Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda 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 Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda 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.  SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda has the experience and training to make your home safe and livable again. Call us at 925-299-1323 to learn more about our professional cleanup services.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 925-299-1323

Common types of mold in homes

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus that can be found almost anywhere, indoor and outdoor.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors but the most common types of mold include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Stachybotrys, also known as black mold. 

Common Types of Mold in Homes

• Aspergillus – is found in warm, extremely damp climates, and a common occupant of house dust.  This mold produces mycotoxins which is a poisonous chemical compound.
• Cladosporium – is a very common outdoor fungus that can find its way indoors and grow on textiles, wood and other damp, porous materials. 
• Penicillium - is a very common species found on wallpaper, decaying fabrics, carpet, and fiberglass duct insulation. It is known for causing allergies and asthma. 
• Stachybotrys - is extremely toxic “black mold” that produces mycotoxins is most likely to appear in areas of the home that are particularly warm, humid and damp.

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediationcompany regardless of the color or type of mold.  If you find mold in your home or business give SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda a call at (925) 299-1323.  We have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. 

Mold around the house and tips on controlling it

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

We care about your home too much to let it go full of mold. That's why SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda brought you tips to controlling and preventing growth of undesirable mold.

In the kitchen:

• Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside (not into the attic) whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
• Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
• Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.

In basements and crawl spaces:

• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
• Be sure crawl spaces are well ventilated by using fans and having vents installed in outside walls if necessary.
• Consider painting concrete floors and using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet in basements. If you plan to install carpet over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Have your basement floor checked for leaks and have them repaired if necessary. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors or walls.
• Make sure gutters are working properly and that outdoor landscaping causes water to run away from -- not toward -- the house.
• Do not finish basement walls with insulation and wall board unless your basement is very dry.

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.

Content Source:

https://www.webmd.com/women/mold-mildew#3

Causes for mold in homes

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms that grow but in order for it to grow it needs some conditions and we at SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda want you to be aware of it:

• Mold spores
• A food source (eg wood, drywall, cotton)
• Darkness (mold can't grow under ultraviolet light)
• Warmth (mold can't grow in freezing temperatures)
• Oxygen
• Moisture (eg water leaks, humidity)
• Enough time (most molds can begin to grow in 24-48 hours if the conditions are right)

Your home has almost all the conditions for mold to grow, the only one of the list you can help control is moisture. In other words, the difference between whether mold grows in your home or not comes down to whether you have a moisture problem.

Content Source:

https://moldpedia.com/what-causes-mold-grow

Scenarios where mold can grow in your home

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

Last blog post we talked a little bit about the conditions mold needs to grow. If you haven't seen it yet you can click right here and check "Causes for mold in homes".

In this post we are going to be focusing on Scenarios where the factor Moisture is found and may be key for a mold problem:

• Leaking Pipes
• Leaks in Roof
• Condensation
• Poor Ventilation
• Wet Clothes
• Flooding
• Damp Basement
• Water at the House's Foundation

If you have any of these situations above, don't hesitate to call us. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs

How to Prevent Mold issues

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Winter is here and we at SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda care about your home. here are some tips to prevent mold issues:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.

If you want to know more about how to prevent Mold issues at your home you can go Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Content Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm

We help you with your mold issue

7/17/2018 (Permalink)

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 – (925) 299-1323

Got Mold? Found Help!

2/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda (925) 299-1323

Mold can be dangerous, if you find mold in your home or business give SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda a call! As a Large Loss Team we service Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda! We can handle any size disaster! 

Mold can be found all environments, both indoors and outdoors, year round! Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, like what our Northern California spring and summer time.  

Lookout for mold in unsuspecting areas! Outdoor mold can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, like basements and showers! 

If you have any questions, give our 24 hour line a call at SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda (925) 299-1323

Avoiding Storm Damage

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda (925) 299-1323

Preparing your home for storm damage is important. We at SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda  have some tips and will focus on Hail damage and thunderstorm winds.

Not only cars suffer from hail causing dents,  after a hail storm, make sure no water is leaking through the roof because hail damage can weaken a roof to the point that leaks develop.

Thunderstorm winds can also cause significant damage: make sure you don't have loose objects in the yard. They can be thrown at the house and cause damage. significant damage is also caused by fallen tree branches so try to keep the trees close to your home pruned and the branches removed. cars in the garage may be a good idea too, nobody wants dents right? 

We hope you never go through an emergency but if it happens call us.

SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda (925) 299-1323

Home Have A Mold Problem?

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

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 – 925-299-1323

The Effects of Black Mold in your Home

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda at (925) 299-1323.

In as little as 48 hours mold can quickly become a problem in your home when there’s excessive moisture on building materials.  Mold can be found both indoor and outdoor. It can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems.  Outdoor mold can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors but the most common types of mold include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Stachybotrys, also known as black mold.

Stachybotrys is extremely toxic which produces mycotoxins and is most likely to appear in areas of the home that are particularly warm, humid and damp.  If left unattended, black mold may cause a variety of health effects associated with respiratory response. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure.

Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda immediately to inspect, assess and remediate your property.  Our technicians has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.  We make disasters, "Like it never even happened."  Call us today (925) 299-1323.

Mold Removal and Remediation in your Home or Business

6/8/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda can help mitigate your mold infestation. Call us today (925) 299-1323.

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.  They can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation.

When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth can occur, particularly if the moisture problem goes unaddressed for some time.  It is impossible to eliminate mold and mold spores outdoors. But indoor mold can be effectively controlled.  By deploying proven mold removal and prevention strategies, indoor mold can be managed.  To fully assess your mold situation, it is best to hire highly trained restoration specialists like SERVPRO that can conduct mold tests to determine the exact type of mold you are dealing with.

Mold Removal and Remediation

Many homeowners feel they can address mold issues on their own utilizing bleach or other products.  This can be a dangerous choice if you are not aware of the type of mold you are dealing with.  If mold is improperly handled, it can easily spread, multiplying the problem many times over. 

You have probably heard a lot about the health risks associated with mold.  Mold can be a health problem but more often it is more of a nuisance than a toxicity problem.  If you have occupants in the home that suffer from allergies, compromised immune systems, or other health disorders mold can be an increased, and very serious problem.

At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda, our highly trained restoration specialists are Here to Help! We’re a trusted company that specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda can also mitigate mold and mildew. Should you have mold problem in your home or business, call us today (925) 299-1323.

Mold Infestation? We Can Help!

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda is Here to Help with your mold problem. Call Us Today – (925) 299-1323

Mold can be found just about almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.  Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.  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 can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.  These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.  Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation.

If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your home or business, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold.


• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.


• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.


• Excessive humidity.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda can inspect, assess, remediate your mold infestation and make it, "Like it never even happened!"

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (925) 299-1323

What to Do When You Can't See Mold

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

If you suspect you have a mold problem, SERVRPO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda has the proper equipment to inspect the level of mold spores at your home.

Mold can be found both indoor and outdoor. It can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems.  But sometimes you simply can’t find it by ordinary means, even when you nearly tear your house apart.  Mold can hide in attic insulation, in the wall cavity between drywall sheets, or between a finished basement ceiling and the floor upstairs.  If your home has a musty odor or anyone with allergies to mold seem to have more symptoms in your home, you probably have a mold problem. 

Here's What to Do When You Can't See Mold:

• Mold Testing -  If you have a mold problem somewhere in your home, you should hire a professional mold tester.  Mold tests can help you narrow down the location of hidden mold by telling you the places in your home with the highest amount of mold spores. 
• Identifying Mold Species - Simply have it identified so you know whether it’s a toxic mold or not.  This is important for toxic molds since extra caution needs to be taken to safely remove toxic mold from the home.
• Mold Testing for Indoor Air Quality - You should have mold testing done to tell you the amount of mold spores in the air.  By testing for mold you can tell if there is an unhealthy level of spores in your house and find out if any allergies you might have are from mold.

Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call SERVRPO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda to inspect your home if you suspect you have a mold problem.  We have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Have Questions? Call Us Today at (925) 299-1323

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (925) 299-1323

What you can do until help arrives

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

If you suspect mold growth in your home or business give SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda a call at (925) 299-1323.

Mold remediation specialists

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda (925) 299-1323

At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda we are a 24/7 emergency service, offering trained professionals to remediate and restore your home or office from damages by fire, water, or mold. We can help you preserve precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced and restore your property to its condition before the water and mold damage. At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda we utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

 Dry Cleaning- Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.

 Wet Cleaning- An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.

 Spray and Wipe-Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.

 Foam Cleaning- Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.

 Abrasive Cleaning- Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 

 Immersion Cleaning- Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem as soon as there’s water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line from appliances or plumbing. If you notice a strong, musty odor, this may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting; mold isn’t always visible but odor can help identify it.

If you have concerns about possible mold growth give us a call anytime!

We are available 24/7/365. 

Call us today at (925) 299-1323 

Avoid summer troubles

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Servpro of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda are Fire, Water, Smoke, and Mold remediation and restoration experts!

Summer time brings warm days and nights but that warmth can lead to microbial growth!

At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda we want to remind everyone to be aware of possible summer time humidity that can lead to mold growth in your home!

Be on the lookout in your home for common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold problems this summer, such as:

• Sprinkler spray hitting the house

• Plumbing leaks

• Overflow from sinks or sewers

• Damp basement

• Steam from shower or cooking

• Wet clothes drying indoors

If you do see possible mold growth in your home, give us a call. Signs of microbial growth can be spotted if you find discolored patches or speckled growth on walls or furniture; or if you smell an earthy or musty odor.

If this does occur don’t worry, you can call SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda any time! We can handle any size disaster and make your mold damage like it never even happened! 

Call us today with any questions at 

925-299-1323 

MOLD?!

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

Servpro of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda 925-299-1323

If you find mold in your home or business give SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda a call! As a Large Loss Team we can handle any size disaster no matter if your in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda or any part of Contra Costa County! 

Mold can be found all environments, both indoors and outdoors, year round! Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, like what our Northern California spring and summer time.  

Lookout for mold in unsuspecting areas! Outdoor mold can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, like basements and showers! 

If you have any questions, give our 24hour line a call at 925-299-1323 

Whats lurking behind your walls?

12/10/2015 (Permalink)

Mold growth on drywall and baseboards

At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda we know Mold. And we know it is not always visible or easy to recognize; it can hide under your floors and behind your wall. Don't put your health at risk by inhaling spores and mildew!

If you suspect mold growth, or need Mold Remediation call SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda and get your home or office tested and cleaned! 50% of illness is either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air.

Questions? Call us today at 925-299-1323