Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation

pic-moldMold contamination continues to receive increased attention in the media and is a rapidly growing concern for homeowners, property managers, insurance providers and restoration companies. Indoor mold contamination has been identified as a major contributor to allergies and poor indoor air quality. Despite the rapidly growing body of knowledge about mold, it remains the subject of considerable confusion.

Here is a handful of basic mold facts:

  • Mold thrives in moist environments resulting from a flood, a slow leak, a broken pipe, or just high humidity.
  • Mold requires an organic food source. One common food source is cellulose, which is found in common building materials such as drywall.
  • If disturbed, microscopic mold spores can become airborne and inhaled into the lungs.
    Some forms of mold produce harmful toxins which are capable of causing serious ill-health effects.

Key Questions in Comparing Mold Remediation companies

Since 2002, Spectrum has been certified in mold remediation. Over the years, our clients have frequently asked “How do I compare the various firms that are quoting on the remediation of mold in my home or business?” Here are a some key questions that might be helpful in comparing your proposals:

  • “Are your mold remediation lead technicians IICRC or RIA certified?”
    If yes, then consider the following request: “As a condition of doing the work in my home/business would you please have your lead technician provide evidence of his/her certification?” Please note, everyone says “yes” but few can deliver on this!
  • “Are you able to provide a certificate of insurance indicating that both you and your employees are covered for the work in my home/business?”
    If yes, “does your certificate specify mold remediation in its liability coverage?” Note: adding mold remediation to your coverage is very expensive and frequently not listed as a result. Again, “Will you bring a copy before you start any work?”
  • “Could you please name three common fungi associated with water damage?”
    – Aspergillus – Pronounced “As-per-jil-ee-us”
    – Penicillium – Pronounced “Pen-i-sil-lee-um”
    – Stachybotrys – Pronounced “Stak-ee-bot-tris”
  • “What is your procedure for ensuring against cross-contamination?”
    Cross-contamination is one of the major challenges in remediation projects. Cross-contamination occurs when mold spores are disturbed at the source location and transported or distributed throughout your home or business. Per IICRC/RIA standards, our quotation includes containment chambers, decontamination chambers, negative air-machines with HEPA filters, and double-bagging of all removed items. We do this with the express intention of preventing cross-contamination in your home or business.
  • “Do your technicians wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working?”
    Mold has the potential to negatively affect the human respiratory and nervous systems. Mold is most commonly introduced to the human immune system through the eyes, mouth, and skin. During a project, Spectrum technicians wear full-face respirators with HEPA rated cartridges, disposable coveralls with boots & hoods, and nitrile gloves.
  • “Do you recommend the use of an independent testing service to to guarantee healthy indoor air quality?”
    Per IICRC standards it is a conflict of interest to perform your own air-quality tests. A 3rd-party Indoor Environmental Professional should  be involved on every remediation project.
  • “How long does it take to complete the remediation process, from start to finish?”
    A remediation project typically takes anywhere from five to ten days. Larger projects can take more time, while smaller projects can can usually be completed in a shorter amount of time.”

Our Process

Spectrum Restoration Services follows industry standard protocols when performing remediation. This protocol consistently leads to a successful remediation project. Spectrums remediation process typically takes between 5 and 10 days to complete, and consists of the following steps:

  1. Pre-Assessment with air sampling (by 3rd party)
  2. Initial paperwork and down payment
  3. Set up containment chambers
  4. Set up decontamination chambers
  5. Set up negative air machines and engineering controls
  6. Pre-HEPA Vacuum
  7. Perform controlled demolition
  8. Clean and sanitize the work environment
  9. Structural drying (if required)
  10. Encapsulate framing and air-purification
  11. Acquire final clearance testing with air-sampling (by 3rd party)

We pride ourselves in our work and are committed to performing high-quality remediation service. Hopefully these questions will help you compare the companies offering to remediate the mold in your home or business.

From Our Customers

We have over 20 years in business, and a lot of satisfied clients to show for it!

Spectrum’s response was immediate and thorough as they came alongside of our personnel and were diligent in cleanup activities which helped to restore our food facility to safe operation within 3 days. Their personnel worked around the clock to ensure that the necessary activities occurred and they provided constant progress updates to our leadership until the tasks were complete.

Terry E., VP of Operations

[Spectrum] crews came and cleaned several thousand square feet of carpeting in our meeting rooms, hallways, and office area. We were very impressed with the work that they did. They were prompt and responsive to our needs. Their staff was courteous and professional. They were careful in their work and we appreciated their sensitivity to our staff and operation.

Jay C., CEO

The morning the pipe burst in the Children’s Museum, Spectrum was on the scene within an hour of being called. . . . Each and every person who we worked with demonstrated a calm and professional manner that was exceptional during a period of such loss and adjustment for the Museum staff. . . . I couldn’t imagine a better group of people to work with through a situation like this.

Kimberly S., Director of Exhibits and Operations

The clean up team was courteous and worked so neatly, swiftly, efficiently.  In the midst of a “sorry” situation, their cheerfulness and compassion for (name deleted) residents was endearing.  An impressive company indeed.

Marcia M.

Spectrum cleaned after a wine spill on our light tan colored carpet. They did a phenomenal job! The techs were friendly and efficient. They got the stain out completely and the rest of our carpets, and our furniture, look fantastic! I would highly recommend Spectrum!

Kim B., Homeowner

I have never experienced a professional service firm deliver such prompt, consistent, caring personalities, excellent, outstanding customer service like Spectrum. No wonder they come highly recommended! Fantastic job. Thank you!

Tiffany S., Homeowner

The entire Spectrum crew was extremely professional. What was really refreshing was that they were not only doing to satisfy me but also themselves. Awesome crew!

Mahvash J., Homeowner