Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
Understanding Mold: Why You Need SERVPRO's Expert Mold Remediation Services
4/10/2024 (Permalink)
Containment Used to Conduct Mold Remediation Removal and Clean Up
Mold growth in homes or businesses can be a serious issue, impacting indoor air quality and potentially causing health concerns. At SERVPRO of Walnut/ Hacienda Heights/ Rowland Heights, we're here to help you understand the causes and meaning of mold and provide expert mold remediation services to restore your property to a safe and healthy environment.
Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions and can quickly spread if not addressed promptly. Common signs of mold include musty odors, visible mold growth on walls or ceilings, and allergic reactions such as sneezing or respiratory issues.
Our certified mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Walnut/ Hacienda Heights/ Rowland Heights have the training and equipment necessary to assess the extent of mold damage, contain the affected areas, and safely remove mold spores to prevent further spread. We use specialized techniques like HEPA filtration and antimicrobial treatments to ensure thorough mold removal and prevention of future growth.
Choosing SERVPRO of Walnut/ Hacienda Heights/ Rowland Heights for mold remediation means choosing:
Prompt Response: We understand the urgency of mold issues and respond quickly to mitigate damage and prevent health risks.
Thorough Assessment: Our experts conduct detailed inspections to identify hidden mold sources and assess moisture levels.
Safe and Effective Remediation: SERVPRO of Walnut/ Hacienda Heights/ Rowland Heights follows industry-leading protocols to safely remove mold and restore your property to pre-damage conditions.
Don't let mold compromise your indoor air quality or safety. Contact SERVPRO of Walnut/ Hacienda Heights/ Rowland Heights today for professional mold remediation services you can trust.
SERVPRO of Walnut/ Hacienda Heights/ Rowland Heights (909) 598-8400
How to Tell if Mold is Growing
4/17/2023 (Permalink)
It's best to pay attention to the warning signs of mold.
Mold can be hard to detect and dangerous if left untouched. There are a few signs that there could be mold on your property.
- Peeling Wallpaper: bubbling or cracking paint or wallpaper usually means there is moisture in the wall.
- Water Spots: Along with the peeling wallpaper, mold can cause brown discolored spots on your walls
- Musty Odor: You’ll start to smell an old or musty smell in the affected room.
- Allergies: Sometimes if there is mold in your walls, you will develop symptoms of allergies or a cold such as:
- Sore throat
- Coughing and sneezing
- Skin irritation
Mold grows in damp areas so it's best to pay attention to any abnormalities in your paint or wallpaper. If you discover any of these signs, call SERVPRO to do a free inspection. We will help you come up with the best course of action to get your property back to its original state.
What's Your Favorite Cheese?
8/16/2022 (Permalink)
Some cheese contains mold.
If you are anything like me, you could not imagine life without cheese. Swiss, provolone, sharp cheddar and, maybe my favorite, bleu cheese. Making a salad? Don’t forget the banana peppers and bleu cheese. Having a cheeseburger? You’d better get some bleu cheese crumbles on there. Yes, cheese is incredible and bleu cheese amongst the top tiers of the cheese hierarchy.
I still remember the day I learned that bleu (and numerous other cheeses) are primarily mold. Some scars you feel forever.
While some molds are useful, some are rather dangerous. Out of the thousands of different types of molds people come into regular contact with, some should be avoided at all costs. For instance, have you ever heard of the Stachybotrys family of mold? No? How about it’s more commonly used name, black mold?
Black mold is one of the more common types of mold that grows in residential and business properties when unchecked moisture is allowed to grow in specific conditions. It is toxic and can lead to some serious health consequences. What’s worse is that it can never truly be removed entirely.
SERVPRO of Walnut specializes in mold remediation. This is essentially just making sure the amount of materials that lead to mold formation are kept in check to make sure black mold does not grow. We do this by using proprietary products and methods we have developed in our 50+ years of being in business.
How to avoid Mold in your home
5/7/2021 (Permalink)
Visible mold, and confirmation that the wall is still very saturated with our moisture meter.
It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.
If the right conditions exist, mold will grow. Those conditions include:
- Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.
- Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
- Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.
Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.
If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Walnut to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.
If you suspect mold, Call Us Today (909) 598-8400
Do you have a mold problem?
7/24/2020 (Permalink)
Mold in your home
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all 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 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 – SERVPRO of Walnut 909-598-8400
Tips on Preventing Mold
7/28/2019 (Permalink)
Use these tips to avoid mold infestation.
Using Proper Ventilation to Prevent Mold
When cooking a meal, make sure you have proper ventilation to avoid mold from the moisture. Using dehumidifiers and AC is key in having proper ventilation. Things such as washing dishes, running the dish washer, or showering are all things in need of proper ventilation to avoid mold.
Using Mold Resistant Products
Mold resistant drywall can be paperless. Instead, the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass which makes the surface of the drywall very water-resistant.
Keep an Eye on the Indoor Humidity
Try to maintain a balance of indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. Any local hardware store will be able to provide you with one to purchase. If you notice condensation on windows, pipes and walls, that may be a sign that there is excessive humidity. Make sure to dry the surface immediately and address whatever is causing the humidity.
Prevent water damage when you are on vacation
6/18/2018 (Permalink)
Mold growth from water damage that occurred when occupant was on vacation.
Coming home from your summer vacation to find your house flooded from top to bottom? Is something that is common in the summertime.
SERVPRO of Walnut receives many of these losses, including this home that suffered a water loss in Chino Hills, CA. At the beginning of August the homeowner came back from her 2 week vacation to find her kitchen, living room, family room, and bathroom submerged in 2 inches of water. SERVPRO quickly responded and started mitigating the damages, but since the home was vacant for a long period of time, mold grew throughout the affected areas. This caused a longer mitigation period and a more stressful situation for the homeowner.
How do you prevent this from happening to your home?
- Turn off the main water line before you leave your home for an extended period of time.
- Check for loose pipes, faucets and supply lines and check for signs of leakage.
- Have a trusted friend or relative come by your home periodically to make sure everything is normal.
Contact SERVPRO of Walnut for all your cleaning and restoration needs! (909) 598-8400.
Humidity in the Home Can Lead To the Risk of Mold Infestations
6/8/2018 (Permalink)
Consistent use of your shower, as well as cooking and cleaning appliances can cause mold to spread throughout your property. There are several ways for this type of infestation to run rampant in your home, but what is it, and how can you help decrease exposure?
If you suspect that your home has mold damage, you should locate a certified professional to assist with the repairs and cleaning before things get out of hand. SERVPRO of Walnut is more aware of molds and fungi, it is our responsibility to understand them, find out why they exist and get the proper help to control the spread in any home.
- We experience new species regularly: No one knows how many types there are, yet. Molds exist both indoors and outdoors, within our environment, in the air that we breathe, the food and water that we consume, everywhere around us. We also know that various types of airborne molds and spores may cause health effects in certain people if exposed to the right quantity.
- We have also learned that mold and fungus can grow at the highest rate when inside of warm, damp, humid environments, and spread quickly through the reproduction of microscopic spores. They can even survive harsh dry or cold environments that limit or completely stop normal mold growth, mainly waiting for the right conditions to exist.
- Mold growth inside of your home is controllable: It is when things get out of control that you need professional help from a company like SERVPRO. We can help you learn how to control your humidity levels inside and properly ventilate your showers and cooking areas to prevent growth from forming.
SERVPRO of Walnut technicians can also help you learn which products to use for cleaning smaller contaminated areas. However, when the area exceeds 10 square feet, professional assistance may be necessary to clean the area and mitigate damages properly. It is unlikely that you have the experience or equipment needed to handle a job larger size and most homeowner’s find that they make the problem bigger by attempting to do it themselves. We suggest leaving grappling with mold in the hands of the professionals.
Mold Safety Tips
6/8/2018 (Permalink)
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate throughout your home.
Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Turn off HVAC systems and fans.
- Contact SERVPRO of Walnut for mold remediation services.
Don't:
- Don't touch or disturb the mold.
- Don't blow air across any surfaces with visible mold growth.
- Don't attempt to dry the area yourself
- Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Walnut 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.
Do you have a Leak in Your Home?
6/8/2018 (Permalink)
A Water Leak Can Cause Mold
- A leaky faucet in your home can be very annoying, but it has the potential to be much more than an annoyance. The moisture caused by leaks can make your home into perfect environment for mold growth in spring. Mold spores may cause health effects and can grow rapidly if you fail to notice a leak shortly after it starts, especially in humid climates. Knowing the risks that mold presents and quickly fixing your water leaks can help to protect your home from mold growth.
About Mold Growth
Mold Growth will begin in areas of your home that are wet. The mold spores will land on moist surfaces and then start to germinate. The Materials on which mold can grow include:
- Sheetrock
- Tile
- Painted Surfaces
- Carpet
- Wood
Indications of Mold Growth due to water Leaks
If you see black and white spots in the area of the leak, this is a sign that you have mold. Kitchens and basements are some of the areas in your home where there is a high risk of mold growth as these areas are prone to leaks. It is therefore important that you properly maintain your plumbing fixtures.
Preventing Mold Growth after Fixing Leaks
If you discover a water leak, have it fixed as soon as possible to minimize the potential for mold growth. After the leak has been fixed, use a mild detergent to wash the area and then allow it to dry completely. After it has dried, thoroughly wipe the area with bleach to kill any spores present. Boric acid is also effective for killing mold spores and can be used as a substitute for bleach. BE SURE! To keep kids and pets out of the area while handling chemicals.
If you see mold and are concerned call The SERVPRO of Walnut Professionals (909) 598-8400.
Mold and You?
5/23/2018 (Permalink)
It doesn’t matter where you go; there is most likely going to be some form of mold there. Mold can exist in the air or on surfaces due to there being excessive moisture.
Your Health
For people who are sensitive to mold, it can cause:
- Nasal Stuffiness
- Throat Irritation
- Coughing or Wheezing
- Eye Irritation
- Skin Irritation
People with mold allergies or immune-compromised people, can avoid this by taking extra steps.
Controlling Mold
In your home, you can control mold growth by the following:
- Controlling Humidity Levels
- Quickly Fixing Leaky Roofs and Pipes
- Thoroughly Cleaning and Drying After Flooding
- Ventilating Laundry, Cooking, and Storage Areas.
Worried about mold? You can Contact us SERVPRO of Walnut (909)-598-8400, For an inspection of suspect growth!
Is Mold Dangerous?
3/13/2018 (Permalink)
What is the usual cause of mold?
Water damage is a common cause of mold formation in a home or business. Since mold spores are everywhere, mold can begin forming within 48 hours if the conditions are right. Mold only needs moisture, warmth and a porous surface in order to thrive. If a leak is found and stopped quickly enough, the mold may not have enough time to develop. In most water damage situations where the leak has been ongoing for a long period of time, the infestation of mold becomes clear: damaged drywall or carpet will be lined with dark patches that are easily visible to the naked eye.
What If Mold Goes Unseen for years?
Sometimes, the leaks are out of sight and the mold is allowed to grow and breed for months or years. This leads to people living in a home where there is mold growing inside of a wall or in their attic without knowing. Fortunately, the health hazards associated with mold are overstated.
It is generally believed that mold is extremely toxic and can cause serious illness to those exposed to it. However, mold is everywhere; depending on where someone lives, there can be dozens of different types of mold spores floating in the air. Out of the thousands if different types of classified molds, only a few dozen are actually harmful to humans. Most likely, the mold found in homes is non-toxic. As long as no one in the household has serious allergies, it is possible for people to live in a home with mold for a long time.
Despite posing no significant health hazards, mold can still cause other problems. Mold growing on drywall or wood can significantly weaken the structural integrity of a wall or beams, which can lead to much costly repairs if a wall should collapse. Slime mold is also capable of causing problems by clogging pipes if they are not cleaned and sanitized, which in turn can lead to the average water damage scenario. Typically, homeowner's insurance will not cover the damage because long-term mold damage often falls under gradual damage that is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix as part of their regular home maintenance and upkeep. While companies that offer specific mold insurance developed to cover the gaps where homeowner's insurance does not, they are often expensive. The initial upfront cost might not be less than simply hiring a remediation company.
Fortunately, with proper maintenance, mold is typically not a recurring problem. Proper maintenance and ventilation will prevent future infestations.
Mold?
11/8/2017 (Permalink)
Mold is one of those bacteria's that can be all around us looking for a nice place to settle and grow. Houses are warm and are usually made with wood and paper, all the things that mold spores are seeking. Introduce some water and we have the third element which now leads to growth.
Kitchens are notorious for leaks and things that happen involving water. The cabinets keep these things hidden. When was the last time you moved all those bags, cleaners and other stuff that lies under your kitchen sink to look for leaks and mold growth? we don't and by the time we find it, it's too late.
This is sometimes a case of a leak in the drain coming from the upstairs behind the dishwasher. Never was this noticed until water became visible, which by then was too late. When we removed the kitchen cabinets, you can see how the mold spread to the left and right side behind the cabinets. None of this was able to be seen.
SERVPRO of Walnut is here to help and are just a call away! (909) 598-8400.
Our SERVPRO team is trained to assess and then remediate your Mold Damage
7/19/2017 (Permalink)
In any presence of water damage, mold growth or must odors needs to be addressed right away. In all cases, any source of water has to be found and corrected, and the extent of water damage and mold growth figured out. Materials that are water damaged should be taken out of the home or cleaned and dried.
Trained professionals, like our SERVPRO staff, should be hired to take care of any mold damage in Walnut. They can develop a site-specific plan and assess the extent of your moisture problem. Whoever you hire, they should be following all EPA guidelines and health regulations to keep them and your family safe during the entire process.
- Visual Inspection: This is the most important step in finding a possible mold problem and planning out remediation strategies. The extent of any mold growth and water damage should be assessed visually and the affected materials in your home identified. This visual inspection should include observations of hidden areas where damage might be found, like attics, crawl spaces and behind drywall. Carpet padding and backing, moldings, wallpaper, insulation and other materials that could be harbingers of mold growth should be assessed as well. Our SERVPRO technicians use personal protective gear like respiratory protection and gloves, in efforts to lower the generation and mitigation of any mold and dust.
- Remediation: The goal here is to clean or remove any materials that are damaged by mold using work practices which protect you and your family by controlling the spread of mold from the work area and also to protect workers doing the remediation. The known remediation methods were made to achieve this goal, but they are not meant to exclude other methods which could be effective and aren't a substitute for a worm plan that is site-specific.
Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem
5/2/2017 (Permalink)
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a residence or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to it's natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise "Mold Removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.
Considering the facts on mold:
- 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 there is a suspected mold problem in your home or business, We can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If there is signs of mold please call SERVPRO of Walnut (909) 598-8400.
The Process of Mold Remediation
12/27/2016 (Permalink)
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrated our "typical" process:
- Emergency Contact- (909) 598-8400
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water, it can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.
3. Mold Containment
Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the containment area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the clean up process. All fans from heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.
4. Air Filtration
Our specialized filtration equipment allows our professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilized powerful "air Scrubbers" and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We'll use anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to re-mediate heavy mold growth.
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We're also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
7. Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, Drywall, Sub-floors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. the restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.
The Possible Presence of Mold
10/28/2016 (Permalink)
Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere from the indoors to the 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 on a pet.
-Mold spores thrive on moisture, mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
-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 to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If you feel that there is mold present in your home call SERVPRO of Walnut (909) 598-8400.
A lesson on Mold from the IICRC
12/30/2014 (Permalink)
Vacant home in La Puente, CA severely affected with mold.
Mold becomes a problem inside a home or business when there's excessive humidity or moisture for an extended period of time. The problem can originate from sudden water releases, like a burst pipe or large spill that goes untreated, or from a chronic condition, such as a leaking roof or plumbing. Even high humidity or warm, moist air condensing on cool surfaces can trigger mold problems. It's always best to have the mold evaluated and removed by a certified professional.
Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing on the wall's opposite side. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. If the wall remains wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the back side will be worse than on the front. At that point, containing the work space and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.
Certified professionals have the training and experience to:
- Identify moisture sources
- Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
- Contain damage to the smallest area possible
- Physically remove contamination
- Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
- Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a pre-loss condition
http://www.iicrc.org/
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
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