What’s Involved with Mold Remediation?

The Ocala, Florida, area is certainly no stranger to warm and wet weather. Heavy rains and flooding from occasional tropical systems only increase the risk of water damage. Unfortunately, these conditions can also lead to indoor mold growth. If you suspect you have an indoor mold problem, the key to getting rid of this potentially dangerous invader is mold remediation. Broadly speaking, the remediation process can be divided into three stages.

Inspection

The first step in treating a mold problem is conducting a thorough inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to assess the mold growth and identify any moisture sources. Since mold requires moisture to grow, it’s important to correct leaks, unusually high indoor humidity and other sources of moisture. Indeed, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, controlling moisture is the single biggest key to treating and preventing mold growth.

Containment

Following the initial inspection, the next priority is to contain the mold colony to the affected area. Mold spores easily become airborne and can quickly spread when disturbed. To prevent this, a mold remediation professional can use various containment methods to isolate the colony. Isolating a mold colony is typically done by employing a combination of anti-microbial treatments, thick plastic barriers and negative air machines.

Treatment

The treatment process can begin once the mold colony has been successfully isolated. The treatment of choice depends on the size and nature of the mold problem. Carpeting, drywall, insulation and other porous, non-structural materials often need to be removed and discarded entirely. Next, the remaining mold growth is physically removed by a combination of vacuuming, scrubbing, sanding and other methods. Finally, the affected areas are thoroughly cleaned and treated with products designed to penetrate and kill off any residual molds.

Indoor mold growth is a serious problem that requires prompt and thorough treatment. If you have a mold issue in your home or office space, don’t leave anything to chance. Explore ServiceMaster Professional Services’ mold remediation services or call our expert staff at 352-503-8013.