DCR Disaster Cleanup & Repair provides certified full service mold inspection, testing and remediation services. DCR is the only company listed with the Allegheny County Health Department for residential indoor air quality. We are preferred vendors for some of the largest real estate and insurance companies in the area.

At DCR customer service is our number one priority. Our trained staff is sensitive and respectful of our customer's needs. We schedule our crews to work at the customers' convenience. Our crews cover their feet to protect your carpets and flooring. We understand that when you're involved in a real estate transaction – Time is of the Essence. Our pricing is fair and competitive. Please see our "About Us" page for a list of our memberships and accreditation's.

WHAT IS MOLD

Mold is a form of fungi that grows in moist dark places. Mold will grow on any organic material including, drywall, wood plaster, carpeting and ceiling tiles. Mold grows on brick and block because it is porous and retains moisture. Mold growth can be a variety of textures and colors – black, gray, white, orange, gray-green, pink or purple. Mold uses organic material for food and will gradually destroy the surface it is growing on.

CAN MOLD MAKE ME SICK

When people get sick from mold it is because they have come in contact through inhalation of fungal spores, have touched  an object with mold spore growth or have ingested mold. This can cause minor irritation to life threatening illness. The affect mold will have on each individual is determined by many factors  including length of exposure time, concentration of exposure, immune function even age. Some common symptoms that you may not know can be related to mold are

According to a 1999 Mayo Clinic Study, nearly all chronic sinus infections (afflicting 37 million Americans) are a result of molds.
A 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds. (according to 1999 USA Today Cover Story)

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

If you have had any water damage or plumbing leaks in you home you may have mold problem.
Not all mold growth has an odor and often grows in hidden places that you can't see. DCR can help you to determine if there is a mold problem.

What can DCR do to help?

We will perform a complete mold inspection. At DCR our trained and professional staff will visually inspect the property, and employ the latest technology to determine source/s of moisture in the most non-invasive way. When indicated we will collect samples from the air, indoor wall cavities, and surfaces. Nationally accredited laboratories analyze all of our samples.

What happens after the inspection?

DCR will provide you with a written report outlining the steps taken during the visual inspection. The location and types of samples taken will also be included in the report. A complete laboratory analysis will be provided along with an explanation of how to interpret results. Recommendations will be made on eliminating the source/s of moisture and how best to remediate any contaminated areas.

Why do I need a professional mold remediator?

A professional mold remediator will stop or repair the source of moisture feeding the mold growth, kill active mold growth and remove affected materials safely so as not to contaminate other areas within a home or building.

What is the difference between remediation and mold abatement?

Professional mold remediation involves ridding the property of unwanted moisture causing the mold growth as well as killing and removing the mold growth.
Mold abatement refers to just killing and removing the mold.
Note: If the source of the moisture/water problem is not solved the mold will grow back.

Will bleach kill mold?

Yes and No. Chlorine bleach will kill mold on hard surfaces but not on porous surfaces.
Note: Dead mold spores are still allergens if not properly removed they can still cause allergic reactions in people who are susceptible.

Indoor Air Quality Testing and Inspection

Our mold inspection of homes and commercial buildings is performed adhering to standard methods, practices and protocols of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. We use only national accredited laboratories for the analysis of samples.


Visual Inspection

Mold cannot live without moisture. Locating the source of moisture is a main focal point of our investigation. We perform a thorough visual inspection of your structure (including the attic, crawl spaces, basement and grounds surrounding the structure) we examine: heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems moisture content of floors, walls and ceilings all water damaged areas moisture barriers


Equipment

State of the art moisture detection equipment is used to determine possible hidden sources of moisture and/or causes for increased humidity levels within a structure. Our trained inspectors will employ the necessary technology to determine the source of moisture in the most non-invasive way. Equipment used for moisture detection and measurement:

Specimen Collection

Our field representative's training ensures that throughout the sample collection portion of the inspection, there is consistency in collection protocols, minimizing the possibility of sample contamination. Based on the findings of the visual inspection one or more of the following methods for collection may be recommended for sampling.

Indoor air sample

Calibrated equipment is used to draw air through an Air-O-Cell cassette which in turn are labeled and sent to the lab for analysis. Air samples will be taken through out the structure as recommended based on the results of the visual inspection. An outdoor sample of air will be collected for use as a control. Analysis of this of sample can reveal the type and concentration of the most common air contaminates. In certain situations where is important to identify a specific species of fungi a microbial particle sample may be used to collect samples on a growth medium.
Interior wall cavities

In the event moisture readings indicate a potential problem within a wall samples are collected using a Wall Check system. Through a small † inch hole a tube is place in the wall cavity and the attached to calibrated equipment drawing air into an Air-O-Cell. (See above for Air-O-Cell information).

Bulk samples

Bulk samples are small amounts of the suspected affected material. These samples are most often used for carpeting and insulation. Samples are labeled and placed in sterile containers and sent to the lab for analysis

Surface sampling

Sterile, special treated swabs and or adhesive tape can be used to collect samples from surfaces. These samples are labeled and sent to the lab for analysis.
Laboratory Analysis

At DCR we use only laboratories which have earned the distinction of the AIHA Environmental Microbiology Accredited Laboratory. This special designation ensures the highest quality in laboratory analysis from recording the chain of possession to providing actual results and reports.

Reports
Clients will receive a written report outlining the steps taken in conducting the visual inspection. The location and type of air samples taken will also be included in the report. A complete laboratory analysis will be provided along with an explanation on how to interpret results. Recommendations will be made on eliminating the source/s of moisture present and how best to remediate any contaminated materials.