Steps to Proper Mold Removal
Learn about moisture
Assessing mold growth involves more than just looking at what’s visibly growing on the walls or in a corner. Mold can be an invisible intruder, growing behind and around what you first see. Such devious behavior requires inquisitive thinking.
Document the mold problem and create a remediation plan
Before you begin mold removal, document the mold situation with writing, photos and video. The warranty team supervisor will use the documentation to develop a remediation plan, which typically answers questions like when work is slated to begin, when that work is scheduled to be completed, who will be performing the remediation, any testing that should be done, and if homeowners will be temporarily relocated. In the longer term, the documentation can help manage liability for your company or point to larger trends in mold growth.
Calculate the extent of the mold contamination
Mold may not always grow in one area, so you need to figure out how much contamination you’re really looking at. Calculating the extent of the contamination will impact how you approach mold removal and clean up. The goal of mold removal is to clean up mold growing within the home, and to avoid exposing homeowners to large amounts of mold.
Remediate mold contamination
Remediation will always involve cleaning up existing mold while avoiding exposure to oneself as well as homeowners, as well as preventing new growth by addressing the moisture source. Based on your calculation of the contamination area, determine if you’re working in an area up to 30 square feet (approximately the size of a full sheet of drywall). If so, you’ll be following the guidelines for remediation levels 1 and 2. Level 1 remediation is used for small, isolated areas of mold up to 10 square feet and Level 2 remediation covers square footage from 10 to 30 square feet.
Determine if cleanup has been successful
Just because the mold is gone and there’s no dirt or dust doesn’t mean that you’re done. Your last step is to determine if your clean-up efforts have been successful. While this last step is a judgment call, there are some options and guidelines to follow.
What Are The Top Features Of A Mould Removal Company?
- A reputed mould removal company will be licensed in your city and other areas and insured with all certificates and requirements. A trustworthy mould removal company will have trained and experienced staff that carry cleaning and restoration certification or a similar professional certificate. You can search on the internet for a good restoration and mould removal company and then analyse the results by visiting various websites reading about their services and reach. Most of them state the certifications they have.
- Hiring mould removers gives them direct access to your personal spaces and fixtures. It is, therefore, important that you get quality guarantees and insurance before you hire them. The company should offer provisions to start the whole procedure again if the first attempt does not deliver the required results. Insurance covers are important to protect you from suffering damages to property or accidents. The company should also be willing to cover all damages and liabilities that occur due to their direct involvement and contact with your property.
- A good restoration services company will offer a wide range of services including water damage, asbestos removal, fire-smoke damage, construction, and mould removal services. This is one of the easiest ways to determine general expertise. There are chances that the company with many options must have trained and efficient staff. Before choosing a mould removal company, it is also essential to streamline the range of services you are looking for.
- In situations of emergency, whether it is water damage or smoke damage, it is important that the restoration teams arrive on site as soon as possible. Therefore, a good restoration company will address your response as quickly as they receive a word from you. A good restoration company will always offer 24/7 restoration services. So that you can easily avail their mould removal and asbestos removal services whenever required.
Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.
- Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
- Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
- Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. See discussions:
- What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas
- Hidden Mold
- Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
- If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.*
Cleanup and Remediation
Mold Clean-Up After Disasters: When to Use Bleach
Bleach and dish detergent, common household items, can be used to clean mold in your home after a storm. The steps to take to clean up mold will depend on how much water damage your home suffered.
Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters
Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters
Guidance from CDC, EPA, FEMA, HUD, and NIH on safe mold clean-up after a natural disaster
What to Wear
What to Wear before entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage
Shopping List for Mold Cleanup After A Flood
Shopping List for Mold Cleanup After A Flood
EPA Resources for Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Qualityexternal icon
If you are repairing your home or building after a flood or hurricane, to prevent mold growth you should be sure your foundation is dry before you replace the flooring.
How Much Does Professional Mold Removal Cost?
Hire a Mold Inspector First
If you find mold growing on drywall, trim, or unfinished wood surfaces, and especially if the affected area is more than 10 square feet, hire a mold investigator to discover the root and extent of the problem. They’ll also be able to direct you to a reliable mold remediation company. Reputable companies work with third-party inspectors instead of doing the inspection themselves.
Ins and Outs of Air Sampling
Analyzing air samples isn’t cheap and, depending on the lab used, can cost $30 to $150 for each sample. Some inspectors roll sampling into their base price; others don’t. So make sure you ask.
What A Mold Remediation Professional Will Do
Mold remediation companies will clean up your mold in a few days if just some washing and removing carpet is involved, or in a few weeks if demolition and rebuilding is required.
Does Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?
Don’t presume your homeowners insurance will pay to fix your mold problems. Insurance typically pays if the problem results from an emergency already covered on your policy, like a burst pipe, but not if mold resulted from deferred maintenance, persistent moisture or seepage, or from floodwaters (unless you have flood insurance).
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