Mold is a sneaky intruder that is very dangerous to homes; it has health impacts and is very costly to the homeowner. At FDP Mold Remediation, we know how much pressure those mold problems can cause to any homeowner. Recently, we were called by a client in Metfield Road, Towson, MD 21286, who had a new basement bedroom that was newly remodeled and was found to be infested with mold. This case is a good example of how fast mold can develop, even in recently remodeled rooms. It emphasizes the need for professional mold remediation services to deal with these problems.
Mold growth in basements is among the frequent issues faced by the owners of residential premises. Darkness, humidity, and poor or sometimes even absent ventilation make basements the optimal environment for mold to grow. These areas are often exposed to moisture due to leaking, poor drainage, or high humidity, and this makes them a suitable environment for mold spores. This becomes an even bigger issue when there is mold growth in areas that are used for living or sleeping, such as a remodeled bedroom in the basement.
Mold also threatens indoor air quality, as it can cause adverse effects such as respiratory problems, allergies, and serious complications to persons with weak immunity. It can also result in structural deterioration as mold feeds on organic structures such as wood and wall structures. This shows that mold infestations should be dealt with as soon as possible by professionals to avoid aggravating the problem.
There are always some special features inherent in every mold remediation project, and our Towson project was no exception. Here are the primary hurdles we encountered during this remediation:
The problem at Metfield Road with mold development required an effective strategy involving the use of industry equipment and methods. The first step was to determine the degree of contamination, which means that mold had spread beyond the visible surface. With the moisture meters and infrared cameras, we were also able to discover some other areas that had moisture penetration behind the walls and hence appreciated the extent of work to be done.
After the assessment was initiated, the next important step was to ensure that the affected area was sealed off. They covered the room's door with plastic and implemented a negative pressure method with the help of a HEPA air cleaner. This allowed none of the spores to get out of the room and infect other parts of the house during the mold remediation.
The mold had spread to the back wall and some parts of the side wall, and this is why we had to remove the part of the wall made of drywall. This let us gain access to the block wall that formed the core of the structure and which required rigorous washing and treatment. With antimicrobial solutions, it was possible to wipe off the mold residues on the block wall and then encapsulate the wall to discourage further growth. The process of encapsulation should be carried out because once the mold has been contained, even if there is water seepage later on, the mold will not grow back again.
Sanitation and especially air quality were of great concern during the remediation. We utilized an air scrubber with a HEPA filter, which can remove up to 99% of aerosols. Germs, bacteria, and fungi, including mold spores, are eliminated to the tune of 97%. This gadget was operated for three days to eliminate the air pollutants in the basement that may have an adverse effect on the homeowner's health.
Apart from air filtration, we introduced a dehumidifier to regulate the right level of moisture in the room. Mold thrives well in an environment with high dampness, which means that controlling the environment is critical. The dehumidifier was turned on for three consecutive days so that the area was adequately dried.
It was not until we were sure that the mold had been eradicated and conditions that allowed mold to grow in the first place no longer existed that we deemed the mold remediation complete. We kept monitoring devices at the site throughout the progress of the work to control humidity and ensure that the issue was dealt with.
As can be seen, by June 7, 2024, the homeowner's basement was fully remediated for mold, and the problem was successfully solved. Our special equipment, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers performed their function, cleaning the air and balancing the humidity as well. The parts of the walls that had developed mold were washed, treated, and painted to avoid the reappearance of the mold.
The homeowner stated that they were glad that the case was resolved in their favor, especially because the remediation process was completed within the set time. The concern about additional damage to the newly remodeled bedroom was mitigated as our team worked carefully to remove only the necessary portions of drywall, minimizing disruption. This allowed our client to go back to using the space without any concerns related to health risks or more damage to property.
This job best illustrates the need to call in a professional immediately when one is faced with a mold issue in one's house. What was as visible as a stain in a corner of a bedroom could have snowballed into the rest of the basement and other areas of the house. In this case, the homeowner dealt with the problem actively, thus saving their house and the health of their family members.
Mold, especially those found in basements, can pose a real threat to the health of occupants and the value of the property. Mold is a problem that should be handled professionally, which involves understanding the causes of mold growth and the right procedures to remove it. In the Towson project, FDP Mold Remediation established the need to approach the mold issue comprehensively, irrespective of the extent of the problem.
If you have mold in your house, do not let it turn into a health concern or structural issue. Mold only gets worse with time, and this is why early intervention is very important. If you need professional consultation and mold remediation services, contact us today. We should assist you in returning your property to a safe and comfortable state so that you and your family can live healthier lives.
Mold in back bedroom that was remodeled. The project involved: