Our company does not provide mold remediation so when you hire us, you receive unbiased opinions regarding the problem at hand. Some companies have been providing the initial consultation, the remediation & the clearance testing. This presents a serious conflict-of-interest & should never happen. Call Elite Mold Services as the first step in identifying the problem so you know what steps will be needed to correct them. We have worked in the Central Florida area for years and can provide references to Mold Remediation Contractors in the area that can provide estimates for the mold clean-up. NEVER have a company provide the initial assessment/testing & the remediation. Not only is it against the law but it is unethical.

Although we do not provide mold remediation, we do provide Mold Remediation Protocols to ensure that the remediation company hired to carry out the clean-up work is working safely, performing a comprehensive remediation & ensuring mold spores are not spread to other parts of the house. The remediation job is then followed by a “clearance” or Post-Remediation Verification Inspection & Testing to ensure that all of the mold spores have been removed from the affected area prior the removal of the containment barrier.

Mold Remediation is a process where an existing mold problem is removed or cleaned up from a residential or commercial property. The goal of remediation is to remove or clean contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area and entering an occupied or non-abatement area, while protecting the health of workers performing the abatement. Listed below are some general methods that can be used during a mold remediation procedure.

Cleanup & Removal Methods

The purpose of the clean-up process is to eliminate the mold and fungal growth and to remove contaminated materials. As a general rule, simply killing the mold with a biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed since the chemicals and proteins, which cause a reaction in humans, are still present even in dead mold.

Containment

This method is used for preventing mold spores from spreading into other parts of the property. When the mold is disturbed the spores can become airborne and migrate to other areas. Plastic sheeting is used to contain the mold in the designated area. Special negative-air pressure machines are implemented to keep the air pressure from pushing spores out of the containment. The contained area is where all the work takes place & needs to be properly cleaned prior to removal of the barrier. Special testing known as clearance or post-remediation verification testing is used to ensure the air & surfaces are free of abnormal levels of mold prior to containment being completed.

Vacuum

Wet vacuum cleaners are designed to remove water from floors, carpets and other hard surfaces where water has accumulated. Wet vacuuming should only be used on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. After use this equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and dried as spores can adhere to the inner surfaces of the tank, hoses, and other attachments.

Damp Wipe

Damp wipe is the removal of mold from non-porous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and a detergent. Care must be exercised to make sure the material is allowed to quickly dry to discourage any further mold growth. With surfaces such as metal, glass, hardwood, plastics, and concrete, mold should be scraped off as much as possible. Then, scrub the surface with a fungicide cleaner.

HEPA Vacuum

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered vacuum cleaners are used in the final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and all contaminated materials have been removed. HEPA vacuum cleaners are recommended for the cleanup of the outside areas surrounding the remediation area. During this process the workers wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to mold and other contaminants. The collected debris and dust should be stored in impervious bags or containers in a manner to prevent any release of debris.

Disposal of Debris & Damaged Materials

Building materials and furnishings contaminated with mold should be placed into impervious bags or closed containers while in the remediation area. These materials can usually be discarded as regular construction waste.