Mold can grow virtually anywhere; mold spores are always in the air. Have you had a water pipe burst in your home or experienced another flooding event? These events provide ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold is known to cause health problems and damage homes, so it needs to be taken care of quickly. That’s where mold remediation comes in. So, what is mold remediation? Mold remediation is a process professionals use to remove mold and eliminate further growth.
In this article, we’ll discuss all things mold remediation, including mold remediation costs and how long it takes to remove harmful mold from your home or business.
What is Mold Remediation
Did your home experience water damage? Mold remediation includes removing, cleaning, and disinfecting areas that are contaminated with mold. The process involves the use of specialized equipment and methods to eliminate the current growth of mold in your space, and prevent it from returning.
Mold remediation includes:
- Mold testing
- Removal
- Demolition
- Sanitization
- Containment
- Mold cleaning
How is Mold Remediation Different from Mold Removal?
Mold removal includes removing visible mold from walls, floors, and other surfaces. A flood or other type of water damage can cause mold to grow. But you can remove mold by scrubbing, wiping, vacuuming, and using specific mold-removing cleaning products. Mold removal removes visible mold growth, but doesn’t prevent it from coming back. Mold remediation service is the next step needed to control mold growth.
We’ll break down the differences between the two:
Extent of work: Mold removal is an immediate removal of mold. Mold remediation is more comprehensive—it finds and addresses the cause of mold.
Preventive: Mold remediation addresses the root cause of mold growth, and by addressing the causes, it can create an environment where mold won’t grow. It’s an ideal way to control future infestations.
Long-term: Mold removal is an immediate, but sometimes superficial fix. The mold remediation process provides long-term results with the goal being to create a mold-free environment.
Controlling mold for health and safety: Mold exposure poses health risks, such as respiratory problems. The mold remediation process involves thorough cleaning and sanitizing, restoring your space back to a safe, mold-free state.
Consulting with a professional: Mold removal can be a DIY task. However, mold remediation is the key to the best way to control future mold outbreaks. Certified and licensed mold remediation specialists have the training, knowledge, and equipment to do the job right the first time.
Mold remediation has several benefits over mold removal, including the following:
- By preventing mold growth infestations, you can protect your property and the health of loved ones.
- While there is an initial upfront mold remediation cost, it can save you money in the long run because you’ll be protecting your property from damage caused by mold and preventing health issues. Plus, frequent mold removal takes time, effort, and money.
- Work is performed by trained professionals who can assess the situation and properly remove and control mold growth.
- Mold remediation is more extensive. It identifies the source and creates a safer, healthier, mold-free environment.
Are you concerned about mold remediation cost? We cover that below.
How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?
Are you ready to remove mold the right way but aren’t sure of the cost? Several factors affect how much you’ll end up paying. So, how much does mold remediation cost? You need to consider labor costs, which average about $99 an hour. If the mold is extensive, labor costs will go up. The project may also require more specialists to remove mold.
It helps to know which type of mold is present in your property, and this requires an inspection. An inspection will add more to the mold remediation cost. Still, it’s worth it, especially considering that some molds, like black mold, are toxic. Expect to pay $300 to $1,000 for a mold inspection. The size of your home is the biggest factor in determining how much you’ll pay for an inspection.
Mold Remediation Process
- Making any repairs to your plumbing system
- Sealing off the contaminated area
- Controlling airborne spores
- Using a wet/dry vacuum on moldy surfaces
- Cleaning and removing mold-contaminated materials
- Spraying and scrubbing all mold-contaminated surfaces
- Disinfecting the cleaned area to remove and kill any leftover mold
- Drying the cleaned materials to ensure there is no longer any moisture
- Replacing and rebuilding all damaged materials
How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?
Another big question is, how long does mold remediation take? The answer varies. Consider the amount of mold, where it’s located, and the type of materials the specialists use. Typically, the entire process can take anywhere from one to five days.
Can Mold Grow Back After Remediation?
Since mold spores are everywhere, eliminating them completely is virtually impossible. After all, mold is a natural part of the ecosystem. So, yes, mold can grow back. But with professional mold remediation, you can keep mold outbreaks under control. Of course, if there is a water or moisture problem in your house, it should be addressed by a professional plumber.
Can I Do Mold Remediation Myself?
Considering mold remediation but hesitant due to costs? Hiring a professional for this task is preferred, especially when faced with highly toxic mold types. DIY attempts may inadvertently worsen the situation, leaving behind hidden mold or using inadequate equipment, posing potential health risks. Professionals bring essential expertise to safely manage these issues, ensuring thorough removal and reducing health concerns. They have the skills to deodorize your home effectively, providing a complete solution to mold-related challenges that goes beyond just removal.
Additionally, professionals are equipped to address potential damage to electrical components, ensuring a comprehensive and safe resolution to mold issues in your home. While the upfront costs might seem high, the long-term benefits of a professionally executed mold remediation far outweigh the risks and expenses associated with potential health hazards and incomplete removal.
When it comes to eliminating mold, rely on the experts at Bill Howe. We offer competitive mold remediation costs. Our team of licensed and certified mold remediation specialists knows HOWE to eradicate and prevent dangerous mold growth! Call us at 1-619-268-6299.
