Mold Remediation
Mold remediation is a term no one wants to hear. High costs of remediations, dishonest and unethical remediation contractors, the elevated number of insurance related mold claims, and lack of uniform standards, both testing and remediation, are a few basic reasons the state of the mold remediation industry in Texas is the way it is. With all of this aside, the fact is there is a need for professionally and properly removing mold growth from homes. Too often we see plumbers, rebuild contractors, and homeowners (to name a few not pointing the finger at all plumbers, rebuild contractors, or homeowners) themselves decide "it's just mold" and remove it themselves like they have always done in the past. Demolition is carried out like normal and moldy drywall is carried through the house. In doing so, a home that potentially had no problematic fungal airborne concentrations now has extremely high levels of problematic fungi. Additionally, the air conditioning system had been running so now the entire HVAC system is contaminated as well. Furthermore, all contents throughout the home have "toxic" mold all over them. In other cases, the extent of the contamination is so bad, the airborne concentration is saturated with "toxic" mold prior to any demolition. Whatever the case, only air testing can tell you the state of your indoor air prior to any remedial activities.
BASIC Mold Remediation Procedures:
Containment and Air Scrubbing
Containment is an extremely important aspect of a mold remediation. A properly built containment keeps the aerosolized spores contained to one area during the removal process. A well built containment prevents spores from traveling to 'uncontaminated' portions of the house. 6 mil. poly barriers should be erected where needed: at doorways, windows, and HVAC return and supply registers.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtered air scrubbers that move anywhere from 500 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to 2000 CFM capable of moving all of the air inside containment 5 - 14 times per hour should utilized throughout containment, whether containment is 1 room or the entire house. Negative pressure should be utilized during all remediation procedures (click on link for an explanation of negative pressure).
Basic Personal Protective Equipment
1) Respirator filter type - Combination HEPA / organic vapor
2) Chemical resistant overalls - Tyvek hooded coverall with elastic wrists and ankles
3) Gloves - Latex or vinyl disposable gloves
Source Removal
After a properly built containment is set up and all contents are removed from the containment area, the removal of contaminated material should be done. Typically, it is recommended to remove contaminated material to 18 - 24 inches beyond the visible contamination. Exposed wood framing members should be sanded, scraped, and treated with an E.P.A. approved biocide (several sources indicate a biocide should not be used based on the fact that the biocide can be more problematic to health than the mold being removed). Lastly, all walls, floors, and ceilings should be wiped down with an approved E.P.A. biocide or HEPA vacuumed.
DISCLAIMER: The brief methods described above should not be used for your mold remediation. These are merely typical procedures you might see on a mold remediation. Please see our links and information page for direct links to more specific mold remediation guidelines. Additionally, Air Assessment, Inc. will not act as a consultant and remediation contractor on the same job.
Pricing:
Please call for an appointment. Remediation contractors must visit the site to accurately quote a job.
Who Are Our Clients?
1) Insurance Companies: Air Assessment, Inc. works with all insurance companies involving mold related claims.
2) Homeowners: Homeowners have visible mold and want it properly removed.
3) Commercial Businesses: Commercial businesses have visible mold and want it properly removed.