Dry ice blasting uses solid carbon dioxide pellets accelerated at high velocity to dislodge mold colonies from wood framing, plaster, and concrete without introducing moisture. In Patton homes built before 1970 near Patton State Hospital, this method reaches behind lath-and-plaster walls where summer heat drives humidity spikes that reactivate dormant spores. Technicians mask HVAC returns first because the county's mild winters still allow condensation inside ducts when indoor temperatures drop at night.
The process avoids the water introduction common with wet cleaning methods that can soak insulation in Highland-adjacent bungalows. San Bernardino County building codes require containment barriers and negative air pressure during any remediation that disturbs more than ten square feet, and dry ice blasting produces minimal dust that simplifies compliance. Operators monitor substrate temperature because rapid cooling can cause older plaster to crack if pellets linger too long on one spot.
After blasting, remaining spores are captured by HEPA filtration rather than washed away, which matters in Patton's flat terrain where poor drainage already contributes to crawl-space moisture. Homeowners often overlook the need to correct the original water source, such as roof leaks common after hot summer storms, before the surface is treated.
Technician insight
In Patton, the thing that catches most people out with dry ice blasting mold is the age of the plaster in homes near the state hospital. Once winter temperatures drop, the sudden cooling from the pellets can loosen already brittle layers if you do not feather the nozzle angle properly across the surface.
Crawl Space Mold in 1960s Patton Home
A homeowner in Patton noticed musty odors after a summer heat wave. Inspection revealed mold on floor joists above a poorly graded lot near Highland. Dry ice blasting removed the growth from the aged lumber without adding moisture, followed by HEPA cleaning and advice to improve drainage before any new flooring was installed.
How it works
- 1
Initial Containment Setup
Technicians seal the work zone with plastic sheeting and establish negative air machines to prevent spore migration into living spaces.
- 2
Dry Ice Application
Pellets are blasted at controlled pressure across affected wood, plaster, and concrete surfaces to fracture and lift mold colonies.
- 3
HEPA Vacuum and Wipe Down
Loose debris is vacuumed with HEPA filters, then surfaces receive a final dry wipe to remove any remaining residue.
- 4
Source Correction Review
The team inspects roofs, plumbing, and grading around the Patton property to identify ongoing moisture sources before final clearance.
Pricing
Pricing varies by square footage, access difficulty, and whether HVAC components require treatment.