Most homeowners do not know what to do when mold starts to permeate their property. While calling mold remediation contractors is the first and must-do step, understanding how professionals work will shed light on how the process happens. By learning how they work, you will know what to expect when the time comes that you need to seek their help.

The 5 Steps of Mold Removal 

Step 1: Mold Sampling and Testing

When you call a mold remediation contractor, the first thing that you should expect is a mold testing specialist visiting your home for inspection. They will either take air, bulk, or surface samples of the mold found in your home. Through sampling and testing, they will figure out the following information:

• What species and subspecies of mold is present in your home
• Is the mold in an active growth cycle?
• Is the mold toxigenic?

You can buy many DIY mold tests in the market, but they may not give you an accurate result that lab testing can do. 

Also, testing specialists should wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks, and respirators to protect them from any toxigenic species. Proper removal of protective equipment and proper disposal of the cleaning equipment used should be observed to avoid infecting any unaffected areas inside your home.

Step 2: Moisture Removal

It may take days before you receive the lab results. While waiting, they will identify the source of moisture that is causing these visible mold growth or mildew odor. These mold spores can only grow and multiply due to consistent and sufficient moisture supply. Once the leak source is identified, you must urgently proceed to fix them. 

Mold experts use special thermal cameras that allow them to detect hidden leaks on your plumbing or roof. The sooner the moisture source is relieved, the lesser the mold’s chance to occur and grow. Using a dehumidifier can also help maintain low relative indoor humidity levels, limiting the growth of mold.  

Step 3: Cleaning Up the Mold

Next, they will start cleaning up the existing mold inside your home. Cleaning or disinfecting the surfaces where mold grows is not enough to eliminate them. Mold experts use antifungal cleaning solutions and equipment that enable them to wash down the mold up to their root structure. This way, they also eliminate any potential mold regrowth.

Apart from the special solution, remediation professionals also use their brushes and sponges to remove these mold colonies. They also use vacuums to extract spores. 

Step 4: Damage Remediation

Once all signs of mold are gone, it is time to repair or rebuild any structures that have been damaged by them. Remember that mold is less likely to invade any treated or non-organic material, so it is recommended that homeowners replace their affected structures and materials with materials that have antifungal properties. If you do not want the same thing to happen again, you might want to consider this option.

Step 5: The Prevention

The procedure will not end after the remediation. Together with the homeowners, the mold experts need to ensure that the mold will not come back anytime soon. This can be achieved by providing a lower level of ambient moisture in the property and ensuring no water damage occurs in the following days. Other preventative measures to explore are applying antifungal treatments or installing mold-resistant building materials into your home. 

Conclusion

When flood or water damage happens inside your property or commercial property, always leave the cleaning and restoration to the professionals. They have enough knowledge and the right equipment to treat the situation more efficiently. However, understanding how mold remediation contractors work gives you an idea of what to do if an emergency happens to you. 

If you need mold removal services in Brooklyn, give us a call at Yellow Restoration. We offer 24/7 emergency expert help for any concerns, such as mold remediation, fire and water cleanup, damage restoration, and reconstruction services.