Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Preventing Mold Begins With You

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

mold remediation technician Do not clean or apply biocides to visible mold on porous surfaces - call SERVPRO to safely take care of mold remediation.

To minimize the potential for mold growth in your building, you must: 

• Keep your building clean—particularly the kitchen, the bathrooms, carpets, and floors. Regular vacuuming and mopping, plus cleaning hard surfaces using a household cleaner, are all important to remove the dirt and debris that harbor mold or food for mold. Throw away moldy food immediately.

• Remove visible moisture accumulations on windows, walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces as soon as reasonably possible. Look for leaks in washing machine hoses and discharge lines, especially if the leak is large enough for water to seep into nearby walls. If your property has them, turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom before showering and in the kitchen before cooking with open pots. Also when showering, keep the shower curtain inside the tub (or fully close the shower doors). Experts also recommend that after a shower or bath, you (1) wipe the moisture off shower walls, shower doors, the bathtub, and the bathroom floor; (2) leave the bathroom door open until all moisture on the mirrors and bathroom walls and tile surfaces has dissipated; and (3) hang up your towels and bath mats so they will completely dry out. 

• Notify your service provider about any air-conditioning or heating-system problems you discover. Make sure to replace the air filters. It’s good practice to open windows and doors periodically on days when the outdoor weather is dry (i.e., humidity is below 50%) to help humid areas of your building dry out.

• Promptly notify SERVPRO of any signs of water leaks, water infiltration, or mold. We will respond within the same day.  

Avoiding Moisture Buildup 

To avoid mold growth, it’s important to prevent excess moisture buildup in your building. Failing to promptly attend to leaks and moisture accumulations on property surfaces can encourage mold growth, especially in places where they might get inside walls or ceilings. Prolonged moisture can come from a wide variety of sources, such as:

• rainwater leaking from roofs, windows, doors, and outside walls, as well as flood waters rising above floor level;

• overflows from showers, bathtubs, toilets, sinks, washing machines, dehumidifiers, refrigerator or air-conditioner drip pans, or clogged air-conditioner condensation lines;

• leaks from plumbing lines or fixtures, and leaks into walls from bad or missing grouting or caulking around showers, bathtubs, or sinks;

• washing machine hose leaks, plant-watering overflows, pet urine, cooking spills, beverage spills, and steam from excessive open-pot cooking;

• leaks from clothes-dryer discharge vents (which can put a lot of moisture into the air); and

• insufficient drying of carpets, carpet pads, shower walls, and bathroom floors.  

Cleaning Mold 

If small areas of mold have already accumulated on nonporous surfaces (such as ceramic tile, Formica, vinyl flooring, metal, wood, or plastic), the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you first clean the areas with soap (or detergent) and water and let the surface dry thoroughly. (Applying biocides without first cleaning away the dirt and oils from the surface is like painting over old paint without first cleaning and preparing the surface.) When the surface is dry—and within 24 hours of cleaning—apply a premixed spray-on household biocide such as Lysol Disinfectant®, Original Pine-Sol®Cleaner, Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover® or Clorox®Clean-up® Cleaner + Bleach. (Note two things: First, only a few of the common household cleaners can actually kill mold. Second, Tilex and Clorox contain bleach, which can discolor or stain surfaces, so follow the instructions on the container.) Always clean and apply a biocide to an area five or six times larger than any mold you see—mold can be present but not yet visible to the naked eye. A vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can be used to help remove non-visible mold products from porous items such as fibers in sofas, chairs, drapes, and carpets—provided the fibers are completely dry. Machine washing or dry cleaning will remove mold from clothes.  

Warning for Porous Surfaces and Large Surfaces 

Do not clean or apply biocides to visible mold on porous surfaces such as sheetrock walls or ceilings or too large areas of visible mold on nonporous surfaces. Instead, notify SERVPRO.

Call 775-588-2355 and we will come to your location quickly to assess the damage. Our trained technicians will make sure your property is safe and professionally cleaned. 

Call Our Experts At SERVPRO When You Have A Mold Issue In Your East Reno Home

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

mold forming on a wall SERVPRO is a professional mold damage remediation company that can help your home win the fight against mold.

Hire Professionals To Take Care Of Mold Damage And Odors In Reno, Tahoe, and Carson City

One of the most noticeable signs of mold damage in Carson City homes is often the smell. Many types of mold that grow in local homes emit strong musty odors that catch the attention of occupants and guests alike. Unlike many other foul smells, these cannot be quickly taken care of with standard household cleaning agents and air fresheners. Instead, you should hire a professional mold damage restoration company like SERVPRO to employ thorough and specialized treatments that take care of the issue for good.

Our Work Is Thorough
Our treatments for mold damage are designed to take care of the issue to such an extent that no signs of damage remain once we leave. That means that all mold smells in the home are entirely eliminated, and they cannot return later as they might with standard cleaning solutions and air fresheners. Our deodorization technology employs unique chemical compounds that can permanently mask mold odors, and with the help of high-efficiency particulate air filters, we can also directly pull many odor molecules out of your home. Once this process is complete, the air should have a completely neutral smell.

We Address The Underlying Problem
Generally, if your home smells like mold damage, it probably also has other symptoms of the problem. Mold infestations can spread out and travel around your home, eating away at structural materials and potentially causing health effects for you and your family. We can help to eliminate the problem at its source, applying sanitizing and cleaning treatments alongside deodorization protocols to ensure that your home is free of not only the smells caused by the mold but also the fungus itself. Also, many infestations are caused by leaks and other water damage issues that we can identify and fix while simultaneously repairing any damage done by the mold.

SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe / Reno East / Lyon & Storey Counties is a professional mold damage remediation company that can help your home win the fight against mold. Call us at (775) 588-2355.

Professional Mold Remediation Services in Virginia City, NV 89440

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Potential mold in abandoned or old buildings and properties in Virginia City, Nevada Contact SERVPRO to check and make sure your property is free of Mold. If you do have a mold issue, we are Here to Help.

Virginia City is a Northern Nevada city located in Storey County, founded 1861.

Some of the properties here date all the way back to the 1800s and could have hidden mold damage that may pose health risks to inhabitants. Mold from old buildings can quickly spread – even within hours if the moisture levels are high enough. Don’t wait to get your property checked!

Humidity zone maps show that dwellings in the Virginia City, NV 89440 area are at an increased risk of mold development.

Where Can You Find Mold in Virginia City Nevada?

Do you smell a musty odor? Many types of mold are hidden or invisible to the naked eye. Mold prospers in humid environments but you can find it anywhere. Making your home entirely mold free is impossible, but our goal is to keep the high concentrations of mold, such as black mold, at safe levels which is the level that matches levels outside. You can find mold in Virginia City Nevada houses in certain common areas such as: Basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Mold is especially common in crawl spaces and attics due to the lack of ventilation increasing moisture levels.

Mold can spread in your Virginia City home or business from excess humidity or even a small water leak. In only 48 hours you could find the mold has spread quickly. Don’t risk the allergens and other health risks mold causes for the property’s inhabitants. SERVPRO partners with environmental hygienists that test for elevated mold levels with specialized equipment. It is important for us to have an independent third-party test for mold so there is no conflict of interest in testing. Then if mold is found, our trained professionals come in for remediation. When our job is done, the environmental hygienist comes back to re-test the mold levels and SERVPRO GUARANTEES a pass of the clearance test.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.


Understanding Mold

Mold and mold remediation can be confusing topics. Some businesses claim to remove ALL mold from a facility but this isn’t possible. Microscopic spores float in the air and can enter a property through HVAC systems, windows, doors, or enter on your clothing or from a pet. Mold spores occur naturally both indoors and outdoors. Keep these things in mind:

  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor.
  • Indoor humidity that’s even slightly higher than normal can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. They could quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens, irritants, and toxins. 
  • Any sources of water or moisture must be addressed before mold remediation can begin. If not, the mold may return. 

The Mold Remediation Process

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

Step 1: Emergency Contact – (775) 588-2355

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

Our environmental hygienist will use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Step 3: Mold Containment

We use specialized equipment such as zip walls to keep the mold spores from spreading further through your Virginia City, Nevada home or business.

Step 4: Air Filtration

We use air scrubbers and HEPA filters to vent mold spores to the outside which is a faster and more efficient method than internal scrubbing only. We clear the air and prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Physically removing the mold is the key to success.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Sanitizing

Mold infestations cause a persistent musty odor. Our professionals are trained to remove odors and provide deodorization using fogging equipment. Though most carpets and fabrics cannot be restored, hard surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized.

Step 7: Restoration

The restoration step could involve minor or major repairs and gets your home or business back to normal. Our SERVPRO has a general contractor license for Nevada and California, so we are qualified to handle any repairs needed following mold remediation.

SERVPRO knows Mold

Here at SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, and Lyon & Storey Counties we understand what it takes to properly remediate a mold situation in Virginia City, Nevada. Encountering mold can be risky for any home or business owner, but SERVPRO is here to put your mind at ease. We have the proper tools and trained professionals to get the job done right. We are a leader in the industry for mold remediation.
Give us a call at (775) 588-2355 and we will be on our way to help.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe, and Lyon & Storey Counties is locally owned and operated. Our company is new to Virginia City, but has been serving other local communities for 17 years. When you have a water or mold damage issue, we’re already nearby and ready to help.

We are proud to serve our local communities including Virginia City, NV 89440 and surrounding areas.

We work with your Insurance

If you are unsure if you will be filing a claim to cover damages, contact us. We can work with any insurance company to make sure your insurance is utilized to the fullest while directly billing them for you. You may not be aware of what rights you have based on your policy. We know how to work with homeowner’s insurance, giving you peace of mind.

Highly Trained Water and Mold Restoration Specialists

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, with advanced training in restoration techniques and the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property. Our team holds a list of certifications such as:

  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation


SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe and SERVPRO of Lyon & Storey Counties is committed to helping you overcome mold infestation quickly.

When we handle your mold remediation job, we do it the right way:

  • Complete structural drying and dehumidification
  • Sanitizing and deodorization
  • Monitoring of Damaged Property
  • Crawlspace mold removal
  • Crawlspace vapor barrier replacement
  • Complete repairs after crawlspace clean
  • Clearance Test Pass Guaranteed

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (775) 588-2355

SERVPRO also helps with reconstruction needs, for damaged properties or those just needing a little TLC.


For more about Virginia City, NV 89440 click here.

Warning: What can You do About Mold Damage in a South Lake Tahoe Home Right Now

10/21/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly progress into a mold infestation. Contact SERVPRO immediately to address the damage.

Helping Prevent Mold Damage in the Future After Remediation of Your South Lake Tahoe Residence

When you find microbial infestations in your South Lake Tahoe home, worrying about its recurrence is normal. Knowing what caused the situation initially can help you prevent future problems, and SERVPRO helps make sure that any other preventative methods decrease the chances of mold and mildew returning.

This area is known for its beautiful homes, but mold damage in South Lake Tahoe can detract from this, even when mold stays hidden. This is because many strains of mold produce a distinctive and unpleasant scent whenever the mold releases spores into the air. Without air scrubbers during the initial remediation, spores can easily escape and lead to future infestations almost immediately after an increase in the amount of water vapor.

While air scrubbers remove odor-causing spores from the air, mold resting on surfaces can remain viable until we physically remove it. Unless we get rid of the mold, it can release spores in the future and renew your home's odor problem.  

Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) often chooses ozone generators to rid a home of odors caused by living mold. One drawback to ozone is that the treatment can only take place once the house is unoccupied and fairly arid. Typically, this period lasts for about three to four hours.

We also use hydroxyl generators in situations where dampness is an issue or occupants cannot leave for one reason or another. This treatment takes much longer but is just as effectively powerful at getting rid of strong odors, and without the possible bleaching effect of ozone.

Other preventative steps we take for homeowners in keeping microbes from growing out of control involve treatment of the areas most likely to succumb to mold and mildew. We can apply a safe but highly effective antimicrobial spray that begins working as soon as it is applied. As it dries, it encapsulates mold and crushes it. Using both remediation of visible and hidden mold and topical agents afterward, SERVPRO can ensure your home stays free of excess microbial activity and the damage it can easily cause.

Other ways we help keep your home's microbial population at normal levels involve ensuring unwanted moisture always remains at normal levels. Installing a dehumidifier can help when a wet crawlspace is affecting your home's interior environment. Small leaks in your plumbing can also cause unwanted water vapor.

SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe also serves those in Gardnerville, Genoa, and Bijou by providing professional mold damage remediation and prevention services. Call us at (775) 588-2355 when microbes threaten your home.

Click here for more about South Lake Tahoe.

Effective Cleaning Methods When Dealing With Mold Damage in Carson City

8/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can spread quickly and be quite challenging to clean. Contact SERVPRO for effective methods of remediation and professional service.

SERVPRO Technicians Offer Many Cleaning Methods When Remediating a Home Mold Infestation

Damages caused by mold infestation can cause great inconveniences ranging from unsightly surfaces, musty smells to health issues after prolonged exposure. Whether the problem turns out to be easy or hard to deal with depends on the method used to remove the mold from the affected Carson City home.

Several cleaning methods can be useful in remediation of mold damage in Carson City. Each method has specific benefits over the others. If you are dealing with the problem on your own, lack of equipment or limited skills might restrict you from using some methods. Professionals like us, on the other hand, are not limited in these areas, increasing the chances of a positive outcome from the remediation.

Before starting the remediation process, our SERVPRO team inspects the property establishing which areas are affected. Depending on what we observe, we can opt for dry cleaning methods. We prefer this when there are light mold residues. We can also use it as a precursor to wet cleaning which involves using cleaning solutions and agitation. The two methods are perfect for hard, flat surfaces such as walls.
 
Sometimes the infestation might affect contents such as seats or other upholstery that cannot withstand wetness or vigorous agitation. Our SERVPRO technicians can opt to spray and wipe or use foam to clean the affected areas. We use equipment such as thermal foggers that make it possible to reach all sections of the areas we clean. With the mist they produce, it is possible to kill the spores without introducing too much wetness in the area.

In case we have to immerse the items we clean, we have to ensure they are dry enough to prevent further infestation. Our SERVPRO team relies on high-quality dehumidifiers, drying mats and air movers, which help deny mold the moisture needed for further proliferation.

There are obvious benefits of involving a professional in your fight against mold and especially the chance to inhibit growth over a longer period. You should call SERVPRO of Carson City/Douglas County/South Lake Tahoe at (775) 588-2355, and we can help you find the right solution.

Click here for more information on the city of Carson City.

Carson City's Mold Damage Experts Talk About Prevention Methods

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

If you ever notice a pungent smell or see signs of a fungus inside your Carson City home, it could be the start to problems in the future.

Mold Damage Experts Talk About Prevention Methods

If you ever notice a pungent smell or see signs of a fungus inside your Carson City home, it could be the start to problems in the future. Once microbes get activated, and fungi have developed, they can ruin contents and building materials in your house. Once spores have what they need to grow, they form structures called hyphae. These structures grow deep into the stuff, across its surface, and out above the item. The hyphae then release microscopic spores into the air. The spores become airborne and float around the building until they find somewhere else to settle. If the place they land is an organic food source with elevated moisture levels, then the spores can form a new contaminated area.

Many times areas in a structure become contaminated due to a water leak. When dealing with any water issues, our SERVPRO technicians know that preventing mold damage in your Carson City home is essential. If a fungus grows inside your house, it can contaminate the air, ruin building materials and contents, and cause foul odors to exist. Mold can also cause health effects for some people.

In most cases, it takes mold 48 to 72 hours to form. Any time water damage takes place it is vital to call our SERVPRO restoration team immediately. We can show up at your residence and begin mitigating the water problem right away. We use specialized extraction and drying equipment to reduce moisture levels. If we can return wet materials to preloss moisture levels within 48 hours, then the chances of microbial growth are significantly reduced.

Once mold forms, our SERVPRO technicians take measures to remove the contamination and prevent future problems. If the fungi have grown deep into the affected materials, then the objects may have to be removed. If the contamination is only on the surface, then it is possible to scrub it or sand it off. Once the contamination gets removed, the area is then dried out so that it is not wet enough to develop more mold in the same spot.

We can also prevent future problems using containment during the work process. Before any remediation work begins, the area gets sealed off with thick plastic so that dust and particles created by the removal process do not float around the building and cause growth in other places. We also attach an air scrubber to the containment chamber so that it sucks up and removes any harmful particles from the air. If you ever notice the presence of black mold, call SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe at (775) 588-2355 right away.

Click here for more about Carson City.

Remediating Mold Damage in Tahoe

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's first step in mold remediation is to seal off the contaminated areas with plastic sheeting to prevent the spores from spreading elsewhere.

SERVPRO’s Five Step Mold Remediation Process

Mold can grow through a Tahoe home and go unnoticed for months or even a year. An individual spore is smaller than the eye can see, and even a group of thousands is smaller than an eraser head. With enough moisture and a food source, mold can expand and grow in any home.

To stop mold damage in Tahoe homes, SERVPRO uses the industry standards established by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). It is a five-step process which cleans and removes mold, changes the environment in the home to prevent new growth, and protects our technicians as they return each home to its original condition.

First, they reduce the risk of exposure. Team members contain the infested areas by sealing entrances with plastic sheeting. It prevents accidental transfer of spores to an unaffected area of the home.

Second, our inspectors and team leaders write it down. They record each inspection result to include the type of mold, its location, and test results for air and structural property in every room. We use the results in the unaffected areas of the home as a baseline for finishing the rest of the home.

Third, technicians reduce the level of contamination. Team members set up negative air machines which draw out mold spores, and other particulates from the air and force them outside the home.

Fourth, they remove the mold. SERVPRO technicians use vacuums with HEPA filters to capture spores that settled on walls, floors, furniture, and other surfaces. The filters are designed to capture even a single spore. After this initial cleaning, we wait for mold spores to settle and then repeat using vacuums or dry sponges to wipe down surfaces until test results meet the baseline levels.

Finally, our teams lower the interior moisture levels. They start by setting up dehumidifiers to draw water from the air. Technicians augment this process using air movers to blow warm, dry air over a damp surface to force out the moisture and exhaust fans to pull the cooler, damp air from inside the home.

The goal of SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe is to return a home to its clean, dry, original condition. If you need our help or have any questions, call us at (775) 588-2355. We are here for you.

Click here for more information on Tahoe.

Removing Mold Damage In Tahoe City Homes

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Tahoe City Is No Problem for the AMRT Technicians from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Understands the Mold Life Cycle and Can Remediate Problems

Mold spores are everywhere in Tahoe City. The only exceptions are hospital surgery rooms and maybe so-called ‘clean rooms’ needed for assembling some types of electronics. As inert spores, they are no more dangerous to homes or people than common house dust.

For homes in Tahoe City, mold damage is only a concern when three factors achieve the right levels of moisture, food, and temperature. To halt mold growth and deal with the damage, SERVPRO technicians know to interrupt one or more of these factors.

The temperature range most mold thrive in is 68 to 86 degrees. That encompasses the comfort range for nearly every home in Nevada. Raising the temperature is fairly simple, all we have to do is turn off the air conditioning for about an hour. Since homeowners cannot live like that and it is too expensive to keep a home under 68 degrees, we can only alter the temperature in a commercial building like a warehouse.

Spores feed and grow on common building materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and wood. Even the insulation in walls and attics can serve as food. As the mold colony grows, spores extend growths called hyphae to dig into the materials and feed. If they penetrate deeply, the only way to remove the mold is to remove the infested drywall or other material. Since it is impossible to remove all building materials from the home to prevent mold growth, SERVPRO technicians concentrate on interrupting the moisture.

The source for most moisture in a home is a leak or drip from a poorly connected or damaged pipe. The simplest way to find the source is to trace the mold growth and follow it to its origin. We do this with visual inspections and an air content meter which measures the number of spores in the air. Once we find it, technicians tighten the connection, repair the pipe or another leak source, or simply replace the damaged section. For complicated repairs, we recommend for the homeowner to hire a plumber.

Next, we dry up any pools of water. Usually, this is a small amount, and technicians use sponges to soak it up and remove it. After removal, we spray the location with an anti-fungal agent to kill any possible remaining spores. We do this to reduce and hopefully eliminate the chance of future growth.

To learn more about what SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe can do to protect your home or to schedule an inspection, call us at (775) 588-2355 today. We are here to help.

Information on this Mountain Paradise and Fund Zone by clicking right here.

Mold Damage Mitigation And Remediation Services Available For Your Tahoe Property

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Tahoe Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Remediation to Their Summer Homes

SERVPRO Provides Proper Protocols for Successful Mold Remediation


Looking at everywhere mold can choose to grow on your Tahoe property; it is no surprise that it often finds a comfortable spot in your basement. Basement mold is a common occurrence that many homeowners face, especially since mold only needs water, oxygen, and food to grow. Lack of sunlight is also a plus for these fungi to proliferate.

Gravity sends water to the lowest spot in your home. So, it makes sense that your basement or the crawlspace under your Tahoe area home has the highest chance of mold damage. If the problem is severe, you may want to consider locating a professional mold remedremedmold iation company to handle the situation.

Regardless of what some sources might say, the species or amount of mold growing in your home has zero impact on your mold remediation process, and any amount or species may cause health effects. SERVPRO technicians follow specific guidelines designed to focus on controlling mold growth found in your home. We use EPA-registered disinfectants, negative airflow machines, and plastic sheeting to help reduce the spread.

Your team of SERVPRO IICRC-industry certified professionals removes saturated materials and additional debris and pay close attention to detail, cleaning every surface. Each material requires a specific cleaning method or a combination of cleaning methods to achieve favorable results. However, our technicians have years of experience performing mold remediation services and work in a quick, efficient manner to save you time and money.

SERVPRO staff works with your insurance company and keeps you informed throughout the remediation process. We make sound recommendations to help reduce or prevent future growth and offer a variety of solutions that help you control your indoor living environment.

We can do everything from mold remediation services to the installation of a basement or crawlspace encapsulation system, install dehumidification equipment, and thoroughly inspect your ventilation system throughout your home. You have the power to take charge of the air quality in your home.

Contact SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe today for detailed information about any of our services or to begin your home’s mold remediation service, today. (775) 588-2355


More about this destination here.

Dealing with Mold Damage on Clothing for Tahoe City Residents

10/6/2017 (Permalink)

Most clothing is very susceptible to mold damage because of the natural materials they are made with.

Let SERVPRO Help You Determine Which Mold Damaged Items are Salvageable

Mold in the house is something every homeowner in Tahoe City fears. Mold problems usually mean that you have water or moisture coming from somewhere. Therefore, your first priority should be to address this source, whether it is a hole in the roof or a leaky basement. When correcting the root of the mold problem, it is important to remove any mold that has managed to grow on any of the surfaces. This includes furniture, walls, and sadly, even your clothing.

With many years of experience in the restoration industry, SERVPRO has dealt with different kinds of mold damage in Tahoe City and can help you restore your clothes. Our IICRC-certified technicians are well-versed with effective mold remediation techniques, thereby guaranteeing a smooth restoration process. We are a part of your community and are strategically located to respond instantly to your emergency.

Mold damage on your favorite clothing can be heartbreaking. One of the main ways mold may develop on clothes is if they have been in storage for too long. Perhaps you stored your winter pullovers in boxes in the attic where there is a hidden moisture problem, or you accidentally tossed wet clothes into a storage bag before they had a chance to dry completely.

Clothes made from natural fibers like silk, wool, rayon, jute, ramie, linen, and cotton are more susceptible to mold damage than those made with synthetic fibers. SERVPRO technicians can help you sort out those that are salvageable with mold remediation techniques. When mold develops on clothes, it produces enzymes that break down the protein or cellulose to compounds that the mold uses for food.

Often, the initial sign of mold damage on clothes is a distinct musty smell in the closet. After careful examination, SERVPRO technicians can detect stains with visible mold growth or visible pigmentation. Mold on clothes can appear in the form of spores, which are easy to clean up using simple mold control techniques.

However, you need to consider health effects when dealing with mold growth on your clothing. In case of severe mold damage, it is best to get rid of the item. Even then, such clothes should be handled with caution because certain species of mold may cause health effects.

If you notice signs of mold damage on your clothes, contact SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe immediately. We have a wide range of equipment and industry-standard products that can kill mold growth before it gets out of control. You can reach us anytime at (775) 588-2355.

For more information about Tahoe City, visit https://tahoe.com/.

Do Dark Conditions Contribute to Mold Damage in Your Tahoe Home?

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is more likely to appear in warm, damp areas of your home such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Common Reasons for Mold Growth in Your Home

Mold damage is a risk for any homeowner. It does not take much for mold to start growing. The fungus is quite resilient and given a food source (unfortunately this includes organic material in a home such as wood or drywall) and some moisture; it can easily sprout a colony in your Tahoe kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.

At SERVPRO we handle a lot of mold damage remediation requests in Tahoe. Our IICRC-certified technicians know all about fungus and how and why it grows indoors. One thing to be aware of is the fact that dark conditions can contribute to mold growth.

Why is light level a factor in fungal colonization? One reason is that ultraviolet light kills mold. That is why you do not see mold growing in sunny gardens and do not often see it in areas of the home that get much natural light (although that is not a strict rule as other factors come into play also.)

Another reason is that mold spores need moisture to settle and grow new colonies. Dark areas are usually damper than light areas. Light, especially sunlight, dries things out and reduces the moisture the mold needs to grow. Sunlight also dries out the mold itself.

If an area is both dark and warm, it provides the ideal growing conditions for mold. That is why mold is more likely to grow in warm, damp, dark areas of your home such as tucked away corners of laundry rooms and bathrooms where there is plenty of dampness and not much natural light.

SERVPRO recommends you check warm damp areas of your home regularly to assess whether there are any signs of mold growth. It is also a good idea to invest in dehumidifiers, as they remove moisture from the air and make it harder for the mold to grow. If you find signs of mold growth, get in touch with us – our trained technicians are waiting to remediate the mold situation and take steps to discourage regrowth.

If you have a problem with mold in your home in Stateline, Minden, Zephyr Cove, Skyland or surrounding areas, give SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe a call at (775) 588-2355 for assistance and remediation.

For more information on Lake Tahoe, visit https://tahoe.com/.

SERVPRO Prevents Mold Damage In South Lake Tahoe By Drying Out Wet Furniture

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

South Lake Tahoe Homes Prefer Mold to Remain in Petri Dishes

Mold Growth Needs Remediation Through Drying and Sanitizing

Mold damage is a problem no South Lake Tahoe homeowner wants to face. Mold is a fungus which grows in wet and dark conditions. It smells unpleasant, looks unsightly, and can even cause health effects. Wet sofas and chairs are susceptible to damage by mold. The fungus needs an organic food source, and upholstery and fillings are unfortunately an excellent food supply.
 
There are many ways furniture gets wet in South Lake Tahoe, and wet furniture, as we have seen, is at risk of mold growth. Sometimes extreme weather or a storm is to blame. Other times, the problem is with a damaged pipe or a leaking appliance. The upshot is the same though – wet furniture is a breeding ground for mold. That is why drying furniture is an important part of our mold damage remediation process.
 
SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified experts use hand-held water extraction tools to draw as much water as possible out of wet furniture. The more water we draw out at the beginning, the easier drying becomes. Without dampness, mold proliferation gets stymied.
 
The next stage is encouraging air flow around the damp furnishings. That means removing the mattress from the bed and propping it up, and tenting chair and sofa cushions to create more air flow and encourage drying. SERVPRO staff take great care of your furniture and always use waxed paper to prevent metal buttons spreading rust onto the surrounding material.
 
Reducing humidity is a vital part of preventing mold damage to your furnishings. Lessening the humidity of the room hastens the drying process. Our technicians use a range of dehumidifiers and air movers to lower the humidity of the area and encourage evaporation across the surface of your furniture.
 
It is important that each item is dry inside as well as on the surface. We equip our teams with a range of moisture meters and probes that penetrate soft furnishings and take moisture readings from inside. You can rest assured that complete drying of each item is our primary goal.
 
Do not let wet furniture become a breeding ground for mold. Call SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe for help with mold issues around the Carson City, Minden, and Glenbrook area. (775) 588-2355

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Commonly Asked Questions About Mold Damage

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold damage is most common in the spring and autumn months when rainfall is still common, but temperatures are most desirable for the mold.

Mold Damage and the Concerning Questions that Come with It


Mold is a difficult substance to detect, and most homeowners don't even know it's growing until significant damage has already resulted. To complicate matters, once the mold has been remediated and is effectively gone from a home, there is little stopping it from taking root again and renewing its growth. Some homeowners have come to our local SERVPRO franchise on three or even four occasions with separate mold damage cases, and many find themselves at a loss on where and how to protect their homes from mold. Answers to these questions might help to prevent mold from growing in your home in the future.
 
When Does Mold Grow Most Commonly?
 
Mold damage in Minden is most common in the spring and autumn months when rainfall is still common, but temperatures are more desirable for the mold. Mold grows when it's warmest and wettest, meaning that winter months here are often too cold for most mold but summer months are too dry. Note, however, that mold can grow at any time of year: these are just the times when we see an uptick or downturn in calls.
 
Can Mold Grow Without Water Damage?
 
Although much of the mold we deal with comes as a side effect of water damage, standing water is far from a required precursor. Mold can find sufficient amounts of water from mild spills, heightened levels of humidity, or even just the regular moisture in your home.
 
What Can I Do to Prevent Future Mold Damage?
 
Making sure that your water systems are secure and leaks are sealed is the most important step in stopping future mold damage. Past that, talk to a SERVPRO representative to learn about mold-resistant paints and finishes that we can apply to help ward off mold even if conditions do go awry.
 
Why Do I Need a Professional Remediation Service?
 
Some homeowners may assume that mold cleanup is a simple job, and choose to forgo hiring professionals for it. However, if you don't hire a certified company, you may end up doing more harm than good, spreading mold damage to other surfaces and perhaps giving it a fresh food and water source to feed on. Also, mold may be hazardous to your health and necessitates some advanced safety measures.
 


Locally Owned Company with National Resources


SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe has fought and won many battles against mold, with the aid of professional training and top-of-the-line equipment. Call us so we can handle your mold colony at (775) 588-2355.

Does Your Zephyr Cove Property Have Mold?

10/26/2016 (Permalink)

Drying sheetrock is not a perfect process either. The material becomes more fragile the longer it is exposed to water.

Mold Damage And Sheetrock

As fall approaches, increased rain and now snow is beginning to work its way into homes around South Lake Tahoe and elsewhere. Home and business owners need to pay attention now to repairing or replacing drainage systems to prevent mold growth from undiscovered water and moisture. If damage has occurred, then clean-up and restoration need to begin as quickly as possible.

Mold damage in Zephyr Cove can happen in every home and commercial building. Water-soaked building materials must be dried quickly. SERVPRO has the training to help prevent permanent damage from both water and mold when they are discovered.

One of the primary sources of water-soaked material is sheetrock. It is also one where we carefully work with the customer on cleaning versus replacement costs. Drying a single layer of sheetrock takes an average of 5 to 7 days. A two-layer panel takes 10 to 14 days. If the rest of the clean-up process can be completed before that time; especially if the affected panels are two layers, then the customer needs to consider if waiting the extra time is worth the cost.

Drying sheetrock is not a perfect process either. The material becomes more fragile the longer it is exposed to water. If it has been soaked for more than 24 hours, a panel is much more difficult to remove and begins to disintegrate as it is handled. If the number of sheetrock panels becomes excessive, then this is another cost factor that we make sure the customer understands.

Rainfall is swiftly becoming a common occurrence again in our area. Before it becomes a problem for your home or business, please call us here at (775) 588-2355 for help. SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe is ready to assist you with a mold problem or to prevent one.

Laundry Room Tips on Preventing Mold Damage in Area Homes

8/7/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Can Develop Behind Walls

Mold Can Grow in Many Parts of the Home

Many homeowners realize that there is more than one way to protect their home. Often, a home is the largest investment a person will make in their life, and protecting it should be a priority. One culprit, however, that many homeowners neglect to keep under control lives in both the outdoors and also inside almost every home in the United States. That culprit is mold.

Mold can live anywhere there is moisture, even in minute amounts. In Gardnerville, mold damage can result rather quickly if mold colonies are present. Mold often hides where it is not easily detected. This is because sunlight is a natural enemy of mold. Mold thrives best in damp or moist environments that receive little or no sunlight, and where natural substances that it can consume are present.

One area that is often found to harbor mold is the laundry area. Damp clothing, either still soiled and waiting to be washed, or clothing that has been removed from the dryer too soon, or left wet in the washing machine can cause mold to grow. These small amounts of mold can rapidly spread to other areas of the home, as well. If there is a ventilation intake in the laundry area, mold can quickly enter when the ventilation system is turned on, and be whisked to all different areas of your home.

One area that should be looked at in the laundry area of any home is the washer and dryer, when searching for mold growth. Dryer ducts need to be vented outdoors. Lots of moisture is released into the air during the drying process. If there is a humidity problem in the laundry area, a dehumidifier might be an excellent option to help control how much humidity is present on an ongoing basis. Families who have front loading washing machines should note that many of these have been found to harbor large colonies of mold. These should be inspected, particularly if a musty odor is present, especially in freshly washed clothing.

If you feel mold is a problem in your home, and it is present in varying amounts in practically all homes, you should call our professional and certified teams to help you have mold damage checked. Repairs are less costly when found earlier, and can help protect your investment in your home, as well as your family's health. We can perform remediation services, followed by repairs and restoration of any mold damage. Call us at SERVPRO of Carson City / Douglas County / South Lake Tahoe, 24/7, at (775) 588-2355 and we will schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to inspect and detect mold growths that may cause your mold damage in your home.

Why and What Can be Done About Mold Damage

6/26/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Can Spread Quickly If Not Remediated Professionally

Quick Action is Crucial for Remediation Success

Many newer homes will have problems with mold more often than older homes will because of the newer construction guidelines calling for tighter construction of homes. This has occurred over the last two decades and has resulted in not only homes with more problems in air quality but also other buildings, such as universities and libraries. Having less of a seal in a building or home's construction allowed air to circulate more easily, and this alone would help keep mold growth at acceptable levels.

If you own a newer home or recently constructed commercial property in Stateline, mold damage can become problematic for you much more easily than it might have a few decades ago. Mold has not increased in population or strength, but the locations where mold can grow best have increased because of the latest developments in building technology. Better energy efficiency seems to have been gained, while the airing-out effect of looser construction appears to have been lost.

Mold Damage Affects Many Items Found Within Your Home or Business

Mold needs not only moisture to live and grow, but also materials to feed off of. These materials can be anything organic, such as wood or paper, microscopic components in brick, carpeting and upholstery, cotton and linen in clothing and bedding, and many other things found in and around your home or business. A mold infestation can begin with only a slight rise in moisture, and then quickly take over an area in your home. Soon, mold spores will become airborne and create mold colonies wherever they travel and find moisture. A leaky pipe or drain can be the source of moisture, as can a wet cloth used for cleaning furniture that was accidentally forgotten and left behind.

Mold Can Damage Your Home's Interior, Leading to Substantial Damage
 
Because mold can grow so quickly, often as rapidly as 48 to 72 hours, it is important that call our highly trained and experienced professionals to assess the damage right away.  They can not only reduce the moisture that has created the perfect environment for mold growth in the first place but are specially trained to remediate any mold present. Remediation is control of the environment and extraction of mold and its spores, so they are reduced in number substantially enough so that the problem is alleviated. When mold is left to thrive, it will do exactly that. It will begin to eat at the paperboard found in drywall, paneling surfaces, and anything else that seems durable. Rotting of structures in high mold areas can damage a home or business's interior structures quickly.

Call Us for an Appointment to Determine Your Mold Levels
 
If you have encountered discoloration of walls, textiles, such as draperies, carpets, and upholstery, or experienced a musty smell or odor, you should find out more about how mold remediation can help you. We have the equipment to assess quickly and determine mold levels and humidity percentages. Other equipment that we are certified in the use of will remove the mold itself and also remove any excess humidity and moisture that is being utilized by the mold. Make a call today to SERVPRO of Carson City, Douglas County, and South Lake Tahoe at (775) 588-2355 to set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.