Mold remediation may be a foreign concept to you and your family. That is normal. How to handle a serious mold contamination is not common knowledge, and, chances are, it is knowledge that you never needed up until now. Well, do not let the unfamiliar stress you out. Just set aside some time to carefully do your research before hiring just any mold remediation company in your South Jersey area.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional Mold Remediation Company for the Job
Unlike most other service industries, a poorly executed mold remediation can affect you and your family’s health and leave you with an expensive repair bill. A reputable mold remediation company will have the necessary tools, skills and knowledge to safely and effectively address your mold problems. While it is important to hire a professional, please keep in mind that you need to hire a reputable mold remediation company that you can trust to get the job done right the first time.
Things to Look for in a Professional Mold Remediation Company in New Jersey
So, I found mold in my home. Its elevated presence has been confirmed. What do I do now? Who do I hire? How do I know they will be good?
You need to do your research to make sure that you find a mold remediation team in South Jersey that you can trust to get the job done right the first time. Here are some things to consider if you are looking for a trustworthy mold remediation company in New Jersey.
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Online Reputation
With the internet readily accessible, you have a wealth of information right at your fingertips. The internet makes it easy for people to share their experience (good or bad) with brands, companies, places, etc. A company’s online reputation is a good starting point for your research. Read reviews on Angie’s List, Google, Facebook and anywhere you can find them. Find out what past clients have to say about their experience, and see if it matches your expectations of a company.
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Industry Training, Certifications and Insurance
Just because they advertise that they are experts, does not mean they are qualified. Mold inspectors and mold remediation technicians should be properly equipped with the appropriate tools, skills, knowledge and certifications. You should check to make sure that the company is a licensed New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor. It is a requirement that has to be met in order to be able to perform professional mold remediations in South Jersey. Every mold remediation professional in New Jersey should be able to produce their NJ HIC Lic. # upon client request.
Some Certifications to look for:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration– OSHA
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification– IICRC
Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization– MICRO
Professional Mold Inspection Institute– PMII
National Association of Mold Professionals– NAMP
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Mold Remediation Process
Ask for an overview of the company’s mold removal process and standards. A proper mold remediation should consist of 3 key steps. It is important that each step is completed thoroughly and properly to ensure a safe and effective mold remediation.
Identifying the source
To deliver a successful mold cleanup, the the moisture source needs to be accurately identified and properly addressed. Unaddressed moisture problems will continue to feed a mold problem. Your mold remediation company should be able to get to the bottom of where the moisture is coming from. If the moisture problem is not resolved, mold re-growth is inevitable, despite a successful cleanup.
Containing the problem
Step one of a mold remediation project is setting up containment to isolate the areas of concern. It is important that technicians carefully protect any unaffected areas to avoid cross-contamination. Once mold spores become airborne (which will happen once work begins), they can land on and contaminate virtually any surface. If technicians do not set up proper containment, you will be risking cross-contamination to previously clean areas and end up with a bigger problem.
Cleaning & Disposal
In many cases, mold can be effectively removed from the surface of building materials by following the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Protocol. However, in severe cases, some building materials may be non-salvageable and must be removed and replaced. Mold technicians should be trained in the most advanced cleaning and demolition techniques in order to ensure a safe, effective mold remediation.
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Verifiable References
Don’t be shy about asking for references. If a company has successfully provided a service to happy and satisfied clients, the company should have references. Ask for a few from clients who were in a similar situation as you. Ask if they have any clients who are willing to actually talk to you about their experience with the company.
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Mold Remediation Warranty
If your mold remediation company has identified all potential moisture sources and performed proper mold remediation, they should provide a warranty. It’s that simple.
Your mold remediation proposal should always include thorough and proper cleanup of the existing mold as well as recommendations for preventative measures to discourage recurrence. If your mold remediation is executed correctly the first time, the mold should not come back.
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Post-Remediation Testing
When dealing with the remediation of micro organisms and bioaerosols, it is always recommended that a thorough inspection and mold testing be performed after cleanup. This will ensure that the job was done right and the property is safe. Once you’ve chosen a mold remediation company, let them know that you are considering Post Remediation Testing. This will encourage them to not cut corners and do the best job possible.
Finding mold in your home can be stressful, but you do not have to feel overwhelmed. Take the time to do your research. If you can find a mold removal company in New Jersey that you can trust, it will make the process that much easier.
