How to Tell if Mold is Growing

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

It's best to pay attention to the warning signs of mold.

Mold can be hard to detect and dangerous if left untouched. There are a few signs that there could be mold on your property. 

• Peeling Wallpaper: bubbling or cracking paint or wallpaper usually means there is moisture in the wall. 

• Water Spots: Along with the peeling wallpaper, mold can cause brown discolored spots on your walls

• Musty Odor: You’ll start to smell an old or musty smell in the affected room.

• Allergies: Sometimes if there is mold in your walls, you will develop symptoms of allergies or a cold such as:

• Sore throat
• Coughing and sneezing
• Skin irritation

Mold grows in damp areas so it's best to pay attention to any abnormalities in your paint or wallpaper. If you discover any of these signs, call SERVPRO to do a free inspection. We will help you come up with the best course of action to get your property back to its original state.

How to avoid Mold in your home or business

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Visible mold usually goes in hand with moisture, as you can see the high levels of moisture being picked up from our meter.

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 Hacienda Heights/Rowland Heights 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 (626) 964-7700

Mold in your home?

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in your home

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 – SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights/Rowland Heights 626-964-7700

How to prevent mold

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Mold

Mold can grow almost anywhere, and your home is no exception. Here a few simple tips to help protect your home and stop mold growth before it starts.

• Monitor humidity indoors: The EPA recommends between 30-60% humidity indoors to bring the chances of mold growth to a minimum. 
• Direct water away from the house: The ground around the home should be sloped away from the house to prevent water from leaking in. 
• Improve air flow inside: A fan of air condition can help keep the air circulating, reducing the chance of high humidity and lowers temperatures.
• Fix leaks: Regularly check on plumbing and appliances to insure there are no leaks undetected. Also check roof and gutters to make sure they are not leaking as well. 

If you do find yourself with a mold problem, SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights/Rowland Heights can clean up and repair your home with ease. For more information or if you discover mold, contact us at (626) 964-7700

How to Prevent Mold From Coming into Your Home

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights/Rowland Heights get rid of your mold!

Mold grows in moisture

It's important to remember that mold grows in moisture. Make sure to identify problem areas in your home immediately and correct them. It's impossible to mold proof a home. However, it's possible to make it mold-resistant. Is there standing water? Was there a recent flood? Any persisting leaks? 

Make sure to dry up wet areas as soon as you notice them. Mold cannot grow without moisture. If you notice a wet area, dry it right away. Do not leave wet items laying around the house. Make sure the shower floors and walls are dry after a shower or bath. Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long can create mold to spread quickly. It's better to hang them to dry where there is good air circulation. 

Prevent water damage when you are on vacation

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth from water damage that occurred when occupant was on vacation.

Coming home from your summer vacation to find your house flooded from top to bottom? Is something that is common in the summertime.

SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights receives many of these losses, including this home that suffered a water loss in Chino Hills, CA. At the beginning of August the homeowner came back from her 2 week vacation to find her kitchen, living room, family room, and bathroom submerged in 2 inches of water. SERVPRO quickly responded and started mitigating the damages, but since the home was vacant for a long period of time, mold grew throughout the affected areas. This caused a longer mitigation period and a more stressful situation for the homeowner.

How do you prevent this from happening to your home? 

1. Turn off the main water line before you leave your home for an extended period of time.
2. Check for loose pipes, faucets and supply lines and check for signs of leakage.
3. Have a trusted friend or relative come by your home periodically to make sure everything is normal.

Contact SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights for all your cleaning and restoration needs! (626) 964-7700.

Humidity in the Home Can Lead To the Risk of Mold Infestations

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

Consistent use of your shower, as well as cooking and cleaning appliances can cause mold to spread throughout your property. There are several ways for this type of infestation to run rampant in your home, but what is it, and how can you help decrease exposure? 

If you suspect that your home has mold damage, you should locate a certified professional to assist with the repairs and cleaning before things get out of hand. SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights is more aware of molds and fungi, it is our responsibility to understand them, find out why they exist and get the proper help to control the spread in any home. 

• We experience new species regularly: No one knows how many types there are, yet. Molds exist both indoors and outdoors, within our environment, in the air that we breathe, the food and water that we consume, everywhere around us. We also know that various types of airborne molds and spores may cause health effects in certain people if exposed to the right quantity.
• We have also learned that mold and fungus can grow at the highest rate when inside of warm, damp, humid environments, and spread quickly through the reproduction of microscopic spores. They can even survive harsh dry or cold environments that limit or completely stop normal mold growth, mainly waiting for the right conditions to exist. 
• Mold growth inside of your home is controllable: It is when things get out of control that you need professional help from a company like SERVPRO. We can help you learn how to control your humidity levels inside and properly ventilate your showers and cooking areas to prevent growth from forming.

SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights technicians can also help you learn which products to use for cleaning smaller contaminated areas. However, when the area exceeds 10 square feet, professional assistance may be necessary to clean the area and mitigate damages properly. It is unlikely that you have the experience or equipment needed to handle a job larger size and most homeowner’s find that they make the problem bigger by attempting to do it themselves. We suggest leaving grappling with mold in the hands of the professionals. 

Mold Safety Tips

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

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 throughout your home. 

Do:

1. Stay out of affected areas.
2. Turn off HVAC systems and fans.
3. Contact SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights for mold remediation services.

Don't:

1. Don't touch or disturb the mold. 
2. Don't blow air across any surfaces with visible mold growth. 
3. Don't attempt to dry the area yourself
4. Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights 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.

Do you have a Leak in Your Home?

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

A Water Leak 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 perfect environment for mold growth in spring. 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 for 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.

If you see mold and are concerned call The SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights Professionals (909) 598-8400.

Mold and You?

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

It doesn’t matter where you go; there is most likely going to be some form of mold there. Mold can exist in the air or on surfaces due to there being excessive moisture.

Your Health

For people who are sensitive to mold, it can cause:

• Nasal Stuffiness
• Throat Irritation
• Coughing or Wheezing 
• Eye Irritation
• Skin Irritation

People with mold allergies or immune-compromised people, can avoid this by taking extra steps.

Controlling Mold 

In your home, you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling Humidity Levels
• Quickly Fixing Leaky Roofs and Pipes
• Thoroughly Cleaning and Drying After Flooding
• Ventilating Laundry, Cooking, and Storage Areas.

Worried about mold? You can Contact us SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights & Rowland Heights (626)-964-7700, For an inspection of suspect growth!

Is Mold Dangerous?

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

What is the usual cause of mold?

Water damage is a common cause of mold formation in a home or business. Since mold spores are everywhere, mold can begin forming within 48 hours if the conditions are right. Mold only needs moisture, warmth and a porous surface in order to thrive. If a leak is found and stopped quickly enough, the mold may not have enough time to develop. In most water damage situations where the leak has been ongoing for a long period of time, the infestation of mold becomes clear: damaged drywall or carpet will be lined with dark patches that are easily visible to the naked eye.

What If Mold Goes Unseen for years?

Sometimes, the leaks are out of sight and the mold is allowed to grow and breed for months or years. This leads to people living in a home where there is mold growing inside of a wall or in their attic without knowing. Fortunately, the health hazards associated with mold are overstated.

It is generally believed that mold is extremely toxic and can cause serious illness to those exposed to it. However, mold is everywhere; depending on where someone lives, there can be dozens of different types of mold spores floating in the air. Out of the thousands if different types of classified molds, only a few dozen are actually harmful to humans.  Most likely, the mold found in homes is non-toxic. As long as no one in the household has serious allergies, it is possible for people to live in a home with mold for a long time.

Despite posing no significant health hazards, mold can still cause other problems. Mold growing on drywall or wood can significantly weaken the structural integrity of a wall or beams, which can lead to much costly repairs if a wall should collapse. Slime mold is also capable of causing problems by clogging pipes if they are not cleaned and sanitized, which in turn can lead to the average water damage scenario. Typically, homeowner's insurance will not cover the damage because long-term mold damage often falls under gradual damage that is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix as part of their regular home maintenance and upkeep. While companies that offer specific mold insurance developed to cover the gaps where homeowner's insurance does not, they are often expensive. The initial upfront cost might not be less than simply hiring a remediation company.   

Fortunately, with proper maintenance, mold is typically not a recurring problem. Proper maintenance and ventilation will prevent future infestations.

Mold?

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those bacteria's that can be all around us looking for a nice place to settle and grow. Houses are warm and are usually made with wood and paper, all the things that mold spores are seeking. Introduce some water and we have the third element which is now leads to growth. 

Kitchens are notorious for leaks and things that happen involving water. The cabinets keep these things hidden. When was the last time you moved all those bags, cleaners and other stuff that lies under your kitchen sink to look for leaks and mold growth? we don't and by the time we find it, it's too late.

This is sometimes a case of a leak in the drain coming from the upstairs behind the dishwasher. Never was this noticed until water became visible, which by then was too late. When we side behind the cabinets. None of this was able to be seen.

SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights are here to help and is just a call away! (909) 598-8400.

Our SERVPRO team is trained to assess and then remediate your Mold Damage

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

In any presence of water damage, mold growth or must odors needs to be addressed right away. In all cases, any source of water has to be found and corrected, and the extent of water damage and mold growth figured out. Materials that are water damaged should be taken out of the home or cleaned and dried.

Trained professionals, like our SERVPRO staff, should be hired to take care of any mold damage in Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights. They can develop a site-specific plan and assess the extent of your moisture problem. Whoever you hire, they should be following all EPA guidelines and health regulations to keep them and your family safe during the entire process.

1. Visual Inspection: This is the most important step in finding a possible mold problem and planning out remediation strategies. The extent of any mold growth and water damage should be assessed visually and the affected materials in your home identified. This visual inspection should include observations of hidden areas where damage might be found, like attics, crawl spaces and behind drywall. Carpet padding and backing, moldings, wallpaper, insulation and other materials that could be harbingers of mold growth should be assessed as well. Our SERVPRO technicians use personal protective gear like respiratory protection and gloves, in efforts to lower the generation and mitigation of any mold and dust.
2. Remediation: The goal here is to clean or remove any materials that are damaged by mold using work practices which protect you and your family by controlling the spread of mold from the work area and also to protect workers doing the remediation. The known remediation methods were made to achieve this goal, but they are not meant to exclude other methods which could be effective and aren't a substitute for a worm plan that is site-specific. 

Mold Safety Tips

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

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 throughout your home. 

Do:

1. Stay out of affected areas
2. Turn off the HVAC systems and fans
3. Contact SERVPRO of Walnut for mold remediation services.

Don't:

1. Don't touch or disturb the mold
2. Don't blow air across any surfaces with visible mold growth
3. Don't attempt to dry the area yourself
4. Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Our Mold Remediation Services 

SERVPRO of Walnut 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. 

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a residence or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to it's natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise "Mold Removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.

Considering the facts on Mold:

1. Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.


2. 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 pet.


3. Mold spores thrive on moisture, Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.


4. Before Mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture mus be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.


5. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.


6. Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If there is a suspected old problem in your home or business, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If there is signs of mold please call SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights (626) 964-7700.

The Process of Mold Remediation

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our "typical" process:

    1. Emergency Contact (909) 598-8400

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

     2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can  be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

     3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans, Heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

     4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilized powerful "air scrubbers" and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

     5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces which the mold appears. We'll use anti fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. it may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to re-mediate heavy mold growth. 

     6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other re-storable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We're also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

     7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, sub floors and other building materials may have been removed. restoration may involve minor repairs. such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; ir it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal. 

The Possible Presence of Mold

10/28/2016 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere from the indoors to the 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 on a pet.

- Mold spores thrive on moisture, mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.

- 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 to possible mold problem areas.

- Even Higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth, keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If you feel that there is mold present in your home call SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights (626) 964-7700.

A lesson on Mold from the IICRC

12/30/2014 (Permalink)

A vacant home in La Puente, CA affected by mold.

Mold becomes a problem inside a home or business when there's excessive humidity or moisture for an extended period of time. The problem can originate from sudden water releases, like a burst pipe or large spill that goes untreated, or from a chronic condition, such as a leaking roof or plumbing. Even high humidity or warm, moist air condensing on cool surfaces can trigger mold problems. It's always best to have the mold evaluated and removed by a certified professional.

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing on the wall's opposite side. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. If the wall remains wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the backside will be worse than on the front. At that point, containing the workspace and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

http://www.iicrc.org/

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.