11 Apr What You Should Know Prior To Hiring A Mold Removal Expert
Mold removal can seem daunting. What should you do? How can you do it right and at a fair price?
Mold removal is not as difficult as people think. A professional mold consultant can help you navigate the process and charge a fair price.
A mold professional should be able explain the steps and processes of mold remediation in plain English. Be wary of contractors who are unable to explain the steps and basic processes of mold remediation and removal in plain English.
Do not listen to anyone trying to mislead you or scare you into hiring them.
Finding the right mold remediation professional
Mold professionals are skilled and licensed tradesmen just like plumbers or electricians. Therefore, you will pay more to have a mold company rather than a regular handyman. Mold professionals are subject to high overhead costs. This includes workers compensation and general liability insurance.
Hire a Mold Remediation Specialist vs. a Handyman
Mold should only be dealt with by those who are trained to use safety gear. Vinyl or Neoprene gloves are also recommended. For larger mold remediation projects and when you are using harsh chemicals, a full protective suit is highly recommended.
- Mold professionals use high-end, professional equipment like HEPA (High Efficiency Partiate Air) vacuums, HEPA scrubbers, HEPA vacuums and commercial-strength humidifiers. This equipment is not available to regular handymen.
- Many mold remediation companies can also perform restoration work just like general contractors. Depending on the type of home and the building materials used, restoration can cost more than remediation.
It is important to have experience. Experience is also important. A company that has been in operation for more than 10 years will be able to handle any situation.
Moldman offers these tips to help you find the right professional for your job without spending a fortune.
What is the Mold Remediation Process and how does it work?
What are the requirements to test for mold?
Most of the time, however, you don’t.
If you are able to see the mold, then you don’t need to spend any money on pre-testing it . It’s simple, you need to get rid of it.
There is no need to test for mold in your home.
We advise you to not trust any mold professionals who insist that you spend hundreds of dollars pre-testing mold when it is visible.
Pre-testing is not recommended if there is visible mold. This is only when you require “hard proof” to negotiate. If you’re looking to buy a house with mold, it is a good idea for it to be tested/confirmed in order to negotiate a lower price.
Here are some things to expect once you’re in your home.
- Mold professionals use plastic sheeting to protect the work area. This prevents mold spores from spreading throughout the home.
- After the mold has been removed physically from its source, it is important to clean the air of any airborne mold spores with HEPA air scrubbers or air exchange (i.e. For larger jobs, you can replace moldy air by simple ventilation or more complex negative air controls.
- Use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters when vacuuming or using air scrubbers to remove mold. HEPA filters can capture particles as small and as small as moldspores. Regular filters won’t work and can make the problem worse.
- Mold professionals often discard porous, moldy building materials like drywall, insulation, or baseboards. These materials are easy to replace, but can be difficult or impossible to restore to the original uncontaminated condition.
- To clean up any mold or stains left after demolition, antimicrobial chemicals are used
- To make the areas treated more resistant to mold and water damage, as well as to control odors, a sealer or encapsulant is applied.
It is sometimes necessary to have your HVAC air-ducts professionally cleaned because they can collect mold spores and dust.
What is the average time it takes to remediate mold?
Mold remediation is a disruptive event that can disrupt a household’s day, but professional quality improvements can be achieved in as little as 1 to 3 days.
It doesn’t need to be complicated to hire a mold specialist. There are many good mold professionals out there. They won’t force you to do unnecessary testing, charge reasonable prices, can clearly explain the work they will be doing and use professional equipment and practices.