WHAT IS THE MOLD REMOVAL PROCESSES
It is important to know you have mold removal options when removing and treating your home. We offer different processes to match your individual needs including a “Green process”, “Regular process” and “Low Oder, low impact process”. Why do we have 3 options available? We have found that because of the sensitive nature of our work one size fits all just won’t work for every situation. We take our time to listen to your concerns and your hopes for a great outcome. So which process is best for you? The most popular process is the “Regular option”. This process utilizes general chemicals that are EPA approved for the treatment of mold. These chemicals are safe and used in hospitals and food services. This product kills mold, bacteria and viruses. We can make available all the MSDS sheets for your review. The “Green process” mold removal utilizes nature based materials. They are Thyme based and have a lemon smell. They work as well as our “Regular process”, but they have drawbacks as well. Highly sensitive people may still have an issue with the smell. We can share a sample of the materials before starting work. We do this to ensure that there will be no issue with the smell as we do not want to encounter any frustration or stress with the process. The “Low impact process” utilizes a high concentration of vinegar that is only commercially available. This product does have a smell as well and we would want to ensure that you understand the process before work begins. All three processes are great for the right project. It is important that we understand your specific issue in order to recommend the right approach for your individual needs. We start our work by protecting the home. We place protective barriers on floors, walls and separations between the areas we are working in and the rest of the home. We seal vents and cover the electrical systems, hot water tanks and the furnace. We start a specialized machine called a negative air machine / air scrubber in the work area. This machine moves the air out of the area and filters it while it works. We remove molded materials and take them with us off the job site. We then HEPA vacuum the area. After that we apply the correct EPA approved mold killer for your situation to the area. If requested we can use a stain removal treatment to remove or lighten the mold staining in the work area. The next step is to apply a mold encapsulate, this seals the wood materials and prevents mold. We then clean up the job site and take everything with us. We will even recommend or install a dehumidifier for basements and crawl spaces. For attics we will install venting to ensure the underlying cause of the mold has been corrected.
What causes mold?
When tiny mold spores travel through the air and settle, under the right conditions, mold or mildew can multiply quickly, often going undetected, and become a problem inside your home. Mold can grow almost anywhere when moisture is present for an extended period of time.
Mold removal process in Cleveland, Ohio
The effects of mold not only include the potential for structural damage to your home. If you are in the market to sell, undetected mold can dramatically lower the value of your home. Some real estate agents believe the presence of mold can drop the value of a home up to 10 percent.
Mold removal (also known as mold remediation), is the process of cleaning mold by removing mold and treating surfaces and materials that have been contaminated by mold or mildew. The methods used for removing mold will vary, depending on the type of mold in the house and the effects of mold on the surface or material.
To ensure you are completely removing mold in your home, a customized mold inspection and mold cleanup process will be followed to properly remove and treat the contaminated areas. Mold testing options include air-o-cell tests and swab samples to identify the types and concentrations of mold present in an environment. Once the source and types of mold are identified, a mold removal plan will be developed and executed, including containment of the work area to control and limit the spread of mold in the house or other contaminants into surrounding areas of the home.
We use a three-step process for mold removal.
- Staging
- Source Removal
- Exit Protocol
We specialize in removing mold, and their mold specialists use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums for final mold removal after affected areas have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials have been removed. HEPA vacuums have specialized filters that capture tiny mold particles that would typically pass right through a normal vacuum filter. HEPA vacuums are also used for the cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside of the mold remediation area.
Why hire a mold specialist for removing mold?
Mold removal is NOT a “do it yourself job”. Mold removal requires professional chemicals, equipment and training. Treating mold with household chemicals can cause mold to spread and create more costly issues in your home, especially if you’re dealing with black mold.
Most chemicals, including bleach, have been proven ineffective against eliminating mold in the long run. Contrary to popular belief, when you apply bleach to kill mold on a porous surface, (i.e. wood, drywall, grout, carpet, etc.) it actually facilitates mold growth. The chlorine molecules stay on the surface and will only kill a fraction of the mold while the water in bleach (bleach is mostly water) sinks into the material, promoting mold growth
We are certified for removing mold and our mold specialist will meet with you to discuss a plan for mold testing and remediation. Each of our technician is trained on proper mold removal / mold remediation procedures in accordance with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S-520. Contact AdvantaClean for professional mold removal.
What should I know about mold inspections?
A mold inspection is the first step in the process of determining if you have a mold problem. During a mold inspection, Our certified mold specialists, will inspect, sample and test the air in and around your home for mold detection. A mold specialist will use a variety of mold detection techniques to look for mold and mildew, identify the types of mold present and offer suggestions for cleaning mold or removing mildew.
Mold inspection is important to both the safety and health of a home and its occupants. Since mold remediation can sometimes be costly, a mold inspection performed by a mold specialist is highly recommended.
Mold inspections should be performed by a qualified mold specialist who has formal training and experience. Mold inspections look for evidence of mold or mildew growth which indicates a water or moisture issue. They can include mold growth around vents, on walls or baseboards, even in your HVAC ductwork! Because the source of mold growth can often be hidden, you should hire a mold specialist who knows where to look and has the equipment to assess your situation.
A mold specialist will also look for mold in areas where it could be causing structural issues, such as attics, basements and crawlspaces.
Mold or mildew cannot grow without water. A mold specialist will determine the moisture source and recommend options for mold removal. If the source is not found and eliminated, mold will return, and mold remediation will have a negligible long-term effect.