Exposure to small amounts of mold is common, so it's easy to forget about until it triggers an allergic reaction or becomes a visible presence in your home. Mold can spread anywhere there is moisture and a food source, like wood or drywall, and become a significant problem. Mold remediation is the process of removing this growth and correcting the issues that caused it. Since this task has serious health risks, it should only be handled by professionals.

What Happens During Mold Remediation?

Many homeowners try to clean mold at some point, such as using bleach and water to clean tile grout or along the edge of a bathtub. Unfortunately, unless you use an anti-microbial cleaner to eliminate the spores, they will most likely return. 

When mold becomes widespread, more aggressive remediation tactics are needed to address the surface problems and hidden ones. Professional crews begin by setting up a containment area with plenty of ventilation to the outside. This ensures that the mold spores disturbed during the cleaning don't spread throughout your home and settle elsewhere. Mold remediation crews use high-powered filtration units to preserve air quality. 

The cleaning and disinfecting process can vary based on the extent of the problem. The crew may be able to wash the mold away, or they may need to remove the affected drywall and flooring. Once all the mold is eliminated, they'll treat the area with a mold-inhibiting chemical to prevent regrowth. 

True prevention requires correcting the source of the problem since any source of moisture can allow problems in the future. Mold remediation crews determine where the water is coming from and make repairs; they'll focus on areas prone to moisture problems, including kitchens, bathrooms, attics, basements, and crawlspaces. 

When to Call a Professional

The Environmental Protection Agency says that homeowners can handle mold remediation on their own if the affected area is less than 10 square feet. If you have concerns about persistent damp areas or cleaning porous materials, call a professional mold remediation contractor with experience and equipment to safely remove the mold. 

You should also call for professional help if you can smell mold but cannot find it or the moisture source. If anyone in your home is immunocompromised or susceptible to respiratory illnesses, like asthma, professional mold remediation is a must. Do not try DIY mold remediation in areas that may contain hazardous materials, like asbestos or lead. These building products can still be present in some older homes, and disturbing them can create additional health risks. 

Protect your family and your home with professional mold remediation from the experts at Piedmont Home Contractors Inc. Since 1993, this Greensboro, NC, team has removed mold and eliminated moisture to prevent damage and illness. The family-owned company is also proud to be certified by the National Association of Mold Professionals. Learn more about their services on their website or call (336) 545-8812 for a free estimate.