Mold Inspection Specialists

Do I Need to Use the Remediation Company My Insurance Adjuster Recommends? When dealing with water damage or mold issues in your home, your insurance company may recommend a specific remediation company to handle the cleanup. While this may seem like the easiest option, you should know that you are not required to use the company they suggest. As experts in the mold inspection industry, we have seen both the good and the bad when it comes to remediation companies, and we strongly encourage homeowners to do their due diligence before making a decision. The Reality of Insurance-Preferred Vendors Insurance adjusters often have a list of preferred vendors that they frequently work with. While some of these companies are reputable and provide high-quality service, others may prioritize cost savings for the insurance company over thorough remediation. This can lead to incomplete work, unresolved moisture issues, and mold regrowth down the line. At Mold Inspection Specialists, we have firstha...

The Truth About Mold and Why Quick Fixes Can Cost You Mold is a serious issue in any home, and when it comes to selling a property, many homeowners and even contractors try to take shortcuts to cover up the problem. One of the most common misconceptions is that you can simply spray mold, wipe it away, and apply an encapsulant or coat of paint to ‘solve’ the issue—especially before a home inspection. Unfortunately, this method is not only ineffective but can lead to significant legal and financial consequences down the road. The Problem with Covering Up Mold Mold is not just a surface issue—it penetrates materials, releases spores into the air, and can cause health problems for those living in the home. When mold is merely sprayed and wiped away, the underlying issue remains. Moisture is still present, and the mold will likely return, often worse than before. Encapsulating or painting over mold might make it look like it’s gone, but the hidden growth underneath will continue to spread, ...

Do Mold Spray Products Work to Remediate Mold? When it comes to tackling mold problems, many homeowners turn to mold spray products they find at their local hardware store or online. These products often promise quick and easy solutions—"Spray it on, and boom, the mold is gone!" While these sprays can be a helpful part of the mold remediation process, the reality is far more complex. At Mold Inspection Specialists, we want to help you understand why mold sprays alone may not be the silver bullet for mold issues and how their effectiveness depends on how and when they are used, as outlined by the IICRC S520 standard for professional mold remediation. The Role of Mold Sprays Mold sprays, including those labeled as fungicides or mold removers, are typically designed to kill surface mold and prevent future growth. These products can be effective for cleaning and sanitizing small, isolated patches of mold on non-porous surfaces like tiles, glass, or metal. However, as emphasized b...

Is Your Dehumidifier Sufficient Enough? For homeowners dealing with moisture issues, dehumidifiers are often the first line of defense. But how can you tell if your dehumidifier is sufficient for the job? Depending on the amount of moisture entering your home, particularly through your foundation, you may need a higher PPD (pints per day) dehumidifier or even an additional unit. Understanding Dehumidifier Capacity Dehumidifier capacity is measured in PPD, which indicates how many pints of moisture the unit can remove from the air in a day. Choosing the right dehumidifier depends on: The size of the area you want to dehumidify The level of moisture present The source of the moisture (e.g., general humidity vs. water intrusion) A standard residential dehumidifier might work well for small spaces or moderate humidity, but heavier-duty units are necessary for larger spaces or significant moisture problems. When Your Dehumidifier Isn’t Enough If you’re still noticing dampness, musty smells,...

Do I Have to Wait for the Insurance Adjuster Before Starting Work? When faced with property damage, many homeowners believe they must wait for their insurance adjuster to inspect the damage before beginning any work. While this seems logical, it’s a common misconception that can lead to greater damage and even denial of your claim. At Mold Inspection Specialists, we’ve seen how waiting too long can complicate the restoration process and create unnecessary risks. Here’s why you shouldn’t delay and what you need to know about your responsibilities as a homeowner. Your Responsibility to Mitigate Further Damage Insurance policies generally include a clause requiring homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss. Failing to act promptly can result in: Increased Damage  Waiting for the adjuster can allow water damage to spread, mold to grow, or structural issues to worsen. The longer the damage is left unaddressed, the more extensive (and expensive) the repai...

The Misconception of Accepting an Insurance Check for a Covered Loss When disaster strikes and your property suffers damage, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. After filing an insurance claim, you may quickly receive a check from your insurer to cover the loss. While it might seem like a convenient resolution, accepting this check without consulting a reputable restoration company can lead to serious pitfalls. At Mold Inspection Specialists, we’ve seen firsthand how this common misconception can result in homeowners facing unnecessary financial and logistical challenges. Here’s why it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals instead of simply calling around for estimates. Why Accepting an Insurance Check Right Away Can Be Problematic Insufficient Coverage  Insurance adjusters often aim to settle claims quickly, but their initial assessment may not account for the full extent of the damage. If you accept the check without a thorough evaluation by a restoration expert, you mig...

Does Bleach Kill Mold? The Truth Behind This Common Misconception When dealing with mold, a quick internet search will likely lead you to one piece of advice repeated over and over: use bleach. This popular solution might seem convenient and cost-effective, but it’s one of the most misleading pieces of information out there. At Mold Inspection Specialists, we often hear from clients who attempted to use bleach, only to find their mold problem worsening over time. Let’s debunk the myths surrounding bleach and mold and explain why this approach can set you up for failure. The Science Behind Mold and Bleach Bleach is a powerful chemical, effective at killing bacteria and some types of fungi on hard, non-porous surfaces. However, mold growth is rarely limited to the surface. Here’s why bleach is not the right solution for most mold issues: Porous Materials Are a Problem  Mold commonly grows on porous materials like drywall, wood, and fabric. Bleach cannot penetrate these materials to r...

Are Home Mold Test Kits Accurate? What You Need to Know If you’ve ever browsed the aisles of your local Home Depot or similar stores, you’ve likely come across home mold test kits. These kits promise to give homeowners an easy and affordable way to detect mold in their homes. However, as professionals in the mold inspection and remediation industry, Mold Inspection Specialists often encounter clients who are alarmed by the results from these kits. Let’s dive into why these products may not be the best option for detecting mold and what you should do instead. How Do Home Mold Test Kits Work? Most home mold test kits contain a petri dish and a growth medium designed to capture mold spores from the air or surfaces in your home. After collecting a sample, you’re instructed to let it incubate, often resulting in visible mold growth within a few days. Some kits also offer lab analysis for an additional fee to identify the types of mold present. The Inaccuracies of Home Mold Test Kits While t...

Should My Contractor Perform the Demolition Aspect of a Mold Remediation? When mold is discovered in your home, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and eager to address the problem as quickly as possible. You may instinctively turn to a contractor you trust for help, especially if they’ve done excellent work on your home in the past. While this trust is invaluable, it’s essential to recognize that mold remediation—particularly the demolition aspect—requires specialized knowledge and expertise that goes beyond the skill set of most general contractors. Here’s why your contractor may not be the best choice for handling the demolition phase of mold remediation: 1.  Mold Requires Specialized Knowledge While your contractor might excel at building and renovating, mold remediation is a highly specialized field. Properly addressing mold involves understanding how it grows, how to prevent its spread, and how to safely remove contaminated materials. Contractors who lack specific training in mo...

Introduction to Mold: What You Need to Know as a Homeowner As a homeowner, maintaining a safe and healthy living environment for your family is a top priority. One potential threat that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a significant problem is mold. Mold can cause property damage, health issues, and a host of other complications. To help you better understand and manage this common household issue, Mold Inspection Specialists is here to provide you with the essential knowledge you need about mold. What Is Mold? Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments. It reproduces through tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. While mold is a natural part of the environment and plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter, it becomes a problem when it grows indoors. Common indoor molds include: Aspergillus : Often found in dust, on painted surfaces, or in insulation. Cladosporium : Common on fabrics, wood, and HVAC systems. Stachybotrys cha...