Mold Removal is the process of removing, cleaning and disinfecting any infected materials. This includes drywall, flooring and even furniture.
There are a few different products that can be used to kill and remove mold. Bleach is a popular choice, especially when mixed with old-fashioned hard scrubbing.
Vinegar is also a good option. Simply mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, apply it to the affected area and scrub with a brush.
Do I Need to Have Mold Remediation?
If your property is affected by mold and you suspect that the mold can cause health issues for yourself, family members, guests or pets, it’s important to have the issue addressed immediately. Mold can have a variety of effects, including allergy-like symptoms, asthma flare ups, fungal infections and even fatal toxicity. The best way to ensure that the mold is properly removed and won’t return is to hire a professional certified mold remediation specialist.
During a mold remediation project, a number of steps are taken to address the mold and to correct the conditions that allow for its growth. The first step is to conduct a mold and moisture assessment. This involves locating the source of the mold and the moisture, what materials are affected and how much and where the mold is present. This allows for the creation of a remediation plan that outlines what needs to be done, when it needs to be completed and if any permits are required for the work to be performed.
Mold removal is the next step. During this process, the technicians use a combination of traditional and modern techniques to clean the infected materials. These include area wipe downs with a biocide such as RMR (Sodium Hypochlorite), wet mopping with an antimicrobial solution such as a mixture of water and distilled vinegar, chemical blasting with dry ice or sand, ozone, UV light, structural pasteurization with heat and enzymes. Client health and safety concerns are always taken into consideration when choosing the method for removing any contaminated material.
Often times, when mold grows in a home it’s because there is a source of moisture that has not been addressed. Attempting to remove the mold without addressing and fixing the moisture problem will just result in the mold returning. Mold guarantees are frequently tied to a guarantee that the molds will remain within normal ecological levels if the moisture problems are corrected and managed.
During the mold remediation process, it is common for contents that are salvageable to be packed out and cleaned off site. This includes textiles, clothes, hard goods, photos, electronics and more.
Do I Need to Remove the Mold?
Mold growth is a problem because of both the cosmetic damage it causes and the health risks associated with it. The best course of action is to prevent the mold from growing in the first place by fixing any leaks or damp problems as soon as possible and making sure all items are completely dry, especially porous materials like drywall. Then, keep an eye out and routinely inspect for mold and clean it up when you see it, using the tips and techniques described here.
If the area of mold is small, like less than 10 square feet, you may be able to remove it yourself, says Apfelbaum. You’ll need a N95 mask, personal protective equipment and cleaning items, such as soap and water, plus disposal gear.
For larger areas, you’ll need to call a professional, he says. “If you suspect hidden mold—as in behind cabinets or in your insulation—or if you see mold on porous surfaces like carpets, it’s definitely time to call a professional.”
Trying to kill the mold and then leaving it alone could lead to it returning. Mold spores float in the air and can get into other parts of your home, where it can grow and colonize, he says. Mold is a chronic problem, he adds, because once it starts growing you need to eliminate the moisture that allows it to do so.
The best way to do this is to make sure crawl spaces are well ventilated and to route basement water away from the foundation, he says. Keeping things dry in damp rooms, such as bathrooms and outside in shady areas, is another good prevention measure. Paints with mildewcide are also helpful for controlling surface mold in damp rooms.
If you find that the mold has grown into drywall, a professional will need to take out and replace it, says Apfelbaum. However, if it is only a small area of the drywall, and not much more than a couple of inches, you might be able to replace it yourself. Just make sure you section off the work area with plastic sheeting and keep it closed off, and that it’s sprayed and scrubbed with a mold-killing solution before you attempt it.
Do I Need to Clean the Mold?
Mold spores can spread easily, from one area to another via air and water. Those that become airborne can cause respiratory problems, and can aggravate existing conditions like asthma. While not all types of mold produce toxins, any type that does can be harmful to humans. The CDC recommends that any mold growth be removed as soon as it’s noticed, and before the spores are able to disperse into uninfected areas of your home.
How you clean the affected area will depend on what type of mold you have and how extensive the damage is. If the mold is only on a small surface, like a cabinet or a piece of furniture, it can be cleaned with normal household cleaning products. If the mold is on drywall or other porous materials, those surfaces will need to be replaced. If the mold has spread to rugs, curtains, or other soft furnishings, they may have to be discarded.
Professional mold remediation involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques. Remediators seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and zippered doors, and they use filtration systems to keep spores from becoming airborne during the cleanup. They also set out dehumidifiers and fans to dry the area, and they’ll usually re-paint walls with a latex paint that contains mildewcide to help prevent future mold.
The biggest benefit of hiring a professional is that they know where to look for hidden mold and can remove it more thoroughly. They’ll typically use antifungal cleaners and disinfectants to get at the deepest areas of the problem, which over-the-counter kits can’t always detect. If the spores are re-growing, they’ll also use a special air fogger that produces UV light to kill them. They’ll also replace any damaged drywall or wood, and they’ll use dehumidifiers to dry the space before they leave. While it is possible to hire a professional mold remediation company yourself, the EPA and CDC both suggest that you only try DIY if the affected area is less than 10 square feet and you don’t have respiratory issues.
Do I Need to Hire a Professional?
While it is possible to remove mold yourself, this should only be done when the problem is small and you have experience with cleaning. Otherwise, you should hire a professional. This is not only because a professional has the proper equipment to handle mold removal, but also because they understand how to safely and effectively treat the affected areas of your home.
Professionals also know how to identify the various types of mold and what treatment methods are best for each. They can also help you with any structural damage that may have occurred due to the mold. This includes repairing the damaged area, preventing further moisture intrusion, and replacing any affected materials.
Mold professionals will also address the underlying cause of the mold, which can include improving ventilation, reducing humidity levels, addressing leaks and other water issues, and removing organic material that can provide places for mold to grow. Taking this approach can significantly reduce the risk of future mold growth and ensure that your house is healthy and safe for you and your family.
One of the biggest problems with unchecked mold is that it can aggravate breathing issues. This is especially true for people with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD, asthma, or allergies. It can also exacerbate symptoms in children and the elderly. If you or any members of your family have these health conditions, then it is important to have the mold removed and treated immediately.
When you hire a mold remediation company, the price will vary depending on how much of the home needs to be remediated and the type of mold involved. However, a good company will be honest and up front about the cost of their services, won’t push unnecessary testing, and have the tools necessary to access hard-to-reach spaces like crawlspaces.
If you are looking for a trustworthy company to clean up your home’s mold problem, look no further than SERVPRO. We offer a variety of services, including inspection and testing, cleanup, and even insurance assistance to help you navigate the process smoothly. Contact us today to get started!
