Uh-oh! You’ve noticed a strange patch on your wall and a musty odor lingering in your home. Your first instinct might be to reach for bleach or call someone to get rid of the smell. But before you can get rid of anything, it’s important to understand what is actually going on.
That’s where mold assessment comes in, and no, it’s not the same thing as mold remediation. These two steps serve different purposes and swapping one for the other or skipping one entirely could be a catastrophic mistake.
Read on for more information about mold assessment vs. mold remediation and when you need to call in a professional for a mold inspection.
A mold assessment is the investigative step. This is when a licensed professional comes in to figure out what mold problems you have, conduct mold testing, take air samples, and determine exactly what type of mold you’re dealing with.
Rather than jumping straight into cleaning or demolition, a mold assessment helps you understand the full scope of your issue. During this process, a professional may visually inspect your problem areas, read moisture levels inside walls or ceilings, test your indoor air quality, and then send samples to a lab. The goal is to determine if mold is present, where it’s hiding, and what caused it in the first place.
When the mold assessment is complete, the next step is mold remediation. This is where the cleanup begins. Mold remediation involves removing contaminated materials, containing the mold issue (so the mold spores don’t spread), and correcting whatever moisture problem caused the mold.
Professional remediation includes:
Mold remediation is a controlled and dedicated process. It isn’t just wiping away the mold you see and calling it a day. You’ll need to make sure that whatever mold services you hire is a licensed and insured professional business.
It might seem like overkill to schedule a mold assessment before cleanup begins, but skipping this step is a risk you don’t want to take. Without an assessment, there’s no clear understanding of the problem.
Hidden mold behind walls or under flooring can easily be missed during a DIY cleanup. And if the underlying moisture issues aren’t fixed, the mold will likely return. Mold assessment gives you a clear look so that remediation can be done properly the first time.
Additionally, if your mold issue is covered by insurance they will require an assessment to determine your pay out.
Not every mold situation requires panic, but if you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to call a professional:
A mold assessment is important if you’re dealing with more than a small patch in a bathroom or kitchen. Large areas of mold growth, or mold that has spread to hidden areas require quick evaluation to stay ahead of the problem.
If you’re working with a reputable and professional company, the mold assessment will come first. Once that is finished, the inspector will provide a report that details the findings, answers any questions you may have, and a plan of action. That’s when remediation will begin.
Here is what to expect:
Initial Mold Assessment: A licensed mold assessor will inspect your home for visible signs of mold and moisture damage.
Moisture Mapping: Tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras may be used to detect hidden water sources inside walls or floors.
Air Testing & Surface Sampling: Air or surface samples may be collected and sent to a lab to identify the type and concentration of mold present.
Written Report: You’ll receive a detailed report with findings, photos, and a recommended remediation plan.
Remediation Planning: The remediation contractor reviews the report and prepares the work scope accordingly.
Containment Setup: The affected area is sealed off to prevent mold spores from spreading during cleanup.
Mold Removal & Cleaning: Contaminated materials are safely removed, and surfaces are cleaned with antimicrobial treatments.
Drying & Dehumidification: Industrial fans or dehumidifiers are used to remove all moisture from the area.
Post-Remediation Testing (if needed): A follow-up assessment may be done to confirm the mold has been successfully removed.
Mold assessment and mold remediation might sound the same, but they serve completely different purposes. One finds the problem and the other fixes it. Trying to do one without the other puts your home and health at risk.
If you suspect mold in your home, start with a professional company. Once you know what you’re dealing with you’ll be well on your way to getting your home back to its prior condition.
Need help getting started? Axel Works is here to guide you through every step. Give us a call today. We are here for you 24/7.
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