Mold Remediation Salt Lake City involves cleaning and repairing areas of your home where mold has been found. It also includes identifying the source of the mold and taking preventive measures to stop future growth.
Remediation workers will put on protective clothing and lay down plastic sheeting to isolate the affected area. They’ll then spray the moldy area with EPA-approved biocide to kill and sanitize it.
The first step in any remediation is to have a trained mold removal specialist come out and assess the situation. It’s important to get this done quickly because mold damages whatever it grows on. In addition, the longer you leave it, the more damage will be done.
The assessment will also determine the type of mold present. This information will help determine the proper remediation strategy. Containment is usually implemented at this point to prevent the spread of mold spores during the work. It may include physical barriers, negative air pressure systems and/or other methods.
Building materials like drywall, carpeting and wood floors often need to be removed during this process. Some contaminated items may also need to be discarded. A hazardous waste company can safely transport large amounts of these materials and dispose of them.
During the remediation process, workers will follow a thorough cleaning protocol to ensure all mold spores are eradicated. In some situations, specialized drying equipment may be needed to speed up the process. Air quality testing is typically conducted after the cleanup to verify that mold spore levels are back within normal ranges.
In the end, the most important part of any mold remediation is to address and fix the underlying moisture issue that caused the growth. Without doing this, the mold will continue to grow and could possibly return. Often, a restoration company will provide guidance on preventive measures including correcting the source of water infiltration, improving ventilation and conducting regular inspections.
Containment
The goal of containment is to limit the exposure of building occupants and remediation personnel to mold spores. The level of containment required should be based on professional judgment, taking into account the size of the contaminated area and the likelihood that the occupants will be exposed. For example, heavy mold growth in a small area could release more spores than lighter growth in a larger area.
The use of physical barriers, such as plastic sheeting, is an important part of the containment process. In addition, air scrubbers and negative air pressure machines may be employed to minimize the spread of spores.
Remediators should carefully prepare and follow a detailed plan to contain the affected areas and perform the necessary work to remove the mold, clean surfaces, and repair any damage caused by the mold growth or water damage. The plan should include steps to permanently correct the moisture control problem that led to the mold infestation and to prevent future problems. It should also address the appropriate cleaning and drying methods to be used for building materials and furnishings. All cleaning and drying methods should be safe for the occupants and their possessions. Any unsalvageable building materials should be double-bagged and discarded as ordinary construction waste. Suitable safety precautions should be taken to protect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system from contact with the mold, including wearing appropriate PPE.
Removal
If mold spores are disturbed in the process of mold remediation and become airborne, they can spread to unaffected areas. To prevent this, the mold remediation team will use plastic sheeting to separate the work area from unaffected areas. They will also seal the HVAC system and cover vents to prevent the movement of spores between the two spaces. The team will also use fans and other air filtration devices to control humidity levels in the work area.
The professionals will then clean the area. They may use commercial-grade antimicrobial sprays to kill as many spores as possible on non-porous items like metals and tiles. They will use a variety of cleaning methods for contaminated porous materials, including vacuuming and hand-washing. In addition, the team will wipe down surfaces and clean ductwork.
Once the work is complete, the mold remediation team will dispose of all contaminated materials. Then they will restore the affected areas to their pre-mold condition. This may include repairing or replacing damaged building materials, restoring furniture, and removing and cleaning fabrics and carpets.
The ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation provides guidelines for selecting appropriate remediation methods. However, professional judgment should be used to adapt these guidelines to specific situations. In addition, it is important to consider the risk of contaminating unaffected areas and the potential for occupant or worker exposure when choosing a containment method.
Cleaning
The goal of cleaning is to make the infested areas mold-free. To do this, all visible mold growth is scrubbed away using a stiff brush and hot water with household detergent or bleach. Surfaces should be rinsed and dried thoroughly with fans and dehumidifiers. All contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be sealed in impermeable plastic bags, and the outside of the bag should be wiped down with a damp cloth before transporting them to uncontaminated areas. Then they should be disposed of in a regular waste stream.
It is important to be cautious during this step as the use of chemicals can be hazardous. Special precautions should be taken when working with infants, persons who have undergone recent surgery, or immune-suppressed people. It is also a good idea to wear proper protective gear like PPE (personal protection equipment) and gloves during the cleaning process. It is also important to keep the air in the contaminated area as clean as possible using negative air machines with HEPA filters.
It is recommended to use a natural fungicide, such as tea tree oil, in place of harsh chemical cleaners. However, it is crucial to note that natural fungicides are not as effective at killing mold spores as chemical ones.
Disinfection
After the mold spores are killed, the surfaces and materials that were infested must be cleaned. This step involves scrubbing, wiping and/or spraying the affected surfaces with an EPA-approved biocide. Non-porous items that were contaminated, such as metals, concrete, hard plastic and wood, can be saved after being disinfected. Porous materials that were infested, such as drywall and insulation must be removed and disposed of. The next step is to dry wet materials, which can be done by using wet/dry vacs, dehumidifiers and fans. It is important to keep moisture levels down to avoid future mold growth.
Then, the mold must be scrubbed with a brush, hot water and soap to remove the physical material and to kill any remaining mold spores. Bleach may also be used in some cases, but only after cleaning and only if the surface has not been contaminated with other toxins such as sewage or pesticides.
During this phase, it is recommended that professionals wear a face mask and rubber gloves. It is important to note that certain types of mold produce mycotoxins which can be harmful to occupants and remediators. Therefore, effective communication is vital to avoid unnecessary exposure during remediation. In addition, the use of a decontamination chamber or airlock for entry and exit from the work area is often recommended. However, professional judgment always plays a role in choosing the best method for a particular situation.
Remediation
If mold growth is not addressed promptly, it can damage building materials and compromise structural integrity. It also can contaminate carpets, personal items, and furnishings, making them unusable and possibly hazardous to your health.
Remediation involves removing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are contaminated with mold. This includes scrubbing, wiping, vacuuming, and using special mold-removing cleaning products to kill and remove mold spores. Remediation can also include repairing and replacing damaged structures and materials to restore the affected areas to their pre-mold condition.
During the remediation process, workers should wear protective clothing to prevent skin contact with mold spores and to protect themselves from respiratory irritation. This should include a respirator that filters particulates, an impervious face mask, and gloves. Some professionals may use a full-face respirator (available from rental equipment companies). In addition, workers should use plastic sheeting to isolate the work area from occupied spaces. Ventilation is important, so fans should be used to pull contaminated air away from the work area and exhaust it outdoors.
The level of containment required will depend on the extent to which mold spores can be expected to spread during cleanup, as well as any potential risks to occupants. For example, an extensively contaminated area with the potential to distribute mold spores to occupied spaces during remediation should be contained with full containment, while a surface less than 100 ft2 can be cleaned with limited containment.