Hot water heater leaks, leading to mold growth

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Negative air use and containment of treatment zones prevent contamination throughout the home.

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

Our team includes a Mold Assessment Consultant who inspects your property and prepares a remediation protocol that is strictly adhered to for the safety of our workers and anyone remaining in the property.

Have you ever wondered what some of the remediation protocols are? Here's an example for the home shown: "Remove all wet and / mold infused materials from within the building that have been
identified for remediation. All work areas will be sealed before disturbance of the
materials may begin. A negative pressure system will be established that prevents
disturbed materials from being spread through the building."

That's just one paragraph of many, designed to safely and effectively remediate mold.

If you have mold in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

The mold remediation process

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Negative air helps contain mold spores.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• 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.

In this customers case, the hot water heater leaked and soaked the hardwood flooring and subfloor.

While the initial cleanup focused on drying the flooring, our technicians accessed the crawlspace to check for moisture.

Not only was water standing in puddles on the dirt, mold was already forming under the subfloor.

The mold remediation quickly became the SERVPRO of Wichita Falls priority, and a mold protocol was established.

A portion of the protocol states, "The surface of the soil under the building will need to be covered with polyethylene sheeting during the time that heavy growth is being removed. The pathway to the escape hatch should be lined throughout the time that personnel are working in the
space."

Yes, our mold protocols are that thorough and are designed for the safety of our team and your family.

If you have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550. 

We have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Mold discovery leads to remediation

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold discovered on subfloor after inspecting crawlspace.

What should you do if you discover mold in your home or business?

Call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550.

We have the training and specialized equipment to handle your mold problem.

Then, turn off the HVAC system and fans to minimize contaminating unaffected areas.

Our mold remediation professionals will inspect all areas of your home or office and develop a protocol to safely remove the mold.

The mold protocol is specific to your site, and includes instructions detailing the remediation process.

Some may include language like, "Remove all wet and / mold infused materials from within the building that have been identified for remediation. All work areas will be sealed before disturbance of the materials may begin. A negative pressure system will be established that prevents disturbed materials from being spread through the building."

Our goal is to ensure the safety of our team, and your family.

If you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550.

Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

We follow strict guidelines for mold remediation

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Proper protective gear is just one of the requirements when remediating mold.

"Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC) will check and record paperwork on each worker,
supervisor and others. All workers must have State registration cards, physicals, fit-test,
and medical forms, prior to going into the containment area."

That paragraph can be found in all our mold protocols for the safety of our team.

We also ensure every remediation site contains a decontamination chamber for the decontamination of personnel, equipment and movable items from the work area.

Mold can be a serious problem and may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Wichita Falls has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Call us today at 940-263-1550.

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

The science behind the remediation and restoration.

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 of Wichita Falls 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 SERVPRO of Wichita Falls 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.

SERVPRO of Wichita Falls is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 36 days of the year!

Call us at 940-263-1550.

Understanding Mold Remediation - Steps 1 through 3

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Proper containment of our professionals and the job site is critical in mold remediation.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

Step 1: Call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO of Wichita Falls professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

If you suspect mold in your home or place of business, call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls today at 940-263-1550.

Understanding Mold Remediation - Steps 4 through 7

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required on all mold remediation sites.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

Step 4: Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment allows  professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: 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. SERVPRO of Wichita Falls professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO of Wichita Falls professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If you have mold in your home or place of business, call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls today at 940-263-1550.

What is black mold?

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Mold thrives on moisture, and is often trapped behind wallpaper and under vinyl flooring.

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure.

If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of Wichita Falls immediately at 940-263-1550.

It Only Takes a Small Water Leak, or Even Excess Humidity, for Mold to Form in Your Home or Business.

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

The professional mold remediation team from SERVPRO of Wichita Falls.

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these 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 you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

https://www.SERVPROwichitafalls.com/mold-remediation

24/7 Mold Remediation from SERVPRO of Wichita Falls

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold remediation "before" picture at local health care facility.

It only takes a small water leak, or even excess humidity, for mold to form in your Wichita Falls home or business. Then, mold can spread quickly through the property in as little as 48 hours. Mold can produce allergens and irritants, and it has the potential to cause other health effects. 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.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these facts:

• 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 SERVPRO of Wichita Falls 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.

Mold Remediation Services

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Wichita Falls has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Have a mold problem? Call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls today at 940-263-1550.

How Do Experts Find Hidden Mold?

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

If you have noticed a mold smell in a commercial building in Wichita Falls, TX, but do not see any signs of visible mold, hidden mold may be present. A fungus smell or mildew smell can be one of the most reliable indicators of the presence of mold that cannot be seen on surfaces. If this odor is present but you cannot find any evidence of mold, the next step is to contact a professional mold testing and clean-up service and stop searching on your own. If you disturb a colony while looking for hidden mold, it can be easy to spread spores and worsen the problem.

Experts rely on several tools and methods to locate hidden mold including:

• Borescopes
• Moisture meters and hygrometers (humidity)
• Thermal cameras
• Confirming mold smell
• Making test cuts or pulling up small sections of carpet
• Checking for signs of leaks

These methods may vary in effectiveness depending on the length of time since water damage created conditions conducive to mold growth. If a commercial property has recently experienced flooding or a severe leak, it is a good idea to contact a mold testing, clean-up and remediation service as soon as you suspect that mold may be growing. Mold can quickly develop on drywall, masonry or ceiling tiles that have been exposed to moisture. Some of these methods are more reliable once the source of the leak has been addressed but while there is still evidence of water damage.

If you are experiencing a persistent mildew smell or mold smell in a commercial property in Wichita Falls, TX, without any visible indications of mold growth, you should contact a reputable mold testing and clean-up service as soon as possible. These specialists can identify the source of a fungus smell and use the most effective tools and methods to confirm whether mold is present and start the clean-up process.

For more information, call us at 940-263-1550.

Preventing Mold in the Bathroom

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing in between caulking of a shower/tub.

Mold in bathrooms is a common problem in almost every home. Darkness combined with excessive moisture provides the perfect conditions for consistent mold growth. Constantly cleaning and re-caulking, to keep a growth problem under control, can be time consuming and expensive. The best defense against mold is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tricks to help you stop mold growth in your bathroom:

• Run the ventilation fan while you are showering, and leave it on for 15 minutes after. If you don’t have a fan open a window or use a dehumidifier.
• Use a squeegee after a bath or shower to remove some of the excess moisture. Instead of a squeegee, a small towel can be used to dry any accumulated water.
• Try to avoid keeping a lot of things inside of the bath/shower. They can hide mold growth as well as collecting water to promote it. Children’s toys are particularly notorious for growing mold, so be sure to dry them as much as possible and clean them regularly.
• Fix leaky faucets and shower heads.
• Use a shower curtain that can be put in the washing machine. There are also many mold-resistant liners available.
• Clean out the shower and wash bathroom rugs regularly.
• Check for any other signs of mold in the bathroom under the sink, behind the toilet, etc.

If you are consistently experiencing mold in your bathroom, regardless of how often you clean, then you may have a larger, hidden growth problem. Call SERVPRO of Wichita Falls at 940-263-1550, and one of our experts will be at your house to inspect the issue promptly.