When dealing with mold problems in a home or business, most property owners are confused about the differences between mold remediation vs removal. Are they the same? Is one better than the other? To make informed choices, it’s important to know what these terms mean and how a mold remediation business goes about each process.
In this article, we will illustrate the differences between mold removal and remediation, explain what is required to remove mold, and let you know how an informed decision and the use of professional mold remediation services by a company such as The Water Damage Pros in Tampa will help you stay safe and healthy in your property.
What Is Mold?
Before comparison, it’s a good idea to know what mold is. Mold is a fungus that develops in warm, moist, humid environments, much like Tampa Bay’s weather, making it the ideal breeding ground. Mold releases spores into the air, which can reach your indoor air quality at lightning speed and affect your health. Mold may be behind drywall, in the attic, under carpets, or in the HVAC systems.
When it comes to mold symptoms, they are common…musty smells, discoloration (that is visible) on ceilings or walls, and respiratory issues such as sneezing or coughing or worsening asthma.
What Is Mold Removal?
Mold removal is the physical act of cleaning or removing visible mold from surfaces. It usually involves removing visible mold from walls, cleaning tiles, and chemical treatment on hard, non-porous surfaces. Mold removal is effective when there are small, contained mold issues and mold hasn’t penetrated through materials. That said, mold removal alone does not do enough to remedy the entire problem. It does not address the cause of the issue, which is usually excess moisture, nor does it remove any hidden mold spores that may be left in the air, behind the drywall, under flooring, or within HVAC systems. If you do not address the cause, mold will return quickly. This is where mold remediation comes into play, as it addresses the visible mold and resolves the reasons the mold was growing in the first place.
What Is Mold Remediation?
It is more than just getting rid of mold! Mold remediation is the process of removing mold as well as finding, isolating, and preventing it from returning. Professional mold remediation does more than just cleaning the surface. It focuses on the problem source: loaded with moisture due to a leak, damp areas, increased humidity indoors, absent proper ventilation, or previous water damage. Mold professionals utilize sophisticated tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, HEPA vacuums, and air scrubbers to confirm where mold is and where it is coming from. The goal of mold remediation is to restore indoor mold count to normal, healthy levels. It is impossible to have no mold at all. Mold spores exist in the air naturally; however, when they are allowed to grow uncontrolled because of the conducive factors inside your home, it can pose serious risks to your health and that of anyone living or working in your building. Effective mold remediation will restore your indoor environment to a safe, dry, non-conducive environment for a future mold colony.
Mold Remediation vs Removal: Key Differences
Understanding mold remediation vs removal is essential when selecting the right service for your needs. Here are the key differences:
- Scope:
- Mold removal is limited to cleaning visible mold.
- Mold remediation includes identifying hidden mold, source control, air filtration, and moisture management.
- Effectiveness:
- Mold removal may be a temporary solution.
- Mold remediation aims for long-term prevention.
- Safety and Standards:
- Professional mold remediation follows EPA and IICRC guidelines, using protective equipment and containment methods to ensure safe removal.
- Tools and Techniques:
- Mold removal may involve household cleaning products.
- Mold remediation uses industrial-grade HEPA filters, air scrubbers, and moisture meters.
In short, while mold removal may be enough for minor mold outbreaks, mold remediation is the gold standard for addressing serious or recurring mold problems.
Steps in the Mold Removal Process
The knowledge about mold removal methods will be useful regardless of whether you choose removal or remediation services. Here’s how a mold remediation company like The Water Damage Pros typically handles it:
- Inspection and Assessment: A professional inspector evaluates the property to detect active and obscured mold and determine any water sources.
- Containment: The area being treated is completely sealed to stop mold spores from moving while the removal takes place.
- Air Filtration: HEPA-filtered air scrubbers are utilized to remove airborne mold spores in order to alleviate mold spores from the surroundings and improve indoor air conditions.
- Mold Removal: The mold specialists will remove contaminated materials, including drywall, insulation, and carpet. The cleaning team will treat hard surfaces with antifungal agents after thorough scrubbing.
- Moisture Control: Prevention of mold initiation happens when dehumidification takes place and moisture barriers are installed to prevent the return of mold.
- Restoration and Final Testing: The cleaning team will inspect the repaired area and perform the final air quality test to determine when people can safely return.
Why Choose a Professional Mold Remediation Company?
There are a multitude of DIY options for mold, but for lasting peace of mind, selecting a professional mold remediation company is the way to go. Here’s why Tampa Bay homeowners and businesses rely on The Water Damage Pros:
- Certified Professionals: Their entire team is certified to EPA and IICRC standards.
- Latest Technology: Their team is equipped with the latest technology, including infrared cameras, air scrubbers, and moisture meters.
- Complete Process: They guarantee complete transparency and satisfaction throughout their 5-step restoration process, from the first phone call to the last air quality test.
- Insurance Claims: They assist in the claims process to limit out-of-pocket costs for you.
- Local: They service the Tampa Bay area and surrounding cities and understand the unique climate challenges faced by Florida homeowners.
Just ask satisfied customers like Nate Jones, who appreciated the timely service and expertise on mold types, or Steven Burgio, who told us that the team helped him remove chronic asthma from being exposed to mold. With so many happy customers and our noble reputation for honesty, The Water Damage Pros are more than a service -they’re restorers.
Conclusion: Mold Removal Is a Step, Mold Remediation Is the Solution
When dealing with mold, don’t settle for surface-based solutions. Mold removal is a large part of the removal process, but it is not the complete solution. The real solution is mold remediation, which includes source control, air cleaning, and prevention.
Choosing an experienced and professional mold remediation company such as The Water Damage Pros in Tampa, you can be assured your residence or business will get the thorough treatment it deserves. With 24/7 emergency response, well-equipped technicians, and a proven and evaluated process, you can rest easy knowing your property is in good hands with the team at The Water Damage Pros.
No matter where you are located in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or anywhere in between, give The Water Damage Pros and start taking steps toward a clean, safe location. Don’t allow stress to cause more damage; allow an expert to assist!
