The first step in Mold Remediation Provo is a thorough assessment. That includes documenting the issue with photos and videos, and speaking with your insurance company.
Next, water-damaged materials need to be dried completely. This can be done with fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters. Any porous materials that have been affected by mold need to be removed and discarded.
Mold Remediation involves a thorough inspection and assessment to determine the extent of the contamination. This includes the identification of visible and non-visible mold growth, and the type of species present. It also involves determining the impact on property and materials, and possible hidden damage. An inspection may also include an evaluation of health risks, especially for occupants with allergies or compromised immune systems. An air quality test and spore count may also be performed.
In order to minimize exposure during the mold remediation process, professional technicians use containment methods including physical barriers and negative air pressure differences. The work area will be isolated from the occupied spaces using plastic sheeting, with fans to pull and exhaust contaminated air outside of the work area. If a ductwork has been affected by the mold growth, it will be sealed with polyethylene. A decontamination chamber or airlock will be constructed for entry into and exit from the remediation area, with double layers of polyethylene to prevent spores from entering or leaving the space.
Occupants can be relocated during the remediation process, depending on the size of the impacted areas and the nature of the symptoms reported. Relocation is often necessary for Condition 3 mold contamination, which consists of spores that have settled on surfaces and can be spread by airflow or by people. However, relocating occupants before properly establishing background levels can leave the building open to liabilities for future problems resulting from improper remediation or building degradation.
Once the contaminated materials have been removed, professional technicians will clean and disinfect all areas that are not being rebuilt. If a drywall area has been affected, it will be cleaned and treated with an antimicrobial agent, to kill any remaining spores. Professionals will also use EPA-approved biocides when cleaning wood and other materials, to avoid the potential for spreading mold spores in the future.
Containment
Mold spores are tiny bits of the fungus that spread when it is disturbed, and they can be inhaled and cause health problems for humans, especially those who have allergies or compromised immune systems. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to contain the area that is affected by mold growth to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the home during the cleanup process.
Containment is done with plastic sheeting that seals off the affected area. It is usually recommended for contaminated surfaces that are greater than 100 square feet, and it involves a double barrier of polyethylene sheeting to separate the work area from the rest of the building. This is done to limit the movement of mold spores from the contaminated area to other unaffected areas during the cleaning and drying processes.
There are several levels of containment, depending on the severity of the contamination and the level of risk for other parts of the building occupants. For instance, a heavy growth of mold in a basement that has significant water damage would require full containment to minimize the spread of contaminants into unaffected spaces during the cleanup and drying process.
To create a containment, air supply and return vents, chases and risers should be closed to minimize the migration of mold spores into other areas of the building during remediation activities. An air scrubber should also be installed inside the containment to pull contaminated air from the work area and exhaust it outdoors. A HEPA filtered negative air machine is recommended to ensure that all spores are removed from the working area. All work personnel should wear personal protective equipment that includes a respirator, eye goggles without vents and gloves that extend to the mid-forearm.
Removal
Mold is spread by tiny, lightweight spores that are easily dispersed in the air. These spores can infiltrate homes through open windows and doors, ventilation systems, or hitch a ride on clothing and pets. Once airborne, they can contaminate unaffected areas of the home or office. Professional mold remediation companies use containment techniques and powerful air scrubbers to keep spores from spreading during the removal process.
Once the affected area has been contained, a mold remediation technician will clean all visible mold growth with a biocide or fungicide solution. The contaminated items will then be cleaned and disinfected, including any surfaces that may have been harmed by mold growth such as drywall, plaster, or wood. This step can also include making repairs to damaged items.
Nonporous items like metals, glass, hard plastics, and concrete can often be restored after they have been thoroughly cleaned. Porous materials such as carpeting, drywall, ceiling tiles, and fabric-covered furniture are typically beyond saving and must be removed from the property. They will be sent to a landfill or, depending on local regulations, can sometimes be placed in a regular dumpster.
Before a mold remediation company begins work, they will separate the working area from the rest of the building with plastic sheeting and cover all return and supply vents in the working area. The workers themselves will wear protective equipment that is consistent with the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard for professional mold remediation.
Once the remediation work is done, moisture levels should be tested in the working area to ensure that the humidity has been adequately reduced. During this process, it is important to check for signs of recurring mold growth. If any issues occur, the restoration company should be notified immediately so that the mold can be fixed as soon as possible.
Cleaning
Mold is a natural part of the environment and can never be completely eradicated. However, you can minimize the risk of exposure by minimizing your contact with it. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, call a mold remediation specialist right away. These professionals will help you determine the extent of the problem, clean affected materials, and prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas.
Mold remediation involves both removing visible mold growth and fixing the underlying moisture conditions that caused it to grow in the first place. This is a complex task that requires specialized tools and training.
During mold remediation, the air in the affected area is carefully monitored to ensure that mold spores do not spread to other areas of the building. In addition, the surface of the affected material is cleaned using special chemicals to remove visible signs of mold and to sanitize the area.
Then, the surface is coated with a biocide to kill any remaining mold spores and to protect the cleaned material from further contamination. This treatment usually takes several hours to work. The surface must then be allowed to dry before it can be whitewashed or painted.
Some materials that are affected by mold cannot be cleaned and may need to be removed and disposed of. Porous materials, such as carpeting and furniture, contain fibers that can retain mold even after they are cleaned. This can make them very difficult to remove. Non-porous materials, such as metals and hard plastics, can generally be cleaned.
Depending on the scope of the mold problem, you may be able to stay in your home while this process is completed. To limit your exposure to mold spores, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. In addition, shut off HVAC systems and restrict employee and customer access to the affected area.
Drying
Molds produce tiny spores that float in the air and act as seeds, readying themselves to grow when conditions are right. These conditions include moisture, food (nearly anything organic) and a suitable surface. Removing visible mold and conducting a thorough cleaning are important steps, but the moisture problem must also be addressed to prevent future problems.
Once the affected areas have been cleaned, a dehumidification and ventilation process can be implemented to help control humidity and encourage evaporation. This step can be especially important in rooms prone to accumulation of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
If any porous materials, such as drywall, have been exposed during the remediation process, they may need to be removed and replaced. This can be done using a variety of techniques, including cutting out the contaminated sections and replacing them with new material. This is not an easy task, and it requires a great deal of skill to do correctly.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use air sampling during the remediation process. When this is the case, it is vital that the remediators wear PPE to limit their exposure to airborne spores. It is also important to remember that air sampling only tells us what was in the air at one point in time, much like a snapshot. It does not provide a complete picture of what is going on inside the building or how far the mold spores have spread.
When all of the visible mold has been removed and the building is properly dried, the mold remediation team can relax a little. However, the moisture problem should still be fixed as soon as possible to prevent the recurrence of mold and other types of microbial growth.
