Guides & Answers

Yes. Exposure to mold and its byproducts (mycotoxins) can impact indoor air quality and health — especially for individuals with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), or immune sensitivities. Our goal is to create a clean, non-toxic environment that supports healing and peace of mind.

Testing helps identify what's present, how severe contamination is, and whether remediation has truly restored a safe environment. It's not just about numbers — it's about understanding the story your home is telling.

Restored Roots Remediation works closely with independent Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) and healthcare providers to ensure all testing is objective, comprehensive, and appropriate for your situation. We don't perform testing ourselves — that ensures your data is unbiased and interpreted by qualified professionals.

Signs can include musty or earthy odors, visible discoloration, or allergy-like symptoms that worsen indoors. You may also notice condensation, moisture staining, or past water damage. Even if mold isn't visible, it can grow behind walls, under floors, or in HVAC systems when moisture is present.

We focus exclusively on source remediation and small particulate cleanup (SPC). We work closely with independent Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) who perform testing to ensure objectivity. We're happy to collaborate with your chosen IEP to interpret results and plan remediation accordingly.

ERMI is a DNA-based dust test developed by the EPA. It measures 36 mold species — divided into Group 1 (water-damage-associated) and Group 2 (common, outdoor molds). The result is a numerical "ERMI Score" showing the relative mold burden of the home.

While the overall ERMI score can be informative, we focus more on the species-specific results and which molds are driving the elevation — this gives a clearer picture of the environment and helps tailor the remediation plan.

HERTSMI-2 is a simplified test derived from ERMI data, focusing on five particularly impactful molds known to affect individuals with mold illness or CIRS:

• Aspergillus penicillioides
• Aspergillus versicolor
• Chaetomium globosum
• Stachybotrys chartarum
• Wallemia sebi

The results are scored numerically:

• 0–10: Safe for most individuals
• 11–15: Borderline or cautionary
• 16+: Unsafe for sensitive individuals

We use HERTSMI-2 data as a post-remediation performance indicator, especially for clients working with health practitioners. Our SPC guarantee includes meeting a HERTSMI-2 score of 10 or lower on post-testing.

Air sampling draws indoor and outdoor air through a spore trap cassette to measure airborne mold spores. Comparing indoor results to outdoor "control" samples helps determine if indoor spore counts are abnormal.

These surface tests collect samples from visible growth or dust film. A microscope or culture identifies the mold species and whether it's active or inactive.

These tests are useful for:

• Confirming whether staining is biological or simply discoloration
• Checking specific suspect areas (e.g., window sills, baseboards, subflooring)
• Providing quick confirmation during inspections or post-remediation

The EMMA test measures both mold DNA and mycotoxins in a single sample, usually collected from dust and air filters.

It identifies:

• Which mold species are present, and
• Whether those molds are actively producing mycotoxins (toxins released during growth or decay)

This dual-approach helps determine whether exposure risks remain even when visible mold is gone. EMMA testing is often used post-remediation to confirm that environmental mycotoxin levels are safe and stable.

Since mold cannot grow without moisture, identifying the water source is the first and most critical step. We often work from an IEP's moisture map or perform our own pre-remediation evaluation using:

• Infrared (thermal) imaging: Detects cool areas where moisture collects behind walls or under floors
• Moisture meters: Measure saturation levels in materials
• Visual and tactile inspection: Detects subtle staining, warping, or softness in building materials

Addressing the cause of water intrusion is essential to ensure long-term success — otherwise, mold will simply return.

These medical tests measure mycotoxin load within the body — offering insight into current exposure or residual burden from a contaminated environment. They are ordered and interpreted by healthcare providers, not remediation companies.

Common tests include:

• Urine mycotoxin panels: Detect mycotoxins excreted through detox pathways
• Bloodwork or organic acid tests: Evaluate inflammatory or metabolic markers related to mold exposure

Although we don't perform or interpret medical tests, Restored Roots Remediation frequently coordinates with clients' practitioners to ensure environmental remediation supports overall recovery.

Yes.

Source Remediation removes mold-impacted materials (drywall, flooring, etc.), abrades affected substructure (attics, crawlspaces, framing, etc.) and addresses moisture sources.

SPC (Small Particulate Cleanup) adds detailed structure and contents cleaning to remove microscopic particulates and mycotoxins that linger after source work.

We build containment barriers, run HEPA-filtered medical grade air scrubbers, and maintain negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination. Containments remain up until PRV (post-remediation verification) results are passing.

We'll assess visible issues, review testing results (if available), identify moisture sources, and outline containment, cleaning methods, and materials. You'll receive a detailed written Scope of Work and time-and-materials estimate before any work begins.

1. Contents removal
2. Source remediation
3. Duct cleaning (done by a third party)
4. SPC of structure
5. Post remediation verification (PRV) (done by a third party)
6. Contents unpacking, SPC and re-entry into the home

Once this process is completed, your home will be healthy and safe for all occupants.

We only use non-toxic, EPA-approved products that are safe for sensitive individuals and materials. Our standard cleaning agent — Benefect Decon 30 — is plant-based and leaves no harmful residues.

We do not use bleach or harsh biocides. When fogging is used (we are considering AeroSolver), it's strictly for particulate suppression, helping fine dust settle for thorough HEPA vacuuming — not to "kill" mold in place.

We are always open to discussing additional options for more natural products!

We offer a three-year warranty on all source remediation work. If mold regrowth occurs within those three years in remediated areas, we'll return and remediate them again free of charge — with no restrictions or fine print.

Post-remediation verification (PRV) is conducted by an independent testing company to confirm that remediation achieved clean, safe conditions as defined by your IEP or test type.

For source remediation only projects, PRV is typically completed within five business days of finishing work, using air samples for interior living spaces and tape lift, swab or visual inspections for non-living spaces, such as attics and crawlspaces.

For full SPC projects, testing can occur 21–90 days after final cleaning, with 35 days recommended to allow the environment to stabilize.

If results don't meet clearance criteria, we take full responsibility. We provide up to 50 hours of additional exploration or demolition labor at no cost and perform any required extra cleaning free of labor charges. Containment remains until a passing PRV is achieved.

*Labor is provided free of charge, but this does not include materials, equipment, or travel.

For projects including Small Particulate Cleanup: a HERTSMI-2 score of 10 or lower, and no individual mold scoring higher than 4 on HERTSMI-2.

If testing exceeds those thresholds, we'll provide additional cleaning labor and up to 50 hours of exploration or demolition labor at no cost (this does not include the cost of materials, equipment, and travel).

All projects are billed on a time-and-materials basis. We estimate conservatively to prevent surprises and only invoice for actual time and materials used. Weekly invoices include detailed line-items for labor, equipment, materials, disposal, and travel.

Yes — projects located more than 1.5 hours from our Vancouver, WA office incur travel-related expenses. We charge only actual travel labor, hotel, mileage, and per-diem costs for our crew.

This ensures your project remains transparent and cost-effective while allowing our team to stay safely and complete work efficiently. We hope to establish a dedicated crew in various areas throughout Washington and Oregon soon to minimize these travel costs for our clients.

We serve property owners in Washington and Oregon.

We'll provide a simple post-project guide covering humidity control, HEPA filtration, and safe cleaning practices to help prevent future issues.

For your safety and comfort, we recommend returning only after passing PRV results are confirmed and containment has been removed.

We perform a final walkthrough with you to review work quality, discuss next steps, and provide maintenance recommendations. Afterward, SPC clients enter the 12-month follow-up period.

Yes. SPC projects include 12 months of post-remediation monitoring. During that time, you may request follow-up cleaning if retesting shows elevated levels or if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Absolutely. Collaboration is central to our process — we frequently work alongside IEPs, healthcare professionals, and contractors to ensure consistent communication and results that support both health and home integrity.