Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation: What's the Difference?

ATI Restoration

When mold infests your home or business, it can pose several concerns. Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also break down wood and other organic matter, slowly destroying the structural components of your building. Some varieties of mold are also toxic and pose serious health risks.

Mold thrives in moist environments and is often a consequence of water intrusion from man-made or natural disasters. However, disasters aren’t necessary for mold to form. This fungus can grow in and on structures with improperly sealed roofs and windows, damp basements or crawl spaces, or anywhere excessive humidity is present.

Mold growth is rapid, often beginning its spread within 24 to 48 hours. This makes addressing the problem as soon as it’s noticed incredibly important. At ATI Restoration, we understand the urgency of dealing with mold intrusion. We offer a 24-Hour Emergency Response service from our more than 70 regional offices. This allows us to dispatch a crew of certified mold removal and remediation professionals to your commercial or residential property quickly—no matter where in the nation you are located—to assess the extent of the problem and provide a sensible solution.

Key Differences Between Mold Removal and Mold Remediation

While both mold removal and remediation can help to restore a clean environment, there are several key differences. These include:

Scope. Mold removal focuses on eliminating visible mold. Mold remediation addresses the root cause of infestation and works to restore safe mold levels.
Effectiveness. Mold remediation is typically more effective than mold removal because it helps to prevent future mold growth and addresses the underlying causes of infestation.
Long-Term Solutions. Mold removal is likely temporary. Mold remediation provides a more comprehensive and long-term solution for mold infestation.

Which Option Is Best for You? ATI Restoration Can Help You Choose.

If you are facing a mold infestation in your home or business, ATI Restoration is here to help. Contact us 24/7/365 to request a thorough assessment of your property and learn if mold removal or remediation is the best option for your needs. We maintain more than 70 locations nationwide to better serve home and business owners living throughout the country.

Most Common Types of Mold in Homes and Businesses

There are over 100,000 different types of mold, though not all pose the same risks to health and building materials. A few of the more troublesome mold varieties include:

Alternia. Common in many climates, particularly during the spring and summer months, Alternia is also found in damp areas such as showers, under sinks, and in certain textiles. Not as damaging to building materials as it is to human health, this type of mold is known to cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma.
Aspergillus. Often found outdoors in soil, compost piles, and decaying vegetation, Aspergillus may also be found in HVAC systems, sub-flooring, walls, ceilings, and other indoor spaces. Some species of Aspergillus can damage building materials—including concrete—as well as pose health concerns for people with allergies or compromised immune systems. In severe cases, Aspergillus can cause lung infection.
Chaetomium. One of the molds that may be referred to as “black mold,” Chaetomium can be found in drywall, carpets, and other indoor materials. This type of mold can also be found outdoors in plant debris, straw, and other wet and dark environments. Health risks of Chaetomium include allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, and neurological damage which may increase the risk of auto-immune disorders.
Cladosporium. Typically found on wood, in carpets, or fabrics—including mattresses—Cladosporium may also be found in building materials such as grout and paint. This type of mold can damage and weaken wood and other structural components of a property. It can also exacerbate asthma and cause serious allergic reactions.
Penicillium. Abundant in many indoor and outdoor environments, Penicillium can be found in insulated ducts, wooden beams, ceiling tiles, and rotting fruit. This type of mold can destroy certain building materials and contents, including upholstery. It can also cause respiratory problems, including bronchitis and extrinsic allergic alveolitis, which may lead to irreversible damage to the lungs.
Stachybotrys. Although it may be gray, green, or another dark color, Stachybotrys is what we typically call black mold. This type of mold can grow on wood, drywall, plywood, tile adhesives, and many other materials commonly used in buildings, posing serious risks of structural damage. Stachybotrys can also cause nasal irritation and respiratory problems, some of which may be severe. Flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal distress, aches and pains, and even cognitive and sleep problems have been linked to exposure to Stachybotrys.

What Is Mold Removal?

Mold removal is exactly what it sounds like: physically removing mold from surfaces, carpets, and other items that may have become infested. The process typically involves cleaning, scrubbing, and the use of specific chemicals—such as bleach and ammonia—to eliminate visible mold and remove hidden spores.

Depending on the extent of the problem, mold removal may include:

Surface Cleaning. Cleaning non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass can often be done with water and commercial cleaning products. Products formulated for mold removal may be faster and more effective than homemade options or standard surface cleaners.
Antimicrobial Cleaning. Deeper cleaning can be accomplished with antimicrobial agents or biocides. These can penetrate the surface of porous materials such as drywall and wood, helping to remove hidden spores.
HEPA Vacuuming. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums can trap mold spores, helping to remove them from carpets and upholstery.

Mold removal can produce a cleaner-looking environment and may be suitable for addressing minor mold problems. However, without mold remediation, the infestation can occur again and again.

What Is Mold Remediation?

Unlike mold removal, which focuses on the temporary removal of mold from various surfaces, mold remediation addresses both the mold and its underlying causes. It is important to note, however, that mold cannot be entirely eliminated. It is a natural part of the decomposition process that is not only present in soil and organic materials, but in the very air we breathe. All the same, safe and natural levels of mold can be achieved. Mold remediation works to restore mold to these natural and safe levels.

First and foremost, while mold spores are in the air, they will not grow indoors unless moisture is present. As mentioned above, one of the key differences between mold removal and mold remediation is that the latter addresses the underlying cause of mold, eliminating its source to help prevent future infestation. To this end, the first step in mold remediation is a thorough inspection and assessment to identify the type of mold present, the extent of infestation, and the sources contributing to mold growth.

The IICRC-certified restoration professionals at ATI Restoration utilize advanced tools such as moisture mapping and water leak detection to identify where and to what extent water intrusion has contributed to mold. If water intrusion has caused or is continuing to cause a problem, we will address the source issue before moving into the remediation phase. There is no point in treating mold if the underlying cause has not been corrected.

After we have addressed the root cause of your mold problem, our mold remediation process may include:

Containment

Preventing the spread of mold to unaffected areas is an essential part of the mold remediation process. This may include physical barriers between impacted and clean areas of the building, sealing doorways and vents, and the use of negative air pressure systems.

Air Filtration

HEPA filters and air scrubbers can be used to capture airborne mold spores. This serves both to clean the air in affected areas and prevent spores from spreading. Air filtration and temperature and humidity control will remain essential components of maintaining healthy indoor air quality even after the remediation process is completed.

Thorough Mold Removal

Unlike simple mold removal, which is, in essence, cleaning, mold removal during the remediation process may involve the complete removal of mold-infested drywall, insulation, carpeting, HVAC systems, and more. These things will be restored later in the process. Nonporous materials that are salvageable, like tiles, can be treated and cleaned with antimicrobial agents.

Cleaning & Sanitizing

Affected surfaces need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized using advanced cleaning techniques and specialized cleaning agents. This process may also be used on furniture, clothing, and personal belongings that have become infested with mold spores.

Drying & Dehumidification

To help prevent future mold growth, the areas affected by mold must be thoroughly dried and dehumidified. To accomplish this, industrial fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the property. This part of the mold remediation process helps to prepare the structure for final repairs and restoration.

Restoration

The final step in the mold remediation process is the restoration of the affected area. This may include reconstruction of structural components that could not be salvaged, along with repairs to drywall and flooring, repainting walls, restoring grout, and replacing damaged materials. The goal of this step is to return your home to its previous condition—or better—by restoring everything damaged by mold.

At ATI Restoration, our Fast-Tract Reconstruction protocol helps to ensure all stages of the mold remediation process are completed quickly and without compromise. We will handle insurance paperwork, obtain all necessary permits, and dispose of all affected materials—safely and environmentally responsibly—to get you back on your feet much faster than you may expect.

Whether You Need Mold Removal or Mold Remediation, ATI Is Here to Help

ATI Restoration is the largest family-operated restoration company in the country. Our experienced, skilled, and certified professionals handle all aspects of mold removal and remediation in-house, enabling us to ensure quality and consistency throughout the process. With our 24-Hour Emergency Response service and nationwide reach, we can get to work swiftly, provide comprehensive and long-term solutions, and rapidly assist in restoring your life—and your property—to normal without excuses, red tape, or unnecessary delays.

If you are facing mold problems, contact ATI Restoration right away to learn more about our professional mold remediation services. Large enough to serve the nation yet small enough to genuinely care about your needs, we are here to restore your property to its best-ever condition.