Do you have questions about an upcoming mold removal/repair project or mold removal in general? Below, we answer some commonly asked questions about mold abatement.
Q: How does mold become a problem?
A: Mold enters homes, businesses and other structures as small spores, which are usually airborne. Mold spores that are exposed to the proper physical circumstances can begin to grow and destroy the area around them. Mold requires moisture to grow, and most types of mold spores like darkness. Mold can grow in wood, sheet rock, insulation, carpeting, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, roofing, attics, crawl spaces and other areas. Keeping your home dry is the best way to avoid mold contamination.
Q: Are mold and mildew different?
A: Yes. Mold and mildew are different types of fungus with different colors, textures, and levels of hazard. Mildew is more common than mold, and it often exists in small quantities in homes (particularly in bathrooms and under sinks or other damp areas). It’s ugly and annoying, but it’s rarely dangerous or toxic.
Q: Is mold dangerous?
A: Some types of mold can be toxic. It’s not uncommon for the presence of mold to cause headaches, dizziness, allergies and allergic-type responses, coughing and wheezing, rashes, asthma, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, lung infections, and, in extreme circumstances, death. Black mold releases mycotoxins, so it’s one of the most common culprits for reactions from sinusitis to death. Have your home tested for mold by an independent, third-party testing company, and if they find any mold, hire a qualified mold remediation contractor to take care of the problem.
Q: What does mold look like? Can I determine if it’s dangerous by its appearance?
A: Mold comes in many varieties, all of which look slightly different and grow in various locations. Mold can range from light green to dark black, and it usually prefers damp, dark locations. Some types of mold even have a distinct odor. If you think you have mold in your home, you should call a mold removal company or industrial hygienist to determine whether the material is dangerous. They can advise you on removal methods, independent testing, searching for hidden mold locations and other services that may be needed.
Q: What’s the difference between mold abatement and mold remediation?
A: Mold abatement is focused on the removal of mold from an affected area, whereas mold remediation is focused on returning the area to a safe, stable condition and preventing further mold issues.
Q: How long will mold abatement services take to complete?
A: It depends on the type, severity and location of your mold, but most mold remediation contractors can take care of mold problems in one to five days.
Q: Is mold abatement and remediation expensive?
A: The cost of mold removal services depends on the details of your issue. Repairs and other services may also be required. Mold removal can be very costly, and the expense only grows over time as the mold problem gets worse, so it’s smart to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Insurance may cover mold removal costs. Remember, the best mold remediation services are rarely the cheapest. Don’t use a budget company that has inferior removal techniques to save money. Instead, hire a licensed, insured company to provide guaranteed mold removal services that will protect you and your family.
Q: Can I remove mold myself?
A: That depends on the type, location and severity of the mold problem; your skills; the materials and equipment you have available; and your ability to completely remove the mold in a safe manner. The biggest problem with mold removal is that when you disturb mold by cleaning it, cutting it out or otherwise attempting to remove it, you release mold spores that can spread throughout the home or business, which can create new mold problems in other areas. So, it’s important to know what you’re doing when removing mold or you can make the problem worse. Properly containing mold spores and completely removing them is the only way to perform proper mold remediation and removal. You’ll also need the right protection equipment to prevent yourself and other individuals from becoming sick from contact with mold spores. If you’re not able to meet these standards, it’s best to hire a professional mold removal and remediation contractor to take care of the problem for you.
Q: How do I know if the mold is completely removed?
A: You should be able to perform a visual inspection to see that the mold is gone. However, hidden mold and mold spores can be hard or impossible to see. To completely verify that mold has been removed, you should have third-party mold testing performed. Your mold contractor shouldn’t perform this testing, as it’s a potential conflict of interest. Instead, they should rely on a separate service for testing both before and after the mold removal services. Additionally, make sure the mold removal testing service uses independent tests that are delivered in writing and will stand up in a court of law if you ever have to go that route.
Q: Why choose Diamond Certified mold removal and repair contractors?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a local mold removal and repair contractor with confidence by offering a list of local, top rated companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only mold removal and repair contractors rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified mold removal and repair contractor.