Water damage that is not treated quickly can lead to serious mold problems in your house or office. Mold remediation is not recommended if the system has suffered extensive damage or if the health of the occupants is seriously compromised.
Others situations might be more serious and need to be remediated. It can be worse if you attempt to solve the mold problem by yourself.
It is not easy to find competent remediators who are familiar with the dangers associated with incorrect remediation. Do not be afraid to ask the following questions before hiring a Washington DC mold remediation firm.
- Are you worried about mold? While remediators aren’t licensed health professionals, they should be familiar with the dangers of indoor water damage. They should be familiar with the term “mycotoxin” and the distinction between an allergy to mold or toxic reactions to poisonous substances.
- Would you recommend that the environmental conditions be tested? Some testing should be done before and after remediation to show success or failure. This testing should not be done by the remediator as it could cause conflicts of interest. It is safer to test from outside sources. Testing should not be dismissed by potential remediators as being unnecessary.
- Keep a log of all your work. Contractors should take digital photographs of all work. This is particularly important when work involves the removal of building materials. Digital photos of the job should be available to the customer after it is completed.
- Is it possible to properly contain the area? This is vital. Contractors should not be allowed to ignore the need for containment. Proper containment includes protection at the entrance to the site and plastic sheeting. This will prevent cross-contamination. HEPA-filtered negative air machines (NAMs) should be used. Then, they should be ejected outdoors.
- Are you insured? Contractors might not have insurance. This can reduce their costs but ultimately cost you more. Hire someone trustworthy when it comes to business practices.
- Do your workers wear protective gear? Yes. Workers should wear safety glasses, respirators, hazmat suits, and other protective gear. Disposable shoe covers are important because foot traffic can cause cross-contamination.
- What should you do about waste materials? It is important that you bag any leftover material and dispose of it promptly. It is important to dispose of items as soon as possible. You should dispose of the items as soon as possible to reduce the chance of leakage or breakage. Bagged items should always be double-bagged to prevent cross-contamination.
- Do you wrap your equipment? HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, and other tools are crucial for the remediation process. You must wrap equipment in new material before it can be taken to your location. This equipment can become contaminated from previous jobs. It could lead to even more problems if you do not take proper precautions.
More information about mold remediation can be found at 911 Restoration Of Washington DC’s website.
If the contractor you are contacting is not responsive to your questions or concerns, it might be worth looking for another contractor. Your own health is your responsibility. Ask difficult questions. Listen to your instincts and make the right decision for your family’s well-being and health.