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
-
Causes allergic reactions
-
Triggers
asthma attacks
-
Increases
numbers and severity of colds and flu
-
Causes
sinus infections
Many more serious health risks can occur and some people are more
susceptible to the effects of mold than others. Some of the serious
and even life-threatening symptoms are:
-
Inflammation of the ear
-
Bleeding Lungs
-
Nose Bleeds
-
Memory
Loss
- Arthralgia
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:
-
Drieaz non-penetrating moisture counter
-
Delmhorst
penetrating moisture counter
-
Infrared
photographic equipment
-
SKC-Quick
Take Air Quality Tester
-
Testo
318-2 Boroscope
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.
DCR
will respond to your call within 1 hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call
the mold specialist at DCR.
We Can Help.

24
Hour Emergency Disaster Service
Allegheny
County 412-366-5883
Butler County 724-776-4707
Main Office 724-940-4440; Fax 724-940-4446
Toll Free 1-877-247-3724
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