Mold Removal in the Chicago Area and Suburbs 773-885-8528

When to Call a Chicago Mold Remediation Specialist

Indoor mold outbreaks can cause wall, furniture, carpet, drapery, book, and important paper document damage. Molds can also cause allergic reactions such as bronchial irritation and asthma attacks. The common molds seen in most home and work environments can actually become a major issue if not addressed quickly.

There are a few steps you can take to help reduce the chances of a mold outbreak happening in your home or business. However, if you have found extensive mold growth already, contact a professional mold remediation company right away to get started on clean-up.

The most important tool you can have in your arsenal against mold growth is knowledge. What is mold? In what types of environments does mold thrive? How can mold colonies be safely removed? Knowing what you’re up against will make it that much easier to prevent and treat mold colonies.

What is Mold?

Molds are microscopic fungi that grow in humid environments. Unlike plants that require photosynthesis to thrive, molds survive by secreting enzymes onto the organic matter they are inhabiting and then absorbing the degraded remains of that matter. Because molds don’t require a high level of nutrients to survive they can grow on nearly any organic matter, from food products to paper products.

Why Should the Mold be removed?

Many people will develop allergic reaction to the spores put off by large mold colonies. If a person touches a mold colony in anyway, there is the chance they could develop a form of dermatophytes, like athlete’s foot or jock itch. Mycotoxins are liquid or gaseous compounds secreted by most mold colonies and are considered some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet. If this is ingested, both humans as well as animals can get seriously ill. This is why prompt attention and mold clean-up is necessary.

What can be done to Prevent It?

To reduce the risk of developing a mold problem, lower the humidity levels in your home or office. Mold spores can live on most any organic matter but they will not survive in dry climates. If you discover a water leak, get it fixed right away. If floods have damaged your home or office, dry the affected area as soon as possible. Every day that goes by in which a mold outbreak is not treated is property lost.

Signs of a Mold Problem?

A Chicago professional mold removal service can help you determine if mold has taken up residence in your home or office. However, professional help is not always necessary. Mold spores are easily spotted, even in smaller colonies, and sometimes put off a musky, earthy smell. If parts of your building are cool, dark, and humid, you can be pretty sure you have mold growing there.

Should I do it myself?

If your mold outbreak is fairly small and contained, you may want to try removing the mold yourself. Wet vacuum cleaners can help remove water from floors and carpets quickly, helping to eliminate the chances of a mold outbreak. Once the carpet or upholstery has been cleaned, however, you must also clean the vacuum itself, as mold can accumulate inside the tank and hose. Damp removal, such as scrubbing the affected areas with water and detergent, is simple and easy but not always effective for established mold colonies.

If you do take on mold yourself, be sure to wear protective rubber gloves and a face mask. Also make sure the cleaned area dries quickly to prevent new mold colonies from developing.

When do I call a Mold Removal Company?

If you are uncomfortable with or unsure how to properly treat a mold problem you should hire a Chicago professional mold removal service. Professionals use advanced mold detection and cleaning technologies to safely clean-up a mold outbreak and restore materials and structures. Once problem areas are detected, trained mold removal experts are able to use advanced HEPA vacuums and chemical treatments to fully rid the area of spores. Some remediation services will even offer to install special dehumidifying systems after the clean-up is complete.

If you are experiencing mold problems that go beyond your abilities to handle, research your mold removal options online or contact a professional remediation service.

Water Damage and Mold Chicago 773-885-8528

PREVENT MOLD FROM GROWING AFTER WATER DAMAGE OR FLOOD IN THE CHICAGO AREA

When the water damage mold strikes your place after a heavy rain, flooding or intrusion of water from other sources, you have to be concerned with more than just what you see.  There is always something lurking that you can’t readily see.  Sometimes it doesn’t appear until days down the line, but has been lurking in the area because of the saturation of water you have experienced.  It is that nasty bacterial substance we call mold.

It is an enemy of any structure and can cause massive damage if not headed off at the pass, so to speak.  Sometimes what can be a simple mold removal process can turn into a mold remediation concern if steps are not taken to stop it before it starts.  How do we do that?

GET RID OF AFFECTED MATERIALS

Anything that has been compromised, wet furniture, porous materials, damaged items, need to be removed immediately to have a proper moisture assessment take place.  Each of these items contribute to the moisture content level in the area of concern.  Excessive water can cause these items to weigh in quite heavily with extreme moisture.  Wet and moldy carpet, drywall, upholstery, and various fabrics will need to be removed right away!  It is best if not properly trained or proper personal protective equipment is not available, to call a professional water damage mold company.

DRY WATER DAMAGE MOLD FAST

This needs to happen as soon as humanly possible.  Why?  Because in just 24 to 48 hours you have mold spores starting to germinate.  They don’t waste any time as the toxic mix for their arrival is already in place.  Moisture detection is paramount as the water or mildew can be lurking behind walls and subflooring and wreak havoc later.  The drying process is a combination of air circulation and proper ventilation.  In other words, bad air needs to be removed as well as fresh air to dry the area properly and reduce chances of mold growth.  Professional water damage mold Chicago companies will use what is known as an air scrubber or negative air machine (NAM) to get rid of any residual mold spores that might have manifested themselves already.

PROPER FLOW OF AIR

We use the word proper here because you don’t want to risk spreading mold spores throughout your facility.  This is where professional help can be priceless.  Containment, or defense against spreading spores mechanism should be setup.  In other words, covering areas where the mold spores might escape into other untouched areas.  This is very important and should be done right.

DRY WATER DAMAGE MOLD FOREVER

Now that we have the three previous steps addressed, we just need to make sure that proper drying maintenance is in place.  We want the structure to stay protected and not get sick with mold or any other type of bacteria.  So, you have to maintain a dry space.  The humidity levels should be well below 60% if possible.  Sometimes a dehumidifier can accomplish moisture control.

You want you and your family or office to be safe and sound.  Handling water damage and/or flood restoration the right way can ensure that you and your property remain healthy!