Understanding Mold and Our Remediation Process

Mold remediation can be an overwhelming task to consider.  The process not only includes the remediation process itself, but you, as the homeowner or property manager, must plan for at least some of the following as you consider this task when working with SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County:

  • Professional Assessment:
    • SERVPRO may likely recommend a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) to further inspect, test, and develop a protocol, or work plan, for SERVPRO to follow, or you may choose to have one involved in the onset.
    • The CIH will identify causes and areas requiring remediation from their inspection.
    • The CIH will also provide documented "clearance" after our work is completed to ensure the mold is completely gone.
  • Loss of Use and Project Timing:
    • In many cases, you will lose the use of the areas under mold remediation and need to plan on how you will live or work without those areas.  These may include kitchens, bathrooms, and other vital living or work areas, while we perform our work and until the areas are cleared and finally rebuilt.
    • Timing, then, becomes an important factor when planning this project.
    • Don't wait till the last minute when planning to sell your home.
  • Budgeting:
    • You will need to develop a complete budget for the project, including:
      • CIH costs, if included in the project
      • mold remediation
      • damaged contents replacement
      • alternative living or workspace if lose of use is a factor
      • reconstruction

See our blogs on the subject of mold remediation for more information.

Have Mold Related Questions? Call Us Today – (973) 383-2024

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, so removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and they may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
  • Let your nose lead the way. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

  1. Emergency Contact - (973) 383-2024

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

  1. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Local and state laws may require a specific inspection and documentation protocol based on the size of the affected area. We can advise you on this process, providing guidance based on your unique situation.

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

  1. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

  1. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

  1. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

  1. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

  1. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

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