When you discover mold in your home or business, you might run into the terms “mold removal” and “mold remediation” as your search for mold removal companies. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are technically the specific names used for two types of mold abatement services. 

Mold is extremely common in hot, humid climates like we have right here in Clearwater, Florida. Fortunately, Able Restoration has decades of experience with Clearwater mold removal and remediation services. As a longstanding, trusted, and local business specializing in building and restoration services, we can help you determine if you need mold removal, mold remediation, or both!

What Is Mold Removal?

Mold Removal is the term most frequently seen and heard when researching to mitigate a mold infestation. But, it is a bit of a misnomer. There is no such process that completely removes mold from an environment—indoors or outdoors. It is impossible to completely remove all airborne microscopic mold spores from the atmosphere, but they can be greatly reduced down to a healthy level.

A small mold outbreak can sometimes be cleaned up using a vinegar and bleach solution. This is advisable for mold outbreaks that are within a 10’x10’ space or smaller, and the affected surfaces are non-porous or semi-porous (such as tiled bathrooms or kitchen backsplashes). It’s a good idea to wear a mask and gloves while doing this so that you don’t ingest airborne mold spores during the cleaning process.

For a larger removal, call professional mold removal companies. They can remove the surface mold and sanitize the air to reduce the airborne spore count.

What Is Mold Remediation?

Mold Remediation is the term for the process used to eliminate harmful mold growth. Mold remediation includes mold testing, cleaning, removal, demolition, sanitizing, and prevention awareness. 

The goal of mold remediation is to return your home or office to a healthy and harmless level of natural mold occurrence. While there is no process that can completely eliminate mold or spores from the air, there is a process to reduce mold to a level that is considered safe and healthy—even for individuals with sensitivities to mold.

The biggest difference between mold removal and mold remediation is that remediation involves locating the source of a harmful, active mold growth, removing it from your home, and taking measures to prevent mold from returning. Mold remediation is usually necessary when the affected space is larger than 10’x’10’ and/or includes porous surfaces. Often, this involves removal of materials from the home such as textiles, flooring, and wall materials. Textiles (such as carpeting, furniture, drapes, etc) can often be cleaned of mold. Porous building materials such as wood, drywall, or roofing will need to be replaced. There is a standard process for mold remediation that involves the following steps:

• Mold inspection and assessment – Property inspection, testing & identification of mold source and type.
• Containment – Containment will prevent the spores from moving to another surface during cleaning and removal.
• Disposal or removal – Materials that can not be safely cleaned or salvaged are removed and disposed of.
• Mold cleaning and air filtration – The cleaning method will depend on the surface’s porosity. HEPA vacuuming is used to remove mold spores on surfaces.
• Sanitizing – Thorough cleaning of all affected items and areas as well as running air scrubbers with HEPA filters to drastically reduce airborne mold spores.
• Preventative measures – In this crucial last step, the expert mold remediation team will share tips with the homeowner about how to prevent mold from returning. This helpful information might include leak detection and water damage awareness, which is a primary cause of mold growth.

Clearwater Mold Remediation Experts

Safe and effective mold removal and mold remediation requires licensed, specialized, and experienced professionals. Your expert team can safely complete your mold remediation while ensuring the structural integrity of your property and the safety of those involved with the remediation process. 

At Able Restoration, we can provide everything you need at every step of your journey, and we specialize in emergency restoration. We have a team on call 24/7, so you can reach no matter when you discover your mold issue. Reach out to us any time, and visit our contact page to Get A Quote!