Tucson Mold Remediation, Inspection, and Removal.

Why Do More People Choose Plumber of Tucson Services?

–Trusted and preferred by insurance companies in AZ.

–We Follow Procedural Standards– You’ll know you’re working with an expert

–Rapid Response– Providing Expert Water Damage and Mold Cleanup

–Certified & Licensed– Qualified to handle any project

–Insured and Bonded– Providing you with 3rd party protection.

–We have your best interest at heart– Taking care of you and your home.

Mold Inspector in Tucson, AZ

If you believe you have mold growth in your home but can’t see it, a mold inspection is the first step in confirming your suspicion.

You do not need a mold inspection if you can visibly see fungi growth in your home. When you see fungal growth, that means you’ll need Mold Remediation and Restoration, which is different from testing or inspecting.  Remediation and restoration is the process of mold cleaning & mold removal.

If you are looking for a free mold inspection in Tucson, we do provide a complimentary visit to your property. However, an inspection will typically require the use of tools and specialized equipment to pinpoint and uncover hidden or concealed mold.

With mold, it’s not about what you see, it’s about what you don’t see. Microbial growth thrives in dark, damp areas. When a wall gets wet, it can create a perfect environment for molds to grow inside the pockets of the wall.

What does a Mold Inspection in Tucson cost?

That depends on which inspection you need. There are two types of mold inspections.

1. A visible inspection– which consists of a mold inspector arriving to your property and visibly looking for signs of mold growth.
2. Mold inspection & testing – Which consists of an inspector not only visibly searching for signs of growth, but also using specialized equipment to find concealed mold.

Mold inspections will range from $49.00 to $219.00 for the average mold inspection.

The most thorough way to inspect for fungi growth in your home is to have mold testing completed which may incur some extra costs.

What does Mold Testing cost?  

There are many mold testing companies in Tucson, and most of them charge between $450.00 to $700.00 depending on the scope of your request.

Does homeowners insurance cover Mold Cleanup?

It depends on your insurance policy. Most policies exclude mold cleanup coverages.  However, some policies do include coverages up to a certain amount. Check your policy or call your insurance agent or broker for confirmation.

What does Mold Remediation/Restoration Cost?

Mold removal costs in Tucson are typically provided after you have had a professional evaluate the extent of water damage and growth.  The average mold cleanup in Tucson is $1500 to $3,000 depending on the scope of work necessary.

What are the Arizona landlord tenant laws regarding mold?

This question is best answered by visiting the Arizona Department of Housing website.

You can download the AZ Residential Landlord and Tenant Act on their website.

Are there any Arizona mold remediation laws?

There are very few mold remediation regulations in AZ. Currently, the AZ Registrar of Contractors (ROC) doesn’t govern mold cleanup.  However, any reconstruction or rebuilding that is associated with mold remediation projects, is governed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, when the rebuilding costs exceed $1,000.00.

Certified mold remediators will follow a procedural standard set by the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard and IICRC R520 Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation

If you would like more information regarding mold regulations or requirements, you can visit these sites here:

AZ Department of Environmental Quality

Arizona Department of Health Services

EPA’s Information regarding Mold

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)

There are 5 major principles of mold remediation:

1. Safety & Health Precautions taken before work starts using a combination of practices and controls.
2. Control of mold before it spreads further– Containing work areas is important so mold spores do not spread into clean, unaffected areas.
3. Overseeing the proper physical removal of the mold– Mold must be physically removed. Even in a dead state, mold is still an allergenic and an irritant. Bleach is not adequate for killing mold.
4. Ensure moisture is controlled limiting future contamination
5. Post-Cleanup Assessment by an independent environmental expert– to ensure the work is done properly.

These principles were created by the IICRC and can be viewed here: http://www.iicrc.org/consumers/care/mold-remediation/

Can you remediate mold yourself?  

Yes, you can.  However, without a deep understanding of how to cleanup mold growth, it’s probably best to leave cleanup and remediation to the professionals.

If you are confident you can manage the cleanup process and want to try DIY Mold Remediation, here are some things to ascertain first…

What causes mold to grow?

Mold is a natural part of our environment. Spores are in the air all the time, and when certain conditions are met—water, oxygen, and a food source—these spores will grow and turn into visible mold.

What does mold look like?

Most mold growth you see in your home will be black, white, or green in color. However, the color of mold is usually influenced by the type and nutrient source. Mold can also be pink, purple, orange, or brown. Mold will also look fuzzy. This fuzzy appearance can sometimes be difficult to identify.

What should you do if you find mold?

Hiring a professional is recommended. If you insist on removing the mold yourself, here are some helpful guidelines below.

Caution: Removing and preventing mold is only effective after the moisture issue is solved. Some microbial growths are considered toxic mold. These types of molds can be harmful if ingested. If you have respiratory issues or have immune compromisations, you should not be around mold and should seek advice from a professional.

A Remediators Guide to DIY Mold Remediation & Cleanup

1. Purchase a mold testing kit

Mold testing kits can be purchased at most hardware stores. After obtaining, read the instructions to determine proper use. A mold testing kit is a great way to gauge whether what you see is in fact mold.

2. Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

A full body suit covering (specific for mold remediation) is necessary, along with proper respiratory mask and filters.

3. Evaluate the extent of mold growth

This is typically the most challenging part if you don’t have the help of a professional. Since mold can grow in hidden, inaccessible areas, fully assessing the damage before you start the cleanup process may be impossible. Ascertain what you are getting yourself into, and if you have any hesitations, call in a mold inspector.

4. Seal up any pathways and contain the work area.

If you are performing remediation in one part of your home, you will want to create a containment to keep the other areas clean and protected from cross-contamination. Mold releases spores when agitated, so containing these spores is crucial in proper remediation. Completely sealing up any air pathways or openings that lead into the living space is vital for eliminating cross-contamination. Each opening should be preliminarily sealed with a plastic vapor barrier and tape.

5. Prepare for mold removal

Mold remediation is all about mold removal. Killing mold is insufficient. Even in a dead state, mold is still an allergenic and an irritant. Spraying mold with chemicals or bleach and hoping it disappears is not proper mold remediation. You don’t want to kill mold. You want to remove it.

6. Abrasive removal technique

To remove mold growing on a surface, you will need to scrape the area with a wire brush or sander. Mold can grow into the fibers of wood, and you want to make certain you get to the roots. If mold is growing on drywall, it is best to remove and safely discard that section of drywall.

7. Hepa-Vac all debris

Mold removal is never complete without Hepa-vacuuming the entire contaminated area. Regular shop vacs and filters are insufficient. Specialized Hepa-Vacs are required to appropriately remove loose debris and pick up loose spores on surfaces.

8. Post Microbial testing

Once your mold removal is complete, it is always recommended to hire an IAQ specialist or mold inspector to test the area for completion. This is one of the most important steps. Since mold spores can’t be seen, it is important to hire someone with equipment to test the indoor air quality post cleanup.

While a mold problem does need to be dealt with sooner rather than later, having a high quality mold remediation expert on hand will make the process a lot easier.

Benefits of Professional Mold Cleanup & Remediation

Hiring a mold remediation expert provides several benefits to homeowners. First and foremost, the health and safety element is improved dramatically because you have a fully-trained, properly outfitted expert coming into your home to get rid of the mold in the safest way possible. Removing the mold safely lowers the possibility of it being inhaled by you and your family. Professionals will have the ability to be more thorough and are usually able to find mold in places that the average homeowner would never think to look, and they can figure out where the outbreak began, so it doesn’t happen again.

If you need a mold specialist in Phoenix, count on us to help. We provide expert mold inspections, testing, cleanup, and remediation valley-wide. 520-900-9010