Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Understanding Mold Remediation | SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs in a home or commercial property, mold growth is likely to follow. In fact, mold can begin growing within 48 hours of exposure to moisture.

If you are faced with a mold issue, knowing what the next steps are is vital, which is why we’re providing an overview of what mold remediation is in this blog.

What Is Mold Remediation?

You’ve probably seen ads for mold remediation and mold removal, but the latter of the two is a fallacy. Removing all mold from a home or business is simply impossible. Instead, a qualified restoration company focuses on mold remediation, which has the goal of getting mold levels back to normal and natural levels.

Yes, mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. They only become an issue when a minor problem is left untreated and turns into a major infestation.

During mold remediation, technicians will isolate the contaminated areas. Depending on the level of remediation, this can be done by either closing all doors and windows or effectively sealing off all doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting. Dust in the contaminated areas is then suppressed through misting.

Wet and mold-damaged materials are then removed and discarded in plastic bags. All areas exposed to and affected by the mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum can be brought in during some cases to help remove contamination and debris.

The mold area is treated with a biocide and then left overnight to get to work killing the mold spores. The following day, the mold remediation crew will return to encapsulate the affected area and beyond.

What to Do If Mold Is Suspected

If you believe your home or business may have a mold problem, you’ll want to act quickly. Evaluate the size of the problem, and if the moldy area is more than 10 square feet, it is time to call in the professionals.

The professionals you bring in should be highly trained and certified in areas like:

  • Applied microbial remediation
  • Water damage restoration
  • Applied structural drying

While some minor mold issues can be successfully resolved by home and business owners on their own, it is always best to talk to the professionals and get the quickest resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.

Mold Damage in San Antonio

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technician in white PPE suit with respirator in front of a green air scrubber Utilizing containment and PPEs to remediate a mold damaged home

San Antonio is a naturally humid location, although luckily not as humid as other places around the country.  When water damage occurs, if it is not remediated quickly microbial growth will begin and secondary damage sets in.  In order to prevent this, call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights at the first sign of water damage.  However, if you notice microbial growth contact us immediately at (210) 822-2063. Upon our arrival, the following steps "typical" of a mold removal process will occur.

  • Inspection and Damage Assessment- your property will be carefully inspected for signs of the mold using technology designed to detect hidden water sources.  Mold feeds on cellulose and water can be hidden from plain view.
  • Mold Containment-   Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated
    area with physical barriers and negative
    air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup
    process.
  • Air Filtration- Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.
  • Removing Mold and Mold-infested materials-The mold remediation process
    depends on the amount of mold growth
    and the types of surfaces on which
    the mold appears. Antifungal and
    antimicrobial treatments will be used
    to eliminate mold colonies and help
    prevent new colonies from forming.
    Removing and disposing of mold-infested
    porous materials, like drywall
    and flooring, may be necessary to
    remediate heavy mold growth.
  • Cleaning Contents and Belongings- SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.
  • Restoration- Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed.  Restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail repairs such as the reconstruction of various area or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Alamo Heights understands mold and mold growth.

Unhealthy Environments

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failure, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply.

Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Unfortunately, water-related disasters can occur at any time. The costs and effects of water damage are unpredictable, which is why it is important to begin the mitigation process in a timely manner. DON'T WAIT CALL US ANYTIME, 24/7
210-822-2063

Preventing Mold Damage in San Antonio

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Fan blades falling due to water damage San Antonio we can help prevent further damages after a water leak or can help remediate mold damage

Living in this beautiful Alamo city, especially during the summer, it can be tempting to assume that any water leak can be cleaned up with some towels and then it will be hot enough for everything to dry on its own without the assistance of a professional remediation team.  Unfortunately Mother Nature doesn't work as quickly as needed to prevent secondary damage from the original water damage.  This secondary damage may include the growth of microbes including mold.  When mold is allowed to grow it destroys the material that it is growing on as well as possibly may cause adverse health issues depending on the species of mold that is growing.  Water damages are one of those cases where it is best to call the experts in and not try to do it yourself.  SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is available 24/7 to help with your water damage needs or mold damage remediation at (210) 822-2063.

Microbiology of Microbial Growth

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

Indoor and outdoor environments naturally harbor a great variety of microscopic life forms termed microorganisms or microbes. Found everywhere in nature, their largest components are classified as bacteria and fungi. Bacteria are an extremely large and diverse group of single-celled organisms found in all earthly habitats to include the most extreme and harsh physical environments.

In addition to visible bacterial or fungal growth and detection of moisture in porous materials, an obvious indicator of microbial growth and contamination is a "musty", "moldy", or "mildewy" odor. Bacteria and fungi produce a variety of volatile organic compounds during active growth in damp or wet building, finishing, and furnishing materials. These microbial volatile organic compounds, which are detected through the smell are generated by many molds, and also gram-negative and actinomycete bacteria as they rapidly metabolize and amplify. 

Alamo Heights Mold Restoration Process

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business.  Mold can affect your health & can also cause significant damage to your property.  Fortunately, your local SERVPRO of Alamo Heights Professionals have the necessary equipment to restore your home. 

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, sub-floors, and other building materials may be removed.  Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, & installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in your home or business.

Your local SERVPRO of Alamo Heights Franchise Professionals understand mold & mold growth.  We have the necessary equipment to restore your home or business after mold remediation.

The Biology of Mold in Alamo Heights, Texas

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Home that has mold on the walls and ceiling SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is here to help at the first signs of water damage to help prevent mold in your Alamo Heights home

How much do you know about mold?  SERVPRO of Alamo Heights knows a lot about mold and should be called at the first signs of microbial growth.  Did you know that mold is a fungus?  There are at least 20,000 species, but may be as many as 300,000 different species of mold.  It is classified as a saprophyte and most species derive nutrients from decomposing organic matter.  Mold grows by sending out branches via spores.  Airflow carries the spores off and they remain airborne until gravity finally causes them to settle.  So what can make mold harmful?  It is the mycotoxins that are produced by some fungi that attach to mold spores.  Do you know what mold requires to grow?  First, there must be mold spores, a food source (organic material), temperature between 32 degrees and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, water, and time (as little as 2 days).  If you notice microbial growth, call us today at (210) 822-2063.

Alamo Heights Mold Damage Experts

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Floor with the baseboard removed showing mold on the wall Don't let a small leak (water damage) turn into a large mold problem. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights

As the April rains begin to recede, oftentimes you may notice a strange odor in your home or office.  Each year, SERVPRO of Alamo Heights gets calls from customers who didn't notice they had water damage until they noticed an odor or spot on their ceiling that they just couldn't get to go away.  Mold can quickly wreak havoc on your home or office resulting in damage to the physical structure of your building.  In order for mold and other microbes to continue to grow they just need a moisture source and some food, such as your drywall.  SERVPRO of Alamo Heights can quickly remediate your mold damage after we thoroughly inspect your home and find the source of the water damage.  We are available 24/7 and are always here to help.

Did You Know Alamo Heights & Mold?

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Did you Know? 
  Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business; therefore, it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally. 
Signs of the presences of excessive mold include:

  • Visible mold
  • Strong, musty odors
  • Excessive humidity in your home or office

Mold is most likely to occur in the following areas:

  • Dark spaces that receive very little light
  • Spaces already predisposed to high levels of humidity such as in your bathroom


If you have any of these signs of mold then call us immediately so we can access the damage.  We are here to promptly clean-up any water damage that you may have from a leaking roof to a completely flooded home.  Call us today at 210-822-2063 to prevent water from turning into mold growth.

Mold Remediation in Alamo Heights

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold removal seems to be what you hear most often in the media, etc.  However, it is truly not the correct term.  If you are in San Antonio and have signs of mold you want a professional that can perform mold remediation.

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. SERVPRO of Alamo Heights Franchise Professionals 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. To learn more about our mold remediation process.

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact 210-822-2063
  • 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 in San Antonio? Call Today 210-822-2063

Undiscovered Leaks Can Damage Your Home

3/12/2017 (Permalink)

Leaks from piping, roofs and appliances can cause water damages that can go unnoticed for weeks, even months. Attempting to clean up water from a leak can lead to further damage or contamination if not handled properly.

 

SERVPRO’s of Alamo Heights trained Franchise Professionals are equipped with a full line of cleanup and restoration services to handle water damages caused by leaks and excessive moisture. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights specialists can help protect your property and belongings from further damage and retain the resale value of your home.

 

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the mold yourself, call the cleanup and restoration professionals at 210-822-2063.  We are available to help day or night.

It's The Water You Don't See

3/12/2017 (Permalink)

Thermal Imaging equipment, provided by SERVPRO of Alamo Heights Franchises, can detect even the smallest amounts of moisture in a home.  After locating the water damage that is causing the mold damage, SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights Franchise Professionals are trained in water extraction and drying to help return your home to preloss condition in most cases. 


To help prevent mold here are some basic home maintenance tips:



  •     Inspect the water supply connector on dishwashers annually. Replace if bulging or you are unable to straighten out any kinks.

  •     Each year, check that the water supply hose on your washer is not kinked, bent or leaking.

  •     Once per year, pull your refrigerator away from the wall and check the copper piping and water line for leaks.


Serving homes for over 35 years, SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights Franchise Specialists help you protect your home and personal belongings from further damage due to water.

Alamo Heights Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/10/2017 (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 inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Alamo Heights 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 Alamo 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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 210-822-2063