Recent Mold Remediation Posts

MOLD Be Gone!

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Visible microbial growth on the walls

With any potential property damage, prevention is key. The CDC recommends that after any sort of flooding that you clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly within 24-48 hours to avoid the high risk of microbial growth.

Many have heard that you can use a bleach solution to scrub and wipe away to remove the visible mold, but will that work? It depends. If a hard surface is affected at the surface level only, is unoccupied by humans and/or pets, perhaps but PLEASE NOTE: PPE (personal protection equipment) should be used by regular building maintenance staff, and only if they have been properly trained by OSHA to do so. Also, if you are only talking about a wall or ceiling tile section where a small 10 square foot or less needs to be cleaned, the spores will become dormant and only reactivate if re-saturated.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or commercial property manager/owner... Hiring an IICRC-certified professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach to remediate the mold the right way using many, many years of expertise along with specialty equipment will keep the air-quality healthy which can give you peace of mind in the future.

Mold Growth

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know mold can grow in 72 hours or less. Mold can cause severe health issues throughout time. Mold spores can worsen asthma, cause fatigue, and even irritate your lungs. Individuals with allergies or compromised immune systems should be wary of mold infestations. Black mold can produce symptoms similar to illness like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and skin rashes. When mold is not removed correctly, it can lead to contamination to other areas of your property. Are you in a situation where mold was found? Call SERVPRO® of Northwest Long Beach. We have all the equipment necessary for mold related issues. Our technician’s IICRC certified and follow industry standards to remediate mold that has infected and or damaged property the right way. SERVPRO® of Northwest Long Beach is prepared to get the job done in the safest way. SERVPRO® utilizes specialized plant based (vegan) chemicals for mold remediation services. Each independently owned and operated SERVPRO® franchise works with indoor environmental professionals (IEPs) and laboratories in an effort to protect you and your family from potentially dangerous mold situations. Our proven mold removal step by step will have your property back like it never happened.

How to tell if Mold is present in your home

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

Are you having mold concerns? Even if you are unsure if mold is actually present, worry no more... SERVPRO NWLB will assist.

Mold is naturally found in our environment and from time to time it is typical that a household may encounter it within the dwelling.

Concerns may arise though if the discovery and root cause is not addressed since mold can continue to grow and spread as it eats away at organic building materials. Mold will not go away on its own. If the water source feeding the spores stops, they may go dormant but if moisture continues to be present the mold will continue to grow and spread. The recommended protocol of treatment is removal by an IICRC Certified mold remediation or restoration company like SERVPRO.

Smell – A constant or intermittent damp musty smell could be an indicator that mold is present. As it grows it emits a distinct odor that is worth investigating further as soon as possible.

Visibly Present – If fuzzy or colored patches pop up along a wall, baseboard or cabinet there is a possibility that the mold has come from within the wall cavity and that the unseen areas have a bit to a lot more, depending.

Circumstance – If you experienced water leaking, excess condensation, or flooding and see new staining or spots of mold around, you will want to call a qualified professional out for an inspection or send photos for a mold technician to review.

Testing – If no mold is visible but you experienced water damage, water leak, water spill, or flood and suspect that mold could be present, we can schedule a mold test for your property. Lab results are returned within a few days.

You can trust SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach to assist with the microbial issues or water damages you are experiencing. Call now for more details. 562-506-4992

MOLD Be Gone!

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

See or Smell Mold, Call SERVPRO NWLB to get Mold gone in your home or business today 562-506-4992

With any potential property damage, prevention is key. The CDC recommends that after any sort of flooding that you clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly within 24-48 hours to avoid the high risk of microbial growth.

Many have heard that you can use a bleach solution to scrub and wipe away to remove the visible mold, but will that work? It depends. If a hard surface is affected at the surface level only, is unoccupied by humans and/or pets, perhaps but PLEASE NOTE: PPE (personal protection equipment) should be used by regular building maintenance staff, and only if they have been properly trained by OSHA to do so. Also, if you are only talking about a wall or ceiling tile section where a small 10 square foot or less needs to be cleaned, the spores will become dormant and only reactivate if re-saturated.

So really depending on how much water damage occurred your plan of action may vary. Once mold starts to grow in building materials the proper IICRC protocol is to remove and replace the items. Mold spores are often likened to a dandelion. As kids, we would blow on the top cluster of the flower or lawn weed, and watch the fuzzy seeds float away and spread all over. Mold spores act very similarly and can spread quickly with air movement.

So do you hire a handyman for this job? You could but, what is their knowledge of proper removal procedures? As walls are opened, drywall, moldy carpets, or floors removed, the mold spores are kicked up into the air and could be spreading throughout the rest of your home or business if not contained.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or commercial property manager/owner... Hiring an IICRC-certified professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach to remediate the mold the right way using many, many years of expertise along with specialty equipment will keep the air-quality healthy which can give you peace of mind in the future.

Mold 101

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians hard at work on mold remediation with air scrubber

Mold spores naturally occur both outdoors and indoors, making 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.

When organic materials feed on moisture, mold will start to grow. Your home already provides plenty of organic materials for mold to live on such as wood, drywall and various other building materials.

Keep in mind that most molds need 24-48 hours of moisture to begin to grow. Therefore if a suitable material in your home is wet for more than 24 hours then you run the risk of mold starting to grow. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Mold Remediation helps to contain mold and keep at microscopic levels. 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.

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today 562-506-4992

Mold is in the air

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Air Scrubbers placed to clean air of mold and other allergens

Summer heat is proven to circulate mold spores and pollen, making seasonal allergies worse. If there’s one allergen that likes water more than cockroaches, it’s mold. Not only is mold hidden in the water, but on those hot, almost suffocating days, mold is in the air too. The humidity in the air plays a big role in our allergies because excess moisture in the air creates mold. This can play a role both indoors and outdoors, creating a breeding ground for allergens such as mildew, mold, dust mites, and bacteria. Mold allergies, along with dust, are one of the most common but unrecognized allergies for the general public. When you’re going out to the water in the summer heat, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared with an antihistamine to combat your allergic symptoms. Speaking of mold, it’s not just affecting us outdoors – it’s also affecting us in our homes. Sometimes you look at your weather app and see 3 digits depicting the current temperature for the day. A lot of us take that as a good excuse to have a lazy day inside. And trust me, there’s nothing wrong with doing that! However, when we’re staying inside for longer periods of time in the summer, we’re exposing ourselves to indoor allergens. An estimated 70% of homes have mold behind their walls. For some, a little mold can be fine and not really influence your health or breathing, but mold allergies are extremely common and a lot of times that means our indoor air quality may be worse than the outdoors.

SERVPRO can help! We offer mold remediation and can provide proper equipment to get you breathing healthier air. Contact us today!

MOLD IS TOTALLY NATURAL, BUT IN THE HOUSE, NOT SO MUCH!!

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

 WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU! WHY SERVPRO? We the experts!

Although they naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors, it is important that it serves it positive purpose outside of your HOME!

Mold is found everywhere and can grow almost on any substance when moisture is present. They reproduce by spores, which are carried by air circulation.

WHY DOES IT EXIST?

Mold is part of the natural environment, part of the Kingdom Fungi–which makes neither plant nor animal, but something in between.

Purpose of this organism? Why does it even exist? Well, without it, we would quickly be overrun outside with leaves, bark, debris and other dead organic matter because molds whole reason for being is to break down organic matter.

Therefore, outside, mold is a friend of ours; however, some friends are better left outside and not invited into our homes. Because when mold is inside, IT DOESN’T STOP BREAKING MATTER DOWN.

It will keep working and reproducing unless we keep it under control.

  • 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.

SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach offers FREE INSPECTIONS, FREE STABILIZATION and CONFIDENTIALITY.

Mold Testing and Inspection

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

How Does Mold Testing and Inspection Work?

Once you see signs of mold and contact SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach for an appointment then a qualified inspector from a 3rd-party lab is then scheduled to perform the mold testing and inspection. We will schedule him at a date and time that is convenient for you.  

The Inspection Begins                                                

Once he has the information he needs, the inspector will begin a thorough investigation of the area/surrounding areas that shows signs of mold, he will also take samples for two mold tests. The tests could be a swab of a surface that has visual mold, samples taken from the air, or a combination of both. The inspector will decide which would be more beneficial in diagnosing any possible mold issue in your home.

On To The Lab

Once the mold testing and inspection is complete, the test results will be sent to SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach within 24 – 48 hours after they receive them.

And The Result Is: We Are Here For You

Upon receiving your lab results and the inspector’s completed report, we at SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach will contact you. We will offer suggestions on how to deal with any moisture issues and help you put together a plan for the mold removal. The SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach team will be with you every step of the way. We will be there from beginning to completion and anytime you need us after that. We are truly dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 562-506-4992.

Five Tips To Prevent Mold and Water Damage When You Go On Vacation!

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Tip #1: Shut Off The Main Water Valve!

Tip #2: Don’t Just Shut Off The Main Water Valve, Make Sure It Is Done Properly With A Test!

Tip #3: If You Don’t Want To Shut Off The Main Water Valve, Shut Off Valves To The Most Common Sources Of Water Damage!

Tip #4: Make Sure Your Sump Pump Works!

Tip #5: Check The Outside Of Your Home For Potential Problems!

Got Flood Prevention Or Mold Removal Questions?

Have questions? Contact us today. If you come back to a flooded property, the first step is to call a professional such as SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach to remove the excess water and dry the area properly. If there is mold we can also professionally remove the mold from your home to restore the fungal ecology. Once the mold is removed and the third party testing is done, then and only then should you begin the rebuild process.

About SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach

SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew http://www.SERVPROnorthwestlongbeach.com/employee-photos

Calls us – 562-506-4992

Mold is Hazardous for Your Health

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold was growing inside a home.

Mold is a form of fungus that is found all around us in the natural environment. However, when there is moisture indoors that isn't dried immediately — such as when there is leakage or flooding — mold can grow inside, too. In the bathroom, mold can grow readily and easily because of the wet conditions. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mound spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks. Mold spores also produce toxins (mycotoxins) that can affect the lungs, skin, and nervous system.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found sufficient evidence linking exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughs and wheezing in otherwise healthy individuals.                          

SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach have Certified Mold Technician 24/7. Call us for consultation. 562-506-4992

Proper Mold Remediation

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found in a home that needs to be remediated.

When you have a mold problem, you have a quality of life problem. Living with mold is more than just inconvenient – it’s dangerous. It’s important that you remove the mold. However, proper mold remediation is a detailed process. It requires the skill and knowledge of an experienced professional. Find out the five key steps in removing mold from your home.

  1. Connecting Your Mold Problem to Moisture

Mold thrives in the presence of moisture. A specialist needs to figure out where that moisture is coming from.

  1. Create a Proper Mold Remediation Plan

Before we can get rid of mold, your specialist will need to document the problem. He can use pictures, text, and videos to come up with a proper mold remediation plan.

  1. Determine the Contamination Level

Mold can spread quickly. Therefore, it’s important that your specialist determines how far your mold spread. The level of contamination could be much greater than you think. The level could affect the scope of the project.

  1. Begin the Work

Once the specialist knows the level of contamination in your home or business, he can start the proper mold remediation process. This process involves cleaning up mold while limiting mold exposure. Additionally, it involves preventing new mold growth.

Clean-Up

One of the most important parts of this step is the project clean-up. For a less severe mold problem, the specialist might only clean the area with a detergent cleaning solution. However, a more severe problem requires a more detailed clean-up. Your specialist would need to vacuum with a HEPA vacuum filtration and then sanitize the area.

  1. Make Sure the Project Was a Success

After everything is done, your specialist will need to double check the work. He/she will revisit the home to make sure that high elevated moisture level is no longer a problem.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 562-506-4992.

Follow Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold….

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! With improper action, you may be spread mold throughout your home.

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

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.

Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach 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 Northwest Long Beach specializes in mold cleanup and restoration... Our crews are highly trained, skilled, and experienced restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and scientific techniques to properly remediate your mold quickly and safely.

See Signs of Mold? Call Us Today: 562 506 4992

Do Southern California Homes Have A Mold Problem?

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Do Southern California Homes Have A Mold Problem?

Photo Caption: 

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 Immediately 562 506 4992

Long Beach Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. 

Help protect your family and loved ones from possible injury or illness from mold.  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, fans, any items that move air including clothes dryer.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Long Beach 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 Northwest Long Beach specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals.  We only use specialized equipment and approved processes to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

When You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today-

562 506 4992 

Mold Risk Higher After Winter Storms

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Uncovered

Does Your Long Beach Home Have A Mold Problem?

 

In Long Beach, 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 –

562 506 4992

http://www.SERVPROnorthwestlongbeach.com/emergency-restoration