Navigating the Mold Remediation Process

5/29/2017 (Permalink)

Navigating the Mold Remediation Process

Suspecting mold in the home? Now what? Firstly, is it really mold or is it mildew? Mildew is a gray or whitish colored fungus that usually grows in a flat pattern on a surface.There are no known benefits of this type of fungus. It can be easily cleaned with a cleaner specifically for cleaning up mildew, a cleaning rag or scrub brush. It's not known to cause significant damage.

Mildew may have a smelly odor so good deodorization wouldn’t hurt. Mold is usually green or black but can also be other colors. It can also appear to be fuzzy. Mold, also a fungus, can have some benefits such as being used to make the antibiotic Penicillin. Mold in the home may also put off a musty, smelly odor so deodorization may be necessary as well. Mold's damage can be significant.

Next, understand terms associated with the process.
Mold mitigation is the measure taken to help minimize the cause of the problem. Mitigation helps isolate the problem to prevent further mold damage. Sometimes seeking a professional to help with the mitigation process is necessary.

Mold removal basically involves removing mold from in the home or business. However, mold occurs naturally and cannot be completely removed from any environment. Mold is a microscopic spore that easily travels through the air. The damage can be costly so mold remediation and mold removal are necessary. Mold remediation is the clean-up process.

The first step in the mold remediation process is to find the source of the problem. For mold to grow, there has to be a water source. Evaluate the area. More than likely, there is a leak from the plumbing in a wall or under a sink or an excessive condensation. In many instances, mold damage can be seen on the surface or there will be a lingering musty, smelly odor. The smelly odor may be traced to a specific area but the mold may not be visible until walls or floors are opened up. Deodorization will not be effective.

Second, gather supplies. It’s recommended to use thick sheet plastic, duct tape, an N-95 mask, rubber gloves, plastic trash bags, hand tools or power tools, a negative air machine, an air tester, a vacuum with a HEPA filter and supplies for whatever is being replaced like the drywall.

Third, put on all protective gear. After using the protective gear, wash in very hot water or dispose of it in a sealed trash bag.

Fourth, prepare the area. Cover or remove items around the affected area with plastic. Seal off the area with the plastic and duct tape. Set up the negative air pressure machine and air tester.

Fifth, mold removal. Spray the surface with the water from the water bottle to help minimize the mold from becoming airborne during the removal process. Use the vacuum to suck up any particles that do become airborne. Be sure to seal up the trash bags before taking them through your house to be disposed of.

Sixth, clean any non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, tile, tubs and glass. Some porous surfaces cannot be easily cleaned, such as beams or studs in a wall or floor. In that case, clean as much as possible then use a product that encapsulates the mold, keeps it from spreading and kills it.

Seventh, make repairs. Replace the sheetrock, drywall or other material that was damaged by the mold.
Eighth, cleanup and deodorization. Dispose of all plastic, tape, clothing, etc. that can not be cleaned, securely in trash bags.

Mold and mildew may seem similar but the consequences and clean up are very different. Navigating the mold remediation and mold removal process doesn’t have to be intimidating. First, establish mitigation to stop the fungus and prevent further mold damage. Second, begin remediation and third, remove the mold. Preventing mold in the home is the key. Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on mold damage.