Key points
- Often yes — the work area is sealed off so the rest of the home stays usable.
- Containment uses plastic sheeting, a zipper entry and HEPA negative air.
- It depends on where the mold is, how much there is, and who lives in the home.
- We tell you before work starts if it makes sense to stay elsewhere.
How containment keeps the rest of the home separate
The affected area is sealed with plastic and a zipper door. A HEPA air machine pulls air out of the work area so air flows into it, not out of it, and spores stirred up during removal stay inside. That is what makes it possible to keep living in the rest of the house. More on negative air containment.
When staying elsewhere makes sense
- The mold is in the only bathroom or the kitchen, and you can’t work around it.
- It is in the HVAC system, which moves air through the whole home — see mold in HVAC ducts.
- Someone in the household is very young, elderly, pregnant or has a respiratory condition. Ask your doctor; general information is in mold health effects.
- Mold came with sewage or other contaminated water — see sewage backup health risks.
If you stay
- Keep the containment closed and don’t move or open the plastic.
- Keep pets and children out of the work area.
- Expect equipment noise; HEPA machines run continuously until clearance.
If you need to move out for part of the job and have insurance, ask your adjuster about loss of use (additional living expenses). General information, not insurance advice.
Common questions
Is it safe for pets?
Keep pets out of the work area and away from the containment plastic at all times. If the work is next to where a pet sleeps or eats, move its things to another part of the house, or consider boarding during the noisiest part of the job.
Can I run my heating and air conditioning?
Usually, but vents and returns inside the work area are sealed so the system cannot pull air from it or push air into it. Ask the crew which registers are sealed and leave them closed until clearance.
Will the house smell during the work?
You may notice a mild smell from cleaning products near the work area. A strong musty smell spreading through the house is not normal — tell the crew so they can check the containment.
Questions before we start?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.