Why Is There More Mold Around Now?

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered why there is more talk about mold these days? Has more mold come around these days? The answer is yes, but why is that?

Around 1945, after the war, there was a need for faster and cheaper houses to be built. During this time the use of drywall began. Drywall is comprised of compressed gypsum between two layers of durable paper. 

Gypsum readily absorbs water and dries very slowly. Since mold can start to grow on wet materials within 24-48 hours, this is the perfect place for mold to begin to grow. 

The housing boom which still continues today, has created a nationwide opportunity for mold issues. Back before 1945 there was not as much of an issue with mold because homes were comprised of plaster, brick and stone. Mold cannot  daily grow on these materials. 

Although mold is generally not covered under your homeowners policy with insurance, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa has several payment options available should you find mold in your home. Give us a call today for your free estimate. (815)416-0075

Is Mold Helpful or Harmful

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

There are many types of mold. Mold is an important part of the ecosystem and not all molds are harmful.

Mushrooms are mold that is consumed by people. Mold is also found in other foods such as cheese and soy products. It is also used to make antibiotics to help heal people and animals. Soy is an important part of the ecosystem because it breaks down dead material so it can deposit back into the ground. 

Although many types of mold are considered safe,  some are harmful and should be taken very seriously. I

Upon calling us SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa can

-inspect your home for mold

-Assess the size of the problem and the type of mold

-Identify the source of moisture causing the mold growth

-Plan and execute the remediation. 

If you suspect mold in your home or business give us a call today. (815)416-0075.

Mold Is Alive

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Molds are microscopic organismsfound virtually everywhere indoors and outdoors. Mold is alive but it is neither a plant nor an organism. Mold is a type of fungus. 

Fungal growth requires oxygen, adequate temperature, nutrients and water to survive and grow. 

Mold can damage your home as well as compromise your health. 

Some places where mold can grow in your home are 

-Carpets

-upholstery

-Wood products

-Clothes

-walls

-basements

-ductwork

-ceiling tiles

-household dust

-Books

-Curtains

-Baseboards

Mold grows in cool, dry, dark areas. Mold will start to grow on these damp areas within 48 hours, so it is very important to immediately call SERVPRO of Frankfort if you suspect water damage in your home. 

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa is here for you 24 hours a day to help you prevent mold growth due to water emergencies. If you should have mold our trained professionals can remediate and mitigate that as well. 

Preventing Mold Growth in your Home

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your home can cause damage to your home, cause costly repair as well as cause health risks. 

Here are some tips on helping to reduce the risk of mold growth in your home. 

-Reduce humidity in your home by opening windows for approximately 30 minutes per day. 

-Prevent leaks due to rain and when it isn’t avoidable, dry and treat all waer damage writhing 24 hours of he water exposure. 

-Regularly clean areas in your home that accumulate humidity such as showers, faucets, pipes and floors near fixtures. 

-After you clean items make sure they are throughly dries and if possible leave in the sunlight. 

If your walls, floors, furniture or any of your large items get wet call SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa right away so we can dry those items and save you time, money, and damage to your home. 

Preventing Mold Growth in a Damp Basement

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

1. Monitor Humidity Levels

High humidity levels provide the perfect growing environment for mold. 

2. Use a Dehumidifier

 If your basement has high humidity levels open windows daily for an average of 30 minutes or use a dehumidifier. 

3. Reduce Clutter 

Keep your basement free of clutter. Too many objects and storage items block the free flow of air and reduce ventilation. Items such as clothes and books stored in the basement are food for mold and mildew. 

4. Ensure Water Is Directed Away from Your Home

The boundary around your home must be sloped in such a way that snow and rain are directed away from the house. Otherwise, water and moisture will pool around the structure, increasing moisture and leakage problems. In such a situation, mold is almost inevitable.

5. Take Care of Spills and Leaks Immediately

If there are any leaks in the basement, take care of them immediately. Wipe the water from the area and dry it thoroughly. Use of a dehumidifier and heater to accelerate the drying process.

6. Insulate Water Pipes in the Basement

Generally, cold water pipes in the basement show condensation on the exterior. Insulating such pipes reduces the humidity levels in the basement.

Understanding Black Mold

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

The term “black mold” is a generic term used to describes many different types of mold that appear black, or dark when they appear on the surface of walls, tiles and concrete.  Black mold has become somewhat infamous because it has been reported on in the media as a mold that can produce toxins and cause health problems. While this is true, it is also true of many other types of mold, and not necessarily worse in cases of black mold. 

If you identify any mold in your home it would be wise to remove it safely.  You can use bleach, borax or vinegar to do this. When removing mold wear a respirator or face mask and cover your arms, legs and hands to avoid contact with mold spores.  For bigger mold problems you may want to call a qualified professional to take on the job safely and thoroughly. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover mold damage if it was caused by a “covered peril”; check with your agent.

To prevent mold growth in your home avoid excessive moisture by making sure bathrooms and laundry rooms are well ventilated and using a dehumidifier in your basement.

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. With the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs, we’re locally owned and operated and can respond immediately to your emergency.

Safely Clean Up Mold Problems

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Consistent exposure to mold has a very negative effect on your family and your home.  The negative consequences of mold exposure can easily go undetected and cause serious problems.

Even if only a small amount of mold can be seen, it is likely you have a bigger problem below the surface.  Take action to remove the problem permanently and safely.  Here is what you need to know...

Bleach can kill virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with.  However, using bleach only works if the mold is growing on non-porous materials like tile, tubs, and countertops. That’s because bleach can’t penetrate porous materials such as wood and drywall. Using bleach on such materials can be deceiving because it will kill the mold above the surface, but mold below the surface will remain.  

Bleach can be useful but it can also cause damage; its a harsh, corrosive chemical that gives off harsh fumes.  There are safer alternatives, like borax and vinegar that can be used.

Borax is a natural, white mineral powder that has a low toxicity and does not emit dangerous fumes.  It can be mixed with water to kill and remove mold because it is a natural mold inhibitor.  

Vinegar is a mild acid that can kill 82% of mold species. It’s also natural and safe. Vinegar is non-toxic and doesn't emit dangerous fumes.

Removing mold can be serious business.  When removing mold wear a respirator or face mask and cover your arms, legs and hands to avoid contact with mold spores. You should safely be able to take on bathroom mold or relatively small mold outbreaks in other areas if you take these precautions.  For larger problems, especially problems where hidden mold may be a problem, it’s probably wise to call a reputable professional.  

Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation by a professional:

• Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Mold Containment
• Air Filtration
• Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Restoration

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. With the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs, we’re locally owned and operated and can respond immediately to your emergency.

Top tips for preventing mold problems in your Morris/Ottawa home

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in your Morris/Ottawa home or office can be a serious health hazard, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Even if you are not allergic, mold can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

Mold can grow in your walls, carpet, couch and other furniture. The most important thing mold needs to grow is moisture, so damp places like basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms and crawl spaces are the most vulnerable areas to mold growth. With that in mind, follow these tips to keep yourself safe from mold in your home or business.

Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air. Also, keeping the windows closed and the air-conditioning on when its’ humid and muggy outside will keep the moisture out.

Conversely keep it warm when it’s cold outside. Cold surfaces collect moisture through condensation, which encourages mold growth.

Keep bedroom and office doors open to improve circulation.

Add insulation to cold surfaces like around windows and doors, in floors and walls.

Fix leaks under faucets and sinks, as well as leaky cracks in your foundation.

Cover dirt and gravel crawl spaces with a plastic tarp.

If you are finishing your basement use a vapor barrier under carpet and/or wood floors to prevent a moisture problem.

Make sure clothes dryers are very well vented, that the vents stay clean of lint, and be sure the vent exhaust runs to the outdoors.

Have ducts cleaned once a year.

Don’t leave damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry your laundry promptly.

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 our “typical” process:

1.Emergency Contact - (815) 416-0075

2.Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

3.Mold Containment

4.Air Filtration

5.Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

6.Cleaning Contents and Belongings

7.Restoration

Mold Removal from Morris/Ottawa, IL Home.

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.


• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.


• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.


• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.


• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.


• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 815-416-0075

Got Mold in Morris/Ottawa? Better Call SERVPRO

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is one of our primary areas of expertise here at SERVPRO^® of Morris/Ottawa. We have the training and experience to contain the infestation, scrub health-threatening spores out of the air, remove the contaminated materials, and help prevent future microbial growth.

A Moldy Situation

Imagine you were cleaning out a storage closet at work, and you found mold growing on the back wall. Most likely this year, an ice dam supplied the water that created an ideal situation for microbes to grow in this closet. Once you identified and resolved the source of the leak, you would still want to contact a professional to mitigate the mold and ensure healthy air for your employees and customers to breathe.

Containing the Infestation

When SERVPRO^® franchise professionals begin a mold job, our first concern is to contain the mold infestation. The mold you can see is only a small part of the danger posed to building occupants. Mold reproduces by releasing invisible spores into the air. These spores pose the real hazard for those who breathe the air in the infested building. Therefore, we begin by preventing air from the contaminated area traveling to other parts of the building.

Scrubbing Mold Out of the Air

Each job is unique in its challenges and solutions. However, in most cases, a SERVPRO^® mold mitigation team will set up a containment barrier and create a “negative air” situation inside the infested area. A “negative air” situation is essentially a vacuum that ensures air only flows into and not out of the contained area while the air scrubbers filter the spores and other contaminants from the air.

Removing Contaminated Materials

Organic materials like drywall, carpeting, and ceiling tiles must be removed and discarded once they become contaminated with mold. This is why we encourage people to contact us immediately after a water loss to dry all the materials before microbial growth begins. Blowing a fan across moldy materials hoping to dry them and save them spreads mold spores in the air and increases the health risk to building occupants.  

Inhibiting Future Growth

SERVPRO^® franchise professionals can never promise to prevent all future mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere in the atmosphere, and they take root and thrive whenever they find the perfect mix of moisture, food (organic materials) and temperature. However, our team does have several products that discourage microbial growth. Once your moldy materials have been removed and the air has been scrubbed to reduce the concentration of spores, we can apply one of these anti-microbial agents to help protect your building’s structural elements.

Call SERVPRO^® for Mold ASAP

When you see mold, remember you cannot see the biggest threat that mold presents. Contact our Morris / Ottawa, IL mold remediation team at 815-416-0075 for a free estimate and good advice about protecting yourself and other building occupants until the mold is removed and the air is clean again.