Michigan / Oakland County / mold removal
Top-Rated Mold Removal in Oakland County, MI (2026)
We compared 74 restoration companies serving Oakland County for mold removal, using their ratings, customer reviews and the facts on their own websites. Updated November 2026. Below the list: what to do first, and what every town in Oakland County has on record.
Who is the best mold removal company in Oakland County?
By our published formula for this job, Prime Restoration ranks first of 74 companies serving Oakland County, with 5.0 stars from 186 ratings and 20 reviews that mention this kind of job. Micronix Mold & Trauma Services LLC ranks second and Dry Space Property Restoration third. Data checked November 2026.
Companies compared for mold removal (November 2026)
| # | Company | Office | Rating | Job reviews | 24/7 | Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prime Restoration | Sterling Heights | 5.0★ · 186 | 20 of 148 | Stated | 88 |
| 2 | Micronix Mold & Trauma Services LLC | Detroit | 5.0★ · 132 | 41 of 110 | Stated | 86 |
| 3 | Dry Space Property Restoration | Troy | 5.0★ · 149 | 22 of 140 | Stated | 85 |
| 4 | weDRY Restoration | Auburn Hills | 5.0★ · 176 | 38 of 156 | Stated | 85 |
| 5 | Pristine Clean and Restoration | Auburn Hills | 5.0★ · 342 | 26 of 280 | Stated | 83 |
| 6 | Mr. Mold | Highland Township | 4.8★ · 574 | 259 of 497 | Stated | 81 |
| 7 | Response Flood & Fire | Rochester Hills | 4.9★ · 241 | 16 of 192 | Stated | 80 |
| 8 | 24H Mold Inspection of Michigan | Birmingham | 4.9★ · 267 | 155 of 232 | Stated | 79 |
| 9 | 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan | Not listed | 5.0★ · 368 | 30 of 346 | Stated | 78 |
| 10 | Dr Mold | Plymouth | 5.0★ · 78 | 42 of 69 | Not stated | 74 |
| 11 | SERVPRO of Brighton, Novi, Bloomfield, Howell, Highland, White Lake, Commerce | Brighton | 5.0★ · 177 | 16 of 167 | Stated | 74 |
| 12 | Protocol Mold Testing | West Bloomfield Township | 5.0★ · 73 | 37 of 69 | Not stated | 74 |
| 13 | EzDry Restoration | Commerce Township | 5.0★ · 157 | 6 of 144 | Stated | 74 |
| 14 | DriForce Property Restoration | Troy | 4.9★ · 192 | 9 of 168 | Stated | 73 |
| 15 | DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills | Bloomfield Township | 4.8★ · 535 | 69 of 469 | Stated | 73 |
Job reviews: reviews that mention mold or mold remediation, out of the company's reviews with text. Ratings come from each company's public Google Business Profile.
How we ranked them for this job
Each company gets a Compare Score out of 100 from the formula on our methodology page: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5). On this page the 14-point water-job proof part measures the share of a company's reviews that mention mold or mold remediation instead of water jobs in general. 20% or more earns the full 14. No company can pay to appear or to move up.
What to do in the first hour
- 1
Fix the water first. Mold grows where it stays wet. Cleaning it before the leak, the high humidity or the seepage is fixed only buys time until it comes back.
- 2
Dry wet materials fast. Mold can start on wet drywall, carpet and wood within a day or two. Run dehumidifiers and remove soaked materials early.
- 3
Do not dry-brush or sand visible mold. Disturbing it spreads spores into the air and the rest of the house.
- 4
Close off the area. Shut the door and, if the furnace or air conditioner returns draw from that room, keep them off until the area is cleaned.
- 5
Photograph it and note where the water came from. Insurers and landlords ask what caused the moisture. Photos of the growth and the source help.
- 6
Size it up. Small spots on hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water. Large areas, mold inside walls or ducts, or mold after a sewer backup call for a professional.
What you see or smell, and what it usually means
| What you see or smell | What it usually means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| A musty smell with no visible mold | Growth hidden behind drywall, under flooring or in a crawl space | Find the moisture; have walls and floors checked with a moisture meter |
| Black, green or gray spots on drywall after a leak | Active growth on material that stayed wet | Remove the wet drywall; fix the leak |
| White, crusty deposits on basement concrete | Often efflorescence (mineral salt from water moving through the wall), not mold | Treat it as a sign of water coming through the wall |
| Fuzzy growth on basement joists or the underside of stairs | Mold from humid basement air or past water | Lower the humidity; clean or treat the wood |
| Mold on bathroom ceilings or window frames | Condensation from humidity, not a leak | Ventilation and a working bath fan |
| Mold that comes back after cleaning | The moisture source is still active | Find and fix the source before cleaning again |
The top 15 of 74 companies for mold removal in Oakland County
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Local page: primerestorationllc.com/oakland-county
Best for
- 20 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 186 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 13854 Lakeside Circle Ste 558, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
License verified: Michigan license #262500492, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 41 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 132 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 235 Woodland St, Detroit, MI 48202
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 22 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 149 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 2115 Livernois Rd Ste 220, Troy, MI 48083, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 38 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 176 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 2285 N Opdyke Rd Ste e, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 26 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 342 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 1080 Centre Rd Ste B, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Sewage, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 259 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- Most ratings received on this list
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 2730 E Highland Rd, Highland Township, MI 48356, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: floodfirefix.com/service-areas/water-damage-restoration-oakland-county-mi
Best for
- 16 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 4.9 stars from 241 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 1753 W Hamlin Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, USA
License verified: Michigan license #262400246, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 155 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 4.9 stars from 267 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 33788 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009, USA
5.0★ · 368 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 30 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 368 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Sewage, Storm, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 42 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 78 ratings
- Its site states IICRC certification
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
Address: 580 Forest Ave Unit 3A, Plymouth, MI 48170
Brighton, MI
5.0★ · 177 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1967 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Best for
- 16 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 177 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 2094 Pless Dr, Brighton, MI 48114
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- 37 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 73 ratings
- Its site states IICRC certification
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
Address: 7295 Finnegan Dr, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- 6 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 5.0 stars from 157 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 3202 Old Farm Ln, Commerce Township, MI 48390, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2009 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- 9 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- 4.9 stars from 192 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 1470 Souter Blvd, Troy, MI 48083, USA
License verified: Michigan license #2102202262, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Bloomfield Township, MI
4.8★ · 535 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- 69 customer reviews mention mold or mold remediation
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 795 Industrial Ct, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302, USA
Water in your home in Oakland County right now?
Talk to a local restoration crew in minutes, day or night.
Floods and heavy rain in Oakland County, 2010-2025
From 2010 through 2025, the federal storm record logs 14 flash floods and 7 other flood events in Oakland County, the kind of rain that overloads sewers and drains and backs water into basements. (NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, read 2026-10-02)
| Date | Where | Event | Strength | Property damage | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-04 | Ortonville | Flood | $500,000 | NOAA | |
| 2025-07-16 | Goodison | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2025-04-25 | Lakeville | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2021-10-08 | Oxford | Flash Flood | $3.4 million | NOAA | |
| 2021-08-27 | Ferndale | Flash Flood | $100,000 | NOAA | |
| 2021-07-24 | Bloomfield Hills | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2021-06-26 | Oakwood | Flash Flood | $2.0 million | NOAA | |
| 2020-08-28 | Ferndale | Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2020-08-28 | Ferndale | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2020-07-10 | Ferndale | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2020-01-11 | Newark | Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2019-08-12 | Franklin | Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2019-08-12 | Franklin | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2017-08-28 | Novi | Flash Flood | Not given | NOAA | |
| 2016-09-29 | Wixom Spencer Arpt | Flash Flood | $500,000 | NOAA | |
| 2016-08-16 | Oakley Park | Flood | Not given | NOAA |
Shown: the most recent flash flood, flood and heavy rain events. Newest first.
Storm reports by town in Oakland County
| Town | Flood reports | All storm reports | Largest hail | Strongest gust | Latest report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 0 | 16 | 1 in | about 64 mph | 2025-03-30 |
| Novi | 1 | 13 | None logged | about 64 mph | 2025-06-24 |
| Rochester Hills | 0 | 13 | None logged | about 64 mph | 2026-05-18 |
| Farmington | 0 | 11 | 0.75 in | about 64 mph | 2024-06-19 |
| West Bloomfield Township | 0 | 10 | 1 in | about 64 mph | 2026-06-10 |
| Birmingham | 0 | 9 | None logged | about 63 mph | 2024-08-27 |
| Bloomfield Hills | 1 | 8 | 1 in | about 70 mph | 2025-06-24 |
| Auburn Hills | 0 | 7 | 0.88 in | about 63 mph | 2024-08-27 |
| Royal Oak | 0 | 4 | 1.5 in | about 60 mph | 2020-07-07 |
| Southfield | 0 | 4 | None logged | about 64 mph | 2023-04-05 |
| Farmington Hills | 0 | 4 | 0.75 in | about 63 mph | 2019-06-01 |
Reports logged by NOAA at locations inside each town, 2010-2025. Towns without a row had no report placed inside their limits; storms there are logged under nearby places.
Oakland County: what is on record
- Oakland County's Health Division Environmental Health Services lists testing, information and consultation for lead, mercury and radon concerns in residential housing among its services, but does not list mold testing or indoor air quality testing as a service it performs. (Oakland County Health Division, Environmental Health Services)
- Oakland County was named in the federal disaster declaration for the August 2014 Michigan severe storms and flooding (DR-4195) and again in the June 2021 declaration (DR-4607). (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
- Fourteen southeast Oakland County communities, including Birmingham, Royal Oak, Troy, and Southfield, carry stormwater and sewage in the same combined pipe into the George W. Kuhn Retention and Treatment Basin, a 150-million-gallon underground tank; during the August 2014 storm that basin passed 2 billion gallons of overflow into the Red Run and sustained $3 million to $5 million in damage. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner; Wikipedia, George W. Kuhn Retention and Treatment Basin)
House age, town by town in Oakland County
Older houses are more likely to have basements without vapor barriers, less ventilation and past water events behind finished walls. Oldest first.
| Town | Median year homes were built | Homes built before 1960 | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Oak | 1956 | 61% | 68% |
| Birmingham | 1960 | 50% | 77% |
| Farmington | 1966 | 39% | 62% |
| Northville | 1968 | 36% | 80% |
| Southfield | 1969 | 28% | 53% |
| Bloomfield Hills | 1972 | 25% | 86% |
| Troy | 1977 | 11% | 73% |
| Farmington Hills | 1978 | 16% | 65% |
| West Bloomfield Township | 1980 | 14% | 84% |
| Rochester Hills | 1984 | 11% | 77% |
| Auburn Hills | 1991 | 15% | 51% |
| Novi | 1993 | 5% | 66% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, tables B25035, B25034 and B25003.
Mold removal town by town in Oakland County
Novi
- Novi's median year homes were built is 1993. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes Novi, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
NOAA's storm record logs 13 storm reports (1 flood), gusts to about 64 mph at locations in Novi from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2025-06-24. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Novi: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Novi
Royal Oak
- Royal Oak's Building Division, reachable at 248-246-3210, provides rental inspection services; a dedicated Rental Information page is linked from the Building Division site. (City of Royal Oak, Building Division)
- Royal Oak's median year homes were built is 1956, the oldest housing stock of any Oakland County town in this set. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Royal Oak is one of the 14 communities on the combined-sewer George W. Kuhn basin, and about 40% of the city's homes flooded during the August 2014 storm when the system overflowed; a resident reports a sewer or drain concern through the city's online form or by calling 248-246-3000. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner)
NOAA's storm record logs 4 storm reports (0 flood), hail up to 1.5 inches, gusts to about 60 mph at locations in Royal Oak from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2020-07-07. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Royal Oak: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Royal Oak
Southfield
- Southfield's median year homes were built is 1969, putting most of the city's housing stock right at the edge of pre-1970 construction. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Southfield is one of the 14 southeast Oakland County communities, along with Birmingham, Royal Oak and Troy, that still carry stormwater and sewage in the same combined pipe into the George W. Kuhn Retention and Treatment Basin. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner)
NOAA's storm record logs 4 storm reports (0 flood), gusts to about 64 mph at locations in Southfield from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2023-04-05. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Southfield: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Southfield
Bloomfield Hills
- Bloomfield Hills' median year homes were built is 1972. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes Bloomfield Hills, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
NOAA's storm record logs 8 storm reports (1 flood), hail up to 1 inches, gusts to about 70 mph at locations in Bloomfield Hills from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2025-06-24. (NOAA event record)
- 2021-07-24, flash flood: A quick 2.5 inches of rain in thunderstorms lead to flash flooding of the underpass at the intersection of Maple Road and South Easton Street. (NOAA)
Highest ranked for this job in Bloomfield Hills: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Bloomfield Hills
Farmington
- Farmington's median year homes were built is 1966. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes Farmington, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
NOAA's storm record logs 11 storm reports (0 flood), hail up to 0.75 inches, gusts to about 64 mph at locations in Farmington from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2024-06-19. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Farmington: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Farmington
Farmington Hills
- Farmington Hills has a mandatory Single-Family Rental Dwelling Registration, Safety and Maintenance Inspection Program; inspections happen once every three years and cover exterior conditions, fire safety and egress, structural, electrical, health, insect and rodent infestation, and sanitation and trash issues. (City of Farmington Hills, Rental Inspection)
- Farmington Hills' median year structure built is 1978. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
NOAA's storm record logs 4 storm reports (0 flood), hail up to 0.75 inches, gusts to about 63 mph at locations in Farmington Hills from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2019-06-01. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Farmington Hills: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Farmington Hills
Auburn Hills
- Auburn Hills' median year structure built is 1991, among the newer housing stock in this set. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes Auburn Hills, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
NOAA's storm record logs 7 storm reports (0 flood), hail up to 0.88 inches, gusts to about 63 mph at locations in Auburn Hills from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2024-08-27. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Auburn Hills: Prime Restoration. Compare water damage restoration companies in Auburn Hills
Northville
- Northville's median year structure built is 1968. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes Northville, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
Highest ranked for this job in Northville: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan. Compare water damage restoration companies in Northville
Troy
- Troy's median year homes were built is 1977. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Troy is one of the 14 southeast Oakland County communities carrying stormwater and sewage in the same combined pipe into the George W. Kuhn Retention and Treatment Basin, which passed 2 billion gallons of overflow during the August 2014 storm. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner)
NOAA's storm record logs 16 storm reports (0 flood), hail up to 1 inches, gusts to about 64 mph at locations in Troy from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2025-03-30. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Troy: Prime Restoration (office in Troy). Compare water damage restoration companies in Troy
Rochester Hills
- Rochester Hills' median year homes were built is 1984. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes Rochester Hills and the City of Rochester, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
NOAA's storm record logs 13 storm reports (0 flood), gusts to about 64 mph at locations in Rochester Hills from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2026-05-18. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Rochester Hills: Prime Restoration (office in Rochester Hills). Compare water damage restoration companies in Rochester Hills
West Bloomfield Township
- West Bloomfield Township's median year homes were built is 1980. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Oakland County, which includes West Bloomfield Township, was named in both the August 2014 (DR-4195) and June 2021 (DR-4607) federal flood disaster declarations. (FEMA, Disaster declarations 4195 and 4607)
NOAA's storm record logs 10 storm reports (0 flood), hail up to 1 inches, gusts to about 64 mph at locations in West Bloomfield Township from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2026-06-10. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in West Bloomfield Township: Prime Restoration (office in West Bloomfield Township). Compare water damage restoration companies in West Bloomfield Township
Birmingham
- Birmingham's median year homes were built is 1960, among the older housing stock in Oakland County. (US Census ACS 2024 5-year estimate, Table B25035)
- Birmingham splits between the Rouge and Clinton River watersheds, and part of the city still runs combined sewers through the Evergreen-Farmington system into the Birmingham retention/treatment basin and the nearby Bloomfield Basin; a 2025 county briefing noted specific Birmingham streets and basements that have flooded repeatedly for decades. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner briefing, via CitizenPortal)
NOAA's storm record logs 9 storm reports (0 flood), gusts to about 63 mph at locations in Birmingham from 2010 through 2025. Latest: thunderstorm wind on 2024-08-27. (NOAA event record)
Highest ranked for this job in Birmingham: Prime Restoration (office in Birmingham). Compare water damage restoration companies in Birmingham
What mold remediation includes
The industry standard for professional mold remediation is IICRC S520. Ask whether the company follows it.
Containment
Plastic sheeting and negative air pressure keep spores from spreading while work is done.
Removal
Moldy porous materials such as drywall, insulation and carpet are cut out and bagged. Hard materials are cleaned.
HEPA cleaning
Surfaces are vacuumed with HEPA filters and wiped down to remove settled spores.
Drying and the moisture fix
The area is dried to normal readings. Without fixing the water source, the job does not hold.
A final check
Before walls are closed up, the area should look clean, smell clean and read dry. Some homeowners hire an independent tester for clearance; ask who does it and who pays.
Mold after a flood or sewer backup
After clean water
Drywall and carpet caught and dried quickly can sometimes be saved. The longer they stay wet, the more has to come out.
After a sewer backup
Material touched by sewage is removed anyway, which also removes the main food for mold. Framing is cleaned, treated and dried.
Finished basements
Water wicks up drywall and hides under flooring. Moisture readings decide how high and how far the tear-out goes.
Testing, renters and insurance
Do you need a mold test?
If you can see mold, testing is usually not needed to decide to remove it. Testing helps when you smell it but cannot find it, or to confirm an area is clean after work.
Renters
Michigan law puts a duty on landlords to keep rentals fit and in reasonable repair; the rules below cite it. Report leaks and mold to the landlord in writing.
Insurance
Policies usually treat mold as part of a covered water loss, or exclude it, or cap it. Read the mold section of your policy and report the water damage promptly.
Michigan rules that apply
- Drying water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours prevents mold growth after a leak, flood or sewer backup. (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home)
- If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch, a homeowner can in most cases clean it without a professional; larger areas need a mold remediation contractor. (EPA, Mold Cleanup in Your Home)
- EPA advises keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent, because moisture control is the key to mold control. (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home)
- Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people, including hay fever-type symptoms, sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash; mold can also trigger asthma attacks and irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both allergic and non-allergic people. (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home)
- If a person has health concerns about mold exposure, EPA advises consulting a health professional before starting cleanup. (EPA, Mold Cleanup in Your Home)
- Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes, under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, licenses boiler inspectors, electrical contractors, elevator inspectors, mechanical contractors, plumbing contractors, mobile home dealers and park operators, residential builders, and maintenance and alteration contractors; mold remediation or mold removal is not listed among these licensed trades. (Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes)
- Michigan law requires a landlord to keep leased premises fit for the use intended by the parties and in reasonable repair during the lease term, and to comply with applicable health and safety laws, unless the disrepair was caused by the tenant's own wilful or irresponsible conduct; courts must interpret this duty broadly in favor of the tenant, and parties can modify it only in a lease of one year or longer. (Michigan Compiled Laws, MCL 554.139, Landlord's covenants)
- Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services publishes a guide titled "Your Guide to Homeowners Insurance for Michigan Consumers" and lists water and sewer backup coverage as a distinct consumer insurance topic, separate from a standard homeowners policy. (Michigan DIFS, Homeowners Insurance)
Related lists
FAQ
Who is the best mold removal company in Oakland County?
Prime Restoration ranks first of 74 by our published formula for this job, with 5.0 stars from 186 ratings and 20 reviews that mention this kind of job. Micronix Mold & Trauma Services LLC ranks second and Dry Space Property Restoration third.
Does bleach kill mold?
Bleach can clean mold off hard, non-porous surfaces, but it does not fix mold inside drywall or wood, and it should never be mixed with ammonia cleaners. Porous materials with mold growth are usually removed.
Is black mold more dangerous than other mold?
Color does not tell you the type or the risk. Any mold growing indoors should be removed and its moisture source fixed.
How long does mold remediation take?
Small jobs take a day. Larger jobs with tear-out and drying often take several days, plus rebuild time.
How is this list ranked?
By the same published 100-point Compare Score as every list on this site, with one change: the 14-point water-job proof part measures the share of each company's reviews that mention mold or mold remediation. No company can pay to appear or to move up.