Mold remediation is the process of eliminating and cleaning areas contaminated by mold. It's a thorough cleaning process that requires a professional to ensure that all the mold in your home is removed and doesn't return. Mold can cause serious health problems for your family, so it's important to call a professional to begin the mold removal process as soon as you discover it in your home. The mold treatment company will park a truck as close to the door as possible, place plastic sheets and run hoses around the house to the area where there is mold.
In most cases, the only effective way to ensure proper mold removal is to completely remove affected materials. This includes the removal of porous and moldy building materials (drywall, insulation, etc.). After workers leave, a biocidal product kicks in and kills mold spores. The waiting period depends on how long it takes for the biocidal product to kill the mold and dry.
For areas of contamination larger than 30 square feet, many builders hire outside mold removal companies to perform the cleaning. Molds made of non-porous or semiporous materials are often cleaned using a safe process that prevents spores from being released into the air. Paint or lime is used for encapsulation, so the surface must be dry before application. If only a limited area of an attic has mold, the company will likely continue to spray the entire attic.
This is more desirable and you should confirm with the company that they will. The EPA document, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, is an excellent resource that provides guidelines to help you complete your cleaning efforts. It outlines strict rules that guide mold removal technicians through the remediation process. These include using appropriate personal protective equipment, containing affected areas, maintaining indoor air quality, and protecting unaffected parts of the property.
If your home or business has experienced recent water damage, but there is no visible mold growth, an antimicrobial agent can be applied that will prevent mold growth from occurring until the wet area dries. Antimicrobials can also kill existing mold spores if they are present. After completing the remediation process, it's important to perform a post-remediation inspection to ensure that it was successful. Active mold that remains underneath encapsulated areas can grow back, so it's important to remove all mold before painting or bleaching.
If mold levels are abnormally high, as determined by indoor air quality testing or an inspection, remediation is recommended. Following the advice of mold professionals to prevent mold growth will help you prevent it from reappearing after remediation. If you discover mold in your home, keep your family safe by calling a professional to begin the mold removal process right away. The best thing you can do is read up on what to expect during the mold remediation process and make sure you understand all of its steps.
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