Water damage that reaches a home’s structural framing, particularly the floor joists beneath a kitchen, calls for a methodical remediation approach that goes beyond surface drying. When moisture lingers in wood members, mold growth can follow, requiring cleaning, treatment, and careful air quality management before the space is safe again. That was the situation at a Sioux Falls residence handled by Crew Restoration and Construction in August 2025.
“Containment was established around the opening to prevent cross-contamination. The floor joists beneath the kitchen were thoroughly cleaned, with sanding performed in select areas where mold staining could not be fully removed. All exposed wood members were treated with RMR solution to inhibit microbial growth. Two air scrubbers were deployed and operated continuously for two days to ensure proper air quality and filtration. Once remediation was complete, all containment barriers were carefully taken down. The customer arranged for the removal of all furniture from the work area prior to the remediation process.”
from the Crew project notes
Project Facts
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Service: Water Damage Restoration
- Completed: August 2025
Containment and Cross-Contamination Control
One of the first steps in any remediation affecting structural cavities is establishing a containment barrier around the work zone. On a typical loss like this, plastic sheeting and negative air pressure are used to isolate the affected area from the rest of the living space. This prevents mold spores and dust disturbed during cleaning from migrating into unaffected rooms. The containment stays in place throughout the active remediation work and is only removed once the space has been cleared and air quality has been verified. Proper containment is not just a precaution for the occupants; it also protects the integrity of the remediation itself by keeping the treatment zone controlled.
Treating Mold-Stained Wood Members
When water damage reaches floor joists and other structural wood, the remediation process typically involves mechanical cleaning (wire brushing or sanding) to remove surface mold growth, followed by application of an antimicrobial or mold-inhibiting solution to the exposed wood. Sanding is used in areas where staining has penetrated the wood surface and cannot be fully removed by cleaning alone. Products like RMR-86 or similar EPA-registered solutions are applied to treated surfaces to inhibit future microbial growth. It is worth noting that staining can sometimes remain in wood even after successful remediation; the goal is the elimination of active mold colonies, not necessarily the complete removal of all discoloration.
Air Scrubbing and Final Air Quality
Deploying air scrubbers is a standard part of mold remediation in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. These units pull air through HEPA filtration, capturing airborne spores and particulates generated during cleaning and sanding. On a typical project, air scrubbers run continuously throughout the work period and for a defined period afterward to ensure the air within the containment zone meets acceptable quality standards before barriers are removed. Running two units for two days, as noted in this project, reflects the kind of thorough approach needed when structural wood members have been disturbed. Once the scrubbers have completed their cycle and containment is removed, the space is ready for any reconstruction work the homeowner needs to schedule.
Contact Crew Restoration and Construction
If you have water damage affecting structural framing, subfloor areas, or anywhere mold growth may have taken hold, Crew Restoration and Construction serves Sioux Falls and the surrounding region. Call (605) 965-2727 to talk through your situation and schedule an assessment.