As homeowners continue rebuilding after last year’s hurricanes, an experienced mold remediation expert is urging them to take proper precautions to avoid future problems caused by trapped moisture in building materials.

Bob Richards, owner of Quality Remediation and a veteran in the industry with over 30 years of experience, says he’s receiving a growing number of calls to fix incomplete or improper mold remediation jobs.

“We’re often brought into homes where people assume the mold was taken care of—but it clearly wasn’t,” Richards explained to Bay News 9. He emphasized that poor cleanup efforts can leave lingering moisture, which may cause issues months or even years down the line.

“With Florida’s rainy season and high humidity, any leftover moisture—or a new water event—can reactivate mold,” he explained.

To help prevent that, Richards recommends post-remediation verification, a step he says should always be done by an independent third-party specialist. This process includes thoroughly removing affected materials, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and sometimes applying a fungicidal protective coating.

“It’s a detailed process that also involves proper drying and air and surface testing,” Richards added. “All of this should be completed before rebuilding begins.”

Richards believes mold could remain one of the most significant long-term challenges for homeowners recovering from storm damage.

“Even after the visible cleanup is done, mold can still be the biggest issue for many homeowners—potentially for years to come,” he warned.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold exposure can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and skin irritation.

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(Image credit: Lee Health)

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