In the United States alone, an estimated 70% of all homes have mold, and approximately 28% of people are susceptible to health conditions connected with mold. If you have mold in your home, it’s best not to wait. Even though it may not be toxic, it creates an unhealthy environment overall. If you’re experiencing a mold problem and plan to go through the mold remediation process, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed.
The good news is learning more about the process and how to prepare will ease your nerves and make everything go much smoother.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about the mold remediation process!
Overview of Mold Remediation
First, it’s essential to understand more about the mold remediation process overall. Mold remediation is an extensive cleaning process done by professional companies.
This will ensure that all mold is completely removed from your home and won’t return in the near future.
When you have mold, you’ll typically notice different signs like:
- Leaks
- Visible mold
- Warped ceilings or floor
- Musty smells
- Water damage
- Rust
Mold can also cause health problems like lung irritation, wheezing, and coughing. Mold can make specific health issues like asthma and allergies worse.
This is why it’s crucial to have a professional company come in and take steps to remove the mold from your home.
If you’re noticing severe symptoms and worsening health issues, it’s worth getting mold tested. It’s best to find a same-day mold inspection service to get testing done as quickly as possible.
How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?
The entire process can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days. However, this varies depending on how severe your mold problem is and how long it’s been present.
You may need to have your home treated multiple times.
Prepare for the Mold Remediation Company
Before the remediation company arrives, you’ll need to do some home maintenance to prepare.
Your first step is to move all furniture and other household items that aren’t affected by mold out of the way. The goal is to clear the area to allow the company to do its work.
You should begin removing furniture a few days before the company arrives to ensure you give yourself enough time to go through everything.
On the same day the remediation company is scheduled, you must take your pets and put them in a separate room. Move your car out of the driveway and garage to give the company enough space to work.
Taking the time to do home care before your appointment will make the process much easier for everyone.
What to Expect During the Mold Remediation Process
When the company arrives, they’ll park their trucks as close as possible to your doorway. They’ll need to prepare your home by placing plastic sheets on the ground and hoses in the moldy areas.
In cases where mold is present in accessible areas such as the crawlspace, the remediation company might be able to treat the mold without requiring access to the entire home.
Once the company completes this basic process, they go onto the next steps, such as:
Recommendations for Leaving Your Home
The remediation company will talk to you about leaving your home during the process. Many people are sensitive to the chemicals used during remediation, and it’s best to leave the property during the treatment.
Talk to the company about an alternate plan if you cannot leave.
Suiting Up
Since mold removal can be a hazardous process, the remediation workers will need to protect themselves. This includes a suit, boots, goggles, and respirators.
Remember, this doesn’t mean the mold in your home is toxic. Often, home mold may cause certain breathing symptoms, but it isn’t toxic. Still, safety is a priority for mold remediation workers, so don’t let this alarm you.
Isolate the Area
Next, the company will isolate the affected areas by sealing all windows and other openings. Usually, mold remediation companies use polyethylene sheeting and seal the seams with duct tape.
Doing this keeps mold spores from spreading around the rest of your home. It also allows the company to spray all the affected areas safely. They’ll typically do this by misting around all moldy areas.
Remove and Bag Affected Materials
The mold remediation company will then focus on removing all items affected by mold. These items can’t be cleaned and must be removed.
This includes materials like:
- Drywall
- Carpeting
- Plaster
- Any fabric-covered furniture
- All clothing
This also includes any porous or wet surfaces containing molds, like countertops and insulation.
The mold remediation company will then carefully bag all materials to prevent spreading spores around your home. Most local regulations require that moldy materials must be in air-tight plastic bags. The remediation company should be aware of the local laws in your area.
Spray Down Mold
The biocide will be used by the remediation company to treat mold-infested areas. The mold treatment, known as a biocide, has received approval from the EPA. It kills all mold and needs to be applied during a two-step process. Don’t be afraid to ask the remediation company what products they use to kill the mold.
Remediation workers spray all areas with biocide, vacuum, and scrub all materials.
The workers will need to leave and wait for the biocide to kill mold spores. They’ll use fans to speed up the process of drying the area thoroughly.
It’s essential to remember that remediation companies should spray beyond moldy areas to ensure more doesn’t grow once they leave. For example, if only part of your attic has mold, spraying the entire attic is still best.
Check for Mold
The success of mold remediation hinges upon the absence of visible mold and any lingering mold odors. To prevent future growth, it is crucial to eliminate all active mold prior to painting the affected area.
Fix Mold Causes
Once all the surfaces are dry and you can move back in, it’s time to address the root causes.
This may be a leaking roof, gutters, or drain pipes. It’s important not to wait to address the cause of your moisture issues. If you do, the mold will return quickly.
Understanding the Mold Remediation Process
Understanding the mold remediation process will help you get through each day, one step at a time. Remember to start your preparation early before the mold remediation company arrives. If you still need to find a reliable company, start your search on Google by looking for remediation near me and reading Google reviews. To learn more home and lifestyle tips, make sure to read the rest of our blog today!
