Mold Damage Removal and Remediation
(877) 875-1235Need mold remediation? You can find lots of instructions on how to remove mold on the web, but they apply only in limited circumstances. And those limitations aren’t always explained. If there are any doubts, don’t risk letting a mold problem become a health problem. Safe black mold removal involves learning a lot more than you can from a few videos.
All services are available 24/7. We serve the San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino communities, including Lake Elsinore, CA, Temecula, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Corona, CA, Menifee, CA, Riverside, CA, Chula Vista, CA.
Dealing With A Mold Problem
We’re often asked about the terms mold removal vs remediation. Even professionals often use those terms, as well as “abatement,” interchangeably. But we generally use “removal” to refer to physically removing mold and its spores and “remediation” for accompanying preventive measures.
What Should You Do?
There’s rarely a need for expensive testing. All species cause damage and have some degree of health risk, so if you have mold growth just get rid of it. But there may be more of a problem than you can see. Since it’s a type of fungus it can grow in complete darkness, inside building cavities you don’t even know to exist. That’s why a professional inspection is well worthwhile.
Our Professional Services
Whether performed by a professional or yourself, for residential or commercial buildings, the basic mold remediation process remains the same. But the bigger the problem the more extensive the preparation, removal, and abatement measures must be.
Preparation — Safety First
The first step is to find and correct the source of moisture that leads to the infestation. Otherwise, there will soon be another. But it’s actually best to proceed to removal before the mold has dried out and burst into spores.
Next, the contaminated area needs to be isolated, typically by taping plastic sheeting across door frames and other openings. It may also be necessary to set up the negative-pressure exhaust, meaning that air is always pulled in to the work area then exhausted outdoors. Special air scrubbers may also be needed to actively filter out contaminants. Those scrubbers may also be run before and after mold removal.
Everyone needs personal protective gear. That means a respirator or face mask specifically rated for mold spores, plus gloves and other coverings for the arms and legs.
Mold Removal
Several steps than actually remove mold, spores, allergens, and toxins. The first is usually vacuuming surfaces using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter — otherwise contaminants just blow back out through the other end of the vacuum). Next comes removal through scrubbing or other mechanical means. Affected materials such as carpet and pad, baseboards, trim, drywall, and acoustic tile must be completely removed.
Mold Remediation
Beyond removal, mold remediation often includes additional measures to get rid of wider contamination and reduce the likelihood of future problems. These include anti-fungal treatments that are both safer and more effective than home remedies. We also have special equipment to permanently get rid of all musty odors, and our crews can complete any needed repairs and replacements.
Do It Yourself?
The EPA indicates that small outbreaks can be handled by building maintenance staff and homeowners. But as the area affected approaches a few feet across and beyond, more and more stringent measures need to be taken. For more than 10 square feet it’s best to call in professionals.
DIY guides commonly describe using water and ammonia, baking soda, bleach, borax, detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar as a way to kill mold. (Never mix these together as there may be nasty chemical reactions). Any of these may discolor or otherwise harm certain materials, and considering the fumes of ammonia and bleach, these should be avoided except for very small areas. Borax is often the most effective, while vinegar or baking soda is usually handy.
Those limitations?
These various solutions have lasting effects only on non-porous surfaces such as fiberglass (often used to make tubs and shower stalls) and tile. Mold sends out long tiny root-like structures. They’re often not killed and thrive on the new source of moisture.
Most importantly although you may have killed the spores, mold toxins and allergens remain. There’s still a health risk!
How Our Mold Remediation Process Works
- Call us and describe what you see or smell.
- We inspect and find the moisture source.
- We isolate the area and set up air filtration.
- We remove mold, spores and affected materials.
- We treat, deodorize and repair.
Our Mold Removal and Remediation Services
| Service | What is included | Typical response | Areas served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mold inspection | Professional inspection for mold growing inside building cavities you cannot see | On call 24/7 | San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, CA |
| Moisture source repair | Finding and correcting the moisture that feeds the mold | On call 24/7 | San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, CA |
| Containment | Plastic sheeting across openings, negative-pressure exhaust and air scrubbers | On call 24/7 | San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, CA |
| Mold removal | HEPA vacuuming, scrubbing and removal of affected carpet, pad, baseboards, trim, drywall and tile | On call 24/7 | San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, CA |
| Remediation and odor removal | Anti-fungal treatments, odor removal and any needed repairs | On call 24/7 | San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, CA |
Mold Remediation FAQs
Do I Need Expensive Mold Testing?
Rarely. All species cause damage and carry some health risk, so if you have mold growth it should be removed. A professional inspection shows how far it has spread.
Can I Clean Mold Myself?
The EPA indicates small outbreaks can be handled by homeowners, but for more than 10 square feet it is best to call in professionals.
Why Does Mold Come Back After Bleach or Vinegar?
Those solutions only last on non-porous surfaces. Mold sends out root-like structures that survive, and toxins and allergens remain even when spores are killed.
What Is the Difference Between Removal and Remediation?
We use removal for physically taking out mold and spores, and remediation for the treatments and repairs that keep it from coming back.
Call for Mold Remediation Help 24/7
Call us any time or send us a message. Related services: Water Damage Restoration, Leak Detection, Reconstruction, Fire Damage Restoration, Pack-Out Services, Wind and Storm Damage, Sewage Cleanup. Back to home.
(877) 875-1235
