Return to site

Remediation of housing contaminated by mold

How to remove mold from your home

The appearance of mold spots does not bode well. These unwanted microorganisms not only deteriorate the materials on which they grow, but can also cause health problems. This is why it is essential to carry out a sanitation treatment in the rules. This article, which serves as an introduction to a future TIN on mold treatment, explains how to do this and dwells on a few points that should be given special attention.

What is mold and Basic principles of mold removal

Molds are microorganisms capable of releasing numerous fragments and spores in the premises as well as microbial volatile organic compounds (mCOV), thus creating a potential danger for the health of the inhabitants. By removing the affected materials, on the one hand, and the correct cleaning of the materials remaining in place, on the other hand, an attempt is made to find an acceptable fungal load in the interior environment.

By cleaning as soon as the first visible molds develop, their surface proliferation is minimized. Interventions consisting in concealing mold, such as the installation of lining walls, the lining or painting of the affected area should be avoided. Indeed, interventions of this type have the consequence of promoting the development of molds in areas that are little or not accessible.

Starting the mold remediation process

mold remediation greenville sc before and after bath photo

Before starting to clean mold stains, it is important to determine the exact origin. This is best and safest done if you call a professional mold inspection and remediation company like https://moldremediationgreenvillesc.business.site/. When they are caused by humidity, it is first necessary to eliminate the source (s) of humidity, otherwise the mold will reappear after a certain time. Sanitation is therefore successful by removing the source of moisture and removing or, if possible, properly cleaning contaminated materials.

The remediation method to be adopted depends, on the one hand, on the extent of the degradation and, on the other hand, on the nature of the materials on which the molds grow:

  • if the degradation is limited to a relatively small area, it is possible to carry out the treatment yourself. In the case of large-scale mold development (> 3 m²), it is preferable to call on a company specializing in this type of problem.
  • with regard to the nature of the materials, porosity plays an important role:
  • since mold can penetrate the pores, damage to porous materials (plasterboard covered with cardboard, wallpaper, etc.) is often greater than that which can be observed with the naked eye. If the contaminated area exceeds 0.5 m², there is a real risk of propagation to the lower layers. It is therefore preferable to remove affected porous materials.
  • in the case of non-porous materials (concrete, ceramic tiles, etc.), the development of mold only occurs on the surface, a simple cleaning will suffice
  • semi-porous materials (plaster, panels, etc.) must, for their part, be subjected to a meticulous inspection in order to determine whether there is development or not and whether a simple cleaning can be considered.

Recommendations

The mold spots are covered with microscopic-sized spores (see photo above) that are easily released and get swept up in the air. In the event of intervention on dry mold spots, a cloud of spores and fragments propagates in the room, then in the rest of the house. It is therefore advisable, during sanitation, to take the necessary measures to avoid contaminating other parts. It is therefore recommended to avoid any form of air circulation in the building and to ventilate the treated rooms only by opening windows and exterior doors.

Since the worker may be exposed to high concentrations of mold and spores during remediation, he will need to protect himself effectively by wearing an appropriate mask (FFP3, N95), gloves and a protective suit. 

It is also advisable to remove all superfluous and uncontaminated items from the room (furniture, bedding, lint, etc.) before the start of treatment. Anything that remains in place during treatment must then undergo a wet surface cleaning (dusting).

Phone: (864) 432-1524

Address: 1068 N Church St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States