IP Insight: Are you prepared to handle mold damage?
Posted by [email protected] on Mar. 18, 2021 / Subscribe 0
Are You Prepared to Handle Mold Damage?
Mold is present almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air. They may enter your residence or business through windows, doors, AC/Heating systems, or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet. Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, such as a roof or plumbing issue. In as little as 48-72 hours, mold can spread throughout a property and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.
Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. Every mold damage situation is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.
Step 1: Call your emergency contact – They will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
Step 2: A professional will complete an inspection and mold damage assessment. Mold feeds on cellulose and water can be hiding from plain view. A professional will use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources such as an infrared camera.
Step 3: Mold Containment – this is vital to stop the spread from rapidly getting out of hand. One may use a negative air chamber to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading.
Step 4: Air Filtration – removes potentially hazardous particles from the air. “Air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums prevent the spread of mold spores while in the remediation process.
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials – Professionals will use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming.
Step 6: Cleaning contents and belongings – using a variety of cleaning techniques, professionals can clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold.
Step 7: Restoration – Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve restoring these minor repairs and making the damage feel “Like it never even happened.”
If you have not discussed how you would handle a mold situation, now is the time! Compared to the potential losses that could occur when you scramble to find a plan, you should consider reviewing your options for mold remediation companies. Outside of mold, it is always useful to have an emergency plan in case of water, fire, and storm damage, too.
To learn more, contact SERVPRO of Minnetonka.
The “Insight from an IREM Industry Partner” blog series is a series of short articles from IREM Minnesota Industry Partners sharing their expert insight on issues of interest to property managers. All IREM Minnesota Industry Partners are invited to participate. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
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