How to Discover Mold

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Like it or not, mold is an everyday part of our lives. It’s all around us. 

Mold spores propagate very easily, and wherever there is a source of moisture in a house or commercial building, there is the potential for mold to grow. If left untreated, significant mold infestations can become serious health hazards, and the damage caused by mold can be astronomically expensive to repair.

SERVPRO of Littleton/Sheridan is your local resident expert in all things mold remediation, so we’re here to help with a few steps you can take to discover mold in your own home or office building. 

Mold Identification

By identifying mold early, you can take the steps necessary to eliminate it before the problem gets out of hand. 

The earliest signs of mold are small, black spots that appear in areas of higher-than-normal amounts of moisture. This early stage of mold growth is also referred to as mildew, and without prompt cleaning, mildew will continue to colonize as long as there is a source of moisture and as long as temperatures are within a 40-100° F. 

On its own, mildew doesn’t present a serious health risk except for those who have sensitive allergies or a compromised respiratory system. It does, however, have a distinct odor that can often be detected before visual signs present themselves. This musky, pungent odor is often a sign that mold has taken root and it’s time to identify the source. 

Distinguishing Mold from Dirt

Dirt accumulation can often be mistaken for mold. To determine if you’re dealing with a mold issue or if a surface is simply dirty, all you need is a little household bleach. 

Using a cotton swab or liquid dropper, apply a small amount of bleach to the surface, and then wait a minute or two. Do not scrub or debride the area during this time. 

If the area turns bright white very quickly, it’s likely that mold is there. If, however, there is no change in the coloration of the surface, it could simply be dirty. The reason this test works is because bleach kills mold spores on contact, whereas dirt is unaffected. 

If you’re still uncertain whether you have mold or not, mold test kits are available at your local hardware store. While these kits can help you determine if you’re dealing with mold, they’re not going to identify the source; nor are they going to fix the underlying problem. 

Surface Mildew vs. Mold-Induced Rot

Most mildewed surfaces can be scrubbed clean with a detergent that is specifically effective against mold (diluted bleach works well for this on surfaces that can handle it). However, when mold infiltrates subsurfaces and makes its way into drywall, studs, or other structural areas, rot is the inevitable outcome. 

If mold-induced rot has advanced to the point of affecting these areas, the symptoms are immediately apparent once the exterior surface is penetrated. 

To check for mold-induced rot, use a screwdriver to probe the area. Soft, crumbling wood is a telltale sign that the mold fungus has established itself and that the rotting process is well underway. 

Locating the Root Cause of Rot

Modern plumbing makes homes liveable. We often take for granted the seemingly unending water supply that is at our fingertips through the spigots and faucets located throughout our homes. 

However, leaks in the pipes that carry our water are often the culprits for mold-induced rot. This is why it’s important to check for plumbing leaks if you think you might have a mold issue. 

To do this, check the inlets and outlets of all water-using appliances in your home or commercial building. Be sure to include inspections of your washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, evaporative cooler, and any other appliance that uses water to perform its function. 

Even a small leak that only produces a few drops of water every day can be all that is needed for a serious mold problem to materialize. 

If you are able to locate plumbing leaks, fix them sooner than later. 

Remember that the second most significant source of moisture in a building comes from outside. So, after inspecting all of your plumbing for leaks, check vents, deck flashing, window wells, and any other interior area that butts up against an exterior area. 

Is Your Mold Problem out of Hand? Contact SERVPRO

Most cases of mildew can be easily addressed using household cleaners. However, when mold growth affects structural areas of the home, more extensive work is needed to restore the area.

To schedule an on-site inspection with a qualified SERVPRO mold remediation expert, contact us today.

Mold Can Grow After a Flood

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

Cleaning up after a flood or any type of water damage can pose many challenges, be aware that your home is at risk of becoming a food source for mold and bacteria which can grow quickly in damp environments. Wet materials can be a food source for mold.

Spills, pet urine, small leaks, a moist inside atmosphere, poor ventilation, and small water damages can cause mold growth. Small amounts of mold can grow anytime there is a spill or small leak. It may be a week or two before it grows to the extent that is visible to the naked eye.

Consult your local mold remediation professionals before trying to take care of a mold issue yourself. Many conventional cleaning methods can cause mold to spread. If you have the water extracted and the moisture properly dried out by professional remediators in the first 24 to 48 hours after a flood you may likely be ok. It takes mold 24 to 48 hours to start to grow under ideal conditions.

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. Mold Containment
2. Air Filtration
3. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
4. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Have Questions? 

Contact us at 303-576-6868

Mold Damage Respects No Season in Denver

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

You can find mold growing in many places in your home. If you happen to see or smell mold, contact us for a quick yet thorough investigation.

Our Certified Technicians Properly Remediate Mold Infestations Regardless of the Climate

Individuals often believe that the risk of mold causing problems in Denver homes decreases as the weather grows cooler. Unfortunately, with over 100,000 strains of mold known to researchers, many are noted to proliferate in chilly circumstances. Other factors also affect the number of active colonies inside a home. We are available to assess and remediate mold growth any time of the year.
 
Mold damage in Denver actually can increase during the cooler months for many reasons. Although it would seem that the indoor air in your home should be trending drier as the heat begins to operate, some spaces in your home may be more humid than ever. Ambient humidity of over 60 percent can support mold growth without the need for a flooding event, leaks, or spills. We are familiar with this phenomenon and have proven strategies to help you abate the problem.
 
Humidity rises in areas where water use is frequent, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas. The colder temperature outside means windows open during the summer and fall are now closed, trapping the moist warm air inside. Mold spores need just a bit of moisture to sprout and grow. The condensation on a cold window or tiles in a shower stall is enough to initiate and multiply a colony of mold. Moldy substances are also kicked or raked up with the autumn leaves, walking right into your home. If boots and shoes are damp, or the mudroom floor has an absorbent rug, mold has found a new home. SERVPRO mold specialists quickly isolate these problems and have solutions to eliminate the mold damage fast.
 
The SERVPRO remediation team contains the moldy materials using physical barriers or a negative pressure air scrubber during removal. We then disinfect the area and move on to the source of the moisture. Until exhaust fans are installed or used correctly, we dehumidify the air in the rooms with humidity-fueled mold. Our technicians measure moisture levels and run fans or dehumidifiers until drying targets are met. Mudrooms need a routine cleaning and a tray where footwear can shed moisture, and then have that water discarded.
 
Get reliable remediation for mold damage 365 days of the year from the professionals at SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. Phone (303) 593-1374 for a speedy inspection and development of an abatement plan.

For more information regarding Denver, click here

Mold Damage in Your Pets' Area can Spread Throughout Your Denver Home Unless Prevented

9/30/2017 (Permalink)

Pet bowls with water can readily spill and cause water damage in part of your house. If you have water damage or mold spreading, contact SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Mold Infestations in Your Home as Well as Offer Deterrents to Mold Forming in an Area

Family pets in Denver provide joy and the chance to enhance the responsibilities of your children. Pets and their care sometimes create problems, though, when spills from water bowls and potty accidents seep fluids into the floor's cracks. This can lead to moisture build-up and eventually other problems, including weakened floors.

Homeowners with pets should be aware of the possibility of mold damage in Denver around their pets' area in their homes. Because pets already produce bad smells and stains, the addition of mold growing, which can cause similar odors, can cause fungal growth to be overlooked.

The technicians at SERVPRO know that mold spores can help mold colonies to start in other locations in your home, and the key to this is prevention via control of the indoor environment of your home. Cleaning up spills after they happen is rarely enough to prevent microbial activity. Leftover dampness can promote growth in even the smallest locations, and this can spread later, possibly causing more pronounced growth and subsequent damages.

When we treat a set-aside location for your pets' water and food bowls, as well as their sleeping area, with Concrobium, mold can not grow. This is a very strong mold-inhibitor that is safe for use around both pets and children. It encapsulates any mold present and crushes it during the drying process. We can apply this like paint, or as a spray. The application is a straightforward process that provides long-lasting protection.

When microorganisms have taken hold of your home after spreading out from pet bedding, we can assist you in making your home “Like it never even happened.” Mold and other microbes damage structures inside your home by actually eating the materials contained in those structures. This consumption breaks things down at the molecular level, where the molecular framework determines the strength of the item. Visible signs of deterioration include crumbling, bulging, and peeling, although many others exist.

When a home suffers from mold damage, we assist homeowners by using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology in tools and measuring devices. Readings for moisture help detect hidden mold that might have remained hidden otherwise. Safely removing damaged materials prevents the spread of mold spores, protecting areas with normal microbial activity in the home from contamination. Spraying the interiors of walls where one side remains unaffected can inhibit the future growth of mold effectively.  

Cleaning hard materials such as stone and concrete can often suffice in controlling microbes, but overall humidity plays a major role in how well-protected your home becomes. Installing a dehumidifier can spell success for you in your fight against microbes, creating a healthier environment for both your family and your pets.  

SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan can provide you with the services needed to restore your home and keep it protected. Call (303) 593-1374 to speak with us about mold damage can afflict your home, and how we can put a stop to the damage.

For more information regarding Denver, click here

Mold Damage Prevention Tips as Summer Comes to a Close in Denver

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Denver Needs Professional Services for Cleanup and Disinfecting. Try SERVPRO

Denver Homes Grapple with Mold and Call on SERVPRO for Remediation

School is soon to begin for another year, while new activities and school sports replace summertime fun. While homeowners in Denver put things away until the Spring, there are a few things to keep in mind, so the extended time in storage poses little risk.
 
Denver families can minimize the possibility of mold damage happening to their belongings. These organisms are interesting to learn about, and knowing the facts can be helpful in preventing microbial growth.
 
Mold is everywhere. Microbes live everywhere in your home. The most common location to find them is on a shaded windowsill. This shows that while they are everywhere, they also travel from the outdoors to the inside of your home rather easily, even without any help other than a gentle breeze.
 
All organism need water to live. If plants drank water as fungi do, the most forgetful person would never kill a plant. Mold can get adequate water intake from elevated moisture in the surrounding air and nearby surfaces that collect condensation. Continual sources of water help mold colonies to flourish.
 
Natural sunlight is better at killing mold than bleach. Sunlight disrupts the chemical processes mold must carry out to survive. When exposed to sunlight, mold slowly dies off. Bleach bottles contain much higher concentrations of water than bleach. Bleach molecules are too large to penetrate into the same materials that the hyphae or roots of the mold grow into for anchorage. Placing items outside on a sunny day is more effective than using bleach as an antimicrobial cleaning agent. SERVPRO strongly recommends never to use bleach to exterminate mold.
 
When packing things up, use plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes and only fill them with items that have been cleaned and then allowed to dry out completely. If plastic boxes are unavailable, use sturdy plastic bags and secure them tightly before placing them inside cartons. Items that have suspicious stains should air out in the sunlight, if possible, and then packed separately from other items.
 
SERVPRO trains our technicians in IICRC methods, including how to restore your home through remediation. Knowing the normal ranges for mold activity helps us determine where your home's mold spores and colony population rest, and which methods are most appropriate for your situation.
 
Our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) can discuss your specific mold situation with you. Assuring you that your home remains protected from mold damage is much easier, and also much less expensive, intrusive, and time-consuming, then restoration through remediation at a later time.
 
You can contact SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan at (303) 593-1374 for any concerns about mold damage in your home. We are always ready to answer when you call, regardless of the hour or day of the week.

Click here for more about this city.

Leave Mold Remediation to Us

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

A close-up image 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 West Littleton/Sheridan 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 with extensive mold damage while the homeowner was out of town for several months.

At SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan, 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 West Littleton/Sheridan 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 at a home in Littleton.

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.