Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the materials you use toxic?
• Do we have to leave our home while you do your work?
• Is there a smell? What does it smell like?
• Will the mold be gone when you are finished?
• How does Mold Solutions technology work?
• Do you use HEPA Air scrubbers and why?
• Do you do testing?
• How do you keep mold from spreading while you work?
• How long does the process take?
• Do you offer a warranty?
• If I don’t have a leak, why is there mold in my attic or crawl space?
• Why can’t I use bleach to clean up mold?

Are the materials you use toxic?

For over 29 years, our EPA-registered microbe preventatives have been used in thousands of products such as air filters, hospital drapes, hospital clothing, wound dressings, socks, baby mattresses, and baby diapers, and trusted by top companies including Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Rockport, Brillo Pads and Franklin Sports. Recently, Dade County Florida used our materials to treat 6 schools as part of a major study to determine the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment in a school on improving children’s attendance. Back in 1976, Dow Corning spent over $2 million on studies and research ensuring this product received EPA registration – a very significant investment at the time.

Do we have to leave our home while you do your work?

No, you do NOT have to leave your home while we work. However, our product does emit a subtle aroma, which may be slightly unpleasant. And although containment of the affected area we are treating is limited for safety reasons, our skilled technicians will do whatever they can to to complete the process with as little inconvenience to you as possible.

Is there a smell? What does it smell like?

Yes, there is a slight aroma that smells like chlorine or paint. Our product does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. Its chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning will not remove the treatment, although heavy abrasion can.

Will the mold be gone when you are finished?

Yes, the mold will be sanitized when we are finished. However, in order for Duraban’s Antimicrobials to continue its effectiveness, normal cleaning of all treated surfaces is necessary. Dirt buildup, paint, dead microbes, etc. will cover the treatment, which can prohibit it from killing microorganisms.

How does Mold Solutions technology work?

The active ingredient in Duraban’s Antimicrobials forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer, which chemically bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the quaternary amine sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn’t lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it.

Do you use HEPA Air scrubbers and why?

Yes, we run HEPA Air scrubbers in all containment areas. A HEPA Air scrubber is used to purify the air by removing all the contaminants. We use a HEPA Air scrubber during remediation to help prevent the spread of mold to other areas.

Do you do testing?

Yes, we do Air Quality testing and lift testing.

How do you keep mold from spreading while you work?

We poly-off areas that are suspected to be affected by mold, to limit mold spores from traveling throughout your home or office. We use 4 – 6 mil. poly and tape to prevent air movement outside affected areas, by taping and polying shut air ducts, cold air return ducts and doorways. Then we run HEPA Air scrubbers in all containment areas. A HEPA Air scrubber purifies the air by removing all the containments and creates negative air pressure, so the spores do not escape from the containment areas and spread to non-affected areas. We also limit access to the structure to prevent workers and homeowners from walking in while application is under way.

How long does the process take?

It depends on the size of the project and how many damaged materials are involved. A basic attic or crawl space can take approximately one and a half to two days.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes, we offer a 10-year warranty on remediation projects and we offer a 25-year warranty for new construction.

If I don’t have a leak, why is there mold in my attic or crawl space?

The lack of ventilation and high levels of moisture are sufficient food source to start the growth of mold.

Why can’t I use bleach to clean up mold?

Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials.

Common household bleach is only proven to be effective on hard, non-porous surfaces, and only on specified strains of molds and fungi – a fact that is stated on product labels, as found by independent studies conducted by The Clorox Company (manufacturer and distributor of Ultra Clorox® Regular Bleach).

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is corrosive, yet the properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycilia (roots) of mold. Because the object to mold remediation is to kill mold at its “roots”, chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation.

The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc, and for aiding in neutralizing indoor mold allergens. Beware of any mold inspector or mold remediation company that recommends or uses chlorine bleach for mold clean up on wood-based building materials.