the cleaning and disinfecting process with a wide variety of tools and equipment, including dryers, fans, and dehumidifiers. This will be a thorough and extensive cleaning, and the goal is to return the affected space to a normal fungal ecology or Condition 1 level.
Porous materials, such as drywall and insulation, are usually removed from the affected area and replaced with new, non-porous items, which will be sprayed with an EPA-approved biocide to kill mold spores on contact. The mold spores that are unable to be killed will then be encapsulated with an antimicrobial sealant, which will stop them from spreading again in the future.
This part of the remediation process is often the most time-consuming, as a lot of effort and work goes into removing affected building materials and properly disposing of them. However, it’s a crucial part of the process that needs to be completed in order to ensure that the space is completely cleaned and restored to a safe, livable environment.
Once the cleanup and sanitization are complete, a final inspection is performed. This includes a visual inspection, odor detection, and environmental sampling, which confirms that the space has returned to a healthy Condition 1. A clearance test will then be conducted, and if it passes, the occupants can return to the affected area. In most cases, a post-remediation mold testing company will be required to perform the environmental sampling. They will use a combination of visual, odor, and moisture analysis to determine if the mold is at a “normal fungal ecology” level or if there is a significant amount of residual spores in the air. If there is a high level of residual spores, the restoration company will likely recommend additional testing and possibly a mold inspection. They may also recommend that the occupants wear protective clothing and respirators for protection.