What to expect from Mold Remediation

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it’s a slow leak or a sudden flood, water damage can cause mold to form in as little as 48 hours. Because a mold problem can quickly evolve from a minor nuisance into a potential hazard, it’s important to solve the problem as soon as possible. Mold remediation is the best way to eliminate a mold problem and restore a home to its normal state. 

Since no one likes surprises or unexpected disruptions, it helps to know what goes into the typical remediation process. Read on to learn what you can expect - and should demand - from a reputable mold remediation company.

Getting Things Ready

In most instances, you will have very little responsibility in the mold remediation process. That said, there are a few things you will need to take care of to streamline the process. Before any work can begin, there are a few things you will have to take care of: 

Start by fixing the water issue that led to the mold outbreak. Mold remediation is a big job and you don’t want to have to do it more than once. If you fail to adequately address the underlying cause of moisture in your home, another outbreak is likely if not inevitable. 

Prepare your home, so the remediation crew can easily move in and out. Clear furniture out of the way and remove cars from the garage and driveway. You should also keep pets out of the way, either locked in a room or out in the backyard where they will be safe and non-disruptive.

What to Expect

On the day of service, you can expect the remediation experts to park as close to the house as possible, so they easily move equipment in and out of the home. They will then lay plastic sheeting down and run hoses through the entryway all the way to the area affected by mold (in some cases, they may be able to access the impacted area through a crawl space).

The mold remediation workers will then suit up in protective gear, which will include white suits, respirators, booties and goggles. Don’t be alarmed by these protective measures. It doesn’t necessarily indicate that your mold is black mold; they do this on every job, whether the mold is toxic or non-toxic. 

Next, the remediation workers will spray the molded area with an EPA-approved biocide that will kill the living organism. This can take a while, so the team will generally leave for the day to let the biocide take effect.  

They will generally spray beyond the area to eliminate the chances of future mold growth. For instance, the entire attic will usually be sprayed even if the mold is only apparent in one spot. A thorough process is important to help ensure that mold is not allowed to get a new foothold after the remediation process is finished. 

Finally, the team will wrap things up by cleaning the air with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) scrubber and exchange that removes mold spores and discharges fresh, clean air. They will then use a HEPA vacuum to clean the floor and any other vacuumable surfaces to remove any lingering spores. 

Bear in mind that mold remediation usually includes disposal of all porous moldy building materials including drywall and insulation. Remediation experts will also attempt to clean and disinfect carpet and personal items if there’s a chance they can be saved.

Why You Should Act Fast

Because mold spreads very quickly, even minor mold infestation can rapidly escalate into a major problem requiring thousands of dollars in repair. At SERVPRO of Gainesville, we’re dedicated to responding immediately to your mold emergency. Our fast response times lessen the existing damage, limit further damage and reduce the overall cost or remediation.

Contact SERVPRO of Gainesville and we will quickly assess your mold damage, take steps to contain the mold, thoroughly filter the air, and remove and clean any affected materials.