Mold Removal

If a Kleen Condition Mold Inspection indicates that remediation is required, then your Kleen Condition account manager will first provide you a detailed quotation of the work necessary to remove the mold. Then, on accepting the quotation, you will be also provided a specific project work plan and an estimated project schedule. The direct contact information for the remediation supervisor to be assigned to your project will also be provided so that you may communicate with them directly over matters relating to the project.

Goals of Mold Removal

In any mold remediation job, it is important to remember that the ultimate goal of the project is to bring a mold contaminated property back to a normal fungal ecology environment as defined by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). It is also important to remember that mold remediation must be performed in a way that protects occupants of the home or office from exposure to mold.

Methods of Mold Removal

There are several remediation methods used to remediate mold.

CHEMICAL METHOD: This is a mold remediation method that primarily uses chemicals (soap, detergents, or products specially formulated by manufacturer to remove mold).

DRY ICE BLASTING METHOD: This method primarily uses dry ice blasting. Dry ice blasting is similar to other forms of abrasive blasting such as soda blasting, or sand blasting but uses dry ice as the blasting medium. It is often desirable because the dry ice evaporates harmlessly after use.

Mold Removal Effect on Porous and Non-porous Materials

Different materials create different challenges for mold remediation efforts. But it is important to understand that to effectively remediate mold:

  • Any porous materials cannot be cleaned and should, or will, be discarded. This includes drywall, cardboard, carpets, and other porous or semi-porous materials.
  • Most non-porous materials can be salvaged. Specially formulated soaps will be used to clean non-porous contents and then they will be thoroughly rinsed.

It is important to understand that unless your quotation specifically specifies the rebuilding and restoration of porous materials that such replacement is not included in the scope of work.

Use of Containment

Containment is built to isolate the project work area from the rest of the building. This is done as a safety measure and to prevent distribution of mold spores.

Types of Containment

There are two forms of containment that are used in mold remediation projects. These include the following:

SOURCE CONTAINMENT: This is generally used to remove mold contamination from small areas. For example, removing a 2-foot by 2-foot section of moldy ceiling tiles may be done using source containment. It involves using a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting and/or rip-proof tarp for this type of enclosure. While it is not always necessary, a negative air pressure system is not always necessary, a small High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) vacuum will be used to remove debris and mold spores. All moldy debris will be sealed in a plastic bag.

FULL CONTAINMENT: A larger containment structure is built to isolate larger areas contaminated by mold and when more aggressive and intrusive efforts are required. This type of containment will cover the contaminated part of the building or structure, and allow enough space for project workers to perform remediation. This type of containment is always under negative pressure and is built to be air tight. For very large mold remediation projects a full-scale containment may include a structure with walls and ceilings of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting or rip-proof tarp, equipment and change rooms, airlocks and other elements required by the specific scope of work.

Removal of Containment

The area inside the containment structure will be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a specially formulated soap. Containment materials will be removed from the building in sealed plastic bags.

During the Job

It is not unusual for new issues to arise during a project. These might include identifying the cause of mold infestations – e.g. moisture leaking from the roof. Or, it is possible that additional mold areas might be identified. If these issues arise are not specifically included in your quotation or in your work plan, then Kleen Condition will either refer you to a competent contractor to resolve such issues (i.e. roofer) or will propose a specific change in the project plan. No additional work beyond the project plan will be performed without the explicit written agreement of the owner.

Owner’s Obligations

The owner will authorize Kleen Condition to perform remediation as agreed in the project plan or as detailed in the quotation.

If advised that a health risk might be present, or if remediation will likely disrupt the use of the home or office, the owner will vacate property for the time of remediation.

The owner is responsible for ensuring that children and/or pets are kept away from the work area at all times.

Equipment Used

The typical tools or equipment used in a remediation project include the following:

  • HEPA air scrubber
  • HEPA negative air machine
  • Pressure monitor
  • HEPA vacuum

Other tools may be needed to remove infested materials or build containment structures.

Debris Disposal

Kleen Condition will ensure that all debris from the project will be removed from the containment area and project space in doubled 3 mil plastic bags. Bags will be sealed and HEPA vacuumed or wiped with damp soapy cloth. Larger items will be wrapped in 6 mil polyethylene sheeting or rip-proof tarp and sealed with duct tape.

Currently there are no special regulations for disposal of moldy materials. Properly bagged debris can be disposed with other general waste according to the garbage collection requirements in your area.

Final Inspection

Prior to re-occupancy of the workspace a visual inspection will be done by Kleen Condition representative and the owner will be invited to review the work with the Kleen Condition representative.

Mold Removal Certificates

Kleen Condition Mold Removal Certificates are issued to confirm that mold removal was successful and remediated area has been restored to normal fungal ecology. The third-party clearance is available but not mandatory and is paid directly by the owner to the certifying contractor.