The Importance of Properly Performed
Structural Mold Remediation

Remediation to the structure of a building is quite critical. If it is not properly performed the mold is likely to return once the project is completed. This means that the mold must always be removed at the roots! Mold will grow directly into the wood that your home is constructed with. Therefore removal of the surface contamination (what you can see) is not enough. A mold remediation contractor who knows what he is doing understands that the wood must either be sanded to remove the embedded roots or a specialized mold stain removing chemical must be applied to the surface to accomplish this. Always be sure that the company you select is qualified for this work and has a clear understanding of how mold grows on surfaces.

What is Structural Mold Remediation?

Structural Remediation is the portion of a mold removal project that specifically addresses the structure of the building and not its contents or the HVAC components. The method of remediation will vary based upon the porosity of the particular building materials in question. Building materials can be classified into three distinct categories. Porous, Semi-porous and non-porous.

Porous building materials are items such as sheetrock, drop ceiling tiles, insulation, particle board, medium density fiberboard or (MDF), carpeting, padding and other similar porous materials. All porous materials must be removed and disposed of during the mold removal process as they are considered un-salvageable.

Semi-porous materials include building materials such as wood, brick, plaster, cinderblock, concrete, plywood, and similar semi-porous materials. Semi-porous building materials can be cleaned using abrasive methods such as sanding, wire brushing or other similar methods. There are also new mold stain removal products on the market which will work effectively as well.

Non-porous materials include building materials such as glass, plastic, ceramic, metal, porcelain, laminate and similar non-porous materials. All non-porous materials can be cleaned by damp wiping them with a mild detergent, HEPA vacuuming them or the use of other similar methods.

This is an example of sanding mold
from a wood surface in an attic

Below is a short list of procedures that should be followed during the structural mold remediation process. These procedures include.

1. Establishing Proper Engineering Controls: This prevents the physical mold contamination from spreading in the air and into other areas of the building outside of the immediate work area.
   
   
2. Setting up Effective Containment: This is a precaution that is utilized to minimize cross-contamination from the contaminated work areas to the uncontaminated areas of the building. Containment will normally consist of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting barriers that are set up to prevent cross-contamination.
   
   
3. The Use of Air Filtration Devices: Air Filtration Devices, better known as Air Scrubbers are used to remove airborne mold contamination that is only 0.3 microns in size. Most mold is between 0.3 and 0.9 microns necessitating the use of these air scrubbing machines with HEPA filtration.
   
   
4. Utilizing HEPA Vacuums: A HEPA Vacuum system uses a high efficiency particulate air filter to remove mold particles down to 0.3 microns. These machines are used to vacuum mold spores and preventing them from escaping back into the air.
   
   
5. Thermal Foggers: A Thermal Fogging machine is utilized to apply Antimicrobials agents into the air of a contaminated building. The purpose is to kill off airborne mold contamination.
   
   
6. Dehumidifiers: A Dehumidifier is a machine that removes moisture from the air within a building structure.

This is an example of Fogging an Antimicrobial Biocide
which is utilized to kill airborne mold

References: IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation

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