Mold Damage

Mold remediation or mold removal is a complex process which involves much more than just simply spraying and wiping clean the affected surfaces.

BELFOR’s specialists will take the following stops to remediate mold:

1. Fix Any Moisture Problems First If you suspect that your mold problem has been started by a leak or other water problem, it is important to fix this first because mold needs moisture to grow.
2. Isolate Areas of Mold To avoid any cross-contamination, areas of mold must be isolated from other areas before demolition, cleaning or drying can begin.
3. Throw Out Absorbent Materials Certain items that have been affected by mold, particularly porous items, will need to be removed completely.
4. Clean Away The Mold All visible traces of mold will be removed before an antimicrobial or biocide spray is used to clean the surfaces during a wet wipe.
5. Thoroughly Dry A thorough drying process is required to complete mold remediation. This will be accomplish using air movers and dehumidifiers, as well as moisture meters to provide an accurate reading as to whether the materials are dry.

At BELFOR, we specialize in the removal of mold from properties. BELFOR’s mold removal teams are considered the best in the industry and we were the first to issue mold guidelines in 2002. We were also the contributing authors to the official industry Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation

Large-scale mold removal requires expert knowledge and specialized equipment to carry out the mold remediation work. Certain situations require mold removal specialists to guarantee effective mold remediation, regardless of the size of the impacted area.

In order to reduce the chances of mold recurrence in your property, proper structural drying should take place. BELFOR provides commercial dehumidification and air purifying equipment and ensures that indoor air quality guidelines are followed. This type of large-scale work is particularly important after significant flooding or a large leak in the property. Simply cleaning away the mold without thoroughly drying the property will result in remaining moisture, leading to recurrence.

Any mold that comes as a result of flooding should be removed by a professional mold removal expert. Flood water can be contaminated by sewage, chemicals and bacteria, and any contaminated water damage must be dealt with by an expert. Similarly, contaminated materials must be dealt with professionally as they pose serious health risks and can cause problems long after the flood.

Different items require different methods and approaches to cleaning and decontamination. Even if you have thoroughly wiped it and used a product described as a “mold removal spray”, there is still a chance that mold spores could remain within the fibers. Mold removal spray does not exist; mold must be removed professionally, and any spray will just form part of a wet wipe after.

Mold growth or settled spores can impact the HVAC system. This is because mold grows and travels through spores, when a HVAC system is contaminated with mold, the infestation can quickly spread and become a large-scale issue. Not only would the entire HVAC system need to be cleaned and decontaminated, but any of the spaces warmed or cooled by the air system would also need to be tested and potentially treated for mold due to possible exposure.

BELFOR offers a complete mold remediation process. This includes full structural drying and dehumidification, containment and decontamination as well as disposal of contaminated materials. We also recommend third-party air quality testing to ensure the property is safe with dangerous spores removed.

How quickly do fungi grow, and why is it important to address them promptly?

Fungi can begin to grow within 12-24 hours in areas with high humidity, and within approximately 72 hours, black spots or stains may start to appear on walls or ceilings. If left untreated for an extended period, mold will begin to damage materials, causing permanent damage and releasing spores into the air, which can be harmful to the respiratory system of building occupants. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) poses a high risk and must be removed immediately.

How does BELFOR’s mold removal process differ from general cleaning?

Cleaning with general-purpose chemicals may help reduce external stains but cannot eliminate the root cause of the problem. BELFOR’s process is a standardized system that meets international standards, consisting of key steps including:

• Moisture Source Management

Identify and address the source of moisture to prevent mold growth.

• Containment

Reduce the dispersion of spores to other areas during operation.

• Mold Removal and Cleaning

Use a specialized disinfectant or biocide and remove damaged materials.

• Structural Drying

Use high-efficiency blowers and dehumidifiers to ensure the structure is completely dry and free of residual moisture, which can cause mold to return.

Is a common fungicide spray sufficient?

General-purpose spray products typically serve only as a step in the “wet wipe” process and are unable to remove spores embedded in the pores of materials. Furthermore, the moisture left behind from wet wiping may actually promote the regrowth of mold. Proper mold removal therefore always requires a drying step as part of the process.

What methods does BELFOR use to handle mold caused by flooding?

Flooding is considered a high-risk situation because water often contains contaminants, bacteria, and chemicals. Experts from BELFOR will inspect contamination levels, clean, disinfect, and dispose of damaged materials according to international standards to ensure the long-term safety of building occupants.

Why is the HVAC system a major risk point?

The air duct system is another area where mold can easily spread. If contamination occurs, spores will quickly disperse throughout the entire building. Therefore, BELFOR prioritizes inspecting and cleaning the HVAC system alongside mold removal to prevent recurring issues.

How can you be sure that all the mold has been eliminated?

In addition to our thorough work process, BELFOR may recommend third-party air quality testing after the work is completed, based on what is agreed in the quotation. This helps give you added assurance that the area is safe, free from spores, and ready for normal use, as confirmed by an independent testing party.

If you encounter a mold problem, which BELFOR contact channel should you use?

You can contact BELFOR Thailand 24 hours a day through the emergency hotline +66 2 182 5186 or fill out the form on the website to have our expert staff assess the site and plan urgent mold removal.

Added a small phrase so customers will know that there will be an additional cost for the third-party service.