Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Mold Remediation

Abatement Solutions in Mold Remediation

By Brian Strawn
mold remediation solutions

Photo credit: Animaflora / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

January 17, 2023

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop near freezing in certain parts of the globe, there is a heightened risk for sudden, unpredictable weather. Cold temperatures, freezing rain and blizzards can result in costly property damage. Snowmelt can cause flooding, and freezing temperatures increase the risk of pipes and meters freezing and bursting, leading to flooding. 

When flooding occurs, mold growth often happens during the gap of weeks or months to repair the water damage. Because mold can grow in as little as 24 to 72 hours after flooding, it’s nearly impossible to prevent. Luckily when proper mold remediation procedures are followed alongside the proper equipment and supplies, mold can effectively be remediated. 


The Tools of Mold Remediation

When it comes to mold, there are many critical supplies and steps required to properly contain and remediate growth, and it’s very important to check on the regulations for the state you are in. Taught by various organizations, like IICRC, industry training and best practices often involve two key products: containment barriers and negative air machines.


Reusable hard sided containment barriers

During mold remediation, it’s important to contain the area to ensure other areas of the building are not affected by mold particulates in the air. To do so, remediation experts need to isolate the area from non-infected areas. This process involves closing off HVAC grills and sealing off cracks and crevices and setting up reusable, hard sided dust barrier walls around the area. Paired with air filtration devices, remediation experts have the ability to create a negative pressure environment within the contained area. Negative pressure will pull the contaminated air out of the area and capture the particulates with a HEPA filter. 

While these walls are the most effective, it hasn’t always been a common way to get the job done. Previously, remediation experts and contractors relied on one-time-use materials like drywall and plastic sheeting to get the job done. Today, these reusable hard sided containment walls available on the market are easy to use and quick to set up. With a flexible design, these walls can be configured to match the exact measurements needed to get the job done. And most importantly, before the use of air scrubbers or negative air machines, you must contain contaminated areas before any remediation can start.


Portable HEPA filtration system

Portable air scrubbers (negative air machines), are used in conjunction with containment using ducting to remove contaminated air from a sealed containment area. The filtered air is exhausted outside of the containment. This creates negative air pressure (a slight vacuum effect) inside the containment relative to surrounding areas. Air scrubbers help limit the spread of contaminants to other areas inside the structure.

These machines are portable filtration systems that draw air from the surrounding environment and pass the air through a series of filters to remove particulates, like mold spores, from the air. There are several varieties of air filtration devices available on the market today, but it’s important to know which device is the most effective option.

A true HEPA filter can capture 99.97% of 0.3-micron particulates, including mold spores, dust, and other allergens, and an even higher percentage of larger particles.

These units are equipped with true HEPA filters which is a must. HEPA, an acronym for “High Efficiency Particulate Air” refers to a filter that is manufactured, tested, certified, and labeled in accordance with current HEPA filter standards. There are several subclasses within the HEPA classification. A true HEPA filter can capture 99.97% of 0.3-micron particulates, including mold spores, dust, and other allergens, and an even higher percentage of larger particles.

Upon completion of the mold abatement, ensure the cause of the mold growth has been identified and an action plan has been initiated to prevent further mold growth. This action plan should include mitigating the original cause of the mold contamination. This would take into account such factors as past flooding, moisture intrusion or elevated levels of relative humidity. Also, at completion of mold abatement, check that the remaining finishes (e.g., concrete, wood framing, sub-floors) have been adequately dried so that mold growth will not re-occur when new finishes are installed. The work area may require further drying efforts before re-construction can commence.


Combine the Right Tools With the Necessary Expertise

In order to safely and effectively remediate mold, it’s essential to find not only the right solutions, but also the right equipment provider. You want to work with a company that has many years of experience in the industry, excellent support, and state-of-the-art solutions. By utilizing essential equipment, like air scrubbers and hard sided dust barrier containment walls, remediation and abatement experts can properly get the job done as safely and efficiently as possible, without being exposed to harmful air.

See more articles from our January issue!

KEYWORDS: containment indoor air quality mold hazards mold removal

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Brian strawn

Brian Strawn is the national director of business development at Abatement Technologies. For over 30 years, Brian has worked closely with restoration professionals and has spent the past 14 years at Abatement Technologies. Throughout his career Brian has demonstrated his passion for working in the environmental services industry and continues to foster relationships with key environmental organizations involved in safe practices of abatement procedures. Skilled in mold and asbestos abatement, disaster restoration and hospital infection control, Brian often works as a mentor for other members of the Abatement team.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Cleaning and Sanitation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

wall cavity drying

Dry or Demolish? Navigating the Complexities of Wall Cavity Restoration

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products

Related Articles

  • water damage from burst pipes

    Burst Pipes Present Opportunities for Remediation Businesses

    See More
  • asbestos abatement

    Asbestos Abatement Techniques Were Key to the Mold Remediation Industry; Now Mold Technology May Return the Favor

    See More
  • flooding from Hurricane Ian

    Mold Remediation in HVAC Units: Dealing with Hurricane Flooding

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • deoderantization.jpg

    Comprehensive Deodorization

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Aramsco

    Aramsco is a national distributor providing Restoration, Concrete Surface Preparation, Abatement, Safety, Professional Cleaning products and Janitorial & Sanitation solutions. With the largest US footprint in the industry, we are the strongest team in the business.
  • Cleaner's Cart

    Cleaner’s Cart / cleanerscart.com offers fast 1-3 day delivery on mold and lead clean-up solutions, stain removers, containment supplies and more! Orders ship same-day with fast and FREE shipping (over $40), with reliable delivery across the USA. We are committed to providing superior products, "better-than-prime" shipping and exceptional service. Visit us at www.cleanerscart.com!
  • Goldmorr Systems

    Goldmorr Systems, a division of 21st Global Pty Limited, offers advanced decontamination products and systems for mold remediation and indoor air quality improvement. Our exclusive micro-cleaning and non-mechanical air scrubbing technology enables restoration professionals to achieve superior results efficiently, boosting profits. Goldmorr products are available only to certified professionals who complete our free basic mold training. Based in Wickenburg, AZ, we empower companies and their technicians to solve complex mold and indoor air quality issues, including mycotoxin removal, with unmatched effectiveness.
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing