What Does A Mold Remediation Company Do?

If you’re considering starting a reputable mold remediation company, understanding how you can make your business stand apart from the rest begins with knowing what it takes to get the job done.

What does a mold remediation company do? Mold remediation companies play an important role in ensuring long-term solutions to a common problem found in many homes and businesses. The best remediation companies implement a multi-step process that keeps fungi at their natural levels, putting a plan in place to keep a mold outbreak from happening again.

While the job of mold remediation services sounds pretty straight-forward, the best companies have extensive processes in place that treat the toxic mold problem, protect the area from future growth and work with certified partners to responsibly remove any toxic substances from the property.

Here’s a closer look at the work that goes into becoming a successful mold remediation company.

Remediation Goes Beyond Removal

You’ve likely heard of advertisements that promise mold removal, but in many situations, that’s equivalent to applying a bandage to a broken bone.

Mold remediation and mold removal are not the same. While you can make a quick buck successfully removing mold on a surface, you’re not getting to the root of the problem and implementing preventative measures. That means mold removal companies may be leaving you with a false sense of security. If - and when - mold in a home or business occurs again, you’re not likely to get a follow-up call from your clients or their recommendations to others. 

So what sets remediation companies apart from removal services? The best companies will conduct a series of tests to determine which type of mold is growing. After all, there are up to 5 million species of fungi in the world.

A mold remediation company will then:

• Perform a mold inspection, identifying and repairing the source of the problem that is leading to mold growth, such as water damage
• Check your property for hidden mold spores, including in areas like HVAC systems
• Dehumidify the affected areas so that they return to levels that will not promote future mold growth
• Contain the area to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas
• Remove any materials not part of the structure that have been affected by mold
• Treat the mold with an agent that lifts it off any structural surfaces
• Vacuum the area with a HEPA vacuum that captures the mold
• Apply an antimicrobial agent, which offers a final protective coat
• Test indoor air quality to ensure occupants are safe (see more about this below)

A professional mold control company should also test and identify other areas of the property where mold growth may not be visible yet, but where the conditions are right for mold to develop. 

Testing Is Part Of The Job

Once the mold remediation process has occurred, there are two very important steps that still need to be completed. The first is air quality testing.

Not every mold removal and remediation service offers this, but those that offer the highest quality of service do. An air quality test ensures that the mold issue has been properly addressed. This can go a long way in securing the trust of your clients if they have discovered mold in their house. 

That’s because it’s impossible to know whether a mold issue has been properly addressed unless an air quality test is performed. Black mold remediation truly isn’t complete until this process is done.

Air quality tests are extremely accurate in providing clients with information like the type of mold found on the premises and how much mold remains (and whether that amount falls within safe levels). 

Important note: Make sure you use a third party provider for this air quality test to ensure no appearance of impropriety. 

Hazardous Waste Removal Finishes The Job

The final step that occurs after mold remediation and air quality testing is the safe removal of any toxic substances from the property. This can include any chemicals used during the process that local, state or federal laws have deemed hazardous.

Following environmental regulations is extremely important for both you and the client you are servicing. Any improper removal and disposal of chemicals and mold contaminated materials can land both of you in trouble with the law, not to mention hurt your ability to operate a reputable mold remediation business in the future.

Partnering with a hazardous waste company that is licensed in black mold removal can offer prospective clients the reassurance they need to hire you. 

Here are three more reasons why your remediation services should include a hazardous waste company:

1. There may be a significant quantity of mold damaged building materials that need to be removed from the property. What may begin as surface mold can quickly spread to other areas of a business or home, such as in air ducts, wood frames and ceilings. A hazardous waste company can transport large amounts of compromised materials and safely dispose of them.
   
   
2. There may be other toxic chemicals that need to be disposed of. Several types of chemicals are used during remediation services, such as biocide, which carry some toxic properties that adversely impact the environment.

3. Regulations constantly evolve. Working with a licensed hazardous waste company can help ensure that you stay on top of the regulations you must follow when it comes to environmental laws and waste disposal.

Rather than wait until you require the services of a hazardous waste company, it’s a good idea to develop a relationship with a licensed company sooner rather than later. Mold remediation projects can be massive in size. Entire structures can be compromised and require extensive remediation efforts.

Waiting to find a hazardous waste company that is experienced in transporting and disposing of toxic chemicals and mold-infested materials can put any projects you have been contracted to finish on hold … costing you precious time and business.