Removing Mold Damage From Metairie Homes

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Shows Containment during a Metairie Mold Remediation Project

Protocols and Procedures by SERVPRO Technicians Can Remediate Mold Problems

Metairie homes do not deal with mold as often as a fire or flood. Despite that, once a mold colony takes hold and begins growing through parts of a structure, the cost for cleanup and remediation can be just as expensive if a homeowner does not discover the activity promptly.
 
SERVPRO restoration teams have to perform several key tasks to eliminate and remove mold damage in a Metairie home. Isolate the mold spores in the affected rooms, remove contaminated property, clean the affected rooms, and lower humidity to prevent future growth.
 
To isolate the affected rooms, technicians cover all entrances and exits, to include the air and heating vents. They use heavy plastic sheeting to seal off the rooms and then generate negative air pressure to force contaminated air out of a controlled point and send the active spores outside the home.
 
If the rooms are large or the mold layer is thick, personnel also build a ‘clean room’ outside the contaminated area. They do this to reduce the risk of spreading active spores to other, uncontaminated rooms in the home. This staging area demonstrates that we cut no corners in our efforts to restore your home to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."
 
Now, SERVPRO technicians clean restorable property and dispose of the rest. Structural and personal property generally divide into porous and non-porous surfaces. Porous surfaces, such as drywall and fabrics, can absorb more mold spores and are harder to clean than non-porous surfaces such as glass or marble tables, and most plastics.
 
Cleaning usually begins with vacuuming surfaces with commercial vacuums that use HEPA filters. These filters trap and catch even a single mold spore, invisible to the human eye. After vacuuming, technicians wipe down surfaces using sponges and a cleaning agent where needed.
 
If an item resists cleaning efforts, our specialists dispose of the property. They wrap or bag the item to prevent spreading active spores, and for larger items like drywall panels, they carefully break it up for easier disposal.
 
After the major cleaning efforts, technicians can re-wipe down all surfaces and repeat their efforts until they see mold levels are back to normal levels using an air content meter. Generally, expertise and experience are sufficient in gaining the desired results. Mold remediation can also include an antimicrobial spray for exterminating residual fungi.
 
Finally, technicians check the humidity levels of the affected rooms. If the air moisture content is high, they bring in a dehumidifier to draw it down. Team members also set up air movers to force warm, dry air across damp surfaces to speed the process without damaging them.
 
If you suspect a mold issue with your home, contact us at SERVPRO of Metairie today. To schedule an inspection or have a team begin right away, call (504) 496-0193. We are here for you.

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