MOLD ASSESSMENT

SOS Mold conducts hundreds of mold assessments each year.  A mold assessment consists of a thorough walkthrough and evaluation of the property as well as a careful examination of the source and extent of contamination.  Often, mold testing is conducted in conjunction with the mold assessment. 

 
 

MOLD TESTING


In most cases, a proper test should be conducted to find the extent or area(s) of contamination. Mold tests are usually requested when fungus is seen growing within the structure. However, mold testing performed without a detailed site assessment can be misleading. Good testing properly represents the indoor air quality and surface environment of mold within the structure and is evaluated in the context of the site assessment. Testing can be misleading if conducted or reported improperly.  Test Samples, both surface (swab, tape, carpet) and air (air-o-cell, micro-5, impaction) should always be compared to a baseline using the exact same type of sample. A baseline shows or represents what is normal for a given home or structure. There are other minor testing parameters, but generally speaking when the above is conducted a proper comparison can be made.

Post remediation testing is performed in order to verify that the remediation was completed successfully and is based on predetermined guidelines.  In cases where remediation was performed in unoccupied space, such as attics and crawl spaces, cross-contamination post remediation testing is performed within the living space.

MOLD REMEDIATION

SOS Mold is capable of performing small scale jobs with little or no supervision as well as large scale projects involving interpretation of specific protocols developed by outside firms.  SOS Mold is focused on the remediation of mold within structures.  Mold requires oxygen, a food source, and moisture to grow.  A proper remediation plan and execution of the plan should be conducted in order to properly remediate and not cross-contaminate other portions of the structure. A proper plan takes into account the preliminary tests conducted, containment of the abnormally affected areas, and post-remediation testing to ensure that the work was completed properly. 

The final part of the plan is to educate the owner or point of contact with regards to proper maintenance of the property. Any remediation of a structure without incorporation of a maintenance plan is short-sighted and destined to fail.