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Mold Inspection Company in Phoenix, AZ

Mold Inspection Basics for Phoenix Property Owners and Managers

What Kind of Mold Inspection Do You Need?

Accurately inspecting a property for mold involves more than just a quick visual inspection and a couple of air samples. It’s definitely a great start, but, typically not enough. Why, you might be wondering? Every situation is different and only conducting one method of inspection may leave “stones unturned”. The best approach depends on the situation. We can help you determine what the best approach is.

Visual Mold Assessment

The first and most important step in our mold inspection is the visual assessment. During the visual assessment we look for any indication of a past or current water leak. Where there is/was water damage there’s more often than not, mold growth. Some tools we use during this part of the assessment are a thermal image camera, moisture meter, a bright flash light, borescope, and/or the good old nose. We also look for anything that appears to be a mold like substance. If it looks like a duck… right? The end goal of the visual assessment is to find a colony of mold growth so a protocol for remediation can be developed or, to determine if a deeper mold inspection is needed.

Intrusive Mold Assessment

If our visual mold inspection warrants the need for a deeper look into things, environmental sampling for mold now becomes a more viable option. However, even before testing for mold levels at this point, lets look at one more option. Intrusive means of inspection at this point might be a more accurate way to determine if a mold colony is present. Lets say we found an area that showed signs of water damage on the surface of a wall (bubbled paint), but, with no visible signs of mold growth. Is it more ideal to take an air sample or is it more ideal to cut a small square and look inside the wall and save yourself the cost of sampling? Don’t get us wrong, sampling does have it’s place and it’s benefits, it’s just not the first thing we typically recommend for our mold inspections and is sometimes not applicable at all.

Air or Surface Sampling for Mold

Hypothetically speaking, if everything looks good visually, and there’s no current leaks detectible by our visual means of inspection, sampling for mold could help identify a hidden mold issue. One important thing to remember is, even if there’s a mold colony in the home, doesn’t mean there will be an elevate level of spores or MVOCs.

Assuming in our hypothetical situation that mold levels inside the property were either elevated or suspect enough to indicated an interior mold problem, we still need to find the “source” to create an accurate plan of action. See, now we’re back to the importance of the visual assessment and finding a source.

There are a few scenarios where mold testing is definitely a recommendation and best for the scenario. One example is for documentation purposes in the transfer of property. Another is when medical issues are involved and if it will help a doctor determine a diagnosis. A third is for legal documentation to prove whether mold was present in a structure. Last example is when a mold remediation project needs to be “cleared”. This clearance sampling is called a Post Remediation Verification (PRV).

Whatever your situation, you can be certain we will be able to help and prescribe the correct approach for inspecting your Phoenix property accurately. Call today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Free Mold Inspection Phoenix, AZ – Mold Removal Company in Phoenix, AZ

Mold Removal Phoenix, AZ

Mold is a direct result of water damage. A mold problem can happen in any property that has plumbing. It’s probably safe to assume that the majority of properties in Phoenix have plumbing. This means that any property in the Phoenix area is a potential candidate for a mold problem. Mold growth can also stem from storms that cause roof leaks and ground flooding. Furthermore, mold is a natural part of the environment so when water damage goes unnoticed, or is not dried quickly or thoroughly enough, a perfect environment is created for the present spores to multiply. You can find a professional remediation company by searching “mold removal Phoenix” in one of the main search engines.

There are thousands of species of mold. Many spores found in buildings with water damage are capable of producing mycotoxins. One particular mold type that is most famous for this is stachybotrys, or as most people refer to it as – BLACK MOLD. These toxins can be harmful to those who are exposed to them. This is why mold removal is so important. It is also important to make sure the mold is removed correctly. Whether it is black mold or not, any elevated microbial growth inside of an occupied structure should be remediated the same.

There are many remediation companies who do not follow industry standards and who do not have the certifications or necessary equipment to provide proper mold removal services. We make sure that the mold remediation technicians we employ are capable of handling remediation correctly and in a professional manor. We want you to be confident when contracting our company.

Because mold spores are microscopic, mold cleanup requires special skills and a keen attention to detail. We’re certified and highly experienced mold removal experts. We have the skill and experience needed to help you with any mold problem you may have, including black mold removal. Our Company is home to some of the top mold removal experts Phoenix has to offer.

Basic Steps to Removing Mold Correctly

There are 4 basic steps to proper mold removal. The basic steps are as follows:

1. Identify the source of the excess moisture or water intrusion. Mold requires moisture to survive so whenever there is a mold problem there is or was a water source supplying it. The source should be fixed if there isn’t a risk of spreading contaminates.

2. Separate the contaminates (or work space) from the “clean” areas of the property by the proper containment method recommended by industry standards. There are three types of containments that can be used. The first is called a source containment. This type of containment is typically used when there is less than 10 square feet of contaminated material. Source containment can be achieved by using a HEPA vacuum and/or an air scrubber.

The second type of containment used in mold remediation is called a local containment. A local containment is recommended for areas contaminated with 10-100 square feet of mold. This method is achieved by erecting barriers using plastic sheeting and tension poles. Local containments are usually placed under a negative pressure with the use of a negative air machine often referred to as an air scrubber.

The third type of containment used during mold removal services is a full containment. A full containment is for situations with over 100 square feet of mold contaminated materials. This containment is more elaborate and uses plastic barriers, negative air pressure, and what are called decontamination chambers.

3. Removing the contaminated materials deemed not salvageable. This process is done in a controlled manor to mitigate the spread of spores and dust within the work space. The certified mold technicians will follow industry standards when removing the contaminants. the goal of a successful remediation is to return the contaminated environment to a normal fungal ecology. The success of any remediation should be evaluated / verified by a third party environmental / mold testing company.

4. Reconstruction. After the remediation has been verified as a success by a qualified mold testing company, the reconstruction of the materials removed can begin.

Black mold or not… The process is still the same

There is no room for error when repairing mold damage in a home or business. Whether it is black mold, brown mold, or green mold the process is the same. Following are 4 basic signs you can look for to determine if you have a possible mold problem.

1. An earthy or musty / moldy odor

2. Abnormal allergy like symptoms

3. Knowledge of a past or active leak that wasn’t dried properly

4. Visual signs of water damage such as: staining, swelling, buckling, bubbling, rusting, wood rot, etc.

5. Actual visual microbial (mold) growth

Whatever your water damage or concerns about mold may be, we have you covered. Don’t put your health at risk. Call today to schedule a free mold inspection in Phoenix, AZ.

Free Mold Inspection Chandler, AZ – Mold Removal Company in Chandler, AZ

Mold Removal Chandler, AZ

Arizona Disaster Service techs are mold removal certified by an ANSI approved organization and have the knowledge and skills needed to properly deal with your mold situation. There is no margin for mistakes when removing mold from a residential or commercial property. A person who’s attempting remediation should have a full understanding of personal protective equipment, containment strategy, negative air differentials, and of basic remediation protocol. Knowing what to do and how to do it will lower the risk of cross-contamination and exposure to air-borne spores.

In Arizona, can someone who is not a professional remove mold from your property. Yes, absolutely. Will it prevent the potential issues in the previous paragraph? The chances are slim, but maybe. When it comes to your health, like the old saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry!”

A Mold Removal Company you Can Depend On

With all the hype surrounding mold and mold removal, it is always a comfort to have a source you can trust to give it to you straight without using scare tactics or gimmicks. That is precisely what Arizona Disaster Services is all about. We put each mold removal technician through our stringent screening process before allowing them to set foot on a mold remediation project. This screening process assures you get the nothing shot of the best.

Call a Mold Removal Expert Today

If you think you have a mold issue and live in the Chandler area, call today for a free professional mold inspection and assessment. We are capable of removing any type of mold from any type of property. No amount of mold contamination is above our expertise. One phone call is all it takes to ease your mind and to get your environment back to normal as quickly as possible.

What about BLACK MOLD?

Did you know that BLACK MOLD is not the only mold species found growing in water damage situations that is capable of producing harmful toxins? That’s right! There are number of other mold types capable of producing harmful toxins. The conditions inside a building must be right for this to take place; however, whether or not the mold (be it black mold or any other mold) is producing toxins shouldn’t be the deciding factor in remediating the mold.

It is always recommended to remove elevated amounts of black mold. What constitutes an elevated amount? That question is answered through inspection, sampling, and laboratory testing by a certified professional. Bottom line is, when you have black mold or any type of mold inside of an occupied space, proper removal is the recommendation.

Free Mold Inspection and Mold Removal Company in Gilbert, AZ

What is Mold Removal?

Mold removal is simply the process of removing excess mold growth from an environment. Mold removal when done right will return that environment to a normal fungal ecology – without cross-contamination. Mold needs three things to survive – water, air, and a food source. Those three things under the right conditions will create the perfect recipe for a microbial issue. Some people think that mold removal is not a common need in Gilbert, AZ, when in fact mold removal is a thriving industry. You might be thinking why. Well, because almost every structure in Gilbert has plumbing, and because a lot of that plumbing are water supply lines, leaks happen often and often those leaks go unnoticed or are not cleaned up properly. One of the direct results of water damage that goes unnoticed or that isn’t dealt with correctly is mold. And that is why mold removal is a thriving industry because hundreds of leaks happen every day.

Mold Remediation Services in Gilbert, AZ

Mold remediation is the industry term for mold removal. If you have a mold problem and need a mold removal company in Gilbert, AZ to help you remediate your microbial growth our remediation experts can help. We have the professional knowledge and experience needed to handle any structural mold situation. Our certified remediation technicians have years of on the job experience and knowledge of applicable industry standards and protocols. Most remediation should be performed by an expert. This ensures the safety and health of those exposed to that environment. Proper remediation returns a building to a normal fungal ecology.

Mold Cleanup Services

Not all mold cleanup companies in Gilbert, AZ measure up to the high quality standards we at Arizona Disaster Services have. Some mold cleanup companies aren’t even certified for these types of cleanup services. Some aren’t even insured properly. We on the other hand are all of the above. You can rest assured because we have all the proper training, insurance, licensing, certifications, and equipment to offer nothing less than the best of service. There is no room for error when providing mold cleanup services. Confidence is a given when calling our mold professionals to your property.

Mold Inspection Services

Exactly what will our mold inspectors be looking for during an inspection? Well, besides the obvious, our mold inspectors will inspect for signs of mold as well as actual microbial growth. Some signs of potential mold growth are musty smells, water stains on drywall, bubbling in paint, swelling materials such as the base of cabinets or in baseboard, rusting on carpet from furniture or on the tack-strip underneath carpet to name a few. Our mold inspectors have all the proper instruments to inspect for mold when assessing your property. Mold inspection tools include moisture meters, a borescope, and thermal image cameras to find microbial growth inside of buildings. Put your mind at ease and call us for a professional mold inspection today.

Black Mold Removal Services

Black mold removal is just like any mold removal. The protocol and standards for cleanup remain the same. Black mold or Stachybotrys Chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys Atra) is a mold species capable of producing toxins. These toxins can be harmful to humans depending on certain conditions. Testing by a mold professional and examination by a laboratory is the only way to accurately identify the presence of black mold opposed to any other type of fungus present. Black mold like any other toxigenic mold type should be removed properly to avoid any negative secondary affects. Call us today to schedule a free mold inspection in Gilbert, AZ.