What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the work of removing mold growth from a building and fixing the moisture that let it grow. It covers finding the water source, containing the affected area so spores do not spread, removing contaminated porous materials, cleaning hard surfaces and drying the structure before it is rebuilt.
Remediation is different from wiping off spots. Mold grows into drywall paper, insulation and wood, so the material often has to come out, and the moisture has to be fixed or the mold returns.
Mold usually follows water
Mold needs moisture to grow. In Central Texas homes it most often follows a leak that was not fully dried: a supply line under a sink, a roof leak into the attic, an air conditioning drain line that overflowed, or flood water in lower walls. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth, which is why mold and water damage calls so often go together.
When to call a professional
The EPA’s mold guidance says a moldy area smaller than about 10 square feet can usually be cleaned by the homeowner. Call a provider when the area is larger, when mold is inside walls, ceilings or the HVAC system, when it came from sewage or flood water, or when it keeps coming back after cleaning.
What remediation usually includes
- Inspection of the visible growth and the moisture source.
- Containment with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure.
- Air filtration with HEPA equipment during the work.
- Removal of moldy drywall, insulation, carpet and other porous materials.
- Cleaning of framing and hard surfaces.
- Drying and a final check before rebuilding.
Humidity and mold in Central Texas
Warm, humid stretches of the year keep indoor air damp, especially in closed rooms, closets and bathrooms with weak ventilation. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, so a unit that is oversized, short-cycling or draining poorly can leave rooms humid enough for mold.
What to have ready for the call
Have the property address, where the mold is, roughly how large the area is, any past leak in that spot and whether anyone in the home has health concerns.
Preventing mold after water damage
Mold after a leak or flood is prevented mainly by drying the structure quickly and completely. Get standing water out, remove soaked materials such as carpet pad and wet insulation, and dry walls and floors until readings show they are dry. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours. Keeping indoor humidity down afterward helps too. If the water has already been there longer, ask the provider to check hidden areas for growth.