Recent Requests
Built our home in 2004. Found ants coming from wall near tub, sprayed and opened wall and found black mold. Called builder who stated it was from grout in shower that has fallen out. Builder refusing to fix. Wife has been having trouble breathing, and have a 6 year old with a bad cough. I have drywall piece to replace hole in wall, just want to make sure mold is removed the right way. Please help!!
Brian P
need to remove mold from basement floor due to flooding from recent rain storm
Juan V
Saint Louis, Missouri
Choosing A Mold Removal Contractor
There are many mold removal companies passing themselves off for specialists, but the truth of the matter is that there are very few established guidelines that govern the industry. Mold removal is unlike other forms of hygiene processes like air duct cleaning or HVAC cleaning. Mold is an organic growth, not grime, and therefore, no amount of brushing and scrubbing can remove it permanently without the use of special products. With the industry not having established any commonly accepted certification that all mold removal specialists should possess, it's up to you to use your common sense and good judgment to select a mold removal contractor who's right for the job.
Although there aren't any certificates for mold remediation companies that are recognized by the industry, you might want to look for certification and training from the Air Duct Cleaner's Association or the indoor Air Quality Association. However, these are not hard and fast rules, and if your contractor does not posses these qualifications, it's no reason to reject him outright. More important than certification is experience in the kind of mold removal that you need. If the mold growth in your house is confined to the kitchen, bathrooms or basement, then you can conclude that moisture is the culprit. Your mold removal specialist in this case should have experience getting rid of mold from damp areas. If on the other hand, your mold growth is confined to your HVAC systems, then you need a mold remediation contractor who has experience in such specialized mechanical hygiene methods.
The mold remediation contractor you're considering should use, and apply generally accepted industry protocol, wherever applicable. For instance, he should be aware of the standards and guidelines as laid down by environmental agencies and other government agencies. Your mold remediation contractor should be sufficiently insured, so as to protect you against the possibility of liability. He must be able to give you a written estimate for your mold remediation in your premises. Make sure that his estimate makes allowances for the discovery of new mold ridden areas after commencement of the remediation. If this happens, he should be able to offer you a price wise estimate for the remediation instead of a hourly fee.