Mold Removal Salt Lake City involves containment, cleaning and disinfecting as well as addressing the cause of the problem. The first step is to isolate the area so that the mold spores don’t spread to uninfected areas of the building.
Using a bleach solution on non-porous surfaces such as painted walls is one way to remove surface mold. Other cleaning options include vinegar and baking soda.
When a roof or plumbing leaks, it can cause stains on the ceiling and create a humid environment that promotes mold growth. In order to prevent this from happening, water leaks need to be fixed immediately. If the problem is left unattended, the ceiling could fall down, leading to structural damage and a major expense.
The best way to tell if the ceiling is affected by a water leak is if it has brownish stains on its surface. These stains are caused by the water seeping through cracks and other damage on its way to the floor below, leaving visible marks on the ceiling surface.
If there are no visible stains, but you think you may have a water leak, look around for other signs of moisture damage such as peeling wallpaper, rotten floorboards, and damp or musty smells. Water leaks can also cause damage to electrical wiring and equipment, so if you notice any of these signs, have the area professionally assessed and repaired.
The next step is to begin the mold removal process. Before doing this, it is important to contain the area being worked on in order to prevent the spread of mold spores. This can be done by sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and covering air supply and return vents. Using an industrial grade HEPA vacuum and filtering system is a good way to remove mold spores from the work area while cleaning and reducing air pollution.
Once the area is cleaned, it must be thoroughly dried. This can be done by scrubbing the surfaces with a detergent and soap solution, or with a mildew and mold cleaner. Gloves and a mask should be worn when working with these cleaners, as they can produce a poisonous gas.
After the area has been cleaned, a professional can then apply a biocide to kill any remaining mold spores. They can also spray the area with a water mist to ensure that any hidden spores are killed. If there are any soft materials such as drywall, carpeting and furniture that were damaged during the cleaning process, they can be bagged up in air-tight, thick plastic bags and then sprayed with the biocide. These items are then removed and disposed of according to EPA guidelines.
Floods
Floods can cause severe damage to a house, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. It’s important to seek help from a professional when dealing with flood mold remediation. This process takes more than just a quick cleanup. It requires a carefully planned strategy. The first step is an assessment of the water and mold damage. A qualified home inspector will assess the property for any visible signs of mold, and he or she may even recommend more invasive testing techniques to determine how extensive the problem is.
The next step is to clean and disinfect the affected area. Professionals will use an EPA-approved biocide to kill mold and prevent its regrowth. Non-porous surfaces like hard plastic, concrete and metal can be cleaned, while porous materials such as drywall must be removed and replaced. Disinfectants will also be used on porous items to kill any remaining spores and prevent them from spreading. If there has been sewage contamination, additional measures are necessary to protect health and safety.
It’s crucial to wear protective gear when working with mold, such as a mask, disposable gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. It is also important to isolate the work area from other areas of the home to prevent the spread of mold spores during the cleanup process. It is also a good idea to open windows and doors, and to place fans in those areas to promote airflow and speed up the drying process.
Mold spores are constantly floating in the air and can grow on any substance when moisture, oxygen and an organic food source are present. Proper ventilation and controlling moisture levels are key to preventing mold growth after a flood or any other water damage event.
After cleaning and disinfecting, the mold remediation company will remove damaged building materials and replace them with new ones. Porous materials, such as drywall and insulation, will be sprayed with an EPA-approved antimicrobial solution to kill any remaining mold spores and prevent them from growing in the future. The company will also run dehumidifiers to lower humidity levels and stop mold spores in their tracks.
Moisture Levels
Molds thrive in areas with high humidity, dampness and water damage. They also grow on organic materials like cotton, wool, paper, leather and wood. They release spores into the air which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Depending on the level of exposure and the person’s vulnerability, these reactions can include itchy eyes and nose, cough, sinus congestion, skin irritation and fever.
Inhaling the spores can cause a musty or earthy smell. This odor is from the breakdown of the organic materials that molds feed on. The odor can also be from the chemical by-products of certain types of mold.
Many people who live in homes with extensive mold problems experience headaches, memory loss, anxiety and trouble concentrating. Symptoms can be similar to the symptoms caused by influenza or common cold. In most cases, molds in homes and buildings are not harmful to healthy individuals, but those who have chronic health issues or immune system deficiencies may be more susceptible.
Visible Mold Growth
Visible mold growth is an indicator of a significant problem and requires immediate remediation. A professional should evaluate the situation and determine the proper course of action.
Dampness and Moisture Levels
During the evaluation of the property, professionals look for signs of water leaks, dampness or a moisture issue. They should dry any water-damaged areas or items within 24 hours to prevent mold growth and to limit the spread of other contaminants.
If the water issue is not addressed, it can lead to further problems in the home or building such as rotting, cracking or warping of wooden structures. Mold can also eat through walls, causing them to warp and bulge.
Moisture control is the best way to stop the spread of mold. Proper ventilation, air circulation near cold surfaces, dehumidification and the use of vapor barriers can help control relative humidity levels.
Prevention
Mold spores need only the right conditions to grow. They’re most likely to settle on damp or decaying organic material, which is why they thrive in places like bathroom, kitchen and laundry rooms, basements and crawl spaces. They can also be found in ductwork, paints, wallpapers and insulation materials.
Because mold spores can become airborne, you need to be careful when cleaning them. Wear a mask or respirator rated for work with mold spores and protect your arms, legs and hands. Also, clean with a disinfectant that can kill the mold, such as 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide, which can be applied to hard surfaces.
A professional mold remediation company will assess the affected area and take steps to contain it, keeping spores from spreading to unaffected areas. This includes using plastic or polyurethane sheeting to cover floors and walls. After the assessment, they’ll begin a two-step process called remediation and sanitization. Remediation involves removing contaminated materials and then spraying an EPA-approved biocide or fungicide on the remaining surface to make it sterile and prevent mold spores from growing.
Sanitization is less expensive because it doesn’t involve removing anything, but rather simply treating the air and surface. This approach would be used on a small problem, for example a 10 square foot area of black mold.
There are many things you can do to help keep mold out of your home, including reducing the amount of water and moisture in your home. In addition, you should regularly have your roof gutters cleaned and checked for clogs or damage. If you have an attic, you should have it inspected for leaks and ensure the vents are properly vented.
You can reduce the humidity in your home by ensuring that there is adequate ventilation, especially in high-moisture areas. Keep doors open between rooms and move furniture away from the wall. Keep appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves, properly vented to the outside. Also, in cool weather, run fans and dehumidifiers to keep the air moving. This will reduce the amount of moisture in your home.