Believe it or not, mold can come back way more frequently than property owners think. So, what do you do to make sure this doesn’t happen every time you turn around? With proper mold remediation techniques and preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of recurrence. This blog explores why mold might return, the importance of professional commercial mold removal Wayne PA, and steps property owners can take to keep their spaces mold-free for the long term. Read on for more!
Why Can Mold Return After Removal?
Unfortunately, yes. Mold can make a comeback. It’s a resilient fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments. Even after getting commercial mold remediation services done in places like Wayne PA, it can return if the root cause of the problem hasn’t been addressed. But why does this happen? Of course, every property is different. There could be several different reasons or factors in place. For instance, there could be moisture issues, improper mold remediation services in the past, or even cross-contamination. Cross-contamination is where mold spores are spread around and not taken care of properly, so it causes more mold damage long term, affecting other parts of the property.
Luckily, if you team up with companies like INX Indoor Air Quality, we’ll be able to get rid of mold properly so that it doesn’t come back again. We use something called our Seven C’s approach, which ensures every aspect of mold removal is handled meticulously. Our approach differs from others, but what is most beneficial is eliminating mold without the risk of it returning to cause further damage. Read below on what each step looks like.
The Seven C’s Approach with Commercial Mold Removal Professionals Like Us
Everyone thinks that mold is a one-time fix, and they’re often mistaken. Mold is actually really hard to get rid of the first time around. The only way to truly make sure it doesn’t come back is to work with a successful commercial mold remediation team like INX Indoor Air Quality. Here’s what our approach typically looks like:
1. Containment
Containment is the first and most critical step to prevent mold spores from spreading. Using heavy opaque plastic and temporary wood framing, remediation professionals seal off the affected areas under negative pressure. This setup minimizes cross-contamination and ensures that other parts of the building can safely remain operational.
2. Contents Cleaning and Protection
Any unaffected contents are removed from the remediation area and sealed for protection. This could be clothes, linens, window curtains, rugs, and more. If items seem contaminated, they may be cleaned or carefully disposed of to prevent reintroducing mold to the space if you don’t know if they’re contaminated, smell and examine each piece. This should give you a better idea.
3. Cutting and Demolition
During this phase, all contaminated building materials, such as drywall, insulation, and carpets, are removed. This makes sure that no hidden or deep-rooted mold remains, particularly in hard-to-access voids or structural surfaces. That is usually where we find mold the most because most people can’t see it, and it gets ignored for long periods of time. Then, because it got ignored, it turned into this beast of a mold problem and started spreading to areas that are visible.
4. Thorough Cleaning
If there is mold or mold spores present, residual mold and spores must be eliminated completely. HEPA vacuums are used to clean bulk mold growth, followed by surface disinfection and wet wiping. For mold rooted in wood, techniques like wire brushing or sanding are employed, making sure every trace is taken care of and addressed.
5. Coating for Extended Protection
After cleaning, surfaces are sprayed with antimicrobial or mold-proof coatings. These coatings create a barrier, sealing structural joints and hard-to-reach crevices and providing long-term resistance against mold regrowth. Surfaces can include countertops, walls, ceilings, shelves, and even windows. You’d be surprised where mold ends up, and it’s safer to just spray everything we can think of rather than missing a spot.
6. Clearance Testing
Clearance testing is what we like to say is the closest to the final step in taking care of business. No remediation project is complete without clearance testing. This involves certified inspections to make sure that all mold has been removed and the area is safe to reoccupy. Testing also provides peace of mind and serves as proof of effective mold remediation. We like to tell our clients that this step ultimately helps to make sure mold doesn’t ever come back anytime soon. So it’s quite important to include it in the process.
7. Closing Report and Documentation
Detailed documentation, including photos, test results, and tips or recommendations, makes sure we give you, our client, full transparency and allows property owners to confidently move forward. We want you to fully understand the mold issue, what we’ve done about it, and our feedback on making sure it doesn’t come back again. It would be terrible to get all this work done in keeping your commercial property clean and healthy, to have mold reappear in a month or so due to a lack of following the recommendations or tips we give you.
By following our 7 C’s, commercial mold removal professionals, like us, can minimize the chances of a recurrence and help protect businesses or apartment complexes from prolonged disruptions. The last thing you want to deal with as a commercial property manager or owner is mold all the time. It’s a hassle and can be quite expensive if not dealt with quickly.
How to Prevent Mold from Coming Back
So, once your mold is taken care of, you may be asking yourself, “Is there anything I can do as a property owner to make sure mold doesn’t come back?” There are some easy steps you can take as a property owner or landlord to make sure your mold stays away indefinitely.
- Look Into Any Moisture Issues: Fix any leaks, ensure proper drainage, and, if necessary, use dehumidifiers to maintain humidity levels below 60%. Even something as minuscule as a sink dripping droplets of water should be fixed. You’d be surprised how often something that small can create a giant mold problem long term.
- Weekly or Regularly Scheduled Inspections: Conduct routine inspections to identify signs of mold or conditions that promote growth, such as dampness or discoloration.
- Better the Airflow or Ventilation Systems: Proper airflow reduces moisture buildup. Make sure the HVAC systems are functioning correctly and install exhaust vents in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Even something as small as putting a dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas can make a huge difference.
- Get an Expert to Look at It: Periodic audits by indoor air quality experts can help detect hidden mold and prevent future issues. So, try to check your occupants’ areas as much as you can without being too annoying. It’s worth it to be more cautious about these things.
- Let Your Residents or Occupants Be Aware: It’s extremely important to let everyone know what’s going on. This level of transparency, whether it’s tenants or staff, is great for educating them about mold prevention, like immediately reporting leaks or spills, which can make a big difference.
Why Pick INX Indoor Air Quality for Commercial Mold Removal?
Besides the fact that we’ve been in the mold business for years, INX Indoor Air Quality has some of the best processes for getting rid of some of the toughest mold problems. We’re transparent with how we do things while also making sure you’re getting the best service. Not even considering our rigorous Seven C’s approach, we also prioritize minimally disruptive operations so that your business can continue running smoothly. Our focus isn’t just on removing mold—we’re committed to helping you improve your overall indoor air quality while protecting your property and its occupants.
By choosing INX Indoor Air Quality, you’re not just solving a mold problem; you’re preventing future risks and creating a healthier, safer space for everyone. The good news is that we’ve been in the mold business for quite a long time. We know exactly what to do to get rid of mold. Our team is experienced in getting it done as fast as possible while also being as efficient, so we’re out of your hair in no time. Other mold companies can’t say the same.
Commercial Mold Removal vs. Residential Mold Removal – What’s the Difference?
First off, commercial mold removal is a whole different beast when compared to residential areas. The process can be longer and more thorough, just considering the bigger size commercial properties have. Unfortunately, mold growth can happen at any point in time, so it’s important to know what the difference between each kind is when it happens.
Size and Scope of the Project
As we’ve mentioned, the biggest difference between commercial and residential is the size or scope of the mold project. Commercial mold removal can involve multiple units while residential mold removal services usually only affect one or two rooms of a house. This means that the affected area for mold remediation can be much bigger in a commercial property, requiring more time and resources for proper removal.
Also, it’s important to consider that commercial properties often have multiple units or businesses within one building, increasing the risk of mold spreading and affecting multiple areas. This can lead to a more extensive remediation process, as each affected area needs to be properly addressed and treated.
Mold Removal in Residential Properties
Residential properties are way easier to find and get rid of mold than commercial properties. This is because it’s smaller in size with simpler layouts. With all this in mind, mold in residential properties isn’t something to ignore. Mold can still spread and cause health issues, no matter where it’s located. Believe it or not, we even have specific equipment for residential properties that we don’t always use in commercial properties just because of the big space difference. Most homeowners don’t want a lot of damage done to their property, so we try to be as delicate as possible. While with commercial properties, the mold damage usually affects a large amount of space, so we have to use heavier-grade equipment to get rid of the exposure as quickly as possible.
Building Materials Matter
The type of building materials used in commercial and residential properties also differs, which can affect the mold removal process. Commercial buildings often use materials like concrete, steel, and drywall, which may require specialized techniques for mold removal. On the other hand, residential buildings may use more organic materials like wood, which can be easier to treat but also require thorough inspection and treatment. Wood can gather the most moisture, though, so you’re able to treat it better than other materials, but you also risk having mold occur more frequently, so it’s ultimately your choice on what kind of building materials you want to use.
Summary
Now that you know what to look out for regarding commercial mold removal in Wayne PA, you can help make sure your commercial space is prepared. If you feel like mold is on your property and have no way of getting rid of it, call INX Indoor Air Quality. We’re able to help you breathe easier while protecting your investment. We have services ranging from duct cleaning to full commercial mold remediation Wayne PA, no matter what the space looks like. Visit our website today for a professional mold assessment and see how having the right team on your side can create a mold-free environment. We can give you our step-by-step method so that full transparency is achieved from the get-go. We can also just give you tips or advice on mold. We know how expensive mold services can be, so we’re willing to help you as much as we can on your budget. Contact us today, and someone on our team will give you the information you need as soon as possible!
