Video on Building Mold and Remediation

John Riera and Dave Aspry, BulletProof, discuss toxic mold.

This video explains some of the building construction areas that needs to be examined in a residential inspection for toxic mold. This inspection needs to be done on the inside and the outside. Start with the outside because that will indicate where interior mold growth is most likely. Example: Window boxes were removed from below a bedroom window. Silver dollar sized holes were left open on the perimeter wall that allow rain water intrusions.

All sources of water intrusions need to be identified. Clients want and need to know if there are leaking windows, door thresholds, broken or debris clogged gutters and downspouts, landscaping drainage, roof leaks and all the other issues that are contributing to the interior water leaks and mold growth.

John Riera further explains the mold remediation and verification process.

• Containment needs to be built, usually with negative air scrubbers. Mold remediation contractors have this equipment and training on how to use it. We use negatively pressured air inside containment to keep all the mold spores inside the contained area and not spreading throughout the entire building.
• HVAC or heating system vents need to be completely sealed with fireproof plastic.
•  Then initial demo begins. All removal goes two feet past any signs of mold growth or water damage.
• If mold growth is seen on wood framing it is HEPA sanded and wiped down.
• Sometimes a white encapsulant will need to be painted onto the wood.
• If sanding should not remove more than 1/8″ of the structural wood framing.

Before reconstruction begins test for mold.

Mold spores can’t be seen. Testing needs to happen for your benefit – so you KNOW for sure the area is clean and ready for reconstruction. USE A MOLD PROFESSIONAL THAT DOES NOT HAVE FINANCIAL TIES TO YOUR REMEDIATION COMPANY.

Please use a licensed, insured mold remediation contractor. We go back often to jobs that an untrained person/company has tried to do. It’s always too expensive for the home owner. It can become a lengthy process to fix all the problems that can be created by untrained workers.

Stop the water. Stop the mold.