Mold Remediation Salt Lake City is more than just cleaning up existing mold; it involves preventing future growth by addressing the moisture source. It also includes a thorough inspection and restoration to prepare the property for final repairs.
Professional restoration companies assess the contaminated area and surrounding areas to determine moisture levels. Next, they isolate the impacted area by closing off doorways and using negative air pressure.
It is important to contain the area undergoing treatment during mold remediation to prevent the spread of mold spores throughout the home or building. It also helps to limit the amount of cleanup needed and ensures that the building occupants do not have to breathe in these spores. Containment is typically done by installing physical barriers, which enclose the contaminated areas and seal them off from the rest of the building.
Remediation specialists may use a variety of materials to create these barriers, from plastic sheeting to plywood walls. They will also install a dehumidifier or other type of climate control device to help lower the humidity and reduce moisture in the air, which is an important step in mold prevention.
Once the work area has been contained, professionals will usually set up a HEPA filtered negative air machine to maintain a negative pressure environment within the containment space. These machines pull the contaminated air through a filter and exhaust it outside of the work area via flexible tubing or ducting. By creating a negative pressure environment, the system controls any airborne mold spores that become dispersed during the remediation process and keeps them from spreading to other parts of the structure.
The type of containment used depends on the severity of the mold problem and the level of danger presented to the occupants. If the affected area is widespread, full containment will be necessary. In this case, the entire contaminated area will be sealed off from the occupied spaces, and double layers of polyethylene will be placed around the area. Remediators will also build containment hallways, which provide a way for contaminated or unsalvageable building materials to be transported out of the area.
Remediation experts will also put on protective gear such as face masks and disposable gloves. In addition, they will typically cover their clothing with disposable paper overalls and seal all openings (such as shoes) with duct tape. Once all of the above steps have been taken, it is time to begin the mold removal process. It is important to note that if the cause of the mold is not addressed, it is likely that the problem will return after the cleanup is complete.
Removal
Mold spores are airborne, and they can be blown throughout the entire home. To prevent the spread of mold spores, professional technicians use physical barriers to separate the contaminated area from the rest of the home. They also install air pressure and humidity control devices to keep the spores from spreading further.
The next step is cleaning and disinfecting the affected area. This involves using advanced equipment to clean non-porous materials and removing porous ones like drywall or carpeting. This is a vital step, as it ensures that the mold has been removed completely and does not return. Professionals also use EPA-approved antimicrobial sprays to kill any remaining mold spores and prevent new growth.
If the mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, it will require more rigorous steps to be removed. This type of mold is incredibly dangerous, as it produces mycotoxin spores. These toxins are lightweight and can easily be inhaled, causing health problems including severe headaches, coughing, sneezing, and skin rashes. It is also possible to die from blood poisoning if you are exposed to high levels of mycotoxin spores.
Once the mold is cleaned, the professionals will remove any contaminated material and dispose of it properly. They will also wipe down all non-porous surfaces with detergent solutions and sanitize the HVAC system.
Before leaving the contaminated area, the professionals will take air samples from the space to check the humidity level. This will help them determine whether the moisture problem has been fixed and if it is safe for you to reoccupy the home.
Finally, the professionals will apply a biocide to the mold-infested areas. This is to keep the mold from growing and spreading in the future. Once the professionals have applied this, they can re-open the airlock and begin the drying process. They will also use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up this process. Then the professionals will test for the presence of mold spores to confirm that all the mold has been successfully removed.
Cleaning
Mold particles can spread throughout a home and land on anything they touch. From shoes and clothes to coffee tables and couches, these particles can carry with them the chemicals and proteins that trigger allergic reactions in individuals. As a result, simply killing the mold growth is not enough–to get things truly clean, you need to remove the spores and particles as well.
Cleaning a home affected by mold involves a number of different steps, and a variety of different tools and materials. If you are not a trained professional, you should leave the job to an experienced and licensed contractor. This will help to ensure that the underlying problem is dealt with and will not return or cause more damage in the future.
The first step is to identify the type of material or surface and how extensive the mold growth is. Non-porous items, such as metals and glass, or solid wood and concrete that are not visibly moldy, can be cleaned with detergents and water. Porous materials, such as carpeting and drywall, may need to be discarded, depending on how extensive the mold growth is and how absorbent the material is.
It is important that you start drying wet materials as soon as possible. This can be done using wet/dry vacs, dehumidifiers and fans. This will reduce the chance of mold growth and help to prevent structural damage.
Once the affected area is dry, you can begin the actual cleaning process. It is recommended that you use a mild soap and water to scrub and wash any visible areas of mold growth. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that may be present as well as the spores and chemicals from the mold.
While washing, it is best to wear rubber gloves and a mask. This will help to protect you from the mold spores and any other allergens that may be present in the area. If you are especially sensitive, you should also consider wearing a dust mask or even a full face respirator. If you are a person with asthma or other respiratory conditions, it is recommended that you avoid the area while the cleaning takes place, and until it has been declared safe by an expert.
Dehumidification
Dehumidification is an effective mold prevention strategy. Mold grows when moisture is present, and it thrives in environments with high humidity levels. A dehumidifier reduces humidity levels, making it more difficult for mold to grow in your home. This can help to prevent new growth and prevent existing mold from re-colonizing.
In addition to preventing mold, dehumidification can also reduce musty odors, protect wooden furniture from damage, and prevent the growth of dust mites. This makes a dehumidifier an essential tool for homeowners that want to maintain a clean, comfortable environment.
There are many different types of dehumidifiers on the market, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, some are refrigerant based while others are desiccant based. Refrigerant based dehumidifiers are ideal for areas that contain plaster and concrete, as they can remove large amounts of water from the air. Desiccant based dehumidifiers are more suited for environments where the humidity must be kept to a minimum, such as pharmaceutical buildings or storage facilities.
It’s important to remember that while dehumidifiers can prevent mold growth, they do not kill existing mold spores or mildew. This means that if you have an established mold problem, it will still need to be professionally removed.
A mold remediation company will perform a thorough inspection of your property and recommend appropriate strategies to address your mold issue. This may include a dehumidification plan or professional mould removal services.
In addition to dehumidification, a professional remediation company will also provide mold remediation services that are designed to remove the existing mold from the affected area. This will involve the use of appropriate mould-killing solutions and a complete cleaning of the affected area.
Dehumidification is an important part of mold prevention and mold remediation, but it’s not the only solution. To effectively fight mold, you need to address the underlying issues that contribute to excessive moisture, such as leaks and poor ventilation. For instance, if you have a leaky roof, it needs to be fixed immediately and your home should be properly ventilated. It’s also essential to regularly clean spills and wet spots in your home to avoid them becoming breeding grounds for mould spores.