Mold Remediation

Once a certified mold inspector has concluded that mold is present and likely harmful to your family, or that you have breeding grounds for mold that can become toxic, it’s extremely important to have the mold removed. The process of eliminating the mold and removing contaminated materials is also known as mold remediation.

How to Choose a Mold Remediation Company in Cleveland

At Dutch’s Mold Inspections & Mold Remediation Services, we’re obviously biased because we pride ourselves on being the best mold remediation company serving the Cleveland area, as do many of our customers – read our reviews.  We want to be your mold remediation solution.  We care about you, your family and keeping everyone safe and healthy.  Let Dutch’s help you remove the mold AND make your house safe for the future.

However, in the case that you are outside northeast Ohio, or for whatever reason we can not schedule your mold remediation job, here are some helpful tips for choosing your mold remediation company in Ohio:

Make Sure They’re Certified in Mold Remediation

Believe it or not, there are mold remediation companies, mainly the disaster clean-up companies, that promote mold removal as a service provided, but they are NOT certified in mold remediation. A CMR – Certified Mold Remediator (see our certifications page) has completed at least 24 hours of education in mold remediation techniques including assessment, mold, water, and respiratory protection (PPE), and attended the CMR course, including extensive hands-on training in sampling processes, PPE, building containment, establishing negative pressure, and fresh air makeup. They maintain their certification annually with additional continuing education and follow EPA standards for mold remediation.

Ohio does not have a license for mold remediation, so if a mold remediation company you’re considering declares they’re an “Ohio Licensed Mold Remediator”, this could be a red flag.

Ask About Mold Remediation Process – Containment, Equipment and Removal

Any mold remediation expert worth considering should be happy to explain their remediation process. Their explanation should include things like:

 

Mold remediation in process with worker in protective gear.

  1. Proper containment of the area.  Opening up a wall without proper containment can exacerbate the problem. Make sure your mold remediation contractor will take steps to properly contain the area and keep your family at lower risk while they work. This is especially important when work involves the HVAC system, ductwork, or vents that circulate air through your home. Proper containment includes plastic sheeting and some protection at the entrance to the containment site to avoid cross-contamination. Often, air scrubbers are used during this step to clean the air.
  2. Workers wearing protective gear. In many scenarios, workers wear proper respirators or PPE (personal protective equipment). When working with a mold remediation company, you’re likely to see mention of PPE in their quote or project plan.
  3. Remediation equipment & precautions.  Listen for words describing their equipment, including HEPA vacuums (High-Efficiency Particulate Air vacuums), which are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. All equipment should be properly cleaned after each remediation job to avoid cross-contamination.  If the remediation company references the use of biocides (chlorine bleach, fungicides and other chemicals) be cautious, ask to see the label. It is a violation of Federal (EPA) law to use a biocide in any manner inconsistent with its label directions. Although biocides may be necessary in rare cases, they are not common practice because they are toxic to animals and humans, not just mold.
  4. Removal of contaminated materials. Building materials and furnishings contaminated with mold growth should be removed and are usually placed in a large dumpster. Once the materials are outside, there is no fear of cross-contamination; however, when removing contaminated materials from the home, the remediated area should remain contained.

Correcting the Problem – Proper Ventilation

Part of the mold remediation process includes correcting the moisture problem and removing contaminated materials.  Many mold remediation companies, especially disaster clean-up or restoration companies, focus on removing mold and water-damaged material without addressing the cause.  If you don’t correct the moisture source, the mold will return.  If your mold remediation company isn’t discussing things like improving ventilation and keeping an area clear of fibrous material,  they’re setting you up for another mold remediation need. At Dutch’s Mold Inspections & Mold Remediation Services, we understand the importance of having a house that breathes well and a home that will not be subject to mold contamination and poor indoor air quality.  Read more on our Sick House Syndrome page and Proper Attic Ventilation page. Bottom line: if the company you’re dealing with isn’t talking about correcting the moisture problem or improving airflow with proper ventilation, they don’t have your health as their top priority. Keep looking.

 

Read our blog posts over the years to determine if you’re at risk or showing symptoms of mold exposure.

Dutch’s Mold Inspections & Remediation Services is ready to help!

We want to make your home safe and secure. Let us remove any mold and mold-related issues and guide you on how to keep your home safe for the future. Call us or send an email today.  We will get back to you within a day or two to set up a free consultation.

mark@dutchinspects.com
Call 440-748-4660