MOLD REMEDIATION
Browse our most frequently asked questions to learn how mold develops, how it's removed, and what you can do to help prevent it from returning.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Growth can and will start in as little as 48-72 hours after a water event (elongated high relative humidity spike, or acute water intrusion issue).
Can mold come back after remediation?
Yes, recurring growth could occur depending on moisture control, HVAC conditions, humidity, building use, leaks, and other factors outside the remediators control.
How do you know if mold is in your walls?
Signs of mold behind walls include musty odors, discoloration, peeling paint, and recent water damage can be the obvious signs, however growth can be present even in the absence of these conditions. The tough answer is there may not be a way to find out unless we perform destructive testing (test cuts in drywall, etc.). However, a professional mold and moisture assessment can help to confirm indoor airborne mold levels, which can be indicative of growth hiding somewhere unsuspecting in the home.
Is mold dangerous to your health?
Mold can affect people differently, especially those with allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems. We cannot provide medical advice or determine whether mold is causing specific health symptoms, but mold and damp conditions are generally recognized as conditions that should be corrected. Our role is to identify and address the moisture source, remove or remediate affected materials, and help return the space to a cleaner, drier condition.
What is the mold remediation process?
General, Non-Project Specific Mold Remediation Scope of Work :
1. Establish containment around the affected work area.
2. Load in required remediation equipment and materials.
3 Set up HEPA air filtration devices as needed.
- Air scrubbers may be operated inside containment.
- Additional air scrubbers may be placed immediately outside the containment entrance, as needed.
4. Shut down and isolate HVAC systems serving the affected area to help limit cross-contamination.
5. Clean hard-surface contents within the affected area.
6. Evaluate delicate items, textiles, and porous contents to determine whether additional specialty cleaning, laundering, or separate handling is recommended.
7. Temporarily relocate cleaned contents to an unaffected area, as appropriate.
8. Perform selective demolition as needed to access and remove affected building materials.
- This may include impacted drywall, ceiling materials, insulation, or other affected finishes.
- Exploratory demolition may be performed where hidden conditions need to be evaluated.
9. Bag and seal all remediation waste before removal from containment.
- Waste will be sealed using appropriate methods.
- Bagged waste will be placed in a clean, covered waste container.
- Waste will be removed from containment in a controlled manner.
10. Clean exposed framing, hard building surfaces, and immediately adjacent areas.
- HEPA vacuum affected surfaces.
- Wet wipe with an appropriate antimicrobial cleaning solution.
- Perform a final HEPA vacuuming.
11. Address nearby or surrounding areas, as appropriate, with supplemental dry-fog treatment.
- Product used should be an EPA-registered disinfectant cleaner, mold and mildew treatment, and odor-control product.
- Dry fogging is intended to supplement physical cleaning and address general surface and airborne concerns in nearby spaces.
12. Visually assess accessible HVAC components and related areas in coordination with the appropriate HVAC contractor or responsible party.
- Exterior microbial growth on accessible HVAC components within the work area may be cleaned as part of the remediation.
- Internal duct cleaning or more extensive HVAC cleaning, if recommended, should be treated as a separate add-on service.
13. Allow HEPA air filtration equipment to continue operating after remediation activities are complete, typically for approximately 24 hours.
14. Schedule post-remediation verification or clearance testing by a qualified third party, as requested or required.
15. Once acceptable clearance results are received, remove containment and demobilize equipment.
Release the remediated area back to the client or occupant.
