FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Category 1: Understanding Mold Basics
What exactly is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus essential for breaking down organic matter in nature. However, when it grows inside a home, it releases spores that can pose significant risks to both health and property. A professional assessment from UES not only identifies the type of mold but, more importantly, pinpoints the moisture source allowing it to grow.
What causes mold to grow in homes?
Mold requires three things to grow: a food source (like drywall, wood, or dust), a suitable temperature, and moisture. Since the first two are always present in homes, moisture is the critical factor. Leaks, high humidity, and poor ventilation are common culprits that our forensic assessments are designed to uncover.
What do the different colors of mold mean?
Mold comes in many colors (black, green, white, orange), but color is not a reliable indicator of danger. The only way to know for sure what type of mold you have and its potential health risk is through professional sampling and lab analysis, which is a core part of the UES assessment process.
Can't I just clean it with bleach?
While bleach may kill surface mold, it doesn’t address the microscopic roots (hyphae) that grow into porous materials like drywall. It also doesn’t solve the underlying moisture problem. Without fixing the source, which UES specializes in identifying, the mold will almost always return.
How quickly can mold grow after a water leak?
In Florida’s humid climate, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water event. This is why our Water Intrusion & Damage Assessment service is so critical – it’s designed for rapid response to assess damage and create a drying plan before mold colonization takes hold.
What is that musty smell in my house?
That distinct musty odor is often caused by Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs), which are gases released by actively growing mold. If you smell it, there’s a very high probability of a hidden mold colony. Our Odor Investigation service can pinpoint the source of these smells.
Is all mold dangerous?
Not all mold species are “toxic,” but all indoor mold growth can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can lead to more severe health effects. A UES lab analysis identifies the specific species in your home so you can understand the precise level of risk.
What's the difference between mold and mildew?
Mildew is a specific type of mold that grows flat on surfaces and is typically less invasive. However, what homeowners often call “mildew” in their shower can be just the tip of the iceberg. Both are fungi that signal a moisture problem, warranting a professional look to rule out a larger, hidden issue.
Category 2: Health Concerns & Symptoms
What are the most common symptoms of mold exposure?
Symptoms vary widely but often include persistent coughing, sneezing, sore throat, skin rashes, headaches, and worsening of asthma or allergy symptoms. If your symptoms seem to improve when you leave the house, it’s a strong indicator that your indoor environment is the problem, making an Indoor Air Quality test from UES a crucial next step.
Can mold make my family sick?
Yes. For sensitive individuals, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, mold exposure can lead to significant health issues. Our mission at UES is to provide the data you need to create a safe and healthy living environment for your family.
What are mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic chemical compounds produced by certain types of mold, such as (often called “black mold”). These are the substances linked to more serious health concerns. Our lab analysis can identify mycotoxin-producing molds.
My doctor suggested my health issues could be environmental. Where do I start?
This is a very common starting point for our clients. The best place to start is with a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality & Allergen Test. We can provide scientific data on potential airborne triggers in your home that you can share with your doctor, creating a collaborative approach to your health.
Category 3: The Assessment & Testing Process
What is a mold assessment?
A mold assessment is a professional investigation to determine the existence, extent, and cause of mold growth in a building. Unlike a handyman’s guess, a UES assessment is a scientific process involving a forensic inspection, advanced sampling, and a detailed remediation protocol based on lab data.
Why do I need a professional assessment? Can't a remediation company just find it?
This is a critical question. In Florida, state law often requires an independent assessment remediation to prevent conflicts of interest. A remediation company has a financial incentive to find more mold. As your independent consultant, UES’s only interest is providing you with accurate, unbiased data. We protect you from unnecessary work.
What happens during a UES mold assessment?
Our licensed consultant performs a thorough visual inspection, uses tools like thermal cameras to find hidden moisture, collects strategic air and surface samples, and then develops a comprehensive report and step-by-step remediation protocol, all of which is delivered to you via our secure Client Portal.
Are DIY mold test kits reliable?
DIY kits are highly unreliable. They can’t distinguish between normal background spores and an active indoor colony, often produce false positives, and, most importantly, they can’t find the moisture source. Our First Look™ Assessment Kit is a professional screening tool that uses our accredited lab, and the cost is credited towards a full assessment if a problem is found.
How long does an assessment take?
A typical on-site assessment takes a few hours, depending on the size of your property. You’ll receive your comprehensive report and protocol in your Client Portal within a few business days after we receive the results from the independent laboratory.
What is post-remediation verification (PRV) or clearance testing?
This is the final, crucial step. After a remediator cleans the area, we return to perform clearance testing to ensure the job was done correctly and your home’s air quality has returned to a safe level. Our Client Portal’s Remediation Tracker™ is designed specifically to ensure this process is transparent and complete.
Category 4: The Remediation Process
What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the professional process of removing mold-contaminated materials and addressing the moisture source to prevent future growth, all while protecting the health of occupants and workers.
Can I remove mold myself?
For a very small, isolated area of surface mold, maybe. But disturbing a mold colony without proper containment can release a massive amount of spores into the rest of your home, making the problem much worse. For anything significant, professional remediation is essential.
What does a "remediation protocol" from UES include?
Our protocol is a detailed blueprint for the remediation company. It specifies the exact location and extent of contamination, the required containment measures, the proper removal methods, and the criteria for passing a final clearance test. It is the key to ensuring the job is done right.
Why is containment so important?
Containment involves sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure machines. This prevents cross-contamination, ensuring that mold spores released during removal don’t spread to clean areas of your home.
Does UES perform the remediation work?
No, and this is your greatest protection. As an independent consulting firm, we have no financial stake in the remediation process. This ensures our assessment is unbiased and our post-remediation testing is completely objective. We are your advocate, not your contractor.
How do I choose a good remediation company?
A reputable remediation company will always insist on a third-party protocol (like one from UES) before starting work. They will be licensed, insured, and happy to provide references. Your UES Client Portal also includes a list of vetted local remediators with a track record of following proper protocols.
How long does mold remediation take?
The timeline depends entirely on the scope of the project, from one or two days for a small, contained area to a week or more for a large, complex project. Your UES protocol provides the clear scope that allows for accurate timelines.
Category 5: Costs, Insurance & Working with UES
How much does a mold assessment cost?
The cost varies based on the size of the property and the number of samples required. We provide transparent pricing and believe an assessment is an investment that saves you money by preventing unnecessary or incomplete remediation work.
Is mold damage covered by my homeowner's insurance?
Coverage depends entirely on your specific policy and the original cause of the loss (e.g., a sudden pipe burst is often covered, while long-term humidity may not be). A detailed report from UES provides the professional documentation you need to file a claim.
What is the UES Client Portal?
The Client Portal is your secure, online command center. It’s where you access your reports, see simplified data breakdowns, get your remediation protocol, and, for post-remediation clients, use our exclusive Remediation Tracker™ to ensure the job is complete.
What areas do you service?
While our main office is in Leesburg, we proudly serve clients throughout the entire state of Florida, including the Freeport area.
Why should I hire UES before a remediator?
Hiring us first puts an independent expert on your side. We define the scope of work, which keeps remediation bids competitive and honest. We then verify the work is complete, ensuring you only pay for a job done right.
What licenses and certifications do your consultants hold?
Our consultants are state-licensed Mold Assessors and hold numerous industry-leading certifications from respected organizations in indoor air quality and building science.
What is "Sick Building Syndrome"?
This term describes situations where building occupants experience acute health effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Our Building Forensics service is designed to investigate and solve these complex cases.
I'm buying a new home. Should I get a mold assessment?
Absolutely. A standard home inspection does not typically include a comprehensive mold or moisture intrusion assessment. Our pre-purchase assessment can uncover hidden issues before you close, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars.
Can you help with my LEED building project?
Yes. We offer full LEED & Green Building Consultation services to help architects, builders, and owners navigate the complex certification process.
What happens if I have a fire or flood?
We offer specialized Post-Fire Contaminant Testing and Water Intrusion & Damage Assessment services to create a scientific plan for safe and effective restoration.
My problem is strange and nobody can figure it out. Can you help?
Yes. Our Building Forensics & Specialized Diagnostics service is designed for exactly these situations. We are building detectives who solve the complex mysteries other contractors can’t.
How do I schedule an assessment?
You can call us directly or click the “Unlock My Action Plan” or “Schedule My Assessment” button on our website to book your consultation online.
What makes UES different from other companies?
Our difference lies in our absolute independence, our 20+ years of scientific expertise, and our commitment to empowering clients through technology like our Client Portal. We provide clarity and a plan, not just a service.
Do you offer services for commercial buildings?
Yes, we provide a full range of assessment and diagnostic services for commercial properties, property managers, and businesses.
What is your guarantee?
We guarantee unbiased, scientific, and thorough work that adheres to the highest industry standards. Our goal is to provide you with an irrefutable action plan that, if followed, will solve your environmental issue. Your success is our success.