ABM Environmental assesses mold problems and plans mold remediation for houses, condos and commercial buildings in Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond, and across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We carry out attic mold removal ourselves; for mold in other areas we provide the assessment and scope of work and refer you to qualified contractors. Mold remediation can be complex because you cannot always see the full extent of a mold problem. Mold is often hidden only to be exposed after the removal of moldy materials begins. The process of cleaning mold stirs up the spores that can immediately contaminate other areas of a building and create an indoor air quality problem. This can quickly make occupants sick. Mold removal processes should prevent cross contamination, keep building occupants safe and prevent mold from returning.
Our mold remediation process in Vancouver
- Assessment of the cause. We identify the moisture source that caused the mold and the full extent of the growth, including areas that are not visible, such as behind drywall, above ceilings or under flooring.
- Remediation plan and scope of work. We set out what needs to be done to address both the cause and the mold, including the safety protocols, so the work is no more and no less than the problem requires.
- Attic mold removal by ABM Environmental. For attic mold, our own crew contains the work area and removes the mold growth using our proprietary process, with no paint or sealants left behind. You receive documentation of the work and a Certificate of Remediation.
- Other areas: referral and oversight. For mold elsewhere in a home or building, we recommend qualified, reputable contractors suited to the job, and the scope of work tells them exactly what needs to be done.
- Prevention. The best prevention is eliminating the moisture source that caused the mold and properly removing the growth, so it does not return.
Assessment first, then remediation
Mold cannot be remediated properly until its cause and full extent are known. In some cases such as mold in attics, where the cause is typically condensation, ABM Environmental can provide a remediation proposal and estimate based off a home inspection report or photos and the property address. Just fill out our online assessment form and provide the necessary information with photos or a report. For other mold problems an inspection that identifies the moisture source and maps the contamination — including the mold behind drywall, above ceilings or under flooring is required as a first step. We can recommend the correct next steps to resolve the issue.
How attic mold remediation is done safely
For attic mold, ABM Environmental uses a proprietary remediation process that is safer, quicker, more effective and typically costs less to remove the mold growth than conventional methods including dry ice blasting. It is ideal for mold detected in attics after a home inspection. We can make the attic ready to pass the next home inspection quickly for sellers or properly remediate the mold for buyers who want it done right. The work area is contained and spores are not disturbed during removal so they cannot spread to the rest of the building. Surfaces are cleaned with methods and products that are safe for occupants. The mold growth is actually removed and not painted over. Painting over mold is common by other contractors and the painting process is referred to as sealing or encapsulating the mold. This is not ideal in that it leaves the mold behind the paint, encapsulant or sealant, and leaves the attic with a white coating that tells the inspector or future buyers the attic has a mold problem. With ABM Environmental’s proprietary process the attic looks like it never had a mold issue. No white paint or sealants, just natural wood like after the home was built. In most cases the rest of the home or building can stay occupied while the work is done all in one day. When the work is complete, you receive documentation of the work performed and a Certificate of Remediation — the record that insurers, strata councils, landlords and future buyers ask for.
What’s included
- An assessment first. For attic mold, we can often provide a remediation proposal and estimate from a home inspection report or photos sent through our online assessment form. Other mold problems need an on-site inspection.
- A remediation plan and scope of work based on the cause and full extent of the mold.
- In-house attic mold removal: a contained work area, mold physically removed (not painted over or sealed in), and products that are safe for occupants.
- Documentation and a Certificate of Remediation for attic work we complete, the record that insurers, strata councils, landlords and future buyers ask for.
- Referrals to qualified contractors for mold in other areas, when it is not work we do ourselves.
- Second opinions on existing mold inspection reports and remediation quotes.
- Discreet, confidential service in unmarked vehicles.
Why choose ABM Environmental for mold remediation
Since 2010, ABM Environmental has conducted over 10,000 assessments for homeowners, stratas, commercial property owners and businesses. We carry general liability, professional liability (errors & omissions) and Environmental Pollution Liability Insurance for mold remediation, and we are registered with WorkSafeBC — see Insurance & Credentials. We are BBB accredited with an A+ rating. Because we assess first, our recommendations are based on what the problem actually requires; sometimes that means telling you the homeowner can deal with it safely themselves.
Mold remediation timing and cost
A localised problem can often be remediated in one day; larger or multi-area contamination takes longer. We can recommend other qualified and reputable contractors that are best suited for the job when it is not something we can do.
Not every mold problem needs professional remediation. Often our assessment finds that the homeowner can safely deal with it themselves, and we will tell you the steps to take. Where professional work is needed, our objective is the lowest-cost option that solves the problem and brings the affected area back to being safe. In most cases a proper assessment by ABM Environmental saves you money, because it makes sure the right scope of work is recommended — no more than the problem requires, and no less. Going straight to often unqualified contractors to deal with a mold issue results in unnecessary and costly demolition and spreading mold spores to other non affected areas. With a proper assessment by ABM Environmental expensive and disruptive demolition processes are often avoided completely. Call (604) 568-5177 for a free phone consultation or complete the online assessment form. If you already have a quote or an inspection report from another company, we are happy to review it and provide a second opinion.
Black mold removal
Stachybotrys, often called toxic black mold, is found in Metro Vancouver buildings. It must be removed with containment and special safety protocols so occupants are not exposed during or after the work. ABM Environmental can assess a suspected black mold problem, identify the cause and extent, and set out the safe removal steps. If it is in an attic we can remove it ourselves; elsewhere we will recommend a qualified contractor to carry out the work to that scope.
Mold remediation areas we serve
We provide mold assessments, remediation planning and attic mold removal throughout Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and New Westminster. Farther out, see our local pages for Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Squamish. Our service area covers Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from Squamish to Chilliwack, with Whistler, Pemberton, Hope and the Sunshine Coast on request.
Mold remediation FAQs
Can I stay in my home during attic mold removal?
In most cases, yes. The work is contained to the attic and the rest of the home or building can stay occupied while the work is done.
How long does attic mold removal take?
In most cases attic mold removal is completed in one day.
Do you do mold removal in other parts of the home?
Our in-house removal work is focused on attics. For mold in other areas we assess the problem, provide the scope of work and recommend qualified, reputable contractors suited to the job.
Can you review another company’s inspection report or quote?
Yes. Send it through our online assessment form or call (604) 568-5177 and we will review it and provide a second opinion.