We have chosen to devote this blog to the subject of mold remediation because when water damage occurs in a home or commercial property, mold growth will likely follow.
In fact, mold can begin growing within just 48 hours of moisture exposure. That means that if you are faced with a mold issue, it is imperative to know what your next steps should be.
The Importance of Mold Remediation
There are ads out there for mold remediation and mold removal and you’ve probably seen some, but the mold removal is a fallacy. To remove all mold from a home or business is simply not possible. The main focus of a qualified restoration company is mold remediation and bringing mold levels back to a normal and natural range.
Mold spores are naturally occurring almost everywhere, both inside structures and outdoors. Issues arise when a minor problem is left untreated, leaving it to become a major mold infestation.
During mold remediation, technicians will isolate all contaminated areas either by closing all doors and windows or effectively sealing off all doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting depending on the level of the remediation. Dust in the contaminated areas is then suppressed through misting process.
All of the wet and mold-damaged materials will be removed and discarded through the use of plastic bags. After that, all areas that have been exposed to and affected by the mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum is sometimes used during some cases to aid in the removal of contamination and debris.
The mold area will then be treated using a biocide and left to cure overnight and destroy the mold spores. The next day, the mold remediation crew will return to encapsulate all of the affected and surrounding areas.
Do This If You Suspect a Mold Issue
If there is a chance that your home or business may have a mold problem, it is important that you act quickly. If, when you evaluate the size of the problem, you find that the affected area is more than 10 square feet, it’s time to call in the professionals.
These professionals you bring in need to be highly trained and certified in the following areas, to name a few:
- Applied microbial remediation
- Water damage restoration
- Applied structural drying
There have been times where some minor mold issues have been successfully resolved by homeowners and business owners on their own, but the best way is to use a professional remediation company to ensure the quickest and safest resolution to the problem.
AtSERVPRO® ® of Santa Clarita Valley, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.