Preventing Bathroom Mold

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

What does mold need to grow?  In order for mold to grow, it needs oxygen, moisture, warmth and food.  The ideal spot for mold to grow would be a warm place (somewhere between 77 and 86 degrees), with a high amount of humidity or moisture, and organic matter, like cotton, paper or wood for the mold to feed upon.  This makes our bathrooms an ideal spot for mold growth.  Our bathrooms tend to be warm, they contain things like towels, toilet paper, and woodwork for the mold to feed upon, and they often have high levels of relative humidity from running water and steam from hot showers.  So what can you do to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom?  

First make sure that your bathroom is properly ventilated. Poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of bathroom mold.  Without proper ventilation, steam/moisture in the air from hot showers and running water, settles on bathroom surfaces and makes a perfect environment for mold growth.  Every bathroom should have a clean and properly functioning ventilation fan permanently mounted in the ceiling and it should be turned on every time someone showers.  They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.  A properly installed and functioning, ventilation fan in your bathroom's ceiling will help move the air out of your bathroom and clear the humidity caused by hot showers and other running water.  It is important however to ensure that your ventilation fan has been properly installed and is venting the moist bathroom air outside of your home versus into your attic or some other room.  If it improperly vents into another area of your home, you are simply transferring your problem from one location to another. If your bathroom does not have a ventilation fan, instead of showering with the bathroom door closed, as most of us do, an alternative until a ventilation fan can be installed, would be to leave the bathroom door open while showering.  This will allow the steam/humidity to dissipate over a larger area reducing its impact.  Another alternative during warm weather months, or in warm climates, would be to open a bathroom window while showering or even putting a box fan in the window with the air blowing out of the bathroom versus in.  And of course, abstaining from very long, hot showers is always recommended when trying to prevent mold.   

Regularly cleaning your bathroom by wiping down all surfaces at least once a week will also help keep mold in check.  And when it comes to cleaning/preventing mold, wiping is always the best approach.  Molds are fungi that reproduce by releasing spores into the air.  Spraying bleach on mold may look like an easy fix.  When you spray bleach on mold it looks like it almost instantly disappears.  Unfortunately, when you spray bleach on mold, you are releasing the mold spores into the air.  Think of it like a mature dandelion that you have just gently blown upon and released the seeds floating into the air on their white dried flowers.  The mold spores that you have just released by spraying bleach upon them, float through the air and settle onto new surfaces, where they can begin to grow again if the conditions are right.  Wiping with soap and water, or another cleaner, and then throwing away any rags that may contain beginning mold spores is your best bet.

Also when it comes to mold in bathrooms, consider that caulk and grout are there to block or keep out water and moisture.  If you have missing or broken caulk or grout, water and moisture can get behind the tiles and mold can form behind the tiles where it's impossible for you to see or clean. It's important to regularly replace and/or maintain your bathroom caulk and grout.

Lastly, painting your bathroom with a mold resistant paint and/or primer will help you battle mold in your bathroom.  As indicated earlier, mold needs a food source of organic matter.  Drywall paper can be a source of food for mold.  Using a mold-resistant paint on bathroom walls can help stop mold before it starts by sealing off access to a food source.   

And as always, if you do develop a problem with mold, SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is here to help. Call us at (916) 632-2250.

Preventing Attic Mold

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Anywhere in your home with moist, warm air is an ideal environment for mold to grow.  For some of us, moist, warm air can be found in our attics.  And unfortunately, many of us rarely, if ever, go up in our attics, so any problems can go unchecked for long periods of time.  It’s important to check your attic periodically for common causes of attic mold.

Anything that introduces water or moisture to your attic can be a problem.  Things like:

1)       Leaking Roof - Sometimes a roof leak is bad enough that water leaks into the floors below and becomes immediately apparent.  However often the leak is small enough to cause attic mold, without being apparent in the living spaces of the home. 

2)      Dryer Vents, Plumbing Vents, and Kitchen or Bathroom Fans vented in to the attic -  This practice can pump warm, moist air into the attic where it can be trapped and begin the cycle of mold growth.  It is always best to vent these items outside of the home.

3)      Missing or Improperly Installed Insulation -   Missing or improper installation of the wrong kind of insulation can cause problems in multiple ways.  Moisture from the lower levels of the home can rise and get trapped in the attic.  Additionally, it can create moisture or condensation in your attic.  Think of your attic like a cold glass of ice water outside on a hot summer day.  The water is a much lower temperature than the air around it and condensation develops on the glass.  If there is missing or improperly installed insulation, this same principle can apply when your home is air conditioned to 70 degrees, but your attic temperature is 99 degrees.  Lastly, missing or improperly installed insulation can lead to number four……

4)      Ice Damming – An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and create a perfect environment for mold growth. It’s important before winter to clean your gutters so that winter’s melting snow and rain can properly drain off your roof.  Additionally, improper insulation can contribute to ice damming by allowing warm air from inside your home to escape into the attic.

5)      Inadequate Ventilation - It seems counter-intuitive, but the basic ventilation principal for your attic is to keep it as cool as possible during the cold season.  Pay attention to your roof after snow storms.  If you look at your roof several days after a snow and you see an even distribution covering your roof, that’s a good sign that your attic is properly ventilated.  If on the other hand, you see sections where snow has melted, that suggests an area in the attic where warm air has been trapped instead of being properly vented to the exterior.  Make sure your soffit vents are clear and free of things like debris, bird’s nests and insulation.

6)      Water Heaters or Furnaces installed in the attic -  While not a common practice in Wisconsin, sometimes homes without a basement will have water heaters or furnaces in the attic. You may also see this practice in larger homes with several heating and cooling zones, as well as spa style bathrooms with a huge soaking tub, where it is common practice to have designated systems to support these luxuries.  Unfortunately, this practice can contribute to adding moisture to your attic and contribute to mold growth if there are any leaks from these items.  

Where Does Mold Hide?

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Think your home is pristine? There is no way mold can be infesting your sanctuary, right? You may need to reevaluate your thinking. Mold may be hiding within your residence. Mold problems can occur anywhere if conditions are ideal for growth, and some portions of your home may be home to mold, as well. You may try to maintain a clean environment, constantly dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, organizing, and doing a thorough cleaning of your property, but you may have missed a spot…or a few. There may be some parts of your home you do not consider, and you are not alone in making this mistake.

Kitchen

The kitchen is a location that may have moisture issues which can contribute to mold growth.

• Check under your sink. A small pipe leak may go unnoticed, letting the moisture and water damage sit untreated. Leaks combined with dark spaces are the perfect environment for mold.
• The sponge dish may have a mold problem. You use your sponge to wash dishes every day, but when you put it back in its dish, moisture may begin to collect and mold begin to form.
• Under your fridge isn’t safe either. Yes, even your refrigerator may have moisture issues. The refrigerator can leak without you knowing. There is a drip pan under your refrigerator that can collect excess water, but if left untreated, mold can form. 

Laundry

Your washing machine may be a hot spot for mold. Check the door of the washing machine, inside the gasket. Dark, warm, moist areas are ideal for mold growth. Make sure to wipe under the door gasket after each wash to prevent mold growth. Also leave the door open to air-out the washing machine.

Bathroom

Your shower or tub may be hiding mold without your knowledge.

• Check under lids and bottoms of shower products. You may forget to pick these products up and clean underneath. Moisture can become trapped under the lids or under the products and mold can form.
• Bath toys may be fun for kids, but they may also be housing mold. Water may get inside the toys and be unable to get out. This is a difficult location to discover mold. You may need to open up one of the toys to see if mold is growing inside, and if there is mold, replace all of the toys, as there most-likely will be mold within them as well.

Mold does not discriminate and may develop in any property as long as ideal conditions are met. Mold can cause health issues with excess exposure, so it is important to remove any mold you discover. If you suspect mold may be in your property, contact SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin (916) 632-2250. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Understanding Mold

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

It only takes a small water leak, or even excess humidity, for mold to form in your Madison home or business. Then, mold can spread quickly through the property in as little as 48 hours. Mold can produce allergens and irritants, and it has the potential to cause other health effects. If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.

If You See Signs of Mold, 
Call SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin today - (916) 632-2250

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Importance of Containment During Mold Removal

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

When mold starts to spread in your home or business after a flood or other types of water disaster, you may not be sure how to treat or remove it. Mold cleanup can be a complicated affair, and the mold may even reappear if it is not handled properly the first time. Having mold-damaged areas professionally inspected and contained is one way to ensure the problem is eradicated quickly.

Mold Can Grow Rapidly

If mold is not contained during the cleanup process, mold spores can travel through the air and into other areas, where they might find new breeding grounds. Some of the most common, unseen spaces usually include:

• Storage space in the basement

• Interior walls damaged by water

• Inside of your building’s heating and cooling system

Because these spores can travel so easily, bringing in a company that specializes in mold remediation can help prevent further growth. Since mold can begin to grow in its new environment as soon as 48 hours after attaching, calling in professional services right away can be an important step in cleanup.

Mold Can Break Free from Damaged Drywall and Carpeting

As mold-damaged substances like drywall and carpeting are removed from your business during mold cleanup, the spores can become airborne. Once this happens, the fungus can attack other porous materials, such as acoustic ceilings and tile flooring. Keeping mold-infested substances contained can prevent spores from finding a new foothold in other areas of your business.

Commercial Cleansers May Not Kill Mold Completely

Calling for professional mold containment can be an important step in preventing future issues. Mold contamination may not always respond to commercial cleansers, and the mold presence in your building may require more drastic treatment. Negative air pressure and specialized chambers can isolate areas that have been affected by mold and prevent it from reforming and spreading.

Mold cleanup can be a complicated process, especially when it comes to keeping affected areas contained. Leaving these areas closed off and calling in professional mold remediation services can help prevent the spread of mold and restore your home or business to its former glory. Call SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin for an inspection and estimate for mold remediation. (916) 632-2250.

When you Notice Mold, Do you know what to do?

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Auburn/Rocklin Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it, you can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, it can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate throughout your home.

 What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin for mold remediation services.

 What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

 SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

 If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 916-632-2250

Avoid Mold in the Heat

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

Temperatures have started to heat up, which means your home is at a greater risk for mold growth. Mold spores can grow in temperatures ranging from 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature range for mold growth is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a common temperature range in our area.

As the winter weather falls further into the rear-view, it is time to be even more cautious of any possible moisture or water damage on your property. In order to reproduce, mold spores require moist or damp areas. Excess moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are prime areas for mold to grow. Also be on the lookout for flooding, leaky pipes/windows/roof, etc., and call a professional right away should any of these problems occur. 

SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin has highly trained and experienced crew members ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Call today (916) 632-2250 – we are available 24/7

Does Your Home Or Business Have A Mold Problem?

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all the mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all of the mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (916)632-2250

Do I Need Professional Mold Removal?

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a natural part of many environments. In outdoor conditions, it plays an important role in breaking down dead organic matter, but you want to avoid mold growth indoors. Here’s a look at how to tell if you need professional mold removal services.

Do I Need Professional Mold Removal Services?

Sometimes, it’s easy to tell that you have a mold problem. Other times, it’s less apparent. Signs that you need professional mold removal include:

Visible mold: It’s easy to see mold growing on windowsills, shower walls, or under bathroom sinks. With a little more effort, you can also check the attic and crawlspace for visible mold growth. Where there’s a little mold, there is always the possibility there could be more.

Signs of excessive water: Stains on the wall or ceiling could indicate a roof leak, which probably means the insulation in the attic is damp and harboring mold growth. Bubbling, peeling, or cracking paint on the walls and ceiling are other clues that excess water is coming from somewhere.

Condensation: If condensation forms on the inside of windows or other smooth, cold surfaces, that’s a sign the humidity is too high indoors. Excess humidity creates an environment for mold to thrive.

Past water trouble: If you know you had a leaky roof, burst pipe, or flooding in the past, fixing the problem is just the first step. If you didn’t perform mold removal when you fixed the source of excess water, some may have been left behind. Remember, even if no mold is visible from your vantage point, that doesn’t mean mold couldn’t be growing behind the wall where water seeped through.

Musty smell: Mold gives off a certain smell that even those without allergies can detect. Don’t ignore the presence of a musty odor; you may not be able to see any mold, but it could still be growing under the carpet padding, around the foundation, or behind the bathroom tiles.

Don’t ignore these signs. Contact SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin to have your home inspected for mold growth and begin the removal process today.

Where Can Mold Damage Spread To?

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

If you have discovered a colony of mold growing in your home, you may be alarmed that it will spread to other materials and regions of the house. Mold reproduces relatively quickly, and can easily spread out across a home and create additional colonies. Sometimes, mold spores may remain dormant until they find the perfect growing conditions in your home, and so there may still be problems days or weeks after you thought the problem was stamped out. To prevent this, SERVPRO or Auburn/Rocklin does a thorough analysis of wetness and causative factors in the home, but you should also understand where mold is most likely to spread in your home. Carpets

Carpeting across your home has a relatively high chance of incurring additional mold damage. Carpets often absorb the same moisture as higher-elevation spots of damage, and thus can easily develop mold growth even if they were not the original focal point in your damages. Furthermore, carpets in different rooms can easily transfer mold spores between each other when a human or pet steps on a developing mold patch, carrying a large mass of microscopic mold spores without ever realizing it.

Curtains, Towels, and Fabrics in Bathrooms

No matter where the mold damage is in your home, fabrics in your bathroom may be at an elevated risk simply because they are constantly in a warm, moist environment. Mold spores spread through the air across your home, and there is little to be done about this, but reducing the amount of moisture affecting fabrics and organic materials in the bathroom can help prevent mold.

Behind Walls and in Attics

The materials behind walls and in attics are commonly made of wood and perhaps paper, two highly absorbent, organic substances which are highly favored by mold. If any kind of moisture reaches these regions, mold will grow quickly in them. We use advanced detection equipment to measure humidity and risk in these areas for further mold growth.

SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is a locally-owned company with national assets to help stamp out even the toughest mold cases in the community. Call us 24/7 at (916) 632-2250 for mold remediation or services.

Mold Damage in Your Home

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is an element of the natural environment. When outdoors it plays an important part in nature by breaking down any dead, organic material like trees and fallen leaves. Indoors, however, you will want to avoid mold growth. Mold expands by means of tiny spores which are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air. When spores land on surfaces which are moist, mold can start growing indoors.

Since common building materials are capable of sustaining the growth of mold and mold spores, leaky roofs, flooding and general maintenance or problems with indoor plumbing can lead to mold damage. Mold can be virtually present anywhere and it can grow on just about any surface where there is moisture present. Many times, mold growth can go unseen, so if you suspect you have a problem contacting our professional staff at SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is a must. Water vapor condenses on surfaces which are cooler than the air, letting mold grow. This moisture vapor will pass through walls and ceilings, condensing as temperatures fluctuate. With our special equipment, moisture sensors, infrared cameras, and traps we can find the mold so that we may begin remediation of affected zones.

Mold growth that is significant will require food and moisture sources and a substrate to sustain growth. Building materials that are common like drywall, plywood, furring strips, carpet padding, and carpets give food to mold. With carpeting, invisible dust and cellulose are also sources of food.

Hidden Mold

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin can help you find this hidden mold behind paneling or wallpaper, inside ceiling tiles, the back of drywall or underneath carpeting. Plumbing lines in walls could also be a source of moisture since they could leak.

Three things are needed for mold spores to grow and proliferate:

• Nutrients – a common food source for indoor spores is cellulose.
• Moisture – this starts the decaying process caused by mold.
• Time – mold growth starts between twenty-four hours to ten days after the right growth conditions are present. These fungi also prefer secreted areas away from direct sunlight.

Assessment

Our first step in assessing your mold damage is to non-intrusively determine if you have mold present in your home by examining the building visually. Mold patches can readily be treated. Sometimes, intrusive observation will be needed to assess the level of mold. This can include raising or removing carpeting, shifting furniture, checking behind paneling or wallpaper, inspecting ductwork and opening wall cavities. A detailed visual inspection will be used to find any problems and efforts will be focused on areas where any signs of water vapor or moisture are present.

If you suspect you have mold damage in your home, call us right away at (916) 632-2250. SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin will get you a quick response and visit to your property.

Remediate the Mold and Reduce the Effects of Mycotoxins

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

Mold or Microfungi produce secondary metabolites called Mycotoxins. Some of these toxins become airborne and have a chance to affect the health of loved ones. Among them, Aflatoxin, Citrinin, Ergot, Fumonisin B1, and Ochratoxin A, are known to exist. Unless you have experience dealing with these types of fungi specifically, you should get professional help.

We have many technicians who specialize in mold damage remediation living near you. We are a single phone call away, easily arriving at your property within hours of your initial call. We can go to work immediately providing you the services to help provide a safe, healthy environment for you and your family. We can inspect, use negative pressure equipment, air scrubbers, and a product specific inventory to combat mold proliferation in your home or place of business.

Aflatoxin - A chemical produced by certain molds that grow in soils, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains such as chili peppers, corn, peanuts, rice, sesame and sunflower seeds, tree nuts, and wheat, along with a variety of spices.

Citrinin - A secondary metabolite often produced by fungi that develop in long-stored foods, generally grain, and grain-based products. However, it can grow in fruits and other plant products as well.

Ergot - A fungus that grows on rye and rye-related products. Various versions of this fungi develop in different land grasses such as moist forests, marsh grasses, and mountain habitats.

Fumonisin B1 - A toxin produced by mold found in maize (corn), wheat and cereal products. Slowly affecting areas where corn products are a dietary staple.

Ochratoxin A - One of the most abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins in existence. Frequently found in water-damage houses and heating ducts, normally affecting grain and pork products, as well as, coffee and grapes.

SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin technicians can help to educate you on the seriousness of properly handling a mold infestation found in your home. While these microscopic spores may play a significant role in our environment, they have no place in our living spaces, and any growth found, no matter how large or small, should be handled immediately.

The primary purpose of SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin's mold remediation or cleaning services when dealing with mold damage is to remove the conditions that exist in your home that is allowing the infestation to spread. We can help you learn how to prevent these types of events from happening at all. Contact SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin today, for more information. (916) 632-2250

Understanding Mold

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Mold can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. Bacteria can start to grow within hours and mold can start to grow within days. Mold spores can lay dormant for years until an ideal growing condition develops, in which they start to flourish. Especially during the summer, the warm humid conditions are a perfect microenvironment for mold growth.

When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur—particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in an indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling the moisture. Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause serious health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to it. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate and clean any existing mold growth indoors. The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and furnishings. It is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just kill it. Dead mold is still allergenic, and some dead molds are still potentially toxic! Applying the appropriate restoration procedures within the first few hours of a water loss can save thousands of dollars in secondary damage.

Before the growth of mold becomes visible, there will be a faint musty or earthy smell. In time, mold will appear on the outside of the wall as a stain or discoloration. In a standard situation, SERVPRO® of Auburn/Rocklin will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold and remove the mold growth and excess spores returning the area back to normal levels. Some situations require the assistance of an Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional (IEP) with specialized equipment and services needed to assess and/or repair the structure. IEPs can test and clear a structure for mold by collecting air and surface samples. Then they can determine whether the mold has been successfully decontaminated. We encourage you to call us today if you suspect a mold problem in your home or business. We handle mold remediation work on a daily basis and know when prompt action is required to prevent further mold growth. SERVPRO® of Auburn/Rocklin technicians are trained to control microbial problems in structures by promptly drying wet or damp materials according to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards and removing or replacing wet or damp porous materials, like drywall, that have visible mold growth. Call today for an immediate response. We are here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Home & building owners can take steps to prevent mold

7/1/2016 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your building can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.

If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin handles water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold.

• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.

• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.

• Excessive humidity.

To control mold growth in your business, I offer you the following tips:

• Repair leaky plumbing and leaks in the foundation of your building

• Reduce moisture with increased surface temperatures or reduced humidity levels in the air. To increase surface temperatures, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce humidity, repair leaks, increase ventilation if outside air is cold and dry or use a dehumidifier.

• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed

• Maintain indoor humidity below 50 percent

• Perform regular inspections and maintenance on buildings and heating and air conditioning equipment

• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 1-2 days

• Provide adequate drainage around the foundation of your building.  Regularly maintain roof gutters, and ensure that water does not collect near the foundation

• Insulate windows, walls, pipes, roofs, exterior, floors and other cold surfaces to reduce condensation

• Watch your utility bills; an unusually high water bill could signal an interior leaking problem 

If you are sure or suspect that there is mold in your building, call SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin immediately at (916) 632-2250. The longer you wait to call, the mold growth with continue to spread, resulting in a greater chance of unrecoverable property. SERVPRO professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects of mold damage.

What to Do If You See or Smell Mold Damage in Your Home

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

For the vast majority of homeowners mold damage does appear, at some point, in or around their property. And, a little spot of mold around the bathtub or the shower screen is nothing to be too concerned about. If it can be easily wiped away and does not produce a nasty smell, it is likely to be a good problem. 

However, if you have spotted creeping patches of mold, which has an unpleasant odor, and makes the room feel clammy and uncomfortable, it is time to call in the experts. It could indicate a serious problem with mold damage. If this is the case, it needs to be handled by a professional team who can make sure that the unhealthy material is completely removed. 

Understanding Containment 

The first thing that will happen, after you have consulted a professional mold damage restoration service, is a discussion about containment. This may mean a number of different things, depending on how extensive the mold is and what type of spores you have in your home. If the problem is severe, containment may have to involve you temporarily moving out of the property. 

However, this is quite a rare situation. Most homeowners take action early enough for it to be avoided. Partial containment helps restoration experts limit the mold damage in properties. They seal off the problem area so that movement cannot dislodge and carry mold spores to other parts of the home. It is where heavy duty equipment will be set up to dry, repair, and treat the affected space. 

Getting to Grips with Remediation 

The primary goal of mold remediation is to restore the property to its pre-mold damage condition. In some cases, this will not be possible. If the damage is very extensive, there may be some parts of the building which cannot be saved. This is extremely rare, however, and a skilled mold restoration team is almost always able to bring a home back to full health. 

The thing to remember is that the quicker you address the issue, the better the chance of a full recovery for your property. If you ignore what appears to be chronic mold, you risk the chance of it moving into walls and floors. This is much harder (and much more expensive) to repair, so invest your money in affordable prevention, rather than a costly cure. 

If you would like more information on hiring a mold damage restoration team, call SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin at (916) 632-2250 today. 

Professional Mold Testing and Cleanup Services

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Studies have indicated that there are over 100,000 varieties of mold that can affect a house and the people who live in it. Mold is detrimental to both property and the people living in the property. It can result in rotting away of organic construction material such as walls and ceilings and it can also make people sick.

Thus, mold damage removal or a professional mold cleanup is very important. However, before a mold removal is carried out, the property will first have to be analyzed with mold testing that will determine the extent of mold damage and the type of mold damage.

Only professional mold testing and mold removal contractors will have the right equipment to carry out proper mold spore testing. First, they will conduct a walk through in your property. Mold damage removal contractors usually have a lot of years of experience and they will know exactly where to look for potential mold problems. Common areas that come under attack in a house are ceilings, walls, wall papers and spaces close to wet areas such as sinks or bathtubs. Mold detection can be a little tricky because it can grow in concealed spaces as well. For example, it can grow profusely in the spaces between the walls and an untrained eye could easily miss this mold infestation.

Coming back to mold testing, the contractor will follow up the visual inspection or walk through with an airborne mold checker which will require specialized equipment. Every house will usually have a certain level of mold in the air although it will become a problem once it starts to exceed a certain level. If the airborne tests come up positively, the contractor will further analyze your property to look for areas that will require mold cleanup.

Once the testing has been done, the mold contractor will take up the removal process. He may use chemicals to clean up your property although he may also remove construction material from your home if the mold damage is heavy. It is recommended that you only let a professional carry out the cleanup process as they will know exactly what they are doing. If you were to carry out the cleanup on your own, you run the risk of not cleaning up some areas in your home that will continue to breed mold. Self-restoration and cleanup efforts are also potentially risky as mold can easily affect a person's health if they do not know how to handle mold or if they do not use protective clothing.

Call SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin today if you think you have mold. We are here to help you. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gary_E_Smith/426120

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6017474

A Water Leak Can Turn Into A Mold Issue Very Fast

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

This is what happens when you try to clean up a water loss on your own. Our client had a water pipe leak in her finished basement. Since she didn’t go down there very often she thought she had cleaned up all the water and everything that had gotten wet. However because she didn’t know how deep the water had spread she didn’t realize drying was necessary. When we arrived it had been two weeks after the original water disaster – as you can see the mold spread and grew very fast and our client didn’t even know it had happened. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin to get immediate service that is done right the first time and avoid the mold growth seen here. We work to make it “Like it never even happened”

Water Damage And Mold Damage - What To Do

4/26/2016 (Permalink)

When your home is impacted by a pipe rupture, flood, or any type of inundation, it’s important for you to attain professional restoration services. Learn more about these important matters by considering the following information:

Water Damage 101

Water damage is an issue that can impact both residential and commercial properties. Once the water gets moving through your home, there are no limits to where it can flow and which possessions and structures can be damaged. In addition to starting as a result of natural disasters like floods and fires, water damage can transpire as a result of the following:

• Leaking pipes  • Damp basements   • Roof leakages   • Poor ventilation   • Excessive humidity or condensation   • Damp carpets

Mold Damage 101

Mold damage typically exists in conjunction with water damage. This is the case because the fungus loves to thrive in the moist environment created by excess standing water on your property. Identifying and eliminating mold is important for many reasons, including the fact that it can cause unwanted health symptoms if you are continually exposed to it.

Unfortunately, mold growth can take place within just a few hours of a water damage incident. The growth can even continue throughout the extraction and drying procedures completed by professional restoration experts.

Attaining Professional Restoration Services

When your business or home is subjected to water damage and mold damage, attaining professional restoration services is a must. The best remediation firms will utilize powerful water extraction methods in conjunction with high-tech drying modalities to restore your property to its original sanitary condition. Restoration professionals will also utilize cutting-edge anti-microbial and disinfection techniques to optimize and expedite the restoration process.

Call The Experts Immediately

When you’re in need of both water damage and mold damage restoration services, call the professionals. IICRC-certified technicians possess advanced knowledge in the field of restoration. They offer comprehensive services to ensure that each of your property issues is addressed and resolved with lightning speed.

What To Do When Unexpected Mold Is Found? Call SERVPRO!

4/21/2016 (Permalink)

We can all agree that mold is something no homeowner wants to deal with. Fortunately, our crews at SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin have been highly trained to handle residential or commercial mold infestation. We have the training, expertise, and equipment to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today!

Why Water Damage Needs Repairing Within 48 Hours

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

You will hear constantly that when it comes to water damage, everything will need to be dried within 48 hours. The problem is, you may not know why this is.

The main reason why the water damage needs to be dried within 48 hours is to prevent the growth of mold. Mold is extremely damaging and will start to form quickly. Once it does form, you will find that it grows quickly. However, you will hardly notice that the mold is there until it is too late.

Mold like dark and warm places, which is usually in the carpet or in the corner of a room, behind something. You could even find that severe damage has caused the growth of mold in the drywall.

There are many different types of mold that can occur in your home and not all of them will be from damage caused by water. Different types of water damage will also cause different types of mold.
 
While mold removal is possible, it is usually best to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This is done by ensuring that the water damage is dried within the first 48 hours.

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin today for immediate response!

Published in ezinearticles.com

Today's Tip: Time To Clean The Pet Toys

4/1/2016 (Permalink)

Pet toys can harbor yeasts and molds!

When your pets are your family, cleaning up after them can make you feel almost parent-like. So as a parent your main concern is the safety of your four legged children. Did you know 23% of pet toys were found to harbor potentially dangerous staph bacteria – the highest staph percentage of any household item studied…Yikes! Yeasts and molds infest 55% of pet toys, and 14% also harbored coliform bacteria. So to keep everyone safe and healthy try scrubbing hard pet toys with soap, water and a mild bleach solution. Do you have soft toys? Chuck them in the washer. As your pet licks and loves on you, remember doing the little things will help keep mold and bacteria growth to a minimum and help keep everyone happy.

MOLD? We Can Help

3/21/2016 (Permalink)

We can help with mold!

Found MOLD in your home? Did you know that in the first 24 hours of dealing with mold, time is critical? A mold infestation can arise and spread throughout a home in just 24 - 48 hours. SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin specializes in mold and water damage restoration. Since mold damage typically exists in conjunction with water damage acting quickly when there is a water disaster can mean the difference in the extent of the damage. We have the experience and expertise to handle any emergency situation – big or small we understand your concerns and have the means to take care of them. Our highly trained team can examine, evaluate, and remediate your property with efficiency and accuracy. SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is always working to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today! (916) 632-2250