Mould removal involves identifying and addressing mould growth in your home. The purpose of mould removal is to prevent the spread of mould by isolating damaged areas, removing mouldy material and eliminating moisture sources – the cause of the mould – in order to reestablish a healthy environment.
Mould removal process
Mould removal includes mould clean up and removal by qualified mould removal contractors to address the damage and health risks associated with mould growth. While cleaning with bleach and water may be OK for small amounts of mould, it is not recommended for cleaning extensive areas of mould growth. Mouldy material that cannot be easily cleaned such as the drywall, insulation, baseboard and other porous building materials must be removed and the damaged area reconstructed. Removal of mould growth covering over 10 square feet is best left to a professional trained to handle hazardous material and prevent the spread of mould to other rooms. Professional mould removal includes:
- Mould Assessment
A qualified mould inspector comes into your home to identify mouldy areas as well as the source of the problem. After assessing the extent of mould damage and identifying the cause they then formulate a mould removal plan. For obvious reasons, mould assessment should not be performed by the same company that does mould removal - Address the moisture problem. Removing mould without addressing the cause is a waste of time and resources.
- Mould containment. When mould growth is disturbed hundreds of thousands of spores are released into the air. It is therefore important to isolate the affected area or contaminated material to avoid contaminating the rest of your home with mould spores stirred up during the removal process. There are basically two types of containment: source containment and full area containment. Severity of the mould growth and the size of the contaminated area generally determine the type of containment to use.
- Air scrubbers. HEPA air scrubbers are used to clean the air of mould spores and other particles.
- Removal of Mouldy Material. Building materials and personal belongings in your home can be affected. Since mould is a living organism and deeply ingrains itself into materials to survive, it is best to dispose of anything porous. The safest and most effective way to ensure mould doesn’t return is to remove affected material. Nonporous materials can be cleaned with antimicrobial cleaners and sealants may be used to make treated areas more resistant to water and mould.
- Drying. It is important that cleaned and repaired items remain thoroughly dry to ensure your home doesn’t develop mould growth again.
- Repair. The reconstruction process begins after all mould-contaminated materials are removed. New, mould-free material is used to replace what was previously contaminated.
- Clearance mould testing. Following mould removal, a visual assessment is conducted for any visible mould to ensure the cleanup has been successful. Air samples are collected to ensure the occupants would not be exposed to excessive airborne spores.
- Symptoms of mold exposure - September 4, 2015
- Mildew and Moisture in Homes - September 3, 2015
- Mould Removal - September 2, 2015
Why is mould removal important
Due to the health risks associated with mould exposure, it is best to have mould removal conducted as soon as possible. Though the type of reaction depends upon the type of mould present, all moulds have the potential to cause health issues.
