Mold contamination is a common problem that can occur in homes and commercial buildings. It is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid conditions. Mold can cause health problems and damage to property if not dealt with promptly.
Emergency restoration services, and subsequent reconstruction, are typically covered by property insurance. The sole purpose of an insurance adjuster is to protect the interests of the insurance company, which are diametrically opposed to those of the insured. Fair compensation governed by the tenets of an insurance policy are twisted with half-truths and doublespeak to devalue or deny claims.
Homeowners insurance provides compensation for events protected under the policy that require emergency restoration services. Covered events can indemnify the policy holder against damage to the home, yard and other structures, personal belonging as well as personal liability if found legally responsible for damage or injury to another.
Although homeowner’s insurance is not mandated by law, lenders universally require a policy remain in place for the length of the mortgage to protect the investment. Encumbered properties are subject to force-placed insurance if their policy has lapsed, is cancelled, or has been deemed insufficient. Creditor-placed ‘force’ policies provide rudimentary coverages that protect the mortgagors interests alone and are charged to the mortgagee.
Oxidation involves the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction, which changes the structure of a residue to render it more easily removed. Regarding mold removal, the loss of electrons normally ensues with the gain of an oxygen by the oxidized residue, and the corresponding gain of an electron from the residue by the reduction of the oxidizing agent in the detergent that loses the oxygen. This means organic residues can be more easily extracted via oxidation.
Mold remediation is not a job for the inexperienced. Know-it-all contractors and overzealous homeowners often attempt mold removal projects lacking the knowledge, tools and materials required to eradicate mold contamination safely and completely. An uninformed approach to this complicated undertaking generally exacerbates the circumstances with unchecked sporulation and widespread cross contamination. Ultimately, such a naïve attitude regarding this very serious problem will require far more financial input to correct than if trained and certified mold restoration professionals were enlisted initially. Furthermore, deleterious health consequences may result as a byproduct of such hubris.
After sustaining damage to your property that the insurance adjuster confirms as covered, the adjuster will then strongly suggest that you use a restoration service from their preferred list of vendors. They may or may not also inform you that you have the right to use a contractor of your choice to perform the repair work. Under the Insurance contract it is clearly outlined that the policy holder is responsible for the outcome of the “claims process”, however insurance companies’ routinely attempt to convince the insured to use an emergency restoration contractor from their vendor program.