Mold Remediation
Mold remediation, inspection and risk assessment for commercial, industrial and institutions in Louisville, KYCommercial, Industrial and Institutional Mold Remediation Contractor in Louisville, KY
As an experienced, large-scale mold remediation contractor, our crews are ready to help you remediate any mold issues you may encounter on your property. Don’t attempt to deal with mold on your own – call us first and we will get you back up and running quickly and safely.
Fix the Water or Moisture Problem
Typically, mold growth is the result of a water leak within the structure of the building. Water leaks and moisture are created from leaky plumbing, holes in the roof, inadequate insulation or improper ventilation. The first step to remediating mold is identifying and fixing the source of the water problem. After the source of the water intrusion is fixed, full remediation can begin.
Start with a Mold Remediation Plan
We will assist you in assessing the size of the mold and moisture problem and the type(s) of damaged materials before planning the remediation work. The remediation plan will include steps to fix the water or moisture problem, otherwise the mold will grow back.
A mold remediation plan may change depending on the size and complexity of the job and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered.
The most important aspect to remember is to fix the source of the water or moisture intrusion!
Mold Remediation Strategy
Preparing for mold remediation is quite similar to asbestos abatement in the sense that the work area must be contained and isolated before clean up begins. If the microscopic mold spores become airborne they can spread to other areas of the structure. Continuous traffic, use of mold contaminated areas, waiting for the problem to fix itself and the HVAC system have been known to exacerbate the mold situation.
Checklist for site preparation before performing mold remediation:
- Decontamination enclosure systems are installed
- Remove or clean soft goods
- Seal openings and items to remain in plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Establish negative air pressure machine with HEPA filter to mitigate airborne mold spores
- Proper disposal
- Work area preparation
- Decontamination units
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) i.e. respirator and protective clothing
- Safety considerations and job hazard analysis
- Proper handling and disposal of contaminated materials
- Competent person training for heights, confined spaces, trenches and other difficult to access areas
Checklist for worker safety while performing mold remediation:
Helpful Questions To Consider Before Mold Remediation
Q: Are there existing moisture problems in the building? If so, these need to be addressed?
Q: Is the humidity within the structure high enough to cause condensation or water droplets?
Q: Are your occupants reporting musty or moldy odors? Are they reporting health or respiratory issues while in the structure?
Q: Are building materials visibly damaged or covered with mold?
What promotes mold growth?
Mold requires water, food, oxygen and the correct temperature to survive and grow throughout the structure. While mold cannot spread without these conditions, the spores may survive in a dormant state until conditions are suitable:
Water
Mold thrives in damp, humid and wet conditions. They require water to grow and spread which is why it’s recommended to keep structures as dry as possible. Water leaks, flooding, high humidity and condensation all provide moisture that mold can use to grow and spread.
Food
Mold grows on materials it can digest, which is virtually any organic matter, making it impossible to remove all source of mold for food in your environment.
Oxygen
Mold needs oxygen to survive and can even grow with very low concentrations of oxygen. This makes it difficult to combat mold growth by limiting oxygen.
Temperature
Most molds cannot grow below 40º F. Mold grows best between 77º and 86º F, especially if the air is humid.
How does mold spread?
Mold reproduces via the production of microscopic spores that can be carried through the air or cling to clothing or animal fur. These spores can be compared to the seeds of a plant though they are much smaller.
Is mold bad for your health?
Yes, there are health risks associated with exposure to mold ranging from mild to severe. Examples include respiratory infections, onset of a fungal allergy or worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma.