Hidden Places Where Mold Thrives in Beverly Homes?

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore mold damage in Chicago.

Our local Evergreen Park/South Chicago City teams are mold remediation leaders in Beverly. Mold can thrive in unexpected and often hidden places within a home, leading to extensive and potentially costly damage if left unchecked. One common location is behind walls, especially near plumbing lines. Leaky pipes, even slow drips, can create damp conditions perfect for mold growth. Homeowners often don't realize the mold has spread until it becomes visible in the home.

Another area where mold can hide is under flooring. When water seeps through cracks in tiles or along baseboards, moisture can accumulate beneath the surface, creating an ideal environment for mold. This is especially common in bathrooms and kitchens, where water exposure is frequent.

Mold also loves to grow inside HVAC systems. The dark, moist environment within air ducts can quickly become a breeding ground for spores, which can spread throughout the home as the system runs. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces are other hot spots due to their generally poor ventilation and moisture-prone conditions.

Call Us!

When you discover a mold outbreak in your home or Commercial business in Beverly, our teams in Evergreen Park/South Chicago City are Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 773-337-3900.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Discourage Mold Outbreaks in My Downtown Chicago Property?

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in Downtown Chicago.

The technicians at Team Zubricki have the training, equipment, and experience to restore residential and commercial mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Here are some tips for preventing mold outbreaks in homes and commercial buildings:

Control moisture: Fix leaks promptly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and maintain proper ventilation to reduce humidity.

Monitor indoor humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-60 percent using dehumidifiers if necessary.

Insulate and ventilate: Insulate cold surfaces like pipes to prevent condensation and ensure proper ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.

Regular maintenance: Inspect and clean gutters, roof, and HVAC systems regularly to prevent water accumulation and mold growth.

Proper drainage: Ensure proper grading around the building to direct water away from the foundation and install drainage systems as needed.

Use mold-resistant products: Utilize mold-resistant building materials in construction and consider mold-resistant paints for interior surfaces.

Prompt cleanup: Immediately dry and clean up any water spills or leaks within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Monitor indoor plants: Avoid overwatering indoor plants and ensure proper drainage to prevent mold growth in soil.

Educate occupants: Educate residents or employees about mold prevention and encourage them to promptly report any leaks or moisture issues.

Call Us Today!

When you discover a mold outbreak in your residence or commercial business in Downtown Chicago, Team Zubricki will make it “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 312-877-9937.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

You Need Experts Like SERVPRO for Mold Inspection in Sevierville

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you suspect mold, call SERVPRO of Sevierville 24/7. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Protect Your Home with SERVPRO's Professional Mold Inspection Services in Sevierville 

Whether visible or not, mold growth threatens the structural integrity of building materials. It is important to have experienced restorers like SERVPRO carry out mold inspection of your Sevierville home if you suspect contamination.   

SERVPRO techs with years of experience can carry out thorough mold inspections of your Sevierville property to uncover contamination not visible to the naked eye. Identifying the problem areas can help prevent the spread of the contamination to other parts of the building and ensures an effective restoration. 

How SERVPRO Mold Specialists Inspect a Building?

One of the first things SERVPRO techs do when they arrive at your premises is a physical site inspection or a walk-through. A thorough inspection is the biggest reason why SERVPRO is so successful in remediating mold damage. 

During the building inspection, the techs gather information about the condition of the property and look for signs of potential mold damage, including:

• Water intrusion or condensation
• Water stains
• Structural damage due to mold growth
• Odors 
• Structural defects in hard-to-reach places like attics 

The mold contamination can be active or dormant, visible or hidden in the form of settled spores, fragments, or other fungal components. The goal of the SERVPRO techs is to obtain enough information during these walk-throughs to locate or predict the approximate extent of the visible or hidden contamination. 

Locating Hidden Mold

In some cases, the SERVPRO techs may need to conduct intrusive activities to locate hidden mold damage, including controlled demolition. Techs also identify the pathways of water intrusion to predict hidden mold damage. 

If controlled demolition is needed, SERVPRO techs ensure it is done following the local laws and only after the homeowner's consent. 

Call SERVPRO of Sevier, Jefferson & Cocke Counties at (865) 429-8885; we are here to help you 24/7. 

Our Experts Explain How Mold Can Be Prevented By Your Exhaust System In Your Chicago Bathroom

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Call us, SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City, at (773) 337-3900, so we can help you prevent microbial-related situations from escalating.

How Your Bathroom Exhaust System Helps Prevent Mold Damage In Your Chicago Home

Taking a hot shower not only gets you clean but also relaxes your body and can help relieve stress. Steam that builds up in the bathroom can cause damage, just like a leaky pipe can cause. Microbes in your Chicago residence do not care where their water comes from or if it comes in the form of liquid or water vapor.

When an exhaust fan and correctly installed ducts carry steam out of your bathroom and keep moisture from entering the rest of your living space, mold damage in your Chicago home becomes much less likely. Once you turn off the shower, letting the exhaust fan run for a few more minutes makes sure that all of the moisture in the air gets pulled out of not only the bathroom but also the length of the ducts. When the interior of a duct regularly stays damp because of stagnant steam, mold can grow.

If any cracks exist that allow steam to escape along the way to the outside of your home, that area can become saturated after every shower. This can cause not only mold damage, but also dry rot, water damage, and compromise any insulation. It can also create electrical hazards. We can check to ensure that moisture does not accumulate inside your home where it should always remain dry when we use our moisture detecting equipment.

When looking for mold activity, we use infrared thermal imaging cameras. These detect the cooler temperatures associated with relatively damp materials. This is an effective method because microbes cannot grow in arid conditions. Concentrating on the areas with the most microbe-friendly conditions saves time, ensuring we search in the most likely locations. We then seal any leaks, effectively starving microbes.

After all of the sources of moisture that fed microbes no longer provide them sustenance, our team of mold remediation specialists can begin restoring your home. In an attic, we can use blasting methods, using either dry ice pellets or baking soda, that otherwise leave structures intact. Abrading any contaminated wood beams leaves them structurally sound. We can then treat them with antimicrobial liquids that keep any newly deposited spores from starting new colonies.

When your Beverly, Lansing, or Dolton home's exhaust systems work as they should, your property stays protected from mold damage. Call us, SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City, at (773) 337-3900, so we can help you prevent microbial-related situations from escalating.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Some Mistakes When Dealing With Chicago Mold Damage That You Should Avoid

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home does not need to be a reason to move. Call SERVPRO and our team will identify the source of the infestation.

Advanced Equipment for Fast Mold Removal in Your Chicago Home

Some disasters that impact your Chicago home happen all at once and are impossible to ignore. Other situations can provide comparable damages to your property, but they do not occur dramatically. Mold and microbial growth are a good example of this potential threat and taking care of this problem immediately must be a top priority for homeowners. The effects from a mold colony can irreparably damage structural elements and pose potential health effects for the people and pets within the residence.

While many homeowners might not consider mold damage in their Chicago house to demand immediate attention, there are several considerations to make. A primary concern that a homeowner should have about mold growth is the potential health effects that could result. Exposure to colonies can be challenging to avoid, and that is where highly trained professionals like our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians can help.

Our team undergoes significant training to obtain the IICRC mold remediation certification that sets the bar for quality remediation work in the industry. Additionally, our highly trained personnel can continue their educational opportunities through e-learning experiences and in-house courses designed to improve their ability to respond to disasters and preserve your home in an emergency. We strive to provide our customers with well-prepared technicians who can overcome any obstacle to restore damaged property.

This franchise offers a 24-hour response for mold mitigation. With how quickly active colonies can spread throughout a moisture-ridden environment, you need our SERVPRO technicians there quickly to isolate the colony and prevent it from spreading further. Our approach can also prevent spores from seating in new areas through the use of OSHA-approved antimicrobial solutions on potential surfaces that could support a colony.

Mold is not something that a homeowner should attempt to remove on their own, as this approach rarely removes the entire problem and can allow further damage to their home and its occupants. Give our SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City applied microbial remediation technicians a call today at (773) 337-3900.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Could You be Making Mistakes When Cleaning Out Dryer Vents in Your Chicago Home

9/30/2018 (Permalink)

Regular vent cleaning can help to prevent mold from forming. Contact SERVPRO for remediation and some mold prevention tips.

Improper Dryer Venting can Cause Mold Damage Inside Your Chicago Home

Dryers with clogged vents can easily lead to fires in Chicago, and keeping these clean and free of lint build-up helps prevent such disasters. However, these same vents, as well as any ducts leading away from a bathroom, can cause other problems in a house's interior.

If the ducts and vents leading from your dryer to the outside of your residence contain any breaks or if gaps between any joints form, the chances of mold damage in Chicago drastically increase. Warm air saturated with moisture provides a suitable environment for mold to quickly grow when that water vapor leaks out through any broken ducts. SERVPRO technicians can remediate such developments with highly effective methods. These same techniques also help prevent the reappearance of microbial infestation.
 
Mold can grow almost anywhere, and while doing so, these microorganisms steadily consume porous materials. When you encounter staining and deterioration of the materials in your house, the presence of mold is often the cause. When gaps exist in your home's duct system, it can make it impossible to control the amount of humidity in your home. Sealing these openings off can force humidity levels to return to normal.
 
Our technicians then remove sections of materials damaged by mold infestation. We put these pieces into doubled bags to ensure nothing escapes to contaminate other areas of your home as we carry these bags out. Other areas that only harbor mold need cleaning to remove living mold. Because mold sends spores into the air whenever someone disturbs it, we make temporary enclosures around the area we need to remediate.
 
Thick plastic sheets close in the area while tubing and an air mover forcefully direct the area's contaminated air outside of your house. Negative air pressure like this is highly effective in protecting clean areas from spores and mold particles.
 
When smaller spaces contain mold infestations, we might opt to use dry ice pellets that gently scrub away mold particles while also freezing them and rendering them inert. Just like all other aspects of our work, we always clean up any debris or dust caused by this procedure.
 
After we complete remediation, we treat the area with antimicrobial sprays to help prevent problems with reinfestation. These sprays safely protect at-risk areas of your home and pose no threat to children or pets.
 
SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City covers the Mount Greenwood, Dolton, and South Holland areas. Mold damage from high humidity can concentrate in areas of your home that you rarely see, making heavy infestation possible. When you discover mold or notice musty odors indicative of mold growth, call us at (773) 337-3900 for effective remediation services.

Click here for more information on the city of Chicago.

Identifying Mold Growth During Mold Damage Remediation In Chicago

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are over 100, 000 species of mold which exist in both the outside and indoor environments.

Identifying Mold Growth

There are over 100, 000 species of mold which exist in both the outside and indoor environments. For mold damage to occur, organic materials and moisture must be present - that is why they commonly grow on wet ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard, carpeting, paint, wallpaper, and fabrics. Mold can also grow on dirty and moist surfaces such as ceramic tiles, fiberglass insulation, and concrete. We are going to look at some of the facts that we consider during the remediation of your Chicago property.

When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your Chicago property to perform mold damage remediation, we perform an evaluation and determine whether the site is safe to enter. We can also set up barriers using plastic sheeting to separate clean areas from the contaminated areas. To avoid the trip, fall, and slip hazard while at the site, we might provide portable lighting.

Our SERVPRO technicians are aware that mold can cause health effects and as a result observe protective measures during the remediation process. If we are working on a structure which was renovated or built before 1970, we are aware that asbestos may be present. It is usually found in floor coverings, insulation pipes, furnaces, and siding shingles. The same applies to structures which were constructed before 1978 which may be having lead-based paint. By using N-95 particulate respirators, we can avoid such forms of exposure.

To visually identify the mold, we watch out for discoloration on walls, staining, musty odor, and leathery growth on building materials. In most cases, mold grows on hidden areas, so, we check behind the insulation, wallboard, wallpaper, carpet backing, and padding. We can also use moisture meters to measure moisture levels of materials such as wallboard, brick, plaster, carpet, and concrete. It is because mold grows typically on surfaces with moisture accumulation.

SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City is an industry leader in mold remediation and cleanup. Call SERVPRO at (773) 337-3900 when you need professional help from our highly trained and experienced technicians.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Mold Damage Remediation Steps That Chicago Residents Should Know

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Setting Up a Containment Barrier During an Evergreen Mold Remediation

SERVPRO Follows Protocols and Informs Customers Concerning Mold Cleanup and Restoration

When performing mold damage remediation, the initial assessment goes typically beyond the growth that is visible on the walls or floors. Mold can grow in hidden areas, and that is where professional skills come in handy to deal with such situations. Mold spores usually grow when there is a moisture or water problem, and it is essential to identify the source of the water. The moisture source can help in locating the hidden mold in your Chicago property.
 
When our SERVPRO team arrives at your Chicago property to perform mold damage remediation, creating a remediation plan usually comes first. We do this by documenting the situation through writing, taking videos and photos. It clarifies everything about the remediation - including when the work is to start, the duration it takes, and the procedures to use. If necessary, we can advise occupants to temporarily halt their operation in the building until it is safe.
 
It is possible to contaminate clean areas by disturbing the affected areas. That is because the mold spores are very light and air can readily carry them around. Our SERVPRO technicians always ensure air is not flowing from the contaminated area to other areas. We achieve this by setting up negative air pressure at the site. We can also establish decontamination rooms where we can enter when it is necessary to decontaminate materials and equipment. Misting the contaminated regions can also help in suppressing the dust. Sealing of HVAC vents and installation of plastic sheeting to act as containment barriers is part of the effort.
 
By using a wire brush, we can scrape off surface mold and then wipe with disposable wipes. To entrap the spores, dust, and pollen, we use air scrubbers that are fitted with HEPA filters. During the cleaning process, our SERVPRO technicians remove all mold-damaged and wet porous materials and place them in plastic bags - which should be at least 6-mil thick.
 
SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City offers 24-hour emergency services to help any residential or commercial property after water, fire, mold, or storm damage event. Call us at (773) 337-3900 if you want your property to appear “Like it never even happened.”

More about the Windy City by clicking here.

Lingering Moisture Can Lead To Mold Damage In Your Chicago Home

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

When your home does not get adequately dried after a water incident, you open the door for mold damage in your residence.

Lingering Moisture Can Lead To Mold Damage

Many Chicago homeowners have a mindset that when something threatens their home or requires immediate cleaning/restoring attention, this is a task that they are suited to do on their own. While there are undoubtedly many scenarios where this is the case, cleaning up after a water loss incident is not one of them. Failure to completely restore the area can lead to symptoms far worse than a damp area of your home.

When your home does not get adequately dried after a water incident (regardless of its size or severity), you open the door for mold damage in your Chicago residence. Much like the cause above, mold and microbial growth are usually out of the wheelhouse of the average homeowner to contend with as well. Conventional cleaning methods are often ineffective against a growing colony and fail to remove the entire organism. Professional mold remediation, like what our certified applied microbial remediation technicians at SERVPRO provide, is a wise choice for this hazardous condition.

Our technicians can help to isolate the area where mold is growing and prevent these active spores from spreading throughout the house. To aid this isolation of the colony, your circulating air appliances like your AC or furnace get shut off during the remediation process.

When you consider the cause of the mold damage in your home, our SERVPRO technicians have to allow time towards removing the lingering effects from your water loss incident to remove the food source for the mold spores. A visual inspection can also indicate if other areas of your home are at risk for developing colonies based on present moisture.

Finding mold in your home is nothing that any homeowner wants to discover, but it also does not have to be something that you feel inclined to tackle on your own. At SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City, our certified mold remediation specialists are always ready and prepared to help you overcome any hurdle that mold growth has placed in the path to restoring your home. Give us a call anytime at (773) 337-3900.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Mold Damage Treatment and Prevention in Chicago Homes

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can appear in plain sight or you can smell the musty presence of mold behind cabinets and walls. In either case, contact SERVPRO to investigate.

Team SERVPRO Understands Mold and Mold Remediation in Homes

Mold and mildew develop quickly and can become a nuisance to many homeowners. Since they thrive in humid conditions, they are often widespread during the cold and rainy seasons. While they are welcomed in nature for various benefits, they may cause health effects in the house.
 
If you notice signs of mold damage in your Chicago home, contact SERVPRO immediately. We are a trusted company in the restoration industry and can return your property to pre-damage conditions quickly and efficiently. Our experts are highly trained and certified by the IICRC to ensure a swift and seamless cleanup process.
 
One way to reduce the impact of mold damage is fixing plumbing problems and other water leaks as soon as possible. Indeed, it takes less than 48 hours for mold growth to take effect. It is important to keep all items completely dry, as moisture is one of the requirements for mold and mildew to thrive.
 
SERVPRO mold remediation experts may have to discard certain porous or absorbent materials such as carpet and ceiling tiles, if they become moldy. When this fungi grows on or fills in the crevices of porous materials, it can be difficult to remove completely. For protection purposes, technicians working on treating mold damage should wear personal protective gear in every cleanup job.
 
A general rule of thumb is to avoid painting or caulking surfaces with mold damage. SERVPRO technicians use effective mold removal techniques to eliminate the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Our staff can also help you determine whether it is better to replace or repair mold-damaged items such as art portraits, furniture, and carpeting.
 
Mold usually feeds on water and cellulose and can be difficult to spot. We use advanced tools to detect the spores and hidden water sources. To contain their growth, we use different procedures to seal off their habitats and can even isolate the contaminated area with negative air pressure and physical barriers during the cleanup process. It is equally important to turn off all fans and a/c units to prevent the spread of these microorganisms.

Mold growth can have an impact on you and your family, if left untreated. As a part of your community, SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City offers 24/7 mold damage remediation services and can be on the site within a few hours. Call us anytime at (773) 337-3900.

Click here for more information about the city of Chicago.

Professionals Address Mold Damage in Chicago Area Homes

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses containment and control methods to keep the mold from spreading while checking your crawlspace or basement for damage.

Rely on the Professionals at SERVPRO to Remediate Mold Damage

Having mold in the crawl space under your Chicago area home usually means you are dealing with two problems at once: the mold itself, and the source – which means that you have a moisture issue to deal with as well. Both problems need to be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid causing considerable damage to your home.

Like many homeowners throughout Chicago, you probably avoid checking for mold damage or spending much time in your crawl space at all. We all do it, so you should not feel ashamed, even as someone in the remediation industry, it can be hard to keep a close eye out for mold in our own homes.

If you find mold on your property, the first thing you should do is determine whether or not to call in a professional. Areas over 10 square feet or larger are considered a significant outbreak and are likely too much for you to handle alone. SERVPRO has trained professionals, the right equipment, and protective clothing. So, consider avoiding taking chances with spreading the problem further or personal exposure and call for help to eliminate the problem.

Most homes have a crawl space or basement underneath, basements themselves often lead to mold problems all of their own, but have more space to work with while crawl spaces are smaller and harder to manage without the proper experience, tools, and resources. However, SERVPRO’s IICRC certified technicians can help you locate any problems that already exist and help you decide which steps can help you protect your property from mold issues in the future. 

SERVPRO can check every inch of your crawl space for mold while using containment and control methods to help avoid spreading mold spores to additional areas of your home. We have foggers, negative air-flow machines, air-movers, and use a controlled environment to cordon-off the affected areas; cleaning or disposing of contaminated materials according to local, state, and federal guidelines.

Contact SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City for additional information about available services or to begin your home’s mold remediation process, today. (773) 337-3900

Click here for more information regarding the city of Chicago.

Get Professional Mold Damage Remediation in Chicago

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can be visible or hidden behind furniture. Rather than tackling the damage with a home remedy, contact SERVPRO and prevent a full infestation.

SERVPRO Technicians Have Vast Experience Dealing With a Mold Infestation

Individuals often try one or more times to remove mold from their homes on their own. The reasons for this vary, but the result is usually the same -- the mold keeps coming back. Understanding how mold becomes active and grows is important in understanding why it is a smart move to engage a professional mold abatement company.
 
You may despair because there are a few places in your home where mold damage in Chicago just seems impossible to remove. Hours of research and trips to the store to try new solutions fail. If mold growth in your house is a constant problem, the answer is hiring an experienced and reputable restoration company that puts a premium on training its technicians to respond successfully to a wide range of household crises, including mold growth.
 
SERVPRO is such a company. We believe the only way to meet our customers’ needs is to anticipate that often an issue that damages a home is probably linked to another problem that needs to be managed as well. In order to restore your home for the long term, our work crews are educated thoroughly as to both effective solutions and the many causes of a broad range of situations that damage both structure and contents of your home.
 
Mold damage occurs only when water intrudes and mixes with mold spores. The spores are found everywhere inside your home and also outside, ready to hitch a ride on your clothing, shoes, pets, and the wind blowing through your open door. It is unreasonably hard to eliminate mold spores in a typical home, business, school, or other spaces. What can be eradicated is the water, including the moisture you unknowingly infuse into the mold area when you use common DIY approaches.
 
Diluted bleach is probably the most frequently used home remedy, but it introduces more water into an area where mold spores wait for their next meal. SERVPRO breaks that cycle of incomplete mold treatment with strategies learned from IICRC approved courses.
 
When SERVPRO evaluates a mold damage job, there are two separate components to the job. We contain and remove the mold per EPA recommendations, sanitizing the areas to slow or halt future growth. Then we take the steps necessary to isolate the source of water that fueled the infestation. Until this part of mold remediation completes, mold will return.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City at (773) 337-3900 for a mold damage solution that has long-term stability. Dealing with microbial outbreaks is best left to professionals with the training and equipment that is more than a match for mold.

For more information regarding Chicago, click here

Mold Damage Remediation Services in Chicago

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remediate mold damage in your home and prevent the problem from occurring again.

Mold is the result of excess moisture or water leaks in your home

Mold is a stealthy and often hidden problem that may cause property damage and health effects in your Chicago home, in addition to being unsightly. It is a naturally occurring microorganism that builds up in damp areas over time. The best way to protect your home from the effects of mold and mildew is to consult a professional mold remediation company.

With many years of experience, SERVPRO has the tools and expertise to fight any mold damage in Chicago homes. We have IICRC-approved technicians who can diagnose the damage and offer advanced cleanup services to get rid of the problem for the long term. Our professional deodorization techniques neutralize mold odors for a cleaner and more habitable environment.

When dealing with mold damage, you should understand that mold is just a symptom of the problem. The actual problem is water intrusion from any of a wide range of sources. It can be in the form of water vapor (such as excessive humidity in the attic or a poorly ventilated crawl space or bathroom) or liquid water (like a pipe or roof leakage). Removing the mold without fixing the cause is just a waste of time and money, and the fungi are bound to grow back.

At particularly high risk for mold growth are carpets that have been wet for a prolonged period, carpet in damp or moist areas, and carpeting located in basements. Visible mold growth on carpets is rare and occurs in extremely severe cases. If it can be identified by visual inspection, it is often irredeemable. Where there are small areas of mold growth on the carpet, SERVPRO technicians can apply antimicrobial products in addition to fast drying for quick remediation.

Wood is also highly prone to mold damage because it contains cellulose - a common food for the fungi. In fact, most building materials today are made of cellulose, including drywall and house insulation. When these materials get wet, they tend to promote mold growth. To counter the damage, we remove contaminated materials and then apply EPA-registered disinfectants and fast drying.

If mold has taken over your home, SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City can offer swift and efficient mold damage remediation services. We aim to restore your property with professionalism, compassion, and respect. Call us anytime at (773) 337-3900.

Visit https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html to learn more about the city of Chicago.

What Types Of Mold Damage Can Occur In Your Chicago Home?

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

There are several types of fungus which can cause mold damage to your Chicago home.

Types Of Mold Damage

There is a great deal in the media these days about mold. You have probably seen blog posts warning you about the dangers of mold in your home. SERVPRO is aware that fungus certainly can cause problems for homeowners, including unsightly mold growth, an unpleasant musty smell, and even potential health effects. Fungal growth might also decrease the value of your home.

“Mold” is a broad category. In fact, there are several types of fungus which can cause mold damage to your Chicago home. Some of the most common include:

Penicillium
Penicillium usually grows in carpets or wallpapers and can also be found in any decaying fabric. It is the same substance that is used to make the drug Penicillin – but of course, you do not want it in your home!

Alternaria
Alternaria is particularly fond of wet places such as bathrooms or around leaks, and also grows in carpets that have become damp. Alternaria spreads easily.

Aspergillus
Aspergillus is more common in warmer climates, and can also be found in building materials.

Cladosporium
Cladosporium can grow on either fabric or wood and is particularly common outside of the home, although it can enter your house through the HVAC system or on clothes and shoes.

Stachybotrys chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum has a black appearance and grows in areas that have constant moisture such as bathrooms or around leaks, although it can easily spread to other regions.

We recommend putting in a call to SERVPRO at the first sign of mold damage in your house. We train our IICRC-certified experts to assess the extent of the mold damage and the type of mold present to draw up the best action plan for your home. We know that a visual inspection is not enough, which is why our teams have access to tools including moisture meters, penetrating moisture probes, and thermal hygrometers. We use tools to test for dampness and humidity. Our tools allow us to seek out patches of mold and see at-risk areas and ensure your home receives a thorough treatment.

Our professional technicians set up containment to help prevent the further spread of spores. We clean all visible mold and dry out damp carpets, furniture, and walls to reduce the risk of regrowth. Do not let mold harm your home. Contact SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City at (773) 337-3900 for help.

Click here for more about Chicago, Illinois.

Mold Damage Cleanup in Chicago

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Spores that Develop in a Chicago Home Need Remediation by SERVPRO

SERVPRO Provides Safety First Mold Remediation

Mold colonies are often unseen and can develop and grow inside crawlspaces, wall cavities, plants, and furnishings, plus just about any area of the home where there is moisture. Spores are in the air you breathe, and spores can also be absorbed by your nose, eyes, lungs and throat. About thirty percent of people are allergic to mold and suffer health effects due to this.

Mold needs moisture and organic matter to feed on and grow. Relative humidity which is high in a home indicates a moisture level conducive to growth. Also, lower humidity usually decreases the release and growth of mold spores in your Chicago residence. Central air handling systems which are contaminated can fast become breeding grounds for fungi and spread mold damage throughout your home. SERVPRO can help you clean up the mold and damage created with our special training and tools.
 
Our treatment for mold goes beyond the testing phase. When we arrive in your home, we determine what is going on, and we then offer solutions to fix the problem. We talk to you and ask if you sense a strong, musty odor or if you are aware of any mold growth. Thermal imaging is done to scan for moisture behind your walls, moisture meter readings are taken, and a report is written to specify what processes are taking place.
 
We ensure that we go over everything with you first before beginning any work so you can feel comfortable and understand what actions we are performing on your home.
 
Safety is of great importance to our staff at SERVPRO, and we ensure that all of our technicians wear the proper protective gear whenever they are dealing with a mold situation. It includes a filter type respirator for spaces that are small and contained. A half-mask respirator with the right cartridges for larger contaminations, or a full-face respirator (HEPA filter) for some extensive growth areas.
If the contamination is quite extensive, full HAZMAT body suits may also be necessary, and we always wear chemical resistant gloves and eye protection.
 
If you suspect mold growth in your home, contact SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City right away. We come quickly to inspect your home for mold and begin a process for remediation. (773) 337-3900

How to Seal Up and Contain Mold Damage in Mount Greenwood Homes

1/6/2017 (Permalink)

Mold needs to be properly remediated. Call SERVPRO as soon as you see or smell any sign of mold.

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Remediate Your Mold Damage Problem

The prospect of having mold remediation specialists enter your home and set up decontamination areas is the stuff of science fiction movies for the most part. If you have never experienced extensive mold damage before, it will be an entirely new process. And yes, it can look a little strange at first.

The reality, however, is that containment booths and decontamination areas are a lot less dramatic than they seem. They are very common, and they really are not designed to protect homeowners at all. The primary purpose of mold containment is to protect the property. Mold damage in Mount Greenwood homes can spread very quickly if left unchecked.

This guide to the containment procedures used by SERVPRO will tell you a little more about what to expect.

What Does Containment Look Like?

The level of containment will depend entirely on the extent of the problem. Usually, however, we only set up small areas and cause minimal disruption to daily routines. If the mold damage is spreading across a bedroom wall, for example, the SERVPRO team may need to establish a containment perimeter around the room.

While this does mean that you will not be able to enter, there is no danger to worry about. Containment prevents mold spores from being carried out of the space and into other areas of the home. The technicians will wear special PPE suits and footwear, which are treated to neutralize spores every time that they exit the perimeter.

There will be clear polyethylene sheets set up around the affected area. They may be hung over doorways, across carpets, and along ceilings in some cases. If items or materials are removed from the containment space, they will be wrapped in this plastic first. Once again, it can look a little strange, but the SERVPRO team will discuss any concerns that you might have.

What Happens Inside the Containment Area?

The processes carried out inside the containment area are no different to those that are used on any other mold remediation job. The use of polyethylene sheets simply helps to maintain certain drying conditions. The technicians will set up dehumidifiers, negative air movers, and possibly ozone generators to deal with the source of the damp.

It may be necessary to keep some of the machines (such as fans) running constantly over a period of days. You will be informed of this, and the experts will be on site regularly to check progress.

Don’t let mold and mold damage take over your home. Get in touch with the experts at SERVPRO of Evergreen Park/South Chicago City. We are experienced, highly skilled, and provide excellent customers service. Call us 24/7 on (773) 337-3900.

It Is BEST To Leave Dealing With Mold To Professionals

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Mold and Mold Spores Can Spread Through Your HVAC Ducts

SERVPRO Technicians Will Treat Your Mold Before It Becomes Airborne

Downtown Chicago mold damage can cause your business a lot of expense and time. You need to take action as soon as you see the intrusion of water and of mold growing to lower your loss. You can get professional mold remediation from our professionals at SERVPRO. You will definitely need someone trained and experienced to handle these problems. If you disturb the mold yourself, it will become airborne, and it will spread throughout the area and into your HVAC ducts.

Remember that air samples from inside compared to air samples from outside will almost always have more mold than the air outdoors. This is true usually even if there is a small or minor exposure to mold in your commercial building, which is why you should not touch the mold. Small leaks, or water intrusion, plus high humidity, many times in basements or lower levels, are two of the most common problems for mold growth that is minor which we usually see. You will need to find the leaks for water intrusion. These can come from leaking windows, roof, pipes with excessive condensation or leaking pipes. You will need to search for and repair the leak as soon as you can since mold usually won't start to grow for about forty-eight hours, or a bit sooner. Using air conditioning effectively along with a dehumidifier will be needed to help with drying out the area after the mold has been cleaned. At SERVPRO, however, we have all of the professional equipment that is needed to take care of this as well. These two things can actually help to stop minor mold issues in the future, though.

There will be no single solution that will work for all cases of mold damage, but there are some easy prevention controls we have seen to be effective. These are cleaning and fixing gutters, directing surface water away from your building, using ventilation in areas of higher humidity such as basements and bathrooms, using air condition to keep levels of humidity low, using dehumidifiers in areas of high humidity, putting the dehumidifier away from drains in the floor and establishing a cleaning and disinfecting schedule for any areas that have greater exposure potential.

We will assess your situation as soon as you call us, and treat it individually as we do with all other cases so that we can find the solution that will work best for you and your business. We can handle your mold remediation with little to no downtime for your business as well, so you can avoid a total shutdown due to mold damage.

As soon as you suspect that you have mold damage in Downtown Chicago, get a hold of our technicians at SERVPRO of Evergreen Park/South Chicago City by calling them at (773) 227-3900. The sooner you do this, the better so that the mold growth does not spread.

Mold Causes and Prevention

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Spread Can Be Prevented or Lessened

Quick Contact With SERVPRO After Damage Can Help Prevent Mold

SERVPRO of Evergreen Park South Chicago City is a very reliable mold remediation service. In fact, our mold damage staff have served thousands of customers over the years. Therefore, we are well acquainted with the type of mold that grows in the local environment.

We've discovered that mold has a tendency to go unnoticed by the property owner for a long time. The customer finally notices the mold and contacts us. They are frantic because they had no idea that mold was developing on their property. Here is something to consider about the mold damage. Mold springs up quickly. Often, within 48 hours and multiplies like crazy. However, we are a service that is available around the clock. Contact us and we respond immediately to your call and work fast to remove the mold before it spreads further.
 
What Causes Mold

Customers are frantic to know why the Southside Chicago mold damage developed on their property. They wonder if the mold was caused by some action that they performed. Well, the simple answer is yes. Most mold problems develop in response to the environment. The fact is that mold is a fungus. Our customers really get upset at that fact because they realize that a fungus might affect the health of those in the home. Here is something that is interesting to note. Mold spreads through tiny spores that are in the air. Mold develops in locations that lack light, but have high humidity. For example, a dark basement or an attic. Mold quickly develops in areas that are wet or contain leaks. For example, leaky pipes in the home might cause a mold outbreak. Even leaky faucets in the kitchen or bathroom might cause a mold infestation to take place. Mold requires food to survive, just like people. Therefore, the mold will attach to paper, fiberboard, wood, and other high cellulose material.
 
Preventing Mold

Some mold remediation companies might think it is unusual for us to give our customers advice about preventing future mold damage. The fact is that our customers are our main priority. We want to keep them happy and satisfied. Therefore, we give them tips on future mold prevention to protect their home and family. Our top tip to prevent mold is to be vigilant. Mold requires darkness, warmth, and moisture to develop and grow. Check the home regularly for things that encourage mold development. For example, leaky pipes in a dark basement, leaky roof tops, poorly ventilated areas, flooded areas, damp basements, damp foundations. Correct those problems immediately to prevent mold damage to the area.
 
Mold Damage Southside Chicago

Any home might become infested with mold. The best course of action is to act quickly to remove the mold. Contact SERVPRO of Evergreen Park South Chicago City at (773) 337-3900 for immediate service. We will respond to your call fast and remove the mold promptly.

Your House is More Susceptible To Mold Damage in the Summer Months

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Water and Mold Damaged Basement

Keeping Your House Cool and Dry May Prevent Mold

SERVPRO Of Evergreen Park South Chicago City responds fast to any type of emergency situation or disaster that involves mold. We are a mold damage company that provides around the clock service to commercial and residential customers. In fact, we are a reliable and trustworthy source for local restoration services. We are also a locally owned restoration service that offers our customers highly trained technicians with years of service in the industry. We handle every mold cleanup job with specialized mold remediation equipment that quickly handles clean-up, whether the job is large or small. We have some valuable advice to share with you. Summer is coming, and it is time to check for mold.
 
Why Do I Have To Check For Mold?

You are probably wondering why you have to check for mold. You try your best to keep your house clean because you are very proud of your home. Of course, you want to keep it clean and sanitary for the entire family during the summer and all year long. The fact is that most homes or commercial buildings will experience mold, at least once in their lifetime. Mold has a tendency to creep up on our customers, and before they know it, mold is a major problem. Mold requires a specific type of environment to thrive and spread. Mold loves dark places that provide a lot of moisture. For example, mold has a tendency to develop in dark, damp areas with a persistent leak. Check the secluded area of a basement with leaky pipes or even in an attic that is attached to a leaky roof. Of course, living in a hot, humid, home during the summer increases the chances of mold developing.
 
Preventing Mold

We realize that mold is a very depressing issue for most of our customers. Mold might affect the health of people in the home or property. Mold issues also make it almost impossible for you to sell property in the future. After a mold cleanup, it is advisable to take certain precautions to make sure that the mold does not return again. Certainly, we, at SERVPRO, want our customers to live a mold free summer. We advise our customers to check for water leaks, damp areas, and high humidity areas that are breeding grounds for mold development. Check around pools, pipes leading into the house, faucets, leaky gutters.

If you suspect that mold is an issue, call us immediately. We will arrive fast and make sure that the mold damage issue is handled promptly. It is our specialty; it is what we do to the best of our ability.
 
Mold Damage Downtown Chicago

Here is why you should choose SERVPRO Of Evergreen Park South Chicago City: We are highly trained Downtown Chicago mold remediation specialists, and we always respond fast to your call. Also, we are available 24 hours a day. Contact us at (773) 337-3900 for more information on our professional services.

Remediation Guidelines for Mold Damage

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Growth Requiring Quick Remediation

Professionals Have the Training and Certifications To Handle Mold Before it Spreads

In Chicago, mold damage can occur in your structure for a variety of reasons. However, no matter the reason, mold needs to be handled appropriately and quickly to prevent it from spreading to other areas in your home. It can cause health effects for you and your family and should not be handled by someone who is inexperienced. Therefore, if you suspect you have a mold damage problem, speak with us at SERVPRO, as we have technicians who are professionally trained and knowledgeable about how to deal with mold problems. Plus, we have the proper safety gear and equipment to help us remediate the mold without risking our health.

There are five major principles of mold remediation as outlined by the IICRC: 

1. Ensure that health and safety precautions are being taken by the professionals who are cleaning up the mold and by the occupants. Buildings that are contaminated by mold can be associated with various health effects. Anyone involved in the remediation of the mold has to be protected from exposure through various controls and practices.

2. An assessment post-cleanup done by an independent environmental expert. A Chicago mold remediation that is effective can’t be made without first knowing the extent of the contamination which needs to be removed. To make sure the remediation is performed correctly, it is recommended highly that accurate documentation of the remediation be kept by a project manager.

3. Control of the mold before it spreads. It is essential to get rid of the mold at the source of contamination. After the spores have spread throughout the air, it will be a lot hard to capture them.

4. Oversee that the removal of mold is done correctly. It has to be removed physically from your structure. Trying to remove signs of mold on the surface or isolate it are not enough. Bleach alone will also not kill mold.

5. Make sure the moisture is controlled so that future contamination or recontamination is limited. Mold growth is inevitable if there is no control of moisture. Moisture problems have to be identified, found and fixed or controlled as soon as you can.

Mold damage in Chicago can be taken care of quickly and adequately when you choose to use our trained technicians at SERVPRO. We will first find the source of the moisture so that we can correct that problem and then move on to proper remediation. Moisture is not the type of problem to handle on your own, as you could miss hidden pockets of moisture in your structure, plus not have the correct solutions and methods to get rid of the existing mold.

When a mold problem arises in your property, calling SERVPRO of Evergreen Park/South Chicago City at (773) 337-3900 is your safest and surest way to take care of your mold issues. Let us handle it for you so the health of everyone involved can be protected.

Mold Damage Chicago: Better Sooner Than Later for Cleaning

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Spreading Below a Window

Professional Remediation Can Quickly Address Your Mold Concerns

For any occurrence of mold damage in Chicago, it is better to deal with it sooner than later because it could quickly spread throughout the home. Among the issues that could occur as a result of mold being left alone in the home are health effects. However, it is not a good idea to try to get rid of mold all by yourself. In order to effectively get rid of mold, you need to contact us so that we can look at the mold problem and come up with an effective solution for your home. We have the equipment, and the experience to handle mold.
 
Each mold infestation problem is unique. Therefore, we must come up with a unique solution for the problem. However, the steps are the same. The first step is that we get a call. Then we go over to the place of residence or commercial property to inspect it and check for mold. We also assess the problem and check for any damages done to the property as a result of the mold infestation. We have special equipment to detect not only mold but also potential problems for mold like leaks and moisture in dark places. Once we find the mold damage near Chicago and understand the extent of the problem, we contain the mold. Then comes the removal process where all of the mold and the infested contents are taken out of the property. After that, the contents of the property are cleaned. Then any damaged piece of property is restored.
 
We at SERVPRO of Evergreen Park/South Chicago City are very knowledgeable about mold and are very passionate about handling every Chicago mold damage problem in the home. We are also available 24/7 and will answer you quickly to take care of the mold problem. We understand that mold can spread quickly in the home, and it only takes mere hours for it to spread throughout the home. We understand the importance of quick action and will not have you too long before we visit you. Give us a call at (773)337-3900.