SERVPRO recommends the steps to clean black mold at home

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO explains the mold remediation process that homeowners can follow. It also talks about the mold remediation process a professional team like SERVPRO follows when the mold-affected area is much larger.

SERVPRO talks about mold and its remediation

Black mold growing inside a home can have some serious health effects on the inhabitants of the house if left untreated. It is imperative to recognize this mold and take timely actions to arrest its growth. SERVPRO talks about black mold in-depth and how its professional team is well-equipped to handle this threat swiftly and safely. 

What is black mold?

Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum usually grows outdoors in the soil, but it can also grow indoors in the presence of warm and humid conditions. Mold spores can easily enter a home through air conditioning systems or can even be carried in by people or pets. Black mold has a distinct mildew or musty odor although not all dark molds are “black mold,” and many dark molds are not even toxic. 

It feeds on organic material and moisture and often grows in areas such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens. The Center for Disease Control recommends that all molds found in the indoor environment be eliminated, as exposure to this microfungus can pose serious health risks to occupants. Homeowners are cautioned to avoid cleaning black mold themselves. If they must, the affected area should be smaller than 10 square feet. For larger mold infestations, homeowners are strongly advised to call a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO. 

DIY - How to clean mold?

Before beginning the cleaning process, homeowners must wear protective gear before going near mold: goggles, use a N-95 respirator or better, clothing that covers the whole body, and gloves. 

1. Dry the affected areas

Moisture is the food that allows mold to grow. It is imperative to remove the moisture completely or else the black mold can recur if presented with a warm and humid environment. 

• Fix leaks in damp areas around tubs or sinks, as well as cracked or damaged pipes.
• Clean and maintain the gutters so there is no water seepage in the house via the gutters. 
• Ensure that the ground around the house slopes away so the basement and crawl space dry properly. 
• Allow maximum ventilation in the house to keep the air flowing and to maintain a dry indoor environment.

2. Prevent the spread 

Mold spores can easily travel from one area to another in the house through air ducts, vents, and doorways. Covering these openings with plastic sheets and duct tape prevents mold spores from spreading to the rest of the house during the black mold removal process.

3. Keep or discard?

Homeowners should survey the house and look for contents and structures that have been affected by the mold. Drywalls that have been infested with mold would probably need to be discarded or replaced. Contents such as carpets and fabrics that have been in contact with mold for more than 24-48 hours would most likely need to be replaced. A professional team such as SERVPRO would be able to discern more efficiently the items that can be restored and those that need to be thrown away. 

4. Removal

Once the affected area is sealed off and dried, homeowners can begin the removal process with extreme precaution. 

1. Scrub the surfaces with a detergent solution. Tougher mold spots may need multiple washes.
2. Do not use bleach as it does not prevent mold from recurring. 
3. After cleaning, dry the surface quickly with the help of dehumidifiers and fans. 
4. Vacuum the remaining mold spores using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.

It is recommended to use water-resistant materials such as tiles, deep-sealed concrete, and water-resistant glues in case of remodeling. This, however, does not ensure mold won’t recur, especially if there is moisture and organic materials on these water-resistant elements. 

Consulting a Texas-licensed Mold Remediation Contractor is strongly advised instead of tackling mold remediation as a DIY project.  Prior to hiring a mold remediation company, review the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules (TMARR). This will provide a good idea of what is required of a professional mold remediation firm, and what the process entails.

The SERVPRO method

SERVPRO’s mold removal and mold remediation team is the right choice for mold growth that has gotten out of hand.  Depending on the state's mold remediation laws, steps may vary. Here’s a brief insight into the steps they follow that ensure an efficient and complete mold remediation process.

1. Inspection and mold damage assessment

The SERVPRO team carefully inspects the property for signs of mold using various technologies. Depending on state law and what is discovered, they may remediate, or be required to refer a property owner to an industrial hygienist who will thoroughly inspect the structure for visible and hidden mold, take samples of growth for analysis, and create a mold protocol which assists with creating a mold remediation work plan to be used by the SERVPRO technicians during the remediation process. 

2. Mold containment

SERVPRO uses advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the remediation process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be switched off to prevent the growth of mold.

3. Air filtration

The technicians use specialized filtration equipment to capture microscopic mold spores in the air. “Air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums halt the spread of these mold spores during the mold remediation process.

4. Removing mold and mold-infested materials

Disinfectants, biocides, and antimicrobial coatings registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are used by the technicians to eliminate mold colonies and to check the formation of new colonies. 

5. Cleaning contents and belongings

Restorable items such as furniture, decorative items, curtains, and clothing affected by mold can be restored by the team using an array of cleaning techniques. Odor removal and deodorization can also be executed using fogging equipment.

6. Restoration

The SERVPRO team can address repairs of all magnitudes - from small repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet to major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Hurst, Euless, Bedford, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For mold remediation services, call SERVPRO® of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com