Don't Go It Alone: Signs You Should Hire a Mold Removal Company
websitebuilder • May 21, 2024
Mold. For some people, saying it out loud is equivalent to a 4-letter word, the boogeyman, or saying Candyman 7x…
The word itself conjures images of dark, damp places and a musty odor. But beyond the unpleasantness, mold growth in your home can pose serious health risks and structural damage. While small amounts of mold might be manageable with DIY cleaning solutions, there are situations where seeking professional help from a mold removal company is crucial.
This informative guide explores the telltale signs indicating you should hire a mold removal company (e.g. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville) to address the issue safely and effectively.
Understanding Mold and Its Health Risks
Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp environments and reproduces by releasing spores that travel through the air. These spores can be inhaled and cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Respiratory problems: Mold exposure can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections, especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Skin irritation: Direct contact with mold can cause itchy, red skin and rashes.
- Eye irritation: Mold spores can irritate the eyes, causing redness, watering, and burning sensations.
- Headaches and fatigue: Some people experience headaches, difficulty concentrating, and general fatigue after exposure to mold.
- In severe cases: Chronic exposure to high mold levels has been linked to more serious health problems, like lung infections and neurological issues.
Visible Signs of Mold Growth
The most obvious indicator of a potential mold problem is visible growth. Mold can appear in various colors, including black, green, brown, white, and even orange or pink. It often appears fuzzy, slimy, or patchy and can grow on walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and even inside HVAC systems.
Be aware that mold can also grow in hidden areas behind walls, under carpets, or in crawlspaces. While you may not see it directly, the presence of a musty odor can be a clue.
Other Warning Signs Requiring Professional Intervention
Even if you don't see visible mold, other signs suggest seeking professional help:
- Persistent musty odor: A strong, earthy odor that lingers even after cleaning can indicate hidden mold growth.
- Water damage: Any history of water damage, leaks, or flooding creates ideal conditions for mold growth and should be addressed promptly.
- Expanding mold patches: If you notice mold growth spreading over time, it's a strong indication of a larger underlying problem that requires professional expertise.
- Health concerns: If you or your family are experiencing unexplained respiratory problems, headaches, or other health issues that coincide with noticing potential mold issues, err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Benefits of Hiring a Mold Removal Company
While tackling small mold patches might seem like a DIY project, here's why hiring a professional mold removal company is often the best course of action:
- Expertise and experience: Experienced mold remediation companies (e.g. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville) have the knowledge, training, and equipment to identify the type of mold present, assess the extent of the growth, and develop a safe and effective removal plan.
- Safety measures: Mold removal can be risky, as disturbing mold can release spores into the air. Professionals take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and occupants from exposure.
- Containment techniques: Mold removal companies use specialized techniques to contain the mold and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home. (Such as this)
- Proper cleaning and remediation: Professionals not only remove the mold but also address the underlying moisture issues that caused the growth in the first place, preventing future problems.
- Peace of mind: Hiring a professional removes the burden of dealing with a potentially hazardous situation and ensures the job is done correctly, protecting your health and property.
What to Expect from a Mold Removal Company
When you contact a mold removal company, they will typically follow a structured process (e.g. a mold protocol):
- Inspection: In the state of Florida, a Florida-licensed mold assessor should conduct a thorough inspection of the affected area(s) to identify the location and extent of the mold, and take air samples and/or swabs to be tested in a laboratory to determine the type of mold present, if any.
- Assessment and plan: Based on the inspection findings, the mold assessor will develop a detailed remediation plan outlining the steps involved in removing the mold safely and effectively (a/k/a “The Mold Protocol”).
- Containment: The area will be carefully sealed to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the house. (e.g. closing and taping off vents, setting up containment areas, etc.)
- Removal: Using specialized techniques and equipment, the professionals will safely remove the mold growth.
- Cleaning and decontamination: The affected area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to remove any remaining mold spores or mold byproducts.
- Air quality testing: After the remediation process, a separate and independent mold assessor should conduct air quality testing to ensure mold spore levels are within safe limits.
Choosing a Reputable Mold Removal Company
Finding the right mold removal company is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Licensing and insurance: Ensure the company is licensed and insured to perform mold remediation work in your area.
- Experience and qualifications: Look for a company with experience in handling mold problems similar to yours. Ask about their certifications and training of their technicians.
- References and reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients to get a sense of the company's reputation and work quality.
- Communication: Choose a company with good communication skills who will answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
Additional Considerations
- Cost of mold removal: Mold remediation can be expensive, but the cost of neglecting a mold problem can be even higher, leading to potential health problems and structural damage to your home.
- A potential client chose another company (more than an hour away on the highway) to perform the mold remediation b/c their estimate was 66% less. The company failed the post-remediation test (2x), and each time, they were required to return as the insurance company would not pay until they passed the test.
- CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE!
- Insurance coverage: Check with your insurance company to see if your homeowner's insurance covers mold removal costs.
Taking Action and Protecting Your Health
Ignoring a potential mold problem can have serious consequences. If you suspect mold growth in your home, don't hesitate to take action. By identifying the signs, understanding the benefits of professional intervention, and choosing a reputable mold removal company, you can ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your family.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/mold
- American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/mold
- The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA): https://iaqa.org/
Remember, early detection and proper remediation are key to dealing with mold effectively.
Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you suspect a mold problem in your home.
Do you think you have mold? Act now! Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville 352-722-3790
EXAMINATION: Individuals seeking licensure as a Mold Remediator must first take and pass a department approved exam for mold remediation. For information about the examination, visit the Examination Information webpage. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : A copy of a transcript is required demonstrating an Associate of Arts degree or higher in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene or occupational safety or related field of science from an accredited institution. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or a high school diploma and 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation. This is not a complete listing of educational and experience requirements. Please see the application instructions page for complete information. FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE immediately after submitting your application for licensure. It may take up to five days for your fingerprint results to be received by the Department after they are submitted to the Florida Department of Law enforcement (FDLE). Please note that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that an application for licensure should precede the submission of your fingerprints. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage . INSURANCE: Applicants for a Mold Remediator license are required to attest that they have obtained general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million dollars as determined by statute. FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information. APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the "Online Services" link or the "Printable Application" link at the bottom of the page. NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
In the State of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates mold assessors and mold remediators. To become licensed, individuals need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an approved examination, and undergo a criminal background check. Licensing Requirements: Requires specific education (e.g., Associate's degree in a related field) and documented field experience, or a high school diploma with more experience. Mold Remediator: Requires the same educational and experience qualifications as a mold assessor, plus passing a department-approved exam. Examination: Both mold assessors and remediators must pass a state-approved examination. Background Check: A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. Fees: Application and licensing fees apply, and are non-refundable. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
Two referral partners (Ref Ptnrs A & B) called us to perform an emergency water damage inspection b/c they were told that houses Y & Z were wet. Ref Ptnr A had one business day left for the inspection period. Ref Ptnr B was accused of causing water to get under ¾ inch solid glued-down wood flooring (these were really nice floors), and the contractor started removing the floor. Fortunately, Ref Ptnr B was able to convince the contractor to STOP removing any more flooring by saying, “My guy is licensed and certified and has the correct equipment to determine if the floor is wet, and he [ PUDDLES ] will be here by 7:00 AM tomorrow to inspect the floor.” CONCLUSION: Neither house Y or Z was wet. If the floors had read wet: Ref Ptnr A’s real estate deal would have failed, and Ref Ptnr B would have incurred 10X what he was paid to fix the floor. Our followers know that green is good when using a Protimeter MMS3 moisture meter, but to be safe, we also used a FLIR infrared camera and a Tramex CMEX5 Moisture meter to inspect the ensuite master bathroom-tiled floor.
Slow Leaks vs Fast Leaks Gainesville, FL 32601 We are often asked which is worse: Slow Leaks or Fast Leaks?
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
What Happened A contractor in Gainesville, FL stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Gainesville, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Gainesville, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
