Water Mitigation SOP Example

Mold Remediation — Crawlspace

Mold growth on floor joists and subfloor in crawlspace from chronic moisture intrusion.

1. PPE & containment setupFull PPE required before entry: Tyvek suit, P100 full-face respirator, nitrile gloves, and rubber boots. Establish negative air pressure containment at crawlspace access using 6-mil poly sheeting and zipper entry. Deploy HEPA air scrubbers sized at minimum 4 air changes per hour for the total crawlspace volume. Do not enter or disturb mold growth before containment is confirmed functional and air scrubbers are operating.
2. Remove existing vapor barrierRemove existing poly vapor barrier in sections — roll and bag in 6-mil poly immediately to avoid spore disturbance. Label all waste bags "Mold-Contaminated Material — Handle with Care." Load all bags through containment without breaking the negative air pressure zone. Photograph existing conditions including vapor barrier condition and any standing water or drainage issues before removal.
3. Mechanical removal of mold growthUse HEPA-equipped vacuum to remove loose mold from all affected joist and subfloor surfaces across the 200 sq ft zone. Follow with wire brush or sanding of all visually affected wood surfaces — extend treatment zone minimum 2 feet beyond visible growth perimeter. HEPA-vacuum again after mechanical removal. All removed material goes into sealed bags. Do not use air blowers or compressed air near affected materials.
4. Antimicrobial treatmentApply EPA-registered antimicrobial solution to all treated wood surfaces per manufacturer dilution and dwell time requirements. Apply with garden-pump sprayer — ensure all surfaces are wetted but not saturated. Allow full dwell time before proceeding (typically 10 minutes). Apply second coat and allow to dry. Document product name, dilution ratio, and application date in project log. Photograph all treated areas.
5. Borate treatment & encapsulationApply penetrating borate solution (Tim-Bor or equivalent) to all joists and subfloor in the remediated zone. Allow to dry fully. Apply white encapsulant coating to all treated structural wood surfaces — this seals residual contamination and allows visual future inspection of the crawlspace. Apply per manufacturer spread rate. Photograph finished encapsulated surfaces.
6. New vapor barrier installationInstall new 20-mil reinforced poly vapor barrier across entire crawlspace floor. Overlap all seams minimum 12" and tape with appropriate moisture-barrier tape. Run barrier up foundation walls minimum 6" and secure with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Cover all soil — do not leave any exposed ground areas. Photograph completed installation.
7. Final inspection & clearance testingRemove all equipment and containment materials. Clean crawlspace access and surrounding area. Contact IH for post-remediation clearance air sampling — do not re-occupy space or seal access until clearance sample results are received and pass IICRC S520 clearance criteria. Provide all project documentation, waste manifests, and treatment logs to property owner and IH upon project completion.