Mold Remediation Los Angeles is the process of removing and treating mold growth. It involves addressing the situation that caused the mold growth in the first place, such as correcting humidity levels and repairing any leaks.
It also includes removing affected materials such as drywall, carpets and insulation. It involves misting the area with a biocide to kill mold spores and cleaning all non-porous surfaces.
Mold growth occurs wherever moisture accumulates, such as in the grout of a bathroom floor or in a basement wall. The spores released by the fungus spread easily through air currents and can trigger reactions in humans and animals that include rashes, eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and asthma attacks. The spores also release toxins called mycotoxins that can cause severe health problems, such as bleeding in the lungs, and even death.
While mildew and other molds can be scrubbed away with cleaning brushes and store-bought cleaning products, serious mold issues may require professional help. Mold remediation companies not only clean visible mold but also identify the type and source of moisture. They will also ensure that the problem does not recur by encapsulating the area and using a special chemical to kill any remaining spores.
When moisture reaches building materials, spores develop and thrive, eventually destroying them or damaging their structural integrity. Building materials like drywall, insulation, carpeting, and ceiling tiles are particularly susceptible to damage from water and mold. Mold spores can also damage clothing and furnishings.
If left unchecked, the spores from severe mold growth can create musty odors that are difficult to eliminate. Remediation specialists will check and repair leaks, dry all wet materials as quickly as possible, and remove and dispose of any items that cannot be salvaged.
Once the visible mold is removed, a specialist will use a chemical called biocide to destroy any remaining spores and prevent them from growing again. Then the remediation team will apply an EPA-approved mold resistant coating to the area to seal it. They will also inspect the area to make sure it has been properly cleaned and dried before allowing people back inside.
Isolating the Area
When mold grows, it releases spores that can infiltrate new areas and cause new growth. To prevent this, professional remediation crews seal off the area from other parts of the home with plastic sheeting and tape, covering air vents to limit the spread of mold spores through the HVAC system. They also remove or cover furniture and belongings in the affected room. If they can’t be removed, these items should be cleaned or stored in a separate, mold-free room until the area is clear.
Remediation teams clean the contaminated areas, using antifungal and antimicrobial cleaners for hard surfaces, and a dry fogger for soft materials like drywall and carpeting. They also use HEPA vacuums to remove dirt and debris from the surface, as well as fragments of mold spores that have been dispersed during cleaning. They will also damp-wipe and dry the surfaces to prepare them for encapsulation with whitewash or special paint that will keep mold spores from growing in the future.
The mold remediation process is a lengthy one, and once the mold is gone, it takes time for the air in the affected area to clear of residual moisture. Professionals often set up fans and dehumidifiers in the area to speed up the drying process. Once the area is dry, a clearance testing certificate can be issued, and homeowners can return to their homes.
Remember, though, that even after a successful mold remediation, it’s important to fix the original water or moisture problem. If the original source of moisture returns, then mold will grow again in the same place. So be sure to check in with the water damage restoration company a few days after mold cleanup to verify that the issue has been fully resolved.
Cleaning the Area
When it comes to cleaning up mold, not all cleaning methods are the same. Mildew can usually be removed with a cleaning brush and store-bought mildew killer, but more extensive contamination may require professional intervention. A trained mold remediation specialist will determine how far the contamination has spread and take the necessary steps to remove all the affected materials and contain the spores.
They will also repair any water damage, and make sure the area is completely dry before they begin cleaning the contaminated areas. They will use basic personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid inhaling mold spores, including gloves, eyewear and an N95 mask.
The next step is to identify and isolate the contaminated areas with the most visible spores. They will clear out the area by removing furniture, rugs and other items to prevent spores from spreading during the remediation process. They will also wrap or bag items that are sensitive or irreplaceable for safe storage until the cleanup is complete.
Remediation contractors will clean all surfaces with antifungal and antimicrobial cleaners. Absorbent or porous materials, such as drywall and carpeting, will be thrown away, as they cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough to be safe for re-use.
They will then dry the contaminated areas and replace or repair them as needed. They will also test the air to ensure it is safe for re-occupation after the cleanup. Often, a trained mold remediation expert will recommend additional steps to prevent the mold from returning in the future. These can include fixing the source of moisture that led to the initial growth, such as repairing leaks or correcting humidity levels. They will also recommend regular cleaning and dusting to limit the buildup of organic material that provides an ideal surface for mold to grow on.
Disinfecting the Area
Mold cleanup involves disinfecting the area and items that have been contaminated by mold. This includes removing porous items that have been affected by the mold, such as fabric-covered furniture and drywall. These items can be taken to a local landfill for disposal. Porous materials that cannot be removed, such as wooden wall studs, are wiped with commercial-grade antimicrobial sprays to kill any remaining mold spores. These spores can be spread throughout your house through airflow during the cleaning process, so it is important to keep negative air machines running and to cover your face with a mask during the cleaning process.
It is also necessary to clean and disinfect any items that have been touched by the mold spores during the removal process, such as cleaning tools, brooms and mops. These items should be placed in a large, airtight plastic bag and sealed before they are disposed of, as they can spread mold spores throughout the house or building. The bags can then be disposed of in the local landfill.
Once the area has been cleaned, it is necessary to dry the affected areas. This can be done by opening windows and using fans to move the air. Mold spores will continue to grow and multiply if the area is not properly dried, so this is an important step in the cleanup process.
While mold remediation is a very involved process, it can help to eliminate dangerous and allergenic mold spores from your home. It is important to act quickly to minimize the spread of the mold, so if you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home, contact a professional mold remediation company right away.
Drying the Area
Mold spores are released into the air during remediation, and they can travel to new areas. That’s why it is important to keep the air clean during the process. Remediators use negative air machines with HEPA filters to eliminate mold spores, dust, microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) and other airborne particles during the remediation process. Remediators also wear protective clothing and use duct tape to seal up any gaps or holes. They may also wear masks or respirators. Disposable paper overalls are recommended for small remediation projects, and full-body suits made of a breathable material such as TYVEK are recommended for medium or large scale remediation projects.
After the mold has been cleaned, it must be thoroughly dried. This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for keeping mold at bay. Moisture gives mold spores an environment to thrive in, and it will return even after professional remediation. That’s why it’s important to fix any moisture problems as soon as they arise, whether it’s plumbing leaks or condensation from windows and doors.
It takes time for a moldy area to dry, but the remediation team will often use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the process. Once the area is fully dry, the remediation team can repair and replace any drywall or other materials that have been affected by the mold. This step can take anywhere from a day to a few days, depending on the size of the affected area and the type of material that needs to be replaced.