Home Aide Renovating & Repair

MOLD REMEDIATION & RECOVERY      

*Locate & Repair Source of Leak that Cause Mold Growth *Sealed Wall Containment *H.E.P.A. Vacuuming *Air Scrubbers*Contained Demolition *Contained Mold Removal & Cleaning * Structural & Content Cleaning *Air Quality Testing *Complete Reconstructions and Recover

 What is mold?

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow:

• Moisture*
• Suitable place to grow (mold prefers warm, dark, unventilated places)
• Food sources -- Outdoors this includes soil, compost, leaves, and wood. Indoors this includes drywall, wallpaper, carpet, insulation, and ceiling tiles.

 

"Black Mold"

Stachybotrys chartarum, or "Black Mold", (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth.

Spores do not become easily airborne, so contamination of indoor air is unusual. But at higher levels, health effects such as cold-like symptoms, allergy symptoms, sinusitis, and rashes may occur. There is concern with Stachybotrys because it may be associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in infants, generally those less than six months old. This is a very rare condition that results in bleeding in the lungs. However, a relationship between Stachybotrys and pulmonary hemorrhage has not been proven. Further studies are needed to determine what actually causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage.

Not all black mold is Stachybotrys (for example, the black mold commonly found between bathroom tiles is not), but moldy homes are not healthy homes. This mold is rather uncommon in homes, and requires water-soaked cellulose (wood, paper, cotton products) to grow. Keep in mind that all mold is potentially unhealthy, so determining the type is often unnecessary.

 Identifying a Mold Problem

 

  

If you have considered the issues above and have decided to go ahead and do the clean-up work yourself, be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Flooding
• Roof leaks
• Plumbing leaks
• Humidifier use
• Line-drying laundry indoors
• Firewood stored indoors
• Condensation - caused by high indoor humidity
• Overflow or leaks from tubs, sinks, or toilets
• Inadequate venting of kitchen and bathroom humidity
• Inadequate venting of clothes dryer exhaust to outdoors
• Damp basement or crawl space
• House plants - over-watering them can generate large amounts of moisture

• Begin Drying All Wet Materials
  As soon as possible, begin drying any damp materials. If necessary, use fans and dehumidifiers. Move wet items away from walls and off floors. Ventilate the area thoroughly. Ideally, expose the affected area to plenty of sunlight.
• Remove and Dispose of Mold Contaminated Materials
  Wet or damp porous materials that have mold growing on them, or that smell moldy, need to be remove. Such materials may include drywall, insulation, plaster, carpet and pad, ceiling tiles, wood products (other than solid wood), and paper products. These materials should be bagged and thrown away. Non-porous materials with surface mold growth can be saved if they are cleaned well and kept dry.

  Take Steps to Protect Yourself:

• The amount of mold spores in the air can greatly increase when mold is disturbed. Consider using protective equipment when handling or working around materials contaminated with mold. The following equipment and precautionary measures can help minimize exposure to mold during clean-up:
• Rubber gloves
• Eye goggles
• Protective clothing that can be easily cleaned or discarded
• Consider wearing a mask or respirator to protect against breathing airborne spores. They can be purchased from hardware stores; select one for particle removal (sometimes referred to as an N-95)
• Enclose all moldy materials in plastic before carrying through the home
• Damp clean the entire work area to pick up any mold spores in settled dust
• Ask others to leave the areas being cleaned
• Ventilate your home both during and after the clean up

Clean Surfaces
Surface mold growing on non-porous materials such as plastic, glass, metal, and solid wood can usually be cleaned.
Thoroughly scrub the contaminated surfaces using a stiff brush or cleaning pad, hot water, and a non-ammonia soap/detergent or commercial cleaner.
Collect excess cleaning liquid with a sponge, mop, or wet/dry vacuum.Rinse entire area with clean water.

Disinfect Surfaces
After cleaning has removed all visible mold, disinfect the area to kill any mold missed by the cleaning.

Mix 1/2 to 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water and apply to surfaces where mold had been growing.   Collect excess bleach solution with a sponge, mop, or wet/dry vacuum. DO NOT rinse or wipe dry -- allow the areas to air dry.

CAUTION: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products -- the fumes are toxic!

Mold Prevention Tips

• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope, such as the roof, as soon as possible.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture problem(s) as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
• Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms where possible.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible.
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Don't let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.