Mold Remediation and Restoration

Volatile organic compounds that can lead to health effects can often be enough of a reason for homeowners and business owners to act quickly when a mold colonization gets discovered.

Mold growth can also damage structural elements and degrade construction materials and contents, causing irreparable damages. With how quickly the organisms can spread throughout an affected area

Containment in:

• 6-mil poly sheeting secured with painter’s tape, and tension poles when and where needed
• staging area also separated from clean areas of the structure to prevent cross-contamination
• air scrubbers, with HEPA filtration systems using negative air pressure to prevent the airborne circulation of spores and particles
• seal HVAC systems including return registers during the remediation

With many IICRC-Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) on our team, we bring knowledge and confidence to move quickly where mold is found. We are also certified with ABRA for biohazardous control of unwholesome environments.

have abrasive media cleaning techniques

• soda blasting
• dry ice blasting
• scrapers and fine sandpaper

inventory includes antimicrobial sprays, biocides, and fungicides for application to prevent the future growth of mold after the service has been completed.

 

Mold Remediation

It doesn’t take too long for mold or mildew to develop in your home. Sometimes when a water leak is not addressed right away mold can start to form in your home. Once mold starts to grow the health of you and your home can start to deteriorate. That is where we step in.

will send a certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technician and an assessment of the damage will be made. Also we will send out a third party mold inspector to come and take air and surface samples to see what type of mold that you may have and to check the quality of the air that you are breathing

The mold inspector will write up a protocol of what work needs to be done and we will follow that protocol to make sure the work is done properly. We use a third party mold inspector to do the sampling because if we were to do the sampling ourselves it would create a conflict of interest. Be careful of any mold remediation company who does the mold testing along with the remediation.

The first step into getting your home or business mold free would be to setup negative airflow with air scrubbers and containment so that while we are working no other area outside of the containment will be come contaminated with mold. Once containment has been set up we will box, sort and inventory any items that may need to be taken off site for cleaning or disposal if they have been damaged beyond repair by the mold. All of your contents will then be placed in a climate controlled off site secure storage facility until the mold remediation is complete.

have cleared and contained the working space the real remediation will begin. Carpeting will be taken out for cleaning or disposal and affected dry wall, ceiling and other floor types will either be taken out if the materials are too far gone or left in place for future cleaning. All of the debris that will be a part of the mold remediation process will be taken off site to be disposed of in a proper manner.

 

Mold Remediation

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Here are the facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The next step in the mold remediation process will be to dry ice blast away the remaining mold that the demolition part of the remediation left behind. All semi-porous materials will be treated in this fashion including wood, framing, plywood, brick, block and concrete. Dry ice blasting is the easiest and cleanest way to remove mold from these semi porous materials.

Once the affected area has been HEPA vacuumed and damped wiped with an anti-microbial our contractors will come in and replace any drywall or carpeting that needs to be put back. Our contractors will make all of the necessary repairs to put your home or business back to pre-mold conditions to make it look new again

 

Residential Mold Remediation

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FIND MOLD?

Mold spores are everywhere. Outside, the mold growth plays an important role in the ecosystem. It is when those spores get into the home that problems creep up. Fortunately we live in a dryer climate, which means mold doesn’t grow as easily as those areas of the country with higher humidity – But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem when it grows inside your home.

Mold needs water and the proper temperatures to grow. If your home has suffered from water damage, or has high humidity (often in the basement), then it’s prone to mold growth. Excessive mold in the home can lead to some severe health effects, especially when you have underlying health issues.

If you discover mold, even a small amount, in your home, your first step is to do a little bit of investigation. Is there a possible leak near the growth? What is the source? the visible signs of mold are just what you can see on the surface; the real issues lie behind the walls where you can’t see without specialized equipment, or removing the wall itself.

Mold remediation requires a little more than just scraping off the visible mold and spraying the area with bleach (this is actually advised against, bleach can cause the spores to spread).  If you suspect your home has mold growth due to a water leak you just discovered, visible mold, or a damp musty smell, then get in touch with us; we can assess the damage and recommend if it is worthwhile to file an insurance claim.

If the mold damage is significant, then you will want to call your insurance company to review coverage. In many cases, mold remediation may not be covered in your insurance policy. Again, your insurance company, most likely your assigned adjuster, will confirm or deny coverage based on your policy. A restoration company cannot and should never tell you that you are covered by insurance.  From there we will work alongside your adjuster to ensure that everything is taken care of properly.

 

Mold Remediation

There is a formula for mold growth. Moisture. A food source (Wallpaper, drywall, etc.). Moderate Temperatures. And Oxygen. As soon as water damage occurs in your home or business, if not taken care of properly, mold can colonize within 48 to 72 hours.

you can find mold just about anywhere. With our high levels of humidity, the conditions are almost ideal for mold to grow. Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost anywhere. This can make it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level.

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Here are the facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Restoration

Importance And Purpose Of Mold Remediation

Mold removal is a cleanup of the mold that is present in the indoor environments. It is quite important to tackle your mold problem head on before it begins to cause serious damage to your health and home.

What are the causes of mold?

A lot of buildings are designed to sustain the growth of mold. This is because it is caused by the presence of water indoors or moisture and grows on the organic materials. You should note that organic matter consists of things, which are living. Mold growth is found on wooden studs or wood floors. It is encouraged by the lack of building materials such as concrete, flooding, leaky roofs that are associated with building maintenance and plumbing.

The first step is to solve mold problems, which are a source of moisture within your office or home. This is then followed by mold removal. The following are some of the solutions for small levels of mold:mold

• Sunlight
• Ventilation
• Dehumidifiers
• Wall insulation
• Household cleansers
• Non-porous building materials

If mold growth is quite significant, it is necessary to choose a professional Mold Removal company to eliminate mold from your premises. The purpose of remediation is to remove or clean all contaminated materials. Also, there is a need to stop mold from spreading.

 

Different methods

Some of the ways, which hinder mold growth include air conditioning, dry fog, and improved insulation. The current technology allows mold remediation companies to use a dry fog, which exterminates mold and thwarts its growth. The fog contains a chemical that is approved by EPA and does not harm or damage the health of individuals or animals. It is necessary to attack mold that is harmful to homeowners and their pets. The method used should not exacerbate the situation.

Nowadays, some companies are using mold remediation methods that expose mold to high levels of sunlight, ozone, heat, dry air, and UV light. Although such methods can make mold non-viable, it may still produce harmful effects. The appropriate mold remediation tactic is to employ detergent solutions to eliminate physically.

Some of the mold removal means include:

• Vacuum: this removes all accumulated water from floors and carpets
• Damp wipe: this involves wiping or scrubbing of non-porous surfaces with detergent and water
• Dry ice blasting: this helps get rid of the mold that is on cement surfaces or wood
• HVPA vacuum: Vacuum cleaners are equipped with HVPA filters that carry out final cleanup of the affected areas

 

Get to Know Your Enemy

Hidden Mold in House

The process is usually underway long before you have a visual clue of the problem. Mold growth often begins inside ducts and crawl spaces or behind tiles, wallpaper, or paneling – in places where you cannot see it and remove it immediately to avoid further damage. If you notice warping walls, crumbling plaster or blistering paint, new cracks in your tiles that get deeper, or gaps in the grouts, you may have an imminent mold issue. If the walls or the floor feel wet and softer to the touch, or have inexplicable stains, the alarm should be raised and you need to arrange for immediate mold testing. Persistent musty smell in a well-maintained home, however, is the number one signal for hidden mold growth that cannot be mistaken and should never be ignored. Remember that early detection can prevent great troubles.

Dormant Mold

If you manage to discover the source of the moisture and fix the problem, the area may dry out completely and the mold may seem to disappear. However, if you fail to remove all the mold spores, they will not just die with time – they will become dormant and will be able to reactivate whenever favorable conditions occur. Even dormant mold produces a musty smell and can be dangerous to people’s health. Regardless of your efforts, the problem may persist.

Mold in Newly-Built Homes

Mold issues can be found even in newly-built properties. If the building materials were stored in humid surroundings or were not properly protected from rain during the construction, the internal moisture of the materials will enable mold growth. Having in mind the possible lack of quality control upon completion of the building and the fact that many modern building materials, such as plasterboard and plywood, are conducive to mold growth, it is no surprise that your new living space may have a mold infestation problem.

 

But don’t panic!

While the problems we describe here are frightening, they describe only what can happen in the advanced stages of a mold infestation — that is, without a mold removal effort to arrest its progress. If the mold problem is a small one, and it’s confined to a flat, nonporous surface such as a tile floor, you may even be able to remove it yourself with a sturdy sponge and a strong cleanser. But if you’ve called in a certified mold inspector and discovered the problem is a severe one, a team of mold removal experts can handle the problem for you, in just a few easy steps:

1. Identify the problem

First, the mold removal team will find out where the mold is, and what caused the conditions that allow it to survive. This may be a leaky pipe, condensation on walls or windows, or pooling water issuing from a foundation crack.

2. Cordon off the area

Next, the team will seal off the affected area. This will ensure that the mold removal process won’t release mold spores to other areas of the building, where they can take root and cause an entirely new set of problems.

3 .Mold removal

Finally, the team will use high-pressure hoses to clear the entire area of mold.

 

How to Remove Mold – DIY or not?

Do-it-yourself mold removal methods have proven to be efficient only when you recognize the first signs of mold growth and manage to prevent its development. Use only EPA-registered fungicide to kill mold and be sure to eliminate the source of the moisture that allowed its appearance in the first place. However, remember that DIY mold removal is often incomplete and provides only a temporary solution to the problem.

• Bleach is inefficient. The once most commonly used mold removal product is actually too weak to kill the mold spores – it only hinders their development for a short time;
• Household cleaners and paints only hide the problem. Any disinfectants and cleaning agents are just not strong enough to deal with mold spores, just like bleach. Besides, they cannot clean inside the contaminated materials, so it’s only a matter of time for mold to reappear again. Lysol or paint, on the other hand, will only cover the damage, not repair it;
• Fungicide sprays work. However, you can hope to put a final end to your problems only if no hidden mold remains. Spraying only the visible patches will not prevent mold from reappearing soon – all the hidden and dormant spores must be eliminated, too. Also, remember to fix any leaks and/or remove moist materials in your home.

Tips To Find The Best Home Inspection Company

Reading For Reviews

As highlighted earlier that going for reviews will give an effective idea of how the company is working, you can check different review sites such as Yelp, Angie’s List, etc. for the company’s profile. Any legit business would have their online profile set up, which will be given reviews from the customers that have experienced their expertise first hand. In such manner, you can get an idea regarding how the brand has worked previously and are the claims that they make true or just a scam.

How They Work

When it comes to finding a reliable home inspector, you need to make sure that they are working competently. This involves transparency in the overall proceeding as well as communication throughout the process. There are some contractors that don’t involve the clients with them during the inspection process. This makes the inspection process ambiguous, making the inspector unreliable.

Relevant Reporting

You don’t want to have a contractor that won’t be able to give accurate and efficient reports. In case you want to have radon testing, and it turns out that the one you’ve hired isn’t offering such services, your investment is most likely to go in vain. Hence, it’s very much important to communicate with your home inspector regarding the services they offer.

Their Costs

One of the most important factors to consider while hiring any home inspector is their cost. Many can claim that they offer significant services but their costs should be evaluated too. You don’t want to have an inspector that will leave your budget disturbed. It’s not going to bother asking for a quote, and there are brands that provide free quotes too. Hence, for their costs; it is likely that they would even offer discounts on their services.

Knowledge

There are sometimes when you hire a contractor that fulfills the requirement for a license, online profile, etc. but fail to illustrate adequate knowledge. This can be seen when they are using old equipment, unaware of the appliances being used in the house or even using inefficient ways of testing. Hence, hire someone that has the knowledge of the latest tools and knows how to work properly.

 

A home inspection checklist for buyers

Waste systems

“There is a potential, if it’s an older house, that [there] could have been a septic system,” Turner says. “There have been instances where a septic system has been abandoned and, over time, it created a cave-in.” He says he saw one example where the system collapsed, swallowing a child’s play set. So, you need to find out if there was a septic system. Along with that, even sewer pipes can be damaged by tree roots. They should be checked out, too, and that can be done with a snake.

Lead paint

Lead paint is mostly an issue with older houses, particularly when you replace old windows. With old metal windows, there’s the potential for lead, Turner says. “If we get the feeling that there could be the potential for lead paint, we would recommend a lead paint testing company.”

Exhaust fans

Turner says to make sure they’re venting to the outside. Even up to 15 years ago, people were building townhouses with systems that vented into the attic, which can cause mold.

Asbestos

“For homebuyers considering a home built before 1980, it’s worth asking a home inspector if they have frequently worked with asbestos and can make a reasonable judgment about whether disturbed asbestos fibers are present based on a visual inspection,” Bruno says.

Noxious gases

Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, but it is radioactive and carcinogenic. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends all homes be tested for the presence of radon. Before a home inspection, a potential home buyer can ask the seller if they have already tested for radon, Bruno says. Sellers often test their homes before placing them up for sale, so recent test results may be available during the closing process. If not, radon tests are reasonably priced, around $40, and the test results can be processed in a matter of days.

 

How to Find A Home Inspector Who Won’t Drive You Crazy

The main job of a home inspector is to figure out if a home and its components are safe and in good working condition.

In almost all cases, the sale of your home will be contingent upon the home inspection. After a buyer makes an offer on a home, it’s their job to choose a home inspector and line up the inspection in order for the sale and negotiations to move forward. Typically the buyer’s real estate agent will coordinate finding the inspector or call on someone they’ve used in the past and trust.

As a homeowner, you can do background research on the home inspector your buyer selected. You also have the option to hire a home inspector yourself for a pre-inspection to get ahead on any material defects that might come up later.

If you’re selling an older home, a pre-inspection can save you from any big surprises down the line. However, a pre-inspection can also open a can of worms, and it means you have to disclose whatever you find to buyers before they make an offer.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, issues that threaten health and safety shouldn’t be brushed under the rug, so home inspectors need to be on their game.

 

Home Inspection Tips For Buyers & Sellers

How To Find The Right Home Inspector

It is a sad truth, but a reality, nonetheless: not all home inspectors are created equal—some are unequivocally better than others. That said, you’ll want to make sure you take the appropriate steps to find an inspector that works for you. Here’s a detailed list of the steps you should take to find an inspector:

• Choose someone who wants you present: A great home inspector will want the homeowner to accompany them throughout the process of the inspection. That way, the owner gets the most out of the experience, rather than just looking at a report at the end.
• Look at a sample report: Speaking of reports, the quality of the inspection report will also serve as a good indicator. Many inspection agencies offer a sample report on their website, so you can check for clarity, formatting and whether or not they include photos.
• Go through review sites: Yelp, Google, Review and Angie’s List continue to be great places to check for customer reviews. In addition to good ratings, a great company will often engage with customers and address concerns.
• Ask about experience and certifications: Interview the inspector regarding their work history, if they have any certifications, as well as if they belong to any professional organizations. This information can help you get a sense of their level of professionalism and commitment to their industry.
• Verify their license and insurance: This should go without saying, but one should always double-check that contractors they hire have the required licensing and insurance. Good contractors will often provide copies of these items without your having to ask.
• Ask if there is an extra fee for additional items: If you have any areas to inspect that are not usually included in an inspection, such as a septic system or foundation problems, find out if the inspector will charge an extra fee.

 

How to Find a Good Home Inspector

Can You Be Your Own Home Inspector?

Yes, but it’s probably a bad idea. For one thing, you probably lack the qualifications and experience needed to locate every potential defect. For another, it will be nearly impossible for you to objectively evaluate the property because you have an emotional, as well as a financial, stake, in the outcome.

Attend the Inspection Yourself.

A good home inspector will be happy to have you tag along, and will talk you through every issue as it’s investigated. As long as you’re physically fit enough to climb onto roofs and crawl through basements, you should plan to be present during the inspection to ensure that nothing is overlooked and to ask questions.

Learn What the Inspection Does and Does Not Include

The average home inspection is a “visual only” affair. The inspector will spend three to four hours scanning for visual clues that something is amiss. What he or she will not do is dismantle the water pump to check for hidden defects or tear off pieces of drywall to look for mold.

Ask about Qualifications

As a rule, do not consider a candidate who doesn’t have a background in the building trades – or who isn’t knowledgeable about the HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other infrastructure elements critical to a home’s health and functionality. Former tradesmen and general contractors are often your best bets.

Find Someone Who Can Be Unbiased

Because inspections are often an afterthought, it’s common for buyers to simply ask their realtors for referrals. In theory (and usually in practice), there’s nothing wrong with this. However, this could create a conflict of interest. An inspector who relies on a realtor for new business might feel pressured into overlooking minor problems in the interest of helping the realtor close the deal.