Mold Remediation in Washington, DC

What is Mold Remediation ?

What Is Mold Remediation? Mold remediation is the removal and cleaning of contaminated areas from mold. It is an extensive cleaning process that requires a professional to ensure that all mold in your home is removed and won't return.

Importance of Mold Remediation

Mold remediation especially in the Washington DC area has become a greater issue in the last 20 years due to the heightened awareness of mold and it’s complications connected to the following :

Health risks with Mold

Health risks such as allergies, respiratory issues can effect the brain and other body parts of the human body . Animals such as dogs, cats and other pets can be effected as well .

Cases related to mold spore and skin have been reported in Washington DC.

What factors create mold growth in Washington, DC

Residents of Washington DC are surprised that they start to notice mold growth in their homes . They can’t quite understand how a their very clean home could attract mold growth .

The answer to their question is very easy . But let’s understand that mold spores are in every Washington DC homes , even in hospitals. The key issue is that these mold spores that create mold that you see are in very small amounts . These small amounts cannot usually create health issues . Now I am not a medical professional and cannot give out medical advice. There those who have immune issues that even a little amount of mold or mold spores can create health issues . If you are concerned call your medical professional .

Three Factors That Create Mold In Washington DC

There are three factors that will ‘ jump start “ your mold spores that live in your home now into a fully functional mold colony that you will eventually see .

- Moisture
- Food Source
- Temperature

When I start explaining the three factors that start mold growth , I use the analogy of a plant that grows in your garden .

We all know that plants can’t grow in the winter outside ( usually ) and need warm temperatures . Mold spores and mold colonies have the same relationship as plants do . Mold has trouble growing outside in the winter time, but has no trouble growing inside your warm 70 degree house or building .

The next factor is a food source . Washington DC has very old homes with dust and building materials that mold uses for food. But new homes can also have building materials that can be used as food source as well for the growth of mold .

The third and most important factor is moisture . Moisture comes into the home in different ways .

High Humidity and Moisture in Washington DC

Washington DC is located in the mid atlantic . The mid Atlantic has all the four seasons that include high amount of rain .

Washington DC Mold Remediation Water Damage

Water Damage from Flooding or Roof Leaks

Water intrusion from flooded basements and roof leaks are a great source of moisture .

But Washington DC also has high humidity levels that cause mold growth and the need for mold remediation .

Another factor for the need for mold remediation in Washington DC homes and buildings is poor ventilation. Washington DC were not built with air quality needs in mind . So the lack of circulation helps to prevent moisture and humidity from leaving the home or building .

IICRC S520 Guidelines for Mold Remediation In Washington DC .

Although there are many ways that mold remediation is explained over the internet , the IICRC S520 Guidelines are the only international accepted mold remediation process by states , insurance companies and most Industrial Hygienists

Although the following is not the exact wording from the IICRC , it is a summary .

Inspection and Assessment Of Mold Remediation

Find a Washington DC licensed contractor that specializes in mold remediation that will inspect at no charge . There is no reason to pay for an inspection . The inspection will outlay what is expected and what the agreed results will be .

Containment

Sealing off contaminated areas to prevent cross-contamination.

Use negative air pressure systems to vacuum all mold spores and prevent from spreading to other areas.

Mold Remediation

Safely removing mold from affected materials such as drywall, insulation, carpets, etc. You will find mold remediation contractors in Washington DC that will offer non affected materials . Mold has root system that will dig into your materials . Material removal is the only way.

HEPA vacuuming will clean and remove lingering mold spores on surfaces not removed and in the air.

Drying and Dehumidification

Drying out affected areas using commercial dehumidifiers and fans. If you noticed I used the term commercial . Most homeowners own a dehumidifier but these are residential . Residential dehumidifiers only remove enough moisture to make the room atmosphere comfortable but can not remove moisture and dry wet affected materials .

You want to make sure that during and after the affected areas are humidity controlled . As I mentioned before , Washington DC has naturally high levels of high humidity .

Mold Remediation Laws and Regulations in Washington, DC

Washington DC does have one mold law that covers both those who perform mold remediation and those who perform mold testing . But please be aware that this law https://doee.dc.gov/service/mold-information-tenants#:~:text=The%20District%20of%20Columbia's%20Air,days%20to%20remediate%20the%20condition

Only covers those who live in rental multi unit buildings and those who own or manage these buildings .

The remaining Washington DC homes and buildings have no laws protecting residents from immoral and illegal practices regarding mold remediation.

My suggestion is to find mold remediation contractors that are IICRC Certified and are licensed to do home repair in Washington DC .

Conclusion

There are many contractors that offer mold remediation in Washington DC that may or may not be able to correctly solve the issue . Please be warned that mold remediation chemicals only may not completely solve your mold issue . Also many chemicals maybe illegal to use in Washington DC . Mold effected material removal is the best way .

Other resources

https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home

https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/clean-up.html

www.iicrc.org 

SI Restoration mold damage remediation services are available in the following Washington DC areas :

Ballston

Bethesda

Bloomingdale

Capitol Hill Riverfront

Cathedral Heights

Clarendon

Columbia Pike