Mold Remediation: A Guide to Protect Your Home and Health

What You Need to Know

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Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments such as crawlspaces, attics, bathrooms, and other areas of your home. According to the Journal of Environmental Health and Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, while small amounts and certain types of molds can be harmless, mold grows quickly, and excessive mold growth can have negative effects on your health and your home. That's why it's important to understand the basics of mold remediation and how to properly address a mold problem.

If you find mold in your home or think that you might have a mold problem, we recommended that you contact us at Clean Crawlspace to help you with full remediation in order to safely eliminate and prevent the problem. If not done properly, your health can be seriously compromised, and you risk the mold growth returning. Any qualified and reputable mold remediation expert will be sure to thoroughly complete the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the Source of Moisture

Mold can only grow if there is enough moisture present. To remediate mold, you first need to identify and address the source of the moisture. Once you have identified the source of moisture, it must be stopped. This could include fixing leaky pipes, addressing poor ventilation, or correcting water damage. Keep in mind that many sources of moisture may not be completely obvious and can happen in hidden locations, so a full inspection can be helpful in pinpointing all potential areas of concern. Clean Crawlspace has certified mold remediation specialists that can help to identify the source of the moisture. Especially in the Northwest Georgia area that is known for incredibly high humidity levels, when the moisture accumulates, it has difficulty in fully evaporating.

Step 2: Contain the Mold

Once you have identified the source of moisture, the next step is to contain the mold. This involves sealing off the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores to other parts of the home. You can use plastic sheeting, tape, and negative air pressure to create a containment area. However, if this is not done correctly to completely seal off the affected area, you can quickly cross-contaminate other areas of your home.

Step 3: Remove the Mold

The next step is to remove the mold. This can be done using various methods, including physical removal, chemical cleaners, or a combination of both. Be sure to follow proper safety precautions when removing mold, such as wearing gloves, a mask, and protective clothing. When in doubt, it is best to call a professional mold remediation expert like Clean Crawlspace in order to make sure that the mold is completely removed so it cannot reproduce.

Step 4: Clean and Disinfect the Area

After removing the mold, it's important to clean and disinfect the affected area. This helps to eliminate any remaining mold spores and reduces the risk of future mold growth. It is best to use a strong mold remover and inhibitor, but exercise caution as these chemicals are harsh and are not safe to breathe in. It is recommended that Personal Protective Equipment be used when applying any chemicals, as these chemicals are known to cause chemical burns if they come in contact with the skin. However, a certified mold remediation specialist will know how to safely use, handle, and mix these chemicals.

Step 5: Prevent Future Mold Growth

The final step in mold remediation is to prevent future mold growth. This can be done by maintaining proper ventilation, fixing any sources of moisture, and using a dehumidifier to control humidity levels in the home. At Clean Crawlspace, a premium crawlspace encapsulation or mold remediation job uses a dehumidifier with a water removal system wired on a designated circuit.

In conclusion, mold remediation is an important process that can help to protect your health and your home. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, it’s important to act quickly to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. By following these steps, you can successfully remediate mold and prevent future growth. However, the safest option to ensure that the mold is completely removed and does not return, as well as to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals, is to contact a mold remediation professional who can assist you with the process. Clean Crawlspace does free estimates on mold remediation for Dalton, Georgia and the surrounding areas, so call the team today at (706)222-MOLD to get your free inspection and estimate.

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