Last Updated on November 4, 2012
In this industry we call it “Source Removal” and it’s the best way to rid the premises of mold infected materials. Source removal is a destructive removal method and leaves the previously contaminated area looking like an unfinished work area with exposed concrete floors, walls, studs, wiring and sometimes insulation, not a pretty site and makes for really ugly “Before & After” pictures.
To a professional mold remover who takes pride in their work it can be a thing of beauty, straight and level cuts and properly cleaned, the beauty of this remediated masterpiece is not shared by the customer who is quite happy to see you leave.
“The beauty of this remediated masterpiece is not shared by the customer”
Source removal needs to be done in a manner that will be safe for the workers while making sure everything outside of the work area is safe for the customer. This is why containment is so important to safety during a source removal project.
Let’s talk about plastic containment enclosures, they should keep everyone safe.
- A Plastic Enclosure is setup around the work area, typically with a zippered doorway.
- A Plastic Enclosure: a room built of plastic, tape and support poles around the work site to stop dust and mold spores from leaving and contaminating the surrounding areas, when it goes wrong it’s called “Cross Contamination” and a lot more clean up is required.
- A Negative Air Machine is setup, it takes the air out of the enclosure, to protect the customer.
- A Negative Air machine: a filtered fan that is vented to the outside by a duct, usually through a window. This machine pulls the air out of the plastic enclosure and creates a negative air environment where air will enter the plastic enclosure and the only air that leaves goes through the Negative Air Machine thereby protecting the customer from dust and mold spores.
- An Air Scrubber is setup inside the enclosure to clean the air, this is one step in protecting the workers.
- Air Scrubber: A stand alone fan that pulls air through some pre filters and a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter which cleans the air inside the plastic enclosure and helps protect the workers from excessive dust and mold spores.
Mold removal doesn’t always involve “Source Removal”
Mold removal doesn’t always involve “source removal”, surface mold caught early enough can be removed with sanding and scrubbing with various chemicals until clean, typically on a walls a paint job is required afterwards. Attics fall into this category as well, it’s not very often I will recommend a complete new roof when a good chemical wash can bring it back to “normal”.
Surface mold on walls and attics is typically caused by humidity problems rather than a water leakage problem and a good mold inspector from a reputable mold inspection company can tell the difference and make the appropriate recommendations.
Hope this helps and your comments are always welcome.