If mold growth appears in your home or building, you must contact a mold removal service provider right away. Mold colonies latch onto building materials like wood and drywall because they provide it with a food source. This means that the mold will devour the affected surfaces, quickly leading to serious structural damage. The ability of mold to cause extensive damage along with the health risks it brings to your home is why you should call a mold remediation company as soon as you discover the mold. However, you should be careful to not just hire the first mold removal company you find.
Mold removal is a complex, and sometimes costly process that requires extensive training, experience, and specialized tools and equipment. In the state of Texas, mold remediation service providers must be licensed by the Texas DSHS and adhere to the standards of mold removal written in House Bill 329. It is very important that you make sure to choose a mold removal company that is properly licensed and equipped to provide effective results. Remember, you aren’t just protecting your property with mold removal, but the health of you and your family as well.
Call a couple of different mold removal companies in your area and ask them the following questions before making your choice.
Are your employees certified and trained?
Technicians that work for a mold removal company must go through extensive training and receive certification to do the job properly. Any reputable mold contractor will have certified employees.
Do you test the air?
It is important to know if a mold remediation company provides mold testing. Testing the air in and around the home before starting the remediation process will help mold removal technicians determine where the mold problem is. Testing the air after completing the mold removal will ensure that the job has been done effectively.
What type of mold testing do you do?
If the service provider does test the air for mold, ask them what type of testing they provide. There are two methods used to measure the mold concentration in the air; Air-O-Cell testing and InstaScope testing. With Air-O-Cell testing, the air sample is captured in a cassette that is sent to a lab so that scientists can determine how much mold is in the air sample. This method requires the help of a third party and it is possible for mold removal companies to tamper with the results.
InstaScope testing equipment takes an accurate reading of the mold concentration in the air and gives the results in real-time. A technician can show you the results instantly, so you don’t have to wait for the results from a lab or worry about tampering.
Are you properly insured?
Mold removal companies must be insured properly. This not only includes basic insurance, but also Pollution Liability Insurance to provide coverage in case of an accident. Some mold contractors may not purchase the proper insurance coverage because of the costs. If a mold remediation company does not have Pollution Liability Insurance, move on to the next one.
Do you provide a free mold assessment?
A reputable mold remediation company will provide an assessment of your home at no cost and with no obligation. You must ask this question before having them come to your home to avoid an assessment that will cost you money.
Do you isolate the affected area?
A standard practice of mold remediation is to isolate the affected area so the mold does not spread to other areas during the remediation. If a mold contractor claims that isolation is not necessary, look for a different contractor.
Do your technicians wear personal protective equipment?
It is crucial for any mold technicians to wear safety glasses, hazmat suits, shoe covers, and other types of protective equipment to help prevent spreading mold to new areas of your home.
Do you guarantee your work?
With mold removal, there is always a chance that the mold could return or that some mold growth could be missed. Testing the home for mold after the remediation helps catch any issues so they can be resolved before the mold removal company leaves. A reputable mold remediation company will guarantee their work and take care of any mold issues after the initial remediation.
Call ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning
If you have a mold problem in your home or building in the Houston, TX area, you can trust the professionals of ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning to provide effective mold removal services. We are a TDHS licensed mold removal company that provides pre-and post-testing to ensure that your home or building is mold free. You can call us any time at (800) 303-5844 for more about our mold remediation services.
Why You Should Call a Professional for Mold Removal – ServiceMaster Restore Video
