How to Choose a Toronto Mold Removal Company

There are many factors to consider when hiring a mold removal company in Toronto. Many companies market themselves as professionals and experts in mould removal, but how can you really know if they are fully trained, licensed, and experienced?

Here are key indicators to help you along the screening process:

1.       Does the company have environmental pollution liability insurance for mold removal? Their policy must precisely indicate that they are insured for working with mold. If the policy states other substances or materials then they are not carrying the right coverage. Read the fine print to be certain.

2.       Does the company have IICRC certification? The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the organization responsible for developing certifications and standards for inspection, cleaning and restoration. A company who is IICRC certified means that they have technicians who have received IICRC training and testing specifically in mold removal procedures. An IICRC certified company will own a certificate by the IICRC with their company name clearly printed.

3.       Does the mould removal company employ a third party environmental consultant or inspector for final clearance testing? Clearance by a 3rd party is a critical part of the mould removal process.  Once the job is completed, an individual or company other than the one who performed the removal comes in to verify that no presence of airborne or visible mould exists and that air quality is up to standards. A qualified removal company will only employ third party experts such as hygienists and certified inspectors in order to prevent a conflict of interest.

4.       Is the company able to provide a written proposal detailing the scope of work involved? A professional mould removal company will be involved throughout the entire process from inspection, sampling and testing, actual mould removal, cleanup, third party clearance, and repair and reconstruction.

5.       How will the company treat the mould? Check the written proposal regarding the strategy they plan to use. Do their recommendations state a complete removal of mold or just a cover up? Look for wordings in the proposal, such as “seal” or “encapsulate” the mold, which means that they will merely do a cover up. A professional mold removal company will adhere to industry accepted standards for mold decontamination and mold spore removal procedures. Their action plan will outline the main steps which will involve isolating the affected areas, setting up negative pressure, removing the mold, preventing mold regrowth, cleanup work, HEPA vacuum and disposal of the mold.

6.       Will technicians use proper precautions during mold removal process? Mould removal can be dangerous so their recommended strategy should include details on the best way to reduce health risk and will regard personal safety, such as wearing protective clothing and using proper equipment.

7.       Is there a warranty for the scope of work? A qualified company will provide written guarantee for services completed.

Extensive areas of mold growth will definitely require professional help, and small and moderate areas of mold can be cleaned DIY. However, there are many things that can go wrong in the process, so if you are not confident to clean mold by yourself, then it’s best to consider hiring a professional Toronto mold removal company to clean it up and prevent it from coming back.