12 Sep What You Should Know Prior To Hiring A Mold Removal Expert
It can be difficult to remove mold. What can you do to make it easier? What can you do to make it right, and for a fair price?
Mold removal isn’t as complicated as you think. Mold consultants can assist you with the process and will charge a fair amount.
A mold professional should be capable of explaining the steps and basic processes of mold remediation in plain English. Contractors who cannot explain the basic steps and processes of mold removal and remediation in plain English should be avoided.
Don’t listen to anyone who tries to trick you or scare your into hiring them.
Find the right mold remediation expert
Mold professionals are licensed and skilled tradesmen, just like electricians and plumbers. A mold company will cost you more than a regular handyman. Mold professionals have high overhead costs. This includes workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
A Mold Remediation Specialist is better than a Handyman
Only those who have been trained in the use of safety gear should deal with mold. Also recommended are Neoprene or vinyl gloves. A full protective suit is recommended for larger mold remediation projects or when using harsh chemicals.
- Mold professionals use high-end professional equipment such as HEPA (High Efficiency Pariate Air), vacuums, HEPA scrubbers and humidifiers with commercial strength. Regular handymen cannot access this equipment.
- Mold remediation companies are also able to perform restoration work, just like general contractors. Restoration can be more expensive than remediation depending on the home’s type and the materials used.
Experience is essential. It is important to have experience. Any situation can be handled by a company that has been around for over 10 years.
Mold man shares these tips to help find the right person for your job.
What is Mold Remediation and how does it work?
What are the requirements for testing for mold?
Most of the times, however, it is not.
You don’t have to pre-test it if you can see the mold. It is easy, just get rid of it.
You don’t need to test your home for mold.
Mold professionals who insist on spending hundreds of dollars to test mold before it becomes visible should be avoided.
If there is visible mold, pre-testing is not advised. Only if you need “hard proof” before you negotiate. It is a smart idea to test the mold before you buy a house.
These are some things you should expect when you move into your home.
- Protect the work area with plastic sheeting. This helps prevent mold spores spreading throughout your home.
- After mold has been removed from the source, it is necessary to clean the air with HEPA air scrubbers (or air exchange) to remove any mold spores. You can either replace moldy air with simple ventilation, or more complicated negative air controls for larger jobs.
- HEPA (High Efficiency Partially Air) filters are recommended when vacuuming or using scrubbers to get rid of mold. HEPA filters can capture particles as small as spores. Regular filters will not work and may make the problem worse.
- Mold professionals frequently discard porous and moldy building materials such as drywall, insulation, and baseboards. These materials can be easily replaced, but it is not always possible to restore the original condition.
- Antimicrobial chemicals can be used to clean up mold stains and other residues left from demolition.
- A sealer or an encapsulant can be applied to make the treated areas more resistant to mold damage and water damage. It also helps to eliminate odors.
Sometimes, it is necessary to have your HVAC air-ducts professionally cleaned as they can collect mold spores or dust.
How long does it take to remove mold?
Mold remediation can be disruptive and disrupt a household’s daily life. However, professional quality improvements can be made in as little as one to three days.
Hiring a mold specialist doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many skilled mold professionals available. They will not force you to test unnecessary things, won’t charge unreasonable prices, and can clearly explain what they are doing.