What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the process of cleaning up mold growth and correcting the moisture problem that caused it. Mold needs moisture, which is why it so often follows a leak, a flood or a basement that stayed damp. The EPA says water-damaged areas and items should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth, and the cleanup that comes after that window often involves removing porous materials, cleaning surfaces and drying the area while keeping spores from spreading. For the broader overview of water-related damage, see water damage in Annapolis, MD.
Mold after water damage
The 24 to 48 hour window
If wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours, the EPA says mold usually won't develop. Beyond that, growth becomes more likely, particularly on drywall, wood, carpet, ceiling tiles and cardboard. The CDC advises assuming your home has mold if it was flooded and closed up for several days.
Hidden mold
Mold can grow inside wall cavities, under flooring and above ceilings where a leak went unnoticed. A musty smell with no visible source, a stain that keeps returning or flooring that's warped and damp are all reasons to have the area checked with moisture readings.
Mold inspection and testing
People often assume they need air testing. The EPA says that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. It adds that sampling can help confirm that an area was adequately cleaned, but should be done by experienced professionals. In practice, the useful first step is an inspection that finds the moisture source and the full extent of the growth, since any plan has to fix the moisture or the mold will come back. See mold after water damage.
Containment and removal
Disturbing mold releases spores, so professional remediation focuses on keeping them contained while the work is done.
What a typical process includes
- sealing off the work area with plastic barriers so spores don't spread to the rest of the house
- using filtered air equipment to clean the air in the work area
- removing materials that can't be cleaned, such as moldy drywall, carpet and insulation
- cleaning and drying materials that stay, such as framing and concrete
- fixing the moisture problem and drying the area completely before rebuilding
What gets thrown away
The EPA notes that absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy, because mold can lodge in their crevices and may not be fully removable.
Do it yourself or hire a professional?
The EPA says you can usually handle the job yourself when the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, roughly a patch 3 feet by 3 feet. It advises hiring a professional if there has been significant water damage or mold covers more than 10 square feet, and if the damage came from sewage or other contaminated water, it says to call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. It also advises consulting a health professional before cleanup if you have health concerns.
Maryland rules on mold remediation
Maryland passed a law in 2008 requiring mold remediation firms to be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, with conditions such as liability insurance and certified employees. According to a 2016 sunset review by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, however, the program was never funded or put into effect, and it was scheduled to end on July 1, 2019. Rules can change, so check MHIC's website for the current status. In the meantime, ask any mold contractor what training or certification its crew holds, whether it follows a written protocol and whether it holds an MHIC license for the repair work around the remediation.
Preventing mold from coming back
- Fix the moisture first. Leaks, drainage problems and condensation are the cause, and cleaning alone doesn't solve them.
- Dry everything completely. See structural drying.
- Control humidity. Dehumidifiers, working bathroom and kitchen fans and ventilated crawl spaces and basements help in a humid climate.
- Check after storms. Look at ceilings, basements and the areas around windows after heavy rain.
Mold in Annapolis homes
With summers that are warm and humid and so many homes close to the water, the right habits matter. Basements and crawl spaces in older neighborhoods, such as West Annapolis and Eastport, and in waterfront communities such as Annapolis Neck and Cape St. Claire, are the places to check first. If a flood or backup is behind it, see flood damage cleanup and basement flooding cleanup. For the overview, see Annapolis water damage help.
What affects mold remediation cost
The size of the affected area, whether it's in a wall cavity or open space, the materials involved, the amount of containment needed and the repairs that follow all matter. See the cost guide for how to compare estimates.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is the source of the moisture, and who will fix it?
- What is the written plan for containment, removal and cleaning?
- What training or certification does the crew hold?
- How will you confirm the work was successful, and who does that verification?
- Are you also doing the testing, and if so how do you avoid a conflict of interest?
- What is your MHIC license number?