6 Things to Know Before Hiring a Mold Remediation Pro

People that live in old homes are far more likely to get mold and/or mildew somewhere in their homes. That doesn’t mean that people in newly built or refurbished homes can’t get mold, though. Any building could be susceptible to mold, but before you jump on the phone to hire a mold remediation pro, there are a few things you should know. We’ve listed several of our most frequently asked questions below, along with short-and-sweet answers to your most pressing mold and mildew removal concerns. 

1. Do I need to Test for Mold?

Most mold remediation experts agree that testing when mold is visible is a waste of time unless you need something on the record for an insurance claim or sales negotiation. Even if you can’t see any mold, that doesn’t mean your house is safe and free of fungi. It can lurk inside walls and ceilings, under carpeting and flooring, and crevasses hidden from sight. It’s better to know for sure than assume that your home is safe and mold-free. The longer you let mold grow, the harder it will be to remove for good, so if you have moisture problems, keep an eye out for mold growth. 

2. Should I Use a Certified Professional?

When it comes to mold and mildew removal, a remediation expert is the best way to go. If you’re certain that you have a mold problem, expert help is most likely to clear up the problem and prevent it from coming back. As far as testing for mold goes, we recommend a specialist to test for mold, especially if it’s not visible but you suspect that you have issues. If you have visible mold, even if the area is now dry, it’s time to look for a mold remediation specialist. 

Mold problems often go hand in hand with water problems like leaky pipes, improperly sealed windows and doors, and places in the walls or foundation where water may seep in. A professional mold removal expert will know what to look for that may also indicate these problems, rather than assuming mold is the only issue. Even if you remove the mold, it’s almost guaranteed to come back if you don’t deal with the original cause of the moisture—and therefore, the mold. 

3. Is Mold Removal the Only Solution for my Mold Issue?

No, mold removal is not the only solution for a mold issue, especially if the issue is recurring. In fact, it’s just one step in the mold remediation process. While removal and remediation sound pretty similar, they are actually different.

Mold removal focuses on the short-term solution: physically removing mold and mold spores from their growing location. Mold remediation is the way to go if you want a long-term solution, because it not only removes the mold you already have, but it focuses more on the source. We don’t just stop at removal. At AdvantaClean, we fix the underlying issue to ensure the lowest possible likelihood of your mold problem recurring. 

4. Can I Do Mold Removal on My Own?

There are some remedies and concoctions out there that allow you to practice mold removal on your own. However, some cleaners (like bleach) only remove the visible aspects of a mold infestation while leaving the roots (and the problem) behind. 

Mold remediation of areas more than ten square feet is best left to professionals. If the mold is just a small area or on a hard surface, you can try to handle it yourself. Cleaning a fiberglass shower comes to mind as a doable DIY project, but extensive areas on a wall, floor, or ceiling are a different matter.

5. How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?

There is no definitive number for how much time it will take to complete the mold remediation process. There are many factors that come into play when estimating time to completion, and without knowing your specific mold issue, it’s impossible to say for sure. 

For example, a small spot of mold that has recently crept onto a bathroom ceiling is not going to take nearly as long as a basement covered in patches of mold and mildew. Another thing we have to factor in is the source of the mold and why it’s there. What we CAN say, though, is that the process typically takes between a few hours (for minor problems) and one week (for serious issues). 

6. What is the Mold Remediation Process Like?

The mold remediation process looks fairly simple, but completing it is challenging if you don’t have the right training and experience. At first, mold remediation looks the same as mold removal. We locate the mold, remove as much as possible, and eliminate the spores. 

Then we clean the area with industrial solutions to combat it, followed by disinfection of all mold-contaminated areas. Sometimes, decontamination may include the entire building, depending on the severity of the case. Lastly, we do everything in our power to ensure that the mold infestation will stay gone. 

With AdvantaClean, you can be sure that your home is in good hands. Contact us today for more information!