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Mold Remediation:

Mold is the second most common reason a home fails inspection, after roof defects. If you think you may have a mold problem and are located in Richmond, Fredericksburg or Charlottesville please take the following survey.

Building Facts Survey

If the answer is "yes" to any of the following questions, it is possible that there could be hidden mold in your home or building.

  • Is there a musty smell in the building?
  • Are there visible signs of water damage anywhere?
  • Has the building ever suffered a leaking basement?
  • Has the building ever suffered a roof leak?
  • Has the building ever suffered a plumbing leak?
  • Has the building ever suffered a sink or sewer overflow?
  • Has the building ever suffered other water problems?

If you answer "yes" to one or more of the above questions and are located in Richmond, Fredericksburg or Charlottesville please contact us for an inspection.

Occupant Health Information

If any family members, residents or occupants have experienced any of the following adverse health effects, it may indicate that mold is present in your environment:

  • Skin rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Unexplained irritability
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Trouble breathing
  • Coughing
  • Sinus congestion
  • Nausea
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Loss of memory
  • Loss of hearing
  • Loss of eyesight
  • Bloody noses
  • Arthritic-like aches
  • Chronic headaches
  • "Crawly"-feeling skin
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Upper respiratory distress
  • Irritation of the eyes, nose or throat
  • Restlessness
  • Equilibrium or balance loss
  • Dizziness or stuffiness

Here are the steps we follow:

I.  Free Phone Consultation

Before we inspect, MoldStoppers of Virginia conducts a thorough survey to determine the level of risk for toxic mold.  Here is a sample of some of the questions we ask:

  • Why do you think there is mold?
  • How is the building used? (residence, rental, or commercial)
  • How old is the building?
  • Is there sufficient water drainage around the building?
  • What is the exterior of the building composed of?
  • Are there bushes/trees next to the building?
  • Is a considerable amount of organic debris present around the building?
  • How much shade is there around the building?
  • Did you use a home mold test kit and get positive results?
  • Has there been any previous professional mold testing/sampling done in the history of the house?
  • If so, what were the results?
  • Was the problem fixed?

II.  Complete Visual Mold Inspection

A visual inspection by MoldStoppers of Virginia is the most important initial step in identifying a possible mold contamination problem.  The extent of any water damage and mold growth shall be visually assessed by a certified mold inspector/remediator.  This assessment is important to determine remedial strategies.  Ventilation systems shall also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system, and for overall cleanliness.  Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard (sheetrock), cardboard, paper and other cellulosic surfaces shall be given careful attention during a visual inspection.  The inspector may use hygrometers, a boroscope (fiber optics) and a protimiter (moisture meter), where necessary, to detect hidden mold behind the walls, ceilings and floors and to determine the areas of potential mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.  Contact MoldStoppers of Virginia for a quote or to make an appointment if you live in or around Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville metro areas. 

III. Air/Surface Sampling

A MoldStoppers of Virginia certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, can perform air or surface sampling.  Air/Surface sampling is necessary if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems which are or may be associated with fungal exposure.  Air/Surface sampling is also necessary to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g. discoloration and staining).  Surface samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by a lift tape.  Air samples are collected in Micro 5™ canister via electric pump. The samples are then given to an independent laboratory for analysis. The laboratory generates a report showing what kinds of mold are present, if any, and in what quantity. Contact MoldStoppers of Virginia for a quote or to make an appointment if you live in or around Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville metro areas.

IV. Create Solution and Remediation

MoldStoppers of Virginia will start by reviewing air sample test results.  We will then identify the cause for the water intrusion and resulting mold. We will then write a scope of work which may include anything from replacing gutters and French drains to repairing plumbing or roof leaks. Our crews are made to follow the scope of work on all contracts so there is no surprise.  Please note we seal off all contaminated areas in a home from safe areas.  After remediation MoldStoppers of Virginia will apply MoldBlock™ to protect porous surfaces from future mold. Contact MoldStoppers of Virginia for a quote or to make an appointment if you live in or around Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville metro areas.

Bleach is not effective on porous building materials for killing mold.

  • In order to kill mold, you must penetrate the root system. Bleach is only effective on non-porous surfaces, such as tile, glass, or formica. This is actually stated right on the bottle.
  • Bleach is 99% water! Water is one of the major food sources for mold. In many situations, bleach has actually contributed to mold growing back faster and heavier, with mold spore counts twice the levels before bleach was introduced.
  • The ionic structure of bleach allows only the water to penetrate the porous surface of wood. The chlorine in bleach stays on the surface and off-gases losing any of its effectiveness.
  • Bleach gives off gases and in larger quantities can be very harmful.
  • OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) does not recommend bleach as a product to be used for remediating mold.
  • Bleach is corrosive. It is clearly stated on the label. Bleach can effect the performance of steel fasteners like nails, joist hangers, hurricane strapping, etc. If it comes in contact with duct work for HVAC systems, long-term problems could arise.

Using bleach on porous building materials has been proven time and again not to work, and may in time worsen your mold problem.