Targeted Mold Removal Protective of Surfaces
Long-lasting and sustainable mold remediation in St. Louis often requires more than just routine surface wiping or scrubbing. When mold colonies become established, whether behind drywall, on rafters, or in damp basements, the thread-like hyphae that make up the microbial organisms burrow deeply into porous materials. At Sansara 24/7 Restoration & Remodeling, trained technicians go beyond superficial cleaning to ensure lasting mold removal, using both traditional and innovative approaches for safer, more effective results.
Traditional Mold Removal
Conventional mold remediation in St. Louis, especially when done properly, requires a significant amount of effort. Workers spend hours scraping, brushing, and sanding affected areas to remove visible and embedded mold through mechanical actions. Unfortunately, not all areas are easily accessible. Additionally, many surfaces cannot withstand harsh abrasion without suffering permanent damage. The challenges facing homeowners and remediation experts are significant during mold removal.
Enter Media Blasting
Mold recovery professionals rely on media blasting as a unique and efficient tool for remediation. Media blasting uses compressed air or spinning wheels to propel fine abrasive particles at moldy surfaces. The goal is to loosen and dislodge mold organisms at their “roots” without damaging the material these primitive life forms are living on and using for food. Blasting is especially effective on irregular or hard-to-access structures, such as attic joists, crawl spaces, and unfinished wood framing.
Blasting Process and Media Used
Despite the industrial-sounding name, media blasting is gentle when done correctly. The technicians wielding the blasting nozzles work with pinpoint accuracy, limiting debris and avoiding hard-to-mold materials. The choice of blasting media is not always what you would expect. Rather than rough sand and gravel, common media used for mold remediation include:
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) — With its fine texture and mild abrasiveness, soda blasting is ideal for many porous surfaces, providing effective mold removal without deep scratching.
- Crushed Corn Cobs or nut shells — Surprisingly effective and natural options —corn cob or nut shell blasting cleans mold off log walls, beams, and older wood while preserving the grain and structural integrity.
- Dry Ice (Solid CO₂ Pellets) — One of the most advanced options, dry ice blasting removes mold through mechanical force, extreme cold (thermal shock), and rapid gas expansion. This triple-action effect lifts mold from surfaces, leaving no residue behind for cleanup.
Sansara 24/7 Restoration & Remodeling adheres to industry standards established by the EPA, IICRC, and NORMI. Media blasting is just one of the tools we use to ensure a comprehensive mold remediation process. Call Sansara 24/7 Restoration & Remodeling at (636) 812-3838 to schedule your St. Louis mold remediation assessment. Our skilled and certified team is ready with minimally invasive and innovative techniques that are sustainable and effective.