What to Expect in Mold Remediation

What should homeowners In San Diego expect in mold remediation as a service? We get that question a lot, and we pride ourselves in offering the best mold remediation services in San Diego County. Our team leader Yaron Lief is listed as one of six experts on the ISEAL website; and also our team is certified as CIRSx Medically Sound Remediation technicians. We are here to help families survive medically chronic issues from mold contamination. When you work with Orange Restoration, you can expect more, but with traditional remediation of mold here is what you can expect in mold remediation process.

Brief Overview of Mold Remediation

The bottom line just being that if there is mold, you need to manage its removal as quickly as possible. With mold remediation, this is when professionals get involved to remove the mold and mold spores. In traditional mold remediation, all the mold is not fully removed, but dead spores, particles, and mold fragments can be left behind. 

If you are having health impacts due to the mold exposure, or fear the complications happening again, you might want to review this article to see if Medically Sound Mold Remediation would be right for your home. The medically sound remediation process is different because an indoor environmental professional is involved to make sure remediation companies and testing companies are held accountable for their work. 

Why Professional Mold Remediation is Essential

Mold is notorious for spreading rapidly if not handled properly. While some homeowners may attempt to remove mold themselves using household cleaners like bleach, this approach often fails to address the root of the problem. So the mold growth continues below the surface or in the HVAC. Professional mold remediation services are equipped with industrial-grade tools and expertise, allowing them to locate hidden mold in areas such as behind walls, ceilings, or in air ducts. At Orange Restoration, we utilize advanced techniques to not only remove the visible mold but also eliminate spores in the air and other hidden areas. This ensures your home is truly safe from future mold growth, protecting both your health and property.

When to Seek Mold Remediation Services

If you need to ask yourself “is mold making me sick?” it probably could at least be part of the problem. Mold is not good for our immune system, it triggers our allergies, and it gives off mycotoxins into the air we breathe. Look for signs such as musty odors, visible growth, or water damage, and added stress. Also, consider reading “How Mold Affects Your Health” and “Air Quality Issues” to understand mold and the health relationship. 

Water damage can be a telltale sign of hidden mold damage. If you see watermarks on paint, wood, or on the wallpaper, chances are you have water damage, and water damage leads to mold growth. In only 24 hours mold begins to form, and this means soon spores will be in the air and impact your health, especially if you have a weakened immune system.  

Mold Remediation for a Weakened Immune System

If you have a compromised immune system from any health issue, mold will cause it to be worsened through exposure. We have experience in working with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) patients often to remove mold or water damage. We specialize in working with clients who have CIRS or other disease that could be impacted by mold, in fact, our team is all certified for Medically Sound Mold Remediation.

Often, CIRS can be developed from a water damaged building, this is a specific CIRS called CIRS-WDB or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome caused by Water Damaged Building. So, naturally our team has specialized in serving customers with this illness. Also, in the case of clients with Lyme disease, our medically sound mold remediation services are necessary. If you have severe health issues, the best course of action is to get an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) involved to help you. Here is an article on how to find an IEP in San Diego County.  

The Role of an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) in Mold Remediation

An Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) plays a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of mold remediation, particularly in homes where health concerns are a priority. These professionals are responsible for evaluating the air quality, identifying the extent of contamination, and ensuring that the mold remediation process meets stringent health standards. At Orange Restoration, we work closely with IEPs to ensure our mold remediation services are not only effective but also safe for families, especially those with compromised immune systems. They conduct post-remediation testing to verify that your home is free from harmful mold spores, ensuring a safe environment for your family. With an IEP works like a lawyer to advise you along the way what to expect in mold remediation process. If you worry about what to expect in mold remediation work, the hiring of an IEP is optimum solution for your worries.

What to Expect in Mold Remediation:

Mold remediation is an important service that might be needed if you have allowed moisture to go unchecked. While mold can be a serious ailment to your health, mold is debilitating to your home’s value. Real Estate professionals will work extra hard to steer away from a home with mold smell or history of damage even if it has been properly handled. 

Step-by-Step what to Expect in Mold Remediation Process:

1. Initial Inspection and Assessment
   • A certified mold specialist will inspect the affected areas.
   • Mold Testing for the type and extent of mold to determine the remediation plan.
   • Review of what homeowners can expect during the inspection (questions, access to areas, etc.).
2. Containment and Safety Precautions
   • Setting up containment areas to prevent the spread of mold spores.
   • Use of protective gear by the team.
   • Discuss with technicians and homeowners what the Homeowner’s role is during this phase (e.g., possibly staying out of certain rooms or the house or staying out of home entirely.).
3. Mold Removal and Cleaning
   • The physical process of removing contaminated materials, including drywall, insulation, and flooring, if necessary.
   • Use of HEPA filters and air scrubbers to clean the air.
   • Cleaning or treating affected items and surfaces.
4. Preventing Cross-Contamination
   • We must discuss the importance of sealing off the area with homeowners, and work to avoid any cross contamination outside of our team’s work. 
   • The team ensures the mold doesn’t spread to unaffected areas with various methods and protocols for their work. 
5. Drying and Dehumidification
   • Detailed description of how the affected area is dried after mold removal to prevent recurrence.
   • Use of industrial dehumidifiers and air movers.
6. Repairs and Restoration
   • After mold removal, any materials that were removed will be replaced.
   • This could include drywall, insulation, carpets, and more.
   • The homeowner may also need to take steps to fix underlying issues (e.g., leaky pipes, poor ventilation).
7. Final Inspection and Preventive Measures
   • The remediation team will perform a final inspection to ensure all mold is removed.
   • Providing homeowners with tips for preventing future mold growth, such as addressing leaks or using a dehumidifier.

What Happens After Mold Remediation?

Once mold remediation is complete, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent future issues. Homeowners now know what to expect in mold remediation and should monitor their homes for signs of moisture and act quickly if they notice any water leaks or humidity issues. Regular maintenance, such as checking for plumbing leaks, using dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas, and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, can go a long way in preventing mold growth from returning. Additionally, consider scheduling periodic inspections with a professional to ensure your home remains mold-free.

Restoring Homes Back to Normal Again

Part of what you can expect in mold remediation is the finished restoration, that is if you hired a full “restoration company”. Not to toot our own horn, but often homeowners call us after another company has done part of the work. Make sure to ask any company working on your home if you can expect restoration back to normal, or if they are doing only remediation.

Still, Returning home for some who have had mold is still troubling. The mold that contaminated your home still causes natural stress to occur, but as you adjust, your body will also. At minimum, you can expect in Mold Remediation that the contamination has been removed! 

You can rest assured that after medically sound mold remediation has been completed, the post remediation verification testing is done by a third party testing lab to make sure no contamination is left. Medically Sound Remediation requires all spores, all dead spores, all particles and all remnants of mold are completely gone. 

So, if you believe you are experiencing health problems due to mold, please be sure to consider our upgraded mold remediation protocol to meet the needs of those who have severe allergies or health issues that mold exacerbates.