On Sunday April 28, 2013, the Seattle Times published an article in their NW Home section titled “How to Control Mold”.  Overall the article was informative, however I feel obligated to clarify a few details.  In EnviroShield’s mission of “Improving Quality of Life,” we serve the greater Seattle community – and education of homeowners is extremely important to us. 

Luckily most people don’t have to deal with mold in their homes, but for those who do, misinformation on the web is rampant.  As a Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE), Certified Mold Remediator (CMR) and Certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI) and owner of EnviroShield, I do not recommend painting over mold or using bleach to clean mold. 

Paint: Painting over mold is not recommended.  First of all, the cause of the problem is not addressed and the paint will just peel off.  This short term “solution” actually perpetuates the problem and creates further damage to the property.     

Bleach: If you insist on using a bleach solution, you would need to soak the item for 20 minutes.  Bleach off-gasses so quickly, leaving only water behind (which is what you are trying to eliminate, since that is what causes mold).  At EnviroShield, our mold removal process includes the following: (also known as mold remediation) we create a barrier to separate the contaminated area from the clean area, install a special HEPA filtration system and use a vacuum and a sander to remove the mold. We also apply an anti-microbial cleaner and shield to keep the mold from returning.

EnviroShield is known for its quality water damage and mold removal services in Seattle area communities.  The company, however, is not just limited to water damage restoration and mold remediation.  In fact, EnviroShield recently completed a foreclosed home repair on a Snohomish bank owned property.  The results were nothing less than impressive.

The property in question is a residential home located in Snohomish, WA.  Wells Fargo Bank foreclosed on the home in the summer of 2012, after the previous owners failed to meet their mortgage responsibilities.  The home remained vacant for several months after the foreclosure took place.

Due to the nature of the water damage and mold remediation services that EnviroShield provides, they often interact with customers at a very stressful time. EnviroShield Owner, Craig Hawkins, is very proud of his staff of water damage and mold remediation specialists – not only is their work time-sensitive, but customer-sensitive, as well.  

Craig Hawkins of EnviroShield has partnered with Mike Halsey to create this short video for NORTHWEST BEST, discussing EnviroShield's services, with regard to water damage and water dryouts.  

In Washington State, homeowners are used to all kinds of weather, and as we approach winter we are expecting freezing temperatures. With freezing temperatures comes the potential for frozen pipes. When major water damage occurs, you typically call a plumber first and then your homeowner’s insurance company. One of the myths is that you have to work with the water damage company recommended to you by your homeowner’s insurance company. 

Not true - you choose who repairs the water damage in your home!