Mold remediation only lasts if the water that fed it is found and dried first. Then the job is sized by square feet, contained to match, and the moldy porous material comes out.
Every mold call we take starts with a leak. A drain line in the attic, a slow drip under a sink, a wall that was closed up wet. Spraying the surface does nothing if the wall behind it is still damp. So the first thing we do is read the area with a moisture meter and find what is still wet.
How big is the job
EPA sizes mold jobs by area
Size
Area
What it means
Small
Under 10 square feet
Most homeowners can clean it with gloves, goggles and an N-95
Medium
10 to 100 square feet
Limited containment with plastic sheeting
Large
Over 100 square feet
Full containment
Do you need a mold test?
If you can see mold, EPA says sampling is usually unnecessary, and there are no federal limits to compare a lab number against. We would rather spend your money finding the moisture. Testing has a place when you smell mold and cannot find it, or when a buyer or a landlord asks for documentation.
How we remove it
Find and stop the water
No remediation starts while the source is active.
Contain
Plastic sheeting sized to the job keeps spores out of the rest of the house.
Remove porous material
Moldy drywall, insulation and carpet pad are bagged and removed.
Clean hard surfaces
Framing and hard surfaces are cleaned. EPA says detergent and water on hard surfaces.
Dry
The area is dried to the dry standard before anything closes.
Rebuild
Insulation, drywall, texture and paint.
Before you try it yourself
CDC says people with asthma, allergies or a weak immune system should not do mold cleanup.
Never mix bleach with ammonia. CDC says no more than 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
EPA says do not run an HVAC system you think has mold in it.
Painting over mold does not remove it.
Questions people ask
How fast does mold grow after a leak?
EPA says to dry water damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Can I remove mold myself?
EPA says most people can clean an area under about 10 square feet. Larger areas need containment.
Do I need a mold test?
If you can see mold, EPA says testing is usually unnecessary.
Is there a safe mold level?
There are no federal limits for mold.
Does bleach kill mold on drywall?
Bleach does not fix porous board. Moldy drywall is removed. CDC limits bleach to 1 cup per gallon.
Can mold be behind my walls?
Yes, after a hidden leak. A musty smell and high meter readings are the usual clues.
Should I run the AC if I smell mold?
EPA says do not run a system you think has mold.
Is mold covered by insurance?
Usually only when it came from a covered sudden leak.
Who should avoid mold cleanup?
CDC says people with asthma, allergies or a weak immune system.
Do you replace the drywall after?
Yes. Insulation, drywall and paint are part of the job.
Water on the floor right now?
Shut the main valve if you can reach it without standing in water near outlets. Then call, or text a photo and the address.