Mold removal means cleaning off visible mold. Mold remediation means finding and fixing the moisture that caused it, containing the area, removing damaged materials, cleaning the air and testing to confirm the space is back to normal. If you have more than about 10 square feet of mold, or mold after a leak or flood, you need remediation.
What is mold removal?
Mold removal is surface cleaning. On hard, non-porous surfaces like tile, glass or metal, scrubbing with detergent and water and drying the area can take care of a small patch. The EPA says moldy areas under about 10 square feet (roughly a 3-foot by 3-foot patch) can often be handled by the homeowner.
The catch: removal treats the symptom. If the moisture is still there, the mold comes back. What is mold remediation?
Remediation treats the whole problem. A typical process looks like this:
- Inspection and moisture mapping with moisture meters and infrared cameras to find the source and the full spread.
- Containment with plastic barriers so spores don’t spread.
- HEPA air filtration to capture airborne spores during the work.
- Removal of materials that can’t be cleaned, like moldy drywall, insulation and carpet.
- Cleaning and antimicrobial treatment of remaining surfaces.
- Fixing the moisture source so the mold doesn’t return.
- Post-remediation clearance to confirm the area is back to normal.
Can you get rid of all the mold?
No. The EPA says it is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors. Spores are in normal air everywhere. The goal of remediation is to remove the growth, fix the moisture and bring levels back to normal. Any company promising a home with zero spores is overselling.
Why is basement mold so common?
Basements sit below grade, stay cool and tend to collect moisture from foundation seepage, sump pump failures, plumbing leaks and humid summers. Finished basements add drywall and carpet, which hold moisture and feed mold. A musty smell is often the first sign, even before you see growth.
When do I need a professional?
- The moldy area is larger than about 10 square feet.
- The mold followed a leak, flood or sewer backup.
- It is in your HVAC system or ductwork.
- It keeps coming back after cleaning.
- Someone in the home has asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system.
- You are selling the home and need documentation.
Is mold remediation covered by insurance?
It depends on the cause. Mold from a sudden, covered event like a burst pipe is often covered. Mold from long-term leaks or humidity often isn’t. Many policies also have mold limits. Check your policy and report water damage quickly.
How Aaron Builders handles mold remediation in Troy
Aaron Builders has been a Southeast Michigan restoration company since 1979 and serves Troy and all of Oakland County. Our mold remediation process includes inspection and testing, containment, HEPA air scrubbing, removal of damaged materials, EPA-registered antimicrobial treatment and post-remediation clearance. You get a written report of what we found, what we removed and the test results. We also work with your insurance company and document everything for the claim. When the mold is gone, our reconstruction crew rebuilds the space under our 5-year workmanship warranty. Call (248) 957-9660.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will bleach kill mold?
The EPA guidance focuses on cleaning hard surfaces with detergent and water and drying them fully. Bleach does not fix the moisture problem that caused the mold.
Do I need mold testing?
If you can see mold, sampling is usually not needed to start cleanup. Testing is most useful for finding hidden mold and for clearance after remediation.
How long does remediation take?
It depends on the size of the area and how much material must be removed. Small jobs can take a few days. Larger jobs with rebuilds take longer.