The key to preventing an extensive mold problem is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home it should be mitigated promptly and the source of the water intrusion fixed to prevent further damage. Responding to water damaged areas in a home or business within the first 24-48 hours is extremely important and can significantly reduce the extent of the damage incurred.

Why Is Mold Growing in My Home?
Organic materials found inside your home, such as wood, paper, carpet, drywall, and some types of insulation combined with a significant increase in moisture over a prolonged period of time provide food sources for mold to flourish and propagate.

How Do I Get Rid of Mold?
Eliminating all mold spores in a home or office is impossible, as mold spores exist naturally in ambient air and at low levels are not harmful. However, a significant amount of spores in a confined indoor environment will create health problems, but growths required to do this will not begin without a source of moisture.

To prevent and contain the amount of mold present in your home or office it is necessary to control the moisture and eliminate the source of the growth. Mold gradually destroys the things it grows on, and once it has surpassed a safe level the most effective option becomes to completely remove the contaminated materials.

Who Should Do The Cleanup?
Grimefighters, inc. specializes in the remediation and mitigation of mold damaged properties by adhering to guidelines released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a set of industry standards compiled by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Most mold damage remediation involves the physical removal of specific affected materials, cleaning of materials that are salvageable and the removal of active spores that have become airborne through the use of containments and negative pressurization. For more information about fixing a problem in your building contact a Grimefighters, Inc representative.

Mold can grow just about anywhere.  It mainly needs moisture to thrive, and it can be very difficult to eliminate.  Mold can grow back in a previously cleaned area if the moisture returns.  

When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores can be released into the air.  Exposure can occur if people inhale the spores, directly handle moldy materials, or accidentally ingest it.

Mold can be dangerous when it grows and multiplies indoors.  Health problems can occur along with damage to building materials and furnishings.

Generally, porous materials that are extensively contaminated with mold or bacteria are removed and discarded.  Porous construction material include gypsum wallboard, plaster, carpet and carpet padding, fiberglass insulation, fiberglass ducts, cellulose insulation, flex duct, etc.  Other porous materials include upholstery, mattresses, books, fabric materials, cardboard boxes, etc.  Where there is only very light surface mold on wallboard or plaster, surface cleaning will be used.  Carpet, upholstery, mattresses, or fabric items contaminated with a light amount of mold spores, but without visible mold can be professionally cleaned.  A thick pile carpet with a heavy amount of mold spores cannot be cost effectively cleaned.  Porous materials with visible mold growth cannot be cleaned.

As finish material is removed, the construction exposed by the removal of the material is inspected for visible mold, moist material, or water stains.  A moisture meter can used to detect moist material.  Unless otherwise specifically recommended, the removal of porous construction material extends about two (2) foot beyond any visible mold.  Where the wall finish material is contaminated at the base of the wall, the finish material is removed from the floor to a minimum of two (2) feet above the floor.  Where wall material is contaminated to a height of four (4) or higher on the wall, the wall finish material is removed for the full height of the wall.  There may be a situation where special wall or ceiling construction can be salvaged by not removing finish material in accordance with the above guidelines.  In those specific cases, TECI will use sound professional judgment with regard to a decision not to disturb material that is close to visible damage.  Where appropriate the client and/or property owner is consulted with regard to decisions regarding cleaning or removal of material.

Semi-Porous Materials – Depending on the extent of the contamination, semi-porous materials will be cleaned.  Semi-porous construction material includes particleboard, pressboard, wafer board, plywood, and softwood lumber.  When the material is deformed, rotted, or damaged by water it is discarded.  Semi-porous material that is to remain is cleaned of any visible mold.  For wood materials (plywood, softwood lumber, etc.) light surface sanding will be used to remove surface mold.  When the mold cannot be removed with light surface sanding, the material is replaced.  All material deteriorated by rot is removed.  TECI, along with the client and insurance company representative, will determine whether or not to remove or clean contaminated material.

Non-Porous Materials – Non-porous materials can generally be cleaned with a detergent or a biocide recommended for that purpose.  Non-porous material includes glass items, metal items, silverware, hardwood furniture, plastic laminate counter tops, plumbing fixtures (tubs, commodes, lavatories, etc.), fiberglass tub or shower enclosures, etc. Non-porous material can be cleaned with wet wiping and HEPA vacuuming.  Hardwood flooring requiring removal generally cannot be cleaned economically.  When removing cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and other items, damage can occur.  In those situations, replacement is necessary.