Mold Removal Isn’t the Same as Mold Remediation And Why You Should Care

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

You’ve got mold. You need to get it removed. Pretty straightforward, right? Or do you get it remediated? Is there a difference? Should you care? 

Absolutely. 

Before you grab some bleach and a sponge, there are some essential things you need to know that can impact not only your property but your health too.

Mold Removal Doesn’t Remove All Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mold spores float in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, and AC/heating systems. They can even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or family pet. 

Mold spores thrive on moisture and can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies produce allergens and irritants and have the potential to cause other adverse health effects.

Because mold is everywhere, it is not possible to remove all of it. The best you can do is remove any visible mold. It is a temporary solution that will come back if not fully treated with a vengeance. And despite living in a dry climate, mold remediation in Bend is one of the most common services we provide both residentially and commercially. 

Mold remediation, on the other hand, goes a considerable step further. The remediation process involves removing visible mold growth and then identifying the underlying cause of mold in your home or office. Remember, mold needs moisture to thrive. That means identifying the source of moisture is paramount to fixing the problem. Here’s how SERVPRO of Bend addresses mold remediation.

Mold Remediation in Bend, Oregon

1. Mold Identification. Once you recognize a mold problem, contact someone to address it. At SERVPRO of Bend, we’re available 24-7 via our mold remediation emergency service. You can also request mold remediation help online by completing a form on our website. Either option will result in a SERVPRO of Bend team member asking for some details about your mold problem, so they can best serve you.
2. Mold Inspection. As mentioned previously, to adequately address mold, it is critical that the underlying cause and the type of mold that is present be identified. Because it is sometimes difficult to detect the cause of mold, we use cutting-edge technology, including water meters and, when needed, an infrared-guided measurement. This technology allows us to find concealed moisture and provide a more accurate estimate of the extent of the damage.
3. Mold Containment. Because mold can quickly spread to other areas of the home or office, it is vital for mold containment. This is also why it is important not to try to remove mold on your own. We use special equipment such as negative air chambers and physical barriers to prevent mold from spreading to other areas. HVAC units are also turned off during remediation to prevent mold from spreading through air ducts. 
4. Air Filtration. Another way we prevent the spread of mold is through the use of air filtration devices, which are air scrubbers and special HEPA filtration vacuums. These tools pull the microscopic spores from the air.
5. Mold Removal. The next step to proper mold remediation is removing any contaminated materials depending on their porosity and susceptibility to damage. For example, drywall and carpet are both highly porous and susceptible to damage from mold. Because they are tough to clean thoroughly, they most often need to be replaced.
6. Cleaning and Odor Removal. Mold typically has a musty odor. In fact, the odor may be how you first identified there was a mold problem. We thoroughly clean and treat any remaining elements that have been affected by mold to prevent future growth. This often includes flooring, furniture, curtains, and even important documents. 
7. Restoration. Every mold remediation job we do is different. Depending on the severity of the damage, our treatment process can vary. Any damaged items will be restored. This may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet. We also offer documentation restoration, so your important documents aren’t lost forever. Our cutting-edge technology allows us to restore your paper goods to as close to their pre-damaged condition. 

At SERVPRO of Bend, our tagline is “like it never even happened,” and we take it seriously. Mold only becomes a bigger problem with time. If you identify mold in your home or business, contact the mold remediation experts in Bend, Oregon. We offer both commercial mold remediation and residential services throughout Central Oregon and would be honored to help you.