Mold Remediation
Mold 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:
- Pre-Assessment with air sampling (by 3rd party)
- Initial paperwork and down payment
- Set up containment chambers
- Set up decontamination chambers
- Set up negative air machines and engineering controls
- Pre-HEPA Vacuum
- Perform controlled demolition
- Clean and sanitize the work environment
- Structural drying (if required)
- Encapsulate framing and air-purification
- 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.