Did you know that not all mold removal companies are the same? Depending on the type of molds that are in your home, the company may or may not be an expert in that area. For example, did you know that there are dry molds, which can wreak havoc on your home, but don’t always affect humans? And then there’s black mold, which can be toxic to both humans and animals.
And while black mold removal may seem easy enough for homeowners to do themselves, often times it’s not safe to do so. So if you find your home overrun by a mold infestation caused by flooding or other major events, it’s very important that you enlist in the services of a qualified professional mold removal company.
It’s also very important that you call that professional immediately. Mold can grow within hours and you’ll want to take immediate action to avoid serious infestation problems. Before you hire someone however, you’ll want to make sure of several things.
First, they should be certified. Check to see that they’re either certified with the Environmental Protection Agency or the Occupational, Health and Safety Administration. If they’re not, you may want to consider looking elsewhere.
Next, make sure that the company you’re hiring is licensed, bonded and insured in your state. Not only do these qualifications protect the company, they protect you as well if there is ever a serious disagreement or city or state concern.
Consider choosing a company that offers a free and no obligation quote. That way you can get estimates from several well-known professionals and not get stuck with just one expert or outrageous quote.
If you’re on a budget and want to save some money, you should consider removing the source of the problem yourself whether it’s a leaky pipe or wet and moldy drywall. This could at least save you some money since it’s a step the company won’t have to do themselves.
Any mold remediation company that you choose should ask you questions about the fungus, where it came from and what the source was that started its growth. They will then concentrate on the areas of the contamination and isolate them from the rest of the home.
Once they have sealed off the contaminated area, they will test the air for any musty odors and remove them using HEPA air filters or a similar type of equipment. After the air has been cleaned, the process of removing the mold will begin and any items that have been exposed to the toxic fungi may be removed from the home.
When the mold has been safely removed from your home, the air should be tested once again to verify that there are no additional problems with molding. If your home is cleared, the company should then go over the contract with you to make sure that all of the necessary steps were taken to remove the fungus.
If you find however there is a discrepancy with the contract or the company itself, you should seek legal advice if the problem is not solved. While most mold removal companies are honest, there is never a reason you should have to just suck it up and deal with one that is not.