The Importance of Using Certified Remediation Specialists

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in a Peoria, AZ home

When you need mold remediation in Peoria, AZ, you want to make sure you choose professionals who do the job correctly. Insurance companies will often recommend certified mold specialists for cleanup because certification comes with a specific expectation of the quality of work that will be done. Those who have been certified by the IICRC have exemplary standards of not only customer service but also remediation.

Standards of Service

A mold certification tells customers that they can expect a high level of service. The work itself is important, but so is the professional treatment the customer receives. This includes but is not limited to:

• Timely assessment
  
• Courteous, knowledgeable staff
  
• Due process for each issue
  
• Insurance to cover accidents
  
  

Certified mold mitigation ensures great service before the technicians ever show up on your doorstep, and it doesn't end even after the remediation work is complete. You can still count on the company for excellent record-keeping that can help you and your insurance adjuster when your claim is being processed.

Standards of Practice

When you hire a certified mold remediation company, you can see an attention to detail in the work its technician do. They follow the correct procedure for mold cleanup, starting with safety precautions and ending with aesthetic restoration of the space in your home that was affected. They likely use state-of-the-art equipment to improve quality and efficiency. It's also likely that they have completed continuing education courses so that their methods match the current best practices of the remediation field. The certification acts as a confirmation that the work will meet the industry's standard of excellence.

Certified mold specialists are trained well and held to a high standard, not just for the work they do but also for how they relate to the customer. If you need mold remediation, ask your insurance agent which certified experts in Peoria, AZ, he or she recommends.

How Professionals Handle Mold Remediation

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Peoria / West Glendale assisted in mold removal of customers home.

How Professionals Handle Mold Remediation

Mold damage cleanup or remediation requires great expertise. Whatever your mold mitigation needs may be, a reliable restoration company can take care of it all. Professionals have the proper equipment and supplies to address the mold problems effectively.

A qualified restoration company has a good understanding of the science behind mold growth or black mold. Mitigation technicians have the training and expertise to perform mold removal, fungus and mildew cleanup and deodorization to eliminate smelly odor. They can remediate mold in home, commercial mold damage, mold growth behind wall and even dry rot.

Mold cleanup focuses on getting mold or black mold levels back to natural levels. Whether you are dealing with a black mold or dry rot problem, a mold damage restoration company can clean up the affected area and apply the necessary deodorization to eliminate smelly odor and freshen up the environment.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold.

Mold Remediation: What You Should Know

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture problem caused a serious mold problem to develop

Mold Remediation: What You Should Know

When mold, fungus, or mildew takes hold in your home or business and spreads it can bring with it dire consequences. Left unchecked, mold growth can cause severe structural damage. Commercial mold damage can have devastating financial effects. Mold in the home may disrupt family life and cause substantial inconvenience. If mold growth is suspected, experts in remediation should be contacted as soon as possible for consultation. The processes involved in mold removal are varying and may differ based upon the setting and the extent of the damage caused. This mold damage can range from the presence of the smelly odor associated with fungus all the way to dry rot or other structural deterioration. Only a professional restoration company should judge the extent of the mold damage and suggest mitigation methods.

Fungus, mildew, and mold damage are often the results of flooding or the presence of standing water. Mitigation of mold in the home may involve different techniques than remediation of commercial mold damage, however, removal of the moisture that is the cause of mold growth is always the first step. A restoration company will suggest and/or implement removal of water as soon as possible after a loss to lessen mold growth. It will also be suggested that heaters or air conditioners be turned off to lessen the spread of mold in the home or business. Leaky plumbing and poor ventilation of humidity can also lead to black mold, a common mold in the home and source of commercial mold damage. Once the moisture that causes fungus and mildew is removed, the remediation and mitigation process can begin.

A thorough inspection of the property will be completed by the restoration company to detect any instances of black mold, fungus or mildew growth. Not all instances of mold growth and/or mold damage will be as obvious as visible, mildew or black mold. The presence of a smelly odor may indicate mold growth behind walls. Instances of fungus growth undetected for too long, such as mold growth behind walls, may result in dry rot which will need to be removed and the affected wood replaced or repaired. Deodorization methods will be discussed and implemented based upon the extent of the damage found.

Mold removal and remediation is a process that can take several days. The removal of standing water and excess moisture itself can take many hours, depending upon severity. Experts in mold removal, dressed in proper safety gear, will begin a cleanup process involving the use of chemicals to remediate mold. Less severe cases, like surface black mold, may only require light to moderate cleaning to address the smelly odor and unsightliness. However, more extensive commercial mold damage or damage caused by mold in the home may require the use of fogging machines that mist the air with chemicals for mitigation and deodorization purposes. Opening affected areas up to circulate fresh air or the operation of dehumidifiers may be used as a drying and deodorization method based upon the location and severity of the growth. If mold growth behind walls or dry rot is discovered, demolition will be undertaken to remove any affected materials. In severe cases where mold growth behind walls has lead to dry rot in load bearing studs or beams, the restoration company may work along side construction contractors to ensure that the structural integrity of the building is maintained during these procedures.

To avoid costly, extensive mold removal processes, home and business owners
alike should be aware of the tell tale signs of mold damage including visible molds, and fungi, as well as the smelly odor associated with them. Vigilance against standing water and/or excessive moisture or humidity should be taken. When caught early, mold mitigation may require little more than cleaning and deodorization. Left go for too long, mold can do extensive damage. If you suspect mold, contact a mold removal professional immediately.
Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold.

What Do Mold Removal Professionals Do?

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold removal in a Peoria, AZ home

What Do Mold Removal Professionals Do?

Unless you have been through the mold remediation process, it is difficult to imagine all the steps required to get a professional job done. That is why the mold removal process can cost anywhere between $500 and $30,000. The following list includes just a few of the steps a certified team takes to vanquish the unsightly foes from your home.

1. Water Elimination

Although flooding water is not always the culprit when it comes to mold, water is almost always at the root of a blooming colony of mold. That means materials infested with mold or soaked with water must be removed from the home.

2. Area Disinfection

The first step in attacking the mold is often cleaning the area with an industrial disinfectant. This typically includes floors, walls, and any other surfaces that are in the mold infested room. The professional mold elimination team knows that spores can cover every surface in the area.

3. Deep Removal

One of the most unpleasant parts of the mold removal process is tearing into the walls and boards of your home’s interior in Peoria, AZ, to locate the hidden colonies and begin the black mold removal. This process can not only be labor intensive; it can be very costly.

4. Extensive Reconstruction

After the mold is completely removed, the area can begin to be rebuilt. Floors, walls, and windows can be added to the room to make it functionable once again. This process can take some time, but the room can be redone to your specifications.

5. Zone Completion

Once the area has been repaired, the cleanup process can begin. Many companies will use a high-efficiency particulate air filtration vacuum to finish the process. The HEPA filter has been shown to capture any remaining mold spores in the air.

Mold removal is about killing what mold can be seen, removing what is beneath the active colony, and repairing the damage made by the fungus. Trusting the professionals to diagnose the issue and then treat it can save you time, headaches, and money.

What To Do When Mold Comes Back

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

This mold formed over just a few weeks. It does not take long, call the professionals at the first sight of mold!

Unfortunately, any home could be affected by mold long before Peoria, Arizona homeowners are aware that there's a problem. Situations such as a leaky roof or a weak pipe in your plumbing system could cause water to accumulate slowly, creating an ideal situation for black mold to settle in and colonize.

It only takes a couple of days for mold to spread throughout your entire home.

• Mold reproduces by spreading spores.
• Spores can travel great distances.
• In the right conditions, spores develop into colonies.
• Spores produce more mold cells.
  
  

Be on the Lookout

If you've noticed mold in your home, there's a good chance you took immediate steps to counteract the problem with a thorough mold cleanup. Sadly, there's an equal possibility that the mold came back. This is because mold is a living organism. It has survival mechanisms and has adapted to withstand harsh environments. Even after you've cleaned it up once, if the right conditions still exist, new spores could settle into the area and lead to additional black mold growth.

Take Constant Prevention Steps

With the understanding that mold can never be thoroughly removed from your home, your next step is to practice prevention and ongoing maintenance. Simple DIY strategies such as cleaning with vinegar and immediately drying up water leaks can go a long way toward slowing down mold growth.

Contact a Professional Response Team

When these steps aren't enough, it is time to call in the professionals. For example, you may have consistent mold stains in your bathroom that return every time you clean them. In this case, you should hire mold remediation professionals who can get to areas behind the drywall to remove moisture or repair leaks.

Don't Give Up!

Black mold is often hard to eliminate, but it isn't impossible. When you see visible signs of mold, your first step should be to contact a professional. Before then, try to keep moisture levels low and thoroughly clean up any spilled water or leaks. Use a dehumidifier in your home, and provide plenty of ventilation. Ongoing prevention is the best protection against this home intruder.

The Best Purifiers for Removing Mold Spores

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

If you’re looking for an air filtration system to filter mold spores from your Peoria, AZ, home, you can’t go wrong with this list of top five picks that will help you keep your home mold-free. Read on for a brief look at what makes each purifier rise above the crowd for air quality and ease of use.

1. The Oransi Max

For a combination of cost effectiveness and function, the Oransi Max ranks highest out of all tested air purifiers. At $479 it’s an affordable long-term investment, and comes with excellent ratings for efficiency and airflow. It’s also quite easy to use.

2. The BlueAir 450E

Coming in second, the BlueAir 450E isn’t quite as affordable – or as effective for the price. With lower ratings in airflow and efficiency, the only place it outstrips the Oransi Max is in ease of use. At $629, the BlueAir may still perform well, but isn’t as cost-efficient.

3. The OV200 Air Purifier

The OV200 comes in at a high score for budget air filtration, at only $329. Its greatest perk is high-performing air filtration, though it comes up short against the Oransi Max and the BlueAir 450E for airflow. It’s still affordable and simple enough to use to make it worth the investment.

4. The Amway Quixtar Atmosphere

The Amway Quixtar Atmosphere air purifier ranks outstandingly in filter efficiency, but at $1499 may be a hard hit for anyone looking for air filtration on a budget. It scores fairly well for ease of use and airflow.

5. The Austin Air Healthmate

At $649, the Austin Air Healthmate is another one that takes a hard hit on the budget, but it’s got decent performance in air filtration and flow, as well as filter efficiency when removing mold spores. As an air purifier it’s not top of the list, but it’s a solid, reliable brand. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com/. 

Fighting Hidden Mold in a Restaurant

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you notice mold in your home or business.

Mold is a tiny, almost invisible fungus that can spread quickly in a restaurant when moisture and food are available. If purchasing a large number of fresh food items in Peoria, AZ remember to check for spoilage. Also, remember that spores are so small the fresh produce may already contain mold before they enter the restaurant. Once the fresh food arrives at your business, the mold growth may appear within days and send spores out to damage nearby walls, floors, and other food items. To prevent mold infestation in a restaurant, try these simple tips:

1. Check food every two or three days to ensure it is fresh. If an item has mold, remove it right away. Try to purchase produce that will be used within three to four days.

2. Keep the inside of the refrigerator clean. The inside of a fridge is dark and moist and is often a perfect breeding ground for some types of fungi.

3. If a sponge or towel smells musty, replace it. A musty smell often signals mildew, yeast, or mold, so stop using it immediately to prevent mold growth.

4. Keep humidity levels in the restaurant between 35 and 50 percent. Mold needs moisture to thrive, so remove high humidity to limit growth.

5. Wash and dry wooden kitchen tools well between uses. Wooden tools can absorb water and can stay wet for a long time. Couple that with the fact mold loves to eat wood and it can become a problem. Dry wooden tools in the sunlight, if possible to speed water removal.

6. If water damage occurs, clean and sanitize the area thoroughly. Mold can quickly form colonies on wet overlooked areas.

If mold growth repeatedly appears in the building, consider seeking professional guidance from a qualified mold removal company. Fungus can be a notoriously determined foe, but it does not have to be a fatal flaw that ruins the business. Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold. 

The Home Testing Kit Is Positive: Could It Be Right?

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in a Peoria, AZ home.

As a homeowner, you want to be proactive in the care of your Peoria, AZ, home.

You work hard to maintain your roof, yard and appliances, so it makes sense that you want to keep your home mold-free to ensure everything is at its best. You may have decided to buy a DIY mold tester kit. These kits are supposed to help you determine whether you have mold in your home without paying for experts to help. However, while they may sound like a good idea, such kits may not always be accurate.

• No Dating System: Many mold testing kits sit on shelves or in warehouse spaces for a long time before they come into your home. While this may not seem like a big deal, extended time on the shelf increases the chances that the mold kit is already contaminated before you use it. Without an easy-to-read expiration date, you can never be too trusting of the results of the kit.
• No Accompanying Inspection: Even if a home mold testing kit comes back positive, you will not get a clear understanding of what that means without an inspection done by a professional mold removal service. You won't know the extent of the growth. You won't even know if the mold is actually growing in your home or naturally occurring in the air, as mold can naturally be found in the air both indoors and outdoors.
• No Understanding of Dead Spores: Most of the DIY mold testers only look for live mold spores. However, even dead spores could affect your home because they can become reactivated with a bit of moisture.

A home mold testing set may seem like a great thing, but it can raise more questions than it can answer. If you really want to know if you have a mold problem in your house, you need to let an environmental hygienist perform professional tests.

Your Building Could Have a Mold Problem, Even If You Don’t See It

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Have you noticed that distinctive and disgusting mold smell lingering around your business? You have looked at every nook and cranny in your building, but you just can’t find the source of that fungus smell. You’re not alone. Mold can be tricky.

To understand what to do about your mildew smell in Weedville, Arizona you need to grasp these main concepts:

• What causes mold’s odor
• Where mold hides
• How to detect it

What Causes the Odor

As moisture builds up in a room, mold multiplies and becomes big enough to detect. As the fungus continues to grow, it emits Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds. These MVOCs are the source of the mold smell, not the fungus itself. The more stagnant the air is, the stronger the mildew smell may become.

Where Mold Hides

Mold is tricky and can hide in places you can’t see. For example, it can seep into upholstery, under carpets, and behind walls. Just because you cannot see the mold doesn’t mean the smell is just in your imagination. If you detect that fungus smell, you may need to call in a professional to find and take care of the problem.

How to Detect It

If you have smelled the mold, you have already taken the first step. However, if you can see the mold, you may need to call someone in to use other methods of detection. Some professionals in Weedville, Arizona, use infrared devices to find the source of the odor. These cameras can help a restoration crew see mold that hides under surfaces and in the smallest spaces.

Once the team members know where the mold is, they can recommend actions. If the mold has caused a noticeable odor in your business, it’s likely there’s a big enough problem to require professional interference. They can help you stop the damage and get rid of that mold smell once and for all.

For more information on mold visit us at http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com.

Easy Prevention of Mold Growth

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Black Mold in Peoria, AZ

Mold is often seen in water damaged properties. If not well controlled it can lead to severe damage on surfaces thus leading to huge loses.

Molds are often produced as a result of moisture, a reason as to why a flooded house is prone to its growth. After flood damage, there are high chances that your property will develop molds and mildew growth. This calls for an immediate inspection before it's too late or else one can suffer great loses because of flood damage. The restoration can only be executed by expert procedures in containing and removing mold. For prevention, the mitigation team will conduct a water cleanup and drying process to disable any possible mold growth.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold damage.

Mold Remedition Through Containment

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Every mold damage situation is different and requires a unique mitigation or remediation solution, but the general mold growth or mildew removal process stays the same. Professional mold remediation process is as follows:

1. Emergency Contact

The mold remediation process begins when the business or home owner calls a restoration company. Their representative or technician will ask a series of questions to help them determine the necessary personnel, equipment, resources.

2. Inspection and Assessment

Residential or commercial mold damage professionals will conduct a careful inspection of the property for signs of fungus, dry rot or mold in home or business. Mold thrives on moist surfaces and is often hidden from plain view. Professionals use various technologies and techniques to detect mold in home or business, including black mold and mold growth behind wall. They can also detect mildew, fungus, dry rot and hidden water sources or moisture.

3. Mold Containment

Residential or commercial mold damage technicians use various containment procedures to impede mold growth and remove fungus, mildew, dry rot and smelly odor. They often use highly effective containment procedures to prevent the mold spores from spreading and negative air chambers to create physical barriers. To prevent the spread of mold, all fans and cooling and heating units will be turned off during the cleanup process.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold.

Do You Have a Mold Problem?

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Do You Have a Mold Problem?

If your home in Peoria, Arizona has suffered exposure to excess moisture, you could have a mold problem. It can be easy to discover visible mold growth, but hidden mold is often more difficult to spot. An indoor environmental specialist can perform a mold test to safely detect the presence of mold in any structure.

What Causes Mold?

Mold is spread by airborne spores that land on wet or damp surfaces and begin to rapidly grow into colonies. Several major risk factors include:
Leaks
High indoor humidity
Condensation
Lack of ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms
Water-cooled air conditioners or dehumidifiers
While it is impossible to completely get rid of mold, you should aim to reduce the number of spores present indoors and avoid conditions that encourage growth.

How Do You Identify Types of Mold?

If you see mold, you might find yourself researching what kind of fungus you have found. The only way to know for sure is to contact an indoor environmental specialist. There are many different colors and textures of mold. An expert can precisely identify the growth and help you manage the situation with the least amount of additional exposure or risk of spreading.

Is There Hidden Mold?

If you smell a moldy odor but cannot locate any traces of mold, you should look for a service in Peoria, Arizona that provides mold testing. Do not search for hidden mold yourself, as you might release a large number of spores that cause the mold to spread throughout your residence.
Whether you are worried about a recent or ongoing condition that could lead to mold growth, have spotted visible mold, or suspect that hidden mold is present, you should contact an indoor environmental specialist and schedule a mold test. An expert can help you find ways to manage the levels of mold in any home. Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?

Mold is not just a structural problem—it is a financial problem, too! Depending on the extend of the damage, mold remediation can be an expensive and time-consuming process, which is why many people want to know: does insurance cover fungus growth? The answer is, not normally. That said, there are some instances in which an insurance provider may cover the cost of remediation efforts. If you’re interested in learning more about mold coverage, here is what you need to know:

Most Homeowners’ Policies Don’t Cover Mold Damage

Most homeowners’ insurance policies exclude coverage of damage caused by mold, bacteria and fungi, mostly because those are all issues that, in the company’s opinion, could have been prevented. However, just because your policy doesn’t cover mold damage doesn’t mean that your claim will automatically be denied. If the damage was caused by a sudden, accidental and unpreventable peril, such as a pipe bursting or a sewage backup, the cost of remediation should be covered. In these instances, it would be best to hire a professional mold remediation company in Peoria, Arizona to perform a thorough inspection and pinpoint the cause of the fungus growth.

Additional Mold Insurance May Be Helpful

If your home has poor ventilation, if you live in an area prone to flooding or if you simply want to be prepared, additional mold coverage can be helpful. Your homeowners’ insurance agent can assess your personal risks and help you build a policy that will protect you when accidents do happen.

Unfortunately, not all agencies are willing to provide a rider for mold, as the risk may be too great. If that is the case for you, you can always turn to a specialty firm for coverage.

Though fungus growth is a common issue, it is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. If your home has been severely damaged by mold, reach out to the mold remediation company near you. It can provide a thorough assessment of the damage and work with insurance adjusters to negotiate a payout that will alleviate as much of your financial burden as possible.
Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on mold.