Recent Mold Remediation Posts

What about Mold?

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Morton Grove/East Niles reflects the reputable restoration industry’s best practices. Mold spores can never be eliminated, and any company that promises to achieve zero mold spore levels is suspect. Our goal is to remove current mold infestations, use appropriate products to minimize the return of mold colonies and work with our customers to find the sources of moisture responsible for mold growth and arrange for necessary repairs.

SERVPRO of Morton Grove/East Niles crews use a protocol developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to locate, contain, and remove mold and materials it infiltrated. The workspace is partitioned off with durable barriers to prevent the spread of moldy material. We create a seal using negative pressure air scrubbing technology, venting the contaminated atmosphere in the moldy space through filters and then to the outside. Remediators wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety and to avoid tracking moldy residues through your home.

Mold responds well to mechanical removal -- scrapers and brushes. We vacuum after removal to get all particles using HEPA-filtered machines. Porous material can regain functionality after innovative techniques like soda blasting that deactivates and removes hyphae from structural components. After the visible is cleared EPA-registered antimicrobials treat surfaces. Antimicrobial paint-like sealants also might be appropriate to prepare surfaces for restoration.

Give us a call at 847-983-4468 to let us help you with your mold needs!

When to Get Help with Removing Mold

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in damp, humid environments. Mold spores are everywhere – in the air, on surfaces, and in the dust. When these spores come into contact with moisture, they can start to grow and multiply. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and dark places. It can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or any other area of the home that doesn’t have good ventilation.

While mold is necessary for the breakdown of organic matter, some types of mold can cause serious health problems for humans. Mold can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. It can also cause skin irritation and rashes. In people with allergies, mold can trigger a severe allergic reaction. In people with weakened immune systems, mold can cause serious infections. If you think you have mold in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to remove it.

The first step is to identify the source. Mold can grow on many different surfaces, including paper, wood, carpet, and cloth. Check for visible signs of mold growth. Look for discoloration or staining on walls, ceilings, or floors. If you see mold growth, you should also look for any damp or water-damaged areas in your home. These areas may be the source of the problem. Check for leaks in plumbing fixtures or appliances. Look for condensation on windows or in other cold spots.

Once you’ve identified the source of the mold, you’ll need to decide how to remove it. You can use commercial cleaning products, bleach, or vinegar. However, it’s important to note that none of these methods will completely kill mold spores. As such, it’s important to take precautions to prevent mold from returning.

One of the best ways to remove mold is to use a mixture of water and bleach. This solution will kill most types of mold and spores. However, it’s important to use caution when using bleach as it can be harmful to your skin and eyes. If you’re not comfortable using bleach, you can also use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill most types of mold.

Once you’ve removed the mold from your home, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from returning. One way to do this is to make sure that your home is well-ventilated. This will help to reduce the humidity in your home, which is one of the key conditions that mold needs to grow. Additionally, you should regularly clean all surfaces in your home with a solution of water and bleach.

If you have mold in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to remove it. As a matter of fact, mold can be dangerous to your health, so it’s important to remove it as soon as you see it. Although there are many do-it-yourself mold removal products on the market, we recommend that you leave this job to the professionals. Our team of experts has the experience and training necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your home.

What to do about mold?

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Morton Grove/East Niles reflects the reputable restoration industry’s best practices. Mold spores can never be eliminated, and any company that promises to achieve zero mold spore levels is suspect. Our goal is to remove current mold infestations, use appropriate products to minimize the return of mold colonies and work with our customers to find the sources of moisture responsible for mold growth and arrange for necessary repairs.

SERVPRO of Morton Grove/East Niles crews use a protocol developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to locate, contain, and remove mold and materials it infiltrated. The workspace is partitioned off with durable barriers to prevent the spread of moldy material. We create a seal using negative pressure air scrubbing technology, venting the contaminated atmosphere in the moldy space through filters and then to the outside. Remediators wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety and to avoid tracking moldy residues through your home.

Mold responds well to mechanical removal -- scrapers and brushes. We vacuum after removal to get all particles using HEPA-filtered machines. Porous material can regain functionality after innovative techniques like soda blasting that deactivates and removes hyphae from structural components. After the visible is cleared EPA-registered antimicrobials treat surfaces. Antimicrobial paint-like sealants also might be appropriate to prepare surfaces for restoration.

Give us a call at 847-983-4468 to let us help you with your mold needs!

10 Tips to Prevent Mold

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

The following 10 tips are EPA approved and can help you prevent any mold contamination before the spores even think to settle and spread through your home!

1] As soon as a liquid is spilled, no matter the surface, make sure to clean up immediately. Mold most likely will not grow within the first 24-48 hours if moisture is removed.

2] Surround pipes and other cold surfaces with insulation.

3] When looking for a home or to build one, make sure the ground slopes away from the base house to avoid moisture collecting at the foundation.

4] Make sure air conditioning drains are kept clean and flowing properly.

5]
 Keep humidity levels in homes below 60%, preferably between 30% and 50%.

6] Store appliances like stoves and dryers outside where they get plenty of airflow, and vent moisture from collecting inside.

7]
 Be watching for moisture collection. This includes on appliances, windows or any furniture piece.

8]
 Periodically open doors and windows to increase airflow through your home.

9] When showering or bathing be sure to open a window or turn a bathroom fan on.

10]
 Clean and repair roof gutters as often as possible.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –847-983-4468

“Mold Removal” vs. Remediation

7/17/2018 (Permalink)

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

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. The professionals at SERVPRO of Morton Grove/East Niles have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

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

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact 847-983-4468
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Step 3: Mold Containment
  • Step 4: Air Filtration
  • Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Step 7: Restoration

Signs of Mold? Call Today 847-983-4468

Morton Grove & East Niles Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

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

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 inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Morton Grove / East Niles for mold 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 Morton Grove / East Niles 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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (847) 983-4468

Morton Grove & East Niles Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

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

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 inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Morton Grove / East Niles for mold 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 Morton Grove / East Niles 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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (847) 983-4468

Conditions In Morton Grove & East Niles Might Be Right For Mold

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Morton Grove / East Niles knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

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 Morton Grove / East Niles 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 at (847) 983-4468

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Morton Grove / East Niles for mold remediation services.

Does Your Morton Grove or East Niles Home Have A Mold Problem?

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

In Morton Grove & East Niles, 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 – (847) 983-4468