Mold Remediation Definition and Terminology

Mold is not uncommon in Florida homes and businesses. However, it can be dangerous and cause expensive structural damage over time. Mold remediation is a process for identifying, containing, and removing mold safely. Here’s how it works and some key terminology you should know.

Do you suspect your property has a mold problem? Don’t handle contaminated areas yourself! Call United Water Restoration Group to schedule a visit from our specialist technicians.

Why Is Mold Mitigation Important?

Mold mitigation matters for various reasons.

• Mold is a sign of water damage. Over time, water damage can weaken a building’sstructural integrity.
• If you don’t remove mold, it can affect indoor air quality.
• Mold can cause health issues such as asthma, skin irritation, and other breathing issues. Those with mold allergies are especially at risk.
• Mold-damaged property can be difficult – and costly – to repair. The quicker you contain the problem, the cheaper it is to fix in the long run.

 

Should I Remove Mold Myself?

This is not advisable due to how toxic mold can be. You may attempt to clean very small patches with bleach. However, there could be deeper problems hidden under the surface. It is always best to have a mold and damp inspection if you find mold in your property.

 

Does My Property Have a Mold Problem?

Signs of mold include:

• Cracked, bubbling, or peeling paint
• Musty odors around the home
• Discolored walls
• Visible mold – patches may look green, blue, white, gray, or black

Mold typically grows in humid areas, such as around bathrooms. However, moldy areas can appear anywhere.

Abatement

Mold abatement is the process of fully removing any source of mold on a property. Abatement is marked as successful when you may return to your home or business knowing the abundance of mold is no longer present.

Air Sampling

The use of a probe that samples mold spores in the ambient air. If there is an elevated level of spores in the air, a test from the mold site will be taken and sent to a lab for analysis.

Air Scrubber

This important device in the mold abatement process is used to remove mold particulate matter from the air. The air filtration device utilizes a high-powered fan that will suck air in through a series of filters, which includes a pre-filter and a HEPA filter.

Allergen

An allergen is a substance that is responsible for producing allergic reactions. Substances such as dust mites, animal dander, mold, and pollen can cause allergic rhinitis, and inflammation in the nose, and may cause other, potentially severe, allergic reactions.

Antimicrobial

An antimicrobial agent is used to suppress microorganisms on direct contact; a chemical agent to combat fungi and mold.

Assessment

Mold assessment is when a professional company, such as United Water Restoration Group, goes onsite to visually assess for mold on the premises. A mold assessment must be conducted before a professional company can perform mold remediation.

Cleaning

The practice of controlling contaminants by locating, containing, removing, and disposing of unwanted infestations.

Colony

Colonies are a cluster of molds that has spread on a surface and can be viewed with the naked eye. These colonies can quickly spread the mold infestation along the rest of the surface and through the air.

Containment

Barriers and seals are put in place to close off the infestation. Filtration devices are used to control the movement of airborne spores to help avoid secondary contamination. Mold containment is an important step of the mold remediation process. 

Containment Barrier

This is a plastic, polyethylene sheeting used to seal the affected area and prevent airborne from spreading outside the containment zone. 

Disinfectant

Any chemical that significantly reduces, but does not necessarily kill, the presence of microorganisms. There are different types of classifications for disinfectants depending on what they are tailored towards. For instance, class N disinfectants are the only current type of disinfectants shown to kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Fungi

The overall term identifies fungi that define the entire kingdom. There are many subclasses – such as molds, mushrooms, yeasts, and puffballs.

HEPA

A high-efficiency particulate absorbing air filter that removes 99.97% of particles that are greater than 0.3 micrometers.

Microbe

A microbe is a microorganism that is a type of fungi and bacteria that can’t be seen by the naked eye. 

Moisture Content

The amount of moisture inside a material, relative to the actual material. Certain materials can sustain a greater moisture content before mold growth occurs.

MVOCs

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals produced by mold colonies that are released into the air as a moldy, musty odor.

Mycotoxin

These are compounds produced by fungi that are designated as toxic to humans.

Porous

Materials that allow air to easily pass through. These materials can absorb and allow mold spores to easily flow into hidden areas and grow. When mold is accessible to hidden locations it gives the fungi a substantial place to expand.

P.P.E.

Personal Protective Equipment is gear regulated by OSHA that technicians will wear when performing mold remediation. These masks help filter out any potentially dangerous substances one may inhale on the site of a mold outbreak.

Relative Humidity

A ratio that identifies the amount of water present in the air to the maximum water the air can hold. Mold thrives in wet environments, so a high ratio promotes mold growth.

Remediation

Mold remediation is the action of a professional mold handling company going to an infected area and fully remediating the site. This is through assessment, containment, removal, and treatment.

Spore

Spores are microscopic, reproductive structures emitted from fungi. They travel through the air, looking for the proper environment to latch onto and reproduce.

Do I Need to Leave Home for Mold Decontamination and Containment?

You may be required to leave the property during the mold remediation process. This is for your own health and safety.

If it’s a very small patch of mold, we may be able to isolate the area. This could mean you could remain in the property. Visible mold is only part of the problem, though. We cannot advise on the extent of the issue until our specialists perform a mold inspection.

 

How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?

It all depends on the scope of the specific job. Cost depends on, for example, the type of mold, the size of the problem area, and accessibility. Our mold remediation specialists can provide an accurate quote after we inspect your mold issue.

Your homeowner’s insurance may cover mold. Check your insurance policy.

 

Hire Our Mold Remediation Specialists Today

Mold can cause serious health problems and destroy your property. Don’t let mold take hold – call the United Water Restoration Group. We will thoroughly inspect your home or business and identify the scale of the problem.

And we offer transparent, clear pricing. You won’t have any surprises!

Don’t waste time searching for another mold remediation company. Contact us now to discuss our inspection and containment services.

Check out our other blogs on water/fire damage restoration and trauma/surface cleaning terminology!

Do you need our remediation of mold services? We provide services in Ormond Beach, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach,  Orlando, Tampa, Melbourne, and many other locations around Florida!