How to choose a mold inspection company that fixes root cause?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our villa in Mirdif has been making the whole downstairs feel damp and we keep finding small black spots behind the couches and along the baseboards. We had a company come out last year, but the mold came back within a few months. What should I be looking for in a mold inspection company to make sure they actually fix the root cause and not just clean the surface this time?
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Look for a company that starts with a comprehensive assessment, not just a cleaning quote. In Dubai's climate, the root cause is almost always a moisture source—like a condensate drain blockage, poor insulation causing condensation, or water ingress from a poorly sealed window. A proper inspection should include thermal imaging to find cold spots where condensation forms and moisture meters to quantify dampness in walls.
They must identify the species through lab testing. The black spots in Mirdif villas are often Cladosporium or Aspergillus from condensation, but Stachybotrys (toxic black mold) requires more aggressive containment. The report should specify the types and concentrations found. Ask how they will diagnose the AC system itself. A musty smell when the AC runs strongly indicates mold growth inside the ducts or evaporator coils, which a surface clean won't address. They should inspect the evaporator coil, drain pan, and ductwork with a borescope camera. Verify their credentials. The company should employ certified mould remediators (like from IICRC) and have an in-house or partnered microbiology lab to provide detailed culture results. Avoid companies that only do DIY-style spraying. The final report must provide a clear remediation protocol that addresses the moisture source first. If they only propose cleaning without fixing the condensate drain or improving ventilation, the mold will return in a few months, as you've experienced. A reputable provider will guarantee their work with a post-remediation verification test to confirm spore counts have returned to acceptable levels. |
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