IIS Enviornmental Services

The act of removing mold is called "mold remediation." You've probably heard the term and wondered what it means; it's just a fancy way of saying we're "remedying" the mold problem. By mold remediation, we don't just mean cleaning the infected area. The protocol of remediation - when executed properly - contains the affected area, cleans the infected area and rids it of mold; disposes of the mold and moldy materials safely and effectively; and, finally, repairs the cause to ensure the mold doesn't return. Remember, mold cannot grow where there is no water, so if the cause of moisture is not eliminated, the mold will likely return.

The first question that most people ask when they discover they have a mold problem is, of course, "now what do I do?" And them, "can I clean it myself?" According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the mold covers an area of less than ten square feet (a patch of about three feet by three feet), then you can probably clean it yourself. If the area of mold is larger than 10 square feet, hire a professional.

The EPA also suggests that if your mold is toxic mold, regardless of the size of the problem, seek the services of a certified professional. There are over 1,000 kinds of mold in the United States , with different colors and textures, so it's not in your best interest to identify whether you have toxic mold by looking at it. In fact, it's impossible. Have your mold professionally tested to determine the type. In order to avoid a conflict of interest, we will not test the mold; however, we encourage you to receive a scientific report from an independent, third party mold testing company.

While we understand the desire to "do-it-yourself," we stand by the EPA recommendation that a qualified and certified professional be utilized. This may seem obvious - we are, after all, a mold remediation company - but we just want your health and property safe.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a company to remove your mold problem. Budget, timeframes, certifications, and experience are just a few. It's an important decision, so the most influential factor is to hire someone you trust. At stake are the things most important to you: your health and your family's health; and one of your most important investments, your home or business.

FAQ: Five common places to look for mold in your home.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

I have a musty smell in one of my rooms, do I have mold?

Chances are, if you can't see the mold and have a musty smell, that you have "hidden" mold. Hidden mold tends to be located in the air ducts, on the back side of dry wall, paneling or wallpaper, on the underside of carpets and pads, behind furniture, just to name a few locations. Our inspectors can help you locate the water source, do the necessary testing and help you remove the mold from your home before it has an opportunity to do any further damage.

Will Mold make my family sick?
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time and from person to person.
Symptoms of mold may be nasal and sinus congestion, asthma, sore throats, wheezing, coughing up blood, skin and eye irritations or upper respiratory infections (including sinus), to name a few. However, what affects one person may have a completely different reaction if any, to another person.

If the mold is blackish in color, does this mean it's toxic?
Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest misconceptions of "Black Mold." Until samples of mold have been tested and analyzed by a lab, the type of mold cannot possibly be determined. IISES Inc. sends samples out to an accredited lab where they process the samples to determine types and counts of mold. Only at that time, can it be determined if the blackish colored mold is actually toxic.

What should I do if I think I have mold in my home?
Give us a call. We'll discuss the situation and determine what type of service you need. We will send a certified inspector to your home to assess the mold problem and can typically respond within 24 hours. If there is water present, start removing water immediately and start running a dehumidifier. This will help eliminate the mold growth. If testing is necessary, the inspector will thoroughly explain the reason for the test; will take samples and put together a plan of action for you and your family. We send the samples off to the lab, wait for the results which typically take 6-10 days, however mold spores can be identified within 24-48 hours. Upon receipt of the results, we will provide you with a complete report of our findings. We will also work with your insurance company if the situation is something they will cover.

Will my insurance company pay for the remediation and or testing?
Typically, if the mold is a direct results of a covered peril in your policy, then your insurance will most likely cover the damage. However, each policy is different and many policies now are eliminating coverage for mold issues, so we recommend looking at your policy and contacting your agent for a complete understanding of what is covered. And remember-it is your right as a homeowner to hire a company that you're comfortable with, even if your insurance company is recommending someone else.

How fast can mold begin to grow?
Mold growth can begin within 48 hours after a moisture or water problem.

What does mold need to grow?
"4 Components"
1. No UV Light
2. Humidity/Moisture
3. Substrate (drywall, carpet)
4. High temperature

Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.

Is Remediation expensive?
Remediation can be expensive. Unfortunately, with mold, it doesn't get any cheaper. Mold, if not removed, will continue to grow, eat away at the material that it's on and cause more damage the longer it's allowed to live. If mold spores are disrupted and become airborne, they can get into other areas of the home and begin growing wherever they can.

Why should I hire IISES Inc. to handle my remediation?
We care and we take pride in a job well done. We recognize that remediation is a serious issue and always take measures to ensure the safety of our clients.
We follow the guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State Health Department for mold remediation. We use state of the art equipment and procedures for all of our testing and remediation.
Prior to remediating, we make sure the homeowner understands the process and what will be taking place, and we also provide a timeline for the job.

Is IISES Inc.Certified and Insured?
sYes. IISES Inc. has General and Professional Liability Insurance, Workers Compensation and Mold Inspection, Testing and Remediation Certifications.

IISES Inc. specializes in the professional removal of toxic mold, mildew and asbestos.