The Typical Tools Professionals Use for Mold Treatment in Dallas

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Technology is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? From personal assistant robots to intelligent refrigerators, we’re all surrounded by devices that make our lives more convenient.

As you’re probably aware, there are many instances where innovation extends beyond convenience and into the realm of health and safety. This is the case in the mold remediation industry. Over the years, experts have perfected the process of inspecting and treating mold. It’s helped protect a countless number of folks from the harmful effects of dangerous fungus. 

As Dallas mold remediation specialists, SERVPRO utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to ensure treatment is done quickly and safely. If you should ever find yourself with a mold problem, below are some of the tools you should expect will be fighting on your side. 

Water Extraction

When water finds its way into carpet and furniture, the lifecycle of mold can begin. A vital first step is to get rid of rogue water. At SERVPRO, we utilize industrial-strength machinery to ensure water and other troublesome liquids are properly extracted.

1. Submersible Pumps

When submerged, this device manipulates the water pressure in a way that causes the liquid to be pushed into the pump. It can then be safely disposed of.

2. Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

A professional wet/dry vac provides powerful suction for heavy-duty water and soil pickup.

3. Truck-Mounted And Portable Extraction Units

The vacuums within these units can quickly remove excessive amounts of water from a flooded structure. 

Moisture Meter

A moisture meter is something SERVPRO experts regularly use when performing mold remediation in Dallas. The device detects the moisture content in materials such as drywall, wood, fiberglass, and plaster. It’s a non-invasive way of seeing how much moisture is present. It’s key to get readings as soon as possible since a moist environment can cause mold to grow within 24 to 48 hours. 

Infrared Cameras 

An infrared camera is essential in the inspection process. It’s another non-invasive device that measures the heat signature of a scanned area/surface. The device provides a highly-trained technician with a thermogram, which is essentially a colorful display of the readings. This tells the tech where moisture and humidity are high. Simply put, it finds moisture in places that are hidden to the human eye. 

Drying Equipment

Once the water is properly removed, affected items must be fully dried. If any moisture is left behind, mold finds its way in. With a proper mold remediation company, here is what you should expect as far as the drying process: 

• High-volume air movers for blowing air over concerning areas and evaporating the moisture
• Dehumidifiers for reducing the humidity in the air
• Desiccant (a drying agent) for absorbing moisture 
• Moisture detection equipment for monitoring the moisture daily until the drying goal is reached

Containment Equipment

When mold spores find moisture and start to colonize and spread, that’s when you might find yourself with a significant problem. If there are mold-infested spots in your property, it’s imperative to contain the area so the spores don’t travel through the air.

With over 30 years’ experience providing mold remediation services in Dallas, we have perfected the process of safely isolating problem areas. If necessary, SERVPRO techs will carefully set up physical barriers around mold-affected regions. The “chambers” create negative pressure which allows air to move through, but not out of, the isolated spaces.

HEPA Filtration

Containment is usually coupled with HEPA filtration installation. These devices “grab” the microscopic mold spores flying through the air to prevent them from traveling during the remediation process.

Thermo-Hygrometer 

A hygrometer helps with determining relative humidity. In layman’s terms, it measures the water-air mixture as it relates to the temperature. It calculates a figure based on how much water vapor the air could hold at a specific temperature. 

If the relative humidity is high, there is an increased chance of mold growth. A thermo-hygrometer can be used to continuously measure relative humidity. It shows when proper dehumidification levels have been reached.

Borescope

A borescope gives a technician the ability to thoroughly inspect hard-to-reach areas for mold. Basically, it’s a digital camera that has a flexible, snake-like tube attached to it. It’s excellent for viewing spaces like HVAC ducts and pipes.  

Esporta Washing System

The Esporta system is crucial in cleaning, sanitizing, and restoring clothing and textiles. The machine utilizes hydraulic pressure and specialized detergents to gently (but effectively) force contaminated particles out of soft contents.

SERVPRO is one of the only Dallas mold remediation firms who are Esporta certified. We’ve used the system to successfully clean over 100,000 items.

Protective Equipment 

It’s probably not a surprise to hear that safety equipment is necessary when dealing with mold. The point here is to explain that most professionals will utilize personal protective equipment for any size job. Don’t stress out if you see a technician wearing the following gear:

• Hazmat suits
• Safety goggles
• Safety gloves
• Protective boots
• Respirators with filters

 These items are to ensure the tech’s health and safety in the case they find something hazardous while working. It’s not because your mold problem is out of control.

Odor Removal, Cleaning, And Sanitation 

If water damage has caused mold, you may find yourself with an odor issue. A qualified remediation firm will use air scrubbers that pull in and filter pollutants. Additionally, they may use thermal foggers and deodorization agents for capturing airborne contaminants. And, if necessary, they also employ OSHA-approved disinfectant products to stop the growth of harmful microorganisms. Overall, the goal is to control air quality and remove stubborn odors.

Word Of Advice: Mold Remediation vs Mold Removal in Dallas

We’ve decided to leave you with a bit more guidance. At SERVPRO, we’re always honest and upfront with our customers. “Mold removal” and “mold remediation” shouldn’t be used interchangeably. This is because mold is everywhere in nature; there are harmless forms that surround us all the time. It is not possible to remove 100% of mold from the environment. The purpose of remediation is to get mold down to the “natural” levels that are safe. Be cautious of a company that tells you they can guarantee complete mold removal. 

If You’re In The Dallas Area And Have Mold Problems… 

For mold remediation in Dallas, contact SERVPRO of North Irving. We’re available 24/7 for emergency contact and can get immediately started on your job. With over 300,000 restored properties under our belts, we know a thing or two about mold cleanup!