A mold problem isn’t just a home maintenance issue. It is a health problem for you and your family, posing a serious safety threat both in the form of the disease and the structural durability of your home.
Tackling a mold issue should be a priority for any homeowner. Reliable and trustworthy mold remediation services use these five steps to remove mold from your home for good and make sure your living space no longer poses a threat to you or your loved ones.
Step 1: Find the Source of the Moisture
Mold can only grow in the presence of moisture. Therefore, to effectively tackle a mold problem, you must first tackle the underlying issue which is producing moisture. Otherwise, the mold will simply return as soon as it is cleared up.
Mold remediation professionals usually identify moisture sources with the held of a mold testing company. These professionals test the air quality and the surface of the mold to identify the full extent of the mold growth. Modern infrared cameras also allow the detection of moisture behind wall and under carpets to identify hidden moisture.
Step 2: Solve the Moisture Problem
Once the source of the moisture has been identified, it must be fixed before you can set about tackling the mold. If the moisture is coming from a leaking roof, a broken pipe, or a blocked vent, these problems must be corrected.
Step 3: Contain the Mold
Mold can release spores during the clean-up process which will could lead to the mold spreading. Before the mold can be removed, it must first be contained to prevent its spread.
The mold can be contained through the use of negative air chambers or negative air pressure. The technician will also likely turn off any heating or air conditioning units before the mold is removed to prevent the system from spreading spores around the property.
The technician will also likely erect plastic barriers across the doors and windows of the affected areas to prevent the spores drifting to other parts of the house.
Step 4: Remove the Mold
Once the mold has been effectively contained, the remediation process can begin. The drywall affected is often removed and antifungal and antimicrobial chemicals are applied to the affected areas. Biocides will also be applied to surfaces, including sinks, counters, and toilets, to stop the mold spores settling on any surfaces in the room.
Step 5: Dry
The final step involves drying the treated areas. Mold remediation specialists use a high-pressure air vacuum to suck any moisture out of the air and surfaces. This will also remove any microbial spray particles and biocides from the surfaces.
Finally, technicians apply special paint to affected surfaces to prevent future mold outbreaks. By this point, the moisture source has been discovered and repaired, so the conditions will not be there for the mold to thrive and the spores have been contained, killed, and removed. The paint is merely a precaution to ensure the solution is lasting and prevent any missed spores from settling and growing.