Mold Remediation Process

It can be. Mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and asthma attacks. People who are more sensitive include infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions, and anyone with a weakened immune system. If you have health concerns, please talk with your doctor. We can find out whether elevated mold is present in your home and remove it safely.

Common signs are visible growth, a musty or earthy smell, past or ongoing water damage, stained or peeling surfaces, and high indoor humidity or condensation on windows. Mold almost always comes from a moisture problem, so finding and fixing the moisture source is as important as removing the mold.

We follow the IICRC S520 mold remediation standard. The goal is to physically remove mold, not just kill it, because dead mold can still cause allergic reactions. A typical project includes:

• An assessment to find the extent of the growth and its moisture source
• Containment and HEPA-filtered negative air pressure to keep spores out of clean areas
• Removal of contaminated porous materials that can't be cleaned
• HEPA vacuuming, damp wiping, sanding, or media blasting of salvageable surfaces
• Drying and correcting the moisture problem
• Post-remediation verification, including clearance testing when appropriate, before containment comes down

For small areas, roughly 10 square feet or less, on hard surfaces, many homeowners can. Fix the moisture problem first. Wear an N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection, and ventilate the area. Scrub the growth off with a stiff brush and a Borax paste (Borax mixed with water to a toothpaste-like consistency) or a detergent solution. Then wipe clean and let it dry completely. Bag and throw away moldy porous items like cardboard and ceiling tiles.

Call a professional if the area is larger than 10 square feet, the mold is inside walls, HVAC systems, attics, or crawlspaces, it came from sewage or flood water, it keeps coming back, or anyone in the home is sensitive to mold.

We don't recommend it, and neither do IICRC standards. Bleach can lighten stains on hard surfaces, but it doesn't reach mold growing into porous materials like wood and drywall. Because bleach is mostly water, it can soak in and help mold grow back. It also gives off harsh fumes and can create toxic gas when mixed with ammonia. And dead mold still contains allergens that have to be physically removed. The real fix is removing the mold and correcting the moisture problem.

No. Under the IICRC S520 standard, sprays, fogging, and sealant coatings aren't a substitute for removal. Coatings are applied only after surfaces have been properly cleaned, as an extra layer of protection.

Our cold high-desert winters create condensation. In attics, warm, moist air from the house, from bathroom fans venting into the attic, can lights, or gaps in the ceiling, meets cold roof sheathing and condenses or frosts. Blocked ventilation and roof leaks make it worse. In crawlspaces, the usual causes are a missing or damaged vapor barrier, poor drainage, irrigation or downspouts near the foundation, and plumbing leaks. Along with the remediation, we identify the cause and recommend how to correct it.

Usually not, because the work area is sealed off and kept under negative pressure. We may recommend avoiding the work area or relocating temporarily if someone in the home is especially sensitive or the project is large.

Yes. Attic mold remediation comes with a lifetime warranty that can be transferred to a new owner once, which is a real plus when you sell your home. Crawlspace mold remediation comes with a one-year mold-free warranty. Your contract has the full terms.