Don't Go It Alone: Signs You Should Hire a Mold Removal Company
websitebuilder • May 21, 2024
Mold. For some people, saying it out loud is equivalent to a 4-letter word, the boogeyman, or saying Candyman 7x…
The word itself conjures images of dark, damp places and a musty odor. But beyond the unpleasantness, mold growth in your home can pose serious health risks and structural damage. While small amounts of mold might be manageable with DIY cleaning solutions, there are situations where seeking professional help from a mold removal company is crucial.
This informative guide explores the telltale signs indicating you should hire a mold removal company (e.g. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala and The Villages) to address the issue safely and effectively.
Understanding Mold and Its Health Risks
Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp environments and reproduces by releasing spores that travel through the air. These spores can be inhaled and cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Respiratory problems: Mold exposure can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections, especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Skin irritation: Direct contact with mold can cause itchy, red skin and rashes.
- Eye irritation: Mold spores can irritate the eyes, causing redness, watering, and burning sensations.
- Headaches and fatigue: Some people experience headaches, difficulty concentrating, and general fatigue after exposure to mold.
- In severe cases: Chronic exposure to high mold levels has been linked to more serious health problems, like lung infections and neurological issues.
Visible Signs of Mold Growth
The most obvious indicator of a potential mold problem is visible growth. Mold can appear in various colors, including black, green, brown, white, and even orange or pink. It often appears fuzzy, slimy, or patchy and can grow on walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and even inside HVAC systems.
Be aware that mold can also grow in hidden areas behind walls, under carpets, or in crawlspaces. While you may not see it directly, the presence of a musty odor can be a clue.
Other Warning Signs Requiring Professional Intervention
Even if you don't see visible mold, other signs suggest seeking professional help:
- Persistent musty odor: A strong, earthy odor that lingers even after cleaning can indicate hidden mold growth.
- Water damage: Any history of water damage, leaks, or flooding creates ideal conditions for mold growth and should be addressed promptly.
- Expanding mold patches: If you notice mold growth spreading over time, it's a strong indication of a larger underlying problem that requires professional expertise.
- Health concerns: If you or your family are experiencing unexplained respiratory problems, headaches, or other health issues that coincide with noticing potential mold issues, err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Benefits of Hiring a Mold Removal Company
While tackling small mold patches might seem like a DIY project, here's why hiring a professional mold removal company is often the best course of action:
- Expertise and experience: Experienced mold remediation companies (e.g. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala and The Villages) have the knowledge, training, and equipment to identify the type of mold present, assess the extent of the growth, and develop a safe and effective removal plan.
- Safety measures: Mold removal can be risky, as disturbing mold can release spores into the air. Professionals take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and occupants from exposure.
- Containment techniques: Mold removal companies use specialized techniques to contain the mold and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home. (Such as this)
- Proper cleaning and remediation: Professionals not only remove the mold but also address the underlying moisture issues that caused the growth in the first place, preventing future problems.
- Peace of mind: Hiring a professional removes the burden of dealing with a potentially hazardous situation and ensures the job is done correctly, protecting your health and property.
What to Expect from a Mold Removal Company
When you contact a mold removal company, they will typically follow a structured process (e.g. a mold protocol):
- Inspection: In the state of Florida, a Florida-licensed mold assessor should conduct a thorough inspection of the affected area(s) to identify the location and extent of the mold, and take air samples and/or swabs to be tested in a laboratory to determine the type of mold present, if any.
- Assessment and plan: Based on the inspection findings, the mold assessor will develop a detailed remediation plan outlining the steps involved in removing the mold safely and effectively (a/k/a “The Mold Protocol”).
- Containment: The area will be carefully sealed to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the house. (e.g. closing and taping off vents, setting up containment areas, etc.)
- Removal: Using specialized techniques and equipment, the professionals will safely remove the mold growth.
- Cleaning and decontamination: The affected area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to remove any remaining mold spores or mold byproducts.
- Air quality testing: After the remediation process, a separate and independent mold assessor should conduct air quality testing to ensure mold spore levels are within safe limits.
Choosing a Reputable Mold Removal Company
Finding the right mold removal company is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Licensing and insurance: Ensure the company is licensed and insured to perform mold remediation work in your area.
- Experience and qualifications: Look for a company with experience in handling mold problems similar to yours. Ask about their certifications and training of their technicians.
- References and reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients to get a sense of the company's reputation and work quality.
- Communication: Choose a company with good communication skills who will answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
Additional Considerations
- Cost of mold removal: Mold remediation can be expensive, but the cost of neglecting a mold problem can be even higher, leading to potential health problems and structural damage to your home.
- A potential client chose another company (more than an hour away on the highway) to perform the mold remediation b/c their estimate was 66% less. The company failed the post-remediation test (2x), and each time, they were required to return as the insurance company would not pay until they passed the test.
- CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE!
- Insurance coverage: Check with your insurance company to see if your homeowner's insurance covers mold removal costs.
Taking Action and Protecting Your Health
Ignoring a potential mold problem can have serious consequences. If you suspect mold growth in your home, don't hesitate to take action. By identifying the signs, understanding the benefits of professional intervention, and choosing a reputable mold removal company, you can ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your family.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/mold
- American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/mold
- The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA): https://iaqa.org/
Remember, early detection and proper remediation are key to dealing with mold effectively.
Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you suspect a mold problem in your home.
Do you think you have mold? Act now! Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala and The Villages 352-722-3790
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in The Villages, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
What Happened In Ocala, Florida in November 2024, PUDDLES conducted an water damage inspection and informed the homeowner that numerous rooms had elevated moisture readings that required drying. The property owner decided to hire a cheaper company. Four months later, in March 2025, the insurance company issued the insurance check/payment to both the homeowner and the mortgage company (i.e., the bank). However, the bank insisted on getting a mold test before endorsing the check over to the homeowner. It gets both hot and humid in Ocala, Florida. Unfortunately, the mold test confirmed that mold is now throughout the entire house, including: The Kitchen Master Bedroom Hall Bathroom Guest Bedroom Living Room Etc. Everything tested was confirmed to have mold, including the TV stand, barstool, etc.
What Happened A contractor in Williston, Florida stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Belleview, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Ocala, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
What Happened Ocala, Fl: An elderly mother’s cat repeatedly urinated throughout the house, including on the carpet. When the mother passed away, the daughter inherited the house. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to sell the house because prospective buyers complained about the odor . Given Florida’s temperature and humidity levels, it was not surprising that the odor remained in Ocala, FL. PUDDLES is often asked if we use an ozone machine to remove odors. According to the EPA, “When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation.” See https://www.epa.gov/.../ozone-generators-are-sold-air... “Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” Id. “There is a large body of written material on ozone and the use of ozone indoors. However, much of this material makes claims or draws conclusions without substantiation and sound science. … Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims … Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces.” Id. Because ozone can kill living things, such as plants, pets, and YOU; we do not use ozone machines. What We Did Removed the glued down carpet Utilize chlorine dioxide Implemented a Hydroxyl Machine Added a HEPA Air Scrubber with a charcoal filter Sprayed the entire house (walls and floors) with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial Fogged the entire house with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial approved for fogging Even if you do not plan to be in the property while the ozone machine is operational, ozone also breaks down organic substance, and rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint, and metals. That Gucci or Louis V handbag you love can deteriorate.
What Happened After removing the old flooring from a home in Belleview, Florida , the flooring company uncovered water on the slab that was trapped under the underlayment. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, water was slowly penetrating the vertical exterior walls via hairline fractures. Both the cracks in the stucco and in the concrete slab itself were resolved, but the flooring company wanted the concrete slab moisture levels below a specific percentage. What We Did Florida tends to have elevated levels of humidity, including Belleview, Florida. To increase the drying efficiency, we sealed all the windows throughout the house with 4 mil plastic to prevent any moisture penetration. We placed a Phoenix DryMax XL Pro dehumidifier and a Dri-Eaz Stealth AV3000 axial air mover in each room. We also implemented the use of a heater to increase the internal temperature slowly to draw the moisture out of the concrete.
Homeowners in Crystal River and West Central Florida dealing with insurance claims related to water damage and mold can trust PUDDLES Restoration for assistance. Learn about the complexities of the process and how we can help in this blog article.
WE REMOVED AND DISCARDED THE AFFECTED MATERIALS, CLEANED THE SUBSTRATE, THEN ENCAPSULATED RESULTING IN A CLEAN PRV.
