Today we have some questions about using Encapsulants during Mold Remediation

Definition:

An encapsulant is a material used to protect and preserve components, circuits, and other fragile items by sealing them in a protective cover. Encapsulation involves completely encasing an item with the chosen material in order to provide complete protection from environmental elements and physical damage. The most common materials used for encapsulation are epoxy resins.

When it comes to mold remediation, the main purpose of encapsulation is to prevent moisture from entering the material being encapsulated. This will also prevent any further spread of the mold or mycotoxins, which require moisture to grow along with air and food.

The encapsulant is typically a waterproof paint or coating that is applied to affected areas. This helps to prevent moisture from entering into the area and also serves as an effective barrier between the environment outside and the materials inside. Encapsulation can be a great solution for preventing further spread of mold spores.

Wrong Definition:

Encapsulating mold is a process in whicha mold sealant is applied to a surface in order to prevent any mold there from growing or spreading. This use of a sealant or encapsulate is what we are trying to avoid. Remediators who use encapsulants to kill mold or trying to prevent it from growing or spreading are cutting corners in a big way.

When can I use an encapsulant during a mold remediation?

When a mold assessor directs you to do so. It's that plain and simple. A mold assessor will determine whether mold cannot be fully removed from a surface and a moldy surface cannot be removed and replaced. The best example of this is when mold is in an inaccessible place such as an air duct, space between floors, space in an attic or space in a crawl space. If a human cannot reach such places and touch it with his person, then applying an encapsulant is sometimes the best option.

Encapsulants can also be used in cases where the affected material is too porous and difficult to clean. In these cases, the best option may be to apply an encapsulant to prevent mold spores from entering the surface and growing further. A good example would be outer sheathing that has become wet and it is not structurally feasible to remove it and replace it. A mold remediator should NEVER make this decision on his own. In short, it's always best practice to seek the advice of a certified mold assessor before using an encapsulant.

What Products Should I Use?

If a mold assessor specifies a specific product, then only use that specific product. Only those products that are EPA approved for this specific use. If the EPA does not approve, then do not use it. Sometimes the assessor will recommend a specific product but will add "or equivalent". This means as long as the product being substituted by the remediator has exactly the same properties as the recommended product, then the assessor will allow it to be substituted.

Here is a list of products that may be used as an encapsulant on a mold remediation project:

• FiberLock IAQ 6000HD (Perfect for OSB Outer Sheathing)
• FiberLock IAQ 6040 (Provides a translucent finish that will not block the appearance of coated building materials.
• FiberLock IAQ 9000
• FiberLock IAQ 8500 (Perfect for use in duct work. Also, to seal prior to component removal)

There are other manufacturers that make equivalent products. One such product is KILZ Mold & Mildew Resistant Primer Film. The remediator should be careful NOT TO USE any other KILZ product as they are for covering stains and not making the wall mold and mildew resistant. KILZ products are cheaper than the products made by FiberLock. My personal belief is that you get what you pay for. Under no circumstance should a DISINFECTANT/CLEANER be substituted for or used as an encapsulant.

Remember read the label and make sure it is EPA-Approved for the intended use and always follow the application instructions on the label.