For homeowners dealing with mold, nothing is more frustrating than having it return after previous mold removal attempts. However, by taking a comprehensive approach that addresses not only visible mold but also the conditions that caused its growth, professionals can effectively remove mold and implement strategies to prevent its return.
When responding to mold-related service calls, mold remediation companies should conduct a thorough inspection to identify all areas with active mold growth. Visible mold on obvious surfaces like walls and ceilings is usually easy to spot. Nonetheless, hidden mold can also be present inside wall cavities, floor joists and ventilation systems.
Upon locating all areas of mold contamination, remediation professionals then comprehensively clean affected surfaces using techniques like:
- Aggressively vacuuming mold with HEPA filters to capture and remove the majority of spores.
- Wiping down surfaces with antimicrobial mold removal solutions that kill remaining mold and inhibit future growth.
- Fogging affected areas with antimicrobial disinfectant to deactivate airborne mold.
- Replacing damaged materials like drywall, insulation and flooring that harbor mold and cannot be adequately cleaned.
While vital, cleaning alone will not prevent mold from returning unless the moisture issues that caused its initial growth are also addressed.
Experienced remediators therefore identify and fix structural moisture issues like:
- Leaking roofs, pipes or appliances
- Moisture trapped within wall cavities and crawlspaces
- High indoor humidity levels
- Insufficient ventilation or airflow
After removal and moisture repairs, remediators implement strategies to monitor and maintain optimal indoor humidity and ventilation going forward.
This includes:
- Running dehumidifiers and air purifiers regularly and upgrading inadequate HVAC systems.
- Sealing exterior cracks and gaps that allow water intrusion.
- Treating all cleaned surfaces with antimicrobial coatings that inhibit mold for 1-5+ years.
- Educating homeowners on moisture management and ongoing maintenance measures.
In summary, preventing mold return requires a comprehensive approach that thoroughly cleans visible and hidden mold; repairs structural moisture issues; optimizes indoor conditions; and treats surfaces with long-term solutions.