Your Local Mold Testing Company in Colorado
ECOS mold testing experts are available every day of the week to respond to your property for a mold inspection. ECOS has offices in Aspen, Boulder, Glendwood Springs, Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs, and soon Vail. We actively do mold inspections out of each of these offices. ECOS has been conducting mold inspections for almost 13 years. We want to bring our experience and exceptional customer service to you. We can respond fast to your home or office to conduct a mold inspection. Our technicians are IICRC certified, bonded, and fully insured. We maintain the highest level of service standards, ensuring that integrity, professionalism, and complete customer satisfaction. We can handle mold tests, mold inspections, and mold remediation. We are a one stop shop that handles your mold problem from beginning to end.
Mold Inspection
ECOS is an IICRC certified firm with professionals who are also IICRC certified for water (WRT) and mold (AMRT). ECOS conducts regular mold inspections for our residential and commercial customers. In addition to mold inspections, we conduct mold testing and remediation. If you believe your home or office has an infestation, call ECOS right away and we will meet you at your property for a thorough mold inspection and a remediation estimate. Two things a mold inspector looks for is the presence of mold and its water source like leaky pipes, point of entry from outside, and water damage.
Mold Testing
Because infestations like black mold sometimes result from water damage restoration services will perform a precautionary mold test to determine if unsafe levels of mold are present. If their air quality test shows an inordinately high level of mold toxins, then remediation procedures are added to their action plan. In some cases, the client may prefer to seek a third-party mold tester for verification.
ECOS is certified as an independent Mold Testing Service, but regularly work with third-party testers when clients request a black mold test with laboratory results. We outsource the mold test for our remediation projects because of a conflict of interest issue. A mold problem confirmed by a reputable Industrial Hygienist (IH) allows us to do the remediation work.
We just had a remediation job come our way after outsourcing the mold test to a third-party company. Essentially, we never want give a client reason to suspect our company of falsifying a mold test to show an infestation for the purpose of gaining additional business in the form of mold remediation.
After ECOS completes a remediation project, the third party IH will then provide a PRV (Post Remediation Verification) Report to confirm we successfully eliminated the mold and dramatically elevated the indoor air quality of their property to an environment that is safe for occupants. The PRV test (or clearance test) can show if the mold has been cleared out to at least a prescribed “safe” level. These mold experts will compare the mold spore count inside the infested areas to other areas of the affected property, inside and outside.
After a mold remediation project is completed, many remediation services will perform their own mold test for verification that the job has been completed successfully. However, hiring a third-party mold tester, such as an independent licensed IH who has no vested interest in the outcome, is advisable from a customer’s point of view.
Commercial and Residential Services
ECOS Environmental & Disaster Restoration has performed residential and commercial mold inspections and remediation for almost 13 years.
To schedule an appointment with a mold expert, call ECOS at 888-506-3165
Mold Clearance
The EPA recommends you hire a professional to remove toxic mold, such as black mold, especially if it has infested an area larger than 10 square feet.
Since mold growths stem from an issue with water damage or water in your house, the first step to take in mold clearance procedure is to locate the source (i.e. a leaking pipe, entry point of outside water) and fix that problem.
If you remove the mold yourself, be sure your body is completely protected. Your clothing should cover your entire body to avoid skin contact with airborne toxins. After removing the mold, the clothes should be thrown away or immediately cleaned with a powerful detergent. You need to wear gloves when you handle the moldy surfaces. Never allow your skin to make direct contact because it can cause extreme irritation. Goggles, masks and breathing apparatus will protect your eyes, face and lungs from the mold toxins. One of the symptoms of the black mold toxin is respiratory problems.
Before you begin the mold clearance, make sure the affected room is completely sealed to contain the mold spores and toxins which will be disturbed as the infestation is removed. Plastic can be used to seal the gap around the door. Any windows should be left open to allow ventilation as you perform the mold clearance.
The room must be thoroughly scrubbed with a strong antimicrobial product for the mold removal; some common household products that will kill mold include bleach, borax, vinegar, and pine oil.
Contents of the room should be cleaned or thrown away. Porous items are almost impossible to clean completely and will likely have to be discarded. Remove them through a window if possible or wrap them in plastic and take them outside. Non-porous surfaces can be cleaned with one of the antimicrobial products. Any sheets, comforters, or other fabric products should be safely wrapped and immediately washed separately from other household items.
To clean up the room after a mold removal, use an HEPA (high efficiency particle air) vacuum. Another type of vacuum will not capture all the mold spores, and could allow a recurrence.
Common Sources of Mold or Common Areas Where Mold is Found
Black mold can flourish in any number of places that has moisture, oxygen and an organic substance (including wood, some paper products, and some fabrics). Black mold is often related to water-damage events if restoration work is delayed or mishandled. When a water-related incident takes place, the damaged components must be removed and the affected areas thoroughly cleaned and dried to eliminate the risk of a mold infestation.
A mold colony can develop in any number of places in a home, and are commonly found in hidden places that has become wet. A slow leaking pipe in a basement or inside a wall can allow mold to grow unseen for a relatively long period of time before it is discovered. When a mold inspection/remediation service looks for hidden mold, they use specialized equipment like infrared moisture detection.
Mold Prevention
- A leaky pipe hidden inside a wall or in an attic can give root to black mold, so hiring a professional remediation team for regular testing and inspections will prevent molds from flourishing in your home.
- Ventilate your home to keep moisture from building up will help prevent mold.
- Use dehumidifiers in your home to reduce moisture in the air, creating an environment that is inhospitable to mold.
- Another way to prevent mold infestations is using HEPA vacuuming to pick and trap the tiny mold spores before can grow and spread.
- Mold prevention steps can be taken in your bathroom. One step, run the fan in your bathroom during and following a bath to help reduce moisture build-up. Also, frequently wash your clothing to keep dirty laundry from piling up. Finally, keep bathtub and sink areas clean using bleach or borax.
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