Who should I call for recurring damp mold treatment?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it's from the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah. It's a wall that faces the outside and feels slightly damp to the touch. What's the best way to get this professionally treated and who should I call to make sure it doesn't come back?
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For a recurring damp mold issue in a Dubai villa, you need a two-part professional approach: a certified mold inspector and a qualified remediation contractor. Do not call a general handyman or a company that only cleans the visible mold, as this will almost certainly fail.
First, contact an independent mold inspection company with its own microbiology lab. Their role is to identify the exact species of mold (through air and surface sampling) and, most critically, diagnose the source of the moisture. In Jumeirah, that damp external wall is a major clue; it's often due to a thermal bridge (where the cold AC interior meets the hot, humid exterior air, causing condensation inside the wall), or less commonly, a small plumbing leak or compromised waterproofing. The inspector should provide a detailed protocol for the remediation company to follow. For the actual treatment, you need a remediation contractor certified by the Dubai Municipality or with relevant international credentials like IICRC. Their job is to execute the inspection protocol, which involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, treating the cavity with antimicrobial solutions, and addressing the root moisture issue—be it adding insulation, repairing waterproofing, or fixing a leak. They should also provide a post-remediation verification (clearance test) from an independent lab to confirm the mold levels have returned to normal. The key is ensuring these two functions are separate. A company that both inspects and remediates has a conflict of interest. For a persistent problem, this separation is the only way to get a guaranteed, lasting solution. |
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