Mold Remediation Procedures

Five basic principles should be followed on all mold removal jobs. These principles are meant as guidelines, and every job is different.

Safety
Mold contamination can lead to a number of health problems, both for those residing in the structure and for anyone working to remove the problem. Anyone involved in the mold remediation process should protect themselves using Tyvek suits, respirators, goggles, gloves, and other personal protection equipment any time they are in the affected areas.

Assessment
Testing for mold contamination on surfaces and in the air should be performed both before and after remediation. This helps determine the type of mold containment, the severity of the problem, and how successful remediation has been once complete. The remediation specialist will inspect all areas noticeably affected by mold damage and determine the condition of mold contamination (1, 2, or 3). He will perform moisture checks in drywall, flooring, structural cavities, and any other potentially damaged materials to help determine the extent of the damage. Pre-remediation laboratory air analysis will be performed at this time, and a scope of work from a licensed mold assessor may be requested. We will note any personal items that have been damaged and those which need to be removed from the affected area.

Containment
Temporary containment barriers are constructed to prevent mold spores from spreading to non-affected areas of the building, known as cross-contamination. We use temporary wall systems, block HVAC vents, and create negative air pressure to achieve this. Within the containment area, HEPA filtered air scrubbers venting outside of the building are used to create and maintain negative air pressure which filter and remove mold spores from the air. Containments may be constructed around any affected area, even in corners, around permanent objects, and in hard-to-reach places. Drying equipment may also be used in homes with elevated moisture readings.

Following bulk removal of contaminated materials, fine removal of affected materials must be done. We generally use sanding and cleaning with wire brushes or soda blasting to accomplish this.

Soda blasting is a great option for large mold remediation and fire damage restoration projects, as it is quicker than sanding, and also helps to deodorize. Soda blasting is the process of propelling granular sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) against a surface using compressed air. Soda is an extremely friable material that micro fragments on impact, literally exploding away surface materials from a sensitive substrate, like wood or brick, without damaging the surface.

Decontamination should be accomplished to the extent possible by cleaning. Cleaning removes contaminants, microorganisms, and their food sources from an environment. All surfaces in the work area are cleaned with our 5 stage cleaning process of vacuuming all surfaces using a HEPA filtered vacuum and wiping down all surfaces with an antimicrobial. ULV fogging to kill mold spores and reduce spores and dust particles in the air, sealing of studs and other areas with a mold blocker, and additonal cleaning may also be performed.

Moisture Control
To limit future contamination or recontamination, moisture problems such as leaks or high humidity problems must be identified, located, and corrected or controlled as soon as possible. Mold growth is inevitable if moisture is not controlled.

Removal & Decontamination
Bleach alone does not kill mold and attempts to isolate mold or remove visble signs from the surface are not adequate. Porous contaminated materials including drywall, flooring, furnishings, cabinets, and other items must be physically removed from the structure to remove mold. Drywall removal is done using a saw with HEPA filtration attachment to help minimize dust. Contaminated materials are bagged in extra heavy-duty bags and removed from the structure for disposal.