Signs of mold

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

This is wall with visible mold.

Signs of mold in you home?

1. Water Damage
   Unattended water damage can lead to mold, as moisture creates an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive.
2. Leaks
   If there is a leak in your home, it can eventually lead to water damage as well as produce those prime, moist conditions mold requires.
3. Humidity
   When a home has humid conditions, the moisture in the air is higher. High humidity can produce condensation and excess water, providing an ample food source for mold spores.
4. Condensation
   A lot of condensation means that there is a lot of moisture and there could potentially be a mold problem. Mold can grow anywhere where there is condensation build up.
5. Rust
   Condensation could cause rusting in the home. If you notice rust on pipes you may have a higher moisture level and mold problems.
6. Warping
   Materials such as drywall and wood can warp if moisture is present. Warped walls may mean a mold problem is present.
7. Deterioration
   Moisture issues can lead to paint chipping, wallpaper peeling, and other materials deteriorating, so keep an eye out for deterioration in your home.
8. Strange odor
   You may smell a musty, moldy odor in your home. The worse the smell the higher the possibility of mold growing in that location.
9. . Visible mold
   Obviously if you see mold, you have mold in your home. Be aware that even if there is visible mold that may not be the only affected area in your home.

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 – (949) 429-3188

12 Common Mold Types in Homes

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a living substance that grows in very specific conditions, primarily warm, dark, and damp areas. Mold often grows in areas that have experienced some form of water damage. 

Here is a list of 12 common molds that are found accompanying water damage:

1. Acremonium- this mold typically grows in areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants. It is often white, pink, or grey.
2. Alternaria- this greenish brown mold is found wherever dampness occurs. These areas can include showers, bathtubs, and below leaking sinks. It typically accompanies areas that suffer from water damage. 
3. Aspergillus- this is a very common mold that consists of over 185 species, resulting in all sorts of color variations. It is found in damp areas, similar to alternaria.
4. Aureobasidium- this mold is normally pink, brown, or black, and often grows behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces. 
5. Chaetomium- this greyish brown mold is found by the sources of water damage, and has a distinguishable musty odor. Because this mold grows in consistently moist conditions, it is important to either repair the cause of moisture or keep an eye out for any possible places that you might find it. 
6. Cladosporium- this mold is unique because it can grow in both hot and cold climates. It likes to thrive in fibrous materials like fabrics, upholstery, and carpet. 
7. Fusarium- this mold is also able to grow in colder temperatures. It grows in carpeting, wallpaper, and other soft materials. This mold spreads quickly so it is good to examine the rest of the home thoroughly for signs of it elsewhere.
8. Mucor- this mold grows in thick greyish white patches, typically near areas that contain moisture due to condensation. 
9. Penicillin- another type of mold that is found in water damaged areas, it is green or blue in color. While it is responsible for creating antibiotics, prolonged exposure could cause health issues.
10. Stachybotrys- also known as black mold, it hides in damp or wet areas with high humidity levels. It grows on cellulose material such as wood, cardboard, paper, etc.
11. Trichoderma- this multi-colored mold has five different subspecies, commonly growing on wet surfaces like wallpaper, carpet, or other damp fabrics.
12. Ulocladium- another mold that thrives in wet areas, this black colored mold can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and windows with high condensation levels.

Because some molds can pose health hazards, it is important to utilize the services of a specialist upon discovering any mold growing within the home. This results in a safe remediation process for both yourself and everyone else in the home. 

For more detailed information regarding these 12 mold types, please visit this link here.

How the Mold Remediation Process Works

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Forest South found this huge area behind a kitchen counter that was completely consumed with mold.

MOLD PROBLEM? CALL US AT 949-429-3188

The following process down below describes the general process on how SERVPRO handles mold damage and remediation at a property. While each mold situation is different, the protective protocol remains relatively the same.

• following a property owner's call to our 24/7 emergency call center, a local SERVPRO will be dispatched to perform an inspection of the affected areas
• our technicians will use specialized equipment to detect hidden mold and water sources
• contaminated areas will be contained with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep mold spores from spreading
• powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums will be placed in order to prevent the spread of mold spores
• antimicrobial and antifungal treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and to prevent new colonies from forming
• mold infested materials such as drywall and carpeting may need to be removed and disposed of in order to remediate mold growth
• any furniture, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold can be cleaned and disinfected
• depending on the level of damage done to building materials, restoration involving minor repairs may need to take place (replacing drywall, painting, new carpet installation.