What Triggers Mold Growth
There is one thing above all else that mold needs to thrive: moisture. Damp, wet surfaces are mold spores favorite places to grow. Humid conditions or high condensation can trigger mold growth, as well as water damage and poor air circulation.
Often a mold problem is triggered by a change in environment, be it temperature, air quality, or something inside the building. It can also happen over time, particularly if a property is left closed for a while. Finding a moldy surface or two when you open up for the first time is to be expected.
Scheduling A Free Consultation
We recommend all homeowners schedule an appointment for a free consultation with a certified mold removal specialist, because you can get valuable information and advice during the consultation even if you opt to do the work yourself. If you or any members of your household have respiratory problems, problems with the immune system, or are pregnant, we think its especially important to talk to a professional before beginning the mold removal process. Failing to take the proper safety precautions during the mold removal process could lead to serious health risks. Follow the link for a list of Certified Mold Removal Specialists near you.
A Mold Remediation Professional That You Can Trust
MoldPro LLC is proud to carry all the certifications and associations listed above. Its our mission to provide residents of Southeast Michigan and Northern Ohio with professional, thorough and reliable mold remediation and air testing services.
Have any questions about these certifications? Feel free to post your Qs in the comment section below, and well provide the As!
You May Like: Is Mold In Crawl Space Dangerous
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold
Insurance companies normally donât cover mold damage if It is found to be from a preventable leak or flooding.
If the insurance company finds that the mold is come from a maintenance issues you can almost guarantee it wonât be covered.
However, in the event that the repairs are covered, mold remediation companies in some cases can bill the insurance company directly for the services.
- In California, mold is considered to be a condition of substandard housing and is a direct code violation.
- Mold growth found in your home could affect your ability to pull a building permit even if the work you are trying to do is unrelated to the affected area.
Ny Mold Assessor Initial Course
This New York Mold Assessor 32-hour course is designed for individuals that will conduct inspections or assessments of real property that is designed to discover mold, conditions that facilitate mold, indication of conditions that are likely to facilitate mold, or any combination thereof. Home Inspectors also need to be licensed if they also provide mold assessments.
Search now! Find your local course HERE
You May Like: What Can Get Rid Of Black Mold
Identifying An Unknown Indoor Air Quality Problem
Guidelines for Selecting an Indoor Air Quality Consultant, AIHA provides tips on which types of professionals can help with your problem and how to find the best consultant for your needs.
Find an indoor air quality professional:
- Phone Book Search yellow pages or online for Indoor Air Quality Consulting, Environmental Consulting, or Industrial Hygiene
Training Mold Inspector Certification Course
- Home inspectors
- Indoor air quality inspectors
- Contractors
- Describe ways in which mold growth can be controlled in a building
- Relate the health hazards of various fungi and how to determine if the mold is toxic
- Determine the tools and personal protective gear necessary for mold inspection and extractions
- Determine the role of a certified mold inspector as per NAMP
- Relate mold testing processes and the legal requirements needed for each job
- Accurately decipher lab results
- Determine the areas and processes that can be used to inspect buildings for mold inside and out. This includes areas such as foundations, crawl spaces, roofs, attics, and basements
Recommended Reading: How To Kill Mold In Crawl Space Under House
National Organization Of Remediators And Mold Inspectors
NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, is one of the fastest growing certifying agencies in the country and has been involved in providing high quality training for mold and indoor environmental professionals since 2004. Having trained thousands of construction professionals through the United States, Canada, Europe and South America, NORMI provides over 14 certifications to meet licensing laws now established in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, , New York and Washington, DC.Many states are considering regulations regarding mold professionals licensing and NORMI is in the forefront of that legislation to help protect the public and the trade without jeopardizing business gr…
Who Needs A Mold Remediationlicense
Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter that was not purposely grown at that location. The terms mold abatement and mold removal can be used interchangeably with mold remediation.
The remediation process entails the use of specialized equipment and methods to ensure complete removal while preventing new growth of mold.
In addition to remediation, some states regulate mold assessment. Mold assessment providers are mold testing companies dedicated to the detection and prevention of microbial contaminants in indoor environments. They provide professional services for mold inspection, mold and allergen testing and preventative maintenance.
Some states require the mold remediation and mold assessment be completed by two separate companies.
Currently, only a handful of states require licensure to remediate mold. Check back often as these regulations change periodically.
You May Like: What Can Exposure To Mold Cause
The Ultimate Guide To Mold Remediation
Think of mold remediation as a full health check for your property. No stone is left unturned, and every box must be ticked before the team gives it the thumbs up. To get a better idea of what the process actually entails, we have compiled a 10 step ultimate guide to mold remediation.
1. Mold Inspection
Before we do anything, our team carries out a thorough investigation of the area. Our people determine what species of mold is present, how extensive the spread is, check the spore levels in the air, and try to get a scope on the overall mold problem. Part of the inspection is to gauge what the natural mold level should be and make a plan to get it back.
The initial mold inspection is free of charge. After the first look around, our crew member shares the findings with you and tells you whether or not a more invasive test is needed. They then explain how the process would go and what it is likely to cost and they also advise on the EPA and CDC mold standards and state laws if it is a commercial space and let you know if it is safe to remain in the area. Now, the real job begins.
2. Finding the Source of the Mold
3. Halting the Spread of Mold
4. Isolation and Containment
HVAC systems are temporarily shut down in the area to stop mold spores from being circulated further, and nobody is allowed to enter without suitable safety gear. Protective gloves and clothing are worn, and special detergents are applied before entering non-mold contaminated areas.
5. Air Quality Control
Mold Remediation In California
In California, the CDPH provides information on best practices for mold remediation in a workplace setting.
When it comes to actual training and certification courses, the most widely respected non-government affiliated association is the:
Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization
- For years they have set standards and offered courses for inspection and removal.
- These standards have been established by the nations most experienced and reputable mold removal experts.
Training Schools
There are several schools and associations around the country that offer mold remediation courses and certifications, find out which course makes the most sense for you depending on where you live.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold From Washing Machine
States With Licensing Requirements
Some states do not require contractors to meet any prerequisite requirements for performing mold-related services, while others require training courses or certification exams. We currently offer Mold-Remediation certification courses for the following states, which meet the requirements for licensure.
Ill Recommend This Course
I am constantly pursuing courses for CEU credit in various disciplines having been in general contracting, electrical contracting, home inspections, mold inspections, and mold remediation for more than 40 years.
Recently I had the pleasure of taking the MICRO Certified Mold Remediation Contractor course. It was one of the finest study courses that I have taken either on-line or in live class. It was professionally presented and very thorough in substance. I would highly recommend this course to anyone contemplating entrance in mold remediation or as a CEU for an on-going program. Many thanks for MICROs valuable contribution to the industry.
Roland J
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Orange Mold In Shower
National Association Of Mold Professionals
The National Association of Mold Professionals is a non-profit organization that was established with the goal of developing and promoting the Mold Inspection and Remediation industry. NAMP is Americas oldest and largest Mold Association.
The mission of NAMP is to promote excellence and professionalism in the Mold Inspection and Remediation industry to provide standards of practice and a code of ethics to educate our members and to inform the public of the benefits and scope of a professional mold inspection and/or remediation.
To that end, NAMP has developed a training and certification program to provide education and authoritative credentials for Mold Professionals. The NAMP Certification Course is Americas oldest and most respected certification course.
Best Setting To View The Course
This course works best if:
- Have a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher
- Have JavaScript enabled on your browser
If you don’t know how to check this, please look at the Help feature of your browser or ask your local IT/computer administrator. This site uses occasional pop-up windows to provide in-depth information and high-resolution images. Disable your pop-up blocker if you use one. Please contact us if you have problems with accessibility on these pages.
You May Like: What Can Mold Spores Do To Your Health
Start Your Mold Inspection Or Mold Remediation Career Today
The Professional Mold Inspection Institute is your national company for the industry’s best moldinspection and mold remediation training along with mold report software, mold sampling and mold remediation equipment.PMII provides affordable online mold training you can complete at your own pace. Whether you want to establisha new mold business or expand your current environmental or home inspection services, PMII will help you gain themold training and mold certification you need.
- Mold Remediation Project
- Setting Up an Ozone Blaster
- Vehicle Remediation with Ozone
- Setting Up a Hydroxyl Generator
- Infrared Moisture Inspection
From Our Mold Inspection Students…I can’t say enough about your mold course! I had never taken an online course before but yours truly was a pleasure!Everything was THERE, right down to the mold inspection report forms! I also appreciate your quick responses tomy questions. The course was an incredible value and I have to say I’ve found that ‘mold IS gold.’ When you offera mold inspection, your clients jump on it nearly every time.T.C. Chicago, IL
- NAMRI Membership – National Association of Mold Remediatorsand Inspectors
Approved Mold Training Course Providers
The training providers listed in each category below are approved by the New York State Department of Labor. Please note that the list of approved training providers is subject to change. Members of the public who are interested in attending a training course should contact the respective training providers to obtain further information on class schedules, locations, and fees.
The table below lists the following course types:
- Mold Assessor Training Course
- Mold Remediation Contractor Course
- Mold Abatement Worker Course
- Mold Refresher Course
Key to symbols in the listings:
- An asterisk indicates the training provider is able to instruct in a language other than English.
The following pertains to the Mold Refresher Course only:
- A symbol next to the training provider’s name indicates that the training is conducted in a traditional classroom setting.
- An symbol next to the training provider’s name indicates that the training is conducted online.
Also Check: How Do You Know If Mold Is Making You Sick
How To Become A Certified Mold Assessor
Most people dont think much about the mold in their homes unless its visible. However, hidden mold and spores can pose a significant risk, especially to those with compromised health systems. Mold can also compromise a structure. Since mold needs moisture to grow, we can assume that the underlying material has suffered some form of water damage. This is why having a certified mold assessor to inspect and repair the damage is so important.
Read Also: Basement Mold Removal Diy
What Is The Job Demand For Mold Remediation Technicians
Demand for all industrial hygienists is expected to grow some 7% in the decade between 2020 and 2030.* This represents a growth of just half the normal expected demand for all jobs. The reason for this is the expectation that new technologies in building design could reduce the problems associated with mold and damp in general. As environmental performance comes to the fore, it is expected that individual roles such as this will give way to building condition generalist roles where candidates are expected to have a wider knowledge.
You May Like: How To Get Mold Off Shower Curtain
Where Is Mold Most Likely To Grow
A mold problem usually starts somewhere hidden, like under a sink, inside a wall, or around the roof. The longer it goes undiscovered, the more chance the mold spores have to take hold and spread further. The most common place to find mold is near plumbing. Roofs drains, bathrooms, and around the kitchen are all areas where the plumbing can lead to mold spores gathering.
Certain mold species are commonly found around air ducts and vents. The cool air coming from them sometimes causes condensation around the entrance or inside the ducts ventilation seal. If this happens, a professional mold removal team should be brought in as they are not easy places to reach.
Mold also loves to grow on wood surfaces. If your walls or floorboard are made of wood, be sure to keep them free of moisture to avoid a tricky mold problem. Most cases where mold damage becomes severe stem from a damp patch behind a wooden wall that goes unnoticed- until black mold takes over the wall, of course.
Do You Have Wrt Or Amrt Certification
The IICRC provides two different certifications for mold inspectors. The Water Restoration Technician and the Applied Microbial Remediation Technician certificates both require annual continuing education to maintain active certification. Ideally, the mold inspector should have both certifications. If the mold inspector has only one of these certifications, then the Applied Microbial Remediation Technician is the more relevant of the two.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold From Basement
Read Also: How To Tell If Mold In House
Mold Remediation Certification Costs And Renewals
The cost of getting certified largely depends on your state and where you choose to take a course.
- Most classes cost between $150-300.
- Costs may fluctuate depending on whether the course is offered at a physical location, if it’s online or if it includes equipment and tools.
If you have received your certification through a private school or association, than most likely you wont need to renew the certification.
However, if you have received your mold remediation license in Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Maryland, or Louisiana then you may be required to pay a renewal fee or take a re test at some point.
Where Does A Mold Remediation Technician Work
They are a type of hazardous material abatement or removal technician and therefore can and will work in any buildings environment. They are also industrial hygienists that work in commercial and residential properties. No specific data exists for Mold Remediation Technicians, so the same data for industrial hygiene has been used. This is a group of health and safety workers who perform similar tasks and work at the forefront of internal environmental protection.
Around 20% of Mold Remediation Technicians work in state and local government. Typically, they will work as state employees tasked with examining publicly owned buildings and ensuring that mold does not become a problem. This will include government buildings, schools and historic buildings . Around 11% work for Federal government, monitoring Federal buildings, but also for the CDC and other public health bodies.
Around 16%, that is 1 in 6, works in industry. These buildings require good ventilation systems for a variety of reasons – particles need to be cleared from a work environment.
10% work in technical services as a profession. These work for businesses or on a freelance basis, providing advice and writing reports for realtors , developers , legal and so on.
You May Like: How To Treat Mold And Mildew On Wood
What Is Taught In A Mold Remediation Course
A Mold Remediation course should cover the following topics:
- What is Mold?
- Erecting Critical Barriers
Mold Remediation classes are usually a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on activities.
When choosing a Mold Remediation course, it is important to ensure that the certification offered is recognized in the industry.
If you are in a state that has Mold Remediation licensing or specific requirements, it will be important to make sure the course you choose does not conflict with your state law.
Check Your States Mold Remediation Laws
As with most things, every state possesses different mold licensing laws. To ensure you receive the proper legal training, check your states specific instructions regarding mold education. Keep in mind that mold remediation is not the same as mold assessment. While mold assessment refers to the testing of a mold problem, mold remediation refers to the removal of the problem itself. Because the two are different , the licensing laws might differ.
Recommended Reading: Does Mold Cause Health Problems
