Understanding the five different levels of mold remediation

Mold can be a serious issue, and if you think you may have a mold problem, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible. The IICRC S520 outlines five different levels of mold remediation, depending on the severity of the problem. This blog post will discuss each of these levels and what you need to do to address a mold issue properly.

But before we do that, what is the IICRC S520?

The IICRC S520 is the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. It is a set of standards that mold remediation companies must follow to be properly certified. The S520 outlines five different levels of mold remediation, each with its specific requirements. The document is made by the IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.

 Level 1: Isolated Areas

The first level is for small, isolated areas of mold growth. For example, this might be a single spot of mold on a ceiling or wall. If the mold area is less than 10 square feet, it is considered to be at this level. To remediate level 1 mold growth, you will need to remove the moldy materials and clean the area with detergent and water. You should also make sure to fix any leaks or other sources of moisture that might have caused the mold to grow in the first place.

Level 2: Medium-Sized Areas

Level 2 mold growth is for areas between 10 and 30 square feet. This level is a bit more serious, and it might require using negative air pressure machines and HEPA vacuums to clean the area properly. In addition to removing moldy materials and cleaning the site, you will also need to take sources of moisture.

Level 3: Large Areas

Level 3 mold growth is for areas larger than 30 square feet. This is considered a major problem, and it will require negative air pressure machines, HEPA vacuums, and containment chambers to remediate the issue. As with level 2, you will also need to take care of sources of moisture.

Level 4: Severe Areas

Level 4 mold growth is for areas heavily contaminated with mold. This might be due to a flooding event or major water damage. To remediate level 4 mold growth, you will need to use negative air pressure machines, HEPA vacuums, and containment chambers. You will also need to remove all moldy materials, clean the area, and take care of sources of moisture.

Level 5: Extremely Severe Areas

The fifth and final level is for areas completely overwhelmed by mold growth. This might be an entire basement or attic that has been taken over by mold. To remediate level 5 mold growth, you will need to use negative air pressure machines, HEPA vacuums, and containment chambers. You will also need to remove all moldy materials, clean the area, and take care of sources of moisture.

A common homeowner can have trouble accurately determining the level of mold outgrowth they are experiencing. If you want to determine the level of mold outgrowth, you can use a mold test kit. Mold test kits are available online and at most hardware stores. Once you have determined the level of mold outgrowth, you can begin to take the necessary steps to remediate the problem.

What do all these levels signify for a common homeowner?

The first thing to understand is that any level of mold remediation is serious and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you think you might have a mold problem, the best course of action is to call a professional mold remediation company. They can assess the situation and determine the proper course of action.

A certified mold remediation company will have experience with all five levels of mold remediation and will know how to address your specific issue properly. If you try to tackle the problem yourself, you could end up making it worse or even putting yourself in danger. So if you think you might have a mold problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

At what point do you call a remediation expert?

If you see mold or suspect you might have a mold problem, it’s best to call a professional immediately. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it’s not something you should try to handle on your own. A certified mold remediation company will have the experience and expertise to properly assess your situation and determine the best course of action. They will also be able to safely and effectively remove mold from your home. So if you think you might have a mold problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional.