MOLD - SERVPRO can Help!

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview can help with your Mold problems. Call us today at (773) 935-6750.

When there is a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business.  Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property.  SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.  Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process remains the same.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

• Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

• Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

• Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. Our technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

• The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming.  Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents

• SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. 

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.  Call us today at (773) 935-6750.

Take Action against Mold Growth!

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at 773-935-6750 for any Mold Damage.

Prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions.

• Keep the humidity between 30 to 60 percent.
• Provide for proper drainage away from building foundations.
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately.
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 773-935-6750

Tips for Cleaning Mold from Children’s Bath Toys

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you see signs of Mold, Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview - (773) 935-6750

Cleaning bath toys that spend hours every week in warm soapy water may seem silly, but it is not.

Since mold grows where there is moisture, bath toys are a prime target for mold.  Mold can form when toys aren’t properly drained or dried out.  Here are some tips to help you clean your bath toys and get them free of mold. 

Boil the toys in water

Place your child’s toys in a pot of boiling water. Squeeze them out to remove all the mold and then lay them out to dry.

Clean them with vinegar

Mix together one gallon of water and ½ cup of white vinegar. Let the toys soak in the mixture for one hour. Squeeze them out and scrub them thoroughly.

Soak them in bleach

Mix one gallon of water and ¾ cups of bleach in a bucket and allow the toys to soak overnight. After taking the toys out of the solution rinse them with water several times before putting them out to dry.

Cover the holes

A lot of bath toys have holes in them to allow your kids to squirt water or make squeaky noises. While this might be entertaining for them, it also easily allows the toys to store water and grow mold. When you are sure the toys are thoroughly dry, plug up the hole with a drop of hot glue.

Run them through the washer

A simple solution to remove the mold from your child’s toys is running them through the dishwasher or washing machine. It’s an easy way to get the job done. 

Have Mold Related Questions? 
Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview – 773-935-6750

Preventing Mold in the Bathroom

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you have Mold in your Bathroom, call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview - (773) 935-6750

The bathroom is one of the most common places in a home where mold can grow. The damp and usually dark conditions make it a perfect place for mold to thrive. However, if you reduce the amount of moisture in the bathroom and clean it frequently, the chances of mold growing will be greatly reduced. Here are some essential tips on how to prevent and reduce mold in the bathroom:

• Ensure you have proper ventilation by opening a window or by running your exhaust fan for 30 minutes after you shower. 
• Use your air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep your household relative humidity levels below 50 percent.
• Fix any leaking toilets, sinks or pipes, which can cause excess moisture.
• Make sure your moisture problem isn’t coming from a leaky roof or overflowing gutters.
• Wipe down your shower often. Wiping down your shower after using it removes any lingering moisture.
• Eliminate damp hiding places for mold like wallpaper, fabric curtains, even bathroom rugs. If you’re going to have rugs and store towels in the open in your bathroom, be sure to wash them often.
• If you don’t have shower doors, be sure to use a mold and mildew resistant curtain.
• Keep it light in the bathroom. Since mold likes darkness you can discourage it by opening your bathroom shades, leaving your lights on (you can get a timer) or even installing a sky light. 
• Make bathroom cleaning part of your daily routine. Spray your shower and tub with a commercial shower spray that contains bleach or another mold/mildew fighting ingredient. If you have marble, always read the label first to be sure the spray is safe to use

If you have any questions about Mold – Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview – (773) 935-6750

Is Hidden Mold Lurking?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

This mold was found behind a kitchen cabinet.

You may suspect hidden mold if your home or building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage at the property. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, please call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview for help.

Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

If You See Signs of Mold, Call (773) 935-6750 

Commercial Mold Remediation

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Please call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview if you suspect Mold.

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park/ Lakeview, we will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Mold and Water Restoration Industry
• Highly Trained Mold and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today 773-935-6750

Conditions In Chicago Might Be Right For Mold

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof and chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home.

Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Crawl Space moisture can cause mold growth

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for mold in your crawl space.

With excessive crawl space moisture, mold will grow at a rapid pace. Crawl space mold can be damaging to your home's structure, your flooring, and anything else located in the area. 

Mold survives on organic materials, such as wood, and when it's damp it provides the perfect environment for growth.

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

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today at 773-935-6750.

“Mold Removal” vs. Remediation

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview are water & mold damage specialists.

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

• Step 1: Emergency Contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview  773-935-6750
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

We’re Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

As water and mold damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Signs of Mold? Call Today 773-935-6750

Understanding the Mold Remediation Process

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation requires specialized training, equipment and processes.

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

Step 1: Emergency Contact  773-935-6750

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

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

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

Step 3: Mold Containment

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

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

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

Have Mold Related Questions? 
Call Us Today 773-935-6750

How to Keep Mold from Coming Back

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for Mold in your home!

Mold is a serious problem. For some Chicago area homeowners, it can cause problems for the foundation of their home and even trigger health issues. At SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview, we know how dangerous it is. Many of our clients want to know how to prevent mold from coming into their home and prevent it from coming back. Many homeowners are delighted to learn there are easy steps they can take that will help with mold remediation. Such steps can help make sure the mold stays away from all areas of your home.

Moisture and Humidity

This problem is frequently caused by too much moisture and humidity in the home. Water encourages the growth of spores. If the initial treatment did not stop the problem, it's a good idea to think about where water in the home originates. We do our best to examine each area to make sure there is no problem with water. However, sometimes things can be missed. Water may be coming from other areas of the home as a result of a new problem. In that case, steps need to be taken to remove the moisture again.

Ventilation

Clean, fresh air can help get rid of mold. New mold remediation efforts may focus on bringing cleaner air into the home. It's a good idea to think about air circulation. If the air is stagnant, the problem can recur. Installing a ventilation system in each bathroom can help. Ventilation systems help remove water vapor and improve air circulation in your home. They're easy to install and can be turned on after a shower to remove the moisture in the air.

Periodic Cleaning

In addition to a ventilation system and a complete inspection of the property, it also helps to clean as often as possible. Cleaning helps with mold remediation efforts.  Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that kills most mold species instantly. Distilled vinegar can be poured into a spray bottle and used to clean the walls each month. This will help kill any new spore growths. Wipe it down after cleaning to keep moisture out of your home.

If you see mold in your home please contact us at (773) 935-6750.

Mold is Present almost everywhere!

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread within 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO will use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park / Lakeview can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (773) 935-6750

Your Belongings and Mold Damage

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Example of books covered in mold.

Water and mold damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Professionals understand that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, 
Call Us Today (773) 935-6750

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Franchise Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water and mold damage. Our Professionals utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

•  Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
•  Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
•  Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
•  Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
•  Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
•  Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Chicago Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

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

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

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeviewfor mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 773-935-6750