Putting a Stop to Moldy Carpets

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is extremely versatile. If given the proper environment mold can grow in virtually every single area on a property. While there can be many causes of mold, there are a few precautions you can take to reduce the chances that you will ever have to deal with mold damage. As with many aspects of home maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Consider taking the below steps in order to keep mold from growing on your carpets.

Control the humidity and temperature in your home.

Mold grows best with a certain amount of moisture in the air, in addition to certain temperature ranges. One way to help prevent mold growth in any location on your property is to ensure that your humidity levels never reach 60%. 

Consider a different floor covering in areas prone to moisture

Some areas of a home are just more prone to humidity and moisture. Like your bathroom, for instance. Every design aspect of your home should be done with appearance and functionality in mind, and that includes making sure you’re making smart decisions about the type of floor coverings to have in certain areas based on the area’s usage along with environmental aspects. When it comes to bathroom floors, and to a lesser extent basement floors, sometimes the smartest plan is to avoid carpets altogether.

Use carpet padding that is anti-microbial

There are a few different types of padding most commonly used in residential homes. While some are more budget friendly than others, if you’re considering carpet in areas that may be more prone to moisture issues, consider installing rubber-slab carpet padding. It’s much more resistant to mold growth than traditional carpet pads. 

If you do get standing water on your carpets, get it out fast!

This goes for any surface type in your home, and it’s especially true with carpets. With the right humidity levels and temperatures, mold growth can accelerate quickly when food and water are present. Getting the water and excess moisture out quickly can be the difference between a close call and a serious health problem for your family.

Clean your carpets regularly

Vacuuming your carpets regularly, along with having them professionally steam cleaned, can go a long way in preventing mold growth. One of the components of rapid mold growth is food, and mold loves dirt, grime, food, and any other organic substance that can be found in your carpet fibers. Regularly cleaning your carpets is a great way to help reduce the likelihood of dealing with mold in the future! 

Typically, if you have black mold on your carpets a visual inspection is all that is necessary. But in other instances, you may notice a musty smell or perhaps you’ve also been experiencing some troubling health issues that you think may be attributed to high levels of mold. In most states, mold remediation companies must be different than mold testing companies. The way it works is that the mold testing company will come take environmental samples from your home and have them sent off to a lab to be evaluated. If it’s determined through the testing that your home has a toxic black mold problem, it’s at that point that you’ll want to hire a mold removal company like us. Call our franchises!

Mold Remediation: Mold versus Mildew

5/29/2021 (Permalink)

An example of growth after water damage seeped behind baseboards.

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation. That's where we come in!

How can you tell the difference between mold and mildew?

Primarily mildew is a plant disease but it can thrive on any organic matter, not just living tissue. It can appear on clothing, leather, paper, walls, ceilings, floor and even on your shower wall. It usually grows in a flat pattern in a white, gray or yellowish color. It will turn brown or black over time.

Mold is usually fuzzy and appears in irregular shaped spots. It also can appear in many different colors – blue, green, yellow, brown, gray, black, or white. Mold grows on organic matter everywhere but is only visible once the colonies grow.

How can you test the affected area to see if it is mildew or mold?

If you are unsure of what the substance is within the affected area, you can easily have it tested. The best course of action is to ask for professional assistance (like us!), but you can also fairly easily identify whether it is mildew or mold with a little bit of household bleach.

1. Apply a few drops of bleach to the affected area.

2. Wait 5 minutes and inspect the spot.

3. If the affected area becomes lighter, you are more than likely dealing with mildew. If the spot remains dark, it is most likely mold.

Who do you call when you think you've got mold?

SERVPRO of Minnetonka, that's who!

If you suspect that your Minnetonka home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect, assess and remediate your property. Call 952-473-4837 with any questions or concerns. 

Mold Remediation: Warning Signs of a Mold Problem

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Your satisfaction is our focus, and we work to ensure you have nothing to fear about mold again.

Mold is a problem and concern that any modern homeowner or property owner should be prepared to face. You may feel inclined to ignore a small spot of mold, but when you consider the health effects it can have on your home and environment, you know you need a solution. Our professional and certified mold remediation services around Minnetonka ensure that you don't encounter mold in your house again - at least until the next flood or leak.

What is Mold Remediation/Removal?

Mold remediation is all the processes involved in restoring the mold spores level in your home. Remediation is the whole bang for your buck that not only removes current mold issues, but ensures that it will not grow again. SERVPRO of Minnetonka is certified to remove the physical mold that is present in addition to reducing airborne spores. 

Warning Signs of a Mold Problem

Mold is always present. Whether it is in the air, indoors, or outdoors, this fungus has been around for millions of years. When exposed to moisture, it feeds, expands, and releases mold spores into the air.

You might be asking yourself: "How will I know if there are unsafe levels of mold present?"

• Mold has a variety of colors from black to white, although green and black see to be the most prevalent.
• Mold has a nasty musty odor that signals its presence. If you notice an odd scent even after eliminating all other possibilities, mold testing will help you verify if you really have mold issues, if it is just a stain on the wall, or an odd smell.

If you find yourself wondering if that smell is your garbage or that spot on the wall is just dirt from the dog, consider your local mold remediation service and...

HIRE A MOLD REMEDIATION SERVICE LIKE US!

Our specialized technicians make use of modern equipment to carry out mold removal or remediation in Minnetonka. There is no need to question who you go to when you're worried about mold. Call 952-473-4837 today with any questions or concerns.

Our Mold Damage Specialists Explain The Steps In Our Remediation Process In Minneapolis

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach our experts at (952) 473-4837 any time!

Important Steps During Mold Cleanup In Minneapolis

Mold develops easily in moist environments because its spores are omnipresent. It also requires very little regarding food source because any organic material can support its growth. Once a section of your Minneapolis property is infested with mold, you need to take several steps to clean it and, restore it to preloss state. We offer professional remediation that can help you deal with such infestations easily.

Removing debris created by the infestation is very important when doing mold cleanup in Minneapolis. Such debris is not only unsightly but is also likely to keep the musty smell associated with mold. Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians from SERVPRO use different techniques to remove debris effectively without harming the affected surface. We use HEPA filtered vacuums to remove loose debris from infested surfaces. In cases where debris adheres to the surfaces, our technicians wet-wipe with professional cleaning agents. Specialized methods like soda blasting help remove all traces of mold without harming the surfaces.

Killing spores are part of the mold cleanup process because if left unaddressed they can spur new growth within a very short while. Our SERVPRO technicians use various professional cleaning agents with antimicrobial properties to deal with mold spores. We also create exclusion zones with plastic sheets to curb the spread of debris. In some cases involving porous materials, the infestation goes beyond the surface so killing sore and removing debris does not deal with the issue entirely. In such cases, we remove the affected materials.

All mold cases involve an underlying moisture problem. Proper cleaning, therefore, involves drying the affected areas to stop future growth. This means first identifying the water source and stopping it. For example, if the mold is caused by a flooding incident, removing all standing water is the first important step. Our SERVPRO technicians then use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the affected areas to preloss levels.

You can deal with musty odors and unsightly debris easily by cleaning areas affected by mold thoroughly. Call SERVPRO of Minnetonka to help you with the process. You can reach our experts at (952) 473-4837 any time.

Click here for more about Minneapolis.

Call SERVPRO To Take Care of Mold Damage Before It's Too Late

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Minnetonka can help you get out of a moldy situation!

Overcoming Mold Effects in Your Minneapolis Home

One of the frightening things about disasters striking your Minneapolis home is the secondary effects that can develop from these occurrences. An instance of flooding or water damage, when improperly restored, can leave areas riddled with moisture and dampness. These persistent conditions can allow for mold growth, which not only threatens the structural integrity of your home but also those living inside of it.

When many people think of mold damages in their Minneapolis home, they think of instances like the harsh, musty odor that comes with an active colony. While this is one of the effects that our certified SERVPRO technicians must overcome when combatting mold growth in your house, it is, unfortunately, one of the less hazardous and problematic symptoms to restore.

One of the most critical aspects of mold remediation is isolating the active colony from continually spreading and thriving throughout the affected area. Our remediation technicians set up defenses to catch and trap mold spores moving throughout the environment with the use of negative air chambers and air scrubbers. These tools can help to section off the area housing the colony to make the removal more successful.

Removal of the mold is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians have to assess the best course of action based on where the colony is, the degradation of the materials, and the type of material housing the colony. Sometimes the solution is applying a high-strength antimicrobial chemical to the affected area, other times sanding or soda blasting is the best approach, but in other circumstances, removal of the affected material might be the only credible approach to remove the colony entirely.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

When you discover mold growth throughout susceptible areas of your home, you should contact our SERVPRO of Minnetonka remediation technicians as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 to help limit the spread of this colony throughout your home, remove this presence from your property, and work to restore any damages that it might have caused. Let our technicians help you overcome this organism in your house by calling us today at (952) 473-4837.

For more on Minneapolis, click here. 

Mold Damage Experts in Minneapolis Talk About Inhibiting Mold Patches from Spreading

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water Leaks and Mold Damage in Your Minneapolis Home? Try Calling SERVPRO for Remediation

SERVPRO Provides Containment and Chemical Applications During Mold Remediation Services

If a water leak takes place inside your Minneapolis home and it does not get repaired, moisture can cause microbial growth. Once mold damage has taken its toll on your property, proper remediation needs to occur so that secondary issues do not develop. Fungi release microscopic spores into the air for reproduction purposes. These tiny, invisible seed-like particles float through the air inside your house in Minneapolis and can contaminate previously unaffected areas.

Microbes can also get inside your air circulation system and create air quality issues. When restoring any mold damage in Minneapolis, our SERVPRO restoration team takes extra measures to prevent the fungi from spreading. All of our technicians wear equipment that resembles a space suit when working in a contaminated area. The personal protective equipment not only protects our workers from hazards, but it also reduces the number of hazardous particles that can get transported by attaching to people or clothing.
 
Whenever a section of your home gets contaminated by a fungus, our SERVPRO technicians follow strict guidelines when treating the problem. Certain molds can cause health effects in some people. Therefore there are strict rules on remediating fungal problems without sending dangerous microbes into the environment. Before any work procedures begin on the job site, we build a containment chamber to seal in any spores or particles that get released into the air.
 
When the mold has contaminated building materials, we determine how deep the hyphae have grown into the substance. In some cases, contamination can be wiped off with a rag where others sanding the material down is the only way to remediate. In both situations, our SERVPRO crew also uses different chemicals to help reduce the spread of the contamination and to prevent it from returning to the same area in the future.
 
In many cases, an antimicrobial chemical gets implemented before, during and after the restoration work takes place. These industry-specific products are designed to not only kill the microbial formations, but they can get rid of the spores mold leaves behind as well. After contamination in an area gets scrubbed or sanded off, we then spray a specialized sealant paint on raw timber and other applicable hard surfaces. This paint seals the affected building materials and helps reduce the chance of mold growth in the future.
 
Mold problems can get worse the longer they go untreated. As soon as you know microbial development has occurred at your place of residence, call SERVPRO of Minnetonka at (952) 473-4837 any day of the week.

More about one of the Twin Cities here

A Leak in Your Bathroom Plumbing Can Cause Mold Damage

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

When you see or smell mold in your home, contact SERVPRO for remediation services right away to prevent the infestation from spreading.

Team SERVPRO Understands How Mold Proliferates in Your Home 

One of the first signs that you may have mold damage in your home is continually detecting a musty odor. Catching the odor anywhere in your home is never a good thing, but it is particularly unfortunate when you come across it in your bathroom. It usually indicates that there is a leak in your plumbing and it has caused a mold colony to grow. It is vital to deal with the mold in your washroom as quickly as possible because it can cause health effects. Fortunately, there is qualified help close to your home that you can rely on.
 
Many people misunderstand the nature of mold spores and how they come to cause mold damage in your Minneapolis home. The truth is that mold spores are not dangerous and they are everywhere. You can never truly be completely rid of them. However, if they come into contact with moisture, they can rapidly grow and multiply. As they grow, they end up creating a mold colony that can damage the structure of your home.
 
SERVPRO understands that the longer that mold is in your home, the more damage it can do to the structure of it. We strive to arrive at your residence after your phone call as quickly as possible. Once our technicians get there, we can begin the remediation right away.
 
The first thing that SERVPRO can do is section off the entrance to your bathroom and any vents inside of it. Creating a quarantine allows us to agitate the mold without giving it the freedom to spread to other parts of your home. As we investigate and find that the mold is building behind your sink, we can begin to disinfect the area and clean the mold from the surface of your walls.
 
While we work, our SERVPRO techs can set up an air scrubber with a HEPA filter. Not only does it neutralize the smell that mold creates, but it can also capture airborne mold spores. Once the mold has been cleaned away from your walls, we can use an antifungal spray to ensure regrowth is less likely. Finally, our technicians can make sure to remove any excess moisture from the area.
 
If you come across a musty smell in your home, do not delay. Dial (952) 473-4837 into your phone and contact SERVPRO of Minnetonka. We're open 24/7 and always ready to take your call.

Click here for more information on the city of Minneapolis.

How A Damaged Roof Can Allow Attic Mold Damage In Your Minneapolis Home

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

If you or our SERVPRO professionals encounter mold throughout this crucial inspection, remediation needs to occur soon after that.

Mold Damage In Your Home

One of the problems of harsh winters to Minneapolis homes is the damage that heavy snowfall has done to the roof of your house that you might not even know. Since many homes have unused attic space (for more than merely storage or air circulation appliances), you might not know about problems with your roof, which in kind affect this attic space, until significant damages have already occurred to the construction materials and structural components found in this area of your residence.

Vulnerable areas of your roof not only raise the cost of the utilities every month from a lack of consistent insulation but also present the possible penetration of water to these weaker areas of the structure. When moisture from the outside can penetrate into the support of the roof (and then into the attic space) this warmer portion of your Minneapolis home is susceptible to widespread mold damage.

Regular inspections are essential to prevent a considerable problem in this area of your house. While our SERVPRO professionals can help you to do more thorough inspections that look more intently at all of the possible places mold could exist, many of these inspections you can also do on your own to see if you notice (or smell) something out of the ordinary.

If you or our SERVPRO professionals encounter mold throughout this crucial inspection, remediation needs to occur soon after that. The longer that this process is put off, the more widespread the problem can become and the more likely that structural components in this area need replacement rather than restored.

If you do not know what you are looking for when it comes to finding mold growing in any area of your house, you can entrust this process to our experienced technicians at SERVPRO of Minnetonka. We can work quickly to find mold and to remediate the damage that it has caused to your home. Call us today at (952) 473-4837.

Click here for more about Minneapolis.

Don't Be Too Hasty With Mold Damage In Minneapolis

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

An improper response to mold damage in your Minneapolis home could spread the infestation further and create a much more substantial problem.

Mold Damage In Your Home

While it is true that some types of mold damage in Minneapolis can cause ill health effects to residents of the affected building over time, that does not mean you should panic as soon as you find signs of growth. Panicking only creates more problems as you look to handle the problem in a hasty or unprepared fashion and could even worsen the problem if you select an incorrect approach.

What Can Go Wrong?
An improper response to mold damage in your Minneapolis home could spread the infestation further and create a much more substantial problem. Some homeowners attempt to sanitize and clean up mold themselves, thinking the problem to be more minute than it really is. However, without specialized equipment, spores may only be spread around the home on board your cleaning supplies. Even if you do manage to eliminate any visible patches of growth, there may be other problem areas around the home that can continue to spread and grow. Only through advanced detection technology such as those used by SERVPRO employees can the true extent of mold growth be found out.

What Do I Do?
If the colony is large, you may want to leave the house temporarily. We can help with move-outs in these circumstances. No matter the size, color, or species of mold you find, the most important thing to do is to call a qualified restoration company like SERVPRO to take care of the matter. Uncertified contractors and handymen rarely have the tools and training available to handle mold growth safely and could create the same problems that may result from you attempting to take on the problem alone. Our representatives arrive on the site within hours of your first call and can start the process of recovery with professionalism, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

SERVPRO of Minnetonka provides professional mold damage remediation services on a 24/7 basis and is always available to respond to your call for help. Contact us at (952) 473-4837.

Click here for more about Minneapolis.

How do Professionals Restore Mold Damage to Your Minneapolis Home?

2/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores can move quickly through your home. Contact SERVPRO at the first sight or smell for best results.

Trained SERVPRO Technicians Assess and Remediate the Mold Infestation in Your Home

Discovering mold damage in your home can be a stressful experience for most homeowners. Mold can spread quickly if not appropriately remedied and can cause health effects as well. Thankfully, experts can help you get the situation under control.

The mold damage mitigation in your Minneapolis home is a multi-step process that requires time and expertise. That said, as spores are present everywhere, removing mold completely is impossible. What SERVPRO restoration experts can do, on the other hand, is remediate the mold growth and prevent it from damaging your home and its contents.

Understanding mold  
Mold damage starts when the microscopic, airborne spores settle on a surface and find a conducive environment to germinate. High humidity and a temperature between 68 to 86 degrees being ideal for the process. Once they germinate, the spores quickly form a network of a filamentous structure called hyphae which bear more spores on their ends. These spores can, in turn, become airborne if they are disturbed and spread to unaffected areas as well. Professional restoration experts understand this process and use the necessary care and precaution to avoid it from happening.

The mitigation processes
Our technicians spring into action immediately once we receive your call regarding mold damage to your home. The first step is to inspect the damage and assess the situation. The experts then develop a strategy based on the extent and severity of the damage and get to work.

The subsequent step in the process is to contain the damage. As mold spores can become airborne and spread to unaffected areas during the cleanup process, the experts can establish containment zones. These involve the use of physical barriers such as plastic curtains and negative pressure.

The cleanup of the contaminated material depends on the nature of the surface. If the surface is porous, such as fabric, drywall or insulation, the material itself is removed by the technicians. If the surface is non-porous, the SERVPRO technicians can use HEPA vacuuming and wipe techniques to mitigate the growth.

The settled spores also need to be eliminated by HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping. The final step is to remedy the moisture content and drying. Technicians use a variety of drying equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers to get it done.

Call SERVPRO of Minnetonka at (952) 473-4837 today to schedule a free inspection.

Click here for more information about the city of Minneapolis. 

High Humidity And Mold Damage In Minnetonka Mills

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Molds need moisture to grow, and SERVPRO knows a remediation job is not complete until the source is found and eliminated.

High Humidity And Mold Damage

Unintended consequences of modern building methods used in areas like Minnetonka Mills may include damage to structures and contents. Tightly sealed windows, doors, and other building materials help conserve energy. Lack of adequate ventilation in homes built since the 1970s lets moisture build, contributing to mold growth. Once established, the mold colonies need professional remediation.

If you notice an “off” or musty smell in your Minnetonka Mills home, would it surprise you that mold damage could be the cause? In our climate, both building materials and the systems we use to heat and cool must handle extremes of temperature and humidity. Moisture levels and temperatures that get out of balance support the growth of fungal colonies out of the many mold spores always in our environment. Standard cleaning methods are inadequate to control a mold infestation. Our expert mold remediation crews contain and remove mold growth, and then sanitize the affected areas to inhibit future outbreaks.

Molds need moisture to grow, and SERVPRO knows a remediation job is not complete until the source is found and eliminated. In a Minnesota home, high humidity levels can be the culprit. When ambient humidity rises above 60 percent, some species of mold absorb that airborne moisture and multiply. During our summers, the air is often sticky, and if air conditioning or dehumidifiers are not used consistently, mold takes advantage of the water vapor.

Winters also pose the risk of high interior humidity as our HVAC systems or freestanding humidifiers run constantly to battle the dryness of the heated air. Parents run humidifiers when children struggle with allergies or upper respiratory infections, often making things worse if mold develops and its byproducts irritate susceptible individuals. Consult a healthcare provider if you're worried about a mold and health status connection.

SERVPRO crew members test for humidity levels and seek for other hidden pockets of moisture when we respond to a mold event. All technicians work with you to reduce home humidity to safe levels between 30 and 50 percent. Calibration of the humidifier in your HVAC system may be a solution, and if mold has developed in the ductwork, we offer cleaning, sealing, and disinfection of those spaces.

The reduction or elimination of other humidifying events also helps, including running bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, checking dryer vents for obstructions, and deemphasizing the use of room humidifiers. SERVPRO employees train in advanced water removal and drying techniques. Should our meters and scanners reveal water behind a wall, beneath a cabinet, or in any other area we deal with it. Water issues must be resolved to avoid mold problems in the future.

SERVPRO of Minnetonka has the experience and training to remediate mold damage in your home. Call (952) 473-4837 to start development of a plan to assess the issues and address the problem professionally.

For more about the city of Minnetonka Mills click here.

Keep Yourself Safe From Mold Damage Health Effects In Groveland

10/17/2017 (Permalink)

Mold damage in your Groveland home should not be taken lightly.

Mold Damage Health Effects

Mold damage in your Groveland home should not be taken lightly. Some types of mold, especially black mold varieties, can cause severe health effects and should be treated with extreme caution. While mold remains in your home, there are some safety precautions you should consider and employ to protect yourself and your loved ones. Keep these recommendations in mind and, above all else, heed recommendations from SERVPRO personnel to ensure that no ill health effects result from mold in your home.

Wear Long Sleeves
Whenever you are near or around the mold damage in your Groveland home, you should take care to wear long sleeves. Long sleeve clothing protects the skin and shields you from mold, giving a simple but effective barrier between you and potential hazards. Also, wearing close-toed shoes and long socks grants the same benefits for your feet and ankles. In general, try to leave as little skin exposed as possible.

Don Gloves But Don't Touch
Wearing latex or work gloves around the mold can be a good idea for the same reasons that long sleeves are, but that does not mean you should try to touch the mold. Direct contact with the mold, even with a barrier over the skin, is rarely advisable because it can potentially lead to ill health effects and spread mold spores around the home.

Let SERVPRO Handle It
Mold remediation truly is best left to the professionals. SERVPRO technicians are trained to deal with mold and deal with its effects dozens of times every year. They know how to stay safe and prevent further damage, but you probably do not. Some homeowners try direct action such as chemical or thermal (burning) removal techniques before calling us, but these efforts invariably result in more damage to the home and potential injury to residents. Contact us first and let us take care of the mold, for everyone's safety.

SERVPRO of Minnetonka helps local homeowners to overcome mold damage, no matter how big or how strong the colony is. For our help in ridding your home of mold, call us at (952) 473-4837.

Click here for more about the city of Groveland.

What Is Salvageable After Mold Damage in Groveland?

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Whether or not an item is salvageable after mold damage will depend on the surface of the item on which the mold has grown.

How different surfaces are affected by mold damage

Our customers often ask us what is salvageable after mold damage in their home. Asking this question is understandable – of course, you do not want to throw away more items than necessary. We understand that the sight of mold-damaged belongings is a distressing one, and we work with you to save as much as possible.

The answer to what is salvageable after mold damage in Groveland depends on several factors. There are some general guidelines which hold true in many cases, but it always comes down to assessing the individual situation and the extent of the damage.

The less porous a surface is, the more likely it is to be salvageable. Very smooth non-porous surfaces such as glass and ceramic are the easiest to clean. In many cases, SERVPRO technicians find that a gentle scrub or damp wiping is enough to remove spores and leave the surface clean once more.

Porous surfaces such as carpets, rugs, and drapes are more complicated. In many cases, porous items, unfortunately, have to be discarded because it is not possible to remove the mold once it has taken hold. However, in cases where the item is wet, but mold has not had a chance to grow, it might be possible to dry the item and save it before fungus takes hold.

Although clothes are fabric, which is porous, it is often possible to save them by washing them immediately. We recommend looking for a dry cleaner who has experience in dealing with mold.

Semi-porous surfaces such as wood and stone can sometimes be saved, depending on the level of contamination and damage.

When you call SERVPRO for help, you can rest assured that our IICRC-certified remediation experts provide a thorough assessment of the situation. We examine the extent of mold damage and the affected items so we can advise you on what can we can save, and what must be discarded.

After the assessment, our team sets to work cleaning all salvageable items using a range of cleaning actions, including damp wiping, abrasion, and HEPA vacuuming. We also dry the area to reduce moisture and discourage regrowth.

For help with mold in Oak Terrace, Glen Lake, Minnetonka and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Minnetonka at (952) 473-4837 today.

To learn more about Groveland, visit http://www.grovelandmn.com/.

Mold Growth In Your Groveland Home

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

The simplest way to stop mold growth is to reduce moisture.

Mold Growth And Mold Damage

Mold growth is not as noticeable as fire or water damage. It can be just as dangerous to residents and destroy as much property if left unchecked and untreated. Stopping the advancement of mold growth, however, is simpler to accomplish for the most part.

To understand how SERVPRO stops mold damage in Groveland, it helps to know how mold gets started in the first place. Individual mold spores are smaller than a mustard seed, but function in the same manner. A mass containing thousands of them is much smaller than a dandelion, but when it is disturbed, reacts the same way; it breaks apart and spreads the spores (seeds) as far as an air current takes them.

In most cases, these spores touchdown and remain inert, a threat to no one or anything. To expand, they need moisture. The expanding spores extend hyphae across surfaces, seeking a food source so they can grow. When they find one, the spores form a new mass, and the cycle repeats itself, spreading across walls, ceilings, under carpets, and into HVAC ductwork. Most of this takes place between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but a few species of mold can grow at high or lower temperatures. To stop growth and render the spores inert, we perform the following tasks: Reduce the moisture available, remove the food source and either raise or lower the temperature.

The simplest way to stop growth is to reduce moisture. Our technicians examine the area around it for standing water and measure the air moisture content, also known as the humidity level. We use pumps and extractors to remove visible water and draw unseen water from floors and carpets and set-up dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.

Removing the food source requires a certain amount of demolition that starts with replacing drywall and ceiling tiles. It is simply not cost-effective to try to clean and restore them. If we find mold under a carpet, the same is true.

Changing the temperature is the most difficult factor to manage. Trying to raise or lower the temperature of an affected area can take a long time since it is usually unsafe to engage the HVAC with an active mold growth in the home. In smaller areas, we use heaters to raise the temperature effectively, but even then, we do so as part of reducing the moisture levels.

Stopping mold growth in your home is a simple task compared to tearing out the effects of a fire or water disaster. Simple does not mean easy or quick though; you still need a professional restoration service to accomplish the task safely. SERVPRO of Minnetonka is prepared to return your home to its original state as quickly as possible. Contact us today at (952) 473-4837 if you need our help or suspect there may be a problem and want to schedule an inspection.

Click on http://eminnetonka.com/ to learn more about Minnetonka.

Mold Damage Remediation In Groveland You Can Trust

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Finding areas of your home that contain excessive moisture, condensation, or water stains, often results in the discovery of mold growth.

Mold Damage Remediation

Finding areas of your home that contain excessive moisture, condensation, or water stains, often results in the discovery of mold growth. Most of the time, when it eventually becomes visible, repairs often exceed a normal person’s ability.

Dealing with mold damage found in your Groveland area home requires specialized equipment and a professional eye to deal with properly. Regardless of the amount or kind of mold damage you discover, professional remediation services provide you with the best possible results. Professional remediation companies, like SERVPRO, exist so that you do not have to expose yourself to hazardous materials. We want to help you get things under control quickly, limit losses you experience, and make the process as stress-free as possible. Asking for help from SERVPRO technicians means that you understand how important it is to keep your indoor environment healthy and clean. It is smart to gain knowledge that can help prevent future contamination and allow someone with expert training to assist you in controlling mold growth in your home.

You could have extensive mold growth underneath your kitchen sink, spreading throughout your cabinets, walls, floor, or ceiling that leads to extensive repairs that you are not prepared to handle. SERVPRO takes charge of your entire remediation process, providing you with everything you need to return your house to a quality pre-mold damage condition, often exceeding your expectations. Our technicians use moisture detectors, negative-airflow machines, air movers, dehumidifiers, water extraction equipment, containment, handling, and disposal procedures throughout your home’s remediation. With IICRC certified mold remediation specialists on your side, you can accomplish a mold-free living environment and protect your family against risks that may cause health problems.

Make excessive mold problems on your property a thing of the past, making mold disappear, “Like it never even happened.” Trust your health and the health of your family to expertly trained professionals concerned with making your home livable again. It feels great to have someone on your side, working with your insurance company to ensure you receive the results you deserve.

Get everything necessary to return things to normal in the quickest, most efficient way possible by contacting SERVPRO of Minnetonka. We can help return things to normal fast, call today (952) 473-4837.

Curious about Minnetonka? For more information visit https://eminnetonka.com/

What Is Mold And How Can Homeowners In Oak Knoll Decrease Exposure?

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Growing on a Wall in Oak Knoll

Limit Humidity in Your Home to Reduce the Risk of Mold Infestations

Constant use of your shower, as well as cooking and cleaning appliances, can cause mold to spread throughout your property. There are several ways for this type of infestation to run rampant in your home, but what is it, and how can you help decrease exposure?
 
If you suspect that your Oak Knoll home has mold damage, locate a certified professional to assist with the repairs and cleaning before things get out of hand. At SERVPRO as we become more aware of molds and fungi, it is our responsibility to understand them, find out why they exist and get the proper help to control the spread within our homes.
 
We experience new species regularly; no one knows how many types there are, yet. Molds exist both indoors and outdoors, within our environment, in the air that we breathe, the food and water that we consume, everywhere around us. We also know that various types of airborne molds and spores may cause health effects in certain people if exposed to the right quantity.
 
However, we have also learned that mold and fungus grow at the highest rate, inside of warm, damp, humid environments, and spread quickly, through the reproduction of microscopic spores. They can even survive harsh dry or cold environments that limit or completely stop normal mold growth, mainly waiting for the right conditions to exist.
 
Mold growth inside of your home is controllable; it is when things get out of control that you need professional help from a company like SERVPRO. We can help you learn how to control your humidity levels inside and properly ventilate your showers and cooking areas to prevent growth from forming.
 
SERVPRO technicians can also help you learn which products to use for cleaning smaller contaminated areas. However, when the area exceeds 10 square feet, professional assistance may be necessary to clean the area and mitigate damages properly. It is unlikely that you have the experience or equipment needed to handle a job of larger size and most homeowners find that they make the problem bigger by attempting to do it themselves. We suggest leaving grappling with mold in the hands of the professionals.
 
At SERVPRO, we recommend maintaining an indoor humidity level of no higher than 50%. Both air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help you keep your humidity low. Install the proper exhaust fans for cooking appliances, dishwashers and clothes dryers. Cleaning the surfaces in your bathroom, kitchen and other constant moisture source areas with mold killing products help as well.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Minnetonka today for additional advice and professional mold damage restoration and remediation services. (952) 473-4837

Mold Damage Remediation Success in Minnetonka

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

Effective mold control starts with figuring out the cause. Call SERVPRO of Minnetonka today for an assessment!

SERVPRO is Trained to Assess and then Remediate Your Mold Damage

The presence of water damage, mold growth or must odors needs to be addressed right away. In all cases, any source of water has to be found and corrected, and the extent of water damage and mold growth figured out. Materials that are water damaged should be taken out of the home or cleaned and dried.

A trained professional, like our staff at SERVPRO, should be hired to take care of any mold damage in Minnetonka. They can develop a site-specific plan and assess the extent of your moisture problem. Whoever you hire, they should be following all EPA guidelines and health regulations to keep them and your family safe during the entire process.

Visual Inspection
This is the most important initial step in finding a possible mold problem and planning out remediation strategies. The extent of any mold growth and water damage should be assessed visually and the affected materials in your home identified. This visual inspection should include observations of hidden areas where damage might be found, like attics, crawl spaces and behind drywall. Carpet padding and backing, moldings, wallpaper, insulation and other materials that could be harbingers of mold growth should be assessed as well.

Drywall, ceiling tiles, structural wood and other surfaces containing cellulose should also be given careful consideration in a visual inspection. HVAC systems need to be checked as well for mold growth or damp conditions on system components like insulation, filters and fins/coils, plus for overall cleanliness. Equipment like a moisture meter or an infrared camera to detect moisture could be helpful in finding hidden mold growth, how bad the water damage is and in determining if the source of water is active.

Personal protective gear like respiratory protection and gloves will also be used by our trained staff at SERVPRO. Efforts will also be made to lower the generation and migration of any mold and dust.

Remediation
The goal here is to clean or remove any materials that are damaged by mold using work practices which protect you and your family by controlling the spread of mold from the work area and also to protect any workers doing the remediation. The known remediation methods were made to achieve this goal, but they are not meant to exclude other methods which could be effective and aren’t a substitute for a work plan that is site-specific.

There is not much scientific information existing which evaluates the effectiveness and best practices for the remediation of mold, so these guidelines are based on principles used to remediate environmental hazards indoors which are commonly known. The guidelines are not intended for use in critical care facilities like transplant units, intensive care units or surgical suites.

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Minnetonka are trained and experienced in all the proper mold remediation procedures, so you know you can trust us to take care of your mold problem. Call us at (952) 473-4837 right away if you suspect you have a mold problem so we can come out and assess the damage for you.

The Connection Between Water Leaks and Mold Damage

9/22/2016 (Permalink)

Leaks Can Lead to Mold Hidden in Your Groveland Walls Needing Remediation from SERVPRO

Mold Growth Often Results from Leaks that Can Be Remediated by SERVPRO

Most homeowners know that mold has the potential to endanger the health of humans and animals, but fewer know the full scope of how it affects a home's structure. Mold damage isn't merely unsightly or the cause of bad odors within a home, it can wreak all types of havoc. In addition to ruining walls, flooring, and fixtures, mold can destroy your documents, photos, clothing, furniture, and other possessions.
 
If you're dealing with mold damage in Groveland, you may be surprised to learn that the source of the fungi is a hidden water leak. Leaky plumbing, pipes, and roofs are very common causes of mold damage, and when you resolve the leak the mold has a much smaller chance of being able to regrow and thrive. Here are some signs of mold damage that are the result of a leak in your home.
 
1. Excessive Moisture
Mold thrives in wet, dark places, which is why it's often found underneath and behind sink and toilet plumbing. If you find that the cabinets or walls in your kitchen and bathroom areas have become warped and moldy, leaks are a likely cause. When SERVPRO technicians find mold damage caused by leaks, we're careful to extract all of the excess water possible to prevent future mold growth and fix or have fixed the source of the moisture.
 
2. Water Stains and Marks
If you notice stains on your ceiling, walls, or floors, but you know you haven't spilled or splashed anything, there's a good chance that mold damage isn't far off. Wallpaper and paint that are peeling are also typical in this situation. If you smell moldy odors in addition to seeing the stains, that's another sure sign. Our professional crew can quickly and efficiently eliminate stains and smells caused by mold damage. With foggers, ozone machines, and SERVPRO antimicrobial products we can dispatch the signs of mold growth.
 
3. Higher Utility Bills
A problem that many homeowners notice over time is a large use of water. Mold damage is often detected first; then water bills come that are much higher than they should be. If your water usage hasn't increased, yet your water bills are significantly more expensive, water leaks may be causing the sticker shock.
 
The team at SERVPRO of Minnetonka has the skill and expertise to remedy mold damage in your home. Our expert technicians will also work to find the source of water leaks so you can have peace of mind and fewer worries about future mold issues. For a quote or to learn more about our mold remediation services, call us at (952) 473-4837.

Hopkins Mold Damage Remediation Professionals

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

All it takes is excess humidity or a small water leak for mold damage in Hopkins to form in your home or business.

Professional Mold Damage Remediation in Hopkins

All it takes is excess humidity or a small water leak for mold damage in Hopkins to form in your home or business. Mold spores can produce harmless allergens, irritants, and other minor health effects. The first step in addressing any growth is to identify and manage the source. If moisture problems are not addressed, then any fungi cleanup or removal will only be a short-term solution. At some point, this type of growth will return.

Here are some interesting mold facts and myths:
• How many types of mold are there? There are more than 100,000 types and species of mold. The common types of home and office mold species are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.

• Can mold can only grow around pipes, leaks or because of floods? Mold does not grow on surfaces that are directly affected by water. Mold spores often occur within the HVAC systems of buildings and homes. They can grow on any surface that has its ideal environment, moisture, and humidity.

• Is black mold worse than other molds? Mold growth comes in a range of colors. Many molds classified black are actually a very dark green. Black mold is not necessarily more dangerous than other species of mold.

• Can this fungus cause skin rashes? The CDC reports that exposure to molds doesn’t contribute to rashes.

• Can I clean mold to eliminate it? Mold can become latent and reactivate. Tiny mold spores replicate every 24 hours, thus often growing back. For porous materials, like ceiling tiles, carpeting, wood, paper, and drywall, surface cleaning is often not enough.

If you see signs of mold damage in Hopkins, don't put out the for sale sign. Instead, contact SERVPRO of Minnetonka. We are your locally owned and operated, certified mold specialists. We have built a standard of ethics and experience recognized in our industry. Let our skilled technicians help you get back to the healthy lifestyle you want for both you and your families future. We proudly serve our local Minnesota communities: Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. When any type of emergency arises, contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – we live and work close to you. Call us at (952) 473-4837!

Minneapolis - Are Molds Really Dangerous?

5/20/2015 (Permalink)

Any mold concerns should be assessed by a professional to determine if removal is necessary.

Water damage is a common cause of mold in the home. Since mold spores are everywhere, mold can begin forming within 48 hours if the conditions are right; mold only needs moisture, warmth, and a porous surface in order to thrive. If a leak is found and stopped quickly enough, the mold may not have enough time to develop. In most water damage situations where the leak has been ongoing for a long period of time, the infestation of mold becomes clear: damaged drywall or carpet will be lined with dark patches that are easily visible to the naked eye.

Sometimes, the leaks are out of sight and the mold is allowed to grow and breed for months or years. This leads to people living in a home where there is mold growing inside of a wall or in their attic without knowing. Fortunately, the health hazards associated with mold are overstated.

It is widely believed that mold is extremely toxic and can cause serious illness or death to those exposed to it. However, mold is everywhere; depending on where someone lives, there can be dozens of different types of mold spores floating in the air. Out of the 400,000 different types of classified molds, only a few dozen are actually harmful to humans. More than likely, the mold found in homes is non-toxic. As long as no one in the household has serious allergies, it is possible for people to live in a home with mold for a long time.

Despite posing no significant health hazard, mold can cause other problems. Mold growing on drywall or wood can significantly weaken the structural integrity of a wall or beams, which can lead to much costlier repairs if a wall should collapse. Slime mold is also capable of causing problems by clogging pipes if they are not cleaned and sanitized, which in turn can lead to the average water damage scenario. Typically, homeowner’s insurance will not cover the damage because long-term mold damage often falls under gradual damage that is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix as part of their regular home maintenance and upkeep. While companies that offer specific mold insurance developed to cover the gaps where homeowner’s insurance does not, they are often expensive; the initial upfront cost may not be less than simply hiring a remediation company.

Fortunately, with proper maintenance, mold is typically not a recurring problem. Proper maintenance and ventilation will prevent future infestations.

In conclusion, most molds found in the home do not present significant health hazards. However, it is best to speak with a mold technician about what the real threat of having mold in the home is and whether it should be removed or not.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

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

If a catastrophic storm or event occurs, we can call upon the resources of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.