SUMC Mold Remediation: Getting the Church Ready for Sunday

When Marianne Damato contacted Heartland Restoration about mold remediation at SUMC Church, the project required more than simply addressing the mold on the affected rafters. Because the work was taking place inside a church, several factors needed to be considered before the project could begin.

The team needed to remove church pews, build containment, access the affected area within the vaulted ceiling, complete the remediation work, repaint the rafters, and have everything returned to its original condition before Sunday services. Understanding how each part of the project connected to the next was an important part of the planning process. Before any work began, the team took time to think through the entire project from start to finish.

The Challenge Waiting Above the Sanctuary

One of the biggest challenges was the location of the affected area. The mold was located on rafters approximately 25 feet above the floor within the church’s vaulted ceiling. Reaching the work area required careful consideration during the planning stage, as access would play a major role in how the project moved forward. Working at that height added complexity and made it important to identify the right solution before remediation work could begin.

Finding a Way to Reach the Rafters

With the affected rafters located approximately 25 feet above the floor, finding the right access solution was an important part of the project. A family friend was contacted to secure a discounted rate on a skylift, providing the access needed to reach the vaulted ceiling and complete the work. In addition to helping the project move forward efficiently, this solution resulted in an estimated savings of approximately $2,400 compared to a standard rental option.

Putting the Plan Into Action

The project began with removing church pews and preparing the work area. Once the space was ready, containment was built and the team prepared to access the affected rafters. Using the skylift, technicians reached the vaulted ceiling and cleaned the affected rafters. After cleaning, the rafters were repainted as part of the restoration work.

Throughout the project, the team utilized drills, prybars, sanders, HEPA vacuums, air filtration devices, decon equipment, a fogger, spray bottles, tape, staples, zippers, and the skylift. After the remediation and repainting were completed, everything that had been moved during the project was returned to its original location.

Back in Place Before Sunday

The project was originally estimated to take approximately five working days and 55 man-hours. Through planning and execution, the work was completed in approximately four and a half working days and required about 47 man-hours. Finishing in less time than projected helped ensure everything was ready when needed.

Most importantly, the mold was removed from the affected rafters, the rafters were repainted and looked brand new, and everything was put back in place before Sunday services. The church was fully prepared for normal use, allowing services to continue as scheduled.

Looking Back on the Project

One of the biggest lessons from this project was the importance of slowing down and taking the time to think through the entire process before beginning the work. Creating a plan that was easy to understand and reasonable to follow kept the project organized from start to finish, and reinforced the value of understanding the full scope of work before getting started.

Having standard operating procedures and clearly defined tasks provided structure throughout the project, while communication regarding roles and responsibilities kept everyone aligned. Together, these factors contributed to a successful project that was completed ahead of schedule and ready for Sunday service.