SERVPRO uses different methods for each unique surface to remediate Mold

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is a job for the professionals. Let SERVPRO Team Gutierrez help!

Mold is often undetectable in homes until it has become visible, which is a problem.

Not every type of mold has that distinctive, ‘musty’ odor and if the growth started behind a wall or in the attic, the smell is not noticeable until the mold has grown into a large colony of spores.

Mold cleanup and remediation in a home is a task for experienced professionals. SERVPRO Team Gutierrez has some of the best-trained personnel in the industry to safely clean and mitigate mold in a home or commercial property.

Our technicians first determine the type of surface infested. This inspection decides both the cleaning methods and how much time required to complete the job. We usually divide surfaces into porous, nonporous, and semi-porous categories.

Porous surfaces are typically building materials and fabrics; drywall and upholstery for example. They are often cleanable, but if the mold is very thick or has grown into the material, we dispose of it. Our cleaning methods for these surfaces involve vacuuming them with special HEPA filters that catch tiny amounts of loose mold, even a single spore.

After the vacuuming, we use spray bottles with an antimicrobial cleaner and foaming agents to dampen the surface. Wet the surfaces loosens the mold and allows technicians to remove it with cloths and sponges.

Nonporous surfaces are the easiest to clean. This category includes metal and glass tabletops as well as marble and smooth stone kitchen countertops. In many cases, we can remove the mold with dry cloths and sponges. Technicians wipe down the surfaces from top to bottom to prevent accidentally leaving spores at the top or along the sides. If the mold layer is thick, we vacuum it first before dry wiping.

Semi-porous surfaces (concrete and wood decks for example) require methods not acceptable on other surfaces. Affected surfaces may need sanding to wire brushing and other abrasive tools to dig out the mold. The cleaners we use on these surfaces would mar or otherwise destroy glass and metal surfaces. If mold has penetrated the surface of the wood or concrete, technicians may have to sand them down by hand or with a power sander to remove it.

Returning your home to its pre-mold condition is a process that takes time, often more than a day or two. SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North has years of experience in helping our customers through each step, to put you back into your home. Call (301) 340-1313 today to set up an inspection.