What is Mold Remediation?
If you recently had a mold inspection in your Los Angeles area apartment or home, the detailed report you received from the inspector should not only contain complete testing results, but multiple meaningful recommendations for repairs. Some inspectors may offer referrals regarding local mold remediation companies.
It’s vital to choose a licensed and insured remediation specialist, but your mold inspector should not be receiving financial incentives for making such referrals. A reputable mold remediation specialist can help return your residence back to normal.
Remediation Basics
Each mold remediation process depends on the severity of mold growth and the surfaces on which the mold was found. To ensure that remediation work is being properly performed, it’s highly recommended that the remediation company you choose provides appropriate documentation of the entire process.
Areas affected by mold growth will be isolated using advanced containment procedures such as erecting barriers around the area and using negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during repair. All interior fans and the building’s HVAC system will be turned off or isolated to prevent the spread of mold from the impacted area.
Special tools, including “air scrubbers,” or high-efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) vacuums may be used to assist with cleanup and prevent the spread of mold spores while remediation is in process.
In cases of severe mold infestation, specialists may have to remove affected portions of a home’s structure and rebuild one or more rooms. All mold remediation include treating interior surfaces with an antimicrobial solution and disposal of all moldy materials.
Post-Remedial Inspection
When the remediation is completed, it’s important that a visual and analytical post-remedial verification (PRV) inspection be performed, ideally by the same mold inspection company that diagnosed the mold problem.
The inspector will test for moisture and visually inspect for fungal activity within the containment area, and the amount of airborne mold spores inside can be measured against outside to clear the work before rebuilding can begin.
Cost Considerations
Just as the remediation process varies according to the amount of mold growth, so do various costs associated with the procedures. For example, costs to dismantle and rebuild entire rooms or sections of a residence can be prohibitive. Most area home owners and property managers can avoid paying the expenses involved in mold remediation with an insurance policy that covers this type of problem. The Los Angeles area can be susceptible to occasional wet weather and flood damage, but the plumbing leaks are a year-round occurrence. The right insurance policy may help if mold inspection and remediation is necessary.