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Ankle Deep defines mold remediation as the process of removing mold, not killing it or encapsulating it as other companies claim they do. Through the controlled removal of the damaged materials and the meticulous cleaning of the remaining contents and structure, we restore the indoor environment of your property to normal conditions with respect to mold
Should the visible mold growth in your property exceed 10 square feet of continuous growth, Ankle Deep highly recommends an initial inspection of your property be conducted by an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).
An IEP’s Initial Inspection includes the following:
Visual Inspection: A thorough visual inspection is conducted to identify the cause of the mold problem and identify all affected materials based on water-damage, water-staining, and visible mold growth.
Moisture Readings: Moisture detection equipment is used to identify elevated moisture content in structural materials and determine the temperature and relative humidity of various areas both inside and outside the property.
 Air Sampling: Air samples are taken to determine what impact the visible mold growth has on the indoor environment of the property. The results of these samples aid in preparing an accurate scope for the mold remediation contractor to follow. The samples are sent to a lab for analysis and results are usually reported to the IEP within 48 hours.
Report: Based on the visual inspection, moisture readings, and results of the air sampling, the IEP composes a report consisting of their inspection findings, the air sampling results, and most importantly, the scope of work for the remediation contractor to follow, outlining the materials to be removed, the cleaning to be completed, and the definition of the Work Area and associated containment.
Overview of the Mold Remediation Process
Containment – Plastic barriers contain and prevent the spread of mold to unaffected areas. These barriers remain in place until the IEP has inspected our completed work and verified its effectiveness via Clearance Testing.
Pack Out – All contents from the affected work zone are cleaned, boxed, and wrapped prior to demolition. This process removes settled mold spores from content surfaces and allows us to inspect and identify all the affected materials and contents. When cleaned, the contents will be moved to an unaffected area of the property based on our client’s direction.
Demolition – Removal of mold and water-damaged materials including carpet, drywall, cabinetry, etc. as outlined by the IEP. Prior to removal, all visible mold is HEPA vacuumed to prevent it from becoming airborne during demolition. All materials are sealed in plastic bags, and then double-bagged before they can be removed from the work zone.
Cleaning – The work zone (by now devoid of contents) is meticulously cleaned to remove drywall dust, carpet fibers, and mold. HEPA vacuum filters remove remaining particles; damp-wiping follows, and then HEPA vacuums again go over everything during a final sweep.
 Equipment – In addition to HEPA vacuums, we also use air scrubbers, which clean the air throughout the remediation process by drawing air through three stages of filtration; and dehumidifiers, which maintain the relative humidity below 60% in the absence of air conditioning. (All air conditioning vents within the work zone are sealed prior to demolition, creating the need for dehumidifiers.)
Clearance Testing – The IEP returns and validates our efforts through visual inspection (to ensure we have complied with their protocol) and additional air sampling (to determine if the indoor air quality has returned to normal, with respect to mold). When the IEP approves the completion of the project, the homeowner can proceed with reconstruction.
Ankle Deep does not use harsh chemicals (encapsulants, anti-microbial cleaners, or anti-microbial paints) during our remediation projects unless specifically directed by an IEP. We believe these chemicals are more toxic than the mold we are on the site to remove.
Although we work as quickly as we reasonably can, mold remediation takes time, causes disruptions, and can be stressful on the occupants of the structure. Because of this, we carefully educate our clients so they’ll be prepared for the inconvenience. The end result is always well worth the trouble, but the process will, without any doubt, unsettle the occupants for a time.
Ankle Deep is here for you, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Have remaining questions about mold?
Call (954) 491-4772
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