Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms which are found almost everywhere. They reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air, which tend to be harmless, but these spores can settle on surfaces and grow under the right conditions.
Mold growth inside both residential and commercial buildings is a common issue. The key factors contributing to mold growth include high moisture and humidity levels, warm temperatures (between 77-86℉), the presence of organic materials, such as wood and drywall, condensation, and poor ventilation.
Despite being an intrinsic part of our ecosystem, mold growth inside of a property can cause potential health risks. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on individual sensitivity, the type of mold, and the extent of exposure. Some common health concerns associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions like nasal congestion and eye and skin irritation, respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Mold exposure can also aggravate asthma symptoms.
With these health risks in mind, any mold within a residential or commercial property must be dealt with in a timely manner, but it can be difficult for property owners to determine the best course of action. In this blog post, we’ll look at the difference between mold removal and mold remediation to help you decide which process is right for your needs.
Know the laws in your state
The state of Texas regulates mold remediation, and the rules and regulations are set forth by the Texas Dept. of Licensing and Registration. It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed mold remediation company, mold remediation contractor, or mold assessment consultant prior to any mold removal or remediation.
What is mold removal?
Mold removal is, as it sounds: the process of physically removing mold from surfaces and materials. There are many methods for removing mold, however it’s advisable to consult a professional rather than tackle the issue yourself. Different types of mold that have grown in different areas of the home will require specific treatments to effectively remove them. Some types of mold can be dangerous if contact is made with skin, so it’s best to not risk any additional health concerns by attempting the removal yourself.
Typically, mold removal will include a deep cleaning of surfaces with specific chemicals, cleaning agents, and mold-killing solutions and will sometimes require the removal and replacement of any contaminated materials, such as drywall and insulation.
Mold removal by itself is often only an effective solution if the affected area is very small. For larger instances of mold, removing it from surfaces and materials in the area will not resolve the issue in the long term. Since mold spores are all around, if the conditions of the property have facilitated mold growth once, it’s likely to reoccur over time. That’s where mold remediation comes in.
What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation goes a step further than simply removing the mold from the affected area by addressing the root cause of the growth to prevent recurrence. It’s almost impossible to completely eradicate mold from the environment, so remediation focuses more on removing mold to a safe level.
The source of the mold growth must be addressed. This could be by repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or resolving other humidity issues. Then the mold removal process can be carried out.
Typically, mold remediation will begin with a thorough assessment by a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant to determine the extent of the growth, spore counts, and the underlying cause of the mold growth. The consultant will provide a written protocol that will guide the mold remediation company and mold remediation contractor in the remediation process.
A final inspection will be conducted by the consultant to ensure that the remediation was successful. This may involve air testing and visual inspections. Since the root cause of the mold growth has been identified and resolved, it is unlikely that the problem will reoccur.
Mold remediation vs mold removal
Mold removal is a key part of mold remediation but is a much smaller process. Remediation is more of a holistic process that addresses deeper issues than simply removing the mold that is present, with the aim of ensuring that the mold does not return.
If you’re dealing with a significant mold problem, such as a very large affected area or frequent, repeat growth, it’s advisable to seek a licensed professional for assistance when faced with mold remediation.