INTRODUCTION

The purpose of mold remediation is to turn the environment of the property back to a livable status.

Mold remediation specifications are used by professional remediation/restoration companies. Removal, treatment, or cleaning is all terms used for remediation of visible mold growth in commercial or residential properties.  If a mold inspection reveals unusual mold conditions in a property, the next step is to have mold remediation specifications written. This identifies where the mold is, how much mold is there, what level of containment is needed, how to clean or remove the mold and/or moisture damaged items, and what kind of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed. 

To write mold remediation specifications you must have an understanding of how mold inspections and sampling is performed, what the meaning of a lab report is, basic construction knowledge, knowledge of other IAQ issues, and also the parts and operations of an HVAC system.

Inspection and Samples

If you did not perform the original inspection, you should have a copy of the inspection report. The report should identify where the mold is, the cause, and any lab reports from sampling if applicable. If a cause was not identified by the inspector, you will have to identify what has caused the mold to occur for the corrective action in the specifications. When sampling is applicable, you will need to know the types and concentrations of molds.  This will help you in determining the level of remediation needed for each job.

Sometimes there may not have been sampling performed due to a very moderate amount of mold. If there is an excessive amount of mold (over 100 sq. ft.), the level of remediation should be assumed to be at the highest degree.

Lab Reports

If sampling was performed, you will need the report to identify the types of mold and the spore count of the mold(s). Both are used in determining the remediation level that will be indentified in the mold specification report. Certain types of mold, such as Stachy, may have a higher remediation level even though there may not be visible evidence of square footage of mold.

Construction Knowledge

Having basic construction knowledge will allow you to determine the removal or cleaning of a damaged area. You should understand what may be present behind walls and where items such as wiring and plumbing pipes may be located.  This will help you when it is time to write your remediation specifications.

Other IAQ Issues

Mold remediation also deals with other IAQ issues.  For example, if a property was built prior to 1978 it may still have lead based paint.  When dealing with remediation you have to be prepared for lead or asbestos issues. Also certain materials that have become wet or are still wet could off-gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Press wood furniture such as kitchen cabinets may contain Formaldehyde and off-gas when wet. Carpet is another good example of this.

HVAC Systems

Knowing the parts and operations of an HVAC will also help you when writing remediation specifications. An HVAC system will supply air to each room that the air handling unit (AHU) services. HVAC specifications that are written must ensure cross-contamination issues do not arise. Also when writing HVAC specifications certain parts of the HVAC may not be able to be cleaned and will need to be replaced.

In general, information will need to be gathered from the location to create a mold remediation specification report. Pictures, questionnaires, and drawings are imperative in creating a professional mold specifications report.