Water & Mold Damage FAQ Page

Mold can begin to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water event. Spores are always present in the air, and when they land on a wet surface, they can quickly colonize. That's why fast and thorough drying is the most crucial step in preventing mold growth.

If possible, stop the source of the water and then turn off the electricity to the affected area. After that, contact AEC right away to help you diagnose all wet areas that should be remediated. The faster AEC gets to the scene, the more we can save!

While a handyman or general contractor can be skilled at repairs and reconstruction, they typically do not have the specialized training required for proper water and mold remediation. Without the right equipment to detect hidden moisture and the expertise to properly contain and remove contamination, there's a significant risk that the problem will return. True professionals have certifications and specific tools to ensure all moisture is gone and the area is safe for rebuilding, preventing future mold growth.

No: AEC specializes in environmental testing and inspection. We do not perform remediation. We follow strict industry standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which recommend separating the roles of the inspector and the remediator. This is to prevent a conflict of interest, ensuring that the inspection and testing process is an unbiased assessment of your home's condition. We'll give you a clear, honest evaluation of the situation so you can make informed decisions about remediation.

Any restoration company that provides their own initial testing or clearance testing of their work is operating outside of IICRC’s recommendations and you as a customer are at risk and should seek an alternative solution.

The IICRC is a non-profit organization that develops and maintains global standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. AEC bases all of our recommendations on the IICRC's S500 standard for water damage restoration and the S520 standard for professional mold remediation. These standards are widely recognized and ensure that jobs are completed with high ethical and technical expertise. By following these guidelines, AEC can provide you with peace of mind that any work done based on our inspection will adhere to a recognized standard of care.

The ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) test was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a research tool to study mold in homes. However, the EPA has stated that this test was not intended for the purpose of assessing mold levels in individual homes. This has led to some controversy around its use.

Based on AEC’s experience and industry guidelines, we find air sampling to be a more useful and accurate method for assessing mold levels in your home. Air testing provides a report that details each mold type and its concentration, which we can then compare to an outdoor baseline sample to determine if elevated levels exist inside. This gives us a clearer picture of the current mold situation you are facing.

AEC has experience working with clients who have medical conditions like CIRS, MCS, and other autoimmune disorders. We understand the specific protocols required to address environmental situations for these individuals. Our expertise lies in diagnosing the source of the problem, often a water intrusion issue from a plumbing or roof leak. We use specialized tools and our senses to perform detailed moisture mapping and mold detection.

For water / mold damage, AEC offers two main types of inspections:

Preliminary Damp Space Inspection: This is an initial inspection for homes affected by water and/or mold. Our goal is to identify the water source and ensure it's corrected before any remediation begins. We then recommend the removal of wet and/or mold-affected porous building materials and create a plan to dry the underlying structure. The final step is to ensure the area is cleaned and sanitized so no moisture, microbial growth, or visible mold remains.

Clearance Inspection: This inspection confirms that a remediation job has been completed correctly and according to industry standards. We verify that everything is thoroughly dry, clean, and free of elevated microbial contamination.

In addition, AEC provides inspections for asbestos, radon, lead, fire damage, as well as other environmental needs.

Locating mold with 100% accuracy can be challenging because water or mold issues may be hidden inside walls or other inaccessible areas. AEC is limited to what we can see or touch, and sometimes a more invasive inspection is necessary to get a full and accurate picture of the problem. This can include cutting small holes in your wall at times, but we will always discuss these options with you to get permission beforehand.

An effective way to detect if mold is in your walls is by way of in-wall air testing or wall cavity testing. We can take an air sample of the air inside of your walls and have it analyzed by our qualified lab to detect if mold is indeed in your walls or not. This method can be accomplished by driling a 3/8 inch hole in your wall or in some cases, tap in through your electric outlet.

It often depends on the cause. Most insurance policies cover water damage from a "sudden and accidental" event, such as a burst pipe. However, they may not cover damage caused by a slow leak over time or by flooding from outside. Mold is typically covered only if it's the result of a covered water event. The best action is to contact your insurance agent immediately to clarify your specific coverage.

For minor cases, staying is often an option. However, for significant damage, especially if it involves contaminated water or mold remediation, it's safer to leave. The restoration process can be loud and disruptive, and the use of specialized equipment can kick up dust and other particles that are best avoided.

Exposure to mold can cause a range of symptoms, particularly for those with allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system. Common issues include nasal stuffiness, coughing, wheezing, and skin or eye irritation. For more serious or prolonged exposure, it could lead to more severe respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure is known to cause permanent damage. If you suspect your health is affected by mold in your home, AEC recommends relocating until diagnosis and if needed restoration can be completed.

The most important step is moisture control. Keep your home dry by fixing all leaks promptly, maintaining low humidity levels (under 50%), and ensuring proper ventilation. Using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and checking for leaks in basements and attics are great preventative measures.

You might not see it, but you can often smell it. A persistent, musty odor is a strong indicator of hidden moisture or mold. Other signs include peeling paint, warped or bowing floors, or a sudden increase in your water bill without a change in usage.

The initial drying phase, known as mitigation, usually takes about three to five days. However, this can vary based on the extent of the damage. The full restoration, which involves repairing and rebuilding the damaged areas, can take longer depending on the complexity of the work needed.

Generally, non-porous items like metal, plastic, or glass can be cleaned and saved. Items made of porous materials, such as drywall, insulation, and some carpets, often have to be removed and replaced, especially if they’ve been wet for more than 48 hours or contaminated by the water source.

Testing for mold in the air of an attic or crawl space is very uncommon because they are not living spaces. Attics and crawl spaces are usually vented and influenced greatly from outdoor air traveling through.