The main concern that most homeowners have is the cost of mold removal. Since mold removal is expensive, we tend to look for the best deal. However, be wary of contractors or friends that offer to take care of your mold, especially if they lack training or experience.
Do not fall for the sales pitch that mold can be removed with a machine or ozone that kills mold. One other type of claim by some removal companies is that they can just fog your home or spray a bunch of chemicals and the mold will magically disappear. Make sure that your mold remediation professional employs the following 8 Step Mold Remediation Process to ensure a long-term fix.
Step 1: Assess the Source of the Contamination
During the mold inspection, the professional consultant will determine which infiltrating water has resulted in mold growth. The professional consultant will also identify the extent of the mold growth and ensure that it can be addressed in all areas with care. The next step is to create a work plan, also known as a scope of work. If the mold inspector you hire for the initial inspection performs the remediation work, a Third Party should be hired to do the post-remediation verification, which is step 8 in the process.
Step 2: Identify the Mold Species
As part of the mold inspection, samples of the mold are taken using swabs or tape samples. Air quality tests may also be performed. The samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory, which will provide a report outlining the species of mold present.
This report is important for three main reasons:
This report is essential because it helps the mold remediation professional determine the level of danger. Some mold species, such as stachybotrys, pose greater threats and may require additional safety measures to protect the occupants of a property.
Determining the species also allows us to determine the most cost-effective way to resolve the mold problem.
In addition, identifying the species can help health care professionals determine whether health concerns may be related to mold contamination.