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Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Checking For Mold

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is not only detected visibly, but also through air sampling. Air sampling is used when mold may be in hidden spots. An industrial hygienist helps to get the most effective results when testing for mold. They are trained to know the ins and outs of how mold shows up in the air in your home. To get rid of mold, you must first recognize it. This involves air and surface samples. Industrial hygienists collect these samples to determine if mold is one of three kinds; allergenic, pathogenic, toxigenic, or even a mixture of all three. It is crucial in understanding the type of mold and level of infestations when mounting a good mold cleaning effort. 

You may try to cut costs by using a home kit, but in the long run this may be a costly mistake. There are several ways those kits can be misleading. They often lack the sensitivity to detect specific concentrations of mold to determine where infestation is heaviest. If an area is too secluded, the kit may not detect airborne spores at all - or worse, may indicate a mold problem where none exists. This can result in mold remediation bills for an issue you never even had! If you suspect mold or have frank mold damage, tackle it the right way by contacting a mold cleaning company to check your home’s air and surfaces and get the mold out fast. 

Which Air Purifiers Can Help Reduce Mold Spores?

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

A woman sitting on a couch with a laptop Air filtration is a quick and easy way to keep your home and family healthy

Which Air Purifiers Can Help Reduce Mold Spores?

If you are a homeowner in Kansas City, MO, and you're into preventative care, air filtration is perfect for you. Keeping your home dry and mold spores at minimal levels can go a long way in avoiding mold growth spurts and remediation services. There are a lot of products out there, which ones can you trust?

Orsani Max

The Orsani Max is currently the top rated residential air purifier on the market at a cost of $479. It is lightweight and can be moved easily by one person. The company claims that it is one of the quietest air purifiers out there, and the reviews can back it up. It has even been rated well in tough areas like the basement. The coverage of filtration is about 600 sq ft, or a 20x30 space. This product can clear the air of:

  • mold spores
  • dust
  • pollen
  • pet dander

BlueAir 450E

This Swedish air filtration system, BlueAir 450E, is rated number 2 on the market. The coverage is slightly less, about 365 sq ft, and the price is slightly higher, at $629. However, it can filter for the same things as the Orsani Max at the same rate of 99.97%. It also boasts of a spot in the Stockholm National Museum for its design. One unique feature is its auto speed control- it will automatically test the air quality in the room and adjust the speed of the air flow accordingly.

OV200 Air Purifier

The number 3 spot is taken by another Orsani brand air purifier- the OV200. The coverage on this one is 400 sq ft and is recommended for bedrooms specifically. The price comes in at $329. Orsani makes similar claims of quietness and air particle filtration for this model, in addition to odor control. It also comes with a remote control and child lock feature.
Air filtration is a quick and easy way to keep your home and family healthy. Mold spores are naturally everywhere, both inside and outside; strategic areas like your basement, attic and bathroom could always use a little more air flow.

What To Do When You Can Smell Mold But Can't See It

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes the most accurate way to find mold is to use a thermal camera

What To Do When You Can Smell Mold But Can't See It

When a building has mold, you can usually see it. Mold comes in various colors and sometimes they blend into the wall, but upon close inspection, you can usually spot it. Other times, you may not be able to find the mold anywhere, but you notice a distinct mold smell. When this happens, what do you do? After all, you need to find it to clean it.

1. Check the HVAC Unit

One of the most common places mold remediation specialists find the source of a fungus smell is in the air ducts. Many people do not at first suspect the HVAC unit because it pushes out cool air or hot dry air. Neither of these provide the warm, damp environment preferred by mold. Even so, cool air leads to condensation, which may breed mold and lead to that mildew smell.

2. Use a Thermal Camera

Sometimes the most accurate way to find mold is to use a thermal camera. This detects moisture, which in turn can help to identify breeding grounds for mold. You may find that the mold smell is caused by a dripping pipe behind a wall, a wet spot under the carpet or even a drink maker in the break room. While not all areas with water may have mold, it is a good starting point.

3. Clean Up the Mold

The cleanup process depends on the type of affected area. Sometimes a biocide can be used to wipe the area clean. Other times, professionals may need to remove any affected porous material, such as carpeting or dry wall. After this, a HEPA vacuum will be used to clean up any remaining mold spores not visible to the naked eye.

When you detect a mold smell in Unity Village, MO it is important to act quickly. Failure to do so may cause the mold to spread, leading to the contamination of other areas.

How To Keep Mold Out of Your Swamp Cooler

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking swamp cooler

If you live in Unity Village, MO, or in any arid region like the Southwestern United States, you probably know what a leaking swamp cooler is. These home-cooling units are incredibly cost-efficient and effective but can cultivate mold if not maintained properly. Luckily, it’s easy to prevent.

Why Swamp Coolers?

Mold reproduces via microscopic airborne spores that are invisible to the naked eye until they start breeding a colony. They only need the following to multiply:

  • Air
  • Water
  • Any moisture source

A swamp cooler is the perfect combination of the above. It uses the process of evaporation to cool moistened cellulose pads, runs warm air over them to cool it down and then distributes the cooled air throughout your home, essentially creating humidity. Even better for mold is a leaking swamp cooler. This not only provides a great place to breed mold but also an efficient system for spreading mold throughout the rest of your house.

Preventative Measures

Make sure to open your windows every once-in-a-while to circulate dry air throughout your home. Check your unit often for visible mold, a musty smell or leaks. Be sure to follow all recommended maintenance schedules.

Mold Removal

If you’ve already found mold in your swamp cooler, don’t panic. There are solutions short of replacing the entire unit. If your cellulose pad is infested, you can replace it, and the rest of the components can be cleaned. If you have a leaking swamp cooler, it will need to be repaired. If the mold has spread from the swamp cooler to your air ducts, you should enlist the help of professional mold remediation services because any personal attempts to contain mold damage already in your home could end up spreading it further.

Swamp coolers are a great way to cool your home in a hot, dry place. However, the moisture they introduce can encourage mold growth. Keep an eye on your unit to prevent any mold damage to your home.

4 Different Types of House Mold You Should Be Aware Of

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Aspergillus Niger is green and pink mold.

4 Common Types of Mold You Should be Aware of

Mold in any form is frustrating to deal with and finding some in your home in Raytown, MO, can be devastating to discover. If you do find mold growth in your home, knowing what kind of mold you’re dealing with is an important first step in identifying possible causes for the issue and knowing what line of action to take. Here are four common types of pesky house molds you should be aware of.

1. Aspergillus

This type of mold is one of the most common types you’ll find in your home, and there are over 185 species of this mold that exist. You’ll likely find this type of mold in either yellow, green, or black. It often grows in home air conditioning systems and on food.

2. Cladosporium

If your home has recently undergone any water damage, you might find a black, gray, brown, or olive-green mold growing on your walls, insulation, or carpet. There are more than 30 species of Cladosporium, including an outdoor variety that can be found on plant leaves. This species of mold can also be found on toilets and fiberglass air ducts.

3. Acremonium

The most common strains of Acremonium found within the home include Acremonium strictum and A. charticola. This mold is often caused by high humidity and will look powdery when found. It is commonly found on mattresses, wet walls, wallpaper, and air conditioning systems.

4. Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys chartarum is the most common strain of this type of mold and is often referred to as “black mold.” As the name suggests, it often has a black appearance. Black mold growth occurs in extremely wet and humid areas and is often found on ceilings and walls.

While some molds might be more notorious than others, every type of mold growth you find in your home needs to be dealt with promptly. A mold removal specialist will be able to easily identify the mold found in your home and will know exactly how to remove it.

Mold Prevention that Works

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Although there are a variety of challenges that residential and commercial property owners can experience, the presence of mold is particularly problematic. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that mold can cause health problems and decrease the structural integrity of one’s property. There are ways to prevent the growth of mold, but your best course of action is hiring a professional mold remediation company.

Try implementing some or all of the following six mold prevention tips:

  1. Invest In A Dehumidification System.

One of the best ways to prevent the growth and proliferation of mold is to invest in an air conditioner that features a dehumidification system. These systems are effective in removing moisture from your property. Once the moisture is removed, the mold is deprived of one of the vital nutrients that help it grow.

  1. Be Cautious When Turning The AC Off.

Make sure that you are cautious when you turn off your air conditioner. In climates that are humid, a long-standing period of inactivity can enable humidity levels to become dangerously high. If the humidity level becomes extremely high, it creates the moist environment necessary for mold to grow and thrive.

  1. Use Insulation.

Another strategy you can use to prevent mold is the use of insulation. By installing insulation as well as vapor barriers, you can prevent condensation from accumulating on objects like plumbing fixtures, beams, and water pipes.

  1. Avoid Standing Water.

Stagnant water can become a breeding area for mold. Since this is the case, make sure that you keep your tubs, showers, sinks and all other wet regions of your property free of standing water.

  1. Review Your Applications.

Another strategy for mold prevention is application review. Make sure that all of your construction, design, and architectural applications are effective in preventing water from coming in contact with the interior of your property and goods. Specific regions of concern include poorly designed balconies, pitched roofs, improperly installed flashing, doors, windows, thin stucco, and vapor barriers.

  1. Maintain Structure Regularly.

One final way to help prevent mold growth is to ensure that the integrity of your building envelope is maintained. You can achieve this objective by investing in regular roof flashing, caulking, sealing, and inspections of the exterior.

Mold can be a severe problem for residential and commercial property owners to handle. However, using the prevention tips and tricks outlined above can help you keep your property mold-free. In the event that mold growth does transpire, call a professional restoration company. They have extensive experience in the mold remediation field and can assist with your mold restoration needs.

Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

You need to know what type of mold you're dealing with for health issues.

Mold comes in many types and forms. In fact, there are more than 100,000 types of mold including about 150 types of mold found in homes--each of which can have several subtypes. The good news is that most people tolerate exposure to moderate levels of many different molds without any apparent adverse health effects. The bad news? Some molds may cause health effects.

In this post you’ll learn about identifying some common types of mold in your home.

The HGTV website provides some good mold information. The most common types of mold you may find in your home include aspergillus, cladosporium, and stachybotrys atra (black mold).
Aspergillus is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems. Cladosporium is typically a black or green "pepper like" substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces and fiberglass air ducts.

Black Mold (Stachybotrys Atra)
Black mold is most likely to appear in your home in places that are particularly warm, humid, and damp—like basements or crawlspaces that may have leaks or other sources of moisture. You can identify black mold by its black color. Most other molds are green or gray in color.

Removing black mold is a step-by-step process that requires patience, an investment in protective gear, black mold removal products, and the courage to brave dark, cramped spaces inhabited by fungus. These are among the reasons why many homeowners hire SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City to remove black mold.

Mold or Mildew: What’s the Difference?
Mold and mildew are types of fungi. Typically, mold is black or green, and mildew is gray or white. Mold tends to grows on food, while mildew grows on damp surfaces, like bathroom walls, basement walls, or fabrics. Mold grows in the form of multicellular filaments or hyphae, while mildew has flat growth. Mildew is often referred to as a kind of mold.

Orange or Red Mold
Mold that appears to be orange or red in color is usually found outdoors. It thrives on decaying plants and moist wood. This type of mold, which can appear slimy, is harmless. The main reason to remove it (should you decide to) is for appearances.

Aureobasidium
Often referred to as “bathroom mold,” aureobasidium is found on caulk, windows, bathtubs, and showers. It’s a black mildew.

Wallemia
This type of mildew is relatively harmless and grows in dust in homes. Wallemia does not need moisture to grow.

Fusarium
This toxic mildew is very common after a flood. Exposure to fusarium may cause some negative health symptoms.  

The Importance of Testing
Unfortunately, you can’t identify most types of mold in your home with a photograph or with your naked eye. Most molds look similar. What you can do is send a sample for testing to a qualified mold laboratory.

We know mold. Call SERVPRO Raytown/East Kansas City at (816) 737-8776

Remember that it’s critical to know the types of mold and the amounts you inhale.  If you’re concerned, consider testing the air in your home or call SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City.

What Can You Do to Fix Moldy Clothes?

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Your dryer is your friend.

The reason clothing is so susceptible to mold growth is not just because of the mold-inviting circumstances within the laundry room. Generally, when it is worn, clothing collects sweat and skin cells, as well as dirt and other forms of moisture and organic material that mold loves to feast on. Then, it is placed in the laundry hamper and usually sits for days before it it is finally washed. This scenario is typical and may not result in a noticeable mold infestation, but should the soiled laundry be allowed to fester long enough, a mildew smell may be present, as well as visible signs of green, blue, gray, black, or sometimes even white mold on clothes.

Another scenario is becoming more common due to busy lifestyles and poor habits. The quick development of mold on clothes after washing may be surprising to some, but it is quite an ordinary occurrence for those with overwhelmed schedules or those who are vulnerable to procrastination because they often forget to remove clothing from the washing machine once the cycle is finished. As time passes, this leads to the rapid proliferation of mildew and mold on clothes after washing, due to the remaining moisture. Neglecting to put the wet clothes in the dryer for a few hours is not what makes mold grow. Neglecting the clothes in the washer for 6 hours or longer–sometimes a day or even a few days–is the problem. Before too long, a mildew smell will be detected in the washer and clothing. Some assume this is the residue of soap, and while that may be true to some extent, the fact of the matter is that most soaps contains lard and other organic (even synthetic) materials that mold can thrive off of. The smell is not necessarily the residue of soap, but an indication that mold is producing a secondary metabolite–the mildew smell–from consuming that soap.

What is a natural detergent to kill mold?  Here is what you will need.

  • Two 5 oz. organic castile soap bars (naturally-scented with lavender or peppermint is great but non-scented works just the same)
  • 3 cups of washing soda (no, it’s not the same as baking soda)
  • 2 cups of borax
  • 30 drops of  certified-pure lavender essential oil (optional but highly advisable for a mold killing laundry detergent)

Once you have all the materials, this is what to do. 

  1. Cut the castile soap bars into small pieces or chunks. (This is crucial to avoid damaging the food processor.)
  2. Place the cut castile soap pieces or chunks in the food processor bowl. Pulse the soap on high until what remains are large crumbs.
  3. Add the washing soda to the food processor and pulse for 1 minute. (After pulsing, all the ingredients should be in powder form and well-combined. If not, try running the food processor again and then mixing with a spoon.)
  4. Empty the washing soda and castile soap into the storage container. Add the borax and blend well with a spoon.
  5. Add the essential oils of choice (optional but beneficial) and be sure to mix well.

Do not place this mixture into the drawer or dispenser, place it directly in with the laundry.

Common Mold Issues

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Any home or commercial business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.  

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of The Attleboros:

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 on a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
  • 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.

Common Mold Misconceptions

With sensational news stories and misleading advertising, you can easily understand why so many people are misinformed about indoor mold. Learn the facts about mold and the mold remediation process.

Mold Prevention Tips

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Call us at 816-737-8776

Mold is a common household problem, developing in warm, damp environments. Mold can be colored green, purple, white, and orange. While mold plays an important role outside in the environment, breaking down dead plants, mold is unwelcome in homes.

Showers and bathrooms are a common location for mold to grow, but it is possible for mold to grow anywhere in a home. Mold can come inside a home from an outside growth through inadequately sealed windows or doors. Mold spores cannot be eliminated entirely, but they will not grow if the environment is dry and well ventilated. Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Using air conditioners during humid seasons and exhaust fans in kitchen can help prevent mold from growing.

Other areas to monitor moisture to prevent mold growth: exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build, air conditioner drip pans, check for leaks around refrigerator, ensure crawl spaces are well ventilated, and check for leaks around a tub.

These are a few simple tips for making sure mold is not growing in your home. If you do discover a mold growth, SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties.

Is Mold Covered by your Homeowners Insurance?

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Call us today with any questions about mold - 816-737-8776

Most owners insurance comes down to the source of the moisture to where the mold damage started. If you are unsure if your homeowners insurance covers mold, go over your policy. Make sure you look for mold exclusions or limitations and call your agent if it still unclear.


If mold results from a sudden and accidental damage, like a pipe bursting, the cost of mold remediation would be covered. Now, if it mold shows up because of neglecting home maintenance then most claims would be rejected.

Here is sample of damage done by an inch of flood water:

  • Replace carpet, flooring: $2,700
  • New baseboard molding: $2,250
  • Replace drywall $1,350
  • Cleanup, materials: $1,000
  • Bookshelves, lamps: $500
  • Total: $7,800


Source: National Flood Insurance Program - https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program


You could also buy a mold rider as an add-on to your existing policy for extra coverage. If your insurance carrier doesn’t provide a rider, specialty companies might sell you a stand alone mold policy. Just to warn you, there will be a big price tag for that route.


If your insurance does not cover mold at all, moisture prevention is the key.

To help prevent mold growth, take the following steps:

  • Lower indoor humidity with air conditioners, de-humidifiers, and exhaust fans
  • Inspect hoses and fittings on appliances, sinks, and toilets
  • Use household cleaners with mold-killing ingredients like bleach
  • Opt for paints and primes that contain mold inhibitors
  • Clean gutters to avoid overflow and check roof for leaks
  • Avoid carpet in wet areas like basements and bathrooms
  • Remove and dry carpet, padding, and upholstery within 48 hours of flooding

Source: House logic https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-mold-covered/

How to Keep Mold and Moisture Out of Your HVAC System

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Contact us to remediate your Raytown/East Kansas City home!

Tips and Tricks From SERVPRO to Keeping Mold and Moisture Out Of Your HVAC System

In the warm summer heat, it's easy to build up moisture; especially when it gets sticky, muggy and humid. When this happens, you naturally crank the A.C., reach for something cold, and kick back in your lazy chair. The problem is, when you're relaxing and enjoying the nice cold breeze, mold is spreading through your ducts, vents, and HVAC system, leaving a nasty haze of mold that you can smell all over the house. If you're running a business, your customers could smell it too- which is why you should always call our service professionals to deal with the problem as soon as possible. 

How Does Mold Get in The HVAC System? 

Mold damage in Raytown/East Kansas City is no laughing matter. Mold, fungus, and other bacteria are in their perfect environment when they're trapped in your HVAC system. It's dark, warm, moist, closed in, and humid, meaning that spores can grow practically unabated. You'll notice more and more scent as heat and humidity is generated from outside and pulled through your ducts. 

When this moist air gets in your air system, it collects within and above your HVAC units. At this point, the spores of mold and other fungi easily rise through the air, setting up colonies as your condenser forces them up through the duct system. These aren't the only cases of mold that we've seen at SERVPRO; we've seen mold stick to people's clothes or shoes, and it's all brought inside by excess humidity caused by rainfall. 

Here Are a Few Tips on How to Remove Mold From Your HVAC System 

1. Continue to clean and maintain your HVAC system, even when you aren't using it. Check the ducts for wet spots, and regularly check and maintain your HVAC filter. 

2. Double check the drainage systems on your HVAC for mold. Allow for "dry-out" areas where the drainage comes out to prevent excess moisture. 

3. Get dehumidifiers for your home. They are ideal for collecting excess humidity, and they help with the temperature inside your house, too. 

4. Always insulate your pipes, walls, and ceilings. Use caulking for cracks to control cracks and leaks. 

5. Contrary to common beliefs, keep your windows closed when it's hot outside. Humidity, dust, and dampness easily travel inside. 

3 Warning Signs of Mold

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Be on the lookout for these signs of mold!

Nothing sends shivers through a homeowner's spine like mentioning the word "mold." Not only can it cause damage to your home and make it hard to sell, it also can be a health hazard to you and your family. Here are three warning signs of this insidious fungus that you don't want to ignore:

1) Water spots

Any wet spot in your home can be a potential sign of fungus growth. This can include water spots on your ceilings or walls, or on floors in your basement or crawlspace. If you find evidence of water spots, you need to find the potential moisture source and get it taken care of promptly. Using a highly-recommended remediation company like SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City is the best option.

2) Discoloration

If you find a spot on a wall or floor that's discolored, it is a potential sign of mold. Discoloration that is green or black is a definite warning sign of fungus growth. However, any discoloration can mean growth is present, even if it isn't of the tell-tale colors.

3) Bad smell

If you have fungus growth in your home, it can cause a bad smell. Depending on the type of growth and how much of it you have, you could have a very strong smell or one that is faint. It can smell musty or earthy, or it can produce a smell that is more pungent. Any bad smell needs to be investigated.

Mold can be harmful and is not something to be ignored. If you experience any of these warning signs, call SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City to investigate. Our staff receives extensive training on how to effectively deal with mold infestations. We also have the equipment and start of the art techniques to carry out remediation tasks and keep your home safe and clean.

What to do if you Find Mold in Your Home

10/11/2017 (Permalink)

If you have any questions about Mold, do not hesitate to contact Raytown / East Kansas City SERVPRO directly at (816) 737-8776

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

  • Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
  • Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
  • A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City 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.

Mold Damaged Documents

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City today.

If your home or business has important documents that are affected by Mold, we can HELP!

We use a specialized process called Gamma Irradiation. This is used for cleaning/ disinfection and decontaminating documents or other consumer goods. In gamma irradiation, high-energy photons are emitted from an isotope source (Colbalt 60) producing ionization(electron disruptions) throughout a product. In a CAT 3 situation (sewage or flood water), documents are not only deteriorating but are also infected with all types of bacteria. In most storm situations you are dealing with CAT 3 water: therefore, most of the affected documents that you will encounter will be contaminated. If this is the case then decontamination is always a must. In Living cells, these disruptions result in damage to the DNA and other cellular structures. These photon-induced changes at the molecular level cause death to the organism or render the organism incapable of reproduction. The gamma process does not create residuals or impart radioactivity in processed products.

For additional information or questions on processes involving fire, water, or mold damaged documents please call our office - 816-737-8776, and we would be happy to further discuss and provide a free estimate for services.

Understanding Mold

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Samples of different types of mold

Mold is a problem that homeowners have been dealing with for centuries. In fact, every house and environment has mold spores; they are a normal part of the air we breathe. When there is a greater concentration of mold spores is when mold becomes a problem. 

Mold needs three things in order to thrive: a source of food, an ideal temperature, and moisture. Mold will feed on dirt and dust which is present in every home. And most houses are kept at temperatures that are almost always ideal for mold growth. As for moisture? Moisture can come in more than one form. Most people believe that you need to have experienced some kind of water damage (i.e. flooding, burst pipe, malfunctioning appliance) to encourage mold growth. While that can be true, especially if remediation isn't done within 24-48 hours, this is not always the case. If your home has a relative humidity of 60% or greater, mold can grow in your home, regardless of if you experienced water damage or not. A musty smell is usually the first sign that you have a mold problem in your Raytown/East Kansas City home. 

Finding mold in your home or business can be panic-inducing, but that is what we are here for. SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City is here to help. We have a great, professional team of highly-trained technicians that will make your mold problem "Like it never even happened."

816-737-8776

Is There Mold Hidden in YOUR Home?

7/29/2017 (Permalink)

Call Raytown / East Kansas City SERVPRO with any mold problems. (816) 737-8776

Mold can occur anywhere in a home but mainly is concentrated to areas where moisture is present. These moisture areas are common to the bathroom and basements. Mold can cause respiratory problems and should be removed, if found, as soon as possible. Most restoration companies only do mold inspections if the mold is visible, an industrial hygienist would come in and search for traces of mold that are not visible.

One of the first places mold can collect and you may not think to check is under the refrigerator. Under the fridge tends to collect moisture and dirt which can cause a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Another place is the AC unit. AC units are known to collect debris, dust and moisture from the air, which can lead to mold spores.

Mold can even grow in or around a washing machine or its parts. Moisture and lint can cause a presence of mold spores.

Other areas in the house include anywhere moisture and dirt may form such as window corners.

Mold Remediation Process

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Call Raytown / East Kansas City SERVPRO today if you have any mold issues. (816) 737-8776

Mold Remediation Process

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:

•The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Raytown / East Kansas City (816) 737-8776. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

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

•They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They 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.

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

•The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of Raytown / East Kansas City uses anti-fungal 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.

•SERVPRO of Raytown / East Kansas City will 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.

•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.