Find the Best Mold Removal in Cleveland, OH

Mold removal and remediation companies in Cleveland

Mold is a significant problem in Cleveland because of the city’s high humidity and precipitation levels. Clinical laboratory Quest Diagnostics lists Ohio as one of the three worst states in the U.S. for mold allergy sufferers. The city’s average afternoon humidity of 61 percent ranks fifth nationally, and the city faces an average of more than 100 inches of rain and snow each year.

Cleveland’s excessive precipitation can damage basements by making them more susceptible to water damage. The city also faces roughly 100 days of freezing temperature annually, which heightens the problem by causing freezing water and creating fractures in a home’s structure that allow for additional water intrusion.

How to spot a mold problem in Cleveland

Mold can be seen and may have a musty or rotten odor. Some common places for mold growth include:

• Attics: Leaking roofs allow water to drip into your attic, which eventually leads to mold growth if not properly removed and dried.
• Basements: Homes that have basements prone to flooding or foundations that leak are likely to have problems with excessive humidity.
• Utility rooms: Improperly vented clothes dryers create the sort of humid conditions in which mold thrives.
• Bathrooms: Moisture from showers and baths can collect on bathroom walls, leading to mold growth.
• Drywall: Leaks from interior plumbing may be hidden in the structure of the home and only become known when mold begins developing on the drywall or under wallpaper.
• Areas with plumbing: Any enclosed space with plumbing fixtures, including around water heaters and under sinks, is a possible location for mold to take root and grow.

Mold can be distinguished from mildew, which also flourishes in damp conditions. Mold is generally green or black with a slimy or fuzzy texture, while mildew is typically white or gray with a fluffy or powdery texture. Mildew does not reach beneath surface level and can usually be removed with a cleaning solution. Mold causes additional damage and is more harmful, so it’s better to hire a professional to handle the issue.

While all mold can lead to health problems, especially for children, the elderly and Cleveland residents with allergies, some types of mold are more hazardous than others. The Stachybotrys chartarum species, also known as black mold or toxic mold, generates mycotoxins that can lead to nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

How much does mold removal cost in Cleveland?

Most mold removal companies in Cleveland charge by the size of the area affected by mold, with rates ranging from $10 to $25 per square foot. The average cost for mold removal is around $2,500, but handling a whole-house mold infestation may cost $25,000 or more.

Factors affecting the cost of mold removal in Cleveland

• Size of affected area
• The amount of mold growth
• The type of mold
• If the growth has damaged drywall, carpeting or other surfaces that must be replaced
• Whether preventative measures, such as sealing a home’s foundation or installing dehumidifiers, are required

Your homeowners insurance policy may pay for the cost of mold removal if the infestation is caused by a covered peril, such as water damage caused by a fire. Homeowners insurance generally does not include protection from flooding created by natural causes, so mold removal caused by excessive rainfall is likely not covered unless you have a separate policy for flooding.

Choosing a mold removal company in Cleveland

While it’s important to hire a mold removal company quickly to prevent the problem from growing worse, it’s equally crucial to hire a company that can do the job correctly. Customer reviews are an excellent place to research companies — if many former clients say a business cuts corners or has poor customer service, it’s best to find a different company.

When contacting companies, consider asking some of the following questions:

• How much experience do you have with mold testing, removal and remediation in Cleveland?
• Can you help prevent future mold infestations?
• Do your technicians have any certifications from professional organizations?
• Can you repair or replace any structural damage caused by mold?
• Do you check to see if there is mold in the heating and air ducts?

The state has no mold certification or licensing requirements, and Cleveland does not regulate mold-related work. A reputable mold removal company should receive certification for mold removal from a professional organization such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors or the National Association of Mold Professionals.

Finally, Ohio law requires any existence of mold to be disclosed in all transactions involving residential property.