Looking For Mold Removal Services?

When we discover mold in our homes, we may over-react and turn a small problem into a huge financial disaster. We make assumptions of our homes being completely contaminated with mold and jump to the conclusion of needing to demolish several walls for mold removal.
Here are 5 cases that you may have experienced at your house that our restoration company, Allied Restoration, experiences on a regular basis while working with our clients for mold removal and remediation.

Case 1: You as a home owner discover a few inches of mold in a small area of the house and are worried that mold could be on all premises of the house.

Before you start breaking the walls down, put down the hammer and consider that mold only grows where there is water and confined humidity. Breaking down the walls may actually lead to a scenario where you end up spreading the mold spores to different areas of the house, causing more financial funds to be allocated towards containment and cleaning. If mold is discovered in an area where condensation occurs frequently, for example wooden window frames, then there is no need to panic and assume mold is in every corner of the house.
You can tackle the problem by removing the mold at the source. A window insulation kit from your nearest hardware store could be a fast and cheap solution to the condensation on the window causing the mold to form at the base of the wooden frame. Using a HEPA air purifier is also an inexpensive and easy solution to apply for airborne mold spores that may have resulted from the initial mold problem.
In such a case, mold spawns from the source and is usually confined to the area. A solution for mold removal in Case 1 can be remediated by doing it yourself if you possess the basic skills or by a licensed professional remediation company like Allied Restoration, which goes beyond by seamlessly removing the mold for far cheaper than you would expect with no distress to the home owners.

Case 2: You as a home owner discover mold and are unsure of whether you need mold inspections and tests.

Some question that comes to mind immediately when discovering mold in your home is:
Do we need mold testing? Do we need a mold inspection? How do we get rid of mold?
The Center for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend mold testing if you already see the mold growing. In certain cases such as when you smell mold but cannot see any mold in the area, then tests and inspection can be helpful in determining the mold source.
The CDC states that mold testing is not always required because, “no matter what type of mold is present, you need to remove it. The best thing you can do is to safely remove the mold and work to prevent future mold growth.”
Although testing may not be required, a full home mold inspection by a professional remediation company will include a full assessment to not only look for visible mold but also take preventative measures to stop potential mold from growing. Remember that cleaning the mold will not completely stop the mold from coming back. Moisture control is the key to preventing mold from growing or spreading.

Case 3: You as a home owner grow health concerns about mold and how being exposed to mold can affect your health.

According to the CDC, “molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture.” Some common health concerns may include fever-like allergic symptoms. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may be at an increased risk for infection from mold.
Although it is unhealthy to live in a moldy environment, most common symptoms are allergy related such as stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes or skin. Please consult a health professional if you are experiencing health problems from mold exposure.
A less known fact is that mold is everywhere and not all mold can be harmful. Mold spores can be found everywhere outdoors and very commonly find their way indoors. The problem only arises when the mold finds a food source like leaky water pipe to grow upon.

Case 4: You as a home owner discover mold during an inspection at the time of selling or buying the house or during a real estate deal.

As scary as the problem may seem for a real estate transaction, when parties are properly informed about mold, this may not be a deal breaker.
With any real estate transaction, full disclosure is the main priority. If you are selling the house and mold is discovered during a home inspection, there will be contingencies set for mold removal by the buyer. If you are buying a house and mold is discovered during a home inspection, then be sure to set up contingencies for removal before proceeding any further.
A professional mold remediation company may be needed depending on the severity of the issue. Mold remediation will consist of 2 basic steps:
1. Mold Containment using a poly sheet to prevent cross contamination.
2. Mold Removal by removing drywall if necessary, scrubbing/sanding and removal of airborne mold spores with HEPA air scrubbers.
Mold removal is not as complicated or expensive as many homeowners expect. Using a licensed professional to remediate a mold problem will be well worth it for a real estate transaction to move forward. When mold problems are remediated by professionals, both parties are ensured that the mold removal is complete and warrantied so the transaction can move forward safely.

Case 5: You as a home owner discover mold but are unsure of whether you need to hire a professional restoration company for mold removal.

Whether a professional is needed or not will be up to the home owner and determined case by case. For minor mold problems with areas less than 10 square feet, the EPA states that homeowners can handle the mold issue themselves but please follow these safety tips from the CDC:
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.
If you want to hire a professional at the best price and at the highest quality of workmanship, education about mold is key. It is wise to call for a professional’s advice and opinion on the situation. Allied Restoration can help!
Like a Red Adair once said, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”