What is mold remediation?

Mold remediation is a type of service that involves a combination of removal, cleaning, sanitizing, controlled demolition or other treatment of mold or mold-contaminated matter.

How do you treat mold?

Depending on the magnitude of mold that is being dealt with, the approach can vary dramatically. Often times, it’s best to start by making visual observations and identifying any health symptoms that you and/or others are experiencing within the property.

Being able to collect the above information will provide any mold remediation professional with vital information, and assist in formulating a proper remediation plan. Unable to acquire this information on your own? No worries, give us a call and we can walk you through the process during a complimentary visit at your property. The next section elaborates on a typical mold remediation process.

7 Steps to a Successful Mold Remediation Service

1. Proper diagnosis of the source causing mold growth.
   – This is often provided by a licensed mold assessor, who’s job is solely to identify the origin of the mold development and to provide recommendations for removal and corrective actions.

2. Correcting all of the contributing factors leading to excess moisture within the property.
   – Sometimes a plumber is needed to repair a leaky pipe, a roofer to repair damage from above or even an AC contractor, to correct issues with excess humidity indoors.

3. Drying wet materials, known as mitigation, is key to ensuring mold does not redevelop.
   – In some instances, mitigation is performed prior to the mold remediation service. In others, it is performed in conjunction with the service, utilizing low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers and air movement to force evaporation from wet materials.

4. Alas, the mold remediation service begins!
   – Plastic partitions are typically erected around mold-impacted materials that require demolition and disposal. Following the controlled demolition phase, the remaining areas are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the post-remediation services.

5. Evaluating the work performed by the remediation contractor is a great next step!
   – Sometimes referred to as quality control or an internal audit, a remediator will often have an individual or a set of individuals that visually inspect the remediated areas, and will even go as far as taking any number of mold samples needed to verify the work is satisfactory.

6. Hire a third-party mold assessor to perform a post-remediation verification (PRV).
   – A licensed mold assessment contractor is typically hired as an independent company, identifying any remaining concerns for fungal growth. In addition to the visual inspection of remediated areas, a series of surface and air samples are generally taken to support their conclusion of the work performed.

7. Rebuild smarter, using moisture resistant materials.
   – When the damaged drywall is replaced with new drywall, ensure the bottom of the drywall does not come in contact with the floor. This will prevent the material from wicking up moisture from below. Using composite trim instead of wood materials will prevent against wood rot and deterioration from any future water occurrences.

BONUS TIP: Implementing smart sensor and valve technology following a mold remediation service can drastically reduce the potential for having to undergo this service again in the future. More often than not, early notification of leaks will allow for proactive drying (mitigation), and allow your water event to be addressed in a much timelier fashion. This can also save thousands of dollars in preventable damage. Ask us about our home monitoring and use of smart sensor technology!