Restoration services are vital for preventing mold growth and protecting your home. Mold poses a risk to your health and can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Unfortunately, you won’t always find summer leaks early. Sometimes, these leaks are hidden and hard to detect. Continue reading to learn how restoration providers manage hidden summer leaks and prevent mold growth.
Identify Hidden Leaks
Restoration technicians use specialized equipment to find hidden leaks. Thermal cameras help them detect leaks in the walls, ceilings, and under the flooring. Once they find the source, they can create a plan to repair the leak and remove water and moisture.
The most common sources for hidden summer leaks are HVAC condensation and window or roof leaks. When repairing these leaks, the restoration crew will unclog condensation drains and clean the pans. They’ll seal off leaking roofs and windows to prevent heavy rain from entering your house. Once the crew performs these repairs, they can prevent mold growth.
Follow Rapid Dehumidification Processes
The restoration crew follows a rapid dehumidification process to prevent mold. They’ll use industrial dehumidifiers and dryers to pull moisture from the space. Controlling moisture and humidity levels creates a drier environment. Without moisture, the mold can replicate or spread to other areas of your home. The crew will continue this process until the relative humidity falls below 50%.
Follow Containment Protocols
During containment protocols, the crew wears protective clothing, goggles, and gloves. They seal off the affected space with thick plastic sheeting. The purpose is to contain mold spores in this area and prevent them from spreading. They’ll use HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to capture airborne spores. These scrubbers create negative air pressure, which is necessary to contain all mold spores.
Remove Wet or Damaged Materials
The crew removes all wet or damp materials from the space. Building materials, such as sheetrock and flooring, are packaged in thick plastic sheeting. The crew labels the packages according to the mold species. They’ll complete these same steps for any furniture or personal belongings that were damaged.
Perform Antimicrobial Treatments
The restoration technicians will apply antimicrobial treatments once the space is empty. These treatments kill existing mold and prevent new infestations.
Restore the Space
Once they eliminate all existing mold, the technicians will perform any additional repairs. They’ll restore your home completely and ensure it’s safe and mold-free.
Moisture and increased humidity create the best environment for mold. Mold will grow and spread if left unchecked. Unfortunately, mold is found most often in hidden spaces, such as your HVAC system or behind walls. Following these tips helps you manage hidden summer leaks and reduce mold risks. If you have concerns or require mold remediation services, contact AirCare Environmental Services in Canton, MA.
