When to call a mold specialist?

Mold is a common problem that homeowners need to be aware of and prepared to handle. The truth is that mold spores are all around us, and we don’t need to remove each one for your home to be healthy. 

When you see mold it’s easy to panic, but it’s important to stay calm so you can properly deal with it. Some homeowners may wonder if they should try and remove mold on their own, but DIY with mold is not the best approach. Mold presents a different challenge than your everyday dust and grime. Mold can’t be removed so easily. In addition, once you’ve disrupted the mold growth, it could spread as the spores disperse throughout your home. 

Mold presents a serious health hazard for your loved ones, and it’s essential to know when to call in a mold specialist to fix the problem. 

When to call a mold specialist

Some signs indicate that you need to contact a mold specialist quickly to get your mold problem under control. Here are the main reasons you should call a mold specialist in to help you take back your home. 

1.Musty smell

Mold has a particular odour. You can often smell it before you can see it. Some have compared the smell to wet socks or rotting wood. Unfortunately, it’s not just the smell that presents a risk. When you can smell the presence of mold it means the spores are in the air and moving around your home. Your loved ones are at risk for breathing these mold spores in, which can cause health problems, including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• And more. 

 If you’re smelling something around your home that is musty, it’s time to call a mold specialist to investigate. The sooner you have a professional look into the problem, the less risky to you and your loved ones’ health. 

2.Size of mold infestation

The larger the mold infestation, the more urgent you need to call a mold specialist. If you have a growth that is larger than 10-square feet, you need to contact a professional quickly before it spreads further. The sooner you get a mold specialist, the less expensive the repairs will be. The longer you leave the problem, the more opportunity there is for damage to the drywall and other parts of your home. That will become a much more expensive and extensive mold repair job. 

3.Water damage

Recent flooding or a burst pipe creates a moist or humid atmosphere ideal for mold growth. If you’ve had any amount of water seep into your home, it’s best to call a mold specialist to investigate. They’ll be able to get into the smaller spaces, and they know where to look to find mold before the growth gets out of hand. It’s best to call a mold specialist sooner rather than later, as it is often easier to salvage parts of your home and property if you’re proactive in preventing mold growth. 

4.Humid home

Some homes collect humidity more than others, and if that is where you live, you need to be on guard for mold growth. If you’ve experienced a higher than usual humid home, whether it’s because of the weather or your HVAC system isn’t working correctly, you could be heading for a mold disaster. Remember that mold often grows in dark, humid places that are out of sight. When you start to see the mold, you can be sure you have significant growth. You’ll need to contact a mold specialist who can determine the extent of the growth. 

5.Compromised loved ones

If you have loved ones living in your home that are more prone to sickness, you’ll want to ensure that mold does not grow in your home.  Anyone with respiratory challenges or conditions like Asthma, allergies, organ transplant patients or those undergoing chemotherapy are at higher risk for serious health problems if there is mold in your home. It’s also more damaging to children and older adults. 

What to look for in a mold specialist

If you decide it’s time to call a mold specialist, you want to be sure you hire the right professional. Here are some things you should look for in a professional mold specialist. 

References – read some online customer reviews to see what others have had to say about the experience. Remember that a couple of negative reviews don’t mean they are not a reliable mold specialist. People are more likely to complain than they are to leave a compliment. Instead, consider how the company handled them if you see some negative reviews. Did they try and engage the customer in a conversation and fix the issue? 

Training- dealing with mold requires special tools, equipment, and approach. Look for a mold specialist who has some training in removing mold from homes. You don’t want to hire someone who is not skilled as they are more likely to release mold spores into the air. If that happens, you’ll be looking at another removal job soon. 

Experience – you want to find a mold specialist with practical, hands-on experience to complement their training. When they’ve been able to practice what they’ve learned, you know that you’ll be working with a mold specialist that has the expertise to clean up your mold problem. 

Certification – Ask if the mold specialist holds any accreditations or certifications. This can indicate their level of professionalism. At FIRESTONE, our team is IICRC certified. This means we use the highest standards in property cleaning and restoration. 

Procedure – your mold specialist should be able to clearly outline their procedures and process for removing the mold from your property. If they cannot explain the process or seem vague, you’re better to look around for another mold specialist. 

At FIRESTONE, we are passionate about your property. Our team will be diligent about removing the mold, yet gentle enough as if it were our own home. If you suspect a  mold infestation in your home, contact FIRESTONE.