Mold Control
MARS Restoration wants to help you keep the costs of your claim down. The sooner we can remove the water and start the drying process, the more money you save. We want to help you when the need arises. The following suggestions will help to control the scope of repairs and therefore reduce costs.
Time is one of the most important issues when dealing with water intrusions in buildings.
Remember the first thing to do is call MARS! We will help you GO through the process of your loss!
The primary physical damage from water or moisture problems usually includes wet floor coverings, furnishings, walls, ceilings and cabinets. Secondary damage to other furnishings or structural components can result from high indoor humidity or molds that may develop in areas of the building that are not properly dried. Prompt response with the appropriate mitigation procedures and equipment is essential to minimize secondary damage and the costs of restoration.
If water or moisture problems are not promptly and appropriately attended to, molds and other microbials will begin to grow. These microorganisms can feed on a variety of materials including wood, paper, dust, wallpaper, and adhesives and backing materials. Before the growth of molds becomes visible, there can be a faint musty or earthy smell. In time, the molds may appear on the outside of the wall as a stain or discoloration.
The following suggestions will help you to control moisture related problems.
1. Prevent microbial contamination in buildings by regularly inspecting for and promptly repairing water intrusion problems.
2. Control microbial problems in buildings by promptly drying wet or damp building materials according to procedures in the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) S500 Standard a reference guide for professional water damage restoration.
3. Remove and replace wet or damp porous building materials (i.e. drywall, carpet, etc.) that have visible mold growth.
4. Where wall cavities or other concealed areas of the building have been wet for over 72 hours, an investigation of the affected area must be performed to establish whether or not there has been an amplification of mold. In conducting this investigation, care must be taken to insure that the indoor environment does not become contaminated. Precautions should be taken to minimize cross contamination from affected to unaffected areas. It is recommended that contaminated areas be contained with 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, often in combination with negative air pressure, to prevent cross contamination. In some cases, it may be necessary to shut down air handling equipment and seal off supply and return registers.
5. Visible mold, which is growing on building system components or other impermeable surfaces, should be removed by HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuuming and/or wet wiping with a fungicide, or by removing and replacing the affected building material. Other areas that have been contaminated with settled spores should be cleaned using an appropriate method for that material.
Providing Appropriate Mitigation Services
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has published the “IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration S500”. This Standard is intended to provide current and accurate information about the restoration of water-damaged structures and their contents.
While some jobs may not require dehumidification, air movers alone only serve to move moisture from the water soaked material to the air space. If the moisture is not taken out of the air space, drying slows down and secondary moisture damage to other surfaces and contents can result. A clear understanding of psychometric principles is a necessity in performing restorative dry services.
The length of time that the drying equipment is needed is dependent upon maintaining a low relative humidity (RH) in order to reduce the moisture content of structural components. Once temperature and RH are known, specific humidity (weight of moisture in the air) can be determined. Specific humidity provides a more reliable basis for making decisions about the drying process rather than those based on RH. Lowering specific humidity can result in faster and more efficient drying.
Monitoring
The damaged structure must be monitored starting with the initial loss assessment and evaluation, and continuing throughout the restoration process. It is highly recommended that technicians establish a moisture content, or drying goal, for affected building materials and content items.
Monitoring procedures may include, but are not necessarily limited to, temperature and humidity readings, updating progress reports and checking the moisture content of structural wood and other materials with a moisture meter. When applicable, monitoring also must include checking equipment operation, work progress and indoor air quality.
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We are proud to be certified and affiliated with numerous educational and professional organizations that are commonly and widely accepted in the restoration industry:
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