You followed the warning signs and now it’s confirmed, there’s mold in your home. Whether it’s from a leak that was never fixed or a dangerously damp spot, mold is an issue you want to address as soon as you spot it. Follow these steps for what to do if you find mold in your home.
Mold Quick Facts
Mold quickly grows and spreads. Given the proper wet and warm conditions, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to grow and spread within an area.
Some mold is very visible and has a distinct smell. If you notice an earthy or musty smell, it’s likely you’ve got a mold issue to some extent.
Mold can be hard to detect if it’s not in plain sight. It often hides behind walls, under floors and in our cabinets. These are all areas where water damage can occur, but we cannot see it. This leads to mold growth and can be potentially very dangerous for you and your household. If you have concerns about this type of mold, it’s best to get an inspector in who can confirm it for you.
While you can attempt to clean certain types of mold in your home, think of the build up on your bathroom tiles, it’s not recommended. Properly removing mold requires the right tools, chemicals and solutions to do it. To ensure the mold is completely eradicated and you do not expose yourself to anything dangerous, it’s best to call in the pros.
What To Do If You Find Mold In Your Home
1. Act Fast
As previously stated, mold grows and spreads quickly. While you may have a mold situation today it can easily grow into a mold infestation if given enough time. This is why it’s important to act fast if you discover mold in your home. If there’s a visible source of what’s causing the mold, for example, an exposed leaking pipe, try cutting off the water to that fixture first. If you cannot locate a source, then it’s time to bring in someone who can.
2. Research Companies
You know you’re going to need a pro to handle this situation so it’s important to find the right company fast. Head over to HomeStars to easily research mold removal companies in your area. Select a couple of companies and read their reviews from past clients. Were they satisfied with the service they received? Were all of their mold issues taken care of? Be sure to read the company responses to reviews too, especially if there are negative reviews. Nobody’s perfect, but how a company responds to unhappy customers says a lot about them. Once you’ve found a couple of companies you feel comfortable with, it’s time to reach out to them.
3. Check for Licences & Insurance
Once you’ve reached out to the companies, it’s important to make sure they have liability insurance specifically for mold removal. Check that their policy states that they are covered for working with mold. If not, they aren’t the best company for the job.
Ask to see the company’s IICRC certificate that clearly states the company name. This means that they have obtained a certificate from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration and their technicians are properly trained and tested on mold removal protocols.
Last but not least, make sure that the company is going to remove the mold and not just cover it up. If the company uses terms like “seal in” or “encapsulate” the mold, this means they are not going to remove it. Be sure they state that they will completely remove the mold.
4. Sign a Contract
Once you’ve checked for the right licences and insurance, it’s time to move on to signing a contract. Make sure that the company provides you with a written guarantee that the mold will be removed and not just covered up or sealed. Make sure you understand the contract before signing and ask any questions if something is unclear. Remember, a contract is a legally binding agreement, so you want to make sure you understand what you’re signing.
No one wants to discover mold in their home, but there may come a time when you do. Don’t panic — while mold is unpleasant and potentially dangerous to your health, it is manageable. Act fast and connect with the right company who can properly handle the situation for you. This way you’ll have peace of mind knowing your mold issue has been handled by a professional.
