Experienced Professionals for Complete Restoration

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

The Process of Mold Damage Restoration in a Home or Business

Mold damage can be a major nuisance in any business or home set-up. It discolors drywall, leaves black spots on the siding, blackens shower grout lines and grows on damp wood on the property. The microscopic spores it releases are scientifically known to lead to property damage and also leave a smelly odor. The trick is to embrace mitigation and deodorization program for the mold in home and business setups before it becomes harmful.

Locate the Mold

Removing some of the mold one can see does not act as remediation process. Fungus, mildew, and mold in home must be removed completely to avert damage. Missing out on any bit during mold removal means what’s left will grow and spread, leading to home or commercial mold damage. It is advisable to employ the services of a mold removal company to ensure a thorough test and mitigation program are professionally applied to keep off mold damage for the longest time. The companies look for mold damage in all rooms, paying attention to areas with smelly odor and those that appear dump. Many property owners do not realize that commercial mold damage can also be found under floor coverings, in walls, air conditioning ducts, among other sensitive areas, and this will need deodorization after the mold removal process.

Assessment and Calculation of Mold Damage called a "SCOPE."

Mold remediation goes beyond locating the areas affected by commercial mold damage. Most people fail to understand that mildew, fungus, and mold can be invisible intruders, meaning that one must be inquisitive before applying the remediation process. Professionals know that mold is mostly caused by water and too much moisture. Experience allows them to locate the source of this moisture. What’s more, it may not grow in just one area, so a thorough investigation on the amount of contaminated space must be considered for thorough mitigation. Calculating the extent of mold in a home impacts the mold removal, cleanup and deodorization approach. The aim of commercial mold damage mitigation is to avoid exposing workers and the building occupants to harm. Professionals apply high levels of mold, mildew and fungus remediation based on the square footage of the damage. The EPA states that people should be concerned when more than ten square feet of structural surface is affected.

Preparation of the Damaged Area

Most companies use fungicide for deodorization and the cleanup of fungus, mildew, and mold. Sheets of heavy plastic are used, and tapes to seal the work area to ensure mold spores are not spread to other areas. Professionals carry all necessary mold alleviation tools for the operation. Also, to further prevent the spreading of mold spores, negative pressure is applied in areas of commercial mold damage. Mold removal companies use protective gear before undertaking remediation.

Cleanup and Removal of Moldy Materials

Materials such as carpeting and drywall are sprayed lightly with water to reduce the smelly odor and prevent mold spores from being spread. Using a vacuum with a filter keeps mold from being dispersed. The moldy materials are then sealed in trash bags before being disposed of. For non-porous materials that can be cleaned adequately such as bathtubs and tiles to remove mold, mildew, and fungus, fungicide is applied using a rag (towel). However it should be noted that much of the mold growing on tile in wet areas does not produce airborne spores.

Because powdery mold tends to disperse high amounts of mold spores only a professional should provide cleanup services such as sanding the wood and other surfaces for complete mold removal.

Moldy debris is HEPA vacuumed to avoid further spread of mold damage. Afterward, the HEPA vacuum should be thoroughly cleaned with fungicide and water. The solution is then allowed to penetrate the surfaces and dry. Also, the floor must be thoroughly cleaned with a chlorinated cleaner if the mold mitigation process is to be successful. Once the mold in home has been eliminated, the next step is to seal wood surfaces with an oil-based primer. After cleaning the wall surfaces, mold mitigation and deodorization teams repaint using latex paint that contains mildew-cide to ensure mold, mildew, and fungus will not resurface in the future, and the deodorization eliminates smelly odor. However, if moisture gets to the area, mold in home will also return. Call SERVPRO of San Leandro at 510-352-2480.