What Does "Mold Remediation" Mean?
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
Mold Remediation
Homeowners in Bixby, OK, often use the word “clean up” when referring to an excessive mold situation. In reality, the procedure necessary to remove black mold and other types of mold growth goes far beyond mere “cleanup.” This procedure, known as mold remediation, involves a series of specialized steps to eliminate the mold.
1. Assessment
When mold remediation specialists arrive, they inspect the property and identify the location(s) of excessive mold growth, the types of mold present, and the concentration involved. A professional inspection can detect mold spores and water sources that are otherwise hidden.
2. Mitigation
In some cases, the professionals will need to identify the cause of the mold, resolve the problem, and remove any excess water. This may require working with other professionals, such as plumbers or HVAC technicians.
3. Content removal
Next, mold cleanup specialists remove any belongings that were affected by the mold, so that they can be cleaned and restored, if possible. Specialists must often dispose of porous materials like carpet and drywall, which are ideal breeding grounds for black mold.
4. Containment
The containment step prevents mold from spreading to other areas. Remediation specialists use physical barriers together with advanced methods such as negative air pressure to create an isolated “mold chamber.” They also shut off any fans or HVAC systems to avoid spreading mold spores.
5. Eradication
Mold professionals use chemical treatments, such as biocides and encapsulants, to trap and kill all mold spores. They may also use advanced filtration techniques to remove mold spores from the air inside the chamber.
6. Restoration
When all the mold spores have been completely removed, the restoration procedure can begin. This step includes things like replacing drywall and carpet, painting, and other repairs.
Without proper remediation, trace amounts of black mold and other types of mold can remain. Mold spores multiply rapidly and can quickly return to pre-cleanup levels. Only a professional remediation procedure can completely remove mold.