Mold-Related FAQs

The criteria for mold growth are always the same:

Mold can begin growing in 24-48 hours.

The short answer is yes. Depending on the size and scope of the project and as well, the location of the remediation in your house will drive whether you can stay in your house or not.

All mold has the potential to be dangerous. Without proper inspection, you may not know the extent of the mold spread.

Yes. Lauhoff Environmental follows the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Protocol. This is the standard and reference guide for professional mold remediation.

IICRC is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry.

Depending on the size and scope of the remediation effort, there could be up to 9 different steps.

The presence of water damage or musty odors should be addressed quickly. In all instances any sources of water must be identified and corrected and the extent of water damage and mold growth. Water damaged materials should be removed or cleaned and dried. A trained building or environmental health professional, such as Lauhoff Environmental, will be helpful in assessing the extent of the moisture problem and mold growth and developing a site specific work plan.

Yes. Having Lauhoff Environmental on site ensures proper oversight of a remediation job, as well as ensuring quality work and compliance with the work plan designed to solve the issue at hand. Be sure to ask for a work plan ... very, very important!

Pathways for mold exposure are via inhalation, dermal (skin) contact and ingestion.

Yes, all mold is allergenic, while a small percentage of mold species are pathogenic. An even smaller number are toxigenic.

Yes. Mold travels in the air on air currents. It can and will settle on your clothes and skin while in the basement. You potentially will inhale the mold as you breathe. Mold can be transported via your HVAC system as well.

Lauhoff Environmental uses an antimicrobial chemical to clean mold and mold stains after a demo. We then use a sealer or encapsulant to make the treated areas more resistant to water damage and mold.

Depending on size and scope of the mold remediation project, a very small project may take 4 hours whereas larger projects require more time. Lauhoff Environmental will explain all work that must be completed and provide you with a realistic time frame.

Molds have different colors. It’s possible that just because it’s black does not mean its Stachybotrys. To really know what mold you are dealing with Lauhoff Environmental sends samples to an accredited lab for testing.