Your home is your sanctuary, a place where you and your family spend the majority of your time every day. Naturally, it can feel scary when things happen that put your living space in danger. 

Here in Connecticut, indoor mold growth is more common than you might think. Generally the result of water damage from seasonal storms or unexpected plumbing issues, mold can grow (and grow fast) wherever excess moisture is present. 

Two important things every homeowner should know about mold: First, it’s not going to go away on its own. And second, mold removal is rarely a DIY job. As soon as you suspect you have a mold problem, call a mold remediation specialist to come to your house and provide a no-cost assessment. If they discover mold is present, they will walk you through the next steps and let you know what you can expect from the mold removal and remediation process. 

While you may be apprehensive about someone coming into your home with strange equipment and unfamiliar cleaning materials, mold remediation is a very safe process when performed by a trained and licensed professional. 

How the mold remediation process works

After the initial assessment, during which your mold removal technician will identify the type of mold and determine the severity of the issue, the next step is containment. 

Containment involves sealing off the affected areas with special polyethylene sheeting. Negative air machines and air scrubbers (portable filtration systems) are used to remove contaminated air and prevent mold spores from traveling to other areas in the home. It may look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the containment process is completely safe and necessary to prevent the spread of mold. 

Once containment is complete, treatment begins. 

Materials used during this stage may include a moldicide spray to render the mold inactive and a catalyst spray to remove any signs of staining. Antimicrobial fogging is used next to penetrate tight spaces and make sure nothing is missed, followed by an odor neutralizer to remove any remaining odors. Always verify that your technicians are using EPA-registered materials and following industry-standard protocols to ensure your health and safety. 

Because mold can cause allergic reactions and breathing issues, your technicians will wear protective gear to prevent them from breathing in any remaining mold spores. This includes goggles, gloves, face masks, and special suits and booties. 

Is mold remediation/removal safe for my family and pets?

While it can all feel a little intimidating, in reality every step of the mold removal and remediation process is designed to ensure your health and safety. 

Depending on the scope and severity of the mold growth, you and your family might even be able to stay at home while your service is being conducted. Just remember to use caution and give your technicians plenty of space during the last phase of the mold removal process: waste removal. At this time, they will be removing and disposing of all materials damaged by mold and moisture, including large pieces of insulation and drywall. 

Bottom line: Mold removal is necessary for your health and safety

Because of the long-term health risks of mold and the potential damage to your house and your personal belongings, ignoring a mold problem is never the right answer. 

If you suspect you have an indoor mold problem, talk to a mold removal specialist as soon as possible and have a list of questions ready about their credentials, their process, the materials and equipment they use, and whether or not you can stay in your home during the service. 

If the mold growth is too extensive, or if there are any specific health and safety concerns, your provider may recommend temporarily relocating. But once the service is complete and you can return home, the indoor environment is safe for you, your family, and your household pets. 

Want to get ahead of a potential mold problem before winter storms have a chance to wreak havoc? Follow our detailed fall checklist for mold and allergy prevention. 

Trust the experts at CT Mold Pros

Our mold removal and mold remediation solutions were designed to minimize disruptions while ensuring the health and safety of our customers. In addition to using nationally accredited lab testing methods for mold identification, we stay up to date with the most advanced mold remediation tools and technology to ensure safer and healthier indoor environments.

Connecticut Mold Pros employs highly skilled technicians who receive extensive training and certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Building Performance Institute (BPI), so you can rest easy knowing you are in qualified hands. 

Call us today at (203) 920-0265 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out our online form with your message and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly.