Do this first
- Don't disturb it. Scrubbing or tearing out moldy materials can spread spores through the house.
- Don't paint over it. Paint hides mold; it doesn't stop it.
- Look for the water source. Mold almost always means a leak, high humidity or past water damage.
- Keep sensitive people away. Anyone with allergies, asthma or breathing problems should stay out of the area.
How we handle mold
We inspect the area and take moisture readings to find the source. Then we contain the work area, run HEPA filtration, and remove or clean affected materials. Once the area is dry, our own crew rebuilds anything that was removed.
Fixing the cause
Mold comes back if the moisture does. When the cause is a plumbing leak, our master plumber repairs it, so the problem doesn't return.
Small patch or a bigger job?
The EPA's guide to mold says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, in most cases you can handle the cleanup yourself, following its guidelines. Larger areas, mold after significant water damage, or mold you can smell but can't see are good reasons to call.
EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Equipment and methods
- HEPA filtration
- Dehumidification
- Moisture readings
Methods are matched to each job; not every job needs every tool.
Insurance claims
- Moisture readings. Taken at the start and checked every day while the structure dries.
- Photos. The damage, the work in progress and the finished repair.
- Drying logs & written scope. What was wet, what was done, and what has to be repaired or replaced.
- We talk to your adjuster. We share the documentation and answer the adjuster's questions when you want us to.
Payment can come from you or your insurance company, depending on the job and your claim. Your insurer decides what your policy covers; we can't promise coverage, but we can make sure the damage is documented.
Questions
Will the mold come back?
Not if the moisture problem is fixed and the area is properly dried. That's why we start with the source.
Do you test for mold?
We inspect the area and take moisture readings to find where mold is growing and why. If you need laboratory testing, we can talk through when it's worth doing.
Do you charge to come out?
No. There's no dispatch fee. Once we're on site and have seen the problem, we give you an upfront estimate for the work needed.
