Mold Damage and Repair

• Humidity over 60% contributes to mold growth
• Leaks that are not properly fixed ( Roof, plumbing, A/C, etc.)
• Lack of proper ventilation
• Blocked HVAC ducts
• Vinyl wallpaper coverings can trap in moisture
• Water damage that is not properly mitigated and/or in time
• Construction performed during wet weather that was not properly protected against the elements.

1st Choice Restoration travels the entire state of Washington performing Mold Remediation. We are members of both ASCR (Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration) and IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Mold has been around since the beginning of time. While mold plays a positive role in making foods like cheese and producing drugs like penicillin, some molds can be harmful if found in excess in an indoor environment. The conditions that we live in are similar to those that mold grows in–low light, little air movement, and temperatures at 68-86 F. Airtight buildings contribute to high mold growth. Of course, buildings that have, or have had, moisture problems/leaks are at a higher risk of having excessive mold. Mold breaks down organic matter and its food sources are items such as carpet, wood, paper, drywall, paneling, and ceiling tiles. As mentioned, not all molds are toxigenic but it is wise to be cautious and realize the potential for toxicity as serious. Prudent public health practice indicates removal through clean up (remediation) as quickly as possible.

Some molds can produce mycotoxins which can cause health problems in humans and pets. Particularly vulnerable to illnesses are infants/children, elderly, people with immune-compromised systems, people with respiratory problems, and pregnant women. Adverse health effects reported have included reoccurring nosebleeds, headaches, rashes, extreme fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, asthma, intestinal distress. As an information hungry society, we are learning more and more about high exposures to mold and its negative effects on our health. The old cliche “It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry” appears to be a smart motto for today’s world.

Sometimes water loss will create stains on your carpet. We do not just spot clean an affected area but expand our cleaning to the affected room.

• Knowledge
  We ascertain the best way to remediate the mold. We have the proper equipment in-house.
• Experience
  Ask for our references! We can prove ourselves through our work.
• Qualified
  We are trained and ready to work. Not many companies are qualified to perform the proper protocol in a safe manner. We are certified mold remediation experts. We are members of both ASCR (Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration) and IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
• Professional
  We know how to address curious on-lookers parents, media, etc.
• Flexible
  We are mobile and can work 24 X 7 to meet short timelines and deadlines.

Sometimes mold is present on metal, such as grid work in an acoustic tile ceiling in a doctor’s office. Well, the mold is not growing on the metal (mold doesn’t feed off of non-organic material), it is growing on the dust and dirt on the metal. Sometimes cleaning the structures will suffice, sometimes the spores have wafted to the duct system and may have contaminated the whole HVAC system.

Often, there are porous materials with excessive mold growth which need to discarded. Having the correct type of containment stops spores from spreading throughout a structure, especially during the demolition phase. Many times, tiles in schools for example, must come out.

We know how to set up the appropriate amount and type of containment. Not every job requires a full, air lock, negative pressure containment. 1st Choice Restoration know when, for example, to continue the containment through hallways in order to have a proper egress (exit) to the dumpster outside so as not to contaminate other areas of the structure.

1st Choice Restoration can clean items such as desks, equipment, and even some books can be salvaged.

• Air Scrubbers
• Dehumidifiers
• Monitoring equipment
• Hepa vacuums
• Dump Truck
• Blowers