Mold Remediation
Serving our local community mold remediation since 1997
Call 24/7 for emergency service. On our way in 60 minutes or less.
Mold Removal
Mold Sources
- Broken Pipes
- Foundation Cracks
- Flood Damage
- High Humidity Levels
- Leaking Roof
- Plumbing Leak
- Sewage Backup
- Sump Pump Backup
- Water Buildup
- Water Damage
Call HCR now for 24/7 emergency help.
As licensed mold remediation professionals, we know the significance of contamination
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Finding mold spores growing where it is not supposed to can create a real issue in your home.
If you are currently experiencing water damage, biohazard, a flood, or any other mold-causing concern in your home, here is a list of our procedures from you finding mold, making an insurance claim if necessary, to getting mold removal and mold remediation service done right.
Locate The Mold Source
Discovering mold hidden on a wall after water damage after a bad storm. Maybe it’s foundation cracks or a plumbing leak in your home. Whatever the cause of the mold you’re facing in your basement, crawl space, or HVAC on the property. You want to take action fast. We want to move quickly as possible to repair the water issue or other issues and prevent new mold spores from growing and continuing to spread and damage the environment and surrounding areas.
Contact An Indoor Hygienist
Have your home tested for mold. Mold is not always something you can see or see immediately sitting on the surface. Mold can be an indoor air pollutant that brings terrible sickness when too much is inhaled. An inspection will help you find any mold and let you know the type of mold you are dealing with. An indoor hygienist has many of the industry’s state-of-the-art tools and equipment to test for mold and have the results in a few minutes to a half hour.
Schedule Your Mold Remediation
While most mold is not toxic, some mold can be hazardous. For this, you want a licensed experienced professional dealing with the mold. After a Hygienist has determined the type of mold and what areas of the property have been affected, it’s time to schedule your mold remediation expert.
HCR will review the assessment made by the Hygienist and determine the most viable ways to remove, clean up, sanitize, and remediate the property. If you skipped the step of using a hygienist, HCR can step in to help you not only get rid of the mold but identify the cause of the problem. Mold remediators will treat the mold like a standard hazard based on previous experience to tackle it best.
Mold Remediation Insurance
A standard homeowners insurance policy should cover a mold claim if the growth has been caused by a covered hazard that is sudden or accidental in nature. If you’re experiencing mold and have not already called your agent for a claim for water damage (if that was the underlying issue), go ahead and call your insurance agent if the damage is severe enough after being determined by your Hygienist or mold inspector.
Let your agent know about the mold damage and schedule your remediation. They will ask you if you have a mold remediation company or give you a referral if you have not contacted one. Dealing with your insurance company throughout the mold removal, cleanup, remediation, and reconstruction process can be kind of a headache so make sure your mold remediation company can handle it for you.
Stay In A Safe Environment
Once you have assessed the environment of your home for mold, we do not recommend investigating it any further for yourself unless you wear the proper protective gear. For example, if your basement has flooded, experienced sewage backup, or a sump pump backup you will want to wear rubber boots because the water may contain waterborne bacteria.
Let your agent know about the mold damage and schedule your remediation. They will ask you if you have a mold remediation company or give you a referral if you have not contacted one. Dealing with your insurance company throughout the mold removal, cleanup, remediation, and reconstruction process can be kind of a headache so make sure your mold remediation company can handle it for you.
Document Your Mold Damaged Property
It is very important that if you do decide to make a mold damage insurance claim that you take pictures, videos, and notes of everything that has been damaged that is not salvageable. You can place all of the property documents into a digital folder and share this with your insurance agent. This includes your personal belongings such as appliances, furniture, electronics, and clothing.
You will also want to account for your residential elements like the ceiling, walls, and floors. If you are unable to assess what is salvageable your mold remediation technicians will be able to assist you in all types of property loss.
Keep Your Point Of Contact Available For Updates
When you are working with your mold remediation technician it’s important to have a main point of contact available during the time the mold removal, cleanup, remediation, and reconstruction process is in place. You can establish a time that is best to be contacted but make sure if you have a second point of contact that you make your expert aware just in case.
The removal, cleanup, and restoration process is a 24/7 procedure. So it is important that if there are updates about your residence, an estimate, or a claim that you can be available to discuss the steps further. As HCR will make sure to be available for you day and night.
Call Your Agent For Mold Coverage Details
After the property has been assessed, an estimate has been given, and your agent and mold remediation technician has began communication. You are free to go about your regular schedule. Along the way, your mold remediation expert will guide you regarding salvageable belongings, conditions, the day-by-day process, the proper equipment, and the necessary resources to get your residence back to pre-loss.
Sometimes it can be a headache to get ahold of your agent about your coverage so make sure to ask your mold remediation expert for help here in follow-up.
Specialized Mold Remediation
If your experiencing recent water damage or moisture but mold growth is not yet noticeable it’s important to have an antimicrobial agent applied to the space until the space is completely dried out. The application will also kill any mold it comes in contact with. Once the source has been identified, technicians isolate the contaminated areas sanitizing every single surface and porous material with proper techniques and antimicrobial products.
To eliminate the spread we contain the areas with large heavy plastic as well as sealing off heating and air conditioning vents. It’s important if you are staying in the residence not to use the HVAC as you will spread the mold to uncontaminated areas and cause a larger issue.
Ensure All Mold Equipment Is Running 24/7
One of the most crucial elements during the entire process is removal. Throughout the mold remediation process, the mold-affected area needs to stay in a negative pressure environment, especially if we’re dealing with a large amount.
During the process of mold removal, spores can be disturbed and become airborne. Along with containment, the air needs to be cleaned as well so negative air machines with high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) run continuously throughout the project. This ensures mold spores, dust, microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), and other airborne debris are removed from the affected area.
It may be tempting to unplug the equipment but allowing these machines to do their job will save more time to move into the cleanup and remediation process.
Mold Remediation and Reconstruction
In most cases, the only effective way to ensure proper mold remediation is to remove affected materials completely that cannot be adequately cleaned. This commonly involves drywall, insulation, base boards, carpet, carpet pads and even furniture.
Once all areas contaminated by mold that require removal have been fully cleaned out such as your carpets, floors, walls, or ceiling. It’s time to finish the job and restore your property to it’s original condition. As your local experts, we partner with many of the local material companies and with better prices for us means better prices for you. Save the time, money, and headache by choosing HCR.
Mold Damage Pre-Loss Conditions
Deep breathe in, deep breathe out. Finally, it’s been a few days, a week, or maybe a little more depending on the mold damage severity. Once the remediation has been completed your hygienist and mold technician will revisit the space to provide a final clearance test. Giving you peace of mind that the mold has been properly mitigated.
Finally, you have your healthy home back in a magical environment you can call your own. No mess, no headache, not even a single concern. All because you chose the right professionals to handle what they know best. Pat yourself on the back for making the right choice and feel free to gloat (and refer) your property remediation and restoration team.
Premium Value From Beginning to End
1. Call HCR
Call day or night.
2. Inspect
Upon quick arrival, we’ll investigate the source and damage.
3. Roadmap
4. Mitigate
To prevent further damage and higher costs, we get to work.
5. Restore
Your certified HCR experts will cleanup & restore your home.
6. Reconstruct
Finally, repair and rebuild for a happy, healthy environment.
Our Mold Remediation Services
in Southeastern, WI
The best mold remediation services are extensive. Neither two mold cases are alike,
and you deserve a team that can address all your concerns with premier expertise.
Fortunately, we’re here to provide a variety of mold removal and remediation services for Southeastern Wisconsin clients, including the following:
Emergency Services
- Rapid Response Mobilization
- Water Damage Assessment
- Leak Detection (burst pipes & plumbing leaks)
- Moisture Mapping
- Structural Stabilization
- Emergency Board Up
- Water Extraction & Drying
- Residential Water Restoration
- Commercial Water Restoration
- Flood Cleanup for Basements
- Flood Cleanup for Crawl Spaces
- Mold Removal
- Mold Remediation
- Water Cleanup for Overflowing Appliances
- Sewage Cleanup
- Biohazard Cleanup
- Applied Structural Drying
Personal Property Cleanout
- HCR will document your space experiencing mold damage in our industry-leading insurance claim estimating software called Xactimate.
- Clean and move out your property’s mold-damaged belongings, including everything from furniture, appliances, carpet, padding, upholstery, drapes, bedding, clothing, and more.
- Our experts provide professional cleaning for all your appliances.
- Thoroughly clean every space from shelving, bookshelves, light fixtures, bathrooms, closets, furnishings, and anywhere that has a flat surface where mold can collect.
- Move out and either recycle or dispose of all property contents that are not salvageable.
Restoration & Reconstruction
- Sanitization and Disinfection
- Odor Removal
- Carpet and Padding Removal and Replacement
- Baseboard and Trim Removal and Replacement
- Fixture Removal and Replacement
- Damaged Wood Floors Removal and Replacement
- Drywall Repair and Restoration
- Structural Repair and Restoration
- Complete Water Damage Restoration
- Mold Removal and Remediation
- Final wipe down ready for use
Client Reviews
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5 based on our client reviews
Call HCR to assess the mold
and get an estimate.
Areas For Mold Growth
- Attic
- Basement
- Ceilings From Leaks
- Chimney
- Crawl Space
- HVAC Duct
- Foundation Air Vents
- Furnace
- Kitchen
- Wall Interiors
- Windows
- Window Unit A/C
Difference between Mold Removal
and Mold Remediation
Mold Removal
Mold removal is one step of the remediation process. Removal is the step when cleaning and disposing of the unwanted mold spores that are on surfaces or materials that will be discarded.
Mold Remediation
Mold Remediation is the full multi-step process of getting fungi back to natural levels. These steps include inspection, containing, air filtration, cleanup, removal, sanitizing, repairing, and revisiting. If your home has had water damage, flood damage, plumbing leaks, or any other serious mold damage. It is best to hire an expert as specialized equipment and methods may be required to treat the mold completely.
How Quickly Must You Treat Mold?
When mold appears your safety is important and harm can be minimized with quick action. Who should clean it up is based on a number of things. The size of the problem. If the mold is in your HVAC. If the mold is from water or sewage damage. The EPA states if the mold problem is less than 10 square feet (roughly 3 ft by 3ft patch), in most cases, you can handle the job. Mold removal is essential before more issues occur. It’s detrimental to your family or your employees’ health to have the spaces treated.
Minor Mold Problem
1. Have your home inspected for mold. A professional hygienist has industry-regulated tools and equipment to get the test done accurately. An inspection will help you find all the mold and let you know the type of mold you are dealing with.
2. The professionals that inspected the mold issue will let you know if it’s small enough that you can treat it yourself. If that’s the case wear a respirator mask to filter out the mold spores. A dust mask will not do.
3. Fix the issue that resulted in the mold. Other protective gear you will need is eye protection, rubber gloves, rags, a scrub brush, and cleaning supplies. Solutions you can use are white vinegar or non-ammonia soap or detergent. A bucket for the solution after use. Bleach. A dehumidifier and multiple air movers. The equipment you can rent from HCR daily.
Major Mold Problem
1. Turn off your HVAC. This will help to make sure that if mold is in your HVAC it won’t spread throughout the house or building.
2. Call the professionals. Harrison’s will respond immediately and ask you some quick questions. Depending on the severity we may recommend one of our preferred hygienists come in to test the mold substance. If you would like our technicians to bypass the testing we will treat it based on our experience and show up for an assessment.
3. Call your insurance company. The information they will want to know: The property owner’s information. Location of the mold. A detailed inventory of possessions damaged. Removal and remediation estimates (these can be worked out between your mold remediation technician and insurance agent). Pictures or videos of mold. Then essentially they will want to know the cause to determine if it is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?
The time it takes for the mold removal process depends on many factors such as how much mold is present, where the mold is growing (behind walls, etc.), and the materials it grows on. Most mold removal (remediation) takes anywhere from 1 day to 5 days.*
Will Mold Come Back After Remediation?
After receiving professional mold remediation services from a certified contractor. Along with repairs for the underlying causes of the infestation. Mold problems are typically resolved. However, it is still possible for mold to return later on.*
How Do I When Mold Remediation is Complete?
1. Visual. You might see that all mold is gone and away, but hidden mold colonies and mold spores can linger in hidden places and in the air. So visual inspection is not the best way to ensure complete removal.
2. Third-party testing. Having a hygienist come back to the property is usually the recommended way to test for complete mold removal verification.*
How do I get rid of Mold?
The first step in ridding mold off your property is to locate the source of moisture and make sure it is addressed since this is usually the root cause of mold growth.
Next, is to begin the isolate the contaminated area. Then suppress dust and remove damaged materials before cleaning all surfaces with a HEPA vacuum, dehumidifying the space.
Finally, reconstructing the space and revisiting to test and make sure it’s completely remediated.
According to EPA, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3ft by 3ft patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself. Use proper protective equipment for your safety.
Twelve Types of Mold
Testing & Inspection Equipment
1. Personal Protective Gear
Personal protection equipment (PPE) is essential in every mold inspection and mold remediation. Every site has the potential for danger and we may unexpectedly uncover hazardous material like asbestos, black mold, or even dead animals (unfortunately).
In order to guarantee the safety of our inspectors and technicians, it’s mandatory to wear protective gear such as respirators, full-body disposable dust-impermeable, suits, water-resistant gloves, and goggles on your property no matter how much mold.
2. Moisture Meter
This is a handheld device used for scanning large areas for the detection of moisture levels on surfaces like flooring, drywall, and ceilings. These precise tools help to non-invasively detect the presence of active or residual moisture within your property’s building materials.
When water is present within a material like drywall or wood, mold can form within 24 to 48 hours. So, finding an active water source in your home can be the first step in resolving a serious issue.
3. Infrared Camera
One of the most accurate mold detection methods is using an infrared camera. They scan the area in question and in a few moments the camera produces a thermogram of the space.
A thermogram is a display of colors representing the various heat signatures of all objects and surfaces in the camera’s view. Red indicates warmer temperatures, while blue indicates cooler temperatures.
A certified technician can pinpoint exactly where moisture and humidity levels are higher than normal, putting you at risk for mold.
4. Swab Test
A simple test that takes a few seconds to perform and gives instant results to help assess the potential for biological contamination on surface areas. These tests serve as indicators for laboratory analysis sampling and/or establishing disinfection recommendations.
These tests cannot be used to determine mold types, understand toxicity levels, or establish hazard levels on surface areas. Any type of positive reaction to instant swab tests is only an indicator of potential issues. Mold swabs are great for testing hard-to-reach areas or for wet surfaces that cannot be tested using a tape lift.
5. Adhesive Tape Lift
An adhesive tape lift is a method used to test a specific area for mold. To collect a sample, HCR presses the adhesive side of a piece of tape over the area in question and gently pulls it off. Samples collected using the tape lift method are sent to an accredited microbiological laboratory for testing. The results provide information on the types and concentrations of mold present in the sample.
Familiar with the swab tests, tape lifts for mold cannot be used to assess the overall health of the indoor environment as they provide information only on the surface tested.
6. Microbial UV Light
If properly designed, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners that use ultraviolet radiation from UV lights may destroy indoor biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, and some molds that are growing on the moist interiors of HVAC surfaces (e.g., cooling coils, drain pans, or ductwork). But typical UVGI cleaners used in homes are limited effectiveness in killing bacteria and molds. Effective destruction of some viruses and most mold and bacterial spores usually requires a lot higher UV exposure than is provided in a typical home. Furthermore, dead mold spores can still produce allergic reactions, so UVGI cleaners may not be effective in reducing allergy and asthma symptoms.
7. High-powered Flash Light
Proper lighting is an important aid during property inspections. It can be the difference between seeing and missing what might be the most important mold reservoirs in a given structure.
Light-colored mold such as some members of the Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. groups are often the dominant problem mold in properties but these offenders are often missed by a casual inspection because they can be hard to see on surfaces.
Using the light carefully can make a big difference in what mold you find and where you find it. Just looking for “black mold” risks missing the important mold on the property.
8. Handheld Particle Counter
Laser particle counters use lasers to provide intense light and thereby count different size particles. A high-quality particle counter can monitor both large particles (pollens, larger bacteria, plant spores, and dust mite feces) as well as small particles (fine dust, bacteria, mold spores, smoke, smog, and coarse dust).
Taking the particle counter into a contaminated area, you can screen the area by taking a count for a set duration in suspect places. They don’t classify the type of particle (other than by size). But by comparing the counts in each area you can identify the area that has the highest concentration of particles. This then becomes the place for the start of an in-depth investigation. This technique can save time by pinpointing likely spots that are contaminated with mold.
9. Laser Distance Measurer
To quickly capture precise measurements with a click of a button. This device can be used for a wide range of applications from Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical. The large, color screen makes it easy to view measurements and calculate area and volume. In order to ensure the scope of work assessments, HCR relies on advanced laser rulers when measuring areas affected by mold. Exact measurements of contaminated areas allow us to precisely schedule remediation work, calculate costs, estimate material needs, and provide accurate quotes.
10. Smoke Emitting Pen
The smoke pen generates a thin stream of dense, white smoke perfect for air-flow studies and leak testing. By lighting the smoke pen wick with a lighter or match, and blowing out the flame, the glowing tip will produce a trail of smoke lasting up to 30 minutes.
The white smoke reacts to even the smallest of drafts, making it easy for inspectors to locate air leaks around windows, doors, and chimneys. Smoke pens are regularly used to detect inefficient or malfunctioning ventilation systems as well as heat loss due to poorly sealed windows and doors. This smoke is completely safe and non-toxic so it won’t pose a risk to your health.
11. Borescope
The borescope is a camera that can visualize suspected mold growth inside plumbing pipes, and other structural elements through an opening in the component.
A common non-destructive testing method, borescopes are snake-like devices that have a camera on one end and an eyepiece on the other. They are most commonly used during visual assessments to inspect the interior of small, otherwise inaccessible areas without causing destructive damage to the structure. What makes borescope such a valuable addition to our toolbox is its flexibility, which gives us access to some of the smallest, darkest, hard-to-reach places in a property.
12. Indoor Air Quality Pump
Indoor air quality (IAQ) pumps draw air into a sampling cassette or other filter media where it can be analyzed further. Doing so accurately requires a stable, predictable flow rate while preventing contamination from outside sources.
Indoor air quality pumps are different from personal air sampling pumps. Personal pumps are used to assess exposure to gases, vapors, and dust. These air samplers are designed to be worn by the operator, with the sample head located in the breathing zone. Indoor air quality pumps have a higher flow rate and are typically designed to sample a room or area in a shorter duration of time. This is often between 5 and 30 minutes, with most samples being ready in about 5 or 10 minutes.
Twelve Types of Mold
Thriving in damp and dark places. Here are twelve types of mold to know about.*
ACREMONIUM
- This type of mold evolves in its appearance over time.
- Typically grows in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.
ALTERNARIA
- The most common form of allergenic mold.
- Typically grows wherever dampness occurs. Showers, baths, and underneath sinks.
ASPERGILLUS
- Common mold in American homes.
- There are almost 200 species in many different colors.
AUREOBASIDIUM
- Known as an allergenic mold.
- Found behind wallpaper, and painted or wooden surfaces.
CHAETOMIUM
- Commonly found in water-damaged homes and buildings
- Cotton-like texture and usually changes colors over time.
CLADOSPORIUM
- Grows in warm and cold conditions.
- Often found in fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets.
FUSARIUM
- Grows and spreads in cold temperatures.
- Allergenic and toxigenic growing in homes with water damage.
MUCOR
- Allergenic and grows in thick patches.
- Grows near air conditioning, HVAC systems, and ducting due to moisture from condensation.
PENICILLIN
- Allergenic and easily recognizable by its blue or green colored surface with a velvety texture.
- Often found in water-damaged properties.
STACHYBOTRYS
- Known as “black mold”.
- A toxigenic mold, known to cause allergic reactions.
TRICHODERMA
- Allergenic mold type that is usually white with green patches.
- Grows on wet surfaces and moist areas.
ULOCLADIUM
- Grows in damp areas and water. The color is usually black.
- Found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and around windows with high condensation levels.
What Makes Harrison’s Cleanup & Restoration Unique
25+ Years of Combined Restoration Experience
IICRC Certified, Licensed, Insured
Industries State-of-the-Art Equipment
Local Award Winning Service
5 Star Service Based on Client Reviews
Insurance Agents Preferred Partner
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