How To Avoid 4 Mold Scams
A Miracle Spray or Treatment That Makes Mold Go Away
There are several uneducated companies in the Gulf Coast Region that are selling a so-called treatment or spray they claim takes care of mold. Many times they will apply this treatment in an attic. There is no such thing as a spray that kills mold. If you have mold, it must be precisely located and removed with cleaning and high filtration vacuums while the entire area is under air filtration. After removal the area needs to be treated with an EPA registered mold product. The companies that only apply a treatment are out to make a quick dollar while not doing anything for the homeowner.
Treating Mold With Bleach Is NOT the Answer
First, bleach is not an EPA registered product to treat mold. It may temperarily kill some mold, but once bleach touches the surface it is inactivated and the bleach causes more moisture to sit on the surface that was sprayed. Many times a contractor will unknowingly pressure wash studs with bleach. Pressuring washing forces even more water and moisture into the studs and causes even more mold to grow when the bleach is inactivated. NEVER pressure wash with bleach in a mold contaminated building.
Not Performing A Thorough Moisture Inspection
I have talked to dozens of area residents that had improper mold remediation services performed in their home. It is rare to find that a moisture inspection was performed with a thermal imaging camera. Some homeowners never had a moisture inspection at all. In many cases, a thermal imaging camera is the best way to find where mold may be hidden. If a thorough moisture inspection is not given, you will never know where else mold could grow.
Do Not Hire an Uneducated Mold Remediation Firm
Any company can say that they are liscensed in mold remediation. Many companies even claim to be certified mold remediation firms while they actually hold no certifications. The government does not currently require any special training or certification. However, you DO NOT want to hire a company that has never been trained in the area of mold remediation and water damage restoration. Ask specifically who they are certified by and ask to see proof of certification. You can visit the IICRC website at www.IICRC.org to check certification status. Healthy Home Restoration, Inc is trained and certified by the IICRC and the Indoor Air Quality Association in the area of Mold Remediation.
The information mentioned above is taken from the IICRC Standard for Mold Remediation or the IAQA Training Manual for Mold Remediators.
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