How To Assess Mold Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Learn More about Mold Damage and receive the Best Assessment by Following These Tips.

Whether you just smell the distinctive musty odor of mold or see visible spots in your Bountiful, UT home, determining the extent of the damage isn’t always easily apparent. Mold and mildew may easily spread to other areas of the home, as well as be lurking behind walls, under flooring and in other areas that are hard to reach or see. To ensure the best air quality and to protect the home, it is recommended to get a mold assessment from a professional mold damage company.

Why Get an Inspection?

If you think you have a lurking fungi issue, do you know what kind it is? While some are fairly harmless, black mold is not a type you want to spread in your home. A professional inspection not only helps determine the mold species but also helps with the following:

• Pinpoints the location of the mold growth, as well as how big the problem may be.
• Determines the number of spores that are airborne and circulating in the home.
• After remediation, it provides peace of mind that the problem has been properly eradicated.

What Does an Environmental Hygienist Test?

A mold assessment should always be done by a certified specialist. This will ensure that they have the proper training and tools to help you solve your mold issue. As part of the inspection, they will conduct tests to find the moisture source, estimate the size of the impacted area and identify the type of molds found.

To assist in the process, environmental hygienists have an array of industrial tools to ensure the best results. This includes a laser particle counter to check air quality; moisture meters to locate areas with high moisture levels; hygrometers to test humidity, dew point and temperature; and infrared cameras to identify areas with high temperatures or elevated moisture levels. A professional will conduct the following tests:

Air:

This determines how concentrated the spores are. This is an especially important test when there are no visible signs of growth.

Surface:

Swabs, tape and other tools are used to take samples throughout the home. Since mold forms where it has the right conditions, it could be growing in different parts of the home. These tests help determine how many spores and how much mold may be growing.

Bulk:

Although not always necessary, this involves removing materials from the home to be tested in the lab to determine how concentrated mold particles are in the home.

Culture:

In the lab, the samples taken from the home are purposely nourished to create a colony. This enables the professional to verify which mold species is in your home.

Once the assessment is completed, a specialist will provide an overall plan of action for remediation and restoration. During and after all the work is done, inspections are completed to ensure the cleanup is taking care of the problem and that the home is free of mold.

The home should be a safe, welcoming environment. When water damage is sustained, it means that mold may be hiding. A mold assessment helps determine how big of a problem you have and makes it easier to get a plan of action in place to remediate it.

How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Clean the mold in the air conditioner ducts to avoid the spread in your Bountiful, UT building.

Molds, such as black mold, are always present in the environment. When molds encounter areas with the right conditions, they may multiply to the point where they become an issue for building owners. Dust and moisture in the vents of an HVAC system can provide a fertile breeding ground for mold. If not removed promptly, the forced air from an HVAC system may spread mold to the rest of your building.

Removing Black Mold From HVAC Systems

Eliminating mold from an HVAC system is a multi-step process.

1. Confirm You Have a Mold Problem

Before you spend time and money attempting to eliminate a mold problem, it is a good idea to confirm that you have one. Inspect your HVAC system for signs of mold and moisture. Additionally, you may notice mold signs throughout your building. A musty odor is often one of the first signs of a problem. You may also notice stains or dark spots on walls, ceiling tiles, or carpets. Pay particular attention to any areas with high moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms, or water damage.

2. Remove Moisture

Shut down your HVAC system. Make sure anyone working on the HVAC system is equipped with an N-95 respirator. Remove and replace filters or insulation that is wet. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water in the air ducts. Repair anything that is leaking or any drainage systems that are clogged.

3. Clean the System

Thoroughly cleaning your HVAC system will help remove mold and dirt that provides food for mold growth. Use a disinfectant that is registered with the EPA and labeled for HVAC use. Use a mechanical coil cleaning system to remove debris from the evaporator coils. As you clean ducts, separate them with bladders so that spores from the ducts you are cleaning don't spread to the ducts you already cleaned.

4. Prevent Mold From Returning

Prevent mold from coming back by applying a mold and mildew inhibitor to all parts of your HVAC system. Choose a product that is EPA registered and labeled for HVAC use.

5. Vacuum the Ducts

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any debris left behind from cleaning.

Prevent Future Mold Problems

Controlling moisture is the key to preventing future mold problems in your HVAC system. Contact an HVAC repair company in Bountiful, UT, to diagnose and repair the issues that caused your system to accumulate moisture. Make sure your drain pans are properly sloped and regularly cleaned. Replace your air filters regularly. Keep areas below air intake clean and free of moisture. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected at least once per year.

When To Call a Professional

Mold can be difficult to remove completely. If your mold problem keeps coming back, you may need to contact a professional mold remediation company to perform a thorough cleaning.

Molds, such as black mold, are a normal part of the environment. However, mold that grows rapidly can create problems for property owners. Removing mold and addressing moisture issues promptly is the key to avoiding additional damage to your building.

Mold Prevention Tips for Humid Climates

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your Bountiful, UT, building from moisture to prevent mold damage.

It's hard enough to keep your commercial building free of the effects of high humidity, but is located in a particularly humid climate poses extra challenges. It's not an impossible task, though. The following tips can help you protect your building in Bountiful, UT, against all the moisture in the air outside.

How to protect your building from moisture

Ensure Proper Airflow Throughout Building

The simplest way to prevent mold damage is to keep the air flowing throughout the whole building. Your air conditioner plays a huge role in this step. There are several ways to ensure your AC works consistently well:

• Make sure the system you install is the right size for your building
• Keep doors and windows closed while it runs
• Set the unit to automatic and the temperature to 70 degrees
• Inspect and maintain the system regularly

Make sure that your air conditioner vents are not blocked by furniture or storage, particularly the intake vents. Install exhaust fans in areas, such as bathrooms, where moisture tends to build up. An environmental hygienist can also complete an air quality test to find areas where better ventilation is needed.

Implement a Regular Inspection and Cleaning Schedule

Spores in the air are attracted to both moisture and dirt. While mold can grow on any organic material, keeping your building clean and dry is a strong line of defense. During walkthroughs, look for condensation on windows, pipes, and concrete walls. The presence of excess moisture in these areas may indicate that you need better insulation. Have all the surfaces in your building cleaned and dried on a daily basis. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is the best choice for ensuring that dust and other particles that can exacerbate mold growth are removed from the carpet.

Keep Humidity Level Low

No matter how clean or cool your building is, high humidity can lead to mold damage. You want to aim for a humidity level of 50% or below. Start by looking for items in your building that could contribute to excess moisture in the air. For example, potted plants are a common culprit, but that doesn't mean you need to get rid of all your live greenery. You just need to add anti-mold ingredients to the water you add to the soil. In addition to ensuring proper ventilation and airflow, you can also purchase dehumidifiers for each room to lower humidity levels.

Use Mold-Resistant Materials

Even if you take every precaution, you could still end up needing mold cleanup from certified mitigation experts in a humid climate. That's because furniture, curtains, carpet, and other textiles are particularly prone to fungus growth. Consider trading in some of the items in your building with similar pieces that are made of mold-resistant materials. Plastic, glass, and metal all have non-porous surfaces that make it more difficult for mold to grow. Laminate flooring does not have the same spore-catching qualities that carpet does. The furnishings you use can aid in your battle against mold.

If your area is prone to high humidity, you must be extra vigilant to prevent mold in your commercial building. By following these tips, you may be able to avoid major problems.

Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold expands quickly in moist environments if it is not removed in time.

Mold spores travel easily from place to place and survive very well in environments with a little bit of moisture, so it shouldn't be surprising to find evidence of mold in your laundry room or bathroom. In fact, mold can grow anywhere that water damage occurs. Consider the following steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your Bountiful, Utah, home.

Respond Immediately to Leaks and Moisture

A glass of spilled water may quickly soak into the carpet. The resulting moisture in the carpet padding and wood flooring below the carpet is an ideal environment for mold. It doesn't take long for a wet spot to become a mold spot. Avoid water damage and mold with quick responses:

• Repair leaky faucets and pipes right away.
• Dry carpets and towels thoroughly.
• Put wet clothing directly into the washing machine.
• Clean and dry any wet surfaces.
  

If there are problem spots in your home, take steps to reduce the trouble.

Choose Mold-Resistant Products

For many homeowners, mold prevention begins after mold has already made an appearance. After mold cleanup and remediation professionals complete their work, use mold-resistant drywall, paint, and other products to reduce the chance of new growth.

Reduce Humidity and Increase Ventilation

Humidity levels vary naturally during the seasons and can also increase during the day during meal prep and laundry tasks. Opening the windows is an effective way to reduce moisture. If you don't want to open the windows, consider the use of a dehumidifier or fans. Leave interior doors open to increase airflow throughout your home.

Maintain Your Home and Landscape

Water from sprinklers or rainstorms should flow away from the home. If your landscape doesn't keep water away from the foundation, make adjustments. Regularly check your rain gutters to keep them clean and unclogged.

The care and maintenance involved in protecting your home from other problems can also help you prevent water damage and mold growth. Your consistent efforts could save you from a lot of expensive repairs.

Prevent Mold for a Clean, Fresh Bathroom

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold thrives on moisture

You can completely scrub down your bathroom every day, and it would still be a haven for mold. This is because mold is highly adaptable, and bathrooms are full of humidity. Additionally, water damage often occurs in Bountiful, UT, bathrooms before you're even aware of it.

Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew in The Bathroom

Reduce Humidity and Moisture

The first step in reducing mold is controlling the level of humidity:

• Ventilation is the best way to reduce humidity. Install a bathroom that is easily switched on and off. Open windows when appropriate and leave doors and windows open.
• Use a squeegee to remove excess water from the shower, tub, and mirrors.
• Hang up towels and shower mats to dry, exposing them to ventilation.
• Install a dehumidifier in the bathroom.

These simple steps reduce moisture and protect bathroom surfaces from water damage. Don't forget to use a rag to wipe the floor dry.

Identify High-Risk Areas

The second mold prevention step is to identify the places where colonies are most likely to take root:

• Around the windows
• At the base of the toilet
• Under the sink cabinet
• On the ceiling and walls
• On shower curtains
• Under mats and rugs
• On caulking and grout
• Behind tiles, wallpaper, and other furnishings

Unfortunately, when spores have grown into colonies behind the walls or inside cabinets, you may not recognize damage until it has spread. You can, however, hire professionals once or twice a year to test for mold. If there's already damage, reach out to mold damage cleanup technicians to complete any reconstruction necessary.

Frequently Wash and Dry Fabrics

Finally, launder curtains, rugs, towels, and other bathroom linens frequently. Any absorbent materials can quickly become home to mold. (It only takes spores a couple of days to establish a new colony.) Adequate ventilation can aid in keeping the room dry, but it's best to wash items after multiple showers.

Water damage often leads to mold growth that must be treated in addition to other repairs. Take preventative steps to enjoy a clean, fresh room and to prevent unsightly mold and mildew.

Do You Need a Certified Mold Remediation Company?

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can cause serious damage.

Because mold can cause serious damage to your home, it is important to hire a mold remediation professional with the proper experience and training to remove it. Mold remediation professionals are not required by law to hold any mold certification. However, hiring a certified professional provides you with the reassurance that the person you are working with has at least met the qualifications necessary to obtain the certification.

Types of Certifications

It is important to know which organization certified the contractor you plan to work with because the requirements for certifications vary. Several organizations offer certification:

• The Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization
  
• The Professional Mold Inspection Institute
  
• The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors
  
• RespirNet
  
• IICRC
  

What Certification Means

Mold certification means different things depending on which organization did the certifying because the different organizations set their own criteria. Some organizations require a college degree in a related field, such as engineering. Some require professionals to attend classes but do not require a degree, while others offer certification on the internet. When considering certified mold remediation in Bountiful, UT, ask which certifications your contractor holds, who issued them and what the criteria were.

Benefits of Choosing a Certified Contractor

Choosing a certified professional doesn't guarantee that the contractor will meet your expectations, but it does provide you with the reassurance that the technician has met the minimum qualifications to receive certification. Ask to see proof of certification and check references. If a contractor has both a valid certification and good references, there is a better chance you will be satisfied with the service you receive than if you hire contractors who can't prove their qualifications.

Mold certification isn't a guarantee, but it is a good way to verify that the mold remediation professional you are considering hiring has met minimum standards. Certification shouldn't be your only criteria, but it can help you make your decision.

Does Rental Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Contact professionals for mold removal and cleanup

When you live in a rental property in Bountiful, UT, problems such as mold damage become a little more complicated to address. The good news is that the more correct information you have, the easier it is to work through mold issues.

What Should You Expect From Your Insurance?

Start by determining whether your rental insurance covers mold removal and cleanup. The best way to get accurate facts is to speak directly with your insurance provider. However, there tend to be similarities in most cases:

• You'll probably have coverage if the cause was a peril named in your policy.
• If the cause was outside of your personal property, such as external flooding, you probably won't have coverage.
• If the insurance agency can show that damage was the result of negligence, the damage probably won't be covered.
  

The good news is that insurance companies would rather that you didn't have to worry about risks, such as mold, and are a good source of tips for maintaining property, even when you're renting.

How Much Coverage Should You Expect?

You should also ask your rental insurance agent about limits that might apply to mold claims. Most of the time, policies lay out a cap that probably won't cover a serious amount of damage. With this in mind, it's always best to address mold problems as soon as you suspect they exist. This is because it is much less expensive to recover from a small area of mold than it is to recover from widespread mold that has caused the deterioration of your furnishings.

What If the Property Is Already Insured?

You can usually expect property owners to carry insurance for the building where you're renting. However, it's vitally important that you have rental insurance that covers damage to your own belongings. It's also a very good idea to find out whether your insurance will cover the work of mold damage cleanup and recovery professionals.

Is Your Mold Damage Covered?

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can start growing anywhere.

A pipe bursts in your home in Bountiful, UT, so you call a plumber and water restoration experts to fix the damage. Before they arrive, however, you start to notice a musty odor near the affected area and you see mold growth on a nearby wall. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours after water damage has occurred. One question you probably have is whether or not your homeowner's insurance will cover the cost of the remediation. The answer depends on a couple of factors.

Covered Peril

The first thing your insurance provider may want to determine is the cause of the mold damage. Many basic policies cover the cost of mold mitigation if the issue is related to a covered peril:

• Recent pipe break or leak
  
• Overflowing toilet
  
• Broken appliance
  
• Roof leak
  

With most homeowner's coverage, there are two elements that determine whether an event constitutes a covered peril. Did it happen suddenly, and was it an accident? If those two conditions exist, it is likely that not only the initial water damage but also any related secondary damage such as mold growth will be covered by your provider. If, however, the damage occurs as a result of an ongoing problem or your negligence, you will probably have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

Policy Additions

Some policies spell out limited coverage for mold damage explicitly. Many insurance providers offer separate mold insurance to supplement the general homeowner's policy. This coverage is called an endorsement, and there is an additional fee to add this particular protection. Your agent can advise you on the best coverage for your home and let you know what options are available to you.

Having the right insurance coverage for any potential damage that could befall your home is smart. Check to see if your homeowner's policy covers mold growth repair before a flood happens.

Understanding Mold Coverage for Renters

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in residential home in Bountiful, UT.

When you live in a house or apartment you don't own, it is advisable to purchase a good rental insurance policy. That way, if your belongings are harmed or destroyed, you can get help paying for them to be replaced. Does your policy cover mold damage, though? The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors.

Mold Coverage 

What Does a Rental Policy Cover?

Just because you are not responsible for the building itself does not mean that you don't suffer loss if someone breaks in or something damages the building. Renters insurance covers losses that result from a few different scenarios:

• Fire Damage
• Storm Damage
• Theft
• Vandalism

If your clothing, furniture or other belongings have mold patches as the result of one of these issues, most rental insurance policies will also cover the mold remediation. There are a few notable exceptions to this coverage, though.

What Does Your Rental Policy Say About Mold?

Mold can grow anywhere there is excess moisture and organic matter for it to feed on. It can start to grow as soon as 24 hours after water damage has occurred. That's not a lot of time, so a fungus infestation may be inevitable. Your policy may cover mold removal in this instance.
If you have an ongoing mold issue or you have delayed reporting the problem to your landlord, however, the damage to your belongings may not be covered. Document every instance where you had mold growth cleaned or reported it to the office. You must be able to prove that you have done everything in your power to stop the problem to reasonably expect your insurance provider to pay for repair or replacement.

Your rental insurance is designed to protect you from significant financial loss when your belongings are damaged in a disaster. Mold is covered in some instances but not in others. Review your policy with your insurance agent to understand if your provider accepts mold claims under your current coverage.

Discovered Mold in the Apartment: Will Rental Insurance Cover the Damages?

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Bathroom mold damage due to leaking pipe

Will Rental Insurance Cover the Damages?

Mold can be an unnerving sight, especially when you find it in your apartment, and it has affected some of your belongings. Your mind is likely racing wondering if your rental insurance policy will cover the costs that are probably piling up in your brain. Fortunately, you might be covered depending on your peril coverage, and as far as those other costs racing through your head, you may not be responsible for anything else.

1. Peril Coverage

Most issues with mold damage coverage depend on the portion of your policy listed as peril coverage. For instance, a pipe burst may be a considered peril while a flood is not. Therefore, if the damage to your property occurred because of a leak or pipe break, then you may be covered under your policy.

2. Personal Property

Additionally, rental insurance will likely cover personal property damage as long as the damage was sustained during a covered peril. However, there are instances where the mold damage is the fault of a negligent owner, in which case your policy may not include the losses, but the owner's policy might.

3. Landlord’s Responsibility

Perhaps your mold problem has not affected your belongings but instead appears to be a plumbing issue. If there is a mold problem in your apartment, it still may be the responsibility of the owner. As a renter, you are not liable for plumbing inspections and structural issues. Therefore, the property owner's insurance should cover the cost of remediation or repair.

If you have a mold problem in your rental unit and don’t know who is responsible, you can call your insurer or a mold removal specialist in the North Salt Lake, UT, area. These professionals may be able to help you understand your responsibilities as a renter.

While finding mold in your apartment can be disheartening, your rental insurance may cover any damages to your personal property. However, if the mold growth and loss is a result of a more significant property issue, your landlord's policy may be liable.

What To Know About Mold in Your Home

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in North Salt Lake, UT

If your North Salt Lake, UT, home has faced water damage, then you may be worried about black mold. Understanding what mold is and how to deal with it can help you take proper prevention steps. Here are a few things you may want to know.

Where Mold Grows

There are a number of locations mold may grow. These include:

• Crawl spaces
  
• Attics
  
• Between walls
  
• Bathroom areas
  
• Locations of water damage
  
• Basements
  
• Air conditioning units
  
• Duct-work
  
• Window draperies
  
  

In most cases, mold grows best in areas of high moisture. Any place that has experienced water accumulation or damage can become a habitat for mold. Fortunately, there are many ways for professionals to deal with the problem.

What Mold Is

All mold, including black mold, is considered to be a fungus. This means it is spread by spores and grows best in dark and damp locations. This can include inside walls and other unseen locations that can accumulate moisture. Fortunately, there are several tests that can be performed by your local remediation professional to determine if mold is in your home in the event it cannot be seen.

What To Do About Mold in Your Home

If you find mold in your home, then you may want to contact a mold remediation professional. They can remove the mold and take preventive measures against future problems. In many cases, a mold remediation service can also clean your items as well. These professionals can also teach you what to look for and how to keep mold from returning.

When dealing with black mold, proper mold cleanup and remediation steps are important. Knowing that locations where mold is likely to grow, understanding what it is, and having an idea of what to do when you find it in your home, can help you take care of this problem. Remember, if you have any trouble, a professional can help.

4 Facts You Should Know About Black Mold

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys Atra, also known as black mold

4 Facts You Should Know About Black Mold

While you may have heard quite a bit about black mold, you might not know as much about it as you think. It can be a difficult problem to solve, but having the right knowledge can help. Here are some things that you should know if you have found mold growing in your Woods Cross, UT, home.

1. It Isn’t Always the Same Thing
What you think of when you hear mold is most likely a species of mold called Stachybotrys Atra or Stachybotrys chartarum. However, this is not the only mold that grows black in color. There are several types of mold that look similar to this one.

2. It Has a Distinctive Odor
Even if you can’t see the black mold, there is another way that you can identify it in your home. Mold has a musty scent that you should be able to smell even if the mold is not visible. Sometimes mold can hide in places like the air conditioner or the carpet, so the odor might be the only indication that mold growth has occurred.

3. It Grows Quickly
Because mold thrives in warm and moist places, it can grow quite rapidly in the right environment. This can make mold cleanup difficult. If you have spotted mold, you should try to get it removed as soon as possible before it spreads and causes damage to your home.

4. It Spreads Via Spores
Black mold spores are so small that you can’t see them, making it easy for them to enter your home without your knowledge. Their microscopic size allows them to grow just about anywhere, creating a potentially frustrating situation for homeowners.
In many cases, mold is a repetitive problem. It can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to remove completely. If you believe that you have found it in your house, then hiring a mold remediation expert is the best course of action.

How Vinegar Can Help You Salvage Moldy Belongings

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold floor damage after a water loss in a Bountiful, UT home

A flood or burst pipe can cause significant destruction inside your Bountiful, UT, home, including mold damage. Some items inside your home may not respond well to mold cleaning and may need to be discarded. However, you can increase your chances of salvaging many of your possessions, if you act quickly. A variety of chemicals can aid your mold remediation efforts including one that may surprise you, vinegar.

Vinegar’s Mold-fighting Power

The white vinegar inside your pantry is a mild acid that can efficiently kill most mold types. Unlike bleach, which can damage colored cloth, vinegar is safe to use on numerous objects.

1. Non-Porous Materials

Glass and tile are examples of non-porous materials that you can easily clear of mold. To clean these items, spray or wipe the affected area with vinegar, and allow it to sit for approximately one hour. Then, rinse with warm water. To prevent regrowth, spray the area again and allow it to air dry.

2. Wooden Items

Vinegar can also help you clean and salvage moldy wooden items, if you address the problem quickly. To accomplish this task, mix white vinegar, soap and water and wipe the contaminated wood. You can also scrub the solution into the wood with a brush.

3. Clothing and Upholstery

Fabric is porous and offers many potential hiding places for mold spores. Hidden spores that are not properly removed during mold cleaning may re-contaminate your home. For this reason, you may need to dispose of heavily contaminated clothing and upholstered furniture.

You may, however, be able to salvage lightly soiled items. You can add a cup of vinegar into your washing machine, along with detergent. Once the clothing is clean, allow it to dry in the sun, if possible.

Additional Assistance

White vinegar is an efficient mold cleaning product, but it is not an ideal solution for every item in your home. Mold-damaged books and other paper objects are not usually salvageable. Leather products and electronic equipment are other items potentially susceptible to mold damage. Because these belongings are delicate, you should consult a mold remediation expert to help you properly clean them and assure they are mold-free.

Where Mold Collects in Buildings

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are lots of commercial buildings in Bountiful, UT, and all over the country, and maintaining them presents a challenge to owners and managers alike. Inspecting a building for mold growth on a regular basis can head off the need for costly and time-consuming mold remediation. Professionals know the usual areas where mold can grow, because it is a remarkably predictable organism with a few simple needs: darkness, moisture, nutrients and a surface on which to grow.

Prime Areas for Mold.

Mold can grow in a wide range of temperatures and can thrive in the dark on dirt, dust and even certain building materials.

• Paper that is subject to moisture, even in the form of high humidity, can harbor mold.
• Carpet, and the padding and floor underneath, can trap moisture from floods, leaks and spills.
• Ceiling tiles subject to excessive humidity or leaks can invite mold growth.
• Wallboard and the cavities between walls can offer optimal conditions for mold colonies.
• Masonry surfaces and grout are mold-friendly surfaces.
• Wood surfaces out of direct light offer nutrients for mold to digest.

Damp Areas That Invite Mold.

Besides building materials, HVAC systems, including ductwork, offer many hard-to-see spots that can be a bonanza for a mold colony. Bathrooms in a commercial building are also susceptible due to ever-present water and inevitable leaks and spills. Since water heaters are often located in basements or closets, mold can gain traction in these locations as well. And lastly, even after a water damage event such as an obvious flood has been detected and cleaned up, a surprisingly small amount of dampness coupled with the kind of organic nutrients common in most buildings can produce a new challenge in the form of mold to be remediated.

While it is true that mold growth is not the end of the world in a commercial building, it can produce significant inconvenience. Knowing and monitoring common areas susceptible to mold can help prevent significant problems.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

What To Know Before Mold Appears in a Flooded Building

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold has existed for more than 100,000 years and through evolution has become a deadly part of nature. Mold is a fungus specially designed by the ecosystem to break down organic matter and turn it into a compost material which plants and animals can use to survive. Colony growth can take less than 24 hours once a suitable organic material has been found, but there can be a weakness in nature’s plan because almost all forms of mold require water to reproduce and even a pipe burst in Bountiful, UT, will do.

Why Is Mold Growing?

Commercial buildings are often filled with hundreds of organic materials. They may include:

• Wooden furniture
• Painted walls
• Leather chairs
• Paper
• Carpeting

Since mold spores can float around on currents of air or land on your clothing, it can be easy for the microscopic particles to enter the building and attach themselves to the nearest organic material. The fungus microorganisms can stay dormant for more than a decade, but once water is introduced the spore can become active in minutes.

How Does Mold Grow?

There are thousands of types of mold, and the seedling spores are typically invisible to the naked eye. As the organism roots into a water source, it can quickly begin to multiply colony members. When the colony is large enough to be seen, there are generally several thousand individual bacteria. If a pipe burst occurs and standing water is available, the mold colony can also bloom. Blooming is a reproductive response to a liquid that sends thousands of spores into the air to perpetuate the colony.

How To Prevent Mold?

A pipe burst, leaky roof, or dripping water line can all allow fungus spores to begin growing in as little as 24 hours. The key to avoiding mold growth and preventing mold cleanup is generally moisture control. If mold has already begun, contact a water repair service. The surrounding areas may need to be sanitized to prevent spores from taking root in the future.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.

Water Damage Restoration to Avoid Mold Growth

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic Mold is Secondary to Water Damage

After a water damage it is important to make sure that mold does not begin to grow. Mold especially can be a difficult situation if it is left unchecked. Mold grows from a tiny microscopic spore that floats through the air. All that it needs to grow where it lands is a dark area, no moving air, and a source of moisture. If an area is lacking even one of those ingredients, the mold won't grow.

Mold likes basements, crawl spaces, closets and other similar areas where no one goes into. Soakable items can become a haven for mold and bacteria and that is why they must be discarded. There are accounts of people discovering that some of the soakable items from a water damage years before were the source of mold growth that had festered and grown. These items should have been dried properly to avoid mold growth.

Does Your Davis County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in the Davis County Area

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 – 801-298-4272

When Mold Doesn't Get the Message

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be found almost everywhere; just think of any indoor or outdoor location, and chances are there is a small world of fungi growing away as everyday life goes on. Even though some molds stay out of the way, others can come back with a vengeance. However, you can fight the good fight against mold growth by learning more about how, exactly, it flourishes in certain settings.

Water Lovers

Water is the first ingredient required for a mold party. Without moisture, it simply cannot thrive. If your Bountiful, building has high humidity levels or has had past water damage, you might want to take special precautions to ensure it is fungi-free. Once mold latches onto a surface, it can spread quickly through reproducing spores.

An Ideal Meal

While cells demand water to live, mold also lacks a crucial component: chlorophyll. Without this vital feature, mold simply cannot make its own food. It is for this reason that the organism seeks out other dead, organic matter as a tasty meal. The following materials in your building could bolster mold growth by becoming food:

• Basements with dirt floors
• Drywall
• Carpets
• Carpet padding

Temperature Matters

Whether you've just discovered your unpleasant mold mess or already have a professional on the way, you likely want the situation addressed immediately. There's one last component that makes for the perfect mold living space: the right temperature. Mold grows best in temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though this aspect is inevitable indoors, it can be useful to know all of mold's characteristics. Some spots in your building could be warmer (and more humid) than others.

A rundown on mold may not be the most exciting aspect of owning your property, but by learning more about how this organism grows, you can sharpen your senses and spot problems quickly. After all, who said mold growth couldn't be tackled the right way?

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPRObountiful.com.