What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the process of removing mold growth from a building and correcting the moisture that caused it, while keeping spores from spreading to clean areas. It is different from cleaning a spot of mold with a spray. Professional remediation follows the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation: contain the area, filter the air, physically remove the growth, and dry the structure.
Mold services we offer
Each service page explains when it's needed and what to expect.
- Musty smell investigation Tracing a musty odor to the wet material behind it, then drying or remediating.
- Mold inspection and testing Find the moisture source, map the growth and test when it's needed.
- Black mold removal Contained removal of dark mold growth on drywall, wood and cabinets.
- HVAC, attic and cooler mold Mold from AC condensate, evaporative coolers and attic moisture.
- Mold after water damage Drying and mold removal handled together after a leak that wasn't caught in time.
- Commercial mold remediation Contained mold removal for offices, retail and multifamily buildings, planned around occupants.
Why mold grows in East Valley homes
Arizona's dry air makes people assume mold isn't a problem here. Indoor mold needs only a water source and a few days, and East Valley homes have several:
- Plumbing leaks behind sinks, toilets and dishwashers
- Slab leaks that wet flooring and baseboards from below
- AC condensate pans and drain lines that overflow into ceilings and closets
- Evaporative coolers that add moisture to older homes
- Monsoon roof leaks that soak attic insulation
- Water damage that wasn't fully dried
Our guide to how fast mold grows after water damage explains the timeline.
How we remediate mold
- Inspect and find the moisture. Moisture meters and thermal imaging locate the water feeding the mold. Without fixing it, mold returns.
- Contain the area. Plastic barriers seal the work zone so spores don't drift into clean rooms.
- Filter the air. HEPA air scrubbers create negative pressure and capture airborne spores.
- Remove the growth. Porous materials with mold growth, such as drywall, insulation and carpet, are cut out and bagged. Framing and hard surfaces are cleaned, sanded or HEPA-vacuumed.
- Clean and dry. The area is cleaned, then dried to normal moisture levels.
- Verify. We inspect the area before containment comes down. You can hire an independent tester for clearance testing if you want third-party confirmation.
- Rebuild. Removed drywall, insulation and flooring are replaced.
How big is your mold problem?
The EPA sorts mold jobs by size: small (under 10 square feet), medium (10 to 100 square feet) and large (over 100 square feet). A homeowner can usually clean a small area with the right protection. Larger areas, mold in HVAC systems, mold after sewage water, and anyone in the home with asthma or a weak immune system call for professional remediation.
Signs you may have hidden mold
- A musty, earthy smell that's stronger in one room or near vents (how we trace musty smells)
- Stains, spotting or bubbling paint on walls or ceilings
- A past leak that was never fully dried
- Allergy-like symptoms that ease when you leave the house
Read more in signs of mold behind walls.
Mold remediation cost
Mold remediation cost depends mostly on the size of the affected area and where it is. This Old House puts the typical professional range at about $1,200 to $3,750, with small jobs lower and whole-house jobs far higher. Our mold remediation cost guide covers the details.
Mold that started with a leak
Most mold we remove started as water damage that wasn't caught or dried in time. If the leak is still active, our water damage restoration team dries the structure as part of the job. Our page on mold remediation after water damage explains how the two are sequenced.