When a thunderstorm rolls through or flooding conditions occur, there’s a chance that your home would be negatively impacted by water damage. While water damage is frustrating and will take time to repair, the more serious issue that’s caused by water intrusion into your home is mold growth. When mold grows, unhealthy particles get into the air. If left untended, respiratory issues could develop. Mold remediation services are designed to tackle this problem at the source.
Ask Your Friends and Family Members for Suggestions
If you have any friends or family members who’ve encountered mold issues in the past, they should be able to provide you with comprehensive details about any companies they’ve hired and the experiences they’ve had. Recommendations by people you know may hold more weight than online reviews.
Keep in mind, however, that past performance isn’t always representative of current performance. If a family member of yours had a great experience with a mold remediation company five years ago, it’s possible that the company’s quality of service has declined over the years. Pair a recommendation with additional research to make an informed decision.
Look at Online Reviews
If a company has been around for at least a year, it’s likely that they will have online reviews for you to reference when conducting your research. While these reviews may not be as comprehensive as you’d like them to be, they should give you a better understanding of what to expect when you request mold remediation services from that company. When reading these reviews, remember that nearly every company will likely have at least one negative review. The average rating is oftentimes more indicative of the experience you’ll have.
Contact Local Plumbers to Ask for Recommendations
When a plumbing leak or overflow occurs, plumbers are tasked with performing repairs and making sure that the damage to your home is mitigated. Plumbing leaks increase the chances of mold growth, which means that plumbers work alongside mold remediation companies from time to time. If you have a local plumber that you regularly hire, ask them if they have any mold remediation companies that they’d recommend.
Find Out if the Company is Insured
Make sure that the company you’re thinking of hiring has received their license. If they haven’t, they may be attempting to scam unwitting customers.
All mold remediation companies should have insurance as well. General liability insurance protects the company from claims of damage or other issues that occurred during the course of their work.
Ask the Right Questions
If you’re in the midst of researching possible mold remediation companies to hire, there are some standard questions that you should ask before making your final decision. Along with the information the company gives you, it’s also important that you listen to the tone that a representative of the company has when you speak with them. Are they able to answer your questions directly? If you’re left with even more questions after speaking with them, it may be best to consider other options.
What Equipment Will You Be Using?
Mold remediation companies need to use heavy-duty equipment to make sure that all mold growth and spores have been eradicated. Make sure that the company you hire has all of the gear they need to handle this task efficiently. Some of the more common tools that these companies use include:
- Infrared cameras
- Air quality pumps
- Hygrometers
- Flashlights
- Moisture meters
How Long Has Your Company Been in Business?
You should also ask any company you’re thinking of hiring about how long they’ve been in business. Mold growth can be stubborn, which is why it’s highly recommended that you hire a company that has ample experience in the industry. Since mold can damage a home and cause health problems, it’s essential that it’s removed immediately.
How Long Does a Mold Remediation Job Take?
Not every company is going to be able to provide a precise answer to this question. Every mold remediation job differs in scope and difficulty. If mold has spread to places that are more challenging to reach, the project could take longer than anticipated. If a company gives you a clear answer before they’ve even taken a look at your home, you might want to avoid this contractor. You don’t want to hire a mold remediation company that rushes through projects.
What Does Your Mold Inspection Procedure Entail?
Reputable and experienced mold remediation companies will have a pattern or checklist they adhere to when taking a look at any home. These companies must perform an inspection before providing mold remediation to identify where the mold is located and how far it has spread. The mold remediation company you’re thinking of hiring should give you a detailed explanation of the steps they take during this process.
In most cases, the inspection process will start with the company checking interior areas of your home for any signs of water staining or leaks. They’ll also look for water damage around the shower walls, toilets, and bathtubs. If there aren’t any signs of water damage in the bathroom, the kitchen is another area where water leaks tend to occur. Companies usually look below cupboards, around the sink caulking, and on the floors nearby any kitchen appliances.
Signs of mold or leaks could also be present near washing machines and washer hose connections. While attics and crawlspaces aren’t typical inspection areas, the mold remediation company you hire may look in these areas if the source of the mold growth has yet to be found. When interviewing potential companies to hire, they should be eager to help you understand what their services entail.
How Will You Keep Future Mold Issues at Bay?
While getting rid of existing mold is necessary for every mold remediation project, companies are also tasked with making sure that the mold doesn’t return in the near future. When you pose this question to a mold remediation company, they should give you a clear and detailed plan on how they will prevent mold regrowth from taking place. Removing existing mold isn’t enough for a long-lasting solution to the problem.
Do you think that your home has mold or water damage problems? If so, our professional mold remediation company will help you identify the source of the issue and make the necessary fixes. Our mold remediation services are designed to remove any existing mold and prevent future mold growth.
We’ll also test the air in your home to determine if any mold spores are affecting your home’s indoor air. Mold restoration services are available if you’d like to restore any items in your home that have been damaged by water. A few additional services you can inquire about include odor removal, ultraviolet sanitation, and painting. Call Pur360 today to discover how our mold remediation services can help you!