4 Tips for Selecting a Qualified Mold Removal Company

1. Finding Signs of Mold Damage

Mold is sneaky and likes to hide in dark, damp places. That makes it challenging to find until it becomes a big problem. It's helpful to know the signs that you might have mold damage occurring.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can find mold anywhere, including on anything made of paper or wood, as well as building materials like insulation and drywall. It can show up in upholstery and wallpaper. Mold can even grow in dust!

Because mold isn’t picky, it can easily grow in many places in your home, especially in tropical areas or after you have had a flood or a leaking pipe. If you notice some of the following signs, mold may be lurking around the corner :

• Smelling musty odors
• Seeing black, brown, or other colored spots on your ceilings or walls
• Feeling itchy on your skin, eyes, or throat
• Coughing or wheezing
• Feeling more tired or lethargic than usual
• Having a recent flood, leaking pipe, or finding water damage in your home

After you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address the potential mold issue immediately. Mold can cause serious health issues for you, your family, and your pets. Prompt action helps keep it from spreading, decreases further damage to your home, and keeps you and your family safe from mold-borne illnesses.

2. Ask The Right Questions

Asking the right questions will help you screen mold removal companies quickly. You don’t want to waste your time, energy, or money on a company that can’t help you. Here are a few questions you can ask mold removal professionals:

• Do you offer a free in-home mold consultation?
• Can you quote me for your services and itemize what you provide?
• Are you insured, certified, and accredited?
• If so, what are your accreditations?
• How do you test for mold?
• Do you contain the treatment site?
• Do you and your staff wear protective clothing?
• What is your treatment protocol?
• Will we have to leave the house during the treatment process?
• Do you repair damaged walls or ceilings yourself or do you work with a contractor?
• Do you offer a guarantee for removal and repair work?

Your mold removal professional should be able to answer these questions easily and be able to show proof of insurance, certifications, and accreditations.

3. Find Out What Equipment Is Used

While you can find some at-home mold removal or cleaning equipment at the store, you are choosing a professional for a reason. They have the skills, training, experience, and professional-grade equipment to get the job done right the first time.

You want to have a basic understanding of some of the equipment mold removal companies use so you can be sure they're containing the mold as much as possible and preventing further damage. Some of the common professional equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following, according to Wise-Geek:

• Air and surface sampling kits
• Moisture and humidity meters
• Infrared thermometers
• Area containment systems
• HEPA wet and dry commercial vacuums
• ULV cold foggers
• Commercial-grade dehumidifiers
• HEPA air scrubbers
• Carpet dryers
• Disinfectants and sanitization products
• Respirator masks and personal protective equipment
• Heavy-duty plastic sheets, duct tape, and special garbage bags to keep the rest of your home safe

4. Check Experience and Qualifications

You want a knowledgeable, trained, and skilled professional to get the mold out of your home. Along with the other tips, you can read online reviews about the companies you are considering. You can also ask about their experience and qualifications. Here are some credentials you might look for:

• Mold Removal Specialist or MRS –The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an internationally-recognized organization that creates standards for mold remediation. In order to be an MRS, professionals must go through specialized training in preventing and removing mold. They also have to pass an exam in order to be MRS certified.
• Council-Certified Microbial Remediator or CMR – In order for a mold removal professional to be accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) as a CMR, they have to obtain a minimum of two years of experience working in mold removal, have to pass an exam, and take 20 hours of continuing education in mold removal every year.
• Council-Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor or CMRS – These professionals are also accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards. They must have a minimum of five years of experience working in the field, pass an exam, and complete 20 hours of continuing education yearly. Additionally, a CMRS is qualified to supervise mold remediators.

Conclusion

Whether you only suspect mold or you see it climbing your walls, getting in contact with a mold removal professional prevents it from causing more damage. Tackling mold on your own is a hassle, and it’s not guaranteed to disinfect the affected area or remove all the mold. With these tips, you will be well on your way to eliminating mold damage and preventing it from coming back.

Sources

• https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
• https://www.cesb.org/
• https://iicrc.org/
• https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-mold-remediation-equipment.htm