Trask Research, Inc. - Mold Problem Solving

Removing Mold from the Patio

By Matthew Yurina, Mold Inspector/Remediator

CONTAIN- the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas;

KILL- the mold;

REMOVE- the dead mold and materials used for remediation; and

PROTECT- the cleaned out area against future mold infestations.

Step one on any mold remediation project will be to acquire the proper personal protective equipment: P100 respirator, gloves, goggles and protective clothing. If you don ‘t have a Tyvek suit or some similar form of disposable coveralls, then you’ll want clothes that cover your whole body, which can be washed thoroughly right after the job is done. An enzyme based mol d c leaner like Oxy Mold is excellent at removing mold, mold spores, stains and odors from clothing, and is safe to use in the washing machine.

If there are any doubts as to the full extent of the mol d c ontamination, you’ll want to do Mold Testing. Surface samples of the patio or surrounding areas can give you an idea of how much space you’ll have to treat, how dangerous the mold might be and how much money might have to be spent on fungicides, cleaners, sealants or other equipment.

Step two will be to section off and dry out the moldy areas. Scrub or pressure wash the visible growth away with Oxy Mold. Rinse this off with water afterward and allow to dry at least 24 hours.

Once you know the extent of the mol d c ontamination and have the surfaces dried out, you’re clear to apply a fungicide. The Oxy Mold MX-501™ concentrate is extremely efficient at getting down to the roots of any type of mold in virtually any surface to kill it. Apply the MX-501™ twice, allowing at least 24 hours to dry in between applications.

Once you’ve killed the mold, perform a few last mold tests on the area; these are clearance tests, and they’re necessary. In any outdoor mold remediation jobs you’ll usually want to consider coating the surfaces with a fungicidal sealant to inhibit future mold growth, and if that’s the case, you’ll want to be sure you’ve killed the mold before doing this. When the tests turn out clear, proving the mold is dead an d c an’t grow back, you’ll be set to apply a sealant like the Protex 63 product. It can provide several years of good, strong protection against mold growth.

The Protex 63 sealant is strongly recommended in this situation. If you live in a humid area or the ground around the patio remains damp much of the year, a sealant is the only thing that’s going to provide decent protection from mold growth. Even in this case (outdoor weather: rain, snow, storms, etc. wear out the sealant quicker than indoors) it may be necessary to apply the sealant every two to three years.