How To Choose the Right Residential Remediation Company
In choosing the right company for mold removal and remediation in your home, you need to consider a list of things. For you to choose the best company in your area, you need to look out for these signs.
How Do Mold Removal Companies Work?
The services they provide vary depending on the company. However, based on Consumer Affairs, an information advocacy organization for consumers, these mold remediation companies offer a number of services including the following:
● Consultation – Mold remediation professionals provide assessments on how mold growth can damage your property, and provide recommendations to stop it. They are also able to identify the areas in your home where excessive moisture and humidity are present which can lead to mold growth, and at the same time, advise homeowners on how to prevent mold from growing in the future. Consultation fees also vary depending on each company. Some of them also provide free consultation services.
● Mold testing – Mold testing is done by taking samples of the air, or from various surfaces to know if there is a presence of mold. The mold remediation professionals then explain the lab results to homeowners. In some cases, post-remediation testing is also conducted as recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
● Mold remediation – Mold remediation professionals can remove, repair, or replace moldy materials and/or surfaces whenever possible. They are also responsible for correcting all the problems that will lead to growing mold in your home. However, you may require a different service from HVAC specialists if mold is found in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Once the mold remediation tasks are done, these professionals can return if post-remediation testing shows any signs of mold remaining or if there is still a potential for mold growth.
It is recommended that you hire different companies to do both mold remediation and post-remediation testing. This is to ensure both companies to work objectively and deliver their services properly and avoid conflict of interest.
What are the Qualifications of a Professional Mold Removal Company?
Although there are industry organizations that certify professionals in the field, mold removal professionals are not required to be licensed in various states. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests asking the professionals about their employee qualifications. You need to know how they are certified and how they are maintaining such certifications.
Below are some credentials offered by professional mold removal organizations. Note that these professionals may hold more than one certification or credential. It is also recommended that you contact the organization that certifies these credentials. The EPA, however, does not certify mold removal professionals.
● MRS (Mold Removal Specialist) – Professionals need to undergo training in the prevention and removal of mold, and pass a comprehensive exam before they can obtain this credential from The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an organization that is recognized internationally which develops standards for mold remediation
● CMR (Council-certified Microbial Remediator) – This credential requires the professionals to have at least two years of experience working as mold removal specialists. They also have to pass a comprehensive exam and obtain at least 20 hours of continuing education every year. The credential is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).
● CMRS (Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor) – The professionals are required to have at least five years of experience in the field. They also need to pass a comprehensive exam, and 20 hours of continuing education every year. Similarly, this is also accredited by (CESB)
How Can You Find a Mold Remediation Service in your area?
Make sure that you get in touch with mold removal professionals to get the best recommendations on how you can deal with mold problems in your home. You can check on a mold remediation in St Petersburg for starters. Make sure to ask them your qualifying questions and that these professionals hold their certifications and credentials.