Q. We had some water damage about 4 weeks ago. Our insurance company had an adjustor come in and estimate the cost of repairs. We got the check from them and are in the process of re doing it. Today the dry wall company found mold in all of the rooms and this was not taken into account when we got the estimate. Should insurance cover the cost of mold removal?

A. It's highly unlikely. The very few insurance companies that have policies that DO cover mold remediation, limit coverage to $1,000 or $5,000. Then, they require you to have it done, or they cancel you. Mold remediation can easily cost $30,000, or even more. Worse, because mold is NORMAL, and part of the world, any time your moisture levels go up, the mold comes back. MOST mold is not that 'toxic mold' that worries everyone so much, so if you haven't had the mold tested, you should pay to do that first. This company could just be trying to drum up a lot of business.

Q. Does anyone know of a company to give a free quote for mold removal from a house in the MIchigan area?

A. You need to replace the GYprock.

Q. I was wondering if there was some sort of program or company that provided low cost or free mold removal for families with low income? I have a baby in this house and I'm sure there's alot of mold growing under my house, I don't have a job and my parents barely make any money. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! No rude answers please.

A. Usually mold appears where there is high water content or lack of air flow .If you know where the mold is you can cover it with Kills Paint from home depot.Then to fix the problem find the leaking water source . And or circulate air in room .

Q. We have mold in or bathroom what is the name of the product [not bleach] that kills it and found at the hardwear store help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A. Try using baking soda and vinegar paste.

Q. I have had to move from my home because I became very ill. but can't afford to get the removal done on my own and insurance won't help. everytime I go into my house i breakout in a rash. I still am ill but have had to quit my job and no longer have insurance. I just am at a loss about what I should do next. any advice would help.

A. No knowledge of grants. But check out the remarkable research on toxic mold removal done by environmental expert Dr Ed Close. Simply diffusing a therapeutic-grade essential oil regularly will likely result in an environment very hostel to mold. http://www.secretofthieves.com/mold.cfm In one instance, 10,667 stachybotrys mold spores were identified in a per cubic meter area. After diffusing Thieves essential oil for forty-eight hours, Dr Close retested. Only thirteen stachybotrys remained. Similarly, 75,000 stachybotrys mold spores were identified in a sample of sheetrock. After seventy-two hours of diffusing, no stachybotrys mold spores remained. (Stachybotrys has a reputation for being the most toxic mold.) Don't know if it'll solve your problem, but an investment of a couple hundred bucks in a diffuser an some bottles of oil is certainly less expensive than the normal remediation process.

Q. Ive found no products listed for removal of streaks-just for mold on fences and a power sprayer-not good for a roof lol. hope someone knows what causes it.

A. It is mold as you have stated. A dilute bleach solution works pretty well but is not a permanent solution. Sunlight or removal of the moisture source is the better long term answer.

Q. I am in need of a good mold removal and inspection company that is located in NYC, can anyone help?

A. April, I would do more homework on possible choices for mold remediation companies than asking on here. This is an area that is rife with gougers & I know you want your problem solved ASAP, but unless you like using $$$ as toilet tissue, research all your estimators very carefully & call references. Ask for references of 1, 2, 3 & 5 years ago...that way you can see how satisfied a broad range of customers are with a given contractor. While the post about servpro is correct, they are one of the highest priced in the field. Usually you can receive comparable services for 1/3 to 1/2 of servpro's quote. I would also suggest that you read what is available at & through this link: http://www.epa.gov/mold/ Good luck...

Q. An friend from G. Rapids, Michigan is into foreclosures this days. He got me a house there, a real bargain price. Must fly over tomorrow to see it and sign the papers, then back to work on Monday. He said it's all fine, good condition compared to other places like this he sold - except that heating was off during winter and it developed some nasty black mold and I have to start thinking what can I do about it in less than 2 days. I heard black mold is toxic - he sent me pics of it - can see basement mold, kitchen and even attic mold. I cannot possible hope of doing anything drastic in such a short time, like pumping the crawlspace mold out, but could I at least spend a few dollar and starve it DIY with some off-the-shelf before I return there next month and spend a few days bringing the place to life? Anyone facing something similar recently?

A. You got some very sound answers there, but not sure you know what to do next. My advice, based on the experience I got with black mold removal when my grandma died and I had to sell the house - forget about DIY as the first option before you get an expert on-site to have a look and eventually give you a quote. I used http://www.michiganmoldspecialist.com last year, as they were close and I got a mold removal assessment and quote for free on the same day, once one of their specialists drove over and checked the house. Make sure the agent gets to see everything, including crawlspaces mold - if you want to renegotiate the insurance, you need that. My 2c - you stand no chance of dealing with this on your own if you are not qualified, and you risk making things worse or even harm yourself. Get it at least properly assessed and do that BEFORE you buy the property - right now you risk losing little, and foreclosure mold is still expensive mold, whatever bargain your friend is driving. Just keep a cool head and think this through, right?