When to Call an Expert

When mold is caused by a one-time surface spill, such as an overflowing toilet or spilled mop bucket, it is usually a do-it-yourself situation that can be cleaned up with a quick-drying mild bleach solution and good ventilation.

When mold is caused by an on going water intrusion, such as an active roof leak, plumbing problems, moisture-trapping landscaping, or rain gutter downspouts that do not divert the runoff away from the foundation, it is time to call in an expert.s

Water Intrusion: Mold’s Best Friend

An ongoing water intrusion sets the stage for both visible and hidden mold growth. When mold has begun to grow inside walls, in air ducts, on framing members, or on other “hidden” materials, fixing the problem calls for scientific remediation methods that accomplish two important goals: (1) identifying and documenting the quantity and species of mold before and after remediation and (2) preventing the spread of mold spores during the remediation process.

Mold and Liability

Aside from structural deterioration and health consequences such as allergic reactions and asthma problems, unremediated mold growth leaves a building owner vulnerable to potential legal action from concerned parties.

In many cases, mold removal can be viewed as reducing liability. Thorough and scientific documentation of the problem, the remedy, and final clearance testing showing that no further action is required provide the client with proof that the situation has been handled in a responsible and effective manner.

When conducting a mold investigation, a trained Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) prepares legally defensible documentation of the remediation process by recording each step of the investigation and remediation (with written reports, site maps, and photographs).

What the CMRS Does

The CMRS oversees the entire mold remediation process from water intrusion identification and initial testing to abatement contractor oversight to final “clean bill of health” verification. During this process the CMRS will:

Preliminary Mold Investigation

• Evaluate the water intrusion situation to determine where and how water is getting into the building.
• Conduct visual inspection of suspected mold growth areas on the premises and document each area with photographs and sample and remediation location maps.
• Conduct initial testing for mold species and spore counts to establish the extent of the problem.
• Define and document the extent of the mold problems and provide detailed remediation specifications and remediation maps.

Abatement Contractor Oversight

• Provide copies of Preliminary Mold Report to three or more remediation/restoration vendors for bids and advise the client on selecting a vendor.
• Inspect remediation activities onsite for adherence to remediation specifications.
• Determine when mold remediation is complete and reconstruction can begin.

Post-Remediation Investigation

• Conduct a post-remediation site inspection.
• Conduct final testing for mold species and spore counts to verify that remediation measures have achieved cleanup goals.
• Provide documentation verifying that remediation is complete and mold sources have been removed.

The services of a qualified CMRS ensures that the mold remediation process will be thorough, effective, and well documented — and that an expert with hands-on knowledge of the specific remediation situation can present scientifically verified legal testimony should it be required.