Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

In the laundry room:

• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
• Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.

In bathrooms:

• Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
• Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary.
• Open a window when showering.
• Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

Source: webmd Jan 2019

What Color is Mold?

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

What Color is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.

In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.

If you are concerned your home or business may be experiencing a problem with mold, please do not hesitate to call the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs.

Source: webmd

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages
• Lake Houses

Source: cdc.gov

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

If you’re hoping to save your current furniture or you’ve bought a new patio set and want to keep it from falling victim to the same problem, you can take steps to prevent mildew and mold. When purchasing new furniture, look for water-resistant fabrics and materials and check to see if the dyes used are also weather-resistant. Acrylic and polyester are usually the most durable. You can also waterproof your patio furniture yourself by purchasing a waterproofing kit at your local supply store.

Note that sunscreen and bug spray are known to soak into cushions, so always use a towel to sit on as added protection, and never sit down directly after coming out of the pool. If you do spill water or otherwise soil the furniture, clean it immediately, and do routine cleaning every few weeks. If you do not use your patio furniture year round, consider using furniture covers, or find a shed, garage or storage unit to house it during the off season.

Now that you know how to remove mold and mildew from patio furniture, you can clean up your chairs, table and umbrella to return it to good condition. You’ll be back to lounging out in the summer heat in no time.

Source: https://learn.livingdirect.com/patio-furniture-mold-removal/

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives.  Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful.

Mold can grow on areas with the following:

• Water, moisture or high humidity
• Food (any organic substance)
• The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)
• Lack of ventilation
• Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.
• Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

If you suspect you have mold, please contact SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs today. We are here to help you through the process.

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

7/22/2018 (Permalink)

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

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 cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO Helotes and Leon Springs. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect

mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and 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® 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 Helotes and Leon Springs  Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using

fogging equipment. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Mold Remediation Needed for Helotes Business

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

A team at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs was called out to this San Antonio commercial property when an employee noticed this mold colony growing behind a bookshelf in their office. The office adjacent to this one had experienced a flood, causing water damage and mold grew when the water damage was not properly dried out. It then spread through this office wall. We needed to do mold remediation on the lower section of the wall, removing drywall, sheet rock, and insulation. 

If you are in need of mold remediation services or a professional dry-out after flooding, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs at (210) 361-9353

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the follow:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

What are Molds?

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

What are molds?

One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold.  What kind of mold do I have?  How do I keep it from spreading?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home.  In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming.  In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.

In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated.  Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can — no higher than 50% – all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages
• Lake Houses

Source: cdc.gov

Mold Discovered in Upper Cabinets in San Antonio Apartment

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Another mold colony discovered behind drywall above where the mold-infested upper cabinets used to hang.

The renters of this San Antonio apartment noticed black and green spots growing along the inside of the upper cabinets in their kitchen when they decided to make a call to SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. The renters mentioned that the unit above their's had experienced a water damage event recently when the dishwasher started leaking. While the upstairs unit may have had their water damage properly taken care of, the lower unit did not. And thus, mold began to grow! More times than not, when it comes to mold, there is more to it than what originally meets the eye. The upper cabinets were affected so obviously the ceiling the cabinets were attached to also had mold growth. When our techs started to remove dry wall, they found even more mold growing behind it. Our team of highly-trained professionals began remediation right away and made this event "Like it never even happened."

You May Need Mold Remediation If You Can Answer "Yes" To These Three Questions

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Did you recently experience water damage? Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours after your San Antonio home or business experiences water damage. This is why it is so important to begin mitigation and remediation as soon as possible. If the leak has gone unnoticed for awhile, you may be looking at a larger mold infestation. However, you don’t necessarily need to have experienced water damage for mold to start growing in your home. Humid or damp conditions along with stagnant air will likely lead to the growth of mold colonies as well.

Is there a musty odor? Have you ever left laundry in the washing machine so long that it smells a little funky once you finally take it out? The same smell may be coming from mold growing in your house. Again, if your home wasn’t recently affected by water damage, the likely cause is a humid or damp environment, which the mold thrives in.

Have you noticed green or black spots? These spots may appear on the wall, in cabinets, under sinks, behind appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines, in shower stalls or bathtubs – pretty much anywhere! Because, given that the conditions are right, mold will grow virtually anywhere. If these spots seemed to appear overnight, or if they appear to be growing or spreading, you have mold growing in your home.

If you can answer "yes" to these three questions, you may be in need of mold remediation services. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help - give us a call! (210) 973-7636

If you are unsure if you have mold in your home and wish to have mold testing done, we recommend calling Clean Environments, Inc. at (210) 349-7242.

Water Damage Can Lead To Mold Infestation

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

Mold was found on this cabinet when an ongoing leak under the kitchen sink was discovered.

Did you know that mold can start to develop in as little as 48 hours after your home is affected by water damage? Whether the damage is caused by a leaky or broken pipe, flood, or fire, when you experience water damage in your San Antonio home, it is important that the water is cleaned up promptly and properly. This cleanup can help you avoid significant secondary damage to your home – mold. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is always ready to mitigate your home after water damage. Our professionals are also highly trained in removing mold safely from your home.

After Spring storms comes the damp moisture forecast, and the result of mold infestation is high. Mold can develop anywhere in your home, especially if you have experienced any type of flooding or an ongoing leak. It is important to address any signs of mold immediately and correctly. Time is of the essence when dealing with mold – the longer you postpone cleanup and removal, the more it can spread, the longer the mold remediation process can take, the more expensive it can be, and the greater the inconvenience for you and your family.

If you start to see or smell mold in your home, mitigation should be done by a trained professional, such as the ones we have at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. It is important to not attempt to clean or remove the mold yourself, as fussing with it can cause mold spores to spread through the air which can lead to further problems.

Water damage that was not properly remedied prior to rebuilding may have caused mold to start growing behind your new walls or under your new carpeting. If the structure of your home was not properly disinfected, dehumidified, and dried, mold may be thriving. In a rush to make properties habitable, steps are often skipped, leading to mold infestations. The team at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs sees this frequently. If you believe you have mold growth from recent floods or other water damage, call us immediately. We can quickly help you identify problem areas and start the mold remediation process.

Regardless of the size or type of damage, we can quickly respond and start the evaluation and mitigation, as well remediation of your property. Call us today at (210) 973-7636! We work directly with most insurance companies and carriers to help relieve a portion of the burden of the rebuilding process in order to make your loss "Like it never even happened."

What To Do If You Suspect Mold In Your San Antonio Home

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

Our trained professionals at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs are ready 24/7 for any mold remediation services your San Antonio home may need!

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 cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO of Helote and Leon Springs Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call (210) 973-7636

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and 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® 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 Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Your local SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

How Much Do You Know About Mold?

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

As the flood water recedes, the opportunity for mold growth presents itself. Due to this, we recommend that you call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs at the first signs of moisture.  If you have discovered mold in your Bexar county home or office, we are here to help. We wanted to share some interesting facts about mold.

1.       There are over 10,000 species of mold.

2.       Some of your favorite cheeses have mold such as blue cheese.

3.       Penicillin is actually purified mold

4.       Mildew IS mold… many people think they’re two very different things but they’re not

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help with your water and mold damage remediation needs and are a phone call away.  We are available twenty-four hours a day every day of the year.

All About Mold

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Controlling Water Damage, Moisture and Mold Problems

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Property management, construction and real estate companies in San Antonio, TX face a common challenge from water damage, moisture and mold problems.  As insurance premiums rise to offset the cost of these challenges, real estate industry professionals and insurers must work together to achieve reasonable solutions.

Facts About Mold

·        Mold has existed since ancient times.

·        The human species has always lived in the presence of mold.

·        There are over 100,000+ species of mold identified.  The unique flavor of bleu cheese is produced by mold.

·        We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives.  Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful to health.

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

·        Water, moisture or high humidity

·        Food (any organic substance)

·        The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)

·        Lack of ventilation

·        Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.

·        Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

The good news is there are things you can do to reduce the growth of mold.

An Ounce of Prevention Can Protect You

The most important step you can take is to identify and humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold growth or structural damage.

§  Periodically inspect your building or home inside and out

§  Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, call SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs to identify the extent of the damage.  Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen.  This provides perfect conditions for mold growth. 

§  Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator of growing molds.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.  Remember, the key to protecting your home or business is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.

§  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product will keep problems away.

§  Business: make sure your Emergency Response Plan includes vendors that have the proper personnel and reserves and guarantees response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  This especially includes plumbers and restoration vendors like SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. 

§  Regularly have your HVAC system and air conditioner inspected to identify moisture problems or drain clogs.

Does Your Helotes or Leon Springs Home Have Mold Damage?

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

In Bexar County, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours

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

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today