Mold is a difficult problem for homeowners to deal with, particularly when it has had time to develop out of sight. Not only does it harm the house, but it also results in health issues for the occupants of the house. In the recent past, FDP Mold Remediation received a call about a complicated mold remediation project in Roosevelt Street, Teaneck, NJ 07666. The homeowner had a problem with black mold in the basement, which started in October, and thus, they were worried about the effects on the property and occupants' health. Our team approached the task with the goal and proper professionalism to make the basement safe and functional again.
When it comes to issues associated with mold, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether it is safe to sleep in a house suffering from mold infestation. Mold releases spores that can be easily carried by air and thus lead to respiratory problems, allergies, etc. For instance, for our client at Roosevelt Street, the black mold in the basement had been growing for months and could, therefore, negatively impact the indoor air quality.
It is not wise to sleep in a house with mold in the basement if the mold is very developed and has not been treated by a professional. The spores float in the air and can easily spread to other parts of the house. They are known to cause asthma, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and even weaken the human immune system. When the client complained about the basement state, we explained that proper mold removal was critical to getting a safe living space.
There are never two mold remediation jobs that are exactly alike, and this job was tricky due to many factors.
These are some of the challenges that require planning and the use of proper equipment to remove molds and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the house.
The FDP Mold Remediation team especially addressed the case of Roosevelt Street with a lot of planning. It was a three-day job that took place from February 27th to March 1st, 2024. The following steps outline our solution to tackle the mold problem:
The first assessment we did was to physically check the basement for any signs of problems. This was useful in establishing the magnitude of the problem, especially on the wall, and in determining the best way to deal with it. We also employed moisture meters to help check for dampness that may be concealed in the walls and floor so we could not miss it.
During remediation, mold spores mustn't spread to other areas of the house, so we use containment and negative air pressure with the help of an EQ air scrubber with HEPA filtration at 500 CFM. This method was very useful in containing mold spores in the air, hence minimizing the chances of contaminating the rest of the house with bad air during the removal process.
Another important factor in mold removal is controlling the moisture that has caused mold to form. We also bought an LGR dehumidifier, which helped minimize the level of humidity in the basement. Mold loves moisture; therefore, proper management should be done to avoid any future formation.
The next step was to read out all the material affected by the two chemicals. In this case, two feet of drywall had to be removed from the ground level up in the basement all the way. The bathroom and shower were also almost stripped to the structure as the mold had penetrated into the walls of these spaces. This demolition helped ensure that there was no sign of mold anywhere, hence leaving a blank canvas for the restoration process.
Once the moldy material had been stripped, we vacuumed the remaining mold spores off the surfaces with HEPA vacuums. This was followed by the use of antimicrobial treatments to eliminate any existing mold and/or prevent its regrowth.
We hired a 20-yard dumpster service for the waste that would be produced during the remediation process. It is important to dispose of the mold-affected materials in the right manner to avoid the release of spores outside the home.
After all the remediation steps were completed, the team led a final inspection to confirm that there was no sign of mold in the basement and that the relative humidity levels were safe. This step relieved the homeowner by ensuring that their living environment was secure once more.
The mold remediation job at Roosevelt Street took three days, as planned. At the end of the process, there was no mold visible in the basement, and the air quality within the home had also been greatly enhanced. Containment and negative pressure methods were used to prevent mold spores from being dispersed to other areas of the building, thus protecting the health of the residents.
The complete removal of two feet of drywall and the full demolition of the bathroom and shower means that all the contaminated material has been removed. The homeowner was especially glad that the basement was cleaned and to receive the assurance that the cause of mold was solved. Also, the recommendations that were made included the control of moisture in the house. Using a dehumidifier offered a permanent solution to the problem of mold formation in the future.
Mold issues can be really serious, especially if left unattended, as seen in this home. The professional staff at FDP Mold Remediation used a professional approach and appropriate methods to remove the mold problem from the house and make the homeowner's living conditions comfortable again.
Mold control requires prompt action, whether you're dealing with surface mold or deep mold penetration. If not addressed, mold can lead to further destruction of the structure and pose a health hazard to the occupants. Mold is not a self-remitting problem; it has to be dealt with by professionals to get rid of it.
Do not allow mold to ruin your health and the interior of your house. Come to us today for a detailed inspection and the best treatment for any mold problems you may be experiencing. We are willing and able to take on any mold issue you have in your home or business establishment. Call now to have your home fixed and made safe again.
Mold in basement. The project involved:
