Mold remediation services are very important services that can help to protect property as well as the health of those living in various spaces. If you have mold on your premises, then this can very likely lead to a number of illnesses and symptoms. These include a scratchy throat and cough, running nose and eyes and itching skin. What’s more, where the type of mold is particularly bad and the problem is widespread, this can also lead to serious illness in the form of neurological damage and potentially even death. Mold spreads quickly and can often remain hidden. At the same time, it is difficult to remove and can get inside your foundations and undermine the structural integrity of your home.
With all that in mind then, you should always contact specialists in mold remediation services if you suspect you have a problem. Here, we will look at the precise service these companies provide and the steps they will go through with their mold remediation services to help you remove the mold.
The 9 Steps Of Mold Remediation Services
Step 1 – Mold Assessment
The first stage in mold remediation services is mold assessment. Here, the companies will visit the premises in order to inspect for mold. Sometimes this will be a relatively simple process consisting of a visual inspection of the area to confirm the presence of mold.
In other cases though, more invasive techniques may be necessary. For instance, if the mold is hidden (under carpets or in wall cavities for instance) then it may be necessary for carpets to be removed, walls to be knocked through and paint to be peeled away.
Step 2 – Sampling
This step in mold remediation services won’t always be necessary, but where the residents are experiencing health problems such as breathing difficulties, sampling may be necessary in order to identify the particular type of mold. Some species such as Stachybotrys chartarum are particularly dangerous and thus sampling can identify the extent of the risk.
Step 3 – Water Damage Restoration
Often enough, mold is caused by the presence of damp. These often go hand-in-hand as mold actually requires wet surfaces in order to spread and thrive. If mold spores come in contact with a wet, porous surface, they will normally settle in and begin growing within 24 hours.
This makes it necessary for mold remediation companies to find and seal off any water source before proceeding with subsequent steps. They can use infrared scanners and probes in order to find hidden leaks and seepage and then use basic construction services, plumbing or other means in order to prevent more water from getting in.
Step 4 – Disposal
Before the company continues with the drying and cleaning of your belongings, they will first dispose of items that are beyond repair. This will likely be necessary for any porous items such as mattresses, pillows or dry wall which may have absorbed quantities of mold and contaminated water.
Step 5 – Drying
Once the water has been stopped, it is then necessary for the mold remediation crew to carefully dry the area. This is important in order to prevent the mold from spreading more. While they dry though, they must take caution to avoid disturbing the mold spores and dust and causing it to re-enter the atmosphere.
Step 6 – Cleaning
With the surfaces dried out, the company will then clean off any items that they need to. Sometimes this is relatively easy and involves just a damp wipe. In other cases, they will need to use other more heavy-duty approaches such as wet and dry vacuuming, dry ice vacuuming etc. A HEPA vacuum is a high-efficiency particulate air vacuum which can remove mold from the air as well as debris and dust.
Step 7 – HVAC Cleaning
If mold spores have gotten into the air ducts and vents then these can be circulated around the house unintentionally. Thus, mold companies with mold remediation services will often also need to thoroughly clean these areas as well.
During all this process, companies must be careful to ensure they have gotten all of the mold out of the property and will wear PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to avoid inhalation themselves. This is why it’s so important to use a professional service rather than to try yourself to address the issue.
Step 8 – Repair and Restoration
Depending on the range of services being offered by the remediation company in question, you may also receive some help with restoring and repairing aspects of your home. Some companies, for instance, offer fabric restoration services while others may help with repainting or retiling. If your carpet pad has been affected by mold, then you may need carpet installation services. These features all help to get your home back to a livable condition so that you can return to normal life as soon as possible.
Step 9 – Debrief/Consultation
In some cases, mold infestation can be avoided and if this is the case then a mold remediation company may providing debriefing and advice to help you prevent future colonies from affecting your home.
Tips can include:
- Using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air
- Heating the home better to avoid condensation
- Adding additional insulation
- Regularly drying moisture from the walls
- Adding ventilation to the bathroom and other rooms
- Avoiding letting water stand for long periods
- Clearing out gutters to prevent water pooling down the side of the house
When to Call Mold Remediation Companies For Help
This then is the basic process that mold remediation services will go through with you. By the end, you should be able to completely have removed mold from your premises and returned to normal everyday life.
How do you know when to hire a company for mold remediation services? A common problem with using these mold remediation services is that mold can often remain hidden under the floor or in the walls. Meanwhile, the symptoms of mold poisoning can sometimes be mistaken for hay fever or the common cold.
Look for signs of damp, try to see if you can smell moisture and examine areas in your home where air may have difficulty circulating. If you suspect you have a problem, it’s better to be on the safe side.
When you are in need of a mold damage repair company in Jupiter, Melbourne, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or Wellington FL or in Asheville, NC contact Secure Restoration.
