The Following Are Considerations Taken into Account on Every Project:
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.
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.
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.
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 facftors 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. best way to remove it is dispose of the removable items or cut out that area of wall board. Smaller areas less than 5 SF and there are 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 to 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 are not properly managed, the mold will return. We have Certified Hydrologists on staff to ensure that the source of water 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 a 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.