Mold Remediation
It’s easy to understand why many people struggle to grasp the facts and issues surrounding indoor mold because sensational news stories and advertising cloud and obscure the real issues. Educate yourself with the facts about mold and learn about the mold remediation process.
Mold Consumer Information Sheet per TDLR
How does Texas regulate businesses that do testing for mold or that do mold cleanup?
The Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates such businesses in accordance with the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1958. Under the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules (rules) (16 Tex. Admin. Code, Chapter 78), all companies and individuals who perform moldrelated activities in Texas must be licensed by TDLR unless exempt. (See Page 2 regarding owner exemptions.) Individuals must meet certain qualifications, have required training, and pass a state exam and criminal history background check in order to be issued a license. Applicants for a mold remediation worker registration must have training and pass a criminal history background in order to be registered by TDLR. Laboratories that analyze mold samples must also be licensed and meet certain qualifications. The rules set minimum work practices and procedures and also require licensees to follow a code of ethics. To prevent conflicts of interest, the rules also prohibit a licensee from conducting both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same project. While the rules regulate the activities of mold licensees when they are doing mold-related activities, the rules do not require any property owner or occupant to clean up mold or to have it cleaned up.
How can I know if someone is licensed?
A licensed individual is required to carry a current TDLR license certificate with the license number on it. A search tool and listings of currently licensed companies and individuals can be found at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/.
What is “mold assessment?”
Mold assessment is an inspection of a building by a mold assessment consultant or technician to evaluate whether mold growth is present and to what extent. Samples may be taken to determine the amount and types of mold that are present; however, sampling is not necessary in many cases. When mold cleanup is necessary a licensed mold assessment consultant can provide you with a mold remediation protocol. A protocol must specify the estimated quantities and locations of materials to be remediated, methods to be used and clearance criteria that must be met.
What is meant by “clearance criteria?”
Clearance criteria refer to the level of “cleanliness” that must be achieved by the persons conducting the mold cleanup. It is important to understand and agree with the mold assessment consultant prior to starting the project as to what an acceptable clearance level will be, including what will be acceptable results for any air sampling or surface sampling for mold. There are no national or state standards for a “safe” level of mold. Mold spores are a natural part of the environment and are always present at some level in the air and on surfaces all around us.
What is “mold remediation?”
Mold remediation is the cleanup and removal of mold growth from surfaces and/or contents in a building. It also refers to actions taken to prevent mold from growing back. Licensed mold remediation contractors must follow a mold remediation protocol as described above and their own mold remediation work plan that provides specific instructions and/or standard operating procedures for how the project will be done.
Before a remediation project can be deemed successful, a mold assessment consultant must conduct a post-remediation assessment. This is an inspection to ensure that the work area is free from all visible mold and wood rot, the project was completed in compliance with the remediation protocol and remediation work plan, and that it meets all clearance criteria that were specified in the protocol. The assessment consultant must give you a passed clearance report documenting the results of this inspection. If the project fails clearance, Page 2 of 2 further remediation as prescribed by a consultant will be necessary.
What is a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation?
No later than the 10th day after a mold remediation project stop date, the remediation contractor must sign and give you a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation. The licensed mold assessment consultant who conducted the post-remediation assessment must also sign the certificate. The consultant must truthfully state on the certificate that the mold contamination identified for the project has been remediated and whether the underlying cause of the mold has been corrected. (That work may involve other types of professional services that are not regulated by the mold rules, such as plumbing or carpentry.) Receiving a certificate documenting that the underlying cause of the mold was remediated is an advantage for a homeowner. It prevents an insurer from making an underwriting decision on the residential property based on previous mold damage or previous claims for mold damage. If you sell your property, the law requires that you provide the buyer a copy of all certificates you have received for that property within the preceding five years.
How is a property owner protected if a mold assessor or remediator does a poor job or damages the property?
The rules require licensees to have commercial general liability insurance in the amount of at least $1 million, or to be self-insured, to cover any damage to your property. Before hiring anyone, you should ask for proof of such insurance coverage. You may wish to inquire if the company carries additional insurance, such as professional liability/errors and omissions (for consultants) or pollution insurance (for contractors), that would provide additional recourse to you should the company fail to perform properly.
How is my confidentiality protected if I share personal information about myself with a company?
Under the code of ethics in the rules, to the extent required by law, licensees must keep confidential any personal information about a client (including medical conditions) obtained during the course of a mold-related activity. Further, you may be able to negotiate a contract to include language that other personal information be kept confidential unless disclosure “is required by law.” However, licensees are required to identify dates and addresses of projects and other details that can become public information.
How do I file a complaint about a company? Anyone who believes a company or individual has violated the rules can file a complaint with TDLR. For information on this process, call 1-800-803- 9202, or complete the online complaint form at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/.
Does Mold Remediation Require Equipment?
Yes, mold remediation projects need air filtration devices for air quality control and negative air. Dehumidifiers are used in mold remediation for stabilization and drying purposes
Water Remediation
Our Industry Needs Documentation
Change in our industry has become a runaway train. Driven by a need for more information and fueled by the importance of indoor air quality, new research facilities are producing ideas never before available. The equipment we use is constantly evolving as we learn more about the science of restoring a water-damaged building. Because it is running on the hardened tracks of past mistakes in our field, this locomotive will either carry you to the next stop or leave you behind at the station.
Knowledge has never been so vital to restorative drying. Our drying decisions must be made on a case by-case basis, founded on a proper diagnosis for each structure, water loss and claim. The good news is that we now have the ability to make those decisions. The information is here! However, in order to understand the decisions we need to make we must clearly define what we are trying to accomplish.
The Goals of Restorative Drying
As restorative drying contractors, our goal is to return the structure to equilibrium with the environment as quickly as possible without causing any additional damage. Throughout this process we must continually evaluate the cost of restoration versus the cost of replacement on each component within the building—from carpet and pad to drywall, baseboards, furnishings and other contents.
The more we learn about the various materials in the homes and properties we dry, the more we are able to prevent secondary damage from water contact. Instead of automatically replacing materials, we can cost-effectively dry them.
With the heightened awareness of mold growth associated with water damage. A thorough understanding of the science and principles of restorative drying is absolutely critical, as is complete and proper documentation.
Four Knows of Drying
What we know limits what we can do. The decisions we make about the equipment we place, the materials we remove and those we dry starts with knowing what is wet, how wet, and how well it will dry.
As with a medical exam, proper restoration begins and ends with knowing what is happening on the jobsite. A doctor first looks at all the signals and symptoms before he or she gives a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, careful attention is given to the prescription or treatment to ensure that the patient responds well. Doctors always look for the treatment option that is least disruptive to each patient with the least possibility of “secondary damage.” Once treatment is prescribed, it is clearly documented. The treatment is administered, and then a follow up is scheduled. The physician ensures that the treatment has been effective, and again it is documented.
Medicine is a very mature industry with an abundance of research, trial and error, development and history to back it up. By comparison, water damage restoration is a young industry. But it is beginning to mature, and we need to be able to provide a clear, understandable and necessary service. Our decisions must show sound reasoning and the results must be clearly documented.
Our documentation and decision process boils down to four simple “knows” of drying:
First, “What is wet?” As simple as it sounds, this is where many of us get off track. Is the sill wet? Is the insulation wet? Is there moisture in the subfloor beneath the cabinets? Is the exterior sheathing wet? Is it wet beneath the bathtub?
Proper training and professional meters are necessary to locate every area of the structure that the water has migrated to. If one area remains undiscovered, you leave the potential for microbial activity and other secondary damage.
Second, “How wet is it?” It is never enough to know just what parts of the structure are wet. Without quantification, we cannot make proper decisions or check our progress. Moisture in the structure should be documented in a way that shows “how wet,” rather than simply “wet” or “dry.” As with the physician’s diagnosis, just plain “sick” is never good enough.
Third, “Is it drying?” This is where most of the decisions start rolling in. Progress is the key. As long as we can document and follow up on our progress, we know that we prescribed the correct treatment. If we don't see any progress, we have two choices. Either apply a more aggressive drying method (providing that material value supports it) or get more disruptive to the structure itself by making holes, removing materials, perforating, etc. (providing that repair costs are less than aggressive drying techniques).
Fourth, “Is it done?” Again, this step sounds deceptively simple. But if it's not thoroughly dry and properly documented. The moisture levels upon completion of every water damage job should be documented according to the latest IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration. Every area you marked as "wet" in step one should clearly indicate acceptable moisture levels when you finish.
Most other service providers include clear documentation showing the result of the work completed. The same is now being expected of us. The demand for proof will only get stronger with each incomplete water damage job.
Progressive change is an opportunity for us to set our organization apart from the competition. We have the opportunity to take our business to the next level and stay in control of the locomotive, not left in the tracks behind it. We use the “Four Knows of Drying" to clearly document each restoration claim we handle. We will not only be able to make more effective, confident decisions, but will also have the security of defense just in case mold is ever found in a home that your firm handled. If we can show that we left it dry, we can avoid a costly finding against you. Without clear documentation you have no defense.
Does Water Restoration Require Equipment?
Yes, water restoration projects need air movers and dehumidifiers for drying purposes.
Fire Remediation
Fire Damage Restoration: A Comprehensive Guide
Fire incidents can be devastating; their impact goes beyond the wreckage it leaves on your personal property. It’s emotionally overwhelming, too!
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a fire department somewhere in the United States responds to a fire alarm every 23 seconds. This frequency easily translates to more property damage, racking up billions of dollars in damage costs.
Understanding the importance of fire damage restoration helps you budget and reduce the potential for bigger property damage in case such incidents happen. Talk to our experts at Capital Area Restoration Services to learn about your options.
Importance of Fire Damage Restoration
Fire restoration is crucial to avoid further damage to your property. Conducting a thorough fire cleanup eliminates potential health hazards caused by smoke odors, mold growth, and damaged emergency power.
Timely fire damage restoration helps maintain your property’s market value. It identifies areas needing complete renovation and those left undamaged.
Fire Damage Classes
Fire classes are among the primary factors affecting fire damage repair costs. The NFPA introduces the following classifications:
Class A: Fires in combustible materials like wood, rubber, and plastics.
Class B: Liquids or gas like gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, solvents, and oils.
Class C: Electrical fires caused by faulty wiring, fires on electrical appliances.
Class D: Metallic elements like titanium, zirconium, potassium, and magnesium.
Class K: Cooking-related fires or anything that involves grease fire and animal oil.
Fire Damage Restoration Process
Regardless of the fire and smoke damage level, fire damage restoration professionals follow key steps in delivering their services.
Here’s what the end-to-end damage restoration looks like.
Step 1: Fire Damage Assessment
Damage restoration begins with knowing what areas in the property were ravaged by the fire and those that only sustained minor burns. A damage contractor does an ocular inspection of the property and lists the specifics of the damage, including any furniture that must be thrown away.
This assessment aims to identify the appropriate fire restoration method fit for each area and create a customized plan to restore the property.
Step 2: Property Security and Debris Removal
This is when fire damage cleanup begins. Professionals install fences around the property, seal off holes and doors, remove debris, and secure undamaged areas to ensure they don’t get contaminated.
Step 3: Water Removal and Demolition
Water residue is a known contaminant associated with mold buildup and grounded electrical wiring. Fire damage restoration involves drying the property to ensure there are no leaks that can cause corrosion.
Should the company see extensive water damage, they will recommend conducting a separate water damage restoration procedure.
Step 4: Smoke Removal
Smoke damage, like stains on floors and ceilings, is among the initial issues addressed during the recovery process. Experts use deodorizing agents to remove lingering odors and antimicrobial chemicals to prevent bacterial growth.
Step 5: Construction and Structural Repairs
Extensive damage to properties can make its current structure too unstable for restoration. In this case, experts will suggest a total structural change, which can include rebuilding an entire room, fixing floors, changing the roof, etc.
Cost of Fire Damage Restoration
According to Forbes, the average cleanup and restoration cost in the U.S. is $12,900. This fluctuates depending on the size of your property, damage level, and location.
Any upgrades you want to install can also impact your price. For example, installing smoke detectors can cost you $10 per item. Fire extinguishers cost between $30 to $100.
Other factors like permits and inspection fees are also part of the cost. In most cases, companies will give you a quote based on the labor and materials required for the job.
Hiring Fire Damage Restoration Services
There’s only so much you can do with your time and skills; in most cases, hiring a fire damage restoration company is the best way to go.
Before signing up with one, consider checking the following:
Licenses: Texas doesn’t require permits for fire restoration, but you’d want to look for professionals who at least have a certification, allowing them to conduct the post-cleanup restoration process.
Service Packages: Compare packages across different companies along with inclusions. Ensure you’re paying for a service that covers all your property’s restoration needs.
Customer Reviews: Check what previous clients say about the company. Asking for references and reading online reviews helps you assess their credibility.
Insurance: Confirm if the company’s employees are insured. Fire restoration involves significant hazards, and essential workers are covered by their insurance in case of accidents at work.
Customer Service: Go for companies that communicate well. The restoration process requires a lot of back and forth from you to them to ensure they cover your desired outcome. Ideally, they should get back to you within 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
Fire damage restoration requires specialized equipment and skill, and it can take months to complete, depending on the property damage’s severity.
Go with the hassle-free option of hiring highly trained professionals to do the heavy lifting. Give us a call to discuss a customized restoration plan for your property.
Equipment Rental
Equipment Rentals
Item: Air Mover Fan
Description: Commercial air mover fan using high-velocity air movement to expedite drying of wet materials. Suitable for drying walls, ceilings, floors, and narrow areas. Daisy-chaining supported for up to 6 units.
Price: $40/Day
Item: Hydro-Force, Portable Extractor, Olympus 500 PSI, 2-Stage Vac Motors, Heater, Machine Only
Description: Large water extraction unit with 12 gallon tank. Ideal for heavy water extraction across extensive areas. Hose and wand included.
Price: $120/Day
Item: Dri-Eaz LGR Dehumidifier (70-109 ppd)
Description: Commercial dehumidifier perfect for large and small areas. 40-foot hose included for automatic water purging. Large wheels for easy transportation.
Price: $100/Day
Item: Dri-Eaz HEPA 700 Air Scrubber
Description: High-Efficiency Air Filtration for anything from dust to mold spores. Included filter removes particles 0.3 microns and larger.
Price: $110/Day
Can I Just Rent Drying Equipment?
Absolutely! We have water damage equipment rentals ready for pickup or delivery. Call now! Capital Area Restoration Services rents air movers, dehumidifiers and portable water extractors.
We are your one-stop shop for all your water damage equipment rental needs. All delivered rentals include a trained water damage technician who will inspect your project and give you free restoration advice on steps you can take to make things easier and more efficient.
Our trained techs will also show you how to properly use the equipment and set it up for maximum drying.
Do You Have Mold Remediation Equipment Rentals?
We stock the essential equipment to combat mold growth. You can even get a free estimate to see how much it would cost for us to perform the remediation work, as well as a free estimate to see the cost of just renting the equipment.
Powerful HEPA air scrubbers that trap airborne mold spores and atomizer foggers for targeted application of mold removal solutions are some commonly rented items. This combination tackles mold at the source and throughout the air, ensuring a thorough remediation process.
