Mold is unattractive and has an unappealing smell. However, your property’s appearance shouldn’t be the only cause for concern.
Unfortunately, although it’s a natural part of the environment, mold can pose major health hazards. This fungal growth can cause sore throat, burning eyes, stuffy nose, coughing or wheezing, and skin rash.
People with asthma and allergies may have severe reactions. In addition, immune-compromised patients or individuals with chronic lung disease are at risk of lung infection if exposed to mold spores.
Did you find this type of fungi growing in your house? You should contact a mold remediation company and ask experienced professionals to handle this issue immediately.
Do you still have doubts? If you want to know what mold remediation is or are wondering if it’s the right solution for your home, here’s all the information you need. Read on!
What Is Mold Remediation?
If you detect mold growth and analyze potential solutions to find the right one, you may wonder what mold remediation involves.
Mold remediation is a multiphase process to remove and clean harmful mold growth in contaminated areas.
It involves multiple steps. These are:
- Mold testing
- Mold removal
- Mold sanitizing
- Mold containment
- Mold cleaning
However, the mold remediation process can vary depending on the type and where it’s growing.
How to Know If You Need Mold Remediation
When you hear the word “mold,” unpleasant images of green spots growing on your bread may come to mind. Thinking about its characteristic smell of curdled milk can also make your stomach turn.
However, many signs of mold infestation may not be that obvious. These fungi can grow in unexpected places, even if your house is sparkling clean.
It sounds scary, but knowing these common signs can help you spot the problem and call a mold remediation professional early.
Signs of Mold Contamination
In this regard, these are the signs of possible mold problems:
- Visible mold
- Musty smells
- Rust
- Leaks
- Water damage
- Warped walls
- Persistent cough or cold
- Tarnished tiles
- Funky air conditioner filters
- Spotted clothing
- Contaminated carpets
- Fungus in furniture
- Allergy or asthma flare-ups
Is It Always Necessary?
Many people wonder if they should call professionals to remove mold when they notice a green spot in an area, but it often depends on how much mold is growing on your property.
However, you should call technicians right away if you suspect your home may be contaminated.
You may need mold remediation services if the outbreak covers over 10 square feet. However, as mentioned, mold can grow in unexpected areas. Therefore, you should call technicians if you notice a minimal sign.
Professionals will thoroughly inspect to determine if the mold problem isn’t worse than you think.
Understanding the Mold Remediation Process
The mold remediation process may be different for each mold growth issue. Different scenarios may require other unique solutions.
However, the total mold removal and remediation process often involves the following steps:
Mold Inspection and Assessment
The first step is the assessment. Mold removal professionals must inspect the property to identify the type of mold that is growing there.
Technicians must also discover the mold source and determine the best approach for remediation during this phase.
Mold Containment
Did you know mold spores can move in the air and settle on other surfaces, spreading the infestation throughout your home? That’s why mold remediation technicians must be careful.
Professionals should isolate contaminated areas before cleaning and removing molds. Otherwise, they’ll produce spores that may infest other areas when triggered.
Mold Cleaning and Air Filtration
After identifying and containing mold growth, technicians can start to clean up. This process also varies depending on its location.
If mold grows on semi-porous or non-porous materials, experts must implement special techniques that prevent spores from releasing into the air and contaminating other areas.
Mold Removal and Disposal
Some mold-infested materials must be disposed of, especially if they’re porous.
An experienced mold remediation technician can determine if disposal is required and choose the best course for handling mold problems.
Mold Sanitization
After mold removal, technicians usually clean all affected items. This phase targets curtains, furniture, walls, floors, and other objects that may be infested.
Additionally, this process often includes deodorization. Mold remediation professionals use fogging equipment to eliminate odors.
Mold Outbreak Prevention
Many mold remediation professionals also implement techniques to improve indoor air quality and prevent future mold outbreaks. These may include the following:
- Antimicrobial application
- Air scrubbing
- HEPA vacuuming
- Mold root removal
- Mold-proof coating
Technicians also offer preventive recommendations and explain the steps homeowners should take to prevent regrowth.
In addition, many perform post-remediation inspections. This process, which involves a post-clean-up, allows professionals to confirm that the remediation has been successful and effective.
Mold Remediation and Other Processes
Many interchangeably use the terms mold abatement, mold remediation, and mold removal.
These terms define processes that target mold damage, but they’re different. Here’s more information on each one.
What Is Mold Removal?
In simple words, it’s the process of removing mold. When professionals “remove” this type of fungi, they clean affected areas without using other techniques, addressing the root cause, or finding the source.
What Is Mold Abatement?
“Mold abatement” also describes services that spot and remove mold from properties.
However, many professionals describe “mold abatement” as simply removing mold without solving the larger issue.
In other words, mold abatement services eliminate visible mold and potentially harmful problems but don’t address or eliminate what caused the infestation in the first place.
Should You Call Mold Remediation Companies?
As mentioned, mold can cause serious health problems and damage your property’s structure. Therefore, you should call professionals immediately if you discover it’s growing in your house.
Mold remediation companies will go the extra mile to identify the root cause of contamination and eliminate mold problems that can put your health at risk.
If you need help removing mold and preventing regrowth, don’t hesitate to call mold remediation technicians!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Mold Remediation Mean?
Mold remediation means removing mold from affected areas. It also involves cleaning and preventing regrowth.
Besides removing existing mold, remediation professionals should ensure it won’t return.
What Should You Expect During Mold Remediation?
As mentioned, this process involves different phases. These are inspection and assessment, cleaning, containment, air filtration, removal or disposal, and sanitization.
The mold remediation process often takes one to five days. This time frame may vary depending on the type of material infested and the severity of the outbreak.
What Is the Difference Between Mold Removal and Mold Remediation?
These are the main differences between both techniques:
- Mold removal is part of the mold remediation process.
- Removing mold doesn’t mean professionals should identify the infestation cause and source. Contrastingly, mold remediation controls how much mold remains on the property and identifies the root cause to eliminate the problem.
- The mold remediation process involves all actions and techniques that combat mold infestation to protect homeowners’ health and the property’s structure.
Is It Safe to Stay in Your House During Mold Remediation?
Most mold remediation professionals recommend that homeowners leave during the process.
As mentioned, mold spores can be harmful to most people. Also, experts may use chemicals that you might be allergic to. They could harm your health even if you wear personal protective equipment.
If technicians only need to remove and clean a portion of your home, you can ask them if you could stay. However, leaving the property until professionals complete the job is always recommended.