Mold Remediation
Mold growth inside a building or home is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. It is a common problem for home and business owners to have because it can occur any time there is moisture present whether there has been a water leak, flooding, condensation, or poor ventilation. Once alive and growing, mold colonies can cause chronic health issues if not addressed.
How Common Is Mold?
Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
Identifying Mold
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Stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings
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Mold growth
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Peeling paint
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Musty smells
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Swollen or buckled flooring
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Increase in your water bill
Our Mold Remediation Process.
By following the guidelines outlined in the IICRC S-500 Standard, professional restoration companies can effectively mitigate water damage and restore properties to pre-loss conditions in a safe and efficient manner.
Pre-Inspection
The remediation process begins with a thorough pre-inspection of the affected area to determine the extent of microbial contamination. This involves identifying the type of microorganism present, the size of the affected area, and any underlying causes such as water damage or moisture issues.
Documentation
Proper documentation is crucial in microbial remediation. Detailed documentation of the pre-inspection findings, remediation plan, work progress, and post-remediation verification is essential for regulatory compliance and insurance purposes.
Containment
Establishing containment barriers is essential to prevent the spread of microbial contaminants to uncontaminated areas. Physical barriers such as plastic sheeting and negative air pressure systems may be used to contain the affected area.
Removal of Contaminated Materials
The next step involves the removal of contaminated materials such as drywall, insulation, carpeting, and furnishings that cannot be effectively cleaned and restored. These materials are disposed of following proper protocols to prevent further contamination.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Non-porous surfaces that can be effectively cleaned are meticulously treated with appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants. Specialized equipment such as HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers may be used to remove microbial particles from the air.
Drying/Dehumidification
Proper drying and dehumidification of the affected area are essential to inhibit the growth of mold and other microbes. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are used to achieve optimal moisture levels within the space.
Post-Remediation Verification
Once the remediation process is complete, a post-remediation verification (PRV) is conducted to ensure that microbial contamination has been effectively eliminated. This may involve visual inspection, moisture testing, and air sampling to confirm the success of the remediation efforts.
Preventative Measures
Recommendations for preventing future microbial growth may be provided, such as addressing underlying moisture issues, improving ventilation, and maintaining proper humidity levels.
Documentation and Reporting
Comprehensive documentation of the entire remediation process, including pre-inspection reports, work logs, laboratory results, and PRV findings, is essential to demonstrate compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Final Clearance
Once all remediation activities are completed and the PRV confirms the successful removal of microbial contamination, a final clearance is provided, indicating that the affected area is safe for reoccupation.
