At Mold Removal Express, we get how important it is to create a safe and healthy environment, especially in rental properties. Recently, we were called to handle a project involving mold removal in Fort Collins, CO. The property management company had been made aware of the problem by a flooring contractor who discovered mold on the subfloor while working on a repair. The culprit? A long-standing leak from the refrigerator. Take a look at how we tackled this challenging moldy subfloor!
From Leaky Refrigerator to Moldy Subfloor
Being in the middle of their flooring repair, we stepped in immediately to start the mold removal so that the client could move on with their initial repairs as soon as possible. Here’s how we tackled the problem step by step:
Initial Inspection
We began by thoroughly inspecting the kitchen. Using specialized tools, we identified that the mold had mainly settled on the subfloor under the refrigerator. Since mold can spread quickly and affect indoor air quality, we also checked nearby areas for potential contamination. Thankfully, the damage was contained to the kitchen subfloor, and no surrounding rooms got in touch with mold. Appliance and plumbing leaks like this one are behind nearly every kitchen mold removal job we take on.
Setting Up Containment
We set up a containment zone around the kitchen to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the house. This included sealing the area with plastic sheeting and creating a negative air pressure system using HEPA air scrubbers. This ensured that any airborne spores were captured and filtered out during remediation.
Protective Measures
Safety is always a priority. Our team wore full protective gear, including masks, gloves, and suits, to avoid exposure to mold and to makes sure a safe working environment. We also made sure the tenants were not present during the cleanup for their safety.
Mold Removal Process
Mold removal has to be handled carefully and thoroughly to makes sure mold won’t come back in the future. Here’s what this step involved:
- Removing Affected Materials: The mold growth was quite extensive on the kitchen subfloor, so we carefully removed the damaged parts. Using our advanced tools, we cut out the mold-infested areas while leaving the unaffected parts intact.
- Cleaning and Treating Remaining Areas: After removing the damaged materials, we treated the remaining subfloor with a specialized antimicrobial solution to neutralize any lingering mold spores. This step was important to prevent future growth.
- HEPA Vacuuming: Once we applied the treatment, we used HEPA vacuums to clean the surrounding surfaces. This method ensured that any residual mold particles were completely removed.
Drying the Area
Moisture is the main reason mold starts growing, so we had to dry the area thoroughly. We used industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to remove all excess moisture. Our moisture meters confirmed that the subfloor was completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Final Inspection
To makes sure the mold was completely gone, we conducted a final inspection. Using mold detection tools, we confirmed that the area was safe and met industry standards. We also gave the property management company a detailed report, including before-and-after photos and documentation of our process.
Reconstruction Support
Although our job focused on mold remediation, we coordinated with the flooring contractor to makes sure the subfloor was ready for reconstruction. Our team managed to get the job done quickly, allowing the property to be ready for tenants sooner.
Results and Client Satisfaction
The property management company was extremely pleased with our work. The tenants were able to return to their home without any health concerns or lingering mold problems.
Contact Us Today For Expert Mold Remediation!
At Mold Removal Express, we take pride in providing fast, reliable, and thorough mold remediation services. If you’re dealing with mold in your home or rental property, don’t wait. Contact us today at (720) 443-4222 or fill out the form on our website for a free photo quote. Let us restore a healthy and safe environment for you!