Mold Damage Restoration in Memphis
Independent Restoration Service of Memphis will help you learn more about the mold removal process. Additionally, we want to help you understand why it is important to have mold tested and removed. If you are looking to hire a mold removal company, you’re in the right place. If you do not want to read any further and simply want to talk to someone at our company about your mold issues or the mold removal process, call us. We will answer any and all questions you have regarding the mold removal process and our company.
Testing
Testing for mold is one of, if not the, most important step of mold removal process. That is because there are hundreds of thousands of species of mold. Even expert mycologists cannot identify a specific species of mold just by looking at it. Identifying the type of mold takes microscopic analysis. Identifying the type of mold dictates that mold removal process we will use. Independent Restoration Services of Memphis does not identify the type of mold on a property. We work with three separate mold testing companies that are independent of our company. Independent Restoration Services of Memphis uses reputable unbiased mold testing companies so property owners know there is no way for the results to be manipulated or inaccurate.
We actually test each property three separate times. The first mold test we run on a property is to determine what type of mold there is in the home. A second mold test is conducted when the project is near completion so we can see if the mold has been removed. Finally, we run a third test once we feel the mold has been abated to make sure the property passes an inspection. Testing is a very important step.
Cause of the Mold
Most people want to know how mold started growing within their home or business. Almost everyone is surprised to find out that almost every property has toxic mold spores within them. The only reason there is not toxic mold growth which leads to physical and mental harm is a lack of proper environmental factors. Mold only needs water, a food source, and lack of light to thrive.
Mold cannot grow without water. When there has been water damage, a water leak, or water source that has not been dealt with appropriately, there will be mold. Even a small amount of water will be enough for mold to start growing. Any moisture content over 55% is enough to sustain mold growth. The most common causes of water sources that contribute to mold growth are: water heater failure, leaking pipes, roof leaks, clogged air conditioner condensate line, broken toilets, & bathtub overflow.
Mold needs water, but it also needs a food source. Mold only needs an organic material as a food source. Organic matter such as dust, drywall, wood, and carpet are ideal food sources. Any dark area within your property has abundant food sources to promote mold growth.
Mold spores do not respond well to UV light. As a matter of fact UV light kills mold spores. That is why mold is predominantly found in areas that are dark. While it is a good thing that UV rays are able to kill mold spores, unfortunately mold can stay hidden for a long period of time in areas that the sun cannot reach. The area inside the walls is an ideal environment for mold to grow.
Call us Today
If you want us to come inspect your property to determine whether or not you have mold, call us. We will help you get rid of the mold within your home or business. If you are interested in finding out more about the mold removal process, you can read more below. You will also be able to find out more useful information about our company.
Our Standard Mold Removal Process
Keep in mind the following information is just an example of what takes place during a mold removal project. It is not designed to be a step-by-step guide for mold removal. Each mold removal project has different variables that must be carefully taken into consideration. Any information you find about mold removal on our website and elsewhere online is no substitute for a knowledgeable mold removal expert.
- Find the source of the water. As we discussed previously on this page, mold needs water in order to grow. Therefore, the first thing we do is to identify the mold’s water source. Eliminating the source of the water ensures that once the mold is removed, the mold will not come back a second time due to the same water leak.
Evaluate and determine the extent of contamination. We are a mold removal company with the experience needed to correctly diagnose mold damage. There are some situations that require us to bring in a third party mold testing company. Certain scenarios require an independent consultant whose job is to find the extent of the damage. During these types of specialized investigatory mold removal projects, exploratory demolition may need to be done. When a mold problem is severe, those same consultants will create a written protocol to follow during the mold removal project.- Demolition. Demolition is the most important part of the mold damage restoration process. Once we have investigated and identified all the affected areas, we will quarantine that area from the rest of the interior. The contaminated areas are closed off using heavy plastic barriers. Additionally, we close off all air ducts and create negative pressurization within the quarantined area. That process prevents mold spores from being spread throughout the rest of the house. Once the affected area is completely sealed off, the demolition process can begin. The materials that are porous and are not an integral part of the structure are removed. Examples of such materials include: carpet, carpet padding, drywall, baseboards, insulation, and any cabinetry with visible mold. Anything with visible mold should always be removed. Additionally, a portion of the materials surrounding the affected area should also be removed. The removal of materials surrounding the affected area is to create a buffer between the affected and unaffected areas. Just because mold cannot be seen, does not mean there are not toxic mold spores in the area. Mold spores cannot be seen with the naked eye. When there is mold that is visible you can rest assure that there are large quantities of mold spores surrounding those areas. We are mold removal specialists. We will not demo areas of your property that do not need to be removed.
Cleaning and Decontamination
Cleaning is a multistep process with methods that vary from project to project depending upon the type and extent of damage.
Our techniques include:
Vacuuming Surfaces – We use specialized HEPA vacuums with filters designed to capture microscopic mold spores. If we were to use normal shopvacs or vacuums the mold spores would be spread quickly throughout the space due to the amount of air flow they are able to generate and a lack of proper air filtration. The filters on normal vacuums would not be able to capture microscopic mold spores.- Surfaces Cleaned – Our restoration company uses specialized cleaning procedures. If we were to simply wipe down surfaces in a normal fashion, mold spores would be spread further. Our technicians are specifically trained on how to clean surfaces in order to minimize spreading spores.
- Sanding and Mechanical Cleaning – Once the surfaces are cleaned we may need to sand areas that are porous but not easily cleaned. Materials such as concrete, wood framing, and subflooring are difficult to clean but able to easily retain mold spores. In some instances we may need to use equipment such as sand blasters, or even dry ice blasters to clean areas that are difficult to clean.
- Air Scrubbing and Negative Pressurization – Some mold removal companies will choose to overlook or not perform this particular task. However, it is an extremely important step in the mold removal process. When a mold removal company does not perform air scrubbing, mold spores will remain in the air. Negative air machines are also referred to as air scrubbers are essentially large fans that use large HEPA filters to capture airborne mold spores. We obviously take drastic measures during the demolition process to reduce the spores that are airborne. However, microscopic mold spores will inevitably be in the air. Vast quantities of mold spores are released into the air when mold reproduces as well. These machines are kept running for several days during and after the cleaning process. Running negative air machines is an essential part of the mold removal process that drastically reduces the health risks of mold exposure. Cleaning the property without cleaning the air is simply not an option.
- Air Washing – Air washing is the process of stirring up the air once all of the demolition and cleaning has been completed. Using high velocity fans and equipment, mold spores are forced into the air from wherever they have settled. The air washing process is performed in conjunction with the air scrubbers previously mentioned. Essentially, air washing stirs up resting mold spores so air scrubbers can capture them in HEPA filters.
- Encapsulation – This is a last resort sort of process. Encapsulation is only used when an independent third party has inspected and tested the affected areas. It is the process of using specialized paints and sealants to actually capture and keep the mold in one place. It is a last resort designed to be used when physical mold removal is not a viable option.
- Clearance Testing – This is the best part of the mold removal process. Clearance testing involves a third party testing the property (usually through air samples) to see if the house has passed a mold inspection. You should always use a third party company to do clearance testing. Using an unbiased third party ensures the accuracy of the testing.
Call Independent Restoration Services of Memphis
Call us for all of your mold related questions or to have us inspect your property for mold damage. We are the best company in Memphis to hire for all of your mold removal needs. Our company will always answer when you call. We are here to help you find answers to your questions and solve your mold related problems.
