Mold Removal | Mold Cleanup | Mold Remediation
Mold removal contractors have been increasing in numbers over the past few years. Remember that there is a difference between a mold removal contractor and an independent mold testing business.
Hiring the correct qualified professional to determine the presence of mold is very important.
The two most common types of professionals are:
- Mold Removal Contractors. These are professionals that perform mold removal, remediation and cleanup. Most will offer to test and inspect for mold. But they are also bidding for your removal and cleanup job.
- Independent Mold Inspection and Testing Only Businesses. These are professionals that do not engage in the removal, remediation and cleanup of mold. They will help determine whether or not you need to hire a mold remediation contractor with a full visual inspection and by taking samples for lab testing.
Most mold removal contractors are honest, hard working people. But when a mold removal contractor is checking for the presence of mold, they are also bidding for the cleanup job. He or she could be tempted to tell you that you have a mold problem that requires remediation, even if you don’t.
Most mold removal jobs typically cost thousands of dollars. An honest assessment from an outside third party can help protect you from what could be a large and unnecessary expense.
This is why it’s crucial to hire an unbiased, third party to perform both the initial mold inspection and the post mold removal clearance test.
Mold Spotters is an unbiased, testing only business that does not engage in mold removal. Before hiring a mold removal company, you should contact us to book your unbiased inspection.
If we determine that you need further evaluation by a mold removal contractor, you should know the series of steps the contractor will need to take. Here is a guideline to the typical process.
- Creating containment: The work area must be contained with special plastic sheeting and tape. This is so when disturbed, the air inside the rest of the home is not flooded with mold spores.
- Personal protection equipment: Most contractors will wear full body suits, including respirators, while working inside the contained area. This will protect them from the harmful effects of the mold, it’s spores and other harmful airborne contaminants.
This worker has created containment, is wearing personal protection gear and is using a HEPA filter. - Negative pressure: A fan is usually installed in or around the contained area that vents outdoors. You will see the negative pressure when the plastic sheeting billows inward toward the contained area. This pushes the freshly disturbed mold spores outdoors instead of into the living area.
- Remove contaminated materials: The workers will remove all building materials contaminated with mold. This includes wallboard, insulation and more.
- Application of a mold killing agent: Typically known as a biocide, this is a material that usually comes in a liquid form. Surfaces are scrubbed and wiped down to kill any remaining mold.
- HEPA filters: These are air filters that comply with the standards for “High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance”. The filter’s efficiency is rated by achieving at least 99.97% efficient on particles of 0.3 microns in size. They will generally run inside the contained area for at least 48 hours before removing the containment (plastic sheeting). This is the last step to catch any remaining mold spores.
The mold removal contractor may also recommend additional steps not listed here. Here is a link to an extensive article from the CDC that relates to mold prevention and cleanup strategies.
People are becoming more and more aware of the dangers of indoor mold. The past few years have shown major advancements in:
- Mold testing technology
- Mold removal and cleanup techniques
- A greater understanding about the health effects of mold by the medical community
If you suspect the possibility of indoor mold at your home or business, this is a problem that should never be ignored. If you would like to book an inspection, you can do so by clicking here. We welcome you to book online or give us a call if you would like to speak with our staff to answer any additional questions.