Common Black Mold Removal Causes in Gainesville, VA
Black mold, known as stachybotrys chartarum, is typically black and slimy in appearance, though this may vary slightly depending on the surface it is growing on. Anytime you see any signs of black mold in your Gainesville, VA home, you should call on the services of a professional to remove and clean up the black mold to prevent health problems for you and your family.
Understanding the common causes of black mold allows you to take steps to prevent the development of potentially dangerous mold problems in your house in Gainesville, VA.
Common Causes of Black Mold
- Flooding
- Leaky roof
- Leaky window frames
- Leaky toilets, sinks, and tubs
- Leaky pipes
- Leaky washing machines or dishwashers
- Poorly ventilated bathrooms or laundry rooms
- Damp basements
- High levels of humidity
At the first signs of mold damage in your Gainesville, VA home, call a mold removal company. A mold removal professional team can locate all mold within the home, some you might not even be able to see with the naked eye if it is behind walls or under flooring. Depending on the damage, drywall and carpet may need to be completely removed and replaced. Smaller, less well-established areas of mold infestation may be gotten rid of with chemicals.
Removing black mold is not something a homeowner in Gainesville, VA should do themselves, especially if it is a large area of black mold. A black mold removal professional is licensed and certified with years of experience in different environmental services. They have the proper equipment and safety clothing to come into your home and do the job safely and correctly, leaving your home a safe place for you and your family to return home to after the black mold removal has been performed.
The question then, is how does a harried homeowner find the right mold removal specialist for the job?
Each part of the mold remediation process is an area of expertise. Ask mold companies in Gainesville, VA what experience, licensing, and certification they have in these particular areas. Ask for verification of education and training, copies of licenses and certificates, reputable references, proof of insurance, and any additional information that may pertain to your specific mold inspection and remediation needs.
Licensing Qualifications for Mold Companies Repealed
Virginia originally issued a law that required mold service workers to be licensed by the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, Mold, and Home Inspectors. On April 18, 2012, legislation was enacted to repeal that law, eliminating licensing requirements for mold companies in Virginia. This reflects a gradual shift from legislative regulation toward education-based accreditation programs nationwide.
Qualifications, Certifications, and Licensing for Professional Mold Companies
According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR):
“Numerous private industry associations offer voluntary certification for mold remediators and inspectors. Use the Internet to search "mold remediation certification" and "mold inspection certification" and learn more about private certification standards and organizations.”
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the ACAC ( American Council for Accredited Certification) are examples of “standard development organizations” maintaining accreditation programs using “conformance to standards” to validate the integrity of professional conduct and certify adherence to safe, effective practices and protocols.
Reputable mold companies in Gainesville, VA will have credentials that may include:
- A Class A Contractors License (this means the business operates legally in Virginia)
- Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, Mold, and Home Inspectors License (There was a perfectly good reason mold companies got DPOR licenses - it has not changed just because the law did.)
- Applied Microbial Restoration Technician (AMRT)
- Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE)
- Mold Removal Specialist (MRS)
- Certified Mold Assessor (CMA)
- Certified Mold Remediator (CMR)
- Home or Building Inspection Certifications
An understanding of building science, construction, and inspection techniques is fundamental, while particular areas of mold company expertise, such as microbial eradication or indoor air quality analysis, indicate a more technically advanced staff of professionals.
Although there is an understandable lack of industry performance standards so soon after licensing mandates ended, Virginia mold companies and industry organizations are adapting. As with all market events, competition will force the most qualified mold companies to the top. In the meantime, use this information as a springboard to identify qualified mold companies in Gainesville, VA with verified credentials who are prepared to safely service your home mold issues.
