There are five levels of mold remediation that can guide you in determining whether to seek the services of a professional remediation company or tackle the issue yourself.
Level 1 - Small isolated area (10 square feet or less)
At this stage, you can handle the mold yourself, which can save you the money you would have spent on a remediation company. This level pertains to small mold infestations that are typically found on roofs and small areas of walls.
Regular building maintenance can be used for remediation, but individuals carrying out this work should wear personal protective gear, such as gloves, disposable respirators, and eye protection. Before starting the mold removal process, the surrounding area should be emptied. Containment can be achieved by misting the affected area before remediation. After cleaning the area with a wet cloth and removing items that cannot be cleaned in the home, allow it to dry completely to prevent further mold growth.
Level 2 - Mid-size isolated areas (10-30 square feet)
The same precautions in level 1 should be taken when dealing with remediation in this level. After removing all mold-infested materials in tightly sealed plastic bags and carefully cleaning the mold-infected area with a wet cloth, the area should be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum.
Level 3 - Large isolated areas (30-100 square feet)
At this level, do not attempt to handle the situation yourself. Call a professional.
For third-degree mold, the same precautions applied in levels 1 and 2 should also be applied in level 3. In addition to these measures, use plastic sheets to seal all airflows around the workspace and adjacent areas. Vacate the workspace and isolate the environment. Ensure that every area is completely dry and visibly free of mold before reoccupying the area.
Level 4 - Extensive (over 100 square feet)
Every person working in the infested area should wear disposable protective clothing to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas of the home. The workspace should also be completely isolated from the rest of the house. Before re-entering the area, ensure that air monitoring is conducted to confirm that the house is safe to inhabit.
Level 5 - (AC and HVAC Systems)
If only a small area of the air conditioning unit is affected by mold, you can handle this problem using the methods in levels 1 and 2. However, it is recommended that mold infestations in air conditioning units and HVAC systems should be left to professional mold remediation companies that should follow the precautions outlined in levels 1 through 4.
In addition, the workers must turn off the HVAC system before beginning work and remove any material that is promoting mold growth in the system and seal it in a plastic bag. They should also use antimicrobial agents designed to prevent the growth of mold.
Ready to start breathing better at home? Call us today! ARLO Environmental Inc.