How to Identify Mold and Mildew in Your Home

4/25/2024 (Permalink)

Mold and mildew growth can pose health concerns for you and your family if left untreated. Call us now @ 626-656-6577

Mold and mildew growth is often overlooked and it should not be treated lightly because of health concerns it may pose on you and your family. 

Most people group mold and mildew together when referring to mold growth. However there are some distinctions and different ways to deal with each. Mildew is used to refer to certain kinds of mold/fungus. They have differences in appearances and they typically grow in different locations. Mold is darker in color: green, red, or black. Mold typically has a fuzzy texture and is often confused with dirt. Mold usually grows on organic matter, leather, clothing, paper and in your home it grows on ceilings, walls, and floors where moisture levels are not checked and are higher than normal. In contrast, mildew is usually lighter color starting out as white/gray then turning brown later on. Mildew is also flat in texture. Mildew grows in bathroom walls, windowsills, and other moist areas. 

Now that you can identify mold and mildew, here are some preventative measures you can take to hinder mold and mildew growth. 

• Keep areas clean and sanitized
• Install dehumidifiers in areas where moisture is typically high
• Install exhaust fans to increase ventilation
• Allow for natural ventilation by opening up windows when possible
• Keep HVAC vents open and unblocked

If you have mold or mildew growth call SERVPRO of Monterey Park. We have trained experts and offer mold removal/remediation services!

Containing Mold Before Remediation

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Need Mold Remediation? Call the SERVPRO of Monterey Park Experts @ (626) 656-6577

Have you recently discovered mold contamination in your Monterey Park home or business? Mold particles can spread quickly, so you need to take action as soon as possible. Your first step should be calling in your mold remediation experts. The mold cleanup process usually incorporates five important steps:

1. Having a damage assessment and inspection.
2. Getting mold spores contained.
3. Removing mold and infested materials.
4. Cleaning the area and belongings.
5. Restoring the damaged areas.

The containment part of the cleanup can use a few different procedures depending on the size of the problem. However, it is the most important step in making sure your property is not further contaminated.

Visit http://www.SERVPROmontereypark.com for more mold remediation information!

How Water Damage Can Create a Mold Issue in Your Monterey Park Home or Business

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Inside The Drywall Can Cause Mold. Call Us Right Away At The First Sign of Damage!

The goal during any water damage situation is to remove moisture as quickly as possible and preferably within 48 hours so that mold/fungi cannot form. When your home or business in Monterey Park gets negatively affected by moisture, professional companies like SERVPRO can help reduce the severity. In most cases, we speed up the natural evaporation and drying process by utilizing air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers create air flow so that water keeps evaporating from wet surfaces while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and provide the fans with hot, dry air. However, when certain building materials receive water damage, other measures must be taken to drop moisture levels and prevent mold growth quickly.  

When water leaks into your home, it usually accumulates on the floor first. Then, it soaks into your drywall and starts to wick its way up your walls, possibly causing extensive water damage to your Monterey Park property. If wall cavities get wet, fungi can form on the paper backing of the drywall and the wooden studs to which the drywall is attached. In some scenarios, our SERVPRO technicians cut the drywall a foot or two (sometimes four) up from the floor so that air can get pushed into the wall cavity. In other situations, we use advanced technology to dry out the drywall and the wood trapped behind it without tearing up your walls.  

Our highly trained team always strives hard to provide fast 24/7 service if you ever suffer a property disaster. If you notice that your drywall got wet after a water leak, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park at (626) 656-6577 right away!

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Mold Problem Inside Your Monterey Park Residence?

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you find any signs of mold - call us @ 626-656-6577

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. 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.

10 Things Home Owners In Monterey Park Should Be Doing to Prevent Mold

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless if you’re a new homeowner or if you’ve been in the same home for forty years, it’s absolutely vital to make sure you take the proper precautions to fight off and prevent mold and mildew in your home or office. Mold is basically tiny fungi that grow in branch-like filaments called hyphae. While some mold and mildew can be scrubbed away with the right cleaning products, other types of mold can do severe damage to the structure of your home and it can be very expensive to repair. Not only is mold horrible for your home, but it’s also very dangerous. Mold can cause a number of health effects.

Unfortunately, certain kinds of toxic mold are undetectable by the naked eye. That’s why it’s so important to follow these guidelines to make sure that you’re protecting yourself and your home from the potential risks of mold and mildew.

1. Be Aware of Air Flow

When trying to prevent mold, take note of the arrangement of furniture and other items in your home. You want to make sure you have a proper airflow throughout the house. When moisture gets trapped, you’re increasing your chances of mold. Always be aware of odd smells or odors in the home that may represent mold or mildew. Any kind of musty smells will most likely be a sign of mold growth.

2. Know Your Moisture Levels

Most people don’t really know how much moisture they have floating around their home, but it’s important to keep an eye on these levels, especially in basements. Basements should always be below 50% humidity to prevent mold. If you’re worried about how much humidity is in your home, you can purchase a hygrometer. A lot of the new thermometers for central air and heat in more modern homes will include a humidity level setting on the monitor.

3. Check All Storage

When moving into a new home, it’s easy to toss unwanted cardboard boxes and bins into the garage and then forget they were ever there. If it’s been a while since you’ve explored through the storage in your garage, basement or attic, you may want to give it a good check. Cardboard boxes in low ventilated areas are a breeding ground for mold. You also want to stay away from keeping your items in cardboard boxes or on wooden shelves.

4. Keep Moisture Rich Areas Clean

To prevent mold it’s important to consistently clean areas of the house that are exposed to moisture often, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Routinely remove all of the items on your counter-tops and use anti-mold or mildew cleaning products. If water gets trapped in areas for longer than 48-hours, then mold can become apparent.

5. Utilize Exhaust Fans

When showering or cooking, remember to always use your exhaust fans. Some people will only turn exhaust fans on after showering, but this is a big mold prevention no-no. Always be sure to have the fan on during a hot shower, as well as for some time after a shower to make sure that all of the humidity has dissipated.

6. Be Aware of Leaks

It’s important to have your house checked randomly throughout the year for leaks. A leaky pipe that goes unnoticed can create havoc in a household. Something that might be simple to fix one day, can turn into a nightmare if it goes undetected. Have a mold remediation company occasionally check your home for potential leaks to save yourself money in the long run.

7. Remove Carpet in Basements

While some carpets may feel cozy and look great in a basement, they can turn into a fuzzy hotel for fungus. Basements are infamous for holding in moisture and carpets can make these matters much worse. If you’re looking to upgrade your home in the near future, tearing out carpets in the basement not only saves you from potential mold, but it can also increase your property value.

8. Keep Roof and Gutters Clean

With heavy rain, moisture can clog up your gutters and cause cracks in your roof.  It can build up near corners or crevasses in doorways. Keeping your roof and your gutters clean throughout the year can help you to prevent mold in these areas.

9. Use Mold Prevention Based Paints

If you happen to be renovating or moving into a new home, it’s the perfect time to find quality mold inhibiting paints and primers. Ask an expert at your local home improvement store which kind of paints are best for fighting off mold and mildew.

10. Change Out Air Filters

Everyone should always be aware of the air quality in their home. Changing out air filters or purchasing air purifiers can add an extra layer of protection in your home.

Having the above ten steps on your checklist will help you to prevent mold in your home. If you do suspect there is mold in your home, call the experts at SERVPRO of Monterey Park to inspect and remove it for you.

Be Careful! Without Proper Training, You Could Be Spreading Mold Throughout Your Home

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today @ (626) 656-6577

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 Monterey Park 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 Monterey Park 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 @ (626) 656-6577

 SERVPRO of Monterey Park knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

Eliminating Mold Damage in Monterey Park Homes

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Don't wait! Call us now!

Many Monterey Park residents somehow think mold is their fault, either through neglect or poor housekeeping. The reality is that mold spores are present in every home, regardless of how much bleach the owner uses. These spores are also no more harmful than common house dust until the right circumstances and requirements are met.

Mold damage to Monterey Park homes can only happen when there is enough moisture present in the right temperature range to activate these tiny spores which begin feeding on a nearby food source. Stopping further growth requires understanding how mold grows and finding the best way to interrupt it and prevent growth in the future immediately. At SERVPRO of Monterey Park, our response teams train to do just that.

Inert and active mold spores cluster together. Each spore is smaller than the width of a human hair, and a cluster of thousands is still so small it can fit on the head of a thumbtack. They remain this small, and inert until they absorb enough moisture from a small pool of rainwater or an even smaller plumbing leak. With only a tiny amount of water, the spores extend hyphae which grow over and into food sources like drywall, wood framing, and even roof tiles.

That is why our teams ask two questions of every homeowner: Where is the mold and have you had a leak of any type recently? The answers tell our technicians where to look for mold and the source of the moisture that triggered the spores to begin growing.

It applies to storm flooding, recent fires, and broken plumbing. In each instance, an unusual amount of water, large or small, has entered the home. SERVPRO of Monterey Park knows the type is important because flooding and the fire department can soak carpets and floors while broken plumbing might be a split pipe or water hose in the garage or laundry room.

Flood water can also drain through the floor, or down the stairs, into the basement. Since this part of the home is not usually part of daily life, mold can grow here longer than in a bathroom or elsewhere before someone notices it. Our teams need to eliminate this, and every source of moisture, regardless of where it might be. If they do not, then the owner soon has a recurring problem.

If you are dealing with water now, or a mold problem caused by the previous flooding, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park at (626) 656-6577 today. We are here to help you and your home.

Click here for more on Monterey Park.

DIY Mold Removal

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

You can create your own mold cleaning solution depending on the surface and the amount of mold damage.

If you have slight mold damage, you can definitely take steps to remove mold on your own. Restoration companies are usually hired in the event that mold damage is at a larger scale. Here are some steps and guidelines for some DIY mold removal. 

1. Ensure your own protection against mold. Mold can cause health hazards and it's important to limit your own exposure against mold. When treating a mold affected area be sure that you aren't inhaling any mold. Wearing a mask or a N-95 respirator will help prevent you from inhaling any mold particles. Also wear gloves that extend to the middle of your forearm to limit your skin's potential exposure when cleaning mold. Wear goggles that don't have holes or openings in them.
2. Removing mold. You can use detergent and water as a solution to scrub off mold from surfaces. Depending on the type of surface, you need to use different tools to scrub with. A drywall sensitive to abrasion and use only a rag to try and scrub off mold. Also, depending on how porous a surface or material is, you might need to replace the mold infested material rather than clean. If you don't know what surfaces/material needs to be replaced you can call SERVPRO of Monterey Park for a free mold inspection. There are mold cleaning solutions that can be bought and are more efficient than detergent and water. Once mold is removed, make sure the surface is dry before painting. For removing mold from wood, you can first try detergent then try a diluted vinegar solution. You may also need to sand the wood after cleaning it.
3. DIY Mold Cleaning Solution. You can create your own mold cleaning solution using some common household items. Undiluted white vinegar: used for hard surfaces in kitchens/baths. Bleach solution: one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Don't rinse. Ammonia solution: 50/50 ammonia and water. Apply to surface and wait 2-3 hours and then rinse. Do not mix ammonia and bleach!
4. Outdoor mold removal. Mix 1:10 bleach and water and spray on surfaces. Scrub with a brush for larger stains. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes then rinse off.
5. Cleaning up. Dispose of the rags used to clean the mold and clean all clothes in hot water immediately after the cleanup.

If any of these mold removal techniques are unsuccessful or if the mold damage is on a larger scale, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park. We deal with all water-related damages including mold.

Is Your Mold Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage can be a headache for homeowners. It's important to know your coverage when it comes to mold damage so you know your protection.

Homeowners insurance protects you against certain types of water damage and coverage is usually dependent on source of the water and the homeowner's responsibility to maintain certain parts of the home. What about mold damage?

There isn't a clear answer because coverage and the amount of coverage is usually dependent on various factors. Mold can spawn from a number of sources and depending on the source and the action that was taken by the homeowner. Similar to water damage, mold coverage policies are similar in nature. 

Resulting damage from a covered peril

Homeowners insurance will usually cover mold caused by "resulting damage" from a covered peril. If an appliance causes a water leak which leads to mold, then the mold damage would be covered. Mold caused by an bursting pipe would also be covered because the initial water damage from the bursting pipe would be covered and mold is the "resulting damage". Another example of "resulting damage" from a covered peril is firefighters extinguishing fires in your home and the remaining water has caused mold to grow. Since the initial fire was a covered peril, then the mold will most likely be covered as well.

Mold damage from disasters

Mold damage can occur from outside sources and homeowners insurance spells out a list of disasters covering resulting mold damage. The most common disaster associated with mold damage are floods and flash floods. Flood damage, is not usually covered through a regular homeowners insurance and a separate flood insurance must be bought. Homeowners insurance have an interesting policy of coverage from external water sources. If the external water source that enters the home is touching the ground, then it is not covered. This includes floods and sewage backups. This extends to mold damage and resulting damages from the listed events above. If you are in an area of frequent flooding, flood insurance might be good to invest in since you are covered for the resulting mold as well. For other disasters, however, you may be covered. If a hurricane or an ice storm tears openings in your home causing resulting mold, you are most likely covered by your homeowners insurance.

Mold damage from negligence

Mold damage that results from a failure of the homeowner to maintain an upkeep certain areas of the house will not be covered. This includes failure to fix leaking pipes, tubes, appliances, etc. For example, if you knowingly could have prevented the mold just by fixing a leaking pipe causing gradual water damage or knew that you had openings in your roof allowing water to come in to your home, you won't be covered for the resulting mold damage. If you were in a clear position to prevent mold from happening, you may be denied a claim.

It is important to know your coverage when it comes to mold. You can also take preventative measures to mitigate the probability of mold before the problem even starts. Here are some steps you can take:

• Maintain moisture levels, invest in a dehumidifier
• Regularly maintain plumbing, look for leaks in pipes
• Allow proper ventilation for rooms that might have a lot of moisture: bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room.
• Maintain proper upkeep of your roof
• Clean gutters to ensure rainwater is channeled properly
• Maintain proper temperatures near pipes
• Check whether or not appliances are in working order and not leaking

At SERVPRO, we work with your insurance company. We understand the process from start to finish and we can help restore and clean your home from mold damage and assist you through the claims process. If you have any questions on the claims process for mold damage or need mold repairs, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park. 

The Process of Mold Remediation

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

We have a carefully detailed mold removal process that removes mold and inhibits further growth.

SERVPRO of Monterey Park deals with mold damage on any scale from residential to commercial properties. Mold is usually associated with water damage and it is imperative to remove or at least treat mold because it can cause health hazards for you and your family. Let us introduce you to our mold remediation/removal process. We, IIRC certified experts, have a detailed and specific process when it comes to mold remediation and removal. Before we get into the process, we should explain mold and why specific steps in the process even exist. 

Mold is microscopic in nature and is almost everywhere. Removing all instances of mold is almost near impossible. The best we can do is mitigate the growth and spread of mold. Mold can enter through openings in the building: windows, vents, doors, etc. Mold also thrives in the presence of moisture. Getting rid of a water source is one of the most crucial steps in dealing with mold. Mold also produces a very distinct scent; it can be described as musty and like a wet dog. Lastly, humidity above 45 percent can foster mold growth so it's important to keep it below 45 percent. 

Mold Remediation Process

Our certified professionals have to adjust every step in the process to deal with certain mold situations but almost every step remains the same through any case of mold damage.

Step 1: Contact We get contacted and we get a description of the mold damage to prepare the necessary equipment and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection We inspect the building and get proof of the damage. we have specialized technology in identifying mold and determining sources of water that are fostering mold growth.

Step 3: Containment After inspection is done, we do our best to contain mold growth and this is done through limiting air flow into the building. We turn off all fans and anything that might produce airflow. We utilize a negative air chamber to isolate the mold damaged areas and this creates negative air pressure to prevent mold from spreading. We create physical barriers that separate and isolate the affected area. Sometimes, we use polyethylene sheeting to seal off the affected areas for higher level contamination.

Step 4: Air Filtration Since mold is microscopic it is can easily travel through the air and atmosphere. We have specialized equipment that filters microscopic mold particles from the air and these are called 'air scrubbers'. We also have HEPA vacuums that sucks up mold particles on surfaces for higher level contamination.

Step 5: Mold Cleaning and Removal If surface are porous, mold can seep through these pores and permanently affect these materials and in that case, we usually replace these materials. For non-porous materials and wood surfaces, we use a wire brush to clean all moldy surfaces and we wipe the surface with detergent solution and a wet cloth.

Step 6: Cleaning Mold-Infested Contents We also clean belongings affected by mold growth and this can include furniture, decorations, clothes, etc. We have separate cleaning processes for individual types of materials.

Step 7: Restoration Surfaces that are permanently affected by mold damage have to be replaced and in the event of a minor repair, we just replace certain areas of drywall, carpeting, and flooring. In more severe cases of mold damage, we have to reconstruct a room entirely.

If you have any mold damage, you can always call SERVPRO of Monterey Park for a free mold checkup. We deal with mold damage in commercial and residential properties of any scale.