Mold remediation

The most common causes of mold growing on walls are high humidity, condensation and water leaks (which are often hidden inside the wall). Especially on the perimeter walls of your home, mold can find an easy spot with Chicago’s fluctuating temperatures.

Here’s what you need to know about our process:

At the time of the call, we’d like to get a general sense of the situation. What space is affected, how much mold can you observe, how long have you been experiencing this? Let us know when you’d like to set up an inspection.

We will give you a free inspection and estimate for the remediation. Unlike water damage, insurance usually does not cover mold removal and repair.

To begin the remediation, it’s most important to contain the affected area. We will establish partitions to make sure that the mold spores aren’t spreading. Any non-solid materials (drywall, wood) are discarded, and solid materials (studs, concrete) are sprayed and wiped with EPA approved, plant-based chemicals. We do remove your belongings from the area during this process (called “content manipulation”) in order to protect them.

Once the mold has been removed, we can begin any necessary reconstruction procedures.

Mila’s does offer repair services after your mold issue has been resolved. We know that coordinating different companies to fill each step of the mold remediation process is not easy, so we’re here to do that for you. 

Once your space is cleaned of bacterial growth, we will reinstall insulation and drywall. The walls will be primed and painted. Any flooring that was affected and subsequently torn out will be replaced with new flooring that matches the original surrounding flooring, or entirely new floors of your choice. If cabinets, vanities, bathtub/showers etc, were removed during the remediation process, all will be replaced with new versions of your choosing.

While unplanned, reconstruction after a mold remediation is a great time to make the upgrades you’ve been dreaming about (as long as it’s in your budget of course)! Your budget can be impacted if your project involves an insurance claim.

Come to us with any questions you have. We are here to work with you!

 FAQs

  • Mold can grow on almost any surface when moisture is present and can spread when its spores, carried by air currents, land on other moist surfaces. this is why mold is commonly found on walls lining the exterior of homes and air vents.

    If you find mold growth on your walls, it is likely caused by high humidity, condensation and/or water leakage (often hidden inside the wall).

  • While completely preventing mold growth is unlikely, routinely cleaning and maintaining your air conditioning and heating systems can decrease the spread of mold. Monitoring and cleaning frequently humid and moist areas of your home can help to decrease the chance of mold growth as well.

    Importantly, do not leave roof issues, basement floods, bathroom pipe leaks unresolved. We know that dealing with a pipe drip or that odd smell in the attic seems like the last item on your to-do list, but secondary damage frequently occurs when untouched water damage progresses into mold growth.

  • First things first, we do not want you to put any devices that will manipulate the air flow of the affected space. While getting the air moving with a fan or trying to decrease the moisture of the room with a dehumidifier seems like the best idea, mold spores will take a ride on the air movement and spread to other areas of your home. Those spores will also likely settle inside your fan or dehumidifier and begin multiplying.

    We suggest leaving the space as untouched as possible, and if you can, cover the floor, cabinet, doorway, etc. with plastic as a temporary form of containment.

  • Unfortunately, what items can be salvaged in a damage really depends on each situation. The one item we can say for certain that will need 100% replacement is insulation. Due to its makeup, insulation cannot be dried out nor cleaned and subsequently is the perfect host for mold growth.

  • Your project cost will depend on the size of the affected area, materials and number of days needed to complete the repair.

  • Yes, Mila’s is a one-stop-shop for repairs, reconstruction and remodeling. Once we get your space cleaned up, we’d love to discuss what paint colors, flooring, lighting, etc. you’d like to add to your renewed space.

  • We do! Once we’ve spoken and gotten a good idea of your situation, be sure to notify your insurance company of the damage. We can also advise whether insurance coverage is a necessary move for your project. From there, we work with the insurance adjuster by taking pictures and sending samples of the damaged belongings. We use the same estimation program as insurance companies to make sure your project is accurately protected.

  • When insurance is involved, we send our bills directly over to your provider. From there, you will only need to cover the deductible.

WE ARE PROUDLY a certified firm with THE

INSTITUTE OF INSPECTION CLEANING AND RESTORATION CERTIFICATION