As an integral part of nature, molds are everywhere: on land, water, plants, and yes, even inside homes. Indeed, as a U.S. News and World Report article notes, 47% of homes in the country have some mold or experience dampness.
While molds indoors aren’t always dangerous, they can still pose health and safety risks and damage your property in Orlando, FL, especially if allowed to grow and colonize. However, with the help of mold testing companies, you can mitigate such threats and take the necessary steps to keep these microorganisms from overtaking your home and making your family sick.
The big question now is, how do you go about choosing mold experts?
By partnering with a company whose staff members possess all the must-have qualities of competent mold testers, that’s how. So, join us today at Elite Mold Services Inc. as we share insights into what you should look for when choosing professional mold services.
1. Licensed
In Florida, a mold tester or “mold assessor” must adhere to Florida Statutes Section 468.8419. Under this law, they can only refer to themselves as the following if they hold a specialty license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):
- Mold assessor
- Certified mold assessor
- Licensed mold assessor
- Professional mold assessor
- Registered mold assessor
Licensure ensures the assessor has undergone proper training and satisfies the state’s standards for reliable mold assessments, including testing.
So, when choosing among mold testing companies, ensure each of their inspectors or testers has the appropriate license. A reputable firm will willingly provide this information so you can verify it for yourself.
To verify a mold tester’s or inspector’s license and ensure it’s valid, you can use the license verification tool on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. The search results will tell you whether the license is valid, suspended, or expired.
2. Knowledgeable
According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, there are at least 100,000 different types of molds. Not all are dangerous, but many can cause health problems. How “dangerous” they are depends on their category:
- Allergenic
- Pathogenic
- Toxigenic
Allergenic molds trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. As the U.S. CDC explains, a sore throat, a stuffy nose, coughing, burning eyes, wheezing, and even a skin rash are some possible health effects of mold exposure. Examples of molds that can cause such reactions are Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
Pathogenic molds are microorganisms that can cause infections, especially in people with compromised immune systems. The above-mentioned allergenic molds are also pathogenic.
Then, there are the toxigenic molds, which produce toxins called “mycotoxins.” One of the most well-known types is Stachybotrys Chartarum, more commonly known as “black mold.” Exposure to this mold can lead to allergic reactions, infections, and respiratory illnesses.
A highly reputable and reliable Orlando mold inspection and testing expert is knowledgeable about all mold types. They’ll use their knowledge and expertise to determine the types of mold in your Orlando home. They won’t use their mastery of molds to scare you; instead, they’ll use it to educate you so you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem.
3. Highly Attentive
A mold tester must be highly attentive, given the dynamic and complex nature of mold growth and its health implications. Mold can evolve rapidly, and many things can obscure its presence; for instance, it can hide under hardwood floors. For these reasons, you’d want to ensure you partner with a mold testing company whose team members are well-known and regarded for their attention to detail.
4. Well-Trained
When choosing a mold testing company, ensure you verify how well-trained its staff is. You want well-trained testers because they can:
- Identify different types of mold with high accuracy
- Assess the severity of infestations
- Provide guidance and recommendations on proper remediation and prevention
Furthermore, extensive training ensures testers are adept at using specialized tools, collecting samples correctly, and interpreting results accurately. By partnering with such experts, you can avoid costly mistakes, unnecessary (and expensive) remediation efforts, and potential health hazards.
5. Customer Service-Oriented
Being customer service-oriented means displaying a positive attitude and eagerness to help clients. It also means demonstrating a willingness to ensure customers receive only the best service possible.
In the realm of mold testing, customer service-oriented companies:
- Listen to customers’ concerns about mold infestations
- Provide clear explanations of test findings
- Address concerns
- Help clients understand the best course of action to take
When you choose a customer-centric mold testing company, rest assured that they’ll discuss things with you in an easy-to-understand way. They won’t use technical terms or jargon without explaining what they mean.
6. Timely and Professional
Considering how quickly molds can grow, you’d want to ensure you choose a mold testing company that won’t make you wait for weeks. They should be able to schedule your service as soon as possible so that you can take prompt action if it turns out you have an infestation. Then, on service day, they should arrive on time and in uniform.
Online reviews and testimonials are excellent sources of information about a mold testing company’s timeliness and professionalism.
7. Certified
In addition to licensure, you should also look for pertinent certifications when choosing a mold testing company in Orlando. Some examples are:
- The American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC), a professional organization certifying individuals and businesses operating within the indoor air quality and environmental industries
- National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI), which certifies mold and indoor environmental remediation professionals for mold inspection, remediation, and related safety practices
- International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2), which certifies and provides professional designations for mold inspectors and testers
At Elite Mold Services Inc., we are proud to have certifications from all of the above organizations.
Work Only With Reputable Mold Testing Companies
From being a licensed entity to being knowledgeable, highly attentive, timely, and certified, these are among the most crucial traits to look for in mold testing companies in Orlando, FL. Luckily, you don’t have to look far and wide, as our firm, Elite Mold Services Inc., possesses all these must-have attributes (and more!).
All of our inspectors are not just state-licensed mold assessors. We’re also highly experienced, having served Central Florida since 2006. Together, we’re proud to have over 60 years of combined expertise in mold services.
Call us today for a free consultation and learn more about our top-notch services!