Sometimes, mold infestations are hard to get rid of.
One of mold’s most frustrating features is its ability to survive cleaning attempts, as mold spores released in the remediation process can begin the infestation anew. That, and a host of other reasons, is why we recommend professional remediators for serious mold problems (Generally defined as 10 square feet or larger).
Yet, due to some regulatory quirks, the industry has its fair share of corner-cutters and, worse, scammers who pop up during natural disasters to make a quick buck. Thankfully, there are proven methods and standard practices for licensed remediators; by familiarizing yourself with the basics, you’ll know all the right questions to ask.
Establish Whether They Remediate The Professional Way
The right tools for the job differ based on the type and severity of the infestation, but any professional, legitimate mold remediator will roughly follow these steps. If their process is notably less sophisticated than described here, your remediators might be problematic.
- Mold inspection: The source of mold and mold type will be identified.
- Containment: Professionals will isolate and contain the affected area to prevent further contamination.
- Cleanup and air filtration: Any number of methods may be used to clean and remove the mold; a HEPA air filtration vacuum will be used to clean the air.
- Disposal or removal: Remediators will safely remove and throw out any infested materials.
- Sanitization: The infested area is thoroughly cleaned and deodorized.
- Recommendations: After it’s all done, remediators should be able to tell you how your infestation began and how you can prevent it in the future.
Ask Your NOVA-Area Mold Remediators About Their Certifications
Vetting mold remediators is essential, as no federal or state licensing requirements exist. Almost anyone with the right equipment can claim to be a mold remediation professional.
Keep an eye out for certifications from The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which is the industry’s gold standard.
Do Your DC-Area Remediators offer a Warranty for Their Work?
From time to time, even professional remediation jobs won’t work. As such, many service providers offer warranties to ensure customers that—should their mold resurface—it will be handled at the remediator’s expense. Make sure your DC-area remediators have one, too.
Be Weary of Remediation Companies That Offer Free Testing
That this may sound like a generous deal, but industry players like these are incentivized to find positive tests.
It’s a good chance that your samples will always come back positive, and remediation will be recommended—whether or not you need it.
Establish Whether They’ll be Communicative and Responsive
The remediation process involves back-and-forth, making the process painfully long if your remediator is not on the ball. Pay attention to how quickly they respond to your inquiry, and search old Yelp and Google reviews for mentions of their responsivness.
Are Your Northern Virginia Remediators Demanding an Upfront Payment?
It’s unorthodox in many industries to demand customers pay their entire bill upfront. While payment schemes vary, you should expect to pay about 25% when the work begins, 25% during the remediation and the remainder not due until after an independent air quality test confirms the problem is resolved.
Do They Only Use Heat to Remove Mold?
Heat-based tools are a standard part of the remediation toolkit, but they’re not powerful enough to address your infestation’s root cause. If that’s all they use, that’s a red flag. Ask about the full breadth of their treatment techniques.
Does Your DC-Area Remediator Use Opaque Sealants
It’s a remediation method that not-so-coincidentally helps dodgy operators cover up a sloppy job. Look out for reference to sealant in your individualized remediation plan. Request transparent adhesive if available.
Ask the Right Questions, and Rest Easy
Mold is a serious problem, and mold remediation can be a serious expense. If you’re hoping to get the best job for your dollar, simply ask the right questions and do some background research. That way, you can be sure your mold problem doesn’t stick around.
Why MoldGone?
At MoldGone, we offer FREE mold inspection. Our mold removal and mold remediation services are available at reasonable prices.
Call us today at 240-970-6533 or Click here to schedule your appointment.
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