Disinfectants and Mold Resistant Coatings

Ideal for use in Water Damage Restoration Projects

Water intrusion resulting from flooding, storm damage and broken or leaking pipes can have a devastating impact in homes and buildings. Mold and mildew growth is often one of the biggest problems. Mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion, leaving homes and buildings vulnerable, since many construction materials provide nutrient sources for mold growth.

To limit damage and control costs, proper clean up, drying and repair are necessary immediately after a water intrusion event occurs. An effective mold remediation plan includes steps to clean and dry contaminated surfaces, remove residual microbial contaminants and prevent mold from re-occurring with a fungicidal coating for long term prevention. This is essential in areas prone to mold growth, especially in high humidity conditions.

Your Best Results Begin with a Professional Remediation Expert and Foster® Products

Working with a water damage restoration or mold remediation expert will ensure water damage to your home or building is properly evaluated and addressed and a plan is developed to correct any problems. This starts with assessing interior building materials, such as:

  • Drywall
  • Concrete block
  • Interior wall cavities
  • Pipes
  • Finished and unfinished wood
  • Masonry
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC duct systems

Each water damage restoration project is unique, so the remediation plan should be tailored specifically to the job by an experienced professional. Your building or home’s mold remediation plan will be based on factors, such as:

  • Source of water intrusion
  • Building materials affected
  • Length of time and/or frequency the area has been exposed to moisture
  • Existing climate conditions (i.e. temperature, humidity)

All projects have the same desired end-result – to safely and effectively remove the contaminants, return the building to its original condition, and prevent mold from re-occurring.

Professional Remediation Process

A typical remediation plan starts with cleaning and disinfecting the contaminated surface to kill existing mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria, and then sealing it with a mold resistant coating. The last step provides long term protection of the coating’s surface from mold re-grow.

1. CLEAN

After all unsalvageable materials (such as, carpeting, furniture and wall board) are removed, the cleaning process can begin.

  • All surface areas are thoroughly dried by using dry, circulated air. Fans, dehumidifiers, or other equipment may be utilized.
  • All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants.

2. KILL

Next, a disinfectant is applied to treat the contaminated surface. Foster® 40-80™ Disinfectant* is an EPA registered “all-in-one” mildewstat, fungicide, germicide, deodorizer, and disinfectant/cleaner that:

  • Attacks bacteria and mold (fungicidal)
  • Is formulated for use against odor-causing bacteria and mold on porous and semi-porous materials

* Not for use inside HVAC ducts, vents or on duct liner insulations (see product label for use directions).

3. COAT

Finally, a mold-resistant coating is applied to provide a clean, fresh surface coat with long term protection against odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew growth. Foster® antimicrobial and mold resistant coatings are designed for different applications. Your remediation professional will recommend the coating that is best suited for the job. However, all Foster® coatings provide:

  • Water-based, low-odor formulation
  • High solids content
  • Breathable coating
  • Excellent long-term protection
  • High percentage active ingredients

Application of Foster® coatings ensures:

  • A fresh, clean surface free of mold that will allow the substrates to continue to dry while the coating inhibits the re-growth of mold on its surface, even when the humidity is high or moisture is still present.
  • Cleaned and coated substrates will remain clean as the project progresses, resisting the growth of mold on their surfaces caused by the transfer of spores from other parts of the project.

4. AFTER

After the coatings are dried and the remediation is complete, the final repairs and refinishing of the building can resume. In wall cavities, crawl spaces and attics the mold resistant coatings should not be disturbed. New drywall, ceiling tiles or other finishing materials can be installed, leaving the enclosed areas coated. On interior surfaces, such as drywall, that are to be painted or wall-papered, the finish may be applied directly over the mold resistant coatings.