Specialized equipment - The use of HEPA filtered negative air machines and vacuums are a must. The use of negative air containment is a must.
Remediation Plan - Ask for the custom remediation plan specifically tailored for your project, not some boiler plated version that someone else typed up and includes on all their estimates. The emphasis should be on cleaning (removal) not just treating.
Encapsulating - An encapsulate should only be used on areas where deeply rooted mold has grown on a building material that has been cleaned but the framing cannot be replaced easily such as in the roof or crawl space. It should only be used for small areas and should NEVER be applied throughout entire areas such as attics, inside walls or crawlspaces. An encapsulate can drastically change the dynamics of the building when applied to large areas and cause severe problems such as warping and condensation. Some restoration companies do this on every job. Unfortunately, this is a huge mistake and can cause the property value to drop drastically when discovered by a real estate inspection. Some companies don't clean at all but just cover up active mold. Of course this is not the proper way of performing mold remediation either.
Air Duct Cleaning - The Heating system as well as the air ducts need to be inspected for possible contamination. This type of cleaning is very specialized and guidelines should be followed for proper cleaning.
"Black Mold or Stachybotrys" - Mold comes in all colors. The color does not necessarily indicate it is particularly more dangerous than other colored molds. Black mold is not always the "toxic" mold. Only trained microbiologists or mycologists can identify molds under high powered microscopes. Stachybotrys is a mold that can produce what is called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are potentially harmful if inhaled or touched with bare skin and can cause all kinds of health problems. There are around thirty or so species of mold that produce this mycotoxin. Stachybotrys is not the most harmful species of mold however, it is well known due to the media and its catchy name. Many governments have used these mycotoxins from mold to create biological weapons and have been in the military's inventory for over twenty years.
How do I know if my house is contaminated? If there is a visual presence of mold growing anywhere in your home, there is a problem and the mold needs to be removed properly. If you see mold growing in your house you should contact a professional to look at the problem. You should be aware that your house could be contaminated but you may not see the mold growing. It could be hidden inside wall cavities, the attic or crawl space. This is another reason to consult a professional.
Mold remediation from a certified company with properly trained staff members and quality equipment does not necessarily have to be expensive. The estimate should not be confusing or vague either. If you are not comfortable with some of the answers you received, get a few more estimates and interview a few more companies, estimates should be free. You should feel comfortable with the people working in your home. If the estimate seams unreasonable, it probably is.
Mold Facts & Choosing a Remediation Company
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