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Mold Remediation

Your Local Mold Remediation Service Expert Since 1990

What is Mold?Mold Spores

Mold is more than a smelly nuisance. For homeowners, it can discolor and damage their home and present a serious health concern. Molds are organisms which are neither plant nor animal.

They are part of the fungi kingdom. Unlike plants, molds do not get their energy from the sun through photosynthesis. In fact the sun’s ultraviolet light inhibits mold growth. Molds also digest or “eat” the material they are growing on. The role of mold is to break down decaying organic matter such as dead plants, leaves or dead animals.

Mold is a problem most homeowners rarely think about and hope to never experience. It can grow almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Mold grows best in damp, warm conditions, such as basements, showers or decks. And, it can grow quickly.

What We Do?man removing mold from wall

Regardless of the cause, ServiceMaster DCS experts provide a comprehensive mold remediation process to help eliminate the problem by:

  • Locating the mold and the water sources that feed mold
  • Assessing the damage caused by the mold
  • Isolating & containing the mold by using techniques like physical barriers & negative air pressure to prevent it from spreading
  • Capturing, filtering & scrubbing microscopic mold spores from the air
  • Removing mold with antimicrobial & anti-fungal treatments
  • Disposing of mold-infested porous materials
  • Cleaning, sanitizing & deodorizing belongings as needed
  • Repairing & reconstructing damaged areas to restore your home

How Much Does It Cost?

When it comes to having mold removed from your home, one of the things you’ll need to consider is the remediation cost. Of course, the safety and health of your family is more important than the price you’ll have to pay to remove the mold, but it’s still a good idea to be aware of how much something might cost you.

The remediation cost of a crawlspace can really vary. It could average as little as $500 or as much as $4,000. If the attic and wall ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. If your home has been flooded and the mold is all throughout it, there is much more that has to be done. This could drive your remediation cost up to $10,000 to $30,000 – and it could even go higher, depending on the size of your home.

When you’re considering insurance, make sure you get something that will cover at least part of the remediation cost if you live in a flood zone. Most consumers don’t have that kind of money to spend out of pocket.

Even though you’ll have an idea of how much something should cost, be sure to shop around. The first company you find might not be the best one for your needs. The price may be different, and you also have to pay attention to the credentials

Frequently Asked Questions?

WHAT IS MOLD?

Mold is a microscopic fungus that is part of the natural environment and necessary for our ecosystem. While it is necessary in the outdoor world, too much mold inside a structure can be dangerous and unsanitary. Mold produces spores as part of its lifecycle, and these spores float through the air both inside and outside.

WHY IS MOLD A PROBLEM?

Many people aren’t aware that mold can cause serious structural damage to homes and businesses, which, if le. undetected, can cause a property to lose value and/or require significant repairs. And if you have ever suffered from allergies, exposure to molds can o.en cause nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation or even more severe reactions.

Please also be careful for sharp objects (knives, broken glass, and sharp objects of any kind) that will cut you. Hypodermic needles can also be a concern. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance in hoarding clean up.

WHAT DOES MOLD NEED IN ORDER TO GROW?

Mold needs a moist environment, temperatures above freezing and a food source, which could be leaves, paper, dirt, wood or other building materials. Mold is more likely to be found in damp, dusty spaces or areas with stagnant air.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE MOLD?

If you see mold growth or water stains, a mold test can help identify related microbial activity. You can also look for areas where water leakage has occurred, such as roofs, pipes, ceilings or walls. Musty smells may also indicate the presence of mold.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF MOLD ON MY HEALTH?

Most mold symptoms are caused by mold allergies. When you breathe in mold spores your immune systems responds by creating allergic reactions. These reactions are the immune system’s defense against foreign particles entering the body. The more a person is around mold the more sensitive to it they will become. This means that they can end up unable to tolerate being around even small amounts of mold. Their allergic reactions will also become more and more severe. Symptoms that mold allergies cause include:

  • Cold or flu like symptoms – Coughing, sneezing
  • Sore, irritated, itchy throat
  • Blocked nose, Itchy nose, Runny nose
  • Sinus congestion and headaches
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Irritated, itchy skin
  • Skin rash, hives
  • Watery eyes
  • Red, bloodshot eyes
  • Itchy eyes and ears
  • Hair loss, baldness
  • Hay fever symptoms

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT THE GROWTH OF MOLD IN MY HOME?

The most effective means to keep mold in check include keeping the humidity level of your home at 40–60 percent, using an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces like basements, and always utilizing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, along with dryer vents outside your home. Lastly, if there are leaks in your roof, walls or plumbing, it is important to repair them as soon as possible.

WHEN DOES MOLD NEED TO BE HANDLED BY A PROFESSIONAL MOLD REMEDIATION SERVICES COMPANY?

Most experts recommend a professional remediation company when elevated mold levels are detected. Remediation professionals are specially trained to isolate and treat mold-affected areas to avoid contaminating adjacent spaces.

SOME MOLDS HAVE THE REPUTATION OF BEING MORE DANGEROUS THAN OTHERS. IS IDENTIFYING THE MOLD IMPORTANT?

Sometimes you will hear terms like “toxic mold” and “black mold” used to refer to molds. While identifying the type of fungus or mold may be interesting, it doesn’t affect the course of action. If mold is present, the CDC has strongly recommended that it be removed by professional mold remediation services, no matter the type*.

*Source: “Facts about Mold and Dampness.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 18 September 2012. Web. http://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm