Mold Testing And Mold Removal Can Protect From Potential Health Risks

For homeowners considering mold testing, it’s probably because of an unwelcome occurrence that has the potential to promote mold growth. It may be due to an indoor water flood. It may be a slow plumbing leak that was never addressed. Or it may simply be very high levels of indoor humidity. Any of these is cause for concern, since any of these provides excellent conditions for mold to grow.

Usually, but not always, mold growth is visible in some form. As well, there can be a distinct smell, sometimes referred to as a “musty” or “moldy” odour. There are some cases, however, where mold does not show up visibly and there is nothing to smell. The alarm bells, of course, have more to do with unusual health symptoms in the home. Here, only professional testing can uncover the mold.

Health Canada considers mold to be one of the most common indoor air pollutants. Once suspected, it’s highly recommended to have the infested space tested and remediated. Beyond that, causal factors should be appropriately resolved to prevent the potential for future health risks. Indeed, regardless of species, Health Canada considers all indoor molds to be both hazardous and risky.

Oftentimes, mold is suspected when occupants experience health symptoms. For many, symptoms may be basic, like eye irritation, sinus congestion, or sore throat. However, for some, there may be more serious symptoms - like wheezing, coughing, and even shortness of breath. What’s most important is to monitor the young and frail, which tend to experience more severe reactions.

When it comes time to test for mold, this is work best left in the hands of professionals. The process must be thorough and comprehensive, and nothing short. This is work for a Certified Inspector – a professional who inspects and tests for mold, and can recommend a viable action plan to resolve the situation. To be sure, this is not work that should be considered a weekend DIY project.

Certified Inspectors understand mold. They have the experience and expertise to identify patterns of mold growth, and they have the practical know-how to deal with mold spores as well as spore dispersal. Professional mold specialists use precision instruments to take all of the samples, and insist on high-tech lab testing procedures to provide the most accurate and precise results.

Professional Testing and Reporting

Today’s mold experts employ sophisticated scientific tools to provide the most comprehensive of service possible – everything from inspection, to detection, to testing, to reporting. It’s nothing less than a step-by-step method – collecting air samples (mold and mold spores); determining which lab testing will be required; and deciding where the air samples will be forwarded for actual testing.

As for testing, the ideal option from a professional perspective is an independent, third party lab. This approach ensures high quality testing, along with impartial, objective test results. In many cases, test results are so flawless, that they can be used in a court of law as evidence. Indeed, this is the type of precision that an average homeowner should expect from any qualified mold specialist.

Even with quality test results, the data must be evaluated and interpreted. Here again, it’s up to the professional to provide this service. Homeowners should receive a general overview summary; an assessment of the severity of the mold problem; a description of the cause; and full test results. The paperwork should be easy to understand, so that both client and inspector can proceed further.

Finally, and along with the reporting, the mold inspection company should be making viable recommendations for mold remediation – in short, safe removal of the mold, proper disposal, and appropriate restoration of the space. Not to forget, there should also be a procedure that verifies the remediation work that was undertaken, and confirms that everything was done properly.

Indoor Air Quality Investigators

Mold can be tricky, and with so many species, Health Canada highly recommends using accredited professionals to do mold testing and mold removal. For homeowners who suspect mold growth in the home, there shouldn’t be cause for alarm, nor should it be considered inconsequential. And while washing and cleaning might seem reasonable, it’s best to deal with a mold professional.

A reputable mold removal contractor can easily determine if a mold infestation is “minor”, and if it’s comparatively easy to clean up and remove. At the same time, professionals also know when things are more serious – and here, in-depth inspection and testing by accredited experts is the only way. For the typical homeowner, this is not the right time to be attracted by a low price promise.

Effectively Removing Mold Growth

Mold generally grows and thrives in porous materials. Wet insulation and drywall that is moisture-laden are just two examples where mold can live and grow. And while there are countless species, “black mold” looks most obvious and most ominous. Some home centers sell various mold removal products (with bleach or bleach-type additives), but the experts consider this a “Band-Aid” option.

Homeowners should understand that even when mold is visible, it’s usually the surface growth that is obvious, and in many cases the infestation may have spread below the surface. This is true for areas like basements, laundry rooms, and washrooms, where conditions for mold growth are ideal. And these are areas where a professional inspector can best determine the source and extent.

As for removal, whether it’s waterlogged insulation or water-laden drywall, it’s absolutely critical to totally remove and fully dispose of any affected area. Professionals discard mold infested materials safely, and ensure proper disposal according to local bylaws. They also make sure that mold spores are not dispersed, something that would be both hazardous and risky for homeowners.

With professional mold removal, all of the precautions are taken – heat or air conditioning is turned off; high-powered vacuum equipment is used; and special attire is worn to protect cleanup crews. Most importantly, the safety and security of occupants is a high priority. Doing the work according to industry standards ensures effective removal and prevention of future contamination.

Small job or not, mold removal is beyond the capacity of an average homeowner. There’s a need for special equipment and tools, and there’s a good deal of expertise required. The bigger question, however, is about taking unnecessary risk – mold can be dangerous when mishandled, and health effects can be significant. There is every reason to go with a professional approach.

Matrix Remediation Does It Right The First Time

Mold infiltration, whether in a home or a commercial business, can be a stressful experience, and fraught with potential dangers. Unfortunately, mold can strike in a newly built home just as easily as dark, damp basement. Whatever the circumstance, removing mold must be done right, the first time around. The removal process must be handled expertly, and proper remediation must follow.

For some homeowners (and small business owners) there’s a tendency to attempt mold removal by taking a DIY approach, using various over-the-counter products that may be available from the local home improvement centre. While this may seem like a cost saving approach at first, mold removal shouldn’t be regarded as a DIY project. It should be left to mold specialists like Matrix Remediation.

Whether it’s a serious infiltration or not, it takes expertise to completely remove mold and ensure that mold spores are also successfully eliminated. The fact is, mold is tricky, and can breed in a wide variety of indoor environments. Once established, mold needs to “feed” in order to thrive, and just because it’s visible in in one spot or another does not preclude the potential for deeper infiltration.

For the most part, mold requires a damp, moist, or humid environment. In addition, there must be material that can provide sustenance – like drywall, carpeting, or wood (all of which may have been waterlogged in some way). Oftentimes, these types of environments may be hidden from sight. This is why mold removal has to be thorough and comprehensive. Otherwise, mold will proliferate.

At Matrix Remediation, mold specialists are trained and formally certified. IICRC certification is the industry standard for inspection, cleaning and restoration. It serves to assure consumers that mold removal technicians are skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced enough to restore a space to “pre-loss” condition. Across the country, the IICRC logo verifies the high standards of the cleanup crew.

Matrix technicians fully understand the need for a quick response - it’s simply key to preventing remediation costs from escalating. As well, Matrix crews focus on clean-up products that are eco-friendly and non-toxic. These products are very effective in dealing with mold, yet safe for residents and/or occupants. Matrix has sourced products that are effective in fighting mold and long lasting.

In most cases, mold infiltration requires an expert assessment to establish the source and scope of the problem. This is where Matrix recommends a mold hygienist – to assess the infiltration; to estimate the damages; and to set the stage for an action plan. Importantly, Matrix does not inspect or test – these functions are left to an impartial third party in order to assure complete objectivity.

The main objective when dealing with mold is to prevent the potential for deterioration. To begin with, Matrix crews determine if an infiltration poses any health hazards. This will clearly have an impact on clean-up procedures and remediation approach. And while mold removal is the ultimate goal, proper disposal and eventual restoration also plays an important role in the planning.

With a professional approach to mold removal, homeowners can be sure that industry standards have been followed. This includes inspection, removal and disposal. As well, professional standards ensure that occupant safety is a high priority. For a typical homeowner, this is not the right time for budget cutting and price shopping. And for Matrix, this isn’t the time for unnecessary shortcuts.

In situations where there is water damage, mold remediation may be part of an overall approach to a very serious situation. Here, remediation may be more involved than originally thought, therefore requiring more than just mold removal. With Matrix, damaged property is an important part of the scope of work, particularly in getting the property back to original condition for the occupants.

Water damage and mold growth are challenging experiences for any homeowner. And, of course, it can be stressful depending on the severity of the situation. With Matrix Remediation, customers can rely on rapid response time, competitive pricing, and long-term results. Matrix works closely with every customer so that critical decisions can be made, and the best outcomes can be realized.

Matrix Remediation will professionally manage a project from beginning to end. And whether it’s a residential issue or commercial, the team will provide a full service package – with a no-obligation consultation; a viable plan of action; and guaranteed results. With Matrix, customers can rest assured that all work is being done right the first time, and according to the highest standards.

Once water damage or mold removal has been properly handled, Matrix can offer customers a wide range of restoration services, all designed to return a space to original condition (or better). Clients in Calgary and Edmonton can rely on Matrix to manage projects of any scope and size, whether they are residential, commercial, or industrial. To be sure, customer satisfaction is always a priority.

Matrix provides solutions that are cost effective and within budget. The focus is on personal service, with special attention when situations are challenging and stressful. The Matrix team communicates closely with clients from initial inspections, to testing protocols, to remediation. It is a proven and effective approach in meeting the needs of customers, and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

As a company, Matrix Remediation keeps up-to-date with the most current processes and products relative to mold removal and restoration. More and more, efforts are being made to use eco-friendly products and techniques that are considered “green”. This approach allows for effective outcomes, while protecting the health and safety of every customer.