If you’re considering hiring a mold abatement contractor, you should know that they’re much the same as a mold remediation contractor, whose job is to clean the mold that has infected your home.
The first thing that the contractor should do is start by diagnosing the area in question by doing a mold home test of the air. Of course some people may suggest that you do this yourself, however the mold testing kits that allow you to test the air are generally inaccurate and often a waste of your money. Testing for mold should be left up to a professional.
If mold is discovered and the extent is large, the homeowner will generally need to find a temporary place of residency until the clean up process is completed. While this may seem like a bit of a hassle, it’s actually a standard procedure, which is meant to keep homeowners safe from toxic mold and to keep distractions at a minimum while the work is being done.
Once the mold is located, the contractor may also look for the source of the mold problem such as a leaking roof, pipes and even walls. They may also be able to detect a problem even if it is hidden by strong musty smells or health problems reported by a homeowner.
In general, most contractors will use the proper equipment such as a HEPA vacuum and other tools to sterilize the air and clean the fungus in your home. They may block off certain areas of the home including ventilation ducts and place plastic sheeting over items like cabinetry and furniture.
They may then remove certain items from your home such as rugs, window treatments and other porous items that can become contaminated from airborne spores. They will then remove any damaged structures such as drywall or carpeting that has been infected by mold.
Next they should treat the mold infection using specific mold removal products that will penetrate deep down below the surface and eliminate the fungus permanently. This may be applied by spraying the area or use of a fog machine or other special equipment. Once the product has been applied the company will then re-test the area to make sure the molds have been removed from your home.
The contractor may then suggest ways to prevent future infestation with equipment or structures that may easily attract mold such as heating and cooling units and air ducts.
And although any good contractor will be able to eliminate visible mold and reduce hidden mold, it’s generally not possible to completely remove every single fungus from your home. This is because they are brought indoors by general living and there are literally thousands of different types of mold on this planet. Pets, homeowners, open windows and fireplaces are just a few ways molds can enter a home.
So please do not expect the mold abatement company that you hire to guarantee your home will be 100% free from every fungus there is. However, they should be able to make sure your home is safe from the toxic mold that can harm your health and the environment that you live in.