Don't Let Mold Take Hold

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Do you smell a musty, earthy odor every time you walk into a certain space in your home? Do you seem to have more health problems while indoors?  If this sounds familiar to you, your home may be serving as a breeding ground for mold. Mold is a type of fungus that grows and reproduces in moist environments. Even healthy individuals can suffer from a wide range of varying health concerns if exposed to dangerous forms of mold. Elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues are at even greater risks when it comes to mold. Therefore, it's very important to learn how to find and eliminate mold. This basic knowledge could improve your health and even save your life.

What does mold look like?

• Sometimes appears as dark green, blue hues, white around the edges
• Can spread over a surface like black polka dots OR sit close together in a blob formation
• Can grow in a circular pattern, with colonies creating concentric circles
• May appear shiny or slimy in texture (if still sourced with moisture)
• May appear to be dry and chalky (if moisture source has been cut off)

Where to begin your search:

• Spots of discoloration on the ceiling, moldings, and walls
• Plumbing lines and ventilating ducts
• Behind wallpaper that is flaking or wet
• Textiles and carpets that have recently been exposed to water
• The wallboard surrounding windows, window frames, and leaky windows
• Bathroom fixtures include tubs, shower curtains, sinks, and tiles
• Kitchen sinks, cabinets, and equipment (such as dishwashers and refrigerators)
• The walls, floors, ceilings, laundry machines, cardboard boxes, and piles of paperwork in attics and basements
• Bedrooms: windows, wardrobes, heaters, vents, and mattresses

Once you’ve located the mold, it’s time to eliminate it once and for all.

While there are many DIY routes for the removal of mold, considering the many dangers, it is more effective and safer to call in a professional.

Have you located the mold or still having trouble identifying it? Either way, SERVPRO® is ready for action! Our team is ready to respond to your call today. With 24/7 service and the following resources count us in at any time.

• Inspection and mold damage assessment
• Mold containment
• Advanced air filtration technology
• Mold remediation
• Mold damage repair and construction services

Now you may be wondering “what is the mold remediation process?” At SERVPRO, our thorough seven-step process ensures your home is mold free and safe. Here’s how we do it:

1. Emergency Contact:
   • The mold cleanup and restoration process begin the moment you call us. Our specialist will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resource, and personnel needed for you and your home.
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment:
   • Our professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Using a variety of technologies, we can detect mold and locate any hidden water sources so the mold will not return once the area is cleaned, and the mold removal process has been completed
3. Mold Containment:
   • We use various containment procedures to prevent the spread and cross-contamination of mold. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread as our professional’s work to mitigate your mold problem
4. Air Filtration:
   • Our specialized filtration equipment allows our professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize 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:
   • We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to treat mold colonies. When necessary to remediate heavy mold growth, our mold removal process includes the removal and disposal of mold-infested porous materials such as carpeting, drywall, and insulation
6. Cleaning:
   • Our professionals clean the structural elements that were infected by mold such as flooring, framing, fixtures, HVAC, and mechanical systems. We will also work to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the space. Other items may also require extra attention after a mold infestation, including curtains, décor and important documents
7. Restoration:
   • Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet. It may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in your home.

Ranked “The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration”, we are ready for your residential and commercial mold remediation. With our specialized mold remediation equipment and easier insurance claim process, we are faster to any size disaster.

Contact us today at our Morris/Ottawa location: 

(815)416-0075

https://www.SERVPRO.com/locations/il/SERVPRO-of-morris-ottawa