Answers to Common Water Remediation Rental Questions

An air scrubber is a portable filtration system that removes particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air within a given area. These machines draw air in from the surrounding environment and pass it through a series of filters to remove contaminants.

A negative air machine uses ducting to remove contaminated air from a sealed containment area. The filtered air is exhausted outside of the containment area. This creates negative air pressure (a vacuum effect), which helps limit the spread of contaminants to other areas inside the structure.

It includes a ventilation system that generates negative pressure to allow air to flow into the isolation room but not escape from the room, as air will naturally flow from areas with higher pressure to areas with lower pressure, thereby preventing contaminated air from escaping the room.

HEPA stands for "High Efficiency Particulate Air" or "High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance." This acronym refers to a filter that is manufactured, tested, certified, and labeled in accordance with current HEPA filter standards.

A HEPA filter is a type of mechanical air filter; it works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. You can find HEPA filters in most high quality air purifiers.

The cleanup process is the same for Level 1 and Level 2 mold remediation and comprises these steps: Repair the water problem. This will help prevent new mold spores from growing. Isolate the contaminated area. Scrub the surface mold stains from walls and wood trim with a mixture of 1 qt. water and 1/2 cup bleach to kill the mold. Use a soft brush and work until signs of the mold disappear. Wipe off, but DO NOT RINSE these surfaces. Set trim in direct sunlight to dry.

The cost of mold remediation

Mold Removal Costs Per Sq. ft.

Mold Removal – Cost $475.00 - $525.00 $575.00 - $635.00

Mold Removal – Total $500.00 - $555.00 $610.00 - $680.00

Mold Removal – Total Average Cost $5.28 $6.45

A carbon activated filter will be more effective in removing the odors. If you are more interested in removing allergens such as dust, bacteria, pet dander, and mold it would be recommended to purchase a purifier with a HEPA filter because these are more effective in removing larger particulates.

HEPA filters will do a great job of capturing particles, but not the VOCs. To also remove formaldehyde and other VOCs, (off-gassing) you will need an air purifier with at least 6 lbs. of activated carbon combined with potassium iodide.

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Chemicals. VOCs are carbon-containing compounds that evaporate easily from water into air at normal air temperatures. This is why the distinctive odor of gasoline and many solvents can easily be detected.

The remediation cost of a crawlspace can really vary. It could be as little as $500 or as much as $4,000 depending on how big it is, and how much mold is present. If the attic and ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to$6,000.

Asbestos can be found in pipe and ceiling insulation, sprayed-on fireproofing, flooring, roofing materials and some cement products. Overexposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems. Safe handling and disposal is highly regulated.