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CASE STUDY
Containment-First Commercial Mold Remediation in Westminster, CO
Clear Developments Lab — Zero-Spread Remediation in Denver’s Northwest Corridor
Overview
A Clear Developments tenant in Westminster, Colorado (Denver metro, US-36 corridor near Standley Lake/Bradburn Village business parks) reported odor and staining along a wet wall. Opening the cavity confirmed chronic moisture at plumbing penetrations with backside drywall colonization. Operations had to continue in adjacent benches. Our approach was containment-led from minute one.
Using engineered containments, continuous negative pressure with exterior venting, HEPA capture, precise moisture mapping, and targeted demolition, we restored the Westminster lab quickly and prevented cross-contamination.
The Situation
What Was Really Happening Inside the Wall
Backside gypsum paper and the floor line showed long-term microbial growth from recurring moisture/splash at penetrations.
Fiberglass insulation was impacted; metal studs and base channel were salvageable.
Without engineered controls, demolition would have aerosolized spores into clean zones of the Westminster lab suite and nearby corridors off Federal Blvd and W 120th Ave.
Engineered Containment: The Critical Control Layer
We built a controlled environment that stopped contaminants at the source and protected the occupied areas common to Westminster Promenade–area offices:
Soft-wall chamber, 6-mil poly, zipper access, slab-to-ceiling seals, make-up air panel, and viewing window for QC.
Negative pressure maintained continuously; exhaust ducted outside via lay-flat to prevent recirculation inside the Denver-metro building envelope.
True HEPA filtration with staged prefilters to hold CFM; manometer checks logged.
PPE discipline and waste management inside the chamber: tacky mats, tool staging, double-bagging, and interior doffing to avoid corridor contamination.
Protocol mirrors the owner’s directive above: containment first because contaminants—not just “mold” but spores, fragments, and mycotoxin-bearing dust—are what spread and shut down facilities.
Demolition & Removal — Targeted Removal Under Negative Pressure
Straight flood-cuts to isolate affected bays.
Drywall and insulation removed and bagged within the containment; penetrations exposed for source correction.
Salvageable metal framing retained after verification.
Cleaning & Treatment — Decontamination Protocol and Dry-Back
HEPA-vac → antimicrobial wipe → final HEPA-vac (“HEPA sandwich”) on studs, base track, penetrations, and slab edge.
Detail brushing at screw points and track seams; residue removed at floor line.
Dry-back to normal moisture content; penetrations sealed to reduce future splash/wicking.
Work executed to IICRC S520 standards.
Before & After Results
Before
Hidden Cavity Contamination Next to Active Benches
From the occupied side the wall looked fine, but backside gypsum showed widespread spotting and discoloration. Insulation was unsalvageable, and odors indicated ongoing wetting. Any uncontrolled removal would have dispersed contaminants through the Westminster lab/office suite.
After
Clean, Dry, Cleared: Operations Protected
With containment, negative air, and HEPA capture in place, we removed all impacted porous materials, cleaned the structure to a white-glove visual, and returned the area to baseline particle levels. No cross-contamination to adjacent workspaces; the Denver-northwest facility resumed normal use immediately after clearance.
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
Don’t Guess—Inspect.
Call Alpha Restoration
Moisture issues in condos, townhomes, and single-family homes across Westminster, Sherrelwood, Federal Heights, and Arvada can hide for months; a professional inspection finds cavity moisture before it spreads.
Control the Air, Control the Outcome
Engineered containments, negative pressure, and HEPA filtration are non-negotiable. That’s how contaminants are confined and why adjacent rooms stay safe.
Hire Certified Remediators
Following IICRC standards preserves indoor air quality and property value across the Denver–Boulder corridor.
Why Denver, Colorado Trusts Alpha Restoration
- Local Expertise: We know Denver’s housing mix—from century-old Capitol Hill homes and Park Hill basements to LoHi townhomes and Union Station high-rises. Freeze-thaw cycles, summer monsoons, and sprinkler/bib bursts are part of our everyday playbook
- Advanced Equipment: Thermal imaging, HEPA filtration, negative air, and commercial LGR dehumidifiers tuned for altitude.
- Full-Service: Extraction, drying, demo, mold remediation, and reconstruction—one team, start to finish.
- HOA/Permit Savvy: We coordinate with property managers and HOAs in Downtown, Cherry Creek, and DTC/Glendale buildings.
24/7 Emergency Help Neighborhoods We Serve
Central & North: LoDo, RiNo (Five Points), LoHi/Highlands, Jefferson Park, Sunnyside, Berkeley, Sloan’s Lake, Edgewater, West Colfax
East & Northeast: City Park, Park Hill, Montclair, Mayfair, Hale, Hilltop, Lowry, Central Park (Stapleton), Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, East Colfax
South & Southeast: Capitol Hill, Golden Triangle, Baker/South Broadway, Speer, Washington Park, Platt Park, University/DU, University Hills, Virginia Village, Cory-Merrill, Belcaro, Cherry Creek, Congress Park
Nearby Cities: Glendale, Englewood, Littleton, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn, Commerce City, Aurora, Centennial, Greenwood Village
Need Emergency Water Damage Help?
If you’re in Denver, Colorado and facing water damage, call Alpha Restoration right away at (303) 419-5331.
Our 24/7 emergency response team will arrive quickly to protect your property and restore it to pre-loss condition.
