A Mold Removal Guide for Property Owners

Discovering mold in a building can be frightening. Determining how best to remove this substance from spaces can leave property owners and managers overwhelmed and wondering where to turn for assistance. These fears arise long before physical removal is even considered. But rest assured, getting a thorough examination for mold can save you time and money in the long run. At AirQuest, we strive to help in explaining the entire process and identifying a cost-effective plan of action for the scope of work at an affordable price.

The following are the applicable steps to successfully remove mold.

Testing for Mold

First, property owners need to know when they should test for mold. If there is mold visible in plain sight, our in-depth assessment is necessary to determine the severity of the problem. Any visible mold growth is cause for long-term health concern and needs to be approached promptly to keep from escalation.

A common misconception is that an assessment is an unnecessary step when you already know you have a problem. The issue is that for a mold removal team to do their job effectively, it is crucial for them to fully understand the state of the property.

The Cost of Mold Removal

The size of the job typically has the biggest impact on how much a property owner will pay to have the mold removed. The best way to ensure a fair price is to obtain estimates from several mold removal providers. If you choose to get a detailed mold assessment from us, we have many reputable company partners that we can recommend to do the job well.

Mold professionals are skilled and licensed. As a result, they can typically charge more than the average handyman to complete the job. Know that a part of the price charged is to cover the professional’s high overhead. Mold removal companies must carry high general liability and workers comp insurance policies to make certain they are protected if problems arise. But with this, comes the security that you can rely on the problem to be resolved efficiently and effectively.

Additionally, mold in one area of the property does not mean that the entire building is impacted. Our assessment will provide factual evidence of where all mold is located, and from there we can provide a reliable plan of action for you to solve and prevent mold-related issues.

But if you have already had an assessment and know mold removal is necessary, read on:

Steps a Mold Removal Professional Will Complete to Ensure the Job is Done Right

An experienced mold professional will be able to explain the steps involved in the process in a way the property owner can understand.

When the mold removal steps begin, having required safety gear is the first step. Usually provided by the mold removal company, every person working on the project needs a high-quality, high-filtration mask that covers the face. Gloves made of neoprene or vinyl should be worn at all times by the workers, and a full protective suit may be needed on certain jobs.

The work area must be sealed off with the help of plastic sheeting. This prevents the mold spores from spreading throughout the property and causing problems in the future. Professional equipment should be brought in to do the job per the company you hire. This includes HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, commercial-strength dehumidifiers, and more. Only those who tackle these types of projects regularly will have the right equipment to remove the mold safely and effectively.

Once the mold has been removed, a HEPA air scrubber is needed to remove any airborne mold spores that remain present in the building. Furthermore, simple ventilation may be needed to complete this portion of the job or the mold removal company might use sophisticated negative air controls at this time. Only HEPA filters should be used to ensure the airborne mold spores are captured and removed from the home. Keep in mind, regular filters can make the mold problem worse. 

The team handling the mold removal takes on the task of discarding any porous building materials that have mold present. Thankfully, the building materials don’t typically cost much to replace, but they usually cannot be restored to an uncontaminated condition. Once the work has been completed, the team uses an antimicrobial chemical to remove any mold that remains and stains caused by the mold that was removed.

Finally, the team may choose to use encapsulant or sealer to make the materials more resistant to mold and water damage in the future. These products also help to control any odors that linger on a microscopic level.

Choosing the Right Company to Work With

Choose a company experienced in mold removal. Now is not the time to turn to the neighborhood handyman unless the job is very small. Experience is of great help in dealing with unique situations, as the team has likely seen something similar in the past and knows how to properly address the situation. 

Ask if the company handles the restoration work and other tasks that may be needed once the mold has been removed. For instance, the air ducts may need to be cleaned to remove any mold spores that have collected in them, and drywall might need to be replaced. Many building owners prefer to hire one company to take on these tasks, as doing so makes the entire project easier for all involved. 

Hiring a mold professional is nothing to fear. Many individuals in the industry are outstanding at what they do. They offer their services at reasonable prices, never push services that aren’t necessary, explain what they are doing and why, and are professional at all times. To begin your mold removal process right away, start with AirQuest for a reliable, in-depth assessment of your mold issues at hand.