Mold Remediation & Removal Archives - ServiceMaster Quality Restoration Services

Know How Mold Can Affect Your Health and Put You At Risk?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on May 23, 2020. Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

Just opposite to your feelings and views, the cleanest houses are as vulnerable as unclean houses, in many situations the problem is hidden and this can compromise your health condition. Mold affected houses presents a challenge because it frequently goes unnoticed until your family starts to feel its effects. Even then, you may mistake coughing and irritated eyes as responses to regular seasonal changes.

UNFORTUNATE AND UNHEALTHY BLACK MOLD MYCOTOXINS

The black stuff that develops in sodden spaces can be Stachybotrys chartarum, and it’s a sort of mold that can rapidly increase anyplace in your home. In case you’re dealing with dark mold form (to test for its less hazardous cousin mildew, essentially dab a few drops of household bleach on the darkened area. On the off chance it gets lighten in a minute or two, you have mildew), you need to get into action quick!

how to protect your home from mold

Why? Its airborne spores transmit mycotoxins through touch, and the minuscule life forms can be breathed in and ingested. Their capacity to quickly change can unleash havoc on weaken immune system and influence individuals who experience the ill effects of sensitivities.

Children and grown-up adults are particularly helpless to black mold mycotoxins. If the micro-organisms are inhaled, they can enter the nervous system through olfactory neurons while airborne contaminants that interact with the eye can reach the brain through the optic nerve.

That sounds scary, right? With all things considered, yes, it is.

MOLD EXPOSURE HEALTH RISKS

Unfortunately, serious medical issues brought up by mold are restricted, and this mostly mimics an annoying cold or seasonal flu. However, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to a study that builds up a clear connection between exposure to mold and numerous health issues.

You’re probably acquainted with basic symptoms that are like allergy reactions, yet mold can be responsible for a lot more extensive range of medical problems.

INTENSIFYING ASTHMA

Individuals who experience the ill effects of asthma are frequently affected. Studies show that they deal with an increase in the number of episodes, and the seriousness of their attacks is escalated.

CAN BEGIN ASTHMA

Kids who are exposed to mold at an early age are bound to develop asthma. If they’re hereditarily vulnerable to the condition, their risk increments significantly.

DANGEROUS INFECTIONS

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by exposure to Aspergillus, a typical mold that lives inside and outside. People with a weak immune system and constant lung ailments are particularly in danger.

RISKY LUNG DISEASES

Individuals who are susceptible to hypersensitivity pneumonitis can create genuine health issues because of the presence of mold in their homes. Specialists demonstrate that even a few hours of exposure can prompt this infection.

Or WORSE (READ THIS!)

In rare events, mold exposure has been connected to mental disability, internal organ harm, and even death. A portion of these catastrophes have resulted in significant lawsuits throughout the years.

HOME DEFENSE STRATEGIES

At the point when health problems become more terrible or just happen at home, you have reason to be stressed over the development of mold. Call your physician right way, and let him know about your concerns.

Since the issue is generally hidden, consider reaching an expert cleaning and restoration service that handles certified mold testing in homes.

Your home regularly builds up its unhealthy manifestations, so become familiar with the signs that mold is setting up itself out of the sight – inside walls and crawl spaces. Now and then, you can handle the black stuff with DIY procedures, however, these techniques work best on little regions that are easy to access and clean.

Most issues are easier to manage when you have as much info as possible. It’s our objective to assist you with taking great care of your property, however, we understand that a few jobs are simply too big.

MOLD REMOVAL MASTER

On the off chance, if the circumstance is beyond what your home defense strategies can deal with, it’s time to secure your family’s health by calling our team.

ServiceMaster-QRS gives certified mold assessments, remediation, and expulsion for Chicago residential properties, so call us or use our convenient online form.

We realize how much you care about your family’s health, and we’re round the clock here to address your concerns.

How to protect your home against mold?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on February 15, 2020. Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

how to protect your home from mold

The growth of mold can take place anywhere, on clothing, carpet, paper, food, and even in those places where you can’t see, like the drywall’s backside, areas inside the walls around condensing or leaking pipes, as well as above the ceiling tiles. Not only is this problem expensive and difficult to fix, but it can also generate irritants and allergens (as well as, toxins, rarely) that might compromise your wellness. For preventing mold, remove moisture and make your house unwelcoming to its growth. Also, check for those areas in the house where there might be high water damage or humidity, like the crawl space or a damped basement.

What are the tools to clean Mildew and Mold?

Here is the list of tools to be used for cleaning Mold and Mildew –

• Brushes and Buckets

• Rubber or Latex gloves

• Sponges or Mop

• Hepa Vacuum along with brush attachment

• Disinfectant chlorine bleach

• Non-Ammonia detergent, soap, or the commercial mildew and mold cleaner

• Furniture polish

How to reduce the mold-friendly conditions?

1. Clean as well as dry the wet areas within 48 hours.

2. Check the pipes in your roof for any leaks and fix them as soon as possible.

3. Daily check your kitchen sink, fridge ice makers as well as other water sources for leaks.

4. Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to restraint humidity in your house.

How to prevent Mildew and Mold in your bathroom?

Here are some tips for preventing mildew and mold in the bathroom-

• Minimize the containers left in the shower for better circulation and ease in cleaning.

• Hang the towels out after use so that they can dry instantly.

• Use shower curtains that clean and dry easily so that you can avoid soap residue that fosters mold.

• Wipe down your shower with a clean squeegee or towel after the last daily use.

Why is it necessary for improving airflow in your house to eliminate mold and how can you do that?

As the temperatures drop, the air becomes capable of holding less moisture. Without having good airflow in the house, that extra moisture might appear on the walls, floors, and windows. For increasing circulation, move furniture away from the walls, open the doors between rooms, as well as open the doors to your closets which might be colder as compared to those rooms they are in.

Needless to say, mold can damage your possessions as well as the home and that is why you must learn how to protect your house against this issue. When mold attacks the house, it can turn out to be an irksome housemate.

However, mold is a lot more than only an insignificant irritation and its presence can cause problems ranging from minor damage to your property to serious health problems. Follow the right steps to look for mildew and mold, avoid these conditions which might lead to a disaster.

What happens if you paint over the mold?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on December 23, 2019. Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

Mold Cleanup & Remediation

Painting over mold is one of the most usual methods for hiding mold. However, that is the issue, the mold is being hidden temporarily.

A lot of people opt for this situation as it is the instant solution for hiding ugly signs of mold on their walls. Usually, when people go for painting over mold it is due to ignorance.

They are just not educated about the severity of mold in the house. Painting over the mold will only be successful permanently in case you first fix the mold problem’s source.

Along with this, you should purchase the mold killing paint instead of the resistant variety since this is the only method to deal with the existent mold.

The mold inhibitor paint assists you in preventing mold’s future development, however, it is not the most suitable option for eliminating mold.
In case you have decided to paint over the mold or you are suspecting that the walls potentially have mold under paint, there is a high probability of you seeing visible signs in the affected areas.
Your wall’s might or might not get affected entirely, however, even the smallest amount of mold can cause a serious issue.
The paint would be cracked, chipped, or bubbled and light or white-colored paint will turn yellow or the yellow tinge (a symbol of water damage).
In case you have immense mold growth in your commercial or residential property, it should be proactively eliminated with the help of suitable mold remediation, as well as you are required to search for the water source which is the major reason behind the mold.
Painting over mold is not only ineffective but by doing this, you could also be creating more expensive and serious problems for yourself down the road.

One of the most important things that many people forget is that mold is the actual microorganism that grows on the walls as well as other surfaces and that is why it can eat through the painted surfaces without any hassle.

You should remove the mold before painting. Feel free to take the help of paint stores and local hardware which sell mold-resistant or mold killing paint.

In case you do the research, you will realize that often, these claims are not true. In case you do not remove the mold before painting, it will keep growing as well as will eat through paint.

Also, make sure to first identify the type of mold you deal with and then start the remediation process as soon as possible.

In case the water leak’s source has not been found, the mold issue can be provoked. As the paint is only the covering for the wall, the mold will gradually show through.

It will grow into the paint and soon be displayed once more on the surface.

If you continue to paint over the same, the spore will still be released into the air as well as spread through the house.

How to avoid and mitigate damage from mold and water

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on November 26, 2019. Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

How to Avoid Mold

After a hurricane blows through as well as heavy rains retreat, your issues might be just starting.

Water damage can instantly result into mold that causes grave health concerns.

Whether you are allergic or non-allergic to molds, its exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, lungs, and skin.

Mildew and mold can begin growing within 24 hours after the flood, as well as can slink throughout a house, from the crawl spaces and basement to the attic.

The most suitable defense is to dry, clean or, as the last resort, dispose of the damaged items.

What are the steps for preventing mold growth?

1. Immediately dry the areas.

2. After cleaning as well as drying, stay sensitive to the musty odors in the impacted area.

3. Check the exterior of buildings and homes daily for the accumulation of groundwater.

4. Remove the damaged materials.

How long should the dehumidifier stay running after the flood?

Possibly, run the dehumidifier until the porous surfaces in your space have completely dried out.

It can take anywhere from 3 days to 1 week for drying out the flood-damaged building.

Materials such as insulation and plaster will take a very long time to get dried, so replacing them entirely might be a better option.

Until everything gets dried, mold can keep damaging the building.

How to prevent mold in your kitchen?

You should –

• Turn off specific appliances in case you witness moisture on the windows as well as other surfaces.

• Utilize exhaust fans for moving moisture outside (not into the attic) while you cook, clean, or wash dishes.

• Empty as well as clean the refrigerator drip pans, if needed.

What kills the mold after a flood?

In terms of killing mold after a flood, your first choice should be to go for commercial mildew and mold removers.

If you want, you can also choose tri-sodium phosphate (5 Tbsp. every gallon of water) or washing soda.

Last but not the least, the solution of water and bleach can also be picked (1-quarter cup of the laundry bleach per gallon of water).

Make sure to use proper precautions as well as security equipment for the mold remediation process while cleaning with tri-sodium phosphate, bleach or any other heavy-duty cleaners.

What to do for preventing mold in crawl spaces and basements?

1. Make sure that the crawl spaces are well-ventilated by having vents installed in the outside walls and using fans if required.

2. Put plastic covers over the dirt in the crawl spaces for preventing moisture from coming in from the ground.

3. Contemplate painting the concrete floors as well as utilizing area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpet in the basements.

4. Get the basement floor checked for any cracks as well as have them repaired, if necessary.

In case you are replacing drywall, consider picking the board that contains moisture and mold inhibitors.

A lot of people are sensitive to this issue and it can prove to be a major health issue.

Ensure the fact that you stay cautious while checking for mold specifically if it is your first time dealing with water inside your building or home.

How to Stop Mold Damage After a Flood Water Disaster

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on November 30, 2018. Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

If you are a homeowner and you are facing a problem of flooding or water damage, you must be considered about the growth of mold into your house. Avoiding it for a long period of time can help grow the mold, expand it, damaging the structure and furniture of the building and cause health-related issues. This microscopic fungus doesn’t need a huge amount of water to grow. Even the amount as small as a cup of water is enough to help it grow at the surface. Flooding or power outage due to a storm provides a perfect environment to these little organisms to grow.

It is highly important to make sure no excess water is left on the floor after any of such events. Fans, sweeping materials, and bleach will be the only tools you need to clean and prevent health problems. Follow these six steps provided and recommended by ServiceMaster QSR, a reputable emergency water and mold damage cleanup and restoration service in Chicago, to help your home stay mold-free.

Quick Removal of Excess Water: You can take several measures to clean the excess water on the floor. A vacuum cleaner is one of the best tools which can be used to clean the water on the floor effectively. You can also take a piece of cloth; the size may depend upon the amount of water, and absorb the water. This will help you save the cost of a vacuum cleaner and will ensure the removal of the excess water. However, it will require a lot more efforts.

Make A Use of Fans: Fans can also be used to dry the excess amount of water wetting the floor. Switch on the fan at full speed to clean it as soon as possible in order to avoid any unwanted situation. If the situation is with a carpet, it might take 6 hours for a fan to dry it. However, this is the best and the cheapest way to dry a carpet to avoid mold.

Dehumidify the Room: Dehumidifying is a technique of cleaning the moist in the room to provide cold and clean air to the person sitting in it. This step will help you in making sure that all the water has been removed and the surface of the material is purely dry. If will also prevent water from storing in any other area of the room which you failed to locate.

Steam-Cleaning: Steam cleaning is a technique to clean the thick material and make it germ-free. Steam cleaning can be used in a situation to clean all the germs, deodorize the carpet and cleans any moist left behind. The padding damaged by the water can easily be replaced. It is wise and cost-effective to change the padding instead of the whole carpet.

Sanitization: Sanitization must be done on wall, surface, and furniture in order to avoid any chance of growth of bacteria. Use a mixture of cleaning bleach and water to clean the surface of the materials which are at a higher risk of growing mold. Such a step will prevent you and your family from any health-related issue which might be caused by the germs left behind.

Check Underneath the Furniture: After taking all the measures, it is highly necessary to check underneath the furniture in case some amount of water might have swept under it. If you forget to do this step, there is a high chance you will face the mold problem as the dark and moist will provide a perfect environment for these bacteria to grow. You may notice it after a long period of time as the furniture are not moved frequently in a house. Therefore, remember to take this step after cleaning everything.

Such steps are mandatory to be taken in order to mitigate mold, especially if your area is always at high risk of flooding. Moreover, if you find it troubling to follow the above-mentioned steps, you can always take the services of ServiceMaster QRS to make the job easier for you. The professionals of the company will provide you ease while making your house mold-free at a highly affordable price.

Black Mold Warnings with Mold Remediation and Recovery Tips

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on July 22, 2018. Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

Burst pipes, overflowing gutters, flood-inducing rains and water seepage often cause water damage in residential homes. If left unchecked, this can lead to massive structural damage, loss of possessions and contamination in the form of mold. Sever backup and pipe burst can happen in areas of the house that are not visible to the naked eye. These are perhaps the worst kind of leaks as it not only damages the foundations of the house but also leads to water contamination, which can often be a much more serious problem than the water damage itself.

Mold is perhaps the least desirable thing someone could hope for in their homes. Once water is contaminated, it facilitates the growth of mold that can seriously increase the cost of remediation as it requires specialized equipment and training to have mold permanently removed. The existence of mold in homes can lead to serious health risks and even diseases if left unchecked. If they are any signs or early indications of mold existing anywhere in a residential or commercial property it is important that experts are contacted immediately before the issue exponentially increases.

Category: Mold Remediation & Removal