Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
Why SERVPRO® Is the Right Choice for Mold Remediation.
1/6/2023 (Permalink)
Green Mold on Drywall
SERVPRO is an experienced professional mold remediation service that can effectively mitigate the risks associated with mold growth and mold infestations. Our trained and certified technicians utilize industry-leading techniques, products, and equipment to effectively identify, contain, and mold removal from both residential and commercial properties.
Why does mold grow?
Mold growth within a water-damaged structure is a serious problem that can lead to significant health risks and mold-infested materials. The presence of moisture, along with the right temperatures and food sources, provide ideal conditions for mold spores to thrive and spread throughout the structure.
To prevent further damage from occurring, it is essential to take immediate action in order to remediate any existing mold or mitigate potential future outbreaks. SERVPRO's experienced technicians have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment necessary to properly identify, contain and remove mold from both residential and commercial properties quickly and safely.
With their industry-leading techniques, products, and equipment they are able to effectively minimize the risk associated with mold growth while restoring your property back to its preloss condition.
Mold health effects:
Mold can pose serious health risks to humans and animals alike. Long-term exposure to moldy environments has been linked to a variety of respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, skin irritations, and other more serious conditions.
It is therefore extremely important for any residential or commercial property with a mold infestation to have the affected materials removed in order to reduce the chances of adverse health effects on those exposed. SERVPRO offers reliable and effective solutions for mold remediation that can help protect you from the dangers posed by mold growth.
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SERVPRO® and the Mold Remediation Process
SERVPRO's mold remediation process includes mold inspection and testing, containment, air filtration, removal of affected materials, cleaning of non-porous surfaces, and restoration.
Containment:
Containment is an important part of the mold removal process and it involves setting up physical barriers to prevent the spread of mold spores. SERVPRO technicians are trained in proper containment protocols, which help keep impacted areas isolated from other parts of the property. This helps protect not just people but also furniture and other items within a home or business from contamination. Additionally, all materials removed during remediation will be contained and disposed of properly according to local, state, and federal regulations.
Air Filtration Devices:
As part of the SERVPRO mold remediation process, air filtration devices are used to capture and remove airborne mold spores. This helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination by preventing the spread of airborne particles during the removal process. Air filtration systems also help to improve indoor air quality in affected areas after the completion of a project, reducing health risks associated with mold exposure.
AFD's also reduce exposure of inhaling mold spores. These AFD's utilize high-efficiency particulate air filters otherwise known as HEPA to filter spores from the air. The type and size of the system used are dependent on factors such as the level of contamination present and the degree of infestation.
Selective Demolition for Removal of Mold Spores:
Selective demolition is an important step in the mold remediation process. This involves removing contaminated materials that are unable to be cleaned or restored and disposing of them safely. SERVPRO technicians have the experience and knowledge needed to properly identify and remove affected materials, such as drywall, insulation, carpets and other porous items that may be harboring mold spores.
By selectively demolishing only those items which cannot be salvaged, SERVPRO can help contain the spread of contaminants while minimizing costs associated with replacement material. Additionally, all debris will be disposed of according to local regulations for safe disposal of hazardous waste materials.
Mold Disinfectant and Encapsulants:
In the SERVPRO mold remediation process, applying mold disinfectant and an encapsulant when needed is a critical step. Disinfectants are used to kill existing mold spores on surfaces, while encapsulants provide long-term protection against future mold growth. The type of product used depends on factors such as the level of contamination present and degree of mold infestation.
Air sampling:
Mold air sampling is an important step in the SERVPRO mold remediation process. This involves testing the air quality of affected areas to determine whether there are any airborne mold spores present and, if so, what type of mold they belong to. Air sampling can help identify sources of contamination and provide a baseline for comparison after remediation has been completed.
It also helps ensure that all hazardous materials have been removed from the environment prior to restoration work beginning. The type and size of air sampler used is dependent on factors such as level of contamination present and the degree of mold infestation. By conducting thorough air sampling before, during, and after a project, SERVPRO technicians are able to ensure that your home or business is safe from potential health risks associated with mold problems.
Prevent future mold growth
SERVPRO also offers additional services to help prevent future mold growth. These services include dehumidification, air quality evaluations, and more. Reducing moisture is key to removing future mold problems. Their goal is to help ensure that your home or business is free from harmful mold spores and other contaminants that can cause illness or damage to the property.
When it comes to mold remediation, SERVPRO is the clear choice for quality and reliable service. With their experienced technicians, industry-leading products and equipment, satisfaction guarantee, and commitment to customer service, you can trust SERVPRO to handle your mold issues. Get in touch today for a free estimate and find out how they can help you!
Additionally, SERVPRO is a certified firm by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This means that their mold remediation services are of the highest quality and meet the industry's standards for both safety and efficacy.
If you have a mold related issue in your home or business, call us today! 916-966-2601
Basic Facts About Mold
3/24/2020 (Permalink)
Mold is usually found near leaky roofs, windows, pipes, and where flooding has occurred.
Mold can be quite a nuisance and can be very dangerous, especially for those with respiratory issues. Not only is mold dangerous but mold grows rapidly in places where moisture resides. Our homes and workplaces are surrounded by sources of moisture.
Mold is usually found near leaky roofs, windows, pipes, and where flooding has occurred. Mold grows typically well on paper products like cardboard, on tiles and wood products, in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpets, fabric, and even upholstery. The goal is to keep mold out of the home and to know what to do if you find mold.
How does mold get indoors?
Mold enters easily through open doorways, windows, vents, and HVAC systems. Mold often comes indoors by attaching itself to clothing, shoes, and pets.
How does mold grow rapidly?
Mold will travel indoors and drop in places where there is plenty of moisture. Materials that hold moisture have enough nutrients to allow mold to thrive and grow at a rapid pace. Keeping moisture out of the home is ideal but more difficult than expected.
How do I keep mold from growing?
Top 5 Overlooked Places Mold Grows
2/28/2019 (Permalink)
Your tub can be a breeding ground for mold.
Mold can be growing in places that you would think are safe. Below are the most common places that mold grows but is overlooked. Mold is hydrophilic which means it is water loving. Always keep that in mind when you are trying to keep your home free of mold.
Dishwasher – Dishwasher are wet in their nature and if not properly cleaned can accumulate dirt. It can also be a breeding ground for mold. Be sure to always clean your dishwasher of food and keep it dry when not in use.
Ice maker Connections – Ice is the solid form of water. Make sure to periodically clean your ice maker connections.
Shower Doors – Even though we use our showers to get clean they may not remain clean. A system should be kept in place to keep them clean and dry in between showers.
Bathtub – the same is true for your bathtub. If you want to keep taking relaxing baths, you have to have the peace of mind that your tub is not growing mold.
Outdoor Water Sprinklers – Keeping these clean can be difficult but regular maintenance can help prevent mold buildup.
If you do suspect that your home has mold call our experts at SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville.
How the Mold in Your Roseville Home Can Be Affecting Your Health
2/26/2019 (Permalink)
With wet months ahead, mold can easily enter your home through windows, vents, and even through your pet. Once inside your home it can grow anywhere there is moisture and unless proper precautions are in place it can cause an infestation that can lead to respiratory illnesses. We have trained, certified, and experienced mold remediation on staff to implement these safeguards in your home.
In as little as 48 hours, mold can be growing into colonies that may produce allergens and irritants inside your Roseville home that can cause respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing. Allow us into your home to tailor a mold remediation plan for your current outbreak and to minimize future outbreaks.
SERVPRO crews use a protocol approved by the EPA to manage mold damage effectively with a three-prong attack on mold damage. First, we find and contain all evident mold colonies. We keep uncontaminated spaces mold-free by misting the existing mold to prevent it from floating through the air, erecting physical barriers, or using negative air pressure machines during clean up. Second, the mold is removed completely, including porous items it infiltrated. We encase and dispose of the actual mold colonies according to local codes. Third, spores stirred up settle and we wipe them down with a detergent solution or vacuum up using HEPA filters.
Once the mold damage is removed and areas cleaned, the final step is to eradicate the moisture problem that fed the spores. Our staff will inspect for plumbing leaks, clogs in HVAC drainage systems, condensation around AC units or refrigerators, and other sources of water. Abatement of the water problems is the best protection against future mold damage. We test for moisture levels and recommend reduction of air humidity levels of over 60 percent using ventilation, dehumidifiers, or a combination of strategies.
Contact the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville when you suspect mold growth in your home. Call (916) 966-2601 to set up an appointment for an inspection and consultation.
What is Mold?
2/25/2019 (Permalink)
You have probably seen mold on your old bread or worse your bathroom ceiling but what is mold? Mold is are fungi that grows in multicellular thread-like structures. There are over 100,000 kinds of fungi. Some are used in cooking and baking. Some are eaten in cheese, but some are hazardous to your health.
The reason you may see it around your home is that mold grows where there is moisture. Areas such as your kitchen or bath are hot spots. They can also grow in places you least expect it so be careful. They can also grow under your carpet.
Mold can have effects on you and your family. The people most vulnerable to the effects of mold are children, pregnant women, the elderly and with compromised respiratory systems.
If you suspect mold in your Roseville property call the experts at SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville to remediate your mold issues. (916)967-2500
FAQ’s of Mold
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
What is mold?
Molds are fungi that can be found indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different molds. Molds grow best in humid and warm conditions.
What molds are most common indoors?
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
Where can mold be found?
Molds can be found on any environment all year round. Indoors mold can be found where humidity levels are high such as basements or shower. Outdoors they can be found in shady damp areas where vegetation is decomposing.
What are recommendations?
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can. Moisture levels change throughout the day so be sure to use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the levels low. This is true especially during the humid months.
- Also, be sure that there is enough ventilation throughout your home.
- Apply mold inhibitors to your paints before application.
- Clean your bathrooms with mold killing products. Do not use carpet in bathrooms or basements.
- Always remove or replace previously soaked carpets and clothe materials
If you suspect mold in your Roseville home call SERVRPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville to assess your mold remediation needs.
Preventing Post-Flooding Mold at Home
3/23/2018 (Permalink)
Although the wall may appear dry, it can actually be wet.
This week’s rainfall has caused localized flooding throughout the Sacramento area. Many homes were flooded with inches of water. Mold can start to form in as soon as 24 hours. Even if the water damage seemed minimal it can cause devastating damage if it causes mold.
Even if your property and possessions seem to have dried you must properly assess them to see if they are salvageable.
Carpets are a problem because drying out does not remove the mold spores. Carpet with either mold or mildew should be replaced.
Wood furniture and other porous materials can trap mold and it might be necessary to dispose of them.
Non-porous items such as plastic and glass can simply be cleaned, disinfected, and reused.
An important thing to remember is mold thrives in moisture, so try to save items that have not been affected by the water. Putting blocks under furniture to raise off of wet flooring can be the difference between saving your favorite coffee table.
You can begin to clean and air out your home but drying a wet building should be left to professionals that know the science behind water damage and mold prevention. Mold can be dangerous to you and your family, so it is best to make sure mold does not grow in your home after a flood.
Mold Remediation Steps
3/19/2018 (Permalink)
Mold remediation is a complex process. Since it poses as possible health threats that can affect your respiratory system the process is exact and sensitive. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting but the outcome can be both extensive and costly. Every hour spent remediating the mold issues up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity
The first step in mold remediation is initiating containment procedures to contain mold spores, preventing their spread into clean areas. Our experts of Citrus Heights/Roseville use our tools to contain contaminant areas with airborne contaminants from migrating to a cleaner area. Then the next step is remove airborne contaminants from the air. Then removing the source of the mold is next. Our experts methodically remove and dispose of porous materials contaminated by mold. Then they clean mold growth from nonporous materials. Our experts then assess which contents from the property must be cleaned or replaced. Once the source of the mold is either disposed of or cleaned, the structure has to be dried to reduce moisture levels at which mold grows.
The final step is final clearance testing conducted by one of our Indoor Environmental Professionals. SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville offers mold remediation from start to finish and we can rebuild and reconstruct your property.
Prevent Mold in Your Citrus Heights Home While on Vacation
2/22/2018 (Permalink)
Mold can be growing in your kitchen without you knowing.
While preventing mold in your home may be part of your regular cleaning routine what are you to do when you’re gone on vacation. While you are off vacationing on the beach, there could be mold growing inside and around your home.
Gutters – Keep your gutters clear to allow water flow. The water needs to be leading water away from your house.
Temperature – Set your AC between 78-80 degrees. Any less than that will not dehumidify and anything lower will create cold surfaces where moisture can collect.
Standing Water- Check around your toilets, shower stalls, and washing machines for any water that could potentially grow mold while you are away. Make sure there are no leaks or faulty faucets.
Clean – Clean your home thoroughly before your vacation. Make sure there is no furniture is not blocking AC grills. Air must be able to flow freely.
Follow these simple rules to help protect your home from mold growing while you are on vacation.
Remember mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours, if you return home to find mold call the experts of SERVPRO Roseville/Citrus Heights to remediate your mold problems.
Mold in Your Roseville Home Can Be Affecting Your Health
2/20/2018 (Permalink)
Mold can easily thrive in your bathroom.
With wet months ahead, mold can easily enter your home through windows, vents, and even through your pet. Once inside your home it can grow anywhere there is moisture and unless proper precautions are in place it can cause an infestation that can lead to respiratory illnesses. SERVPRO has trained, certified, and experienced mold remediation on staff to implement these safeguards in your home.
In as little as 48 hours, mold can be growing into colonies that may produce allergens and irritants inside your Roseville home that can cause respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing. Allow us into your home to tailor a mold remediation plan for your current outbreak and to minimize future outbreaks.
Our crews use a protocol approved by the EPA to manage mold damage effectively with a three-prong attack on mold damage. First, we find and contain all evident mold colonies. We keep uncontaminated spaces mold-free by misting the existing mold to prevent it from floating through the air, erecting physical barriers, or using negative air pressure machines during clean up. Second, the mold is removed completely, including porous items it infiltrated. We encase and dispose of the actual mold colonies according to local codes. Third, spores stirred up settle and we wipe them down with a detergent solution or vacuum up using HEPA filters.
Once the mold damage is removed and areas cleaned, the final step is to eradicate the moisture problem that fed the spores. SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville staff will inspect for plumbing leaks, clogs in HVAC drainage systems, condensation around AC units or refrigerators, and other sources of water. Abatement of the water problems is the best protection against future mold damage. We test for moisture levels and recommend reduction of air humidity levels of over 60 percent using ventilation, dehumidifiers, or a combination of strategies.
Contact the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville when you suspect mold growth in your home. Call (916) 966-2601 to set up an appointment for an inspection and consultation.
Mold Prevention in Citrus Heights
3/31/2017 (Permalink)
The mold was safely removed from a Citrus Heights business.
Mold Prevention in your Home or Business
Mold Damage Remediation is not something you should try yourself, especially if the damage is occurring at your business. Restaurant owners and managers should take particular caution when commercial health code standards are as strictly enforced as they are in Citrus Heights. Spores are always in the air and on top of surfaces indoors, and you, your staff, and your customers also carry them into your eating establishment on clothing and footwear. Simply reacting each time you note some mildew or mold is ineffective.
Let's develop a plan
Invite us to work with you to design a mold remediation plan that manages a current outbreak while also minimizing the chance of mold damage in the future. In most cases, the contamination can be isolated to a single room or area of the business, apartment or single family home. If the mold has grown into or started in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, then certain steps must be taken to keep mold from spreading further.
Let us handle everything
SERVPRO crews use a protocol approved by the EPA to manage mold damage effectively. Expect a three prong attack on mold damage.
- First, we find and contain all evident mold colonies. Other areas of your business need not close down in most cases. We keep uncontaminated spaces mold-free by misting the existing mold to prevent it from floating through the air, erecting physical barriers, or using negative air pressure machines during clean up.
- Second, the mold is removed completely, including porous items it infiltrated. We encase and dispose of the actual mold colonies according to codes local to the Roseville, Sacramento, and Citrus Heights areas.
- Third, spores stirred up settle and we wipe them down with a detergent solution or vacuum up using HEPA filters. Once the mold damage is removed and areas cleaned, the final step is to eradicate the moisture problem that fed the spores. SERVPRO staff will inspect for plumbing leaks, clogs in HVAC drainage systems, condensation around AC units or refrigerators, and other sources of water. Abatement of the water problems is the best protection against future mold damage. We test for moisture levels and reduce air humidity levels using ventilation, dehumidifiers, or a combination of strategies.
Call us today!
Contact the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Citrus Heights / Roseville when you suspect mold growth in your home or business.
Call (916) 966-2601 to set up an appointment for an inspection and consultation.
Being Safe with Mold in Roseville
3/19/2017 (Permalink)
Let the certified SERVPRO technicians contain and remediate mold on your property.
Take Precautions When Encountering Mold on Your Property
No matter how you discovered mold on your property or how long you have been exposed to it, proper safety precautions must be followed and observed as soon as you are sure of mold's presence. Mold can cause health effects. If contamination is extensive or a particularly dangerous strain of mold is present, heavy safety precautions or vacation of the property may be necessary to ensure your safety and health. However, those come with the advice of SERVPRO technicians and inspectors. In the meantime, try to observe these precautions when near mold damage.
Wear a Mask
Using a face mask may protect you from most of the worst types of harm from mold damage in Roseville. Whether it is a large, full-face mask or a small, mouth and nose only mask, anything that helps to filter the air you breath can likely stop most mold spores and prevent most health effects. SERVPRO technicians always wear a mask of some kind when dealing with mold, and you should, too.
Never Touch Mold
Never touch mold under any circumstances. In addition to potentially harmful spores, mold may also produce toxins that can rub off on your hand if you try to clean or remove it yourself. Let our technicians and inspectors handle the mold, as they have specialized gloves and equipment designed to protect from mold and training to avoid its more dangerous aspects.
Pay Attention to Breathing and Your Body
If you find yourself short of breath, gasping for air, wheezing, or otherwise impaired in your breathing, you should leave the area immediately and inform one of our employees of the situation. The same advice goes for any feelings of lightheadedness or sleepiness. Any abnormal health effects should be considered dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially with large or uninspected mold cases.
SERVPRO of Citrus Heights / Roseville deals with mold so that you do not have to. If you have further questions or need our help dealing with mold damage, give us a call at (916) 966-2601.
Mold Damage Remediation in Roseville
2/12/2017 (Permalink)
From inspection to remediation, SERVPRO technicians complete the job to your satisfaction.
SERVPRO Technicians are Trained Using the Most Effective Mold Remediation Methods
Many renters and homeowners fear the word 'mold.' The imagination goes immediately to what some people call Black Mold and are worried that they will lose their homes and property. Excessive mold growth is a rare occurrence and normally seen only in structures abandoned for an extended period.
Mold damage in Roseville is a much smaller concern when dealt with by a professional restoration company. SERVPRO has decades of experience in finding, cleaning and removing mold from apartments, houses, and condos.
Mold is in the air of every structure in Placer County except for special, clean rooms such as surgical bays. In most cases, it is entirely harmless to people, animals, homes and other property. What triggers a mold growth is an increase in moisture which helps microscopic mold spores expand and begin to grow, looking for a food source.
The first step is an inspection. Our inspectors examine every visible surface for traces of mold and use air content meters to help determine the origin of the infestation. Each step is recorded to include taking digital photographs and samples.
Once our inspectors discover mold, they determine if it is toxic or non-toxic. They accomplish this by testing the air quality inside a home. If it tests as non-toxic, then residents can return to natural areas of the home as our technicians clean and remove the mold.
To begin removing the mold growth, we first isolate the affected area. Technicians secure plastic sheeting over all openings and set up an area for workers to remove cleaning suits to prevent spreading mold spores to other parts of the home. They also block all vents and seal off access to the HVAC system until the mold has been neutralized and removed.
While cleaning occurs, other technicians establish negative pressure in the affected area. Exhaust fans are placed at exit points such as windows to blow all spores loosened by the cleaning process out of the home.
Every surface in the affected area is wiped down and cleaned from ceilings to floors. If mold is on carpets or walls, then technicians determine if these items are salvageable or if must be disposed of outside the structure. We have an extensive inventory of anti-fungal and anti-microbial cleaners that are safely used on ducts, furniture, walls and other personal property.
SERVPRO of Citrus Heights / Roseville is a locally owned franchise. It is our privilege to serve our neighbors and help them through a disaster. If you suspect you have an old infestation, call us at (916) 966-2601 today to schedule an inspection.
Why Mold Damage in Roseville Homes May Be Hazardous
10/26/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Is the Answer to Grappling with Mold Infestations in Roseville
SERVPRO Can Safely and Efficiently Remediate Mold Damage in Your Home
At SERVPRO, we are committed not just to eradicating mold damage, but also to educating homeowners about why it happens. We believe that knowledge is key to preventing new problems from developing in the future, so getting to grips with the basics is important.
You should know, for example, not just that mold damage in Roseville homes can be harmful, but also what the physical symptoms are. That way, you can identify sources of trouble quickly and seek the right kind of assistance. We want to stress that, while mold damage can compromise physical health, a calm and measured response is always best.
This guide to some of the potential effects of persistent mold will explain why it needs to be tackled safely, by professional remediation experts.
Why a Speedy Response Is Important
As soon as you suspect that you have mold damage in your home, you need to call the removal experts at SERVPRO. You may not develop any visible symptoms, as a result of contact with an affected area, but it is still important that you steer well clear of it. Mold, particularly in very damp conditions, may cause health effects.
If there are very young or elderly occupants in the house, you are advised to leave after you have arranged for SERVPRO to carry out an inspection. Infants, the elderly, and those with existing medical conditions are at a significantly greater risk of the potentially negative effects of an infestation. At the very least, you need to stay away from the affected room or area to help prevent the spores from spreading. Few mold species are a threat to our health, but be safe and avoid exposure when possible.
Some Common Physical Symptoms
Ordinarily, the physical reactions to mold are either nothing or quite mild but still unpleasant. Once again, this is why remediation should be carried out quickly. Symptoms may develop, but are they from the mold or an allergen in the air? SERVPRO technicians have training in best practices of the IICRC to deal with mold issues, primarily to the structure and contents of a home.
SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville is a local company so that we can arrange a same day inspection over the phone. Call us 24/7 at (916) 966-2601.
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