Restoring Your Property With A Servant's HeartHire us for mold removal and water damage restoration in Sterling, Reston, VA & Potomac, MD

Maybe a severe storm sent rainwater into your home and soaked your carpet and walls. Maybe a pipe busted while you were on vacation and flooded your basement. No matter the situation, when your home is water damaged, Mold Removal can help.

We complete mold removal and water damage restoration services all over the Sterling, Reston, VA & Potomac, MD area. Our owner knows what it's like to go through a natural disaster. We realize how expensive repairs and mold remediations can be. That's why we offer our services at fair prices.

We're willing to drive 30 miles outside of Sterling to help you. That includes northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, D.C. We'll do what it takes to make your house feel comfortable again.

Contact us right away for the water damage restoration services you need.

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Mold Removal & Water Damage Restoration | Sterling, Reston ...

Remediation

When it has been determined that mold is present in your property, our certified microbial remediators main concern is the potential risk for excessive mold exposure. Mold counts in the air can be 10 to 1,000 times higher than normal. Therefore, we offer the following methods to maintain outstanding mold remediation Miami performance:

Keep in mind that the specifics of your Mold Remediation service are determined based upon the specifics of your mold issue. Various factors are involved in outlining a customized mold remediation plan and your specified treatment process will be provided to you in detail in your Mold Inspection Report within 2 to 3 business days upon completion of your Mold Inspection service.

Once the Mold Remediation has concluded, a project manager will inform you as to the status of your property and schedule a post-remediation testing to insure all mold has been adequately removed from the treated area, as per client request. A Clearance Certificate will then be issued to you, upon receipt of the results pertaining to the post-remediation sampling, if you have opted for the testing.

The follow-up will occur when all remediation and testing is complete. Your project manager or direct office administrator will contact you to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have and provide recommendations to avoid future mold issues.

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Mold Remediation Miami & Mold Remediation South Florida ...

Raleigh Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation is a certified full-service mold and indoor air quality company.

Get Rid of Mold Today

We use only the safest, greenest products to treat and prevent mold. That's good for you and the environment.

Remove Mold Now

Raleigh Mold Inspection and Remediation is a full-service mold and indoor air quality company. With a certified staff and reasonable pricing, we pride ourselves on the ability to solve your mold, water, and indoor air quality problems quickly and economically.Raleigh Mold services Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs, Sanford and the surrounding areas in NC.

When your crawlspace or basement begins to grow mold it can cause structural problems and the mold spores may get into your home. If this happens, your house can smell as the mold spores grow and may cause you or your family to experience mold symptoms.Please contact us for a Free Crawlspace Mold Inspection.

Musty smell or water damage can be the start of mold in you home or business. Call the experts at Raleigh Mold for your mold inspection.

Mold Inspection

Mold is a very powerful fungi. It has the ability to destroy both your health and the value of your home if left untreated.

Mold Removal

If your crawlspace begins to rot, grow mold, or experience structural problems, this will extend to every part of your home. Free Crawlspace Inspection.

Crawl Spaces

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Raleigh Mold Remediation, Mold Inspection Free Estimates

We understand that mold growth can be a challenging presence in your home or business, but it is more common to our area than many might believe. We have a full division of our SERVPRO team with IICRC-Certification as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians to address these threats in homes and businesses from Tarrifville to Canton and Avon.

Our SERVPRO team has seen the harsh effects of mold remediation over the years, and that is why our team chooses strong yet gentle approaches with our cleaning agents. We also seek to use greener alternatives, which would be effective approaches for aging buildings like the facilities of our local country clubs TPC and Tunxis Plantation.

With mold remediation, we want to make sure the problem does not occur again in the immediate future, so we use dehumidifiers and air movers to address lingering moisture and dampness that can facilitate mold growth. We ensure that the entire affected space is completely mitigated, so we make mold damages Like it never even happened.

Some restoration companies advertise mold removal and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the facts:

A minor mold problem can quickly become a major infestation if left untreated. We can start the remediation process immediately after you contact us. A faster response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

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As water and mold damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.

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Our initial focus is to stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber. We invest in ongoing mold remediation training and the latest equipment to serve you better

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Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a typical mold remediation infestation:

With sensational news stories and misleading advertising, you can easily understand why so many people are misinformed about indoor mold. Learn the facts about mold and the mold remediation process.

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. We are proud to be an active member of the Farmington community and want to pitch in and help make our community the best it can be.

When a major storm or event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

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Farmington, CT Mold Removal and Mold Remediation | SERVPRO of ...

911 Restoration aims to give property owners a Fresh Start on the foundation of their dreams. We are a full scale operation providing homeowners with all the care and services their home needs. By providing the nation with water extractions, fire and smoke remediation, sewage cleanup, mold removal, and all other types of disaster recovery, we aim to give property owners a Fresh Start on the foundation for their dreams.

Our technicians are licensed, bonded, insured, and certified to eliminate damages from any home or business and provide you with peace of mind. We take projects from initial damage removal to the final coat of paint, and we are there for our clients at every step in between. If your home is affected by any sort of disaster, you can trust in our experts to make your home like new again, so call us now!

Our expert technicians can remove water from your property as well as the stress that it causes. Even when your water damage originates from water heater failures, pipe bursts, ceiling leaks, severe storms, or even local flooding, we are here for you. 911 Restoration specialists have the skills, expertise, and the training to take on all forms of water damage no matter how hazardous the water.

When water infiltrates a property it creates damage through saturation, spreading, splitting and erosion of structural integrity. Our water damage restoration team gets to the scene of the situation, stops the source from spreading more water, and restores the property to normal as quickly as is possible without cutting corners.

Our technicians are highly dedicated to making these types of situations as easy as possible for our clients, and that is why we will even do the insurance paperwork for people. Whether the challenge is from a pipe burst, water heater malfunction, or even severe storms and mass flooding, our technicians have the equipment, experience, and ethics to handle it all for you.

It is imperative for both homes and businesses that damage be taken care of immediately to avoid increased loss as well as the endangerment of those who occupy the space. If your home has recently been through a flood, contact a representative in our 24/7/365 call center for more information and help today!

Eliminating the damages of a sewage backup through cleanup operations requires skill, countless hours in the field, and expert trainingto be handled properly. This is why our technicians with 911 Restoration are licensed, insured, bonded, certified, and prepared for any challenge that arises in your home or business.

Sewage backups are ranked based on category, from one being clean water hazards to three which involves deadly pathogens capable of seriously harming human health. Each category of sewage water damage can occur in many different ways, from a toilet overflow to a pipe burst, and from sewage backflow valve failure to septic field drainage malfunction. No matter what the source of the sewage, our cleanup experts are highly proficient in sanitation of the affected area as well as restoring your peace of mind.

When a sewage backup scenario takes place, our highly trained and dedicated crews are capable of responding immediately to more than 30 states across the nation. We act swiftly to save your home or business from increased damages due to contaminated water lingering and infiltrating further into your propertys support structure.

Contaminated water can be a source for pathogens that may even be deadly if left unchecked and untreated. Our experienced and dedicated staff suggests avoiding contact with any of it, and if ingested, or if it has come into contact with skin, have it examined by a health professional immediately.

If you come home to a sewage backup, contact our sewage backup cleanup restoration specialists with 911 Restoration today!

Mold typically plagues homes that were subject to recent water damage. When a home floods, it does so in a variety of ways, from the initial damages that the water causes, to the erosion of support structures, and eventually, mold growth. This is why our technicians arrive as quickly as possible with all the tools and techniques needed to give you and your home a Fresh Start with a free visual inspection and professional mold removal.

Mold spores, especially black mold, can take hold in any location where there is a minimum amount of moisture and a substrate for them to germinate. This means that virtually any surface that remains wet for too long will be a harbor for mold and fungus contamination.

Many people dont realize that mold spores are actually around them at all times. This is why our technicians bring such sophisticated air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to each job. By utilizing the most advanced technology such as vapor barriers, moisture readers, and even infrared technology, our specialists can find, stop, and destroy mold growth no matter where it is.

With these tools, our specialists at 911 Restoration can eliminate not only the mold and fungus growth, but also the possibility of its spreading to other areas of the home or business too. If your home or store is being invaded by black mold spores or fungus of any kind, then contact our experts with 911 Restoration for help today!

When it comes to fire and smoke damages for homes and businesses, 911 Restorations technicians are experts at both eliminating the fire effects, and the ancillary damages. Fires require our professionals to remove smoke from the vents, odor from the air, and soot from the walls.

Most of the time a fire damage situation is localized to a certain section of the home, but because many buildings have air ducts and ventilation systems that run throughout the property, the smoke and soot from a fire event can travel anywhere. When soot and smoke invades the air ducts, even a fire localized to one room can coat the entire home with a layer of potentially harmful dust. This patina may have signatures of everything from irradiated particulate to noxious chemicals that can be cancerous or poisonous if inhaled or ingested.

It is crucial that, after a fire, the restoration efforts are handled by highly trained experts. If your home has recently been through a fire, then you need to contact our specialists with 911 Restoration immediately for help.

911 Restoration is prepared to handle all disasters, from mild home anomalies to full-scale natural disasters. When taking on the specific challenges presented during a disaster restoration, the effects can range dramatically depending upon what kind of event took place. Our experienced and certified technicians can handle all varieties of this work, from earthquake aftereffects to the damages caused during a severe storm, hurricane, or fire.

Our technicians with 911 Restoration mobilize with all the tools, equipment, supplies, materials, and techniques they need to provide your home or business with immediate assistance no matter what form the disaster takes.

Our technicians know how to perform the most sophisticated water extractions, deepest smoke removal, and toughest mold remediation jobs. We are also highly adept at giving fundamental advice to protect houses and businesses against natural disasters in your area. Preventing disasters is far more cost effective than repairing the damages that can result from them, so dont hesitate to contact our specialists for any advice you need for your home or business.

Ultimately when homes and businesses have a full scale disaster situation to deal with, the furniture, office equipment, and personal belongings need to be removed to avoid further damage and contamination. Since a complete restoration takes place all at once, we offer moving and storage options for all types of belongings when these events take place.

Additionally, when it comes to a disaster, quick action tends to be the best recourse for preventing small challenges from becoming larger ones. This is why 911 Restoration specialists can be at the scene of any event quickly and with all of the latest technology and tools to handle the project from the outset.

It is crucial that our clients feel completely taken care of no matter what kind of scenario takes place. We make sure to always put the customer first for every project that we take on. If your home or store is already damaged, and you want these effects eliminated by the best restoration experts in the industry, then contact our staff with 911 Restoration anytime, and let us provide you with a Fresh Start on your property today!

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911 Restoration - Water Damage | Mold Removal | Fire Damage ...

Midwest Remediation has provided the greater Indianapolis area with water & fire damage restoration as well as mold remediation solutions for over 30 years. On call 24 hours a day 365 days a year, we provide mitigation and restoration for structures affected by mold, sewage, water, fire and smoke.

Midwest Remediation is the foremost microbial remediation professional in the greater Indianapolis area. We are expert at remediating residential and commercial properties contaminated with mold, or facing sewage/black water damage as well as trauma and bio-hazards, meth lab contamination and animal and bird infestation, situations.

Our highly trained and experienced restoration and remediation specialists understand how to remediate microbial problems correctly and are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and are affiliated with numerous educational and professional organizations that are commonly and widely accepted in the restoration and remediation industry.

Because of our intense focus on microbial remediation, Midwest Remediation delivers the proper Standard of Care on typical water, fire and smoke damaged properties as well.

Unlike many companies that advertise emergency service but then wait until normal business hours to respond, Midwest Remediation will be there as soon as necessary 24/7/365. It means that when you need us, we'll be there, preventing the chance of secondary damage and biological contamination.

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Fire & Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation in ...

Mold is a bit like gluten some people are more sensitive to it than others, and those that are sensitive can be almost religious in their avoidance.

If you have a tenant with mold sensitivities who alerts you to a mold problem, the appropriate response may not be obvious.

You may think that its your responsibility to clean it up, but many times, its not. It depends on the severity and cause of the problem.

On one hand, its impracticalto mount an expensive remediation project for a problem that may exist more in imagination than reality. On the other hand, failure to respond to a genuinely hazardous condition could result in significant discomfort for a sensitive individual, and it could also result in a lawsuit.

Mold is a controversial health issue. Savvy landlords take it seriously, but they dont overreact.

As of January 2016, there was no federal lawsetting permissible limits or tolerance standards on mold in residential building, and only six states California, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and Texas had passed laws regulating mold levels in indoor environments. In Virginia, the law expressly requires the landlord to:

maintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold, and to promptly respond to any notices from a tenant as provided in subdivision.

While the other 50 states dont specifically legislatemold, theydo require the landlord to disclose potentially hazardous conditions at the time of rental, and theyalso require landlords to correct conditions that make a dwelling uninhabitable. Toxic mold is arguably one of those conditions.

Some municipalities have laws that clearly define the landlords responsibilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there may be as many as 300,000 varieties of mold on our planet, and many are benign. Some, such as Penicillium, are even beneficial.

Because they are virtually everywhere, however, it may be impossible to take a breath without inhaling some type of mold spore, and most people do so without consequence. Sensitive individuals, however, can experience respiratory irritation, aggravated asthma symptoms, headaches and other ailments, especially when certain strains are present. The two most problematic are:

Stachybotrys chartarum

Aspergillus

There is no guarantee that either of these species are growing in any particular mold colony, but testing for them would require detailed inspection with a microscope and is usually impractical. Consequently, any mold colony growing in a dark, wet place in a dwelling unit is suspect, and its difficult to claim that toxic strains are absent and that a particular colony is harmless.

Its clear that any mold that results from a plumbing or structural leak should be addressed by the landlord as part of the repair. But should a landlord feel compelled to respond to amold problem caused by unsanitary domestic habits? Probably not.

Landlords arent required to provide cleaning services, and to insist ondoing so would constitutean invasion of privacy. For example, it would be reasonable to expect a tenant to clean up a mold colony growing in a corner in which he or she habitually throws damp towels.

Between these two extremes, however, are many gray areas. For example, mold often grows inside drains that habitually clog. Aclogged drain is usually caused by what goes in the drain, not the drain itself. Or consider that moldmay grow in a poorly ventilated crawl space, but the lack of ventilation may be due to piles of stored belongings.

Here are some industry standards on the responsibility of mold remediation, but please know that each county, or Judge, might view this differently.

The ideal landlord/tenant relationship includes good communication and a commitmentto work together to maintain quality of life.

In the end, that shared commitment is the key to health and wellbeing for everyone.

Chris has owned and managed 4 rental properties in Santa Cruz, CA, and Salida, CO. He is a DIY handyman expert for popular sites like Pro Referral.

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Is a Landlord Always Responsible for Mold Remediation?

Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture problems in facilities at NC State University including measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and remediators.

Mold can be found almost anywhere; it can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There is mold that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. Request an Indoor Air Quality assessment

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings. Moisture problems in portable classrooms and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems.

In some cases, indoor mold growth may not be obvious. It is possible that mold may be growing on hidden surfaces, such as the backside of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Possible locations of hidden mold can include pipe chases and utility tunnels (with leaking or condensing pipes), walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), condensate drain pans inside air handling units, porous thermal or acoustic liners inside ductwork, or roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Some building materials, such as dry wall with vinyl wallpaper over it or wood paneling, may act as vapor barriers, trapping moisture underneath their surfaces and thereby providing a moist environment where mold can grow. You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and building occupants are reporting health problems. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growthmake sure to use PPE.

For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores from mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you discover hidden mold, you should revise your remediation plan to account for the total area affected by mold growth.

Assess the size of the mold or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials before planning the remediation work.

The decision to relocate occupants should consider the size and type of the area affected by mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with debris, and the amount of disruption likely to be caused by remediation activities. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected.

Remediation

If you are unsure what to do, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair/restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire/water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references; look for affiliation with professional organizations. Molds Can Damage Building Materials and Furnishings

A variety of mold cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. Please note that professional remediators may use some methods not covered in these guidelines;absence of a method in the guidelines does not necessarily mean that it is not useful.

Method 1: Wet Vacuum

Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. They should be used only when materials are still wetwet vacuums may spread spores if sufficient liquid is not present. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may stick to the surfaces.

Method 2: Damp Wipe

Whether dead or alive, mold is allergenic, and some molds may be toxic. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous (hard) surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water, or water and detergent. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded. Since molds will infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices, the mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Method 3: HEPA Vacuum

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. HEPA vacuums are also recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air must pass through the filter. When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear PPE to prevent exposure to the mold that has been captured. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags.

Method 4: Discard

Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags

Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.

Always use gloves and eye protection when cleaning up mold!

If the remediation job disturbs mold and mold spores become airborne, then the risk of respiratory exposure goes up. Actions that are likely to stir up mold include: breakup of moldy porous materials such as wallboard; invasive procedures used to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; actively stripping or peeling wallpaper to remove it; and using fans to dry items.

The primary function of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to avoid inhaling mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes.

Gloves are required to protect the skin from contact with mold allergens (and in some cases mold toxins) and from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. The glove material should be selected based on the type of materials being handled. If you are using a biocide (such as chlorine bleach) or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane,or PVC. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full-face respirator with HEPA filter. Goggles must be designed to prevent the entry of dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not acceptable.

Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, mold spores, and dust.

Minimum : When cleaning up a small area affected by mold, you should use an N-95 respirator. This device covers the nose and mouth, will filter out 95% of the particulates in the air, and is available in most hardware stores.

Limited : Limited PPE includes use of a half-face or full-face air purifying respirator (APR) equipped with a HEPA filter cartridge. These respirators contain both inhalation and exhalation valves that filter the air and ensure that it is free of mold particles. Note that half face APRs do not provide eye protection. In addition, the HEPA filters do not remove vapors or gases. You should always use respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (see Resources List).

Full : In situations in which high levels of airborne dust or mold spores are likely or when intense or long-term exposures are expected (e.g., the cleanup of large areas of contamination), a full-face, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is recommended. Full-face PAPRs use a blower to force air through a HEPA filter. The HEPA-filtered air is supplied to a mask that covers the entire face or a hood that covers the entire head. The positive pressure within the hood prevents unfiltered air from entering through penetrations or gaps. Individuals must be trained to use their respirators before they begin remediation. The use of these respirators must be in compliance with OSHA regulations .

Disposable clothing is recommended during a medium or large remediation project to prevent the transfer and spread of mold to clothing and to eliminate skin contact with mold.

Limited : Disposable paper overalls can be used.

Full : Mold-impervious disposable head and foot coverings, and a body suit made of a breathable material, such as TYVEK, should be used. All gaps, such as those around ankles and wrists, should be sealed (many remediators use duct tape to seal clothing).

The purpose of containment during remediation activities is to limit release of mold into the air and surroundings, in order to minimize the exposure of remediators and building occupants to mold . Mold and moldy debris should not be allowed to spread to areas in the building beyond the contaminated site.

In general, the size of the area helps determine the level of containment. However, a heavy growth of mold in a relatively small area could release more spores than a lighter growth of mold in a relatively large area. Choice of containment should be based on professional judgment. The primary object of containment should be to prevent occupant and remediator exposure to mold.

Limited Containment

Limited containment is generally recommended for areas involving between 10 and 100 square feet (ft 2 ) of mold contamination. The enclosure around the moldy area should consist of a single layer of 6- mil, fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting. The containment should have a slit entry and covering flap on the outside of the containment area.

For small areas, the polyethylene sheeting can be affixed to floors and ceilings with duct tape.

For larger areas, a steel or wooden stud frame can be erected and polyethylene sheeting attached to it.

All supply and air vents, doors, chases, and risers within the containment area must be sealed with polyethylene sheeting to minimize the migration of contaminants to other parts of the building. Heavy mold growth on ceiling tiles may impact HVAC systems if the space above the ceiling is used as a return air plenum. In this case, containment should be installed from the floor to the ceiling deck, and the filters in the air handling units serving the affected area may have to be replaced once remediation is finished.

The containment area must be maintained under negative pressure relative to surrounding areas. This will ensure that contaminated air does not flow into adjacent areas. This can be done with a HEPA-filtered fan unit exhausted outside of the building. For small, easily contained areas, an exhaust fan ducted to the outdoors can also be used. The surfaces of all objects removed from the containment area should be remediated/cleaned prior to removal

Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control

Full Containment

Full containment is recommended for the cleanup of mold contaminated surface areas greater than 100 ft 2 or in any situation in which it appears likely that the occupant space would be further contaminated without full containment. Double layers of polyethylene should be used to create a barrier between the moldy area and other parts of the building. A decontamination chamber or airlock should be constructed for entry into and exit from the remediation area. The entryways to the airlock from the outside and from the airlock to the main containment area should consist of a slit entry with covering flaps on the outside surface of each slit entry. The chamber should be large enough to hold a waste container and allow a person to put on and remove PPE. All contaminated PPE, except respirators, should be placed in a sealed bag while in this chamber.

Respirators should be worn until remediators are outside the decontamination chamber. PPE must be worn throughout the final stages of HEPA vacuuming and damp-wiping of the contained area. PPE must also be worn during HEPA vacuum filter changes or cleanup of the HEPA vacuum.

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Mold Remediation Guidelines - Environmental Health and Safety

Can You Tackle Mold Removal on Your Own?Mold problems are present in about 4 out of 10 American homes. With the often prohibitive costs and dubious results of professional mold remediation, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to take care of mold problems themselves. If mold is affecting an area less than 10 square feet and your household doesnt include anyone who is very young, very old or immune-compromised, you can tackle the problem yourself if youre careful.

Do Your HomeworkFirst, consult the EPAs Web site and read about the different levels of mold infestation and the levels of protection they require, both for you and for the rest of your house. Mold spreads by sending out millions of airborne spores. Disturbing a mold infestation can send the spores flying and make your problem worse and more widespread unless you seal off the area and protect yourself.

Take PrecautionsSeal off any heat or air vents to the affected area, and install a window fan to pull air to the outside. Seal off the area with plastic sheeting taped over the doorway. Never touch mold with your bare hands, get it in your eyes, or breathe it. Wear a disposable work suit or clothing you can throw away after the job is done. Wear a respirator, gloves and goggles, and shower well after youve finished.

Follow the Right ApproachContrary to popular belief, you cannot kill mold with bleach. It might remove the appearance, but it wont get the roots, which will re-bloom in a matter of days, sometimes hours, if the area remains wet. In general, the best way to get rid of mold is to remove the affected materials altogether and rebuild. Removal is your only option if the moisture came from grey water or sewage. If the moisture source was clean, use a wet vac or steamer to remove wet or loose debris first and double-bag it in heavy trash bags. Then damp-wipe or scrub with detergent and water, but dont soak the surface. When its thoroughly dry, vacuum again with a HEPA vacuum.

Dispose of Materials CarefullyDouble-bag the vacuum contents and thoroughly clean or replace the vacuums filter. You can dispose of the bags of debris with the rest of your trash. If the moisture problem that invited the mold in the first place has been fixed and the area remains completely dry, the mold may not re-grow.

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How to Clean Mold - Bob Vila

Mold can grow behind drywall, in your attic, in the basement, under floors mold can grow anywhere. The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture and water. If your home has been exposed to excessive water due to flooding or heavy rains, if you have an old home with leaky pipes, or if you live in an area with high humidity, you need to be vigilant about mold. Mold is most easily identified by sight. You may see blooms of mold on furniture, on walls, or along the floor. If you can spot mold, you probably dont need to test for it and can save on mold inspection costs and direct your energies towards mold remediation. But if youre not certain, you may need a pro to help you determine whether you have hidden mold. Scent and illness are two potential signs of hidden mold. You may smell anything from a musty earth scent to a foul stench, and you may experience respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation, nose or throat irritation, skin irritation, problems with your nervous system, or aches and pains. The national average cost of mold inspection and testing is $250-$300.

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The Best Mold And Mildew Removal Companies Near Me