Call SERVPRO® of Eagan and Apple Valley to Prevent Secondary Damage

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO® of Eagan and Apple Valley to Prevent Secondary Damage

You have heard it said again and again: Time is money.

The old adage is never more true than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property remains wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage.  That's why emergency response matters.  

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air.  Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation.  The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry.  The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc.  Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow.  This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.  Call Today

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

If you’re hoping to save your current furniture or you’ve bought a new patio set and want to keep it from falling victim to the same problem, you can take steps to prevent mildew and mold. When purchasing new furniture, look for water-resistant fabrics and materials and check to see if the dyes used are also weather-resistant. Acrylic and polyester are usually the most durable. You can also waterproof your patio furniture yourself by purchasing a waterproofing kit at your local supply store.

Note that sunscreen and bug spray are known to soak into cushions, so always use a towel to sit on as added protection, and never sit down directly after coming out of the pool. If you do spill water or otherwise soil the furniture, clean it immediately, and do routine cleaning every few weeks. If you do not use your patio furniture year round, consider using furniture covers, or find a shed, garage or storage unit to house it during the off season.

Now that you know how to remove mold and mildew from patio furniture, you can clean up your chairs, table and umbrella to return it to good condition. You’ll be back to lounging out in the summer heat in no time.

Source: https://learn.livingdirect.com/patio-furniture-mold-removal/

Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation

Mold assessment activities include an inspection, investigation, or survey of a dwelling or other structure to provide the owner or occupant with information regarding the presence, identification, or evaluation of mold, the development of a mold management plan or remediation protocol, and the collection or analysis of a mold sample. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants.

SERVPRO of Eagan and Apple Valley can help you with your mold remediation needs for your home or business.  Additionally, we will work with your insurance. Please give us a call today.

Source: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/mld.htm

What are molds?

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

What are molds?

One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold.  What kind of mold do I have?  How do I keep it from spreading?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home.  In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming.  In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.

In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated.  Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages
• Lake Houses

Source: cdc.gov

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building? 

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Eagan and Apple Valley strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Eagan and Apple Valley is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

3 Tips for a Mold-Free Home While You Vacation

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

3 Tips for a Mold-Free Home While You Vacation

In order to get the most out of your vacation, you probably want to make sure that your house is in the right condition to leave it. No matter where you live, mold can spread while you aren’t there. It’s important to make sure that you don’t have to come home only to start a cleanup effort. These three tips on mold prevention while on vacation should help ease your mind.

1. Check Home in Advance

As the date of your vacation comes closer, the checklist of things you need to do before you can leave gets longer and longer. The one thing that you don’t want to skip out on is ensuring that there isn’t any mold in your home. The first tip in mold prevention is to make sure that there isn’t any fungus that can spread. If you want extra reassurance, you can have a specialist perform a mold test.

2. Keep the Heat Low

What to do with your thermostat when you leave has everything to do with what time of year you vacation. Heat helps create the perfect environment for mold growth. If you’re leaving in the winter, then it’s a good idea to turn off your thermostat entirely. However, if you’re leaving in the summer, you may want to set it cooler. While you don’t want to waste energy on your air conditioning, you can keep your home at a temperature about five degrees higher than what you find comfortable.

3. Turn Off Water

Together, moisture and heat can derail your efforts against mold. If you’re leaving for a significant period of time, it’s smart to turn off your water entirely. After all, if there are any leaks while you’re gone, you won’t be able to catch them in time to prevent water damage.

If you’re on vacation, you deserve to relax without worrying about what might go wrong in Eagan, MN while you’re not there. Simple mold prevention can help reduce the risk of mold. Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on mold.

What do I do if I find mold in my home?

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

1. Contact a licensed mold remediation professional to assess the situation. In most cases an environmental hygienist will be called to test the microbial growth. 

2. Once the growth is tested a proper protocol will be written and guidelines for how to treat. 

3. Allow licensed restoration company to perform recommended treatment. Make sure that each step is documented and photos are taken. 

4. It is important to make sure containment is set up to prevent the spread of mold spores throughout unaffected areas. 

5. If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices at anytime. 

Mold remediation can be a stressful time for you and your family. It is important to hire the right company to make sure the job is done correctly. SERVPRO of Eagan/ Apple Valley is trained and qualified to handle any size mold project. 

Is there mold in your coffee maker?

11/12/2017 (Permalink)

Steps to remove mold from coffee maker.

Coffee makers can build up mold in their moist environment. Take the time to clean it often for a great tasting cup in the morning.

1. Fill reservoir halfway with water and the rest with white vinegar.
2. Insert paper filter and start brewing process.
3. Allow half of the mixture to brew and then turn off. Let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Allow the rest to brew and discard water and vinegar mixture.
5. Rinse the reservoir by inserting a new filter and running clean water through twice.
6. Clean the carafe with soap and water.

Do these six steps for an excellent brew of coffee that is mold free.

Renting or buying a home? Check for mold.

11/12/2017 (Permalink)

How do you check for mold?

When buying a new house, or renting a home or apartment building, you want to keep you and your family healthy. Checking for mold is an important step but can cost up to $500 dollars. To save some money here are some common places SERVPRO finds mold.

• Outside walls - Where the carpet meets the outside wall is an easy place to check for mold. Pull up a bit of carpet to check if there is mold or rust on the tack strip.
• Under sinks - Check to see if the wood underneath the sink is warped or chipping. This could be a sign of a previous water damage.
• Window ledges - The drywall surrounding the windows should be clean. If there is cracking or water staining around the window there could be mold growing behind the wall.

The Right Way to Deal with Mold Damage

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

The Right Way to Deal with Mold Damage

Mold in the home and commercial mold damage do not only occur when a building is located in the south where it’s hot and humid. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage do not only occur in homes and businesses that are flooded with flood waters. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage is not limited to only bathrooms and basements. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage are not problems anyone can handle on their own.

These things are the most important things people need to know about mold growth and the process of mold removal. A restoration company is the only solution to any mold growth at home or work, and DIY solutions are never recommended. If there is mold growth at home or work, it’s best to call a restoration company to handle mold removal, remediation, and mitigation. It’s also best to learn a few more things about mold growth.

The Signs are There

Unless there is a major flood, most people don’t suspect they have any mold damage at home or work. It’s not uncommon for people to assume mold growth only occurs when there is flood damage, but this is not true. Pipes leak, bathrooms aren’t ventilated correctly, and that little spot of mildew or fungus people found somewhere could have been more than just a little spot of mildew or fungus. There are some serious signs of mold damage people simply don’t recognize as signs of mold damage.

- The presence of dry rot
- Any form of mildew or fungus in the home or office
- A smelly odor
- When deodorization methods don’t work to get rid of a smelly odor

Dry rot is a big sign of mold damage, but it doesn’t always mean there is mold in the home or commercial mold damage present. Dry rot means there is moisture in the home and in the walls. When people find dry rot at home, it’s worth taking seriously and not ignoring.

Mildew and fungus don’t mean there is mold, but they do grow in the same conditions. If people find mildew or fungus, it means the conditions are right for mold to grow. They might want to call a restoration company to come out and check to see if mold removal is necessary or of the remediation or mitigation process should continue.

A smelly odor that has a musty smell to it might be a big problem. This smelly odor probably means there is mold growth behind walls. Mold growth behind walls is a problem because it’s invisible to home and business owners. They have no idea if it’s black mold, if the mold growth behind the walls is isolated or widespread, or if they need to have someone come out. Most people use deodorization to get rid of the smell, and it takes them a few days to realize deodorization isn’t getting rid of it. This mold growth behind walls could be black mold, but the only way to tell is with the help of a restoration company. They have professional deodorization equipment that gets rid of the smell.

On the subject of black mold, not all of it is the kind people must worry about. Black mold is harmless in many instances, but it’s still something that requires mold removal. Calling a restoration company for remediation and mitigation is the only way to get rid of it.

What Not to Do

Once someone finds mold damage at home or work, they must call a restoration company. Following that call, they can work to remove any water damage in the home or office. They should never try to touch mold as it causes the spores to enter the air in mass numbers causing further mold damage. Additionally, it is always helpful to the remediation and mitigation process to shut down all air conditioners so spores don’t spread through the vents.

Never attempt DIY mold removal. It’s more dangerous, and it always causes more expensive damage. When people let the pros handle this issue from the start, they realize that mold is easy to get rid of. Allow the pros to come in and handle the problem right from the start.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on mold.

Facts about Mold Spores

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Facts about Mold Spores

Mycotoxins and the Mold Spores

The black mold spores are primarily toxic in nature. The fungi reproduce by spreading its spores that have a smelly odor. The spores of the black mold are allergic. They are toxic since the mold spores carry mycotoxins which affect human beings making up part of the commercial mold damage.

Toxic Black Mold Spores

This fungus mostly uses moisture to survive. The mold is brownish in color. One cannot easily see the mold spores by our naked eyes although they have a distinctive smelly odor. So one can always know where they are. When they are observed under a microscope, toxic mold spores look like a dandelion that has spores growing at the end of the hyphae.

Mildew, on the other hand, can easily be noticed by naked eyes. It is whitish in color, and one can spot it by far. It also has the smelly odor which can be prevented by deodorization.

The Spread of Toxic Mold Spores

The mold is not airborne, and this is because of the wet coating that they have. When its moisture source is exhausted, a toxic mold dries out and releases numerous spores into the air. Change of humidity can also cause the fungus to release its spores. The spores may land on walls causing mold growth behind walls.

In case an individual or anything disturbs the toxic mold, the fungus releases its spores into the air. Even if the mold growth behind the walls might look small, never try to remove them. A restoration company that has the skills for effective mitigation of the situation should be contacted. Toxic mold mitigation is dangerous than removing any conventional mold in homes that is why it should be done by a restoration company representative who understands the remediation process.

The toxic mold spores do not remain in the air for long since they are heavy compared to other mold spores. The spores from the fungus die if it does not land on a suitable surface that supports mold growth. The toxicity of the spores remains even when the spores are dead. For the toxic mold to produce mycotoxins, there must be conditions that must be present. Mildew is essential for the mold growth and also the material where the mold growth will occur. Dry rot is the best phase where the fungi grow. Mold in homes mainly occurs areas such as carpet, drop down the ceiling and wooden paneling. When the items are exposed to wetness and remain in the same condition for long, then the areas are primed for mold growth behind walls which eventually leads to mold damage. Mold removal should be done immediately.

When mold growth in a home is detected, mold removal professionals should be contacted for mitigation of the commercial mold damages. Since at times it is hard to notice the mold, any smelly odor or mildew seen should be investigated. Individuals can handle mildew instead of contacting restoration companies.

Molds in homes also cause commercial mold damage to the owners. There is the loss of property that is experienced after restoration. Even mold remediation by deodorization which seems to be cheap can be costly to some individuals.

Restoration companies mainly respond to mold damages. Once they are contacted, they come and lay down the remediation procedure and how they will carry out mitigation of the mold in the home. The restoration company inspects for mold growth behind walls and all the areas to check for dry rot and the extent of mold damage. Mold removal commences immediately. So it is imperative to look at the issue from all angles. When doing mold removal by deodorization in the case of dry rot, always target the source.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on mold.

Key Tips When Dealing With Mold Damage In Your Home

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Key Tips When Dealing With Mold Damage In Your Home

The home repair market has numerous chemicals that can eliminate mold, fungus, and mildew. While mitigation is important in the removal of mildew and fungus, polluting your home with additional harmful things might be counterproductive if you're trying to prevent the health hazards. There are plenty of safe ways to eliminate the commercial mold damage and smelly odor in a bathroom or carpet without opting for deodorization. Save money by using the typical family products that you might already have and prevent paying costly service bills. If you have an infected area, you can clean it up yourself without an expert.Mold damage remediation involves dealing with the lichens, fungus, and mildew.

Avoid DIY Mold Removal

The greatest mistake would be to attempt to handle the mold damage yourself or opt for deodorization. The harmful mold can trigger the release of millions of spores and toxins. These toxins can contaminate your house beyond repair, and a competent mold damage contractor can help you. The goal is to remove the smelly odor from your home. Materials such as drywall and pavements should be cut away and eliminated to prevent further mold damage. Dealing with mold in home and commercial mold damage can be a daunting task. Commercial mold damage can be more expensive that removing mold in home appliances.

Employ a Professional

Deodorization is not the right solution when it comes to mold remediation. If you have the poisonous mold in your home, the only choice is to hire an expert mold remediation service. Make certain you work with somebody who is qualified. Also, make certain that the practitioners can eliminate the toxic and non-toxic varieties of mold. Prompt mold removal can help to prevent extensive commercial mold damage if you take the mitigation and remediation processes seriously.

An expert mold removal company can get rid of the black mold and smelly odor without allowing the spores to spread into the rest of the home. The experts will cut away the material that the black mold is on and remove it from your house. The company will also seal the area to prevent the black toxic mold particles from spreading. The mitigation and remediation processes depend on the amount of mold in home surfaces.

Eliminating Black Mold with Ammonia

Besides deodorization, Deodorization ammonia is a great disinfectant that does a great job of eliminating the smelly odor. Ammonia is likewise inexpensive and easy to find in your hardware shops. However, ammonia's active ingredients can penetrate the porous products such as sheetrock and ceilings. The mold removal process involves eliminating the mildew, fungus, and any other mitigation and remediation processes that can help in restoration.

Precautions

Make sure your HVAC system is turned off, and doors and windows are closed. Avoid turning on your heating system while getting rid of the mold since the spores will be blown to other areas in your building. Seal any remaining openings with plastic sheeting and duct tape to make sure that no spores can spread to the entire home. If possible, have a staging area in between the contaminated space and the rest of the building, where protective clothes can be collected for cleaning or disposal once the job is done.

Make certain you've found all the mold. Search closely for any sign that mold nests are growing in the surrounding area. The spores can spread quickly, and if you miss out on just a bit, the mold will simply grow back. Professionals can generate the negative pressure in the work space to make sure that mold spores do not leave the afflicted location.

Don't Underestimate The Black Mold

Mold can have some negative impacts on your health. The black hazardous molds mycotoxins are so lethal that they have been used to manufacture the biological weapons. Unlike other molds, black poisonous mold can leave you with major and long-term health problems. Ignoring the danger is one of the most typical mistakes when dealing with black mold. People often do not realize the damage black mold can do until it happens.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Why Ignoring the Signs of Mold Damage is So Dangerous

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Why Ignoring the Signs of Mold Damage is So Dangerous

A little mildew here and there seems perfectly normal in any home or commercial locations, but a little mildew here and there is often a sign of much larger issues. While a little mildew might simply mean a bathroom needs nothing more than a good cleansing, the presence of mildew is a strong indicator there might be mold damage somewhere in your home or office. Commercial mold damage and mold in the home are both serious problems you simply cannot afford to ignore. It’s dangerous to allow mold damage to continue without professional remediation and mitigation. If you suspect you have some fungus growing in the house, it’s time to call for professional mold removal and remediation.

Ignoring Mold Damage is Risky

Perhaps you don’t consider mold in the home or commercial mold damage much of an issue when it’s in small increments, but this is where the danger comes into play. Mold in the home can cause many additional issues with your family and your structure when it’s left untreated, and the same goes for commercial mold damage. Mold is a fungus, and this is a fungus that grows quickly. This particular type of fungus needs only humidity higher than 40% as well as a little moisture to grow rapidly and spread quickly. This kind of mold in the home or commercial mold damage means air quality changes rapidly, and it means you have bigger problems to deal with.

Mold damage not professionally treated usually comes right back. Professional remediation requires the use of specialized tools and equipment designed to allow professional mold removal services to do their job adequately. When you have this type of mitigation occur, chances of mold coming back into the home or business are much slimmer than when you attempt this on your own. It’s costly to forgo professional remediation, because you’ll end up needing mitigation regardless no matter what you try on your own.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Mildew is one potential sign of mold damage, but it’s certainly not the only sign. A smelly odor anywhere in the house could be a sign. This smelly odor might come across as slightly damp, and it’s a smelly odor with an old house smell to it. When you begin recognizing a smelly odor such as this, don’t assume deodorization is the answer. While deodorization is a temporary fix to a smelly odor, it doesn’t kill mold or prevent it from growing rapidly.

Since mold needs less than 48 hours to spread throughout your home or office, deodorization is only recommended to remedy a smell. Professional mitigation is the way to get rid of mold, though you can use deodorization for your own sanity.

When mold occurs in a home or office, there might be many signs. One sign it could grow quickly is the humidity level. The goal is to keep the humidity in your home or office at or below 40 percent. This is ideal for keeping mold at bay. Any higher than this and it has the potential for rapid growth. Even a small leak can cause mold to grow quickly. Since not all leaks are found easily, it’s helpful to keep an eye on the smelly odors you notice, and it’s helpful to keep the house or office as unfriendly for mold as possible. Mold removal is necessary when you find even the smallest amount.

Professional mold removal is designed to help rid your home and/or office of mold, and it’s necessary. The biggest problem for many is the idea they can do it themselves and save a little money, but it’s less expensive to pay for professional services right away and handle the problem effectively than it is to pour money into fixes that don’t work in the long run. Mold is dangerous on many levels, and getting rid of it the right way is necessary. Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on mold damage.