Do You Need a Mold Abatement Contractor?

<div class=article-entry><img alt= class=attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image height=800 loading=lazy sizes=(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px src=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2021/03/window-mold.jpeg srcset=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2021/03/window-mold.jpeg 1200w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2021/03/window-mold-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2021/03/window-mold-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2021/03/window-mold-768x512.jpeg 768w width=1200/><div class=featured-caption></div><p>Finding mold in your home can be a scary and stressful situation. You may not know how prevalent the mold is, whether it has spread, if it’s harmful to you or your family, or how to proceed with cleanup. Luckily, there are licensed professionals who excel at removing mold from homes and businesses. However, finding a quality mold abatement contractor is easier when you have the facts about mold and know what to look for. The following information will help you make an educated decision.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>The Dangers of Mold in Your Home or Business</strong></h3><p>Mold, mildew, and other fungi aren’t just ugly and smelly—they can also cause illness and, in extreme cases, death. The dangers of toxic black mold have been widely discussed, but even less toxic types of mold and mildew can be a health hazard. Whether you can see it or not, the presence of mold in your home can cause any of the following signs and symptoms:</p><ul><li>Headache</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Weakness</li><li>Muscle stiffness and joint pain</li><li>Poor memory and difficulty concentrating</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Chronic coughing and wheezing</li><li>Skin rashes</li><li>Sinusitis and sinus congestion</li><li>Tingling and numbness in the skin and limbs</li><li>Abdominal pain</li><li>Vertigo</li><li>Lightheadedness</li><li>Red/watery eyes and blurred vision</li><li>Trouble regulating body temperature</li><li>Loss of appetite or appetite swings</li><li>Flu-like symptoms</li><li>Metallic taste in the mouth</li></ul><p> </p><h3><strong>When Should You Hire a Mold Remediation Company?</strong></h3><p>Some types of mold and mildew are easy to remove on your own, but others, such as black mold, require the help of a professional to remedy the problem. Homes and buildings that are hosts to mold have often experienced one or more of the following causes or symptoms:</p><ul><li>Past flooding or water damage</li><li>Leaking pipes or a leaky roof</li><li>Musty smells or strange odors</li><li>Consistently damp or wet areas, including basements, attics and crawl spaces</li><li>The presence of visible mold or mildew (not all mold is visible or in areas where it can be easily seen)</li></ul><p>If your home or business has any of these warning signs and you and your family or coworkers are experiencing signs of mold exposure, call a mold abatement contractor right away. They can test for the presence of mold and let you know if professional assistance is necessary.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Can I do it Myself?</strong></h3><p>When you know mold is present in your home, you may be tempted to try and remove it yourself. However, there’s an important fact to remember about mold: it spreads through scattered spores. Unfortunately, that means well-meaning homeowners who try to remove mold on their own can inadvertently spread the spores and exacerbate the problem. While some types of mold are easy to remove (such as typical bathroom mildew), mold that’s in walls or home materials (especially black mold and other harmful types) must be removed by a professional to ensure your safety and complete removal of the danger.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Hiring Mold Abatement and Remediation Services</strong></h3><p>Finding a qualified, trustworthy mold removal and repair company in your area isn’t always easy. There are a lot of mold abatement and remediation companies out there, but their quality of skill and service aren’t all equivalent. If possible, your best option is to hire a Diamond Certified mold removal contractor in your area. All Diamond Certified companies undergo a rigorous rating process that includes verifying licensing and credentials, as well as surveying past customers.</p><p>If you’re unable to choose a Diamond Certified mold removal contractor in your area, you can improve your chances of hiring a quality company by checking out candidates on the Contractors State License Board’s <a href=http://www.cslb.ca.gov/>website</a>. In addition to verifying that they have an active license and workers’ compensation insurance, you’ll see any violations that exist on their license record, including recent infractions or serious customer grievances that have been processed by the state.</p><p>It’s also worthwhile to see if the company has any memberships, as companies that are members of local and nationwide industry organizations and associations may offer better service.</p><p>As with any working relationship, it’s important to make sure you and your contractor work well together. That’s why it’s wise to consider the personal and professional qualities you value in a mold removal and repair contractor. Promptness, good communication skills, honesty and cleanliness are important, so decide what traits you want in the contractor you hire and don’t settle for less.</p></div>