A Complete Guide To Mold

RemediationPresented by:

Mold Aidhttp://www.moldaid.com/

Mold Can Live In Any Environment

Mold testing has shown that mold can grow indoors or outdoors and can exist anywhere.

Mold prospers in damp, warm and humid environments.

Mold spores can survive under conditions in which mold cannot grow and can be found in harsh, dry environments.

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It’s Not Impossible To Find A Qualified Mold Inspection

CompanyEven though the EPA does not have specific guidelines for mold inspection, there are ways to find a qualified mold inspection company.

Find companies that have certifications from well-known organization such as the indoor Air Quality Association.

Ask for references from previous clients because they will be able to give a first hand experience with the company.

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Do Some Homework To Find Out What An Inspector Should Be

Looking At

typical areas such as basements and shower stalls.

Atypical areas such as behind drywall, under ceiling tiles, under carpets, in furniture, around ductwork, under shingles, behind paneling, under wallpaper and around plumbing pipes.

An inspector doing mold testing should look in:

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Mold Testing ProceduresAir sampling is a key component that involves forcing air through a collection device that catches mold spores.

Swab testing collects bacteria and provides immediate answers about the mold type and whether or not it is reproducing.

Tape testing confirms the presence of the fungus and assists in determining the type of mold present in the structure.

An optical device such as a borescope that can go into hard to reach spaces and gives the home inspection specialist an accurate view of what is happening out of sight.

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Determining The Cause Of Mold Contamination

A mold inspection specialist will often use a moisture diagram to identify wet ceilings, walls and floors, as well as wet/damp surface moisture patterns to determine the perimeter of the water damaged areas.

Moisture mapping identifies the location of contents affected by water and includes diagrams of ceiling joints, subfloors, HVAC, plumbing and electrical conduit that could carry water from one area to another.

Thermal imaging uses infrared cameras to scan a structure by using a heat differential to find moisture which eliminates the need to take apart ceilings, walls and floors.

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Mold RemediationThe goal of mold remediation is to eliminate as much mold as possible.

Mold removal is comprised of eliminating visible mold sources, cleaning the air of spores, wiping down surfaces, applying anti-microbial treatment, disposal of items that cannot be cleaned and treating ventilation systems.

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Mold Removal Protection

Mold removal specialists wear protective clothing because coming in contact with mold in elevated levels can cause health related issues.

They also protect their lungs with a mask or respirator to filter out mold spores.

They wear goggles to protect their eyes.

Mold removal specialists also wear rubber gloves and long sleeves to protect their skin.

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Mold Remediation Begins After Physical Security Measures Are In Place

Scrubbing the infected areas with a non-ammonia based detergent or sanding structural wood to remove mold.

Apply a disinfectant to cleansed areas.

Rapidly dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers.

Apply anti-microbial agents to cleaned surfaces to prevent future mold contamination.

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Removal Of Contaminated Items

Porous surface such as paper, drywall and carpet padding are nearly impossible to clean.

Mold remediation includes removal of infected items and replacement with non-infected material.

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At The End Of The Mold Remediation ProcessThe mold removal team will cleanse the air with an air purifier to remove lingering spores.

Complete a successful clearance test.

Present client with a certified clearance letter.

Client receives the one year warranty paperwork.

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About Mold AidMold Aid and Acquired Home Services Inc. is a mold testing, mold remediation and home inspection company serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. The company has been in existence for over 10 years and offers mold remediation, general contracting, air duct cleaning, air purifying, structural drying and other services.