8 Steps of Mold Remediation Series: Step 6 for a Proper Mold Remediation Project

8 Steps of Mold Remediation Series: Step 6 for a Proper Mold Remediation Project

There are 8 important steps to proper mold removal in a home or office in Maine or any other state.

Once a mold clean-up project is at a point where drying (if applicable) aggressive removal, thorough cleaning and secondary cleaning are complete, it is now time for step #6, which involves applying an animicrobrial coating to the framing in your home.

Step 6 for a Proper Mold Remediation Project: Apply an Antimicrobial Coating

This coating must be applied to properly cleaned framing. This is a step that is not without some drawbacks and confusion. Many people (including far too many remediation firms!) think that this step is to encapsulate or cover up mold. This is absolutely not the case!

Some of the main reasons to seal coat cleaned framing after mold remediation are:

  • To put a non-organic antimicrobial coating on framing to prevent mold growth in the future
  • To create a less porous surface which prevents accumulation of particulates over time
  • To reduce dust in the future by preventing the wood from shedding fibers
  • To prevent moisture from penetrating the wood as easily

With proper cleaning, seal coating should not be required to pass air quality testing, however it can be a very beneficial step to put a finishing touch on a remediation job.

Drawbacks of Seal Coating

Some of the drawbacks of seal coating can be that if the framing does get wet in the future it will dry much more slowly because of the coating, it can be a cover up for an improper or incomplete mold remediation and it does add some cost. In our opinion and in the opinion of most industrial hygienists, any coatings applied should be clear – not white – so that surfaces can be thoroughly evaluated for cleanliness and so no improperly cleaned surfaces can be covered up. It makes it much more difficult to sell a home if an attic or basement is painted white because every party involved will wonder what is being hidden behind the coating.

Antimicrobial sealants can be very beneficial to the mold remediation process and we recommend it on almost all of our projects. However it must be used responsibly and in accordance with industry standards. Far too often we see firms using it improperly and without properly cleaning underlying surfaces. On the whole, we feel that the pro’s greatly outweigh the con’s on this mold removal step.

You can review our previous professional mold remediation steps on our blog found at octagonrestoration.com.  The next two steps we post will complete the 8 steps of proper mold removal which all home owners and business owners should be aware of.

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Mold remediation is best left to the professionals in almost every scenario. Contact Octagon Cleaning and Restoration today for a FREE estimate or for more information about our services.