How to prepare for mold remediation
Any task we intend to fulfill in our life depends on the level of preparation. The same applies for mold remediation. Before embarking on the exercise, we need to begin with the groundwork that will elevate the level of preparedness and consequently increase the chances of success.
Here we give tips on how to handle critical aspects of mold remediation. We also outline the requirements needed for success.
Time to deep dive!
Isolation
The first thing to do is to isolate the suspected area of mold infestation. The aim here is to prevent further spread.
If it is in a particular room, the wise thing is to seal off the doorway. Make sure you use plastic sheets and duct tape to ensure that mold spores don’t move to the next room during mold remediation.
As part of the isolation procedure, ensure you remove any moisture by disconnecting the source. Repairing leaking taps or pipes is a sure way to achieve dryness. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Mold Inspection and Air Quality Testing
Before you proceed to conduct mold remediation, you must do a thorough inspection to identify areas with mold infestation.
You can do mold inspection by yourself, but working with a licensed mold inspector will come with amazing benefits.
Mold inspectors do a great job as opposed to self. First, they scan the house with an infrared camera together with a moisture meter.
That first step enables the mold inspector to detect molds and moisture in different areas of your house. Typical moisture meters use color to differentiate the moisture levels. It will show blue when moisture is high and red when the humidity is low.
Infrared detects areas with temperature variation. Once done with the infrared and moisture meter, they do a physical observation. Check Areas with ceramic are best examined by eye.
The inspector will also check for exposed plumbing pipes that cause leakages. They will also check the closets and shoes-those harbor mold so much.
On air quality, the inspector checks dust particles under the bed or other areas beneath which harbor molds. Ideal humidity should be between 30 and 50%. The inspector will gather air samples for analysis in a laboratory.
An air quality report determines the kind of mold growing in your house. Also, never move things around as it could spread mold contaminants contained in spores creating a tricky situation for mold remediators.
Note that a little wetness with coloration could be the tip of the iceberg. That is why mold inspectors come in handy. They test the severity of mold growing in your house.
Washing
Before the mold remediation company lands in your place, ensure that you do a thorough washing of your clothing. Washing with regular detergent or soap eliminates spores. Using hot water is an added advantage.
Once your clothes dry, do not hang them up in the wardrobe or lockers because they encourage growth mold contaminants, and may backfire on you.
The best way to keep clean and dry clothes before remediation starts is by sealing them in an airtight bag. Polyethylene bags work well as they do not allow in air or moisture.
How about Pets?
Pets should be moved to a safe-haven before the mold remediation begins. Your pet experiences the same effects as humans when exposed to mold.
Therefore, it is pertinent to move them rooms or open spaces where exposure to mold spores isn’t glaring.
When you notice your pet is experiencing mold-related respiratory problems, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Do not continue to expose the pet to more mold as that could inflict irreversible damage to the respiratory system.
Note: You may ask a friend to host your pet when remediation is underway or ask for reservations in kennels.
Record all your belongings
Take photos of all your items to capture the state or condition. By doing so, it becomes easy to claim for compensation from insurance or the remediation company in case there is damage.
It is difficult to remember every item in your home. So, taking photos and videos saves you from unanticipated losses. Having a visual inventory enables you to claim home insurance in case someone steals them during remediation.
The inventory helps fast track the processing of insurance claims. They ascertain the value of your assets.
Tip: Always have a cloud backup of your inventory. Better still you can store it on a CD.
Relocate your Family
Do not take this for granted! Your family is important to you, so take care of them.
Mold remediation is a very toxic activity and can cause adverse respiratory conditions. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma or hay fever.
Kids are prime victims during mold remediation. Be sure to ask a friend to host them when conducting the exercise.
If there is no one to host your family, then you can book a hotel or cruize away for a holiday. That way, you are sure your close people are safe.
Get ready with PPEs and other equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) are critical for the success of any mold remediation. Whether you are doing it on your own or you contract a firm, PPEs are inevitable.
Arming yourself with essential equipment is also crucial. Mold remediation can never be successful without proper equipment.
PPEs include things like:
- N-95 respirators-this This is the best mask in the market. However, some alternatives fit the bill.
- Goggles
- Latex gloves
- Rubber gumboots
- Waterproof gowns
- Face shields
Here is a list of critical equipment for mold remediation:
- Bristle brushes
- Spray bottles
- Plastic sheets
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Vacuum Cleaner
- Duct tape
- Detergent
- Dehumidifier
- Garbage/Trash bags
Those are just but a few requirements. A mold remediation company will always provide a full list of essentials.
One more tip! Feed well before embarking on mold remediation. You do not wish to grab a meal in between the exercise.
Conclusion
Preparation for mold removal is pertinent. It helps you understand the dynamics involved. You get to know the severity of the situation well in advance. Besides that, it allows you to assemble all the necessary PPEs and critical equipment for the job. Preparation helps you plan for the safety of your family and friends during the exercise. It also safeguards your belongings from unexpected eventualities like theft and damage to your items. The inventories you maintain show up to date records that are admissible for use when claiming home insurance.