Understanding the NY and NJ Mold Remediation Protocol is essential for homeowners dealing with mold issues. Over the years we’re written our fair share of articles around mold. You can have a look at them here:
Mold in Air Vents: Prevention and Treatment in NY and NJ
Buying a Home? Don’t Overlook HVAC & Mold Inspections
How to Check for Mold in the Air in Your House
Humidity and Mold: How to Manage Indoor Air Quality
Mold in Air Vents. What to Do?
That being said, we haven’t gone into depth about what a professional Mold Remediation looks like. We’ve gotten some questions on the matter, so we want to dive into it a bit more into NY and NJ Mold Remediation Protocol. Mold isn’t just an eyesore, but a serious health hazard that requires professionalism and safety.
Do keep in mind that different states have different requirements. For example, in NJ, expert mold removal is required if mold covers more than 10 square feet of space. But regardless of the amount, it’s important that proper steps are taken for successful resolution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides recommendations for mold cleanup and prevention.
Step 1: Assessment
First and foremost, it’s important to get a grasp on what you’re actually working with. Some mold may be visible, other mold not so much. It’s crucial for a professional to take a look so you know how big the beast is. Will you have to tear down drywall or redo your flooring? Well you won’t know until a full and proper assessment is performed.
Step 2: Containment
Being that this post is on mold remediation, we’ll assume that mold was found. The way the area should be contained, depends on the size of the contamination. For areas under 100 square feet, a single layer 6-mil polyethylene sheet is typically used, and things like entry points and vents are sealed off with duct tape and sheet flaps.
For areas greater than 100 square feet, full on containment is needed. This means double layered polyethylene barriers, airlocks, and even decontamination chambers can come into play. In either case, it’s important that protective equipment like respirators, mold imperative suits, gloves, goggles, and boot covers are used.
Step 3: Removal and Cleaning
It’s probably best to kiss your porous materials goodbye. Think drywall, insulation, carpeting, and things of the like. If infested, it’s easier to part ways than to try and salvage. These kinds of things tend to be double bagged in the same plastic as mentioned above, and removed. Non-porous surfaces and items can first be vacuumed down with HEPA vacuums and then wiped down with an antimicrobial solution to remove spores. Keep in mind that mold removal is a specific procedure, and mold can’t simply be tossed in the garbage so as to prevent contamination.
Step 4: Drying and Air Scrubbing
Mold loves humidity. So if you’ve encountered this problem in your home, the humidity is probably higher than it needs to be. In this case, it’s important that dehumidifiers are brought in to keep the humidity under 50% to prevent mold from regrowing. These bad boys are especially crucial in flood prone areas (like Hoboken or Queens).
Another super important aspect in NY and NJ Mold Remediation Protocol is the use of air scrubbers. An air scrubber is a device that removes tiny airborne particles and contaminants using a HEPA filter. It generates clean air as it uses negative pressure to lock in containments to prevent them from spreading. It’s kind of like an air filter on steroids. Air scrubbers should be running during clean up and after to contain and rid the spare of any mold spore stragglers. Be mindful of this, as equipment will stay in your space 24-48hrs post to continue filtering.
Step 5: Treatment and Encapsulation
Once the prior steps are completed and the area is cleaned, biocides are typically applied. This step is important to get rid of any lingering spores. Non-toxic alternatives are available for the sensitive folks. In general, used biocides are hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and even thyme oil. Our team prefers a more natural alternative, known as Benefect.
A further step can include encapsulation. Encapsulation is a paint like coating that can also be applied on certain surfaces to prevent future mold growth. We, for one, provide this service for your ducts. You can read more about it here RE-500 coating encapsulation.
Step 6: HVAC Cleaning
HVAC cleaning is important to not forget about when dealing with mold removal. Spores travel, and there aren’t many things better at distributing spores than your HVAC. If dealing with mold in any part of your home, it’s important to get your HVAC cleaned, and your filters changed post remediation. Our NADCA certified team will be more than happy to help in this regard.
Step 7: Testing
For ultimate peace of mind, the final step in remediation should be testing. A mold hygienist should come in and verify successful removal. This typically includes both visual inspection and moisture readings, as well as air and swab samples. After passing clearance, the area can be officially deemed safe for occupancy.
Final Thoughts
Mold can be pesky. It lurks and thrives in the deepest and darkest parts of your home. Should you see (or feel) any signs of mold, best to not put off inspection and remediation. It can be harmful to both the structural elements of your home, as well as the health of those in it.
Even though our team at Green Ductors tends to be HVAC focused, we also have a Mold Assessor as well as a Mold Remediation Contractor license, so you can rest easy. We follow all the needed guidelines for removal and remediation. So should you happen to come face to face with this not so fun issue in your ducts and HVAC, we’re just a call away at 888-334-1612
