Mold damage restoration service – Shoreline West
What is involved in mold remediation?
There are 6 steps to professional mold remediation
1. Antimicrobial Treatment: Often, after a disaster, it is necessary to disinfect the premises with antimicrobials. This is an important step because it helps to prevent the mold spores from growing back once the remediation process has begun. There are two types common antimicrobials used in mold remediation. These include biocides, such as chlorine bleach, Virkon LpH, and Environ LpH. Non-biocides, such as Peracetic Acid, hydrogen peroxide. We use products only available to professionals as home products such as bleach are not effective.
2. Source Identification is the process of identifying the extent of microbial contaminants and their location in an interior building. This allows the identification of any moisture sources that might be contributing to mold growth. Sometimes, after a fire or flood, there can be multiple sources of water intrusion and mold growth. A roof leak could occur above an office space where there is high carpeted flooring. This can lead to wall cavities which have been dampened by years of leakage and inoculated throughout the building envelope. Often times people will say they have not had any water damage but upon inspection we find evidence otherwise as black staining on walls, wood, insulation and/or ceiling tiles. It is important to inspect for this type of mold contamination. It will be very difficult to fully remediate a building affected if the source of moisture has not been addressed.
High moisture levels in commercial and residential buildings can be detected by our technicians using industry-specific moisture detection equipment. We also use thermal imaging and other inspection tools. This can be used to identify the source of moisture intrusion.
3. Containment is the process of containing the affected area with physical barriers to prevent people, pets, or livestock from being exposed until the environment is safe. Many methods can be used for containing an affected building. These include impermeable sheets of plastic and negative air machines. We often use a combination of containment techniques depending on the situation at hand. The high moisture levels created by microbial contamination make it dangerous for people to live in, work out of or occupy areas where mold growth exists before they are properly removed. Even if the microbial particles are kept to a minimum during remediation, workers can still pose health hazards by skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. There must be a barrier between contaminated zones and the rest. Therefore, containment products are required to seal off any affected areas. This is done by covering affected areas with plastic sheeting and sealing them off from all other areas.
4. Air Filtration is a step that provides clean air during the remediation process. This allows workers to work safely in contaminated areas. There are many different types of filters available for mold remediation. Each job site is unique and will require a specific type of filter. In most cases we use high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters which remove 99.97% of particles from contaminated indoor spaces down to 0.3 micrometers or smaller through a mechanical filtration media. Air scrubbers that use activated charcoal will be used in situations where individuals are more sensitive or the total spore load is greater.
5. Removing and cleaning: To prevent mold growth, it is best to get rid of all the affected materials. This includes drywall, insulation and wood trim. Carpets are also quite common.
We follow the S520 industry standards established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to professionally remove mold from your home or business. If more than 10 square feet of mold-contaminated area is found, you should contact an IICRC certified professional. A licensed environmental hygienist must be used if the area contaminated with mold is greater than 10 sq. The customer can be assured that the mold was properly controlled by the hygienist.
Mold growth is more difficult to get rid of than water. It spreads through pores, fibers and can be difficult to reach with antimicrobial chemicals. Properly cleaning or removing mold can be done in several ways including antimicrobial application, mechanical scrubbing and the use of vapor remediation systems.
6. Replacement: After remediation, we can help you replace any damaged or contaminated material that cannot be cleaned such as drywall and carpeting. This can include replacing insulation or re-tiling walls and floors. Painting and other work may also be required depending on the extent and severity of the damage. To ensure that all materials are safe for replacement, we test them first.
Outdoor application practices must follow state and federal environmental guidelines for pesticide use and disposal as well as worker protection standards set forth by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration).
All safety guidelines are adhered to by the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health. It includes properly trained professionals who know the hazards of working in areas with biological contaminants. Safe disposal methods include proper disposal containers, labeling, and documentation for contaminated material.
What Levels of Mold Damage Are There? – Restoration Master Finder
Mold growth in your home could cause severe structural damage and other problems. Most people know this. It is also known that mold problems can often be prevented by taking swift and effective action as soon as they occur.
The majority of people don’t know what to do to assess the extent damage and decide if professional assistance should be sought. If the problem doesn’t seem to be too severe, and the materials affected can be cleaned up easily, homeowners may be able resolve it on their own. Sometimes professional mold remediation might be required.
Mold contamination can make it difficult to solve. This comprehensive guide will help identify the different levels of mold damage. It also helps you decide the best course.
Level 1: No more that 10 square feet
If the contaminated area is less that 10 sq. Mold problems that are less than 10 sq.ft. will not be caused either by HVAC or structural problems. This mold problem is classified as level 1. It is easy to fix. Ceiling tiles, baseboards, wall panels and ceiling tiles can become moldy if they are exposed to high temperatures and humidity. You can remove mold from affected surfaces and clean them up yourself.
If you discover mold contamination at the level 1 of your home, all you have to do is use a wire brush to scrub the affected areas. Next, use disposable wipes. Finally, wash the affected area with a damp towel that has been soaked using detergent. You can also spray the areas with vinegar or a spray-fungicide. It is important to dry the surfaces completely. It is important to ventilate the area. This easy mold removal method works well on wood surfaces as well as non-porous materials like tile, glass, or metal.
However, there are important precautionary measures you should take.
Do not attempt to remove mold yourself if you have any allergies, asthma, or other immune conditions.
Rubber gloves, goggles, and a disposable respirator are all good options to protect yourself.
* Do not work with seniors or children who have chronic lung disease.
* Clean any affected items and surfaces in your home with the greatest care. Be sure to dry your items thoroughly before you return them to use.
* To prevent mold spores spreading to other areas of your home, dispose of any contaminated materials or items that are not easily cleaned (e.g. Seal your carpeting and ceiling tiles with plastic bags.
Make sure there is enough ventilation before you begin any new activity.
Level 2- Between 10 and 30 square feet
Level 2 mold damage means that there is 10-30 sq. ft. A higher level of mold could indicate a problem with the air conditioning or plumbing. However, this is not always true. It is strongly advised to inspect the entire building if there are any moldy wallboard panels.
If you aren’t allergic to mold, then you might be capable of repairing level 2 damage to your house. These are some precautions to take:
* Find out the source of excessive moisture in your home and take steps to prevent mold growth.
Cover any moldy objects in your home with plastic sheets, and seal them with tape. This will keep debris contained and prevent mold spreading to other areas in your home.
You can vacuum the entire area using a HEPA filter vacuum. Then, use a mop or cloth dipped in detergent to wipe clean all hard surfaces.
Levels 1 and 2 of mold are not considered to pose a threat to the structure or health of the building. Level 2 may require more extensive inspections and could quickly turn into level 3. But, it is often possible to manage the mold contamination below 30 sq. feet.
Level 3 – more than 30 feet
Mold growth in large areas (over thirty sq. Large areas of mold growth (over 30 sq. ft.) indicates a serious problem that needs immediate attention. You must immediately begin to remediate large surfaces contaminated with mold. First, test the building for mold. Mold inspections can determine the extent and scope of damage. To determine the best course of action, it is a good idea to consult a mold expert.
Level 3 mold damage should be addressed by a professional. DIY mold remediation is possible. However, you should follow the same safety precautions as when dealing with level 2 mold contamination.
* Protect any areas of your home adjacent to the infected area with plastic sheeting
* Place plastic sheeting in the vicinity of any ventilation grills, air ducts to prevent contamination.
* You should not allow anyone else to access infected zones until work is completed. Children under the age 18 and patients with chronic diseases such as lung disease or cancer should be kept out of the infected area.
Level 4 – more than 100 square feet
Level 4 contamination (over 100 sq. Professional remediation is required for all levels of contamination (above 100 square). All mold removal workers must have experience in hazardous material handling. Mold remediation experts will:
* Use plastic sheeting to seal the affected area.
* All mold remediation, removal and mitigation procedures must be done. All modifications and repairs should be completed.
* Wipe the area clean and restore any items salvageable or household surfaces to perfect condition.
* Before you leave, clean out any bags containing contaminated material and set up a chamber for decontamination.
HEPA filters can be used in air filtration machines to purify the air. They can also monitor indoor quality and decide the safest time to let residents return to their homes.
Level 4 mold remediation is a complex and time-consuming process that should never be left to inexperienced people. To solve your mold problem, you should hire certified, licensed, and reliable mold remediation specialists.
Take every precaution to keep mold from coming back to your home. This will help to avoid other problems.
What can professionals do for mold remediation
The terminology used to describe mold remediation chemicals is important to help you expand your knowledge. One example is the note for antimicrobial, which could lead you to conclude that all antifungal compounds are antimicrobials. This is false, however, if you look closely. While some antimicrobials can be effective against parasites and bacteria, they are not effective against mold. Many antimicrobials are not effective against mold.
When you look at the terms fungicide or fungistat, there are similar logic deductions. A fungicide kills mold and prevents it from growing. Many in the mold remediation business don’t realize that some fungistats are not effective against fungal organisms. The chemical or treatment surface will kill any mold growth and prevent further spread. If the fungistat doesn’t have mold killing properties, the spores may spread to other locations and form colonies. HVAC filters are a great example. They are claimed to stop mold growth. Although spores are not able to grow on filters, they can get dislodged from the filter and move into the mechanical parts. This could result in fungal colonies growing in the drip pan or other wet areas.
They also indicate that they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. According to how the chemical was registered and formulated, it could also be used as an antimicrobial or disinfectant. Chemicals can also serve different purposes, making the situation even more complicated. Many disinfectants, sanitizers, and cleaners can also be used to clean. Many in the mold remediation business use disinfectants during cleaning. If the cleaning process fails to remove all the mold spores and colonies, the contractor will provide some residual mold killing agent.
This can cause confusion. Cleaning and restoration professionals need to be able identify the type of chemical they use on each step of their mold remediation project. This information can be used to guide us as most chemicals used for mold remediation are labeled with the disinfectant number. Although there have been many disinfectants in use over the past 80-years, only nine chemicals remain in regular/frequent usage today.
1. Bleach (chlorine)
2. Hydrogen peroxide
3. Quaternary ammonium compound
4. Essential oils
5. Alcohol
6. Iodophors are (iodine).
7. Phenolics
8. Formaldehyde
9. Glutaraldehyde
It is worthwhile to learn more about the four best-rated mold remediation chemicals. The first two mold remediation chemicals share one thing in common. Both hydrogen peroxide as well as chlorine can be used to oxidize. They either absorb or give up oxygen atoms from other substances.
Chemically, compounds containing the element chlorine are unstable and are easily activated by organic substances. This means that bleach water is unable to add and subtract oxygen from other substances or dirt. It also loses its ability of breaking down microorganisms. Even though bleach water might smell strong, it won’t be as strong as you think. But soapy bleach water can’t remove fungal and bacteria organisms. Contractors who use chlorine derivatives for mold remediation should be concerned about the corrosiveness of these chemicals to metals and living tissues. It is not unusual to find high levels in some mold stainremoving products that are paired with hydrogen oxyoxide or surfactants. This combination allows liquids penetration and discoloration to be removed. The product’s shelf life is usually only a few month.
They are chemically identical so many of the same plusses and minuses that apply to chlorine products also applies to hydrogen peroxide products. Hydrogen peroxide, even in closed containers, can be broken down over time if no special additives are added. Because hydrogen peroxide has a higher sensitivity to light than other chemicals it is packaged in opaque containers. Hydrogen peroxide is a better choice for mold work than chlorine products because it doesn’t have the same residual smell and quickly breaks down into harmless byproducts of oxygen and water vapor.
What is the difference in mold removal and mold remediation?
There is a distinction between mold remediation, and mold removal. Mold remediation involves physically removing moldspores. On the other hand, mold removal focuses upon returning mold levels back at their natural levels. This means that although mold removal is not guaranteed to eliminate all moldspores from your home, it will help restore indoor air quality.
Mold causes a large amount of trouble in homes and buildings because it is an invisible foe. Mold can grow on any surface, and it will spread to wherever the right conditions allow. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and easily spread through air, water, and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Molds can grow anywhere on Earth. If this humidity is not managed, it does not have to cause problems.
The dangers of mold growth can’t be overstated. Mold growth can lead to serious health problems if allowed to spread. According to the EPA, “Some people are more sensitive than others and may develop allergic reactions or respiratory problems.” According to the CDC mold can grow anywhere there’s excess moisture. This applies to walls, ceilings and cabinets as well as carpeting, furniture, and carpeting. Although mold can be traced back to external sources such as leaky roofs or windows it is possible for molds to escape through air ducts.
Both mold remediation can refer to the same thing. The latter is not possible. It is technically impossible, because of the microscopic nature the mold spores.
Mold remediation will return mold levels back to a safe, natural level within a mold infested home. It is impossible to eliminate all mold from an environment. Remediation can remove mold spores. This will not make the environment safer for the building’s residents.
If you have a severe mold infestation, it is advisable to hire a professional mold remediation company. Property owners can often fix minor mold problems. Property owners can find mold problems and fix them.
How long does mold remediation typically take?
Due to multiple factors, the process may take some time. The first is the type and extent of the mold being addressed. Black mold is more challenging to eradicate as it requires extra safety precautions. The duration of the work will be affected by the extent of your home’s damage. Mold can ruin materials like wallpaper, plaster, drywall, and carpet. If mold isn’t addressed, it can cause serious structural damage to your property. Mold can cause walls and ceilings to cave in, floor to collapse, and floors to cave-in. In milder cases, mold remediation can usually be completed in 48 hours. It may take several weeks if your mold problem is severe enough.
Mold remediation experts will assess the extent of your mold growth to determine if you should evacuate your home. Sometimes, even mild mold growth can lead to the need to evacuate your home. This is especially true if your family has asthma or allergies, which can lead to mold spores irritating your skin.
Do you have the ability to perform mold remediation?
Homeowners love to do it themselves mold removal. Many homeowners are keen to save money and learn how to remove mold. Others like the freedom and satisfaction that comes with doing it yourself. Sometimes it is a good idea to take care of a mold problem in your home. Sometimes though, it’s best to hire a professional who understands how to properly and thoroughly remove mold.
If you have the following skills, you may be able and able to remove mold yourself
* The mold can only be found in a very limited area.
* Mold can grow easily on clean surfaces like tile, metal, or glass.
* Mold growth is occurring on hard-to-clean materials such as carpet. If you are familiar with how to properly remove and replace carpet, it’s easy to get rid of.
* Mold exposure is unlikely to cause health problems. Check with your doctor for confirmation.
Mold and water damage
Many people don’t know that mold can lead to water leaks. Not only can flooding cause mold, but visible water leaks as well. Any type of water leak can lead to mold growth if it isn’t addressed properly. Mold grows quickly. If the right conditions have been met, mold may grow in less than 24 hours.
Water extraction. To prevent mold from growing due to water damage and other problems, drain any excess water. It is imperative to remove any water from the room. While a vacuum that works well in small spaces might work, a vacuum that is wet or dry may not be efficient in large areas.
Ventilation, dehumidification and ventilation are important to get rid of standing water. Mold thrives in moisture. This includes moisture from floods and other flooding. Dehumidification and ventilation are needed to get rid of the moisture. To start drying, open windows.
Drying and cleaning These items include furniture, draperies, and storage boxes. Any carpet padding that has been soaked in water should be removed, and the padding replaced. Water damaged ceiling tiles or drywall should also be removed and replaced.
Our specialists can repair carpets and rugs as well hardwood floors damaged by water. These items will not grow mold if they’re dried properly. According to how floodwater affected items, they may need to have their items cleaned. Books, documents, artwork and other personal items may need to be cleaned and dried in order to prevent mold growth.
It can be very difficult to prevent mold growth due to water damage. It can be very difficult to dry, clean, or sanitize all affected objects. We believe that homeowners should be able to understand the basics of water and mold remediation, but we also recognize the importance of hiring professionals for this job.
What is the Difference Between Mold & Mildew?
Molds come in many sizes, shapes, and textures. Mildew is often characterized as a gray-colored or powdery fungus.
If you see “mildew,” it is most likely a mold belonging to the Ascomycota Division. This mold is usually lighter in color and has more powdery texture. You may be familiar with the term “powdery Mildew,” which is a form of plant disease, caused by Ascomycota Mushrooms.
Aspergillus is an allergenic mold that can trigger allergic reactions. It falls under the Ascomycota classification. Aspergillus is a powdery, white/gray substance that looks like mildew.
Mycotoxins are toxins that Aspergillus can produce. These can cause symptoms similar to allergies or can make it seem like you have a constant cold that will not go away. Mycotoxins can also trigger neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms including movement disorders, chronic pain syndromes, and disorders in coordination and balance.
It is a dangerous and common mold that we frequently see in home remediation.
When mildew is growing in your home, it’s best to connect the dots.
Myths concerning mold removal
1. My handyman could handle it
Handymen can do amazing things. Handymen can do many different jobs around your home, but it’s still not the same job as fixing a faucet leak. You need to hire a professional in order to do it right. Mold remediation that isn’t done according to national guidelines can cause damage to your home and increase costs. Your family’s health can be at risk if you use improper mold and mildew cleaning methods. A certified mold professional can not only ensure a mold remediation protocol that is specific to your needs but also ensure that the mold or mildew problem will be dealt with safely, efficiently, and quickly.
2. Mold remediation companies can be too costly.
You’ve probably heard the expression “You get what you pay” many times. A professional mold remediation contractor is an expensive option, but it’s crucial to get rid of mold and mildew. It is difficult for contractors to correctly remediate homes or buildings using cheap, short-term measures. Mold remediation takes time and expertise. Certified companies are certified in mold and mildew remediation techniques. As they do the job correctly the first time, they will charge more.
3. Bleach is all what I need
Mildew is something that we all know how and can get rid of. You can clean it with bleach. It is possible that bleach or other chemicals are ineffective at eliminating mildew and mold. Contrary what many believe, bleach can kill mildew/mold on porous surfaces such as wood and grout. wood, drywall, grout, carpet, etc.) It actually encourages mildew. The chlorine molecules on the surface only kill a small amount mold or mildew. However, bleach water (mostly dissolved water) penetrates and promotes growth. What is best to do for mildew/mold problems? Avoid bleach and consult a mold specialist.
Critical Control Mold – Restoration service is California’s top provider of mold remediation. We respond quickly and personally to your damage projects and emergencies.
