Learning Center

Does Particleboard Have to Be Removed if It Is Moldy and Swollen? Often, significantly swollen or delaminated particleboard is difficult to restore because the material has physically deteriorated. Removal may be more practical than attempting to clean damaged material. Does the Drywall Behind the Kitchen Cabinet Have to Come Out? Not automatically. If drywall is […]

Who Fixes a Hidden Plumbing Leak? A qualified plumber should locate and repair the plumbing source. Restoration and mold professionals address affected building materials. Should I Call a Mold Remediator Before I Know the Exact Source? You can. A mold remediator can evaluate the affected interior materials and moisture pattern while the appropriate trade is […]

Can the Plumber's Repair Invoice Help Document the Loss? Yes. Keep the invoice and any notes describing the failed pipe, location and apparent duration of the leak. Should I Photograph the Wall Before It Is Opened? Yes. Photograph staining, swelling, baseboards, flooring and the plumber's access area before conditions change. Does a Musty Smell After […]

What About the Return Plenum? The return plenum can collect dust and can become involved in moisture or microbial conditions. It should be inspected and cleaned or remediated when actual conditions warrant it. What About the Supply Plenum? The supply plenum is directly downstream of the air handler and can be affected by condensation, insulation […]

What Should I Do First When My Water Heater Floods the House? Think safety first. If it can be done safely, shut off the water supply to the heater or the home's main water supply. Shut down the appropriate energy source only when you know how to do so safely. Stay clear of standing water […]

If I Found Mold in My Air Handler, Do My Ducts Automatically Need Cleaning? No. Mold or suspected microbial growth in an air handler is a reason to inspect the connected HVAC system, not proof that every duct is contaminated. The air handler, supply and return plenums, registers, boots and accessible duct interiors should be […]

Could Plumbing Above the Ceiling Be the Cause? Yes. Nearby plumbing can create moisture that happens to appear near an AC register. Location alone is not proof of cause. Do I Need Mold Testing Around the AC Vent? Not automatically. Visible conditions, moisture investigation and HVAC inspection may answer the practical questions. Testing should answer […]

Does Flooring Have to Be Removed? Not automatically. Flooring type, water source, trapped moisture, contamination and drying potential determine whether removal is appropriate. Could the Drywall Behind the Cabinets Have Mold? Yes, particularly after a slow or delayed leak. But the wall should be evaluated rather than assumed contaminated simply because the cabinet is swollen. […]

If I Found Mold in My Air Handler, Do My Ducts Automatically Need Cleaning? No. Mold or suspected microbial growth in an air handler is a reason to inspect the connected HVAC system, not proof that every duct is contaminated. The air handler, supply and return plenums, registers, boots and accessible duct interiors should be […]

Who Fixes a Stucco or Exterior-Wall Leak? Depending on the source, a stucco, window, building-envelope, roofing or general contractor may be needed. The mold remediator addresses contaminated interior materials. Who Fixes a Sprinkler Problem? An irrigation contractor can redirect, repair or adjust sprinkler heads. That does not replace repair of any exterior-wall defect that has […]

Can an Upstairs AC Drain Leak Damage the Ceiling Below? Yes. Condensate can migrate through floor assemblies and affect ceiling drywall, insulation and framing on the level below. Does the Ceiling Below Have to Be Opened? Not automatically. Moisture readings, staining, material condition and access determine whether controlled opening is necessary. Can Cabinets Near the […]

Could a Shower or Tub Leak Cause a Musty Smell in the Next Room? Yes. Water can affect shared walls or flooring, and the odor may be noticed in an adjoining room before the leak is visually obvious. Could a Plumbing Leak Inside a Wall Cause the Odor? Yes. Slow supply or drain leaks can […]