Whenever you detect a mold problem in your premise, choosing the right mold remediation method that is best for your home can be a bit confusing. Remediation methods differ depending on the affected surfaces or the extent of mold infestation. For instance, mold on porous materials such as carpets and dry walls should be remediated by complete removal of the affected materials. On the other hand, molds on non-porous or semi-porous materials like wood and concrete can just be cleaned without being removed.
Besides cleaning, several other methods can be used to eliminate mold from surfaces or materials that cannot be removed or replaced. And one of the most common methods is encapsulation.
What is Encapsulation?
Basically, encapsulation refers to a process of enclosing something in. When it comes to mold remediation, encapsulation involves sealing off of the mold surface (that cannot be removed). A sealant (or pain-like substance) is usually used in the encapsulation process. Most sealants have antimicrobial properties that fight molds, preventing them from spreading or re-growing.
When Is Encapsulation Necessary?
As aforementioned, mold remediation through encapsulation is recommended when the surface affected by mold cannot be removed or replaced. It is often done on wooden surfaces like wooden studs within walls. It is difficult to eliminate mold from wood and other porous surfaces because mold spores get trapped into the tiny pores in the wood. So, even if it appears that the mold has been eliminated, its spores remain hidden in pores of the wood or inside the porous surfaces. That is where encapsulation comes in handy—it ensures that trace amounts of molds don’t grow and spread to other unaffected areas.
Encapsulation Risks
While encapsulation is good in containing mold spores in hard-to-reach surfaces, there are a few risks involved with the process. For instance, to ensure that molds are completely removed from the surfaces, wooden or porous surfaces are often sanded before applying a sealant. However, sanding may send tiny mold spores into the air, which can be inhaled, ingested, or get into contact with our skins.
So, when removing molds through encapsulation, strict safety precautions should be taken to limit exposure to mold spores. For instance, you can just clean surfaces that don’t need to be sanded and apply a sealant. For surfaces that need sanding, call professional removal experts to assist. Experts have the right equipment to contain the spores as close to the source as possible.
Additionally, it is not advisable to paint over the affected area with regular paint. Regular paint (and even variants that are said to be mold-resistant) will not prevent mold from growing or spreading. They will just make it harder for you to see the molds when they start re-growing. Only use sealants that are designed for mold remediation.
Bottom-line
Hopefully, now you know when to use encapsulation and the best practices that you should keep in mind to get the best results. When you feel that encapsulation is the best solution for your premise, it is best to consult a mold remediation professional first. Encapsulation should always be done by professionals but if you feel that it is something that you can do yourself, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a professional.
