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​There are three phases to the mold remediation process:​

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• Preparation & Containment

• Remediation & Cleaning

• Restoration & Reconstruction ​

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​​Phase One – Preparation:

​Typically, the process begins with an inspection by an Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP) certified technician. One of our NorthBay Environmental IEP technicians may take samples to be sent to a laboratory to determine the type(s) and concentration of mold. In the event it is determined  an unhealthy mold exists and should be removed, we move to containment phase.

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Containment:  One of the most important phases in mold remediation is containment which occurs at the start of the project. North Bay Environmental takes this step very seriously as proper containment is essential to reduce the risk of spreading mold spores. The containment process involves constructing an enclosed sealed work space with 6-mil clear plastic visqueen to ensure that contaminants or potential contaminants do not escape. In most applications, our containment system consists of partitioning specific sections within the structure. When necessary, we also create plastic sheething dividers to separate rooms or even doorway containments to segment off an individual room. This procedure can be very effective to accelerate the drying process in water damaged structures as it separates the dry areas from the wet areas. Moreover, the dehumidification equipment works faster in a smaller area.

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​Phase Two – Remediation:

Remediation (or Removal) of Mold and Cleaning: Once the containment is completed and the dehumidification equipment is deployed, our technicians utilize the most efficient and cost-effective methods to remediate the mold and spores. This includes wiping all surfaces with special material cloths dampened with mold specific cleaning solution to lift off surface particulate matter. Surface cleaning is first completed in the area of structure where mold is identified. Then cleaning is done in all other rooms to thoroughly eradicate any airborne spores which may have travelled to other interior rooms.   Additionally our technicians may utilize hepa-vacuums, sandpaper, and wire brushes to remove mold from wood and other surfaces.

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During and after the remediation phase, NBE deploys air scrubbers and hydroxyl air treatment systems which effectively "scrub" the mold spores and any other harmful pathogens from the air. Our customers often remark that they “can breathe in the cleanliness” when we complete the remediation phase.  That’s when we know we have done a good job!

21st Century Mold Remediation Methods:

One new innovation in the mold remediation industry is the use of 'dry ice blasting.' In certain circumstances, dry ice blasting accomplishes mold remediation faster and more completely than manual scraping and sanding. This technique is especially effective in large projects or when removing mold in confined spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, tight corners, and other hard to reach places. The process effectively kills mold in one pass and creates no secondary waste, reducing labor costs. Dry ice blasting does not require toxic chemicals, nor create a toxic dust hazard from remediation operations, so it is very eco-friendly. Additionally, dry ice is a non-conductor of electricity, so live electrical equipment and wiring does not have to be removed or de-energized during the remediation process. Even HVAC equipment and duct work can be cleaned without extensive dismantling.

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Phase Three - Restoration… Putting it Back Together

When mold intrusion is more severe, and remediation causes surfaces or sub-surfaces to be damaged, the next phase is restoration. NBE is a licensed contractor and experienced in all phases of construction.  In our twelve years of service, we have completed over 1000 mold intrusion projects. Many of these jobs have included the removal and reinstallation of sheetrock, framing, and flooring, cabinets, and other materials. Our primary objective is to identify the source of moisture which caused the mold intrusion.  To accomplish this, we utilize state-of-the-art infrared technology and other moisture detection equipment to locate and document the extent of the water intrusion and damage. And then we complete necessary repairs of leaks or other sources of water intrusion so it never happens again.