How We Restored a Mold Damaged Kitchen and Basement in Maryland Heights

How We Approached the Mold Damaged Kitchen and Basement

We follow a proven mold remediation process to make sure the mold is fully removed and does not come back to this home. Here's how we handled this project step by step:



Step 1: Inspection and Moisture Reading

Behind every mold problem, there’s water and moisture. So, we started by inspecting the affected areas and using moisture meters to check how wet the materials were. We found high moisture levels in the basement ceiling joists and behind the kitchen walls which meant that mold had just enough time to spread extensively in these areas. This helped us plan our containment zones and demolition areas.

Step 2: Setting Up Containment

Next, we set up containment barriers around both the basement and the first-floor kitchen. This step is very important as it helps us keep mold spores from spreading to other areas of the house during the cleanup. We also made sure all team members wore proper PPE (personal protective equipment) to stay safe.

Step 3: Removing Damaged Materials

In the kitchen, we had to remove ceramic floor tiles, the underlayment, wet drywall, and water-damaged insulation. We also had to detach the base cabinets, sink, and faucet so we could clean underneath. In the basement, the mold had grown so much that we needed to remove the drywall and insulation from the ceiling and walls where the joists were affected to remediate the area completely.

Step 4: Cleaning and Antimicrobial Treatment

Once the demo was finished, we moved on to cleaning and treating the affected areas to make sure the mold wouldn’t come back. Here’s what that looked like:

• HEPA Vacuuming: We used HEPA vacuums to clean all exposed surfaces, which are designed to trap tiny mold spores without releasing them back into the air.
• Antimicrobial Treatment: After vacuuming, we sprayed an antimicrobial solution on everything - wood joists, subfloors, wall studs, and concrete. This step helped us kill any remaining mold.
• Prevention: The treatment also creates a protective layer that helps prevent mold from growing again in the future.



Step 5: Dry-Out and Air Filtration

With all damaged materials removed and the area cleaned, we set up our drying equipment. This included air movers to circulate air, dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air and building materials, and air scrubbers to clean the air of any leftover mold spores. We monitored the drying process daily to make sure all moisture was gone.

Step 6: Final Cleaning and Clearance

After a few days, the home was dry and safe. We also took moisture readings to confirm everything was dry. The homeowner was pleased with how clean and fresh the home was, and they felt safe once again in their home.

Call Us Today for Expert Mold Remediation!

At True North Restoration of Greater St. Louis West, we take every mold job seriously - no matter the size. Mold can spread quickly and cause real damage, but with the right team, it can be stopped and cleaned the right way.

If you notice signs of mold in your home, like musty smells, water stains, or peeling paint, don’t ignore the problem! Call us today at (314) 557-3990 for a free inspection, or fill out this online form. Let’s get your home back to normal together!