Got Mold? Don't Panic!
When mold invades your home and the normal fungal ecology gets out of hand, you can be faced with property damage and ill health effects. So start by asking questions.
The Following Are Considerations Taken into Account on Every Project:
A. Mold Assessment
Often a separate “remediation plan” is provided clearly defining the scope of work to be completed, the moisture source to be corrected, acceptable mold levels, what is included and not included in the overall scope of work of the project.
B. Permits
Are responsibility of the homeowner unless included in the proposal.
C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Environmental technicians typically wear PPE including: Tyvek Suits, Booties N-95 Respirator, Eye protection and gloves
D. Containment/Site Bio-Security
May be erected to control contaminated area(s) and cross-contamination of non-contaminated areas. Typically consists of a plastic barrier equipped with a negative air machine and/or air scrubbers / fans to aide in controlling airborne mold spores which are filtered from the air and ejected to outside the structure. Note: containment must not be broken by anyone other than GWE personnel without authorization from GWE at any time for any reason.
E. Demolition
Mold damaged contents are usually removed / disposed of and can include: sheetrock, carpet, plywood, insulation, wood floors, cardboard, furniture or other porous materials.
F. Structure Protection
Points of ingress / egress into the structure (floors, carpeting, walls, etc.) are often protected with use of: Ram Board (or similar material), padding, plastic, adhesive floor coverings, etc.
G. Content Management
Wipe down through standard industry protocol all Non porous and any semi porous materials. Properly discard any affected materials that cannot be properly cleansed. Fees clearly outlined in proposal.
H. Debris Disposal Area
Often involves a dedicated staging area that is established where debris containers, storage boxes, etc. are set up.
I. Mold Remediation
Either traditional or modern techniques may be employed on a mold remediation depending on type and size of project, client health issues and medical suggestions. Traditional methods often involve a combination of area wipe downs with an antimicrobial solution (chemical biocide) / hydrogen peroxide / ammonia / vinegar / Tyme / Lemon Juice with wire brush scrubbing of stubborn areas with HEPA vacuuming. Modern techniques may involve: chemicals (sodium hypochlorite), blasting (Dry Ice, Soda, Sand, Water), ozone, UV Light, structural pasteurization (Heat), enzymes, fogs, etc.
J. Biocides
GWE regularly uses EPA endorsed Biocides and Fungicides such as: RMR (Sodium Hypoclorite), Shockwave, Concrobium, etc. which are typical with this type of work. Should a chemical sensitivity be an issue, other non-chemical Biocides will be used.
K. Fogging
Mechanical fogging with Natural based mold inhibitor such as and not limited to Thymeoil is often employed after bulk of intensive remediation has been completed
L. Encapsulant
Sometimes, the use of a mold inhibiting paint (encapsulant) may be employed where client would be advised in advance.
M. HVAC System
Seal off all supply lines/ registers and returns in affected area. GWE recommends that ducts be remediated per National Air Duct which is not part of the remediation proposal
N. Air Scrubbing
Use HEPA filtration units vented to the outside of work space.
O. Site Manager
GWE assigns a Project Manager (PM) who is point person for all questions regarding the remediation. Technicians are not to be asked questions as they are not familiar with all aspects of the project.
P. Communication
PM is point person for daily processes, keeping Clients / occupants informed of the process and any changes to the protocol (all changes to be in writing).
Q. Adaptive Protocols
Every structure, client and occupant all have different / unique needs. GWE will strive to ensure the remediation plan enacted is the best plan for your situation where last minute changes are to be expected.
R. Air Cleansing / Dewatering
After remediation is completed, area to be left with air scrubbers / fans and / or dehumidifiers for a minimum of three (3) days to ensure site has adequately dried and airborne particulates and mold spores have been cleansed from the air. PM will periodically visit site, check moisture levels and adjust duration as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are used interchangeably where a Remediation is the removal of molds back to Normal Fungal Ecology. You can't get rid of mold 100%.
It depends on a few factors like access, basement vs. attic, finished areas vs. non-finished areas, and organisms type (toxic vs. non-toxic. So looks at a range of from $5.00/SF to as much as $25.00/SF (or more).
Black mold tends to grow in patchy / clumped areas. The best way to remove it is to dispose of the removable items or cut out that area of the wallboard. Smaller areas less than 5 SF and no health issues to worry about are often easily addressed this way.
First, was the moisture intrusion source(s) corrected? If moisture is under control, a Clearance Test should be performed, which is a combination of factors that include a visual inspection, review of remediation protocol, sampling, etc. Only then can you get a good idea if the area was properly brought back to normal fungal ecology.
Normally no.
Simple cleanses and spot remediation can be completed in a few hours, where more elaborate remediations and restoration might take weeks. It depends on the impacts on the home and the occupants.
Mold is a product of hydrology, humidity, and moisture. Was the source of water that caused the mold addressed as part of your remediation? We know that mold and water go hand in hand. If your environment’s hydrology is not managed correctly, the mold will return. We have Certified Hydrologists on staff to ensure that the water source is appropriately addressed to ensure any future mold growth is mitigated.
We are all going to die (eventually). But there are no known documented death’s from mold toxicity that we are aware of. But the young, old, and immuno-compromised individuals are more susceptible to mold-related illnesses.
The term “Black Mold” or “Toxic Black Mold” has been attributed to a dark/black mold (called Stachybotrys) that has been demonized in the media as a result of some very well-known lawsuits. While Stachybotrys is known to produce “mycotoxins” that can adversely affect human health, it does not fare to say it is toxic.
While the State of New Jersey does not require any specific certifications, anyone you work with should have an NJHICL & proper general liability insurance. There are numerous mold certification firms that offer training; any contractor you work with should have mold training and participate in ongoing continuing education.
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