Mold remediation is a concept that deals with the identification and eradication of mold. Mold remediation is frequently brought up when buying or selling a house. This calls for knowledge of mold removal and mold remediation before buying a home.

The mold remediation process also involves knowing the different types of mold, the causes of mold, the scope of mold damage, and the essential steps of eradication. In this post, you will find the most relevant information about mold remediation to help you make sound decisions when dealing with mold.

The Basics of Mold Remediation within a Home

To deal with mold in a home, you should first have basic information like how mold appears, where it grows commonly, and its leading causes. Once you are well aware of the basics, you can easily apply a remediation method.

Additionally, you need to identify the extent of mold growth and the difference between mold removal and mold remediation.

While the words removal and remediation are commonly interchanged, they have a small but quite significant difference when dealing with mold. Typically, mold removal is simply a process of clearing out mold from an area. On the other side, mold remediation is a long process, which also involves mold removal, that is meant to control and stop new mold from growing while dealing with the present mold.

Mold is a common condition in many homes, and it mainly grows in the home’s wet areas. Areas that experience wetness frequently tend to grow more mold. On the contrary, dry areas have less mold growth issues, though there are some rooms in these areas that will still develop mold.

The most common type of mold is one that develops in the grout joining ceramic tiles. This can be easily driven out by a bleach-based cleaner and wiped off the tiles. When you opt to use bleach-based cleaner to clean mold, ensure you follow the set regulations. Notably, there are other more critical molds that develop in different places and will need a lengthy process to clear them out.

Common Areas of the Home that Frequently Develop Mold

Any area in the home that experiences continued wetness and dampness can develop mold. Excess humidity within a room can also condense and cause mold. Surprisingly, newer homes have high mold growth than older homes. Fiberglass insulation provides a more fertile surface for mold growth, which can be hard to eradicate.

Areas that experience rapid and repetitive mold growth in most homes include;

• Basements
• Crawl space
• Under sinks
• Attics
• Ducts
• Chimneys
• Kitchen
• Furnace
• Wall interiors

Mold Remediation Process

Mold remediation essentially starts with some of the daily activities in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that areas of less than 10 square feet covered by mold can be remediated easily by the homeowner. While you can use chlorine bleach to clean out mold, the bleach is not approved by EPA. The most common and highly effective product to use for DIY mold remediation is mold Stat. If the area covered with mold is near the HVAC system or highly concentrated within a space of 3 feet by 3 feet, you need to contain it and prevent its dispersal.

However, if you have inspected and discovered that the mold coverage is extensive, you need to call in a mold remediation contractor. Here are the common steps followed in the professional mold remediation process.

1. Ventilation and Containment

This is the most important step in the process of mold remediation. Proper ventilation and air filtration is done at this step to avoid the spread of mold spores. Using air filtration devices and creating a proper and adequate vent system makes mold containment easier. This is because they will not spread to other areas that were earlier uninfected by mold.

2. Cleaning and Disinfection

This is the most important stage, as it includes the actual remediation and dumping of any infected material. The mold removal expert cleans mold with special tools and equipment and then disinfects the place to prevent new growth. Remember, mold grows at a very high rate, and if an area is not disinfected, it will be hard to contain mold growth. The expert will then apply fungicide or biocide solutions to prevent more growth of mold.

3. Fix the Mold Source

Before you start clearing mold, you first identify the area affected and the possible cause of mold growth. After you have cleared the mold, it is imperative to fix the cause of mold growth to prevent future problems. Mold often loves growing in areas with high humidity and moisture. For example, if a bathroom fan duct is damaged and releases moisture in the attic, the duct should be repaired. The mold remediation company can do simple repairs. However, if the repairs are highly demanding, the company may subcontract or recommend a repair company for the homeowner.

4. Encapsulate the Mold

There are times when you may not remove all the mold. The remaining can be covered with paint as a way of encapsulation. The encapsulation process should only be used after you remove and dry up the area affected.

Encapsulating wet and active mold is not advisable as it will give short-term remediation. Of significance, mold encapsulation should be done after all the other remediation processes are successful.

When the remediation company does its work correctly, you will not experience mold growth in your home in the near future. To keep your home free from future mold issues, you have to ensure your home is well-ventilated and free from excessive moisture.

Conclusion

Mold is a common problem in most homes. Mind you, it does not just grow in old homes but also in new homes. When buying a house, it is important to check for molds and input remedial measures to clear them if present. Otherwise, living in a home with mold can cause health problems.

If you suspect you have issues with mold, give us a call.  We’re toledo mold remediation experts not hesitate to call a mold remediation company whenever you want to deal with mold in your home.