Mold? No Problem!

10/27/2023 (Permalink)

Sometimes water losses and leaks can happen without us knowing, and when these problems go unnoticed it can cause additional damage such as mold growth. When you first see signs of these problems, be sure to call in the professionals for an assessment, report, and expertise advice on how to handle the situation- SERVPRO! Our mold certified technicians will be there when you need us and are only one phone call away.  

As soon as our crew is one site for the assessment, they will begin to determine the origin of the moisture that has caused the mold to begin to grow. Based on this finding they can help determine if there are any repairs that are necessary and what the next steps look like. If the mold growth is extensive (over 10 sq ft), we will recommend having a testing company to come out and gather multiple samples of the mold growth to determine the specific type, as well as put together a protocol for remediation to ensure that there no mold growth activity after our remediation is complete.  

Some of the standard mold remediation service we perform is containment of the affected area to prevent mold spores from spreading, HEPA cleaning the studs affected, and encapsulating which is the process of using a mold resistant paint to prevent the spreading of the mold- as seen in photos below.  

If you have any doubt that there may be mold in your home, whether it be from an odd smell, visible mold growth, bubbling on drywall, paint, or other surfaces- give the experts a call in the mold remediation field for a consultation so that you have peace of mind in your home! Give SERVPRO a call- 247/365 days a year! (630) 377-7062 

Attic Mold Remediation in Schaumburg

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

An attic mold job before and after shot.

With spring weather on the horizon and winter thawing away in Schaumburg, humidity and moisture levels tend to rise, which can create the perfect breeding ground for mold growth in your home. The attic is one of the most common areas of mold growth due to the hotter temperature, higher humidity, and the wood sheathing providing the perfect food source. 

Oftentimes, attic mold can be left unnoticed until the home is put up for sale, which could create an "attic-panic" for both the buyer and seller. 

Causes of Attic Mold Growth

1. Bathroom fans and dryer vents: These systems are meant to pump moisture out of the house. If they are somehow venting into the attic, this can cause a moisture problem, which leads to mold growth.
2. Inadequate ventilation: When an attic does not allow for sufficient airflow, the air can become warm and humid, which will then condensate along the cold sheathing in the winter. The wet wood allows for mold spores to feed and grow. 
3. Roof leaks: Spring and summer rains can seriously damage your attic if you have any leaks in your roof. The amount of moisture caused by rain leakage provides the perfect environment for mold to grow.

Why Call A Professional?

Attic mold remediation jobs are tricky and complex to handle, but we at SERVPRO are trained and experienced in this type of work. We follow industry standards to make sure the mold and mold staining are properly cleaned. The most common method we utilize is chemical-based, using a powerful mold stain remover to eradicate any darkened spots and leave virtually no trace of mold staining. In addition, we set up containment around the point of access to ensure the chemical is contained and mold spores are not released into the rest of the property, and we create a negative airflow system to bring air from the living space into the attic area, exhausting humid air outside. 

We Are Qualified Mold Remediation Technicians

We at SERVPRO are AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) certified, and we have the proper training and equipment to make sure any attic mold remediation work is performed thoroughly and correctly. Call us today at (847) 593-3055 to make attic mold "Like it never even happened."

Quality Mold Remediation Services For Your Home in Medinah

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

If you find yourself facing mold problems, give us a call.

Finding mold damage in your home can be stressful, though it is a common occurrence. Mold only needs three ingredients to flourish: moisture, food to feed off of, and the right temperature. It is typical for mold spores to catch a ride on household pets, your shoes, or fly into your home through a window. Under the right circumstances, you'd be shocked how easy it is for mold growth to begin.

If you find yourself facing mold problems, give us a call. SERVPRO mold remediation specialists are AMRT-certified and available 24/7, including holidays. We take pride in providing quality mitigation services you can count on and help limit any losses you might experience resulting from mold contamination found in your home.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle provides quality mold remediation services throughout the area. We have an entire staff of highly-trained professionals ready and willing to assist you with returning your home to a clean, safe, and secure place for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. (847) 593-3055

Hidden Mold in Low Traffic Areas of Your Home in Roselle

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Condensation in your basement may cause mold growth.

In the Chicago suburbs, the winter months are full of temperature fluctuations. In areas with little or no insulation, such as your basement, these drastic temperatures changes can cause condensation to form on walls and other hard surfaces. This increase in moisture is the perfect environment for mold growth.

Because these areas are usually not frequently occupied, mold growth in these areas can be hard to spot. Luckily, experienced SERVPRO professionals work in every part of the home, from general living areas to hard-to-reach places such as attics, basements and crawlspaces. After testing is performed to determine the presence of mold, our technicians work quickly to begin remediation.

If spotted early enough, demo and removal of damaged materials may not be required. With proper cleaning and preventative treatment, our technicians may be able to thoroughly kill mold growth while saving affected materials. In basements, preventative measures may also include the installation of dehumidifiers and sump pumps. After the damage is cleaned, we spray all affected areas with with a fast-drying and safe anti-microbial agent to ensure further prevention of mold growth.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is ready and available to help you protect your home from mold. Mold damage can create a multitude of problems if not remediated quickly. Do not hesitate to call us 24/7, (847)593-3055!  

SERVPRO's Thorough Action Against Mold Odors in Elk Grove

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Once mold is visible, or many times before, there is a smell associated with its presence. Contact SERVPRO at first sight or smell of mold.

One of the most troubling and most noticeable aspects of mold damage is the smell. Foul odors are, more often than not, the first thing homeowners notice before discovering mold growing in their home. Cleaning up these odors is no easy task, as the chemical compounds mix evenly through the air and often settle into materials and surfaces across the home. Without full industrial treatments, these odors can persist for months or even years after the mold has been dealt with. While less well-equipped companies often forget or forgo treatments for these odors, SERVPRO is careful always to bring the right equipment and the right plan to clean up odors. Our deodorizing foggers help to eliminate odors in their entirety, and when coupled with our advanced sanitization gear, no trace of mold damage should be left after we have come through.
 
We remove odors from mold damage homes by bringing in two different types of fogging machines - ultra low volume (ULV) foggers, and thermal foggers. ULV foggers are used for tight spaces such as the areas beneath floorboards or behind walls and specialize in reaching into the deepest and hardest-to-reach corners and cracks. Thermal foggers are our primary weapons for larger spaces, often employed in living spaces of the home such as entire rooms or hallways. Typically, both machines are used to some extent in a home, as they target different areas and are both required to eradicate odors fully.
 
Common household cleaning products and deodorants fail to eliminate odors since they are designed to simply mask odors. Even higher-quality deodorants are difficult to apply to the dark, out-of-reach places that mold colonies tend to inhabit. The advanced equipment used by SERVPRO is specifically designed for mold and fungal odors, so these problems are easily worked around by our technicians.
 
SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is a local franchise with national resources. We have crew chiefs who are AMRT-certified and ready to help eliminate mold and all of its odors from your home. Call us day or night at (847) 593-3055.
 
For more information regarding Elk Grove, click here

How We Isolate the Cause of Mold Before Remediation Process

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

The health of your HVAC system is critical because it has a direct impact on the quality of the air that you breathe. So what happens if the components get compromised and your system starts to circulate mold? It only takes a small amount of moisture to generate spores and mold damage in HVAC systems. SERVPRO deals with hundreds of these cases every year, so we know how tricky it is to maintain them.

When called out to a mold remediation case, we always check the condition of the HVAC ducts. Even if the main bulk of the growth is on the walls or the floor, it is important to inspect the airways for spores.

Coils and Drain Pans

Cooling coils cause the temperature of water vapor to drop, and a draining pan and a deep seal trap catch any dripping water and directs it safely away. However, if it does not get cleaned on a regular basis, organic dirt and grime create a microbial habitat. We will check and, if necessary, empty and clean it with fungistatics.

Duct Walls

If the inner walls of the HVAC unit are wet, there is clearly an underlying problem with water damage. We will identify the cause and perform repairs to prevent further moisture after remediation. Once repaired, compact dehumidifiers are set up to draw moisture out of the ducts and prevent microbial growth. We can also remove and replace any fiberglass linings that contain mold.

Air Filters

When there is evidence of mold growth and circulation, we will remove and clean/replace the air filters. We use biocides and other powerful disinfecting agents to neutralize all spores. We recommend the installation of high-efficiency filters as an affordable way to enhance IAQ and optimize energy consumption.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is a local mold remediation service. If you work with us, we guarantee fast, effective results every time. No matter where the mold growth is in your home, our technicians can find and neutralize it. Call us 24/7 at (847) 593-3055!

When Mold Spreads in Your Home, SERVPRO Helps to Remove It

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Our technicians check all of your windows and make recommendations about repairs, maintenance, and installations that help you avoid future problems.

Mold damage can happen anywhere in your home. This includes any wall that has a plumbing or drain line or anywhere that you have a plumbing fixture or an appliance that requires a constant water source, such as your laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, or the closet where you keep your water heater. In addition, any wall in your home that has a window, door, or outdoor access is susceptible to mold damage. You could have a wall cooler that supplies a room with air conditioning during warmer months that drains improperly, causes condensation buildup around windows, or allows moisture to enter your walls that can give mold what it needs to spread.

If you suspect mold growth anywhere, take the time to contact your insurance company and find a local mold remediation specialist you can trust, like SERVPRO. Avoid falling for self-help or DIY sites that instruct you on how to handle the problem yourself. It is far harder than you think and may lead to you cutting corners, after which you would need to call for help anyway when it comes back again. Let us do it the right way, the first time!

As a variety of professional remediation companies do, SERVPRO offers to fully inspect your property to determine if their services are necessary. However, we like to perform a full-service inspection, leaving little to the imagination when we are done. We check for telltale signs of mold contamination, visibly inspect all common areas where mold often grows, including your basement, crawl spaces, utility rooms, or any small enclosed spaces found on your property.

SERVPRO technicians check all of your windows and make recommendations about repairs, maintenance, and installations that might help you avoid future problems from occurring. We check your bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room and anywhere else in your home that has experienced recent repairs or maintains a constant water source. We even check your ventilation system registers, duct work, and filter for contamination.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle can perform full mold damage remediation services anywhere on your property. Contact us today to receive the services you deserve. (847) 593-3055

Rainy Season Means Mold Season

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

“April showers bring May flowers…” as well as a variety of issues for homeowners. Most of these problems can be easily prevented or immediately taken care of. However, mold growth is often overlooked or forgotten about until it is too late. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to prevent or look out for potential mold growth.

There are always mold spores floating through the air, which in small amounts are usually harmless. However, once these spores find a moist, damp spot to land on, they begin to multiply over time to potentially harmful levels. After several days of rain and/or humidity, your property may be a prime target for mold growth.

Mold often grows on walls due to wet air sticking to the surface or hidden leaky pipes located behind. The attic and the ceiling below it would also be prime spots for mold growth, especially after a heavy rainstorm. Dark places such as crawlspaces, closets, inside ceilings, etc. are easy spots for mold to grow because of a lack of both ventilation and sunlight keeping in humid air. Be sure to keep these areas in mind when looking out for mold.

The basement is an especially perfect spot for mold to grow. It is dark, usually not well-ventilated, and any water leakage from above will travel down into or around the basement. In addition, any cold surfaces within the basement such as metal pipes or concrete floors are susceptible to condensation, again creating more spots for mold to grow. If nothing else, keep an especially close eye on your basement.

If your property is suffering from mold or water damage, don’t wait to address it! SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is available 24/7 and has the equipment and training to take care of your mold issues. Call us at (847)593-3055 right away!

Our Mold Remediation Process

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Once mold growth is found, it is vital to have it taken care of as soon as possible. Our mold remediation process will remove harmful mold from your property and help prevent further growth. Typically, the process involves the following:

• Inspection: Our trained technicians use specialized equipment to locate and identify any mold growth in your property. In many cases, mold will thrive in inaccessible or unseen areas as it feeds on moisture and cellulose materials. The source of the moisture must be eliminated to cut off any further fungal growth.
• Containment: Because any released spores contain mycotoxins that may be hazardous to your health, it is important to set up a containment area. Any fans and HVAC units are shut down to prevent spore circulation through the ductwork. Poly plastic barriers and negative air chambers are then set up to isolate the spores in one area. Air scrubbers and HEPA filtered vacuums are also used to further aid in the containment process.
• Treating Infected Items: Removal of any mold-infested furniture, upholstery and building materials for discarding or cleaning is another important element to the mold remediation process. Restoration or replacement of affected materials will depend on the level of infestation and mold damage. Our aim at SERVPRO is to save and restore as much of your personal possessions as possible.
• Air Safety: Our IICRC-trained technicians will use EPA-approved antimicrobial and antifungal disinfectants to kill any active mold. Specialized foggers and cleaning agents are then used to deodorize your house. This will ensure air quality is safe and breathable.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle provides quality mold remediation services throughout the area. We have an entire staff of highly-trained professionals ready and willing to assist you with returning your home to a clean, safe, and secure place for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. Call us today at (847) 593-3055.