When Mold Growth is Prevalent in Your Home

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

MOLD REMEDIATION PROCESS

While it is important to know when to call in a professional mold remediation team, there are a couple things you can do yourself to get rid of mold if it’s in a small area:

1. Locate the Mold: Remember that mold spreads, so be sure to check all rooms in your home including, especially dark and damp areas like the basement. Be sure to also check under the carpeting, flooring and behind wallpaper or drywall.
2. Get Rid of Moldy Materials: Materials that cannot be cleaned and salvaged need to be disposed of. This includes wood, drywall, carpets or anything else that is growing mold. Use safety gear such as gloves, masks, and goggles before handling moldy items.

If the mold infestation is on a larger scale, a professional mold remediation team will likely do the following, in addition to getting rid of moldy items:

1. Use Commercial Equipment to Dry Out the Affected Area: It’s important to get your home dried out your home as much as possible, since mold thrives in wet and humid environments. Professionals will use air movers, dehumidifiers and HEPA air scrubbers that work together to eliminate moisture and dry out the air and surfaces. They’ll also wear safety gear like gloves, a mask and eye goggles.
2. Prepare the Room to Contain the Mold Problem: Mold spores can instantly become airborne. To avoid this, professionals will seal off the affected area before they get to work. They’ll use tape and plastic sheets to seal off doorways and vents.
3. Establish Negative Air Pressure: Establishing negative airflow in the sealed room using an air mover ensures airflows in but not out. Once the area has been sealed using plastic sheets and tape, professionals can poke a small hole in the plastic and insert an air mover duct attachment through the hole and seal it with duct tape. This negative air pressure further prevents mold spores from escaping into the rest of your home.
4. Use Fungicide on Remaining Materials: If there are any materials that can be salvaged and will remain in the room then it is important to thoroughly clean them. A fungicide product can ensure all the mold spores are removed and that there is no opportunity for a recurrent infestation. Any buildings materials that cannot be cleaned or removed such as porous surfaces should have a fungicide applied to them.
5. Finish Repairing the Room: Once the moldy materials have been removed and the area has been thoroughly cleaned, any necessary repairs from the water can mold damage can be completed. This may include flooring, carpeting or drywall repairs.

What Causes Mold Growth?

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Removal

What Mold Needs to Grow

Mold Growth Conditions :

• Darkness (mold can't grow under ultraviolet light)
• Warmth (mold can't grow in freezing temperatures)
• Oxygen
• Moisture (eg water leaks, humidity)
• Enough time (most molds can begin to grow in 24-48 hours if the conditions are right)

Humidity Causes Mold

If you live where humidity in the air is naturally high, like near the coast or another large body of water, then mold growth in your home can also be a recurring problem.

When moisture inside your house evaporates into the air it increases the humidity indoors. If your home isn't well ventilated then the humidity will stay high for a long time.

HVAC systems can also create humidity problems while it artificially heats or cools the air.

Sometimes people use humidifiers in their homes. But there are molds that only need the humidity level to be higher than 55% to start growing. Be sure to keep the humidity below 55%.

High humidity feeds mold. High humidity can also causes puddles of water and damp materials in the home take longer to dry out. These wet surfaces can in turn create mold growth of their own.

Poor Ventilation Causes Mold

Poor ventilation can create pockets of stagnant moist air which mold thrives in. Steam and water evaporating into the air creates humidity inside which then needs to be circulated outdoors through windows to keep the moisture level balanced.

Poor ventilation also means wet surfaces dry out slowly. Ventilation is especially important in rooms such as the bathroom and the kitchen where there is a lot of steam.

Mold Growth in Basements 

Basements often contain higher amounts of moisture or humidity than other rooms because they are usually not well ventilated. Basements are often colder which causes more condensation leading to damp and humid conditions

When water leaks in your home it will often end up running down to the basement. Not only is mold more likely to grow in basements, but because they are usually neglected mold growth may not be discovered until it is well set in.

If you have questions regarding mold please contact us at 303-576-6868.

Do You Understand Mold Removal and Remediation ?

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. We understand mold and mold growth. 

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 that odor 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 Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. 

1. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
2. Mold Containment
3. Air Filtration
4. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
5. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Have Questions? 

Contact us at 303-576-6868

Prevent Mold Damage When Storing Books In Castle Rock

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Store Books Properly to Prevent Mold Damage in Your Castle Rock Home--Says SERVPRO

SERVPRO Helps Remediate and Salvage Mold Infested Books

Every Castle Rock book lover knows that their collection in precious. Not everyone realizes that books are at risk of fungal growth, especially when they are packed or stored away to make more room in the home, or before moving house. Mold thrives in the dark, damp environments, and many storage spots such as attics or basements fit that description. The fungus also needs a natural material to use as a food source – and paper is an ideal snack. SERVPRO recommends taking simple steps to protect your library from mold damage when packing or storing it.

Most book lovers in Castle Rock need to move or store their collection sometimes, and that is when books are most susceptible to mold damage. Thankfully, there are several easy things you can do to keep your library safe from fungal growth.
 
Always store books in a cool, dry place. Books can survive mold-free for far longer in a dry place because the fungus requires moisture to grow. Check out your proposed storage location and if it is damp, consider choosing another place. You might also use dehumidifiers to lower humidity in the air.
 
Clean your books before wrapping them. Books are easy to clean using a small firm-bristled brush, such as a paintbrush that you can purchase at any hardware store. Brush page edges and covers, and flick through the book to see if any individual pages need brushing. Do not use any damp cleaner or wipe with a damp cloth. SERVPRO can offer a freeze-drying and cleaning process in certain instances to remediate mold growth on pages or the pasted bindings.
 
Books that smell musty should be left to air dry for a while before being stored.
 
Do not pack books too tightly. Storing them too close together might contribute to ideal mold-growing conditions. Pack your favorite tomes in a rigid box that is strong enough to protect them from dents, bumps and bent covers. Place all the books carefully in the box either flat atop one another or standing side by side. Do not leave so much room that they could fall or get dented, but do not pack them too close together either. Ensure that air circulates adequately to prevent moisture buildup.
 
SERVPRO is on hand to help with any mold problems you have in your library. Our IICRC-certified technicians have the skill and equipment needed to remediate mold.

Explore Castle Rock by clicking here.
 
For help with fungal growth in Perry Park, Greenland, West Creek and beyond, call SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker at (720) 842-1950 for assistance today.

Why We Talk About Mold Damage Remediation in Castle Rock Instead of Mold Removal

9/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold spores can quickly multiply and leave the home facing an infestation. Contact SERVPRO for a quick investigation and action plan for remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Locate the Source of the Mold Infestation Before Remediating the Damage

No matter how new or how clean your home is, there is always a risk of mold damage. People often associate fungus with old, damp or dirty homes, but in fact, mold grows anywhere it has access to moisture or a food source. Any Castle Rock home is at risk of mold growth provided there is an organic food source for the mold to munch on, and enough moisture for the fungus to grow.
 
SERVPRO is on hand to deal with mold damage in Castle Rock homes. We train our technicians to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards, so you have the security of knowing the team that comes to your home is trained and knowledgeable about mold remediation.
 
In our industry, we talk about mold remediation, not mold removal. In fact, a claim to completely remove mold is false, and it is best to steer clear of any company that makes such a claim.
 
Why is it impossible to remove mold? There are two main reasons.
 
First of all, mold spores are invisible to the naked eye. The black or green patches you see are mold colonies; the spores themselves are microscopic. It is impossible to find and remove every single mold spore, especially as the spores can travel throughout your home on clothes, boots, pets, or even through the HVAC system.
 
Second, mold spores are very resistant to factors such as temperature. Although mold cannot grow without a proper ambient temperature, very hot or cold temperatures do not kill it. The mold simply becomes dormant, so it can start growing again when the environment becomes more conducive to growth.
 
However, do not despair. Although it is not possible to completely eradicate mold, there are many ways to discourage mold growth and significantly reduce the risk of the fungus coming back. SERVPRO technicians set up containment around affected areas and use negative air machines to draw out the contaminated air and prevent spores spreading throughout your home. Next, we clean all visible mold growth. Finally, we work on reducing moisture so the fungus is starved of the moisture it needs, and thus cannot regrow.
 
For help tackling fungi in Tomah, Castle Pines, Perry Park, Westcreek and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker at (720) 842-1950 today.

For more information regarding Castle Rock, click here

Make The Most Of Professional Mold Damage Remediation In Parker

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Breeds in Parker Mudrooms Not Properly Dried--SERVPRO Tip

SERVPRO Tips to Keep Mold Out of Your Parker Mudroom and More

Mold growth in your home really gets your attention. You worry about what it means for the health of your family. You find it hard not to feel like a bad housekeeper, frustrating if you clean regularly. You stress over how to get rid of it but are fearful of touching it or breathing near it. Although all of the above reactions are understandable, a more constructive response is to contact us to schedule an evaluation with our mold remediation team.
 
The smell was the first hint you had mold damage in your Parker home. Nothing rids the mud room area of your house of the stink for long. Cleaning, throwing away old boots and shoes, and air fresheners made no lasting dent in the smell. A family friend recommended you give us a call, and we got right to work solving the odor mystery.
 
Mold needs only a few things to begin growing, multiplying quickly from a minor annoyance to become a real problem. Spores are always present indoors and out, but cause damage only when water activates their growth. The microbial colony that results requires nourishment from an organic source, usually some form of cellulose. This can be the surface it lies on, such as wood, drywall or paper. Non-organic surfaces like tile often feed mold with even tiny bits of carbon-based materials, like soap scum, food particles, or skin cells.
 
SERVPRO mold remediation specialists also advise that no reputable removal company guarantees that their services render your home mold free. Instead, we carefully follow EPA protocols to manage the current mold growth. You show us the visible mold, or we investigate a smell or staining. Mold in a space like your mudroom is likely behind a cabinet or between walls, a place where damp footwear and coats-moistened building materials that sheltered the mold growth out of sight. Moisture meters help us find the wet spots, and discovery of the fungus follows.
 
Once we locate the mold, we contain it, remove it, and sanitize the area. SERVPRO mold remediation teams then evaluate how moisture started the lifecycle and eliminate the source. Spacing freestanding storage units away from the wall or using a fan or dehumidifier to reduce the humidity helps. Draining boot and shoe storage trays and hanging up wet coats, winter parkas, and rain gear to dry are good ideas, as well. Understanding that mold grows within 24 to 48 hours of water infiltration explains how wet, muddy outerwear tossed in a corner for just a day or two creates the perfect environment for a mold outbreak.
 
SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker has answers for your mold questions. Call us at (720) 842-1950 to start mold remediation rolling.

More info on this city here.

Leave the Mold Remediation to Us

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

A close up photo of microbial growth.

Finding mold in your home can be anywhere from an annoyance to a scary occurrence. People react differently, but one thing is for certain: most everyone wants to get rid of it. We've heard all sorts of do-it-yourself methods, such as painting over it, spraying bleach on it, or even removing the material if possible (ex: drywall or baseboard). The truth is that anytime it comes to dealing with mold remediation, you should always hire a professional and here's why: mold spores. Anytime you disturb any material containing mold, you could be releasing spores into the air. Our technicians are trained with special techniques to contain any spores that may be exposed in the air. They can also make sure that all mold spores are safely removed from the area and not spread to other areas in the home. When it comes to the air quality in your home, don't take any chances. Call the professionals at SERVPRO. 

Mold Remediation: Why Can't I Just Use Bleach?

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Contrary to popular belief, bleach does not kill mold at the source.

We receive this question many times from a concerned caller: "Can I just spray bleach on it?" 

Using bleach to take care of mold was once recommended by agencies such as OSHA and the EPA. However, they have since been revised after research revealed that the "do-all, be-all cure" for killing microbial growth, actually had the opposite effect. First, let us take a look at how mold forms to understand why using bleach is not effective. 

Mold needs water, food and typically a warm temperature to grow. This illustrates the first reason to call SERVPRO: If mold is growing, chances are that the materials are wet. There has likely been a water loss of some sort, and until it is properly dried, mold will continue to grow. 

The chlorine in bleach, due to its ionic composition, cannot penetrate porous surfaces. Porous surfaces include materials such as drywall, ceilings, wood, carpet and many others. Spraying bleach on the mold will only kill it on the surface. Many people do not know that mold actually has roots called hyphae. These roots will still remain in the porous material and eventually rise to the surface again. Remember that bleach contains both chlorine and water. The chlorine cannot make it below the surface - but the water can. Thus, you are actually replenishing the mold with one of the key things it needs to grow - water! Secondly, it will "bleach" the color, making it appear that the mold is gone. Again, this is only on the surface. 

At SERVPRO Castle Rock/Parker we use specialized products, designed to travel deep into porous surfaces to remove mold at its roots. Sometimes we cannot remove the mold from the material and the material must be completely removed from the home for the safety of you and your family. Our technicians are trained to differentiate between what can be safely cleaned and what cannot. In addition, live mold releases spores into the air. The air in your home may need to be treated with specialty equipment to make sure that all spores are removed. 

Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

A local home was affected by severe mold damage while the homeowner was out of town for several months.

At SERVPRO Castle Rock/Parker, we receive many calls for water damage and mold remediation while a homeowner is traveling out of town. With the holiday season approaching, it is important to always have a family member, friend, neighbor or house-sitter check on your home every day if you are traveling. Many things can happen while a home is unoccupied. Some of the losses we have responded to include: 

• Pipe Bursts due to freezing temperatures
• Refrigerator and freezer line breaks
• Ice Maker Malfunctions causing water damage
• Sprinkler line bursts
• Toilets continuously running and causing overflow
• Hot water heater rupture causing extensive mold damage by steaming the home

Some homeowners only have their home checked every few days while they are out of town. We cannot stress the importance of this being a daily task. Even a few hours can make all the difference when restoring a water loss. 

Enjoy the holiday season and remember that SERVPRO Castle Rock/Parker is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with the unexpected!

Mold Prevention During the Winter Months

11/4/2016 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician works to safely remove mold in a Littleton home.

Source: http://www.polygongroup.com/en-US/blog/mold-prevention-winter/

The wet season in the winter months is one of the best times of year for molds to grow and expand. Often mold is contained near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives.

Mold spores are microscopic and are naturally found in the air we breathe indoors and outdoors. When large amounts of spores grow, one’s health may be compromised. Mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the area just cleaned and the dry spores can be released into the air. Mold remediation services can help eliminate the mold in your home and personal items affected by water damage.

Prevention, however, is what will help keep your lungs healthy and homes and buildings strong. We’ve put together a few tips on how you can help thwart mold from infesting your home that are efficient and realistic:

General Home and Building Maintenance:

• Keep all areas clean.
• Make sure there is good air circulation. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when showering, cooking, and washing the dishes.
• Prevent mold and water damage by turning off the water flow to broken appliances and pipes.
• Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. If you find your basement is wet or has water leaking into it, inspect the outside drainage systems.
• Spread moisture-barrier materials in crawl spaces over the soil. Heavy roofing paper or plastic film made of polyethylene can be used for this. Make sure there is good ventilation in the crawl space and, if possible, do not enclose it. One may need to use a fan to blow out humid air from under the building.
• One can get rid of humidity or dampness within a building by heating it for a short time. After heating, open up the doors and windows, or use an exhaust fan, to let out the air that is moist.
• Hire a professional roofing contractor to cover a damaged roof with a tarp or tent. This will help protect the building from the elements.
• If there are freezing temperatures, take measures to insulate pipes inside and out to ensure they will not crack and/or burst.
• Make sure all the seals on the windows and doors are not compromised and in good-working condition.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground around your building slopes away from the foundation so water does not collect around or enter in to it.
• Act quickly if you see condensation on windows, pipes, or walls inside a building. Dry out the area and determine if the source of the condensation is from a leak or the result of high humidity.

After a Flood or Heavy Rains:

• Work fast. Call in a mold remediation service, which will help in the cleaning and disinfecting of your home from toxins and spores mold can release.
• Lower the humidity and temperature in the building: molds do not like these conditions. Open up windows if the air outside is less humid than the air inside. Otherwise, turn on an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.
• Dispose of moldy items in a sealed bag. Objects that can be saved should be frozen (which deactivates mold) or dried out. Mold remediation services can assist with restoring many of your items, including documents, pictures, and books.
• Make sure there is good ventilation within the building affected. Use a fan, if necessary, to promote good air circulation.
• Remove as much standing water in a building as quickly and safely as possible after disconnecting all electronic equipment inside the building.
• The two key things to remember in mold prevention are: 1. Keep everything clean, and 2. Keep everything dry. Many simple steps can be taken to prevent mold damage as well as water damage during the winter months. However, keep the number for a mold remediation service handy should you require their services. These professionals can efficiently and quickly ensure your home is safe, dry, and mold-free.