MOULD ASSESSMENT | MOULD REMEDIATION | CONSULTING

GeoFocus Mould Solutions offers free consultation for your mould removal, mould remediation, mould containment and emergency restoration projects.

GeoFocus understands that Mould Remediation can be complicated.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.  If we do not have the ability to answer a question for you we will find the appropriate professional and find the answer for you.

Below are some questions to consider before remediation:

• Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
• Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
• Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
• Are building occupants reporting musty or mouldy odors?
• Are building occupants reporting health problems?
• Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
• Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
• Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?
• Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?

Prior to beginning your mould remediation project please feel free to discuss any of the above questions with us.  We have a select network of Micro biologists and Health Professionals that assist us to provide our clients with the highest level of service. 

Should I Hire a Mould Remediator?

As a general rule, you should consider hiring a consultant if any of the following statements are true:

• You cannot solve the problem yourself, either the contamination is too extensive and invasive or you can’t locate the source of the moisture. 
• Delay will aggravate the problem. 
• Tenant-landlord, employer-employee relationships are tense; consultant may bring objectivity and credibility to
  the investigation. 
• Litigation or Workers Compensation claims are likely. 
• Specialized skills, equipment or expertise are needed
  (either for evaluation or repair). 

 How Do I Choose A Mould Remediator?

Should you decide that the best option is to retain a remediation company, the next step is to choose a qualified mold remediation professional. Because the mold remediation industry is a hot area today and currently there are no standards or certification for mold remediation specialists, it is especially advisable to do the same necessary background checks on a company as you would in hiring a mold inspector.

Always, request bids from three different companies and request references before contracting with one particular company to do the work to compare cost and scope of work. Be aware that conflict of interest issues are
possible for companies that provide multiple services, such as testing, multiple extraction, and build-back.

Ask to see the company’s operating procedures and make sure that the company is properly insured. Before hiring a mold remediation expert, request a scope of work and work plan in writing for the specific area to be remediated. The plan should identify the specific problem to be remediated, the specific services to be performed on the area, and containment and disposal strategies. It should also indicate how many technicians will be used to address the problem, how long it will take to complete the job, and in what condition the company will leave the property once they have finished the remediation services.

Why Is Mould Growing?

Moulds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, moulds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mould growth should be avoided. Moulds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mould may begin growing indoors when mould spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mould, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can Mould Cause Health Problems? 

Moulds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mould spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Moulds have the potential to cause health problems. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mould are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mould. In addition, mould exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mould-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mould.

Research on mould and health effects is ongoing. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your local health department.