Page 393 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

MOLD 9.3
buildings or other work areas where employees are experiencing systems of mold-related
disorders. However, as described earlier, mold is present everywhere outdoors, and air test-
ing therefore may register a false reading because it may be detecting mold from outside
sources being brought in by open windows or doors.
Generally, most mold is recognized by strong odors inside or actual visual detection,
and more elaborate and expensive detection methods are not required. However, once mold
is detected, no matter what type of mold it is, it must be remediated, and the source of
water and/or moisture allowing the mold to grow must be stopped.

MOLD REMEDIATION

It is not the intent of this book to present a detailed description of the procedures for mold
remediation. Such work would require a text of its own, and besides, mold remediation
should not be undertaken by amateurs unless the mold has been identified as nontoxic.
This section merely provides an introduction into the actions necessary for mold remedia-
tion with the understanding that the point of this chapter is to prevent the formation of
mold formation in buildings by preventing water infiltration using the 90%/1% and 99%
principles, as well as, if necessary, remedial waterproofing techniques if mold is indeed
encountered in a structure.
While most homeowners are comfortable with removing mold that grows in their show-
ers or baths, remediation of mold growth found growing on other organic building com-
ponents such as drywall should be undertaken with caution. Mold growth on building
complements, as described earlier, can be extremely toxic, and therefore, professional
advice is usually called for prior to remediation.
Remediation of mold in residential homes by the homeowner can be successful if guide-
lines such as those published by the California Department of Health Services are followed.
These and other guidelines outline basic steps a homeowner can take to remediate basic mold
infestation, including the basic protective clothing and measures to treat and kill the mold.
When remediating mold, it is necessary to understand that most porous building mate-
rials such as drywall, ceiling tile, and carpet, must be removed and discarded because the
mold growth may not be fully remediated and the mold may return even if the presence of
water is eliminated. Therefore, it is critical that drywall be inspected for the complete
extent of mold formation and that infested areas are removed completely rather simply
treating such porous building materials. This is seen commonly when flooding of a home
has occurred and the drywall beneath the high-water line is removed completely rather
being treated with a chlorine spray.
Mold remediation never should be undertaken before the source of moisture/water has
been found and remediated. Removing mold before the source of moisture is stopped likely
will lead to the mold reforming, and even if the water source is remediate afterwards, cer-
tain mold/mildew types can continue to grow by creating their own moisture. Therefore, is
critical that the source(s) of water or moisture are fully corrected prior to mold remediation;
otherwise, additional mold remediation and associated costs may be necessary.
Simple mold remediation consists of killing the mold. Typically, this is done with a
10–30 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. This method generally is noted to be more effective