Poorly Ventilated Attics Encourage Mold Growth

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

The main cause of attic mold is improper ventilation. In cold climates, when homeowners heat their homes in winter, hot air usually escapes through the attic.

This occurs efficiently in attics with proper ventilation, but attic mold can occur if the hot air meets the cold surface of the attic roof and creates condensation.

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 Champaign/Urbana 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 Champaign/Urbana 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 re-mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If you see signs of mold call SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana anytime at (217)355-0077!

(SB)

4 Ways To Prevent Mold in Your Vacant Rental Property

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

During summer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for mold.

In an ideal world, your rental property always has tenants. In the real world, especially in a university town such as Champaign-Urbana, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes a property will remain vacant for weeks or even months, and an empty property is at risk for developing mold growth. In general, this fungus is relatively harmless unless it grows indoors where it creates an unpleasant environment. Follow these mold prevention tips now so that you don’t end up paying more for a mitigation specialist in Champaign-Urbana to perform a cleanup later.

1. Turn off the water and drain the lines.

If you expect a property to be vacant for any length of time, turn off your water using the main shut-off valve and open all the taps to allow water to drain out of the plumbing lines. Especially in the winter months when pipes can freeze and burst, turning off the water eliminates the possibility of plumbing leaks that can cause water damage. Preventing moisture from collecting anywhere is the number one key to mold prevention. 

2. Do repairs first.

Before you close the property, have your contractor check for roof and outer wall leaks, clean the gutters and make sure your sump pump is in good condition. Minor repairs can turn into expensive problems later if rainwater is leaking into your building and creating the moist conditions that mold loves. 

3. Leave the heat on low...

You may want to save money by shutting off utilities while the building is vacant. However, the money you may save pales in comparison to the cost of paying a mold mitigation specialist in Champaign-Urbana, to restore your property. During cool weather, keeping the heat on low keeps the house from becoming too damp and encouraging mold spores to settle and grow. 

4. ... or leave the A/C running.

During summer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for mold. However, keeping the air conditioner running pulls moisture from the air, keeping your property’s environment cool and dry. When new tenants arrive, there won’t be any musty odors or mold problems to contend with.

For more information, call SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana, (217)355-0077.  [JB]

3 Important Facts About Black Mold.

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

While some types of mold that exist in your Champaign/Urbana home can be simple to clean up, others can even be dangerous. Of all mold types, black mold, can be the most difficult to eliminate. If you find this fungus growing in your home, it can be important to learn about the possible reasons for its presence and what you can do to remove it. 

1. It Is Not a Surface Fungus 

Unlike other types of fungi, such as mildew, black mold cannot be wiped away easily with a rag and a household cleanser. This is due to the way it grows, as it sinks roots deep into building surfaces like wood and drywall. This makes mold cleanup difficult, especially if the fungus has been present for some time. 

2. It Can Appear Less Than 24 Hours After a Flood 

Black mold can grow rapidly after the introduction of moisture and humidity. For example, if a weather event caused your home to flood, the dirty water can encourage mold growth almost right away. As a result, walls, floors and carpeting may start to show signs of this type of mold as early as that same day. You can identify it by its slimy dark surface, which differs from the type of dry, fuzzy mold you might find on old food. 

3. Professional Removal Might Be Required 

If you are experiencing a widespread infestation of black mold, then it is a good idea to call a mold remediation and removal service such as SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana for help. Not only can professional technicians properly identify the fungus, they can also give you options for removal and the restoration of building surfaces that have been affected. This may give you greater peace of mind that your home can be returned to normal. 

When black mold invades, it can be stressful for you as a Champaign/Urbana homeowner. Knowing as much as possible about this fungus can help you better understand your options when it comes to the cleanup process. If you feel like you have any mold problems call SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana at (217) 355-0077.

(SB)

Water Leaks Can Cause Mold Damage

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana to help you through the process of re-mediating mold.

Water Leaks Can Cause Mold 

A leaky faucet in your home can be very annoying, but it has the potential to be much more than an annoyance. The moisture caused by leaks can make your home into the perfect environment for spring mold growth. Mold spores may cause health effects and can grow rapidly if you fail to notice a leak shortly after it starts, especially in humid climates. Knowing the risks that mold presents and quickly fixing your water leaks can help to protect your home from mold growth. 

About Mold Growth

Mold growth will begin in areas of your home that are wet. The mold spores will land on moist surfaces and then start to germinate. The materials on which mold can grow include:
• Sheetrock
• Tile
• Painted surfaces
• Carpet
• Wood

Indications of Mold Growth Due to Water Leaks

If you see black and white spots in the area of the leak, this is a sign that you have mold. Kitchens and basements are some of the areas in your home where there is a high risk of mold growth as these areas are prone to leaks. It is therefore important that you properly maintain your plumbing fixtures.

Preventing Mold Growth after Fixing Leaks

If you discover a water leak, have it fixed as soon as possible to minimize the potential for mold growth. After the leak has been fixed, use a mild detergent to wash the area and then allow it to dry completely. After it has dried, thoroughly wipe the area with bleach to kill any spores present. Boric acid is also effective at killing mold spores and can be used as a substitute for bleach. Be sure to keep kids and pets out of the area while handling chemicals.

Get Professional Assistance

If there is a part of your home that is prone to water leaks, contact a plumber. If there are hidden problems that are causing leaks to recur, you may not be able to find them yourself. A licensed plumber who is experienced at finding and fixing leaks will be better able to find and fix the issues. Your plumber will also be able to advise you on how to maintain your plumbing to prevent water leaks and mold growth in the future.

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all molds from a home or business. 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.

Call SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana today to schedule a mold estimate. You can reach us 24/7 at (217) 355-0077. (LB)

Preventing Mold Growth

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Keep the humidity between 30 to 60 percent. 

Provide for proper drainage away from building foundations.

Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.

Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.

Respond to all water intrusions immediately.

Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.

Contact SERVPRO® of Champaign/Urbana for assistance after a water damage or if you discover mold. (JB)

Mold Damage Is Not Enough To Bring Down Your Champaign/Urbana Based Business!

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Trained SERVPRO Professionals Quickly Remediate a Mold Infestation at Your Place of Business

Prolonged exposure to mold damage may lead to health effects, and that is not good for your employees as a business owner. There are specific guidelines that you need to follow during such incidents for successful remediation so that your Champaign/Urbana business is back to its magnificent days. The timing of the restoration process is so vital to stand a better chance of rescuing most of your items. 
 
The primary cause of commercial mold in Champaign/Urbana is the presence of oxygen and moisture. If you fail to address the accumulation of moisture in your building, there are chances of seeing mold growing on carpets, papers, insulation, and wood. Controlling moisture levels on your property is the key to preventing this form of damage, and that is what our SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana team helps you to achieve. We achieve that through dehumidification and setting up space heaters. 
 
Planning the remediation before the work starts is the first thing that our SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana team does when working for you. During the planning stage, we assess the extent of the damage and look at the various areas and materials with the mold infestation. Our highest priority is to work towards protecting the safety and health of the occupants. 
 
If we notice that the HVAC system has some contamination, we discourage its use to prevent spreading the spores. We then clean it with antimicrobial detergents to avoid possible mold growth. In some cases, it might be hard to locate the mold when it grows on hidden surfaces. Such places include the underside of the pads and carpets, the back side of wallpaper, drywall or behind furniture. Our SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana technicians are careful when dealing with such situations since removing that wallpaper or carpet might lead to the spread of spores to clean areas. 
 
At SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster! Call us at (217) 355-0077 anytime.

Mold Remediation vs Mold Removal

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

Many people believe that mold remediation and mold removal mean the same thing however, they are different. Mold remediation is the removal and treatment of the mold, so mold does not regrow in the area. Mold removal is just the removal of mold. Mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours once water gets into your property. Mold spores flourish wherever there is moisture. These spores can rapidly grow into colonies when exposed to water. Sources of moisture or water must therefore be addressed before mold remediation can start, or else the mold may return. Mold remediation is something that SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana are specialists in. When SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana goes out to a mold job, we want to make sure that the entire mold is removed and treated properly so it doesn't come back. If you think that you have a mold problem call SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana at (217) 355-0077 at any time.