Proper containment during mold remediation
Proper containment during mold remediation is one of the most important—and often overlooked—steps in stopping mold in its tracks. Without it, mold spores can easily spread to clean areas of your home, turning a small issue into a full-blown infestation.
So what does proper containment really mean? It’s more than just taping up some plastic. It’s a carefully planned process designed to isolate the moldy area, protect the rest of your property, and keep everyone safe. Let’s break it down:
Step one: Identify the moldy zone.
Before setting anything up, you need to know exactly where the mold is and how far it’s spread. This helps you determine how large the containment zone should be.
Step two: Seal it off.
Use thick 6-mil polyethylene sheeting and duct tape to seal the area from floor to ceiling. This creates a physical barrier between the contaminated and clean spaces. For extra protection, the area should be kept under negative pressure using a HEPA-filtered fan to make sure no spores sneak out.
Step three: Create a secure entryway.
Use a double-layered plastic flap to make a small, controlled entrance for workers and equipment. It should be tight enough to maintain negative pressure but functional enough for movement.
Step four: Suit up.
Anyone entering the containment zone should wear full PPE—gloves, protective clothing, and at minimum an N95 respirator.
Step five: Filter the air.
Place HEPA air filtration devices inside the containment area to continuously clean the air and trap floating spores.
Step six: Set up a DECON zone.
Right outside the containment, create a space where workers can safely remove PPE and clean tools before exiting.
Once everything is in place, the actual mold removal begins. After remediation, clearance testing ensures the job was successful and your home is safe again.
Bottom line? Proper containment during mold remediation isn’t optional—it’s essential. Done right, it keeps mold from spreading, protects your home, and ensures a thorough and effective cleanup. For information on our Process of mold remediation that does not require containment visit our Handling Mold Problems page.
