Mold Check

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Mold discovered in sheetrock above shower

Is your home mold-free? If you're unable to answer this question quickly, you should immediately check under sinks, around your dishwasher, showers, and anywhere that is prone to moisture. And if any of these areas look similar to the provided image of one of our most recent jobs, we urge you to call SERVPRO® today. The image presented is a piece of sheetrock that was fixed above the homeowner's shower. Yikes, right? Luckily with our help, the issue has since been remedied and we are currently in the process of rebuilding her abode to safety standards. Symptoms of mold exposure can manifest similar to those of the common cold or flu, so it is quite easy to overlook. Especially if there are no immediate signs present, such as musty smell, discoloration, or staining. Your home should be your nest, which implies comfort and safety in all aspects. So, if you are ever unsure for any reason, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO for a site inspection.    

Understanding Mold

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems!

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Mold Prevention Tips

• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers or showers to the outside where possible.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible by providing adequate ventilation.
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.
• Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food service areas.
• Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks or spills:
  • Check for moldy odors.
  • Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors and window sills.
  • Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains or mold.
  • Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains or mold.
  • Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
• Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
• Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks or spills. v Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

Control Moisture – Reduce Mold

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Molds can be found in every environment; and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. The EPA advised that the health concerns from molds are an important enough reason to prevent moisture problems leading to the growth of mold. It is especially important to clean up existing mold to increase property appeal and retain the value.

Prior to listing a property, the following steps can be taken to reduce the potential for moisture buildup or mold growth. In the case a damage event occurs, timely response is key to preventing further damage.

• Correct any water leaks and/or standing water
• Properly maintain humidifiers, if used.
• Replace wet or visibly moldy insulation material
• Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work
• Install a ventilation system

Does your Poway / Rancho Bernardo home have a mold problem?

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

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 – 858-748-7378