Awareness

The Sibley and Associates team has 10 years experience with Identification and Abatement of Mold. Several steps need to be taken to ensure that the mold concentrations are reduced to background levels.

1. Eliminate Water Intrusions

The source of the water accumulation must be identified and repaired or fungal growth will continue to occur. If a structure has a high relative humidity in a room or area (55% or higher), a lack of ventilation may be the cause. To determine relative humidity, a moisture meter or hygrometer is implemented.

Chronic water leaks from plumbing or poor drainage systems can degrade building materials and create mold amplification sites.  Proper maintenance and inspection can prevent or limit the proliferation of mold.

A proactive approach with regard to moisture intrusion can limit the extent of damage and the cost associated with repair.   It is generally accepted that it may only take 24-48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Prompt remediation and drying out of contaminated areas and materials should be the primary response to water intrusion and indoor fungal growth.

2. Contain the Area

Our technicians are trained to follow Industry Guidelines and Practices for the purpose of mold remediation.  Protection of property is a priority; finishes and contents must be covered or secured.  Containment of the affected area is carried out to protect occupants and prevent cross contamination of unaffected areas.  A containment structure is erected as a barrier to confine dust and mold. A pass thru or air lock is attached for the technicians to enter or exit. The use of barriers allows for an orderly, clean remediation process.

3. Engineering Controls

Controlling the direction and volume of air flow is a key feature of a remediation project.  Our technicians design a containment to be effective in the collection of airborne particulates.  Sizing and placement of equipment can increase the efficiency of the removal of mold from the containment and lead to a higher rate of cleared projects.

4. Remediation Process

Affected building materials are removed in a manner that minimizes dust and placed into heavy-duty plastic bags.  Building material that are to remain (lumber) are sanded, scrubbed, vacuumed (HEPA filtered equipment) and wiped with a surfactant. A final detailed cleaning is performed before the site is turned over to an Industrial Hygienist or Mold testing company.