Mold Removal – Two Lies and One Truth

We hear lies all of the time. Many times we hear lies that were told to clients by other contractors or even something they “heard on the internet.”

LIE 1 – “BLACK Mold is Toxic Mold”

There are over 100,000 species of mold. None of these 100,000 species can be identified simply by color. The only way to identify the type of mold that is present is to test it. This is done by taking a sample and sending it to a lab for identification. So just because it is black, does not mean it’s toxic.

What is toxic mold?

Mold affects everyone differently, so any mold could be “toxic” to some people. Most often when people talk about toxic mold, they are usually referring to Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys is most commonly found in flood-damaged buildings and in order for it to grow and thrive, it needs a constant water source. It is most often found in water damage situations that are:

1) not cleaned up quickly enough (within 24-48 hours);
2) are not cleaned up and dried out properly; or
3) water damage containing sewage contamination.

If you call a company to inspect or assess a mold issue in your home and they use the phrase “BLACK MOLD” more than once, they are probably trying to scare you. They may be trying to “motivate” you to hire them on the spot or they may be attempting to use fear to increase their price. You should probably ask them to leave.

Stachybotrys is less common than many other species you are likely to find in your home. If you have mold (of any color) and you are concerned — you can certainly have it tested to find out what kind of mold it is, but it’s probably best to just have it removed by a professional. Then you don’t have to worry about what kind it is, because it will be GONE!

EPA – “In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.”

LIE 2 – “Mold Remediation is Too Expensive”

Every job is different and every customer situation is different, so cost is relative. Some price points are more expensive to some than they are to others. Let’s take a look at a possible scenario, imagine getting three proposals for a mold job in your home…

Your first proposal is from a large national company certified for mold and reconstruction. Their representative suggests ripping out all building materials with mold and replacing them with new materials – COST $27,000….

Your second proposal is from a handyman who suggests spraying bleach (or some other liquid) on the mold to kill it and removing and replacing some insulation, and painting over the affected areas – COST $1,800…

Your final proposal is from a certified mold remediator who proposes setting up containment to avoid cross-contamination, removing the mold from the building materials with an anti-microbial wipe, and HEPA vacuuming surfaces before and after wiping. Removing building materials only if they cannot be cleaned – COST $4,800.

That’s a W-I-D-E range.

Let’s take a closer look at the DIFFERENCES in each approach and evaluate which one would be most cost effective.

Many of the larger national companies try to rip out as many materials as they can because you are also hiring them to replace the removed materials – obviously this comes at a higher cost to you. But in some circumstances the mold can be cleaned and removed without removing the building materials themselves.

The handyman probably isn’t certified to deal with mold. That means there’s a lot that can go wrong…if he doesn’t follow proper protocol (there actually is one!) he may cross-contaminate other areas of your home or actually make the mold worse by spraying bleach on it (see blog post). Additionally, while he may have insurance, he probably doesn’t carry the additional coverage that is required for removing mold and if he messes up, that gap in coverage leaves YOU holding the bag.

I admit, we’re the $4,800 company. That sounds like a lot of money to many people, especially when most insurance companies don’t cover mold (although there are some exceptions). Mold removal standards include an important process to follow using negative pressure, area containment, air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, and a detail-oriented cleaning — including pipes and wires, inside light fixtures, and many other areas that untrained personnel will likely miss. When you consider that it will be done correctly and safely the first time, without tearing your home apart (only to rebuild it) — in comparison, it’s pretty reasonable.

Pricing Variables to Consider – Check Our Mold Pricing Page

We believe no one deserves to live in fear of their home making them sick – at Reliable we help people find peace of mind by restoring the health and safety of their home after water, fire, and mold damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does mold grow after a water leak?

Mold can begin to grow within just 24 to 48 hours after a water leak or flood if the moisture is not dried completely. This is why immediate professional water extraction and drying are critical to avoiding a much larger mold remediation project.

Can I just spray bleach on the mold to kill it?

No. Bleach is an inadequate solution because its chemical properties prevent it from penetrating porous materials like drywall or wood framing. It only kills surface mold on hard tile or glass. Worse, bleach actually adds water to porous surfaces, which can encourage the deep roots of the mold to grow back stronger.

What is the difference between mold removal and remediation?

Simple mold removal is just wiping down visible surface mold. Mold remediation is a comprehensive process. It includes locating and fixing the moisture source, establishing negative air containment, physically removing ruined porous materials, HEPA vacuuming remaining structures, and verifying safety with post-remediation testing.

Why is chemical fogging not recommended by national standards?

The national S520 standard warns against using chemical fogging or misting in place of physical removal. Your body cannot tell the difference between live and dead mold spores. If you only "kill" the mold with chemicals but leave the dead spores behind, they can still trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and musty odors. True remediation requires physical removal.

Does homeowner's insurance cover mold removal in Connecticut?

Standard policies usually cover mold if it is the direct result of a sudden and accidental emergency, like a burst plumbing pipe. However, insurance carriers typically exclude mold caused by long-term maintenance neglect, slow roof leaks, or high basement humidity.

Does mold always have a musty smell?

A musty, earthy odor is a major warning sign of active fungal growth, but mold does not always smell. Hidden mold behind walls, under flooring, or inside insulation can sometimes grow silently without producing a noticeable scent until the structural damage is already extensive.

Do you offer financing for mold remediation?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help you manage unexpected restoration costs. We know that sudden property damage can cause major financial stress. Our financing plans allow us to start the cleanup immediately to protect your home and your family's health, rather than forcing you to wait for insurance checks to arrive.