The terms mould removal and mould remediation are often used interchangeably, but are they the same thing? What’s the difference? In this article, our experts explain the difference between mould removal and remediation, and which service you would need to address the mould in your property.
So, what is the difference between mould removal and mould remediation? Mould removal is the process of removing mould from an affected area. Mould remediation is conducted afterwards, ensuring that mould is unlikely to return (or is at least controllable), and that any damage caused by the mould is identified and dealt with.
Read on to learn more about mould removal and mould remediation.
How Does Mould Removal Differ From Mould Remediation?
Both mould removal and mould remediation helps to deal with mould, either domestically or commercially, and both services can be used in conjunction with each other. However, they are different services, despite many people using the terms interchangeably.
One involves the process of removing mould, whilst the other is an after-service, assessing the damage that the mould has caused, sanitising the area, and stabilising the general environment in order to control mould levels in the future.
What is Mould Removal?
As the name suggests, mould removal is the process of removing mould from a building, fabric, or other materials and cleaning the area. It can be difficult to remove all traces of mould, however, as mould particles can become airborne and spread easily. That being said, the primary aim of professional mould removal is to remove particularly dangerous, large, or hard to reach areas of mould that non-professionals would struggle to deal with on their own.
In such cases, specialist equipment, including air movers, low pressure sprayers, PPE and RPE is used to ensure the safety of workers.
What is Mould Remediation?
Mould remediation is typically conducted after mould removal. It is the process of cleaning, removing or replacing areas that have been affected by mould. If not completely removed, mould can recur and spread quickly, therefore the area needs to be stabilised, ensuring that mould levels are under control and are less likely to cause significant damage.
Do I Need Mould Removal or Mould Remediation?
In short, both mould removal and mould remediation are needed. Not only does mould look unpleasant, but it can be damaging to both the areas around it, and can harm your health. As such, larger areas of mould, hard to reach mould, or particularly dangerous mould should be removed by a professional. This should then be followed up with mould remediation to ensure structural integrity and to manage the spread of mould in the future.
Can I do it Myself?
You should be able to handle smaller, easy to reach areas of mould with simple mould removal techniques and high-street equipment, however, larger, hard to reach areas can be difficult to remove yourself and you could make the issue worse. It is advised that areas of mould only be treated by a professional. If they are over 10 square metres, caused by contaminated water, is persistent, or if it infiltrates areas of the building that cannot be seen or easily accessed.
Mould remediation cannot properly be done without the aid of a professional. Experts know what to look for in terms of how the mould has impacted the integrity of materials, can treat the area with a longer-lasting solution, and can offer suggestions on how to reduce the risk of recurrence. Untreated mould can recur and spread quickly, therefore it’s important that mould remediation is done effectively.
What Happens During Mould Remediation and Mould Removal?
During professional mould removal, the expert will assess the affected area, determining the type of mould in play, the amount of mould, and what is needed to safely and effectively remove the mould. From here, they will ensure that the area is well ventilated (using specific equipment if necessary), remove any irreparable flooring and furnishings, and will begin to remove the mould by scrubbing or wiping it away with a solution of 1-part bleach to 4-parts water. The area will then be thoroughly dried before the surrounding areas are cleaned and disinfected.
During mould remediation, the water problem will first be dealt with to help prevent any new mould spores growing. The area will then be isolated and dust will be suppressed whilst hazardous materials and waste is removed. The affected area will then be thoroughly cleaned and dried out.
Mould Remediation Products and Equipment at Thermac
Thermac is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of decontamination, RPE and PPE equipment to the mould remediation and removal industry. We offer a range of equipment, including air movers, low pressure sprayers/foggers, specialist disinfectant products, and both RPE and PPE to ensure your safety on-site.
Take a look at our range of mould remediation products today.
FAQs
What are the Signs of Mould?
There are numerous indicators that you might have a damp or mould problem in your property. Some of the most common signs include:
- A stale smell, often likened to the smell of old books
- Spots, odours and unexplained stains on carpets, walls and furniture
- Leaks and condensation – check the boiler cabinet and around pipes
- Unknown or unexplained allergies – this might feel like a cold that won’t go away
- Unexplained asthma flare-ups
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Dark grout between tiles
Why Does Mould Grow in Your Home?
Mould loves damp environments and organic materials. Water leaks, high humidity, and other factors that cause a damp environment can result in mould spores (naturally occurring in the air around us) to find a home and grow. The key to avoiding mould growth is a clean, dry environment.
How Do You Prevent Mould From Spreading?
A few key tips to help mould from spreading include:
- Keep humidity levels low – ideally no higher than 50%. A dehumidifier may be a good investment if you find that humidity is a problem
- Ensure good air flow and ventilation – make use of the extractor fans in your kitchen and bathrooms, and be sure to use the vents at the top of your windows (if you have them)
- Fix any leaks or condensation issues
- Use mould-killing cleaning products in the bathroom
- In the event of flooding or major leaks, completely dry out affected areas, and/or remove any carpets and upholstery that cannot be dried out quickly