When the work is done, ask your Sonoma County mold removal contractor to walk you through the work and show you what was done. Pay special attention to the items on your original work order and your invoice to ensure everything was done as promised. Talk about guarantees, ask about any follow-up services, and future mold prevention strategies.

Invoice from Sonoma County mold removal and repair companies in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sonoma and Cloverdale, Cazadero, Camp Meeker, Bloomfield, Temelec, Stewarts Point Rancheria, Schellville, Two Rock, Jenner, Eldridge, Fetters Hot Springs and your area should include the following:

• The mold removal and repair contractor’s name, physical address and state license number.
• A complete list of all mold removal work performed.
• An itemized list of all materials used in the mold mitigation and mold repair services.
• The total cost for the mold removal and repair, including the itemized amount charged for labor.
• A written explanation of any warranties or guarantees provided by the mold repair contractors and the manufacturers of any products that were used.

Good mold removal services will guarantee their work and will back up their services with written warranties that protect you in the event of a problem or a resurgence of mold. Most will also guarantee that their work will pass third-party mold inspections that prove all of the mold has been removed from the premises.

The following items should be included in any written guarantee document:

• The Sonoma County mold removal and repair contractor’s name, physical address and state license number.
• A description of what exactly the warranty covers. This should include whether the mold removal contractor will repair or replace any faulty materials or workmanship.
• Any exclusions must be explicitly stated.
• Your responsibility in the case of a problem with the mold removal work and what you need to do in order to redeem the guarantee.
• How long the warranty is valid, and whether it expires on a specific day or is prorated (meaning, the warranty coverage and amount owed for repair diminishes over time).
• If the warranty coverage is transferable to the new owner if you sell the home or building in which the mold remediation work was done.
• Any actions on your part that may nullify the warranty.

The most popular mold removal and repair services in Petaluma, Windsor, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Cotati, Guerneville and Rohnert Park and throughout Sonoma County include the following:

Sonoma County Mold Inspections
Also known as mold testing, mold inspection is a common service provided by Sonoma County mold removal companies. Mold inspections may be visual inspections, in which the mold contractor does a physical inspection to see where mold is located and the extent of the mold problem. This may include moving or removing walls and other barriers to better see the area. Mold inspections can also be performed using air and surface testing methods and technology. This ensures that mold spores have all been removed from the area so that the mold doesn’t return. Keep in mind that it’s best to hire a third-party mold inspecting company before and after the mold removal to determine which type of mold is present and whether it has been completely removed.

Mold Abatement
Mold abatement is another term for mold removal and mold remediation. It’s the removal of mold from homes, businesses, schools, commercial buildings, apartment buildings and other buildings.

Mold Damage Repairs in Sonoma County
Once mold has been removed, homes and commercial buildings may require mold damage repairs. Contractors in Sonoma County that specialize in mold damage repairs, including those serving areas such as Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Cotati, Cloverdale and Rohnert Park and beyond, are often skilled at insulation replacement, drywall repairs, wall repairs, plaster refinishing, cabinet repairs, exterior repairs and more.

Black Mold Removal
Some companies specialize in the removal of black mold and other toxic mold removal services. Toxic black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, produces mycotoxins that can make humans very ill. It is known to grow and spread easily in homes, especially in basements, attics, insulation, bathrooms, under cabinets, and in other dark and damp areas. Black mold removal must be done by a certified and qualified mold removal contractor who has the right tools for the job to prevent it from spreading throughout the house.

Mildew Removal Services
Mildew is a very common type of mold that is most often found in bathrooms, basements and other damp areas. It can be powdery or downy, white, yellow, brown, green or, most commonly, black. Mildew can usually be removed with a combination of sprays and wet removal methods, and by removing drywall, wood, insulation and other affected materials. Most mold removal companies in Sonoma County can provide mildew removal services and mildew abatement.

Bathroom Mold Removal Services
Bathrooms are common breeding grounds for mold and mildew because they are frequently damp. Wet, damp, and moist areas are favorite areas for mold growth. Bathrooms can see various types of mold growth, including mildew, black mold, mold under cabinets, in flooring, mold on walls, and mold in areas where water seepage occurs. Bathroom mold removal should also be followed by mold prevention strategies to prevent leaking and seeping water, and to remove the possibility of mold growing again in the same locations.

Removing Mold From Walls
Mold can grow in and on walls, particularly those that have been inundated with water or are in rooms or areas that are frequently wet or damp. Mold removal from walls usually includes hiring a company that can open up walls to remove any drywall, insulation, backing board, and other fibers and materials that have become infected with mold spores. Removing mold from the surface of the walls will only treat the surface of the problem. Underlying mold issues need to be torn out to keep it from returning or from becoming worse.

Commercial Mold Removal Services
Commercial mold removal companies work in commercial, public, civic and other large buildings to prevent and remove mold growth. These services often specialize in industrial spaces, multi-family units and apartment buildings, commercial buildings such as businesses and stores, and large-scale facilities and civic buildings such as governmental buildings and schools.

Mold Removal from Homes
Residential mold removal services in Sonoma County, including those in Guerneville, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Cotati, and Cloverdale and other areas, have the tools and expertise to remove mold from homes. This can include basement mold problems, kitchen and bathroom mold growth, mold in crawlspaces and attics, toxic black mold removal, mildew removal services, mold mitigation, sterile mold removal and mold testing services.

Basement Mold Removal in Sonoma County
Like bathrooms, basements can be prime ground for the proliferation of mold. Damp, dark conditions can encourage fast growth of white mold, toxic black mold, mildew, and other forms of mold. Basement mold removal includes pre-removal mold testing, removing visible mold, treating for mold spores and invisible mold, removal of any tainted materials, and post-removal mold testing services (preferably by a third-party service).

allergens
Allergens are substances that create immune system reactions in humans and animals. Allergens can include mold and mildew that cause people to suffer from hay-fever-like symptoms, red and watery eyes, sneezing and wheezing, asthma-like symptoms, rashes, sinusitis and sinus problems, and more.

Also known as: allergen, allergenic mold

allergenic mold
Allergenic molds are types of mold that cause allergic symptoms in individuals who have sensitivity to that type of mold. Allergenic molds usually cause mild symptoms and discomfort, and rarely cause life-threatening responses. This can include runny eyes and nose, coughing, scratchy throat, skin rashes, and sinus trouble.

Also known as: allergens, allergic reaction to mold, allergy-causing mold

antimicrobial
Antimicrobials are cleansers and microbe killing surfactants that suppress, slow or kill microorganisms on contact. Many mold mitigation companies use antimicrobials to kill mold and mold spores during mold removal services.

Also known as: disinfectant, mold killer, antimold spray

containment
Mold removal companies often use containment methods to prevent mold spores from moving throughout the home or business during removal. Common types of containment include barriers, seals, air-locks, negative air filtration systems, plastic sheeting, HEPA filters, and other methods to control and prevent movement of airborne mold spores. This can prevent secondary contamination and the spread of mold.

Also known as: containment barrier, mold containment system, mold spore containment

disinfectant
Cleansers, antimicrobials and other solutions that kill mold and mold spores, and that disinfect areas prone to mold are known as disinfectants. Disinfectants are rarely 100 percent effective, but they do limit the amount of mold and spores that exist in a home or business.

Also known as: disinfectants, mold disinfectant, disinfectant spray

HEPA filtration
HEPA filters, are High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. These super-efficient filters can capture and remove up to 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. HEPA filters are often used by mold remediation companies to remove mold spores from the air to prevent mold from spreading throughout a home or building.

Also known as: HEPA filters, HEPA, HEPA mold filters

hidden mold
Mold that grows in areas that aren’t easily accessible or seen is known as hidden mold. This type of mold can be found in walls and insulation, under carpeting and carpet padding, behind cabinets or shelves, between the rafters and the ceiling, in crawlspaces and attics, above drop ceilings, in HVAC ducts or venting, and other areas not easily visible. Hidden mold is dangerous because residents may not know it is present, and may not realize it is the cause of allergic response, illness or other health problems. Mold removal companies should be able to find hidden mold using mold testing services and by moving or removing materials that may be impacted.

Also known as: invisible mold, unseen mold, mold behind walls, mold under carpeting, mold behind cabinets, mold in HVAC system, mold in insulation, mold in attic, mold in ceiling

microbes
Microbes are microorganisms such as fungus and bacteria that cause indoor air contamination. Microbes, including mycotoxins released by toxic mold, can be invisible to the naked eye and can be hard to locate without mold testing or other testing for indoor biological contaminants.

Also known as: mold microbes, mycotoxins, MVOCs, Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds

mycotoxin
Mold can release mycotoxins,which are substances that are harmful to humans and pets. Mycotoxin affects the cells and body tissues of people who breathe it in, and it can cause serious health problems from allergic responses to organ failure.

Also known as: mycotoxins, microbes, allergic response to mold

remediation
Mold remediation is the act of removing mold from homes and other buildings and repairing any damage caused by the mold or the removal of the mold. Remediation of mold may also include removing all contaminated materials, eliminating excess moisture and the cause of excess moisture, preventing moisture and wetness to build up in mold-prone areas, and rebuilding the area affected by mold.

Also known as: mold remediation, mold removal, mold repairs, mold mitigation services

spores
Mold spores are the reproductive cells of mold. They are very tiny and cannot be seen by the naked eye. They travel easily in air, on clothing and material, and even on pets and human skin. Mold spores can stay suspended for long periods in the air and can be moved from room to room and home to home by air movement and as transfer on clothing and skin. Mold removal services must take care not to spread mold spores during mold eradication work. Barriers and filtration systems should be set up to prevent mold from spreading.

Also known as: mold spores

toxic mold
Toxic mold, including toxic black mold, are types of mold that create serious health problems in humans and animals. The results of toxic mold can include short-term toxicity including allergic responses and irritation to long-term problems such as a compromised immune system, cancer and even death. Toxic molds including toxic black mold must be carefully and completely removed from homes and other buildings where humans are present, and people who have had exposure to toxic mold should be under the care of a physician to rule out long-term health problems.

Also known as: toxic black mold, toxic molds, toxic mold removal, toxigenic mold

Q: Why choose Diamond Certified mold removal and repair contractors?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a local mold removal and repair contractor with confidence by offering a list of top rated local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only mold removal and repair contractors rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing Diamond Certified mold removal and repair contractors.

Q: What is mold remediation, removal and repair?
A: Mold remediation is the process of removing and cleaning up mold and mildew from homes and businesses. Homes or businesses that contain large amounts of mold or serious mold problems can benefit from mold removal and repair services, which remove the mold, treat the area to prevent mold from growing again, and repairing any damage resulting from the mold or the removal of mold and mold-tainted materials. Mold remediation contractors often use specialized materials, equipment and methods to completely remove mold from structures.

Q: How does mold become a problem?
A: Mold enters homes, businesses and other structures as small spores, which are usually airborne. Mold spores that are exposed to the proper physical circumstances can begin to grow and destroy the area around them. Mold requires moisture to grow, and most types of mold spores like darkness. Mold can grow in wood, sheet rock, insulation, carpeting, ceiling tiles, behind or on wallpaper, roofing, attics, crawlspaces and other areas and on other materials. Keeping your home dry is the best way to avoid mold contamination.

Q: How long will mold removal services take?
A: That depends on the type, severity and location of your mold. Most mold remediation services can take care of most mold problems in one to five days. Call your local mold removal and repair service for details on your specific mold problems, type and location.

Q: Are mold and mildew different?
A: Yes. Mold and mildew are different types of fungus with different colors, textures and levels of hazard. Mildew is more common than mold, and it often exists in small quantities in homes (particularly in bathrooms and under sinks or other damp areas). Mildew, while ugly and annoying, is rarely dangerous or toxix.

Q: What does mold look like? Can I determine if it’s dangerous by its appearance?
A: Mold comes in many varieties, all of which look slightly different and grow in various locations. Mold can range from light green to dark black, and usually prefers damp, dark locations. Some types of mold even have a distinct odor. If you think you have mold in your home, you should call a mold removal company or industrial hygienist to determine whether the material is indeed mold, and whether it is dangerous. They can advise you on removal methods, independent testing, searching for hidden mold locations and other services that may be needed.

Q: Is mold removal and remediation expensive?
A: The cost of mold removal services depend on the location, type, severity and other details of your mold problem. Repairs and other services may also be required. Mold removal can be very costly, and the expense only grows over time as the mold problem gets worse, so it is smart to have any mold taken care of immediately. Insurance may cover mold removal costs. Remember, the best mold remediation services are rarely the cheapest ones. Don’t use a budget company that has inferior removal techniques to save money. You may find in the long run that it is more expensive to have to hire a second company to complete the work. Instead, hire a licensed, insured, qualified company to provide guaranteed mold removal services that will protect you, your home and your family.

Q: Can I perform mold removal myself?
A: That depends on the type, location and severity of the mold problem, your skills, the materials and equipment you have available to you, and your ability to completely remove the mold in a safe manner. The biggest problem with mold removal is the fact that when you disturb mold by cleaning it, cutting it out, or otherwise attempting to remove it, you release mold spores that can be spread throughout the home or business, and which can create new mold problems in other areas. Thus, it’s important to know what you are doing when removing mold or you can make the problem worse. Properly containing mold spores and completely removing them is the only way to perform proper mold remediation and removal services. You will also need the right protection equipment to prevent yourself and other individuals active in the removal from becoming sick from contact with mold spores. If you’re not able to meet these standards, it’s best to hire a professional mold removal or mold remediation company to take care of the problem for you.

Q: How do I know the mold is completely removed?
A: You should be able to perform a visual inspection to see that the mold is gone. However, hidden mold and mold spores can be hard or impossible to see. To completely verify that mold has been removed, you should have third-party mold testing performed. Your mold contractor should not perform this testing, as it is a potential conflict of interest. Instead, they should rely on a separate service for testing both before and after the mold removal services. Additionally, be sure that the mold removal testing service uses independent tests that are delivered in writing and will stand up in a court of law if you ever have to go that route.

Q: Is mold dangerous?
A: Some types of mold are simply ugly. Other types of mold can be toxic. It’s not uncommon for the presence of mold to cause headaches, dizziness, allergies and allergic-type responses, coughing and wheezing, rashes, asthma, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, lung infections and even, in extreme circumstances, death. Black mold is one of the most common culprits for reactions from sinusitis to death. That’s because black mold and other types of mold release mycotoxins that can make you very ill. Have your home tested for mold by an independent, third-party testing company and then hire a qualified, certified, licensed and insured mold remediation company to take care of the problem if you find mold in your home or business.