Mold is like an unwanted guest who makes themselves comfortable in your home – you want them gone yesterday! If left to linger, mold can cause serious structural and health problems, so it’s advisable to consider mold damage restoration.
For starters, you can bank on DrierHomes for certified water damage repair services in Caldwell ID – a firm with relevant experience spanning over two decades. But what does mold remediation involve? And how long does it take?
Depending on several variables, mold remediation can take a few hours to a week. Let’s go over the factors you need to consider to determine how long the process might take. While at it, it won’t hurt to know what the process typically involves, right?
What is Mold Remediation?
Generally, mold remediation entails an inspection, containment, removal, and clean-up of mold-contaminated materials. A licensed mold remediation specialist first inspects the affected area to identify moisture sources. The aim is to ensure the moisture in your home is within the acceptable limit.
According to the EPA, indoor humidity should be between 30 and 60 percent. So, if the humidity level exceeds this range, mold will likely thrive in your home. In short, the more moist your home is, the higher the chances of mold growth. Thus, by keeping the humidity level low, you can prevent mold from reestablishing its presence in your home once remediation efforts are complete.
Typically, remediation involves removing the mold colonies by scrubbing or power washing with biocides and antimicrobial products. Then, the professionals clean the affected area by replacing and disposing of porous materials contaminated with mold.
They also dry the area and use a negative pressure system to prevent the spread of airborne spores and vapor. While at it, they insect ventilation systems to ensure mold spores do not settle in the ducts. Then, they apply products to neutralize odors and seal the surfaces to protect your home from mold infestation in the future.
How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?
As we’ve pointed out, mold remediation can be a speedy or time-consuming process, depending on multiple variables. Let’s delve into the factors you should consider when estimating the duration it might take.
- The extent of the damage: If the area affected by mold is small, remediation might take a few hours. But more significant infestations with extensive damage might take longer to remediate.
- Type of mold: Different types of molds take different durations to remediate. For instance, black mold is harder to identify and remove than other forms of mold. As such, it might take longer to remediate, especially if the infestation is severe.
- Accessibility of the area: If the mold is located in hard-to-reach places, such as in an attic or crawl space, it might take more time to remediate. Plus, tearing down walls or ceilings to access and assess the contamination could add more days to the process.
- The specialist’s experience: The professional you hire should have relevant know-how and an understanding of EPA regulations. They should also be familiar with local building codes, which could speed up the process. Typically, pros know where to look for mold, how to address the source of moisture, and how to contain the infestation. Thus, the more knowledgeable they are about the most effective remediation techniques(as explained below), the quicker they can complete the job.
- Remediation method: Some service providers use traditional remediation methods requiring the removal of infested fibrous materials. Then they treat surfaces to eliminate mold spores before sealing the area. This is usually time and resource intensive. Conversely, some use a Dry Fog system which involves spraying an antimicrobial solution to kill the mold colonies. Their specialized equipment can reach otherwise inaccessible areas and deliver long-term protection from future infestations. The process is usually faster, as it does not require demolition. Hence, the powerful sterilant can treat your entire home in under five hours.
- Location: In densely populated areas with few professionals, it might take longer to complete the process due to increased competition for services. In contrast, in rural areas, you might find more available professionals to complete the job within a shorter duration. However, if the specialists in your area use conventional remediation techniques, expect the process to take a while.
Mold remediation is a tedious process that usually requires professional intervention. Unlike mold removal, which usually only addresses visible colonies, remediation seeks to eliminate the spores and mold growth you cannot see. Thus, by understanding the factors involved in remediation, you can plan for the time and resources needed to restore your home. Above all, hire a professional who uses modern and safe remediation techniques to prevent long-term health hazards.