Portland & Vancouver Metro · 24/7 Black Mold Response
Black Mold Concern? Certified Removal for Portland OR & Vancouver WA
Our IICRC S520-trained crews contain, remove, and restore, starting with a free assessment, so you know exactly what you are dealing with before any work begins.
What Black Mold Is
Stachybotrys: What It Is and Where It Hides
Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black, slimy mold that grows on cellulose materials after 72+ hours of sustained moisture, most often behind walls, under flooring, and in crawl spaces.
Visual ID Is Not Enough
Not all dark mold is Stachybotrys, Cladosporium and Aspergillus can also appear black. Lab testing is required for a definitive species identification.
Where It Hides
Behind drywall at slow pipe leaks, under flooring after flooding, in crawl spaces with inadequate vapor barriers, and in attics after roof leaks.
Health Considerations
Stachybotrys can produce mycotoxins under certain conditions, posing elevated risk for immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and children.
Do Not Disturb It
Disturbance before containment releases spores into adjacent areas. Call us for a free assessment before touching anything.
The IICRC S520 Protocol
How We Remove Black Mold
Free Assessment & Moisture ID
We locate and document the moisture source, because if it is not corrected, mold returns regardless of how thorough the removal. This is the free mold assessment, not independent mold testing. We determine the contamination Condition and scope the work.
Containment & Negative Air Pressure
Plastic sheeting isolates the work area. A negative air pressure unit with HEPA exhaust vents contaminated air outside the home, preventing cross-contamination to adjacent rooms. Full PPE, N95 or higher respirator, protective suit, gloves, eye protection, is worn throughout.
Source Removal & HEPA Vacuuming
Mold-contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned, including drywall, insulation, and wood framing in heavily affected areas, are removed and bagged for disposal. Remaining surfaces are HEPA-vacuumed to capture residual spores before any antimicrobial treatment.
Antimicrobial Treatment
EPA-registered antimicrobial products are applied to all treated surfaces after HEPA vacuuming is complete, eliminating residual mold spores and inhibiting regrowth on cleaned structural surfaces.
Post-Remediation Verification
Clearance testing confirms the space has returned to Condition 1. This testing is conducted by an independent industrial hygienist or certified mold testing firm, separate from the remediator, the standard ethical practice we recommend. We can coordinate with independent testing firms.
Warning Signs
Signs You May Have Stachybotrys
Look for greenish-black slimy growth in areas with sustained moisture, and for a persistent musty odor in enclosed spaces, but visual ID alone is not definitive.
Visual Signs
Greenish-black or dark gray growth with a slimy or velvety texture; staining behind baseboards, near floor registers, or at wall seams where moisture has tracked.
Odor Signs
Strong, musty, earthy smell particularly in enclosed areas or behind walls, a smell that intensifies in damp seasons or when the heating system runs.
Location Cues
Behind drywall at undetected pipe leaks; under flooring after flooding not dried within 72 hours; in crawl spaces with inadequate vapor barriers; in attics after roof leaks.
History Cues
Any home with a water event, burst pipe, appliance leak, roof leak, storm flooding, not professionally dried within 48 to 72 hours is at elevated risk for Stachybotrys growth behind finished surfaces.
Why RescueHero
Disaster Is Stressful Enough
We take the weight off your shoulders, fast response, real expertise, and an insurance process we handle for you.
Fast 24/7 Response
We answer day or night and arrive on-site in 90 minutes or less, because water damage spreads by the hour.
We Handle Your Insurance
We document the loss and bill your insurance company directly, so you can focus on your family.
IICRC-Certified Crews
Trained, certified technicians using industrial drying, thermal imaging and proven methods to restore your home.
Local Experts Since 2003
Two decades restoring Portland-metro homes and businesses, ranked in the top 4% of Washington contractors.
How It Works
Three Steps to Your Home Restored
A clear, calm process from your first call through the final repair.
Call & Rapid Response
Call (360) 300-4111 any time. We dispatch a crew and arrive on-site in 90 minutes or less to assess the damage and stop it from spreading.
Mitigate & Dry
We stop the source, extract water, and set up industrial drying to prevent mold and further loss, documenting everything for your claim.
Restore & Rebuild
From repairs to full reconstruction, we return your home to pre-loss condition and handle your insurance claim from start to finish.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Fully licensed in Oregon & Washington (WA #PALIYCL840CR · OR CCB #178996), with full insurance for your peace of mind.
IICRC Certified
Our technicians are trained and certified to IICRC industry standards for water, fire and mold restoration.
Workmanship You Can Trust
We don’t leave until it’s done right, restored to pre-loss condition or better.
Insurance Claims Made Easy
We Work Directly With Your Insurance
Coverage depends on the cause, not the mold itself. Mold from a sudden, covered water event, a burst pipe, broken supply line, or storm intrusion, is often included in the water damage restoration claim. Mold from long-term neglect, chronic humidity, or slow leaks going unaddressed is frequently excluded; we assess the cause, document the moisture source, and work directly with your adjuster to maximize what your policy covers.
- Billed directly to your insurance carrier
- Full photo & moisture documentation
- We advocate for a fair, complete claim
- You choose your contractor, not the insurer
Built on Trust
Two Decades of 5-Star Craftsmanship
RescueHero is the restoration arm of the Paliy family’s construction company, rated 5.0 on HomeAdvisor and ranked in the top 4% of Washington contractors by BuildZoom. The same proven team and standards, now restoring homes and businesses after disaster.
“The work was done efficiently and professionally, with very good communication.”
“Great work! Fast, clean, customer friendly!”
“Art and David were extremely professional and answered all my questions while installing our new floors.”
Verified reviews of the Paliy family’s construction & remodeling work (BuildZoom). Restoration reviews coming as RescueHero launches.
Questions & Answers
Black Mold Removal FAQs
Is black mold dangerous?
How do I know if I have black mold?
Can I remove black mold myself?
Does insurance cover black mold removal?
How long does black mold removal take?
Where We Work
Serving the Portland & Vancouver Metro
Fast, local response across the entire Portland/Vancouver metro. Our crews are based right here, so when you call, help is already on the way.
View All Service Areas
Found Black Mold? Don’t Touch It. Call Us First.
Disturbing mold before containment spreads spores and makes the problem worse. Call RescueHero for a free assessment, on-site in 90 minutes.
Get Help Now
Tell Us What Happened
Tell us what happened and we’ll call you right back. For an active emergency, please call or text (360) 300-4111, we answer 24/7.