Best Mold Removal and Remediation Companies

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Home or business owners often rely on mold removal companies to detect, assess and treat mold problems. Use our guide to research the best mold removal or remediation company for you. We explain how to spot whether you have a mold problem and which mold outbreaks require the help of a professional.

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Local mold removal companies have special knowledge about what might be causing mold in your area and the best way to prevent it. We compared our favorite mold removal companies across the country to help you find professional assistance.

Mold removal and remediation companies buyers guide

Dealing with mold in your living space is not something that should be taken lightly. Being consistently exposed to mold can cause various health issues — the most common being allergy-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, wheezing or coughing, and irritated eyes and skin.

If you suspect there may be mold in your home, this guide will help you know what to look for, how to find a reputable mold removal company and what you should expect when making a remediation plan.

Identifying types of mold

There are many telltale signs of a mold problem, including:

  • Visual indications: You may be able to spot the mold developing in an area. It sometimes appears as small, dark patches on your wall or ceiling.
  • Olfactory indications: Mold has a distinct smell that you may be able to pick up. If you find yourself frequently noticing a musty odor — especially in damper areas of your home — you may have a mold problem.
  • Environmental indications: If your home has a water leak or suffered from previous water damage, you should have it checked for mold. Mold thrives in damp environments.

Mold is most commonly found in basements, bathrooms and kitchens, all areas that are often exposed to water or dampness. The three most common types of mold are Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium.

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is toxic to humans and should be removed as soon as possible.

Penicillium is blue-green in color and grows on walls, fabrics or insulation. Aspergillus is typically found on food that you’ve left in your fridge or pantry for too long. And Cladosporium sprouts up in damp areas. All three of these types of mold cause allergy symptoms that can lead to greater breathing and lung issues for those who are immunocompromised.

The most serious type of mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold. Black mold is toxic to humans, so removal should be considered an urgent priority. It grows on damp drywall and thrives in areas of high humidity.

Black mold appears as dark spots often in clusters. There is typically visible water damage near areas of black mold, and you may notice it has a fuzzy appearance.

How to choose a mold removal company

While all mold remediation companies specialize in helping rid a space of mold, not all companies do the same thing. After narrowing down a few companies in your area, make sure to ask:

  • How far out they’re scheduling services
  • How the company handles quotes
  • What previous jobs they’ve worked on
  • What certifications and insurance they have

If companies offer a free quote or initial inspection, it doesn’t hurt to have a few evaluate what needs to be done to remove the mold so you can compare quotes. Make a point of asking each company what type it is:

  • A consulting company: A consulting company's main purpose is to assess a situation and recommend other experts to handle the mold outbreak.
  • A testing company: Mold testing companies take air and surface samples to determine the extent of a mold problem in a given space.
  • A treatment company: Once mold has been detected, treatment companies physically enter and help rid the space of mold with chemicals and treatments.

What certifications should I look for when hiring a mold remediation company?

The mold removal industry is considered to be a relatively unregulated industry, so the reputation and certification of a company can speak to its quality.

  • MRS certification: Mold companies with Mold Removal Specialist (MRS) certifications have passed an exam that ensures the company’s services meet all state licensing requirements.
  • CMR certification: Council-Certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) licensed professionals have a two-year proven track record of working and removing mold from indoor spaces.
  • CMRS certification: Companies certified with a Council-Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) certification have five years of proven experience treating and removing mold, and they are often considered the most expert mold removers.

How much does mold removal cost?

The cost of mold removal depends on the type of mold, how big of an area it needs to be removed from, how difficult the area is to access and the cost of labor.

Mold removal can be a complicated and pricey venture. Many property owners should take into consideration the cost and the various fees associated with a mold removal service before selecting a company.

  • Consulting fees: Many mold removal companies charge a fee for consulting on the mold they detect. Remember: The actual removal services are extra. A consultation can cost anywhere from $300 to $650. The larger the home, the higher the cost.
  • Testing fees: Mold removal companies often charge fees for consultation on a mold problem and test for mold when called in to assess a mold situation. Sometimes the testing fees are included in the consultation fee, but some companies will charge extra. Expect to pay between $50 and $350 for tests.
  • Full-service fees: Full-service mold companies charge fees for the consultation, testing and removal of mold in a space. These companies are often the most expensive. The total cost varies greatly from job to job, but on average it is a few thousand dollars.

You also want to factor in the cost to replace items or materials that were damaged by mold (e.g., new drywall, hardwood floors, cabinets, carpet, insulation). The price of the replacement product plus installation is a cost many forget to consider in their overall budget.

Do home warranties cover mold removal?

Home warranties do not typically cover mold damage. A home warranty may pay to repair a failed appliance that caused mold, but the mold itself is generally considered a maintenance issue. Your homeowners insurance may cover mold damage if it was caused by an accident or event that falls under your policy.

How long does mold remediation take?

Mold is a common problem, but the severity and type of mold vary from place to place. This means some mold companies are able to treat mold more quickly than others, which is essential when choosing a company.

Smaller areas of mold can be taken care of in as little as a day; larger areas could take up to a week. Make sure to ask about a timeline for remediation during your consultation.

  • Emergency mold removal companies: Emergency mold removal companies specialize in quick testing and detection of dangerous mold. They are also experts in treating a space to get rid of especially unsafe mold right away.
  • Standard mold removal companies: Traditional mold removal companies assess areas for mold, run comprehensive tests, and then treat mold after the entire process has been completed.

After the initial inspection and identification of the area affected by mold, the remediation company will isolate the area, filter the air to remove spores, demo the mold, and sanitize and restore any areas of the home that were compromised.

Additional benefits of hiring a mold removal company

Mold companies often do more than just detect and treat mold; some companies contract laboratory and cleaning services to offer additional benefits to people who hire them.

  • Extra toxin and mold testing: Many companies offer the additional benefits of testing for dangerous environmental agents other than common mold types, such as asbestos or unsafe bacteria.
  • Litigation witnesses: Some mold companies make themselves available to serve as expert witnesses during litigation in case a tenant or resident must go to court for a mold-related case.
  • Post-remediation testing: Another benefit mold removal companies offer is testing the space for mold post-remediation to ensure there is not a recurrence.

Mold Removal and Remediation FAQs

Where is mold growth the most common?

Mold grows in many places across the world, so the type of mold can vary widely by location. The specific type of mold that grows often depends on the location’s climate and the type of toxins that thrive there. Remember, mold needs moisture to grow, so areas that see a lot of rainfall are more likely to see mold growth than dry climates.

The same principle applies in your home. Damp areas such as basements, bathrooms or kitchens often see mold growth. Mold can also be found under carpets or floors, in crawl spaces or attics, and in heating or cooling ducts.

Is mold a health risk?

People exposed to mold can experience allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, red or itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing or itchy skin. Some may not experience any health symptoms.

Those who are sensitive to allergens or have asthma are more likely to be affected. More severe reactions from exposure to large amounts of mold may include fever or shortness of breath.

Can I remove black mold myself?

Removing black mold is a difficult and hazardous operation. Experts recommend hiring a professional to remove any black mold in your residence.

If you decide to tackle this operation yourself, remember:

  • Seal all entryways from the affected area — including door cracks and air conditioning vents — with plastic and duct tape.
  • Wear a respirator or face mask rated for black mold at all times when working.
  • Cover all extremities; black mold can also cause skin irritation if exposed to bare skin.
  • Be patient during the cleaning process. Clear the area of black mold carefully and thoroughly.
  • Isolate all cleaning items used during the process in a heavy-duty garbage bag, and make sure you do not remove them from the bag in other areas. This limits the rest of your house from residual spore exposure.
Can mold come back after remediation?

Mold remediation is when a professional locates the origin of a mold problem and gets rid of it; however, it may not be 100% effective. There is a slight chance that the mold issue may return, usually because of an underlying water issue.

When hiring a company for mold remediation, try to find one that guarantees it will fix the situation if mold returns.

Does insurance cover mold removal?

Your home insurance policy may cover mold removal. If the source of the mold is caused by a “covered peril” according to your insurance policy, then you may be covered. Depending on your policy, mold removal may be covered if its growth results from:

  • An appliance malfunction
  • Firefighters’ attempts to put out a house fire
  • Openings in the structure because of wind or hail damage
  • A burst water heater

If you have questions about a specific situation and whether you have coverage for mold removal, speak to your insurance representative.

How long does a mold inspection take?

On average, it takes an hour to complete; however, this depends on the size of the property and extent of the problem.

Is it safe to stay in a house with mold?

The short answer is no, it is not safe to stay in a house with mold. Most mold acts as an allergen, causing several uncomfortable symptoms, like:

  • Stuffy, runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Various skin rashes
  • Irritated eyes

If you suspect you have a mold issue at your residence, it is best to have it resolved as soon as possible.

How long does it take for mold to grow from water damage?

Depending on the environmental conditions, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours.

Is there a mold detection device?

There are several mold detection devices available for home testing — from basic kits costing around $10 to professional equipment that can cost around $3,500. It’s always recommended to have an expert perform mold detection.

Do you need to be certified to remove mold?

Certain states, including Texas, Florida, Louisiana and New York, require licensing for mold removal.

If you're not in one of these states, ask the company you're considering if it has any other certifications, like one from the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI).

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