Mold Remediation
Molds and fungi are
found everywhere inside and outside. They can grow on almost any
substance when moisture is present. Molds when they reproduce make
spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores
land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to
grow. Molds are essential to the natural breakdown of organic materials
in the environment. Without molds we would be inundated with dead
organic matter. It has been estimated that 40 percent of United
States homes have some form of mold problem.
The key to mold control is moisture control.
It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48
hours to prevent mold growth. Mold is normally found indoors at levels that
do not affect most healthy individuals. When these levels become
abnormally high as determined by indoor air quality testing or
a mold inspection, remediation is recommended to be carried out
by a professional remediation company. MasterDry, LLC technicians
are experts certified by the IICRC in Mold Remediation. We
consult with third party Environmental Specialists to ensure your
home or office is properly cared for and maintains safe air quality.
MasterDry, LLC uses High Efficiency Particulate
Air (HEPA) filtered vacuum cleaners in the final cleanup of remediation
areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and all contaminated
materials have been removed. HEPA vacuum cleaners are recommended
for the cleanup of the outside areas surrounding the remediation
area. During this process the MasterDry’s Technicians wear
proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure
to mold and other contaminants.
The goal of remediation is to remove or clean
contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi
and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area and entering
an occupied or non-abatement area, while protecting the health of
workers performing the remediation. The
purpose of the clean-up process is to eliminate the mold and fungal
growth and to remove contaminated materials. As a general rule, simply
killing the mold with a biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed
since the chemicals and proteins, which cause a reaction in humans,
are still present even in dead mold.
Four steps of professional mold remediation
- Containment: MasterDry’s technicians
isolate the area of contamination to minimize the spread of
mold spores to other areas of the home.
- Filtration: HEPA air filters and negative air machines
run continuously throughout the project. Mold spores, dust, MVOCs,
gaseous compounds (i.e. Radon), and other airborne debris are
removed from the air.
- Removal and Cleanup: Contaminated
materials that cannot be cleaned are removed according to mold
remediation standards and the S520, which is the industry standard
manual according to the IICRC. Sheetrock, carpet, furniture,
and other damaged materials will have to be replaced to prevent
mold from returning.
- Structural Repair, Replacement and Modification: If
moisture is still present, no level of remediation effort will
be successful. The source and cause of the moisture must be eliminated.
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