Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also cause damage to your property and be dangerous to your health. This moisture-loving fungus stealthily grows in dark, damp places and can quickly grow out of control and start releasing harmful mycotoxins (toxin produced by the fungus). If you discover a mold infestation, it is vital to get it under control as soon as possible to minimize its spread and prevent negative effects on your family or employees.
When hiring a Mold Removal Company, be sure to select a professional that has experience in mold remediation and can provide you with a thorough testing and inspection. During the inspection, the company should also be able to identify the source of the mold and help you repair it before it becomes too much of an issue.
Before any work can begin, a mold removal team will create containment around the affected area to keep the mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home or business. Depending on the size of the affected space and the extent of the mold, containment may include plastic sheeting or other materials that block the affected areas from the rest of your property. The crew will then use fans and other tools to lower the humidity in the contained space to a level that will kill mold spores.
After the area is isolated, the restoration company will typically clean and disinfect any porous building materials that were affected by mold growth. This can include drywall, insulation, and carpeting. The moldy material will then be removed from the property and disposed of properly. During this stage, the restoration company should also wipe down all items in the affected area with a microbial disinfectant to eliminate any residual mycotoxins and bacteria.
Throughout the mold remediation process, negative air machines and HEPA vacuum cleaners will be used to remove any spores, dust, and microbial volatile organic compounds from the air. These will then be replaced with fresh, clean air. The air will then be tested again to ensure that it is safe for your family or employees to return to the property.
During this stage, the restoration company will also take away saveable contents such as clothing, furniture, hard goods, electronics and more to be restored off site. This can include anything from carpet and clothing to photographs and documents. This can be an especially stressful step of the process as you will be leaving your personal belongings with strangers to be cleaned and restored. This is why it is important to find a company that is honest and trustworthy. Ask any potential restoration companies if they will take these items and what their protocol is in the event of a loss. If they do not answer this question satisfactorily, it is best to move on. This will protect your personal belongings and avoid the risk of them being lost during the mold removal process.