Mold Mitigation 101: How the Professionals Get Rid of Mold - Permanently.

A Brief Guide to Mold Growth in Properties

If you have mold in your home (and not just black mold either), you're facing a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. Mold can pose significant health risks to human and animal lives as well as structural damage to the property if left unchecked. A mold problem can effect air quality due to the polluting effects of mold spores, mycotoxins and other toxic by-products a mold infestation causes. Mold damage to your home is initially unsightly, but can damage the structural integrity of your property if left to grow. Proper mold mitigation is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of a property, and it is best handled by experienced specialists who follow industry best practices.

What is Mold Mitigation?

Mold mitigation refers to the process of containing and removing mold within a property, as well as the actual mold clean-up. In this usage, mold mitigation can be used interchangeably with both "mold remediation" and/or "mold removal". It's important to note, mold mitigation also has a narrower definition which denotes the prevention of the spread of mold and the minimization of its impact only. Whilst we understand the prevalence of this definition based on the meaning of the word "mitigation", we will use the broad interpretation of the term, as there can be no half-measures if you've found mold in your home. Whether a small patch of mold on a wall, a large mold infestation, or even the suspicion that there's a hidden mold problem impacting your air quality, mold is an incredibly dangerous biohazard and must be treated accordingly. This means not only containment and spread prevention, but root cause analysis, structural and behavioural changes where needed, removal of contaminated materials where required and appropriate measures to stop a recurrence.

The Dangers of Mold Growth

Exposure to mold can lead to various health problems, ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe respiratory issues. Some common symptoms of mold exposure include sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, and skin rashes. In more severe cases, mold exposure can exacerbate asthma symptoms and even cause neurological problems. In addition to health risks, mold growth can also cause significant structural damage to a property. Mold thrives in damp environments and can quickly spread through porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and wood. If left untreated, mold can weaken the structural integrity of a building, leading to costly repairs.

Mold Mitigation Best Practices

Mold remediation specialists follow a set of best practices to ensure the safe and effective removal of mold from a property. These practices involve a systematic approach that can include any of the following; assessment, containment, removal, cleaning, drying, and restoration.

Assessment and Documentation

Typically, the first step in any mold treatment; whether mitigation or full remediation, is to conduct a thorough inspection of the affected area. A mold assessment involves identifying the extent of the mold growth, determining the source of the growth (which usually means determining the source of any excess moisture - structural or behavioural), and documenting the damage. Specialists use moisture mapping techniques to locate hidden moisture pockets and mold testing - through collecting air and surface samples for laboratory analysis.

Containment

Once the assessment is complete, the next step is to contain the mold-contaminated area to prevent the spread of spores to other parts of the property. Some companies will employ the use of negative air pressure coupled with the use of HEPA air filtration systems and the sealing off of the affected area with plastic sheeting. This is an imperfect solution, however, as the airborne spores and toxins which are the target of the containment are invisible, meaning the spread of the mold spores and the success of the treatment is impossible to ascertain.

NoMoldWNC, powered by Pure Maintenance's patented, global dry fog system, employ a different approach. We use positive air pressure, not negative. We fill a given space with our dry fog sterilant, InstaPURE, until it has filled the entire volume of a space or room. This means the guesswork is taken out of the containment phase. At full saturation, our sterilant touches every surface, belonging, and item of furniture. Further, it's tiny molecular size (which gives it its characteristic 'dryness') means it can't condense on surfaces, causing it to dwell in the air, filling it entirely and forcing it to come into contact with every airborne mold spore. It also means it can get into tiny spaces, behind and within structures and furnishings. Our sterilant gets everywhere mold does.

Drying and Dehumidification

It's crucial to dry any damp or moist areas in order for any subsequent mold treatment to be effective. This also means identifying any active water leaks or ingress and rectifying structural defects. Mold mitigation may use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to remove excess moisture from the air and materials. It may also involve monitoring moisture levels using specialized equipment to ensure that the area is completely dry before proceeding with mold cleanup and restoration.

Removal and Cleaning

With the containment in place and building sufficiently dry, mold mitigation specialists begin the process of removing and cleaning the mold-contaminated materials. This may involve removing porous materials that are beyond such as drywall and insulation that cannot be effectively cleaned, and using specialized cleaning agents to disinfect non-porous surfaces. NoMoldWNC's dry fog sterilant is incredibly effective at penetrating furnishings and surfaces, minimizing the need to tear out structural materials. We may also apply the sterilant topically to visible mold colonies to induce the process of lysis (where the InstaPURE denatures the mold cells, rendering them inert).

Disposal and Restoration

Any mold-contaminated materials that cannot be effectively cleaned must be properly disposed of to prevent the spread of mold spores. This may include drywall, insulation, carpet, and other porous materials. The NoMoldNWC patented dry fog is incredibly once the affected area is clean and dry, specialists can begin the restoration process, which involves replacing removed building materials and returning the property to its pre-mold condition.

The Importance of Professional Mold Mitigation

While it may be tempting to tackle mold growth on your own, it is highly recommended to seek the help of professional mold remediation specialists. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to effectively remove mold and prevent its recurrence. Mold remediation specialists follow industry standards and guidelines set by organizations such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They use specialized equipment such as HEPA air filtration systems, negative air machines, and moisture meters to ensure that the mold is completely removed and the affected area is properly dried.

Preventing Future Mold Growth

While mold mitigation is essential to address current mold issues, it is equally important to take steps to prevent future mold growth. Preventing future mold growth can be addressed in a number of ways. First, the mold mitigation specialists will likely apply a solution to your surfaces to create an antimicrobial barrier. We use EverPURE, which forms a covalent bond with all surfaces and electrostatically attracts airborne mold spores to it. Upon contact, the EverPURE's microscopic spikes puncture the cell membrane, constituting a "mechanical kill".

It's critical to couple any surface solution with behavioural and/ or structural changes where necessary to control moisture levels in the property. This can be achieved through proper ventilation, humidity control, and regular maintenance. Some tips for preventing mold growth include:

• Fixing leaks and water damage promptly
• Ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas
• Keeping indoor humidity levels under 40%
• Regularly inspecting the property for signs of mold or water damage
• Using mold-resistant building materials in high-moisture areas

Conclusion

Mold growth in properties is a serious issue that requires prompt and professional attention. Mold remediation specialists follow best practices to safely and effectively remove mold and prevent its recurrence. By understanding the dangers of mold growth and the importance of proper mitigation, property owners can take steps to protect the health and safety of occupants and maintain the structural integrity of their buildings. If you suspect mold growth in your property, don't hesitate to seek the help of professional mold remediation specialists. With their expertise and specialized equipment, they can quickly and safely address the issue and restore your property to a healthy and mold-free condition.