Understanding Mold Mitigation and Assessment

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Learn about Mold Assessment vs. remediation and trust SERVPRO of Seminole & Central Gulf Beaches for expert mold remediation solutions.

How IICRC Mold Remediation Technicians Save Seminole Homes

Mold is more than just spores clinging to surfaces. Without fast intervention, spores release spores, which create a network of fungal growth that can then release more spores in humid, warm environments. Seminole properties impacted by mold require the care and precision of licensed technicians for effective decontamination.

When residents and businesses need fast-acting mitigation services, Seminole area SERVPRO® mold remediation and assessment professionals are crucial in returning properties to a safe, pre-contamination state suitable for day-to-day occupation. Related SERVPRO licensure for restoration includes:

• General Contractor License #CBC1250662
• Mold Remediation License #MRSR1163

Mold Assessment as a Prerequisite to Restoration

Mold assessment is a broad-spectrum analysis of microbes performed by licensed professionals. This is a third-party task that eliminates any conflict of interest. This process typically entails surface and air testing using the following methods:

• Tape and swab collection on surfaces to determine spore presence, type, and concentration.
• Air sampling with specialized collection devices to better understand the mold population in a structure.
• Moisture measurement with electromagnetic sensors and thermal imaging to determine potential mold locations.

After collecting samples and documenting findings, assessors can send materials to a lab for testing. Their recommendations for remediation must be followed. After remediation, an assessor can perform a post-assessment to ensure mold populations return to safe levels per local and state regulations.

Mold Remediation Emphasizes Safety and Efficiency

The mold assessor’s findings are essential for IICRC-certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) crew members to perform restoration tasks thoroughly and efficiently. Restoration protocols for mold include:

• Wearing complete personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform restoration tasks and prevent spore spread. 
• HEPA-filter air filtration and vacuums can collect microbes as small as 0.2 microns—a mere fraction of the width of a human hair. The average mold spore is between 2 and 100 microns in diameter.
• EPA-registered biocides and detergents mitigate bacteria and fungal growth alongside containment chambers, negative air pressure, vacuuming, and structural drying.

For more information about mold mitigation and assessment services, SERVPRO of Seminole & Central Gulf Beaches is Here to Help® and can be reached at (727) 391-6212.