Mold Remediation

Mold is a type of fungus. There are thousands of different types of mold; we most commonly see mold on old food. In order to live, mold needs water, food, and time. It reproduces by releasing spores, which are microscopic seed-like grains that float in the air.

Basements are underground, often under the water table, and are prone to leakage. They are also unventilated areas that typically have no circulation and rarely see the sun. It is easy for humidity and dampness to build up in basement, creating the perfect growing environment for mold.

There are numerous kinds of mold that can grow in basements, and all of them are very efficient. They start to grow in a secluded, damp area, feeding on organic matter (such as dirt and dander) caught in the walls or floor. Eventually, the mold releases spores into the air. Those spores travel to other areas of the basement, creating more moldy spots, until your entire basement is covered in mold.

Many people are allergic to mold spores. Reactions can from itchy eyes and coughing to asthma attacks and even infections. This makes mold on your basement walls more than just an eyesore – it is a health hazard.

Mold remediation is a three-step process. First, the area has to be inspected and tested. Next, the environment has to be waterproofed to create an unfriendly environment for mold. Finally, the existing mold must be removed to provide for a healthy, dry, mold-free living space.

Mold is a microscopic and sneaky adversary, and requires the best technologies to defeat. All of our mold remediation services are provided in partnership with MAS (Microbiological Air Safety) labs, the industry leader in mold eradication technology. By using cutting-edge technology to remove mold safely and filter even the smallest particles from the air, we make sure that your home is truly mold-free.

Inspection and Testing

An inspection will determine whether or not you have a mold problem, as well as what steps may be needed to fix the situation. During an inspection, a mold remediation expert will search common areas in your home for signs of mold using specialized tools, such as fiber optics and moisture meters. The technician may also take mold samples for analysis.

After the inspection, the technician will inform you which areas of your home are contaminated, as well as the levels of contamination in each room. The inspector will also recommend the waterproofing and mold removal services you need to get rid of the mold.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing your basement eliminates moisture, one of mold’s favorite elements. Removing water from your basement will keep mold out as well. For a full description of our waterproofing services, visit our basement waterproofing page. A Humidex air system may also be recommended to provide dehumidification and ventilation, which can greatly reduce the risk of mold.

Mold Removal

Mold removal is a complex process. Since mold spores have the unfortunate ability to fly around in the air, and disturbing mold can release untold numbers of spores, containment and negative pressure are both key. So is thorough sanitization and disposal.

Containment and Negative Pressure: Depending on your situation, our mold remediation experts may decide to seal off or provide negative pressure during your mold removal process. Both methods prevent spores from traveling to other parts of your home during mold removal. Sealing off your basement from the rest of your house may involve covering all openings, including vents, ducts, and cracks. Negative pressure involves running an exhaust fan out of a window to expel contaminated air from the home.

Removing Visible Mold: After achieving a contained environment, mold will be removed using a variety of techniques. Mold removal often involved treating the affected areas with mold-killing chemicals, then cleansing said areas of any visible mold. Afterwards, all surfaces will be treated with a fungicide to prevent mold from returning. Affordable Waterproofing utilizes only chemicals that will not harm you or your family in this process, and any collected mold will be safely disposed of.

Air Scrubbers: Although visible mold can be eliminated by hand with the proper chemicals, spores are invisible and therefore require a more sophisticated approach. Air scrubbers are able to filter even the smallest particles from the air. Treating an infested basement, or even an entire home, with an air scrubber after visible mold removal gets rid of even the tiniest vestiges of mold.

HEPA Vacuuming: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) vacuums are vacuums equipped with ultra-fine HEPA filters. HEPA filters are used by in the biomedical and air travel fields, since they are able to remove 99.97% of particles (including spores) from the air. Using a HEPA vacuum on your newly de-molded basement is the perfect way to remove unseen spores from the area. If you had a serious contamination, we may recommend a HEPA vacuum treatment throughout your home as a precaution against mold in the entire structure.