Mold Cleanup Steps

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup can be a complicated process. If you have house mold in Simi Valley, CA, you will likely need to enlist the help of mold remediation specialists. If your problem covers a space smaller than 10 square feet, however, you may be able to address it yourself. To do so, you will still need to follow certain steps. If at any point in the process you discover that the problem is bigger than you can resolve, contact the professionals immediately.

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Before experts start a mold remediation job, they will don several items:

• Protective coveralls
• Goggles
• Face mask with ventilator
• Gloves
• Rubber boots
  
  

If you are going to take on a cleanup job yourself, you must also wear protective gear. Try to avoid direct contact with the mold growth.

2. Use Detergent to Scrub

Getting rid of mold requires some elbow grease. Most surfaces can be cleaned with detergent, water and a scrub brush. If an item cannot be scrubbed or if you don’t know how to clean it, leave it to the professionals.

3. Dry Area Completely

It doesn't do any good to get rid of house mold if you leave the moisture that attracted it behind. After the surface is clean, make sure it is also completely dry.

Understanding Mold Growth in Commercial Property

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Understanding mold in your commercial property is key

Upon noticing the smell or sight of black mold in your Simi Valley,CA business, you probably wonder what caused it to appear. Despite so many different varieties, molds have a single process of growing and spreading. Knowledge of how and why these fungi infest businesses teaches how to prevent them from taking over yours.

Knowing the Water Where Mold Often Grows

Mold needs time, temperature, food, and moisture to thrive. A moisture problem is often the cause of mold growth. Water that gets into building materials, utilities or flooring comes from plenty of sources:

• Burst or leaking pipe
• Flooding from nearby overflowing bodies of water
• Humid weather
• Broken supply line
• Defective sprinkler systems
• Clogged gutter drainage systems
• Defective HVAC systems accumulating condensation

Once identified, any broken utility or component should be fixed by an appropriate professional. This prevents additional water damage and the mold that comes with it.

Preventing Spores From Finding Ideal Conditions

Microscopic spores float through the air looking for a suitable place to settle. Even if the spores are floating in the air of a room, no mold species will grow without a place to settle that has food and water. The parasitic nature of black mold and other organisms means that they can be stopped from being a problem by denying environments they desire.

Treating the Mold That Grows

Proactive water cleanup can prevent the need for mold cleanup. Fixing any existing water damage stops the airborne mold from ever finding a place to survive inside your property.

Contacting a professional water cleanup crew with mold expertise is advised to make sure any water is completely removed with the power of their industrial-grade tools. Additionally, experts can find mold and water hiding in unnoticeable locations that most people miss. This prevents mold from quickly recolonizing.

Getting a Hold on Mold

Black mold may seem daunting at first, but prevention can make it seem like a nonissue. Even if mold does take advantage of a water accident at your property, there are ways to remove it without much hassle.

Which Types of Mold Grow in Houses?

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

There are many different types and subspecies of mold that may grow in a house. If you have found mold in your home or smell an odor that leads you to suspect the presence of hidden mold, you should contact a certified service that provides testing, clean-up, and restoration services. Skilled professionals can determine whether mold growth poses a risk to any member of the household and limit your family's exposure. 

• Aspergillus is a common genus of mold found on food such as bread or potatoes and in HVAC systems. This type of mold is highly aerobic and depends on the presence of oxygen in order to thrive.
• Cladosporium is black or green mold growth that often forms on air ducts, toilets, or painted surfaces in high humidity or when excessive moisture is present.
• Black mold is a type of mold that is known to cause problems for residents in homes with substantial growths. The scientific name for black mold is stachybotrys chartarum. This type of mold should be identified and handled only by mold experts. 
• White mold tends to be in the early stages of growth. A reputable service should be able to prevent this type of mold from continuing to grow into mature colonies. White or light grey molds on plants are mildew – a related type of fungus.

These are just a few of the major types of mold growth that you may see in a home in the wake of water damage. You may attempt to identify visible mold in your home, but when it comes to determining the real risk posed by mold and eliminating its presence, you should rely on trained hygienists and remediation experts in Simi Valley, CA. These specialists can provide accurate results with either microscopy or culturing and determine the type or subspecies of mold and the best way to eliminate it from your home.

Simi Valley Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading microbial growth throughout your home.

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

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Simi Valley for microbial growth 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.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Simi Valley specializes in microbial growth 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 microbial growth problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Microbial Growth, Call Us Today – (805)522-2945

Does your Simi Valley Home Have A Mold Problem?

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

In Simi Valley, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 (805)522-2945

Hotel Mold

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Hallway mold from the water damage.

We think it won't happen to the best of us but then it does, mold attacks! Over the last month and a half our Large Loss Response team has worked around the clock to get this hotel back up and running to fill rooms with visitors. It started when they had a massive water damage through out several floors and since it was so big and the conditions were perfect microbial growth began to form on the walls, in the carpet, and other various places. The hotel could not allow guests to stay because microbial growth is not good for respiratory system when exposed to it. All of our supervised technicians wore proper PPE to clean up the water, get rid of the mold, and remediate the damage.

5 of the Most Common Places to Find Microbial Growth

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Hidden mold in kitchen cabinets.

We all know microbial growth in your home is not wanted but do you know where to even begin looking? Mold definitely has it's favorite places to thrive, if you were wondering where they are here are the 5 top places that our technicians have recorded. 

1. Basements and cellars after water damage

2. Kitchen and bathroom sinks

3. Your refrigerator

4. Air conditioning units

5. Water Heaters

Now, mold can grow anywhere that gives it a cozy home such as environments that are moist and cellulose. All homes have the key ingredients to house microbial growth, and if you suspect there is mold in your home you should always call the experts at SERVPRO. We have highly trained technicians that are qualified to deal with any and all mold. 

From Water to Mold Real Quick

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

After ignoring a water damage in their home mold crept into all the walls and covered the floors.

Being in the water and fire restoration field we know that if water damage is not taken seriously or taken care of immediately microbial growth can begin to form and thrive where the water damage once was. At SERVPRO we do our best to educate our property managers, insurance agents and brokers, as well as past clients about the process in which eliminates the most mold causes. As if water damage isn't bad enough most people will tell you that dealing with mold is twice as bad. It is also completely unhealthy to let sit in your home or place of work. SERVPRO of Simi Valley has trained technicians who are knowledgeable in all things dealing with microbial growth and have the client's best intentions in mind.

Mold Remediation FAQ

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be sneaky, this wall of microbial growth was hidden behind a work desk.

What is the difference between mold and mildew?

The difference between mold and mildew is that they are different types of fungi with different colors and textures. Mildew one of the many types of mold that exist but it is more common in a home which is why you may have heard of mildew previously.

Do I need to hire a mold removal expert or can I do it myself?

Mold is very tricky and when trying to attempt to remove mold you can disrupt it and make it worse than previously. When mold remediation is completed it should be set under negative air and contained with containment barriers and commercial grade antimicrobial to prevent the mold from reoccurring.

It is recommended to follow the IICRC mold removal guidelines which the industry uses as a standard to remove mold correctly.

How long does it take for mold to grow after a water damage?

Mold can start to grow in areas damaged by floods in as few as 24 hours, but it can also take weeks to develop. Labs usually let mold grow for between 48 and 72 hours under ideal conditions before testing. Some materials such as carpeting are known for growing mold quickly. For this reason, it’s important to dry out the area and remediate flood damage quickly.

So, What is Microbial Growth? AKA Mold

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Ignoring a water damage may not always lead to mold in your home, but for these homeowners it took over every inch of space.

You may not be able to see or smell it, yet it may be growing in your home and the reason you feel sick.  So, what is mold? Molds are multiple types of fungi that grow in filaments and reproduce by forming tiny spores that sprout and fly away, invisible to the naked eye. Mold grows in damp, warm, and humid locations, inside and outside. Mold can grow in your bathroom, in the showerhead, or in the corner near your shower, especially if the room is not well ventilated. Mold can attach to your shoes, pets, clothes, carpets, furniture, books, and papers. Mold can circulate in your air system. Overall, water-damaged buildings create a complicated mixture of contaminants present in the air and dust, resulting in a toxic chemical stew. Additionally, mold produces toxic chemicals called mycotoxins, present on spores and fragments of mold released into the air. Would you believe that half of buildings in the United States are water damaged, leading to the growth of mold? Which means you should always call SERVPRO if you suspect microbial growth in your home or place of business. We have expert technicians and trained office staff prepared to deal with all mold emergencies.

Microbial Growth Exposure Symptoms

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

Some hidden mold that was giving the homeowners allergy like symptoms but they were convinced there was mold in the house and they were correct.

Most mold symptoms can be confused with allergy symptoms. Some molds produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins, but mold itself is not poisonous or toxic. Common symptoms can include but are not limited to:

• Sneezing.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Cough and postnasal drip.
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
• Watery eyes.
• Dry, scaly skin.

Although bathrooms and basements are typical moist areas prone to mold growth, any moist area in the home can be affected by microbial growth. However this does not exclude other areas such drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, furniture, ductwork, roofing, paneling, wallpaper, under sinks, and the areas around plumbing pipes. 

If you suspect that mold is growing in your home you should always contact a professional. SERVPRO of Simi Valley has trained technicians who will remove any and all mold from your home or place of business. We are the industry leader in mold remediation. 

Mold Remediation

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

After picture of the mold remediation.

Recently, SERVPRO of Simi Valley completely gutted this den of the mold that had taken over every square inch. Mold like this family had needed to be "demoed" out and removed from the home. The husband tried to clean and remove the mold himself but it came back fiercer and all at once, they had but no choice to call out the professionals of SERVPRO. By containing the mold area we were able to prevent other mold spores from travelling to other places in the home and contaminating there as well. Mold can also cause serious health issues, which is why containment is so important and necessary, all mold situations should be treated as an emergency. When demolition was completed SERVPRO completed a final wipe down of everything to prohibit the mold from growing back and allowed the family to open back up the space and continuing living their lives. 

Unwanted Mold

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Setting up containment for mold so it will not disturb other areas of the home.

Mold can be sneaky, and sometimes goes unnoticed much longer than it should and you cannot get rid of it easily. If you think mold is growing in your home trust your nose and your gut, if you start to feel sick you should always call a specialist, precisely SERVPRO of Simi Valley to get the job done quick. All mold needs is food, water and a dark, stagnant environment with steady temperatures that neither freeze nor swelter to grow. By trusting SERVPRO to use high-tech equipment and modern methods to conduct our remediation services you will find that mold has no chance! With mold you want to make sure that it is cleaned up properly and have no lingering microbial growth. Which in turn prohibits any health risks that come with mold. Call SERVPRO of Simi Valley today with any mold requests.

Unexpected Office Mold

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mold may not be the best coworker

This company experienced two water leaks in their roof within a month of each other during a really bad rain season recently. With water damage comes mold, especially in a situation like this where they were hit hard with water in their offices. The mold came quietly and was hard to find, mostly hidden behind cabinets and on the walls behind decorations. It wasn't until our technicians started the water mitigation they realized the bigger problem at hand, mold. SERVPRO of Simi Valley was able to handle the extensive process and remove all the mold that was encasing the office. This before picture shows the mess left behind after all the water damage, we were able to work through the entire process and get the office ready for reconstruction

Tips & Tricks for Mold

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some things you might not have already known about mold:

Molds can be found almost everywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

It’s worth noting that not all mold is harmful. In fact, some types of mold can be quite beneficial.

You cannot completely eliminate mold spores in your home, but you CAN prevent mold growth by controlling humidity, keeping areas free of excess moisture, etc.

Typically the mold we see is not the mold that you want hanging around your home, your workspace, or maybe the schools your children attend. Always take mold seriously if you suspect it and call the professionals at SERVPRO. 

You Can't Run From Mold Forever

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Hidden mold behind cabinets.

No home is mold free forever but you can take precautions. Soap and detergents can remove mold stains but do not actually kill mold, and any mold that is left behind can quickly regrow. The key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth is to control excessive moisture and condensation. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is critical. Most people have no reaction when exposed to molds. Allergic reactions, similar to pollen or animal allergies, and irritation are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. SERVPRO of Simi Valley are the mold and mold removal experts in your area. If you suspect mold in your home or workplace you should never hesitate to call. We want to take on your mold problem!

Who Ya Gonna Call? Mold Busters!

4/20/2017 (Permalink)

Hidden mold under an office desk.

We might look like ghost busters in our tyvek suits and vacuums but I promise we aren't. SERVPRO of Simi Valley are your neighborhood mold experts. Sometimes mold can be hard to detect but if you were to ever suspect it in your home or find mold you should always call a professional to help. Mold is hazardous to your health if left alone and can be a large problem if not attended to. Clients can rely on us to get the mold safely and quickly out of their living spaces and/or place of work. Mold grows in damp and humid places; we mostly see mold after clients had a water loss and decided to dry out their space by themselves. Always call SERVPRO for any mold suspicions and we can make it "Like it never even happened."