Mold remediation projects
range from simple to very complex and so does their price tag.
The Difference Between Mold Remediation and Mold Clean-up
Located in Birmingham and serving Southeast
Michigan
Telephone: 248 321 4437
Mold clean-up simply means washing mold off a surface with water and detergent,
sometimes adding some household bleach. Mold clean-up falls short
of a correct mold decontamination. More often than not, mold will grow back.
Mold remediation implies a correct mold decontamination and
correction of structural and ambient factors that determined mold growth.
If correctly done, mold will not grow again after remediation
providing the house is further on kept in proper condition.
Basics of Proper Mold Remediation
Working with mold means dealing with something we cannot see; here are some aspects to consider.
- Mold is a biological contaminant and therefore a hazard to life and health
- Mold cells and spores range in size from 2 to 10 micrometers, they cannot be seen without a microscope
- Mold spores are easily carried by currents of air; disturbing a surface with mold means placing millions
of spores in the air, they will settle on some other location in the house, or inside one's lungs
- Killing mold means killing a life form; the chemicals used are hazardous to man as well
- A mold colony most of the time roots into the pores of the material it grows on
- Placing mold contaminated materials outside means loading the wind with mold spores
so they can be carried back inside or to the neighbors.
Considering the factors above it is easy to understand why specific protocols are written
for mold remediation and why mold remediators have to be properly trained.
They have to understand mold and know how to handle hazardous materials.
They also need to know how to use personal protective equipment.
Encapsulation of the mold contaminated work area is necessary to prevent the spread
of mold spores through the rest of the house or building. This means a complete isolation
of the area. Proper containment of materials with mold
has to be done before removing them from the encapsulated area.
Structural and Mechanical Problems Behind Mold
Structural and/or mechanical problems are always present behind
mold. It is best to view mold as a sign of a structural problem.
This is why the expertise of mold inspectors is so important. Mold
remediation is not complete until the structural problems have
been corrected.
Paint cover-ups are just that, they are a cover-up and not a solution. It is a myth that Kilz paint
kills mold; the manufacturer will never give any warranty for that. Mildew inhibitors are efficient
for a short period of time;
they degrade in the presence of light and then mold grows again on the new paint.
Mold Remediation Projects, Size Evaluation
The size of a mold remediation project, small, medium, or large
is not easy to assess. The factors involved here are:
- The cause of the mold growth
- The type of mold and extent of spread
- The structures affected and how they integrate with the rest
of the house
- The type of construction materials affected
- The location of the mold problem
- The duration of the mold problem
Easy to see there are many factors to consider. An objective
evaluation is needed from the start to ensure a good outcome and
avoid future problems. Mold remediation projects could rage in
price from hundreds to many thousands of dollars.
Small remediation projects can be done by homeowners, assuming they have clearly identified
the problem behind the mold. Medium and large mold remediation projects, are best left to trained remediators.
In some cases a team of a mold inspector, remediator, and building contractors is needed to ensure proper outcome.
I am available for evaluation of mold problems and remediation
protocols in southeast Michigan. Also available for a second
opinion.
Call any time for an appointment: 248 321 4437
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