Building Water Damage Remediation

Water Damaged Buildings

There are many reasons why a building can become water damaged. Regardless of the source, remediation as soon as possible is advised. The extent of water infiltration to the building can be measured by:

• Moisture meters are helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. They can also be used to monitor the process of drying damaged materials.
• Humidity meters can be used to monitor humidity indoors. Inexpensive [<$50] models are available that monitor both temperature and humidity.

Remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area, but in general the following applies:

Discard and Replace - Books, Ceiling tiles, Cellulose insulation, Fiberglass insulation

Extract water [using extraction vacuum] and dry - Carpets, Concrete or Cinder block surfaces, Upholstered furniture

Damp Clean - Hard surface, porous flooring§ [Linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl], Non-porous, hard surfaces [Plastics, metals], Window drapes, Wood surfaces

Dry and Retain - Unaffected Wallboard [Drywall and gypsum board.

Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control

Safety Precautions

Any wet building should be treated as potentially toxic from molds. All persons involved with water damage remediation should be briefed on Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], Containment and Handling Procedures.

The extent of safety precaution depends upon both the extent of the affected area and the length of time the building has been exposed to moisture.

Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]

Total Surface Area Affected:

• Less Than 10 square feet : Gloves, N-95 respirator, goggles/eye protection
• Between 10 and 100 ft2: Gloves, N-95 respirator or half-face respirator with HEPA filter, disposable overalls, goggles/eye protection
• Greater Than 100 ft2 or Potential Exposure During Remediation: Gloves, disposable full body clothing, head gear, foot coverings, full-face respirator with HEPA filter

Gloves – use long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm. If using a biocide [such as chlorine bleach] or a strong cleaning solution, use gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used.

Googles - use properly fitted goggles or a full-face respirator with HEPA filter. Goggles must be designed to prevent the entry of dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not acceptable.

Face Mask - N-95 respirator or a full face full-face respirator with HEPA filter.

Half Face - N-95 respirator overs the nose and mouth [do not provide eye protection], and is available in most hardware stores. They filter out 95% of the particulates in the air.

Full-Face - powered air purifying respirator [PAPR] uses a blower to force air through a HEPA filter.

Always use respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Disposable Protective Clothing - is recommended during a medium or large remediation project to prevent the transfer and spread of mold to clothing and to eliminate skin contact with mold.

Containment

Between 10 and 100 ft2: Use polyethylene sheeting ceiling to floor around affected area with a slit entry and covering flap; maintain area under negative pressure with HEPA filtered fan unit. Block supply and return air vents within containment area.

Greater Than 100 ft2 or Potential Exposure During Remediation: Use two layers of fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting with one airlock chamber. Maintain area under negative pressure with HEPA filtered fan exhausted outside of building. Block supply and return air vents within containment area.

Remdiation Procedures

Wet Vacuum - wet vacuums may spread spores if sufficient liquid is not present. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use.

Damp Wipe - dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth.

HEPA Vacuum - When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear PPE to prevent exposure to the mold that has been captured. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags.

Fans - When using fans, take care not to distribute mold spores throughout an unaffected area.

Discard — Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags

NOTES:

1. Removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores from mold growing on the underside of the paper.
2. Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
3. Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes.
4. Do not breathe in mold or mold spores.
5. If you are considering cleaning your ducts as part of your remediation plan,consult EPA's publication: Should You Have the Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned

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