Professional Mold Removal and Remediation Chicago and Suburbs

Sensitive to Mold and Other Allergens?

DID YOU KNOW that even the healthiest of individuals can still feel negative effects in the presence of some common things around the house?

It’s not something that necessarily has to start growing in the basement of your house after a flood. It’s something that can “just happen” and it’s not good news. But it can be easily fixed.

First of all, what are we talking about?

Old stuff brought in
There are some items that can come into your home that can trigger your allergies or other sensitivities. These can include cardboard boxes, packages and other items sent or brought to you. The worse of these would be old stuff, things that have been around a while, gathering allergens, including black mold.

Old ‘normal’ stuff
We’ve all been to a library and sniffed old books. OK, maybe not all of us, but those that remember books and libraries can relate. These old books and documents can be allergen triggers, so be sure to remember this before checking them out or taking them into your home.

Old decorations
Sure, the holidays are a time when you use ornaments and stuff, and this is just a few times a year… but you have to store them, right? Remember that they can bring in allergens. It might be best to give them at least a wipe-down, if not a complete cleaning, before putting them into the attic.

Old mattresses
Yuck. This is a tough one, and sometimes a sensitive issue. Sure, it’s OK to pass on mattresses from one generation to another (what is family for?), but what are you getting when you inherit an old mattress or other bedding from someone not close to you? And don’t be tempted by that new-looking mattress at your neighbor’s garage sale. You just don’t know what you are getting into. Did you know that every mattress has dust mites?

Old rugs and carpet
Rugs and carpet are very important to you, but be sure to have them inspected by your carpet cleaning pro before bringing them into your home. These are items that can collect all types of allergens and other contaminants that can affect you and your family.

Don’t be afraid to throw old stuff out. Remember, it’s your home and your family’s health. Protect it!

Just make sure that what you bring into your home is safe and sound — and safe for any allergy or asthma issues you or your family may have.  And should things get worse along the way and you detect mold, call a professional mold remediation company immediately.  They will help get rid of mold the right way.

Oak Park Mold Removal

How Dangerous is Mold in Your Home?

Everyone wants the safest, healthiest home environment for their families. You would do anything to protect your loved ones from exposure to any substance that could cause them harm.

One of those feared substances is “mold” and with what you have seen in the news in recent years, exposure to harmful or “toxic” mold has affected the health of countless people — folks just like you.

This brings up the all-important question: Just exactly how dangerous is mold in homes?

That’s a tricky question, because there are many types of mold and mold is virtually everywhere. There is probably a little bit in your basement right now. Your shoes when you came home yesterday no doubt brought in a few mold spores. Mold spores can be in breathable space and travel in the air.

When you step outside, you are surrounded by mold. There’s nothing you can do about that. The main concern is usually what’s in the home, not outside, although if you are sensitive to mold you should avoid all damp areas that could promote mold growth, inside and out.

Some people are affected by even the smallest amounts of mold. They may have nasal issues, watery eyes, coughing and other physical reactions. A smaller segment of the population are very sensitive to exposure to mold, having severe reactions that can be life threatening. Others aren’t affected at all, and can be around and/or exposure to all types of molds with no apparent sensitivities.

The CDC has plenty of information for those concerned with mold in homes. One of the issues they raise is keeping moisture out of homes. “Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding,” according to the CDC government website.

The issue is twofold if mold is growing in your home. You must clean it up or have it cleaned up, and you must fix the moisture problem. You can do your research on how to fix the problem, but the best solution is, no doubt, getting expert advice from your professional water damage restoration contractor or mold removal or remediation company. Keep your family safe. Call the experts.

Remove Mold 773-885-8528

A lot of folks often think that you can take care of the problem yourself. With so many mold removal "How To" articles on the net, in case you are brave enough, you may only do it. Most individuals do not have access to even proper removal disinfectants or proper protection gear. What about bleach? Unfortunately, the notion that bleach kills fungus is false. Bleach only "bleaches" the color out while the roots remain intact and continue to grow. Furthermore, you need to do more than simply kill it, you need to get rid of any traces of it. 

To remove mold, a number of measures must be taken with great safety. For instance, a standard misconception that consumers come across is that you can effectively remove mold from your own bathroom tile. Most so called mold killers commonly available on the market are made of bleach.

The CleanUP Guys remediation technicians are fully equipped to manage any mold scenario, from small to large projects. Normally, after the first call is made, a specialist assesses the scenario and will come out for an estimate. Generally, from that stage, a quote may be made. Next, a thorough mold inspection will take place. The mold remediation process will take place after the review is done. Right away, your property will be restored and mold or contaminant free.

A lot of folks often think that you can take care of the problem yourself. With so many mold removal "How To" articles on the net, in case you are brave enough, you may only do it. Most individuals do not have access to even proper removal disinfectants or proper protection gear. What about bleach? Unfortunately, the notion that bleach kills fungus is false. Bleach only "bleaches" the color out while the roots remain intact and continue to grow. Furthermore, you need to do more than simply kill it, you need to get rid of any traces of it. 

To remove mold, a number of measures must be taken with great safety. For instance, a standard misconception that consumers come across is that you can effectively remove mold from your own bathroom tile. Most so called mold killers commonly available on the market are made of bleach.

It is crucial to make certain that you're dealing with a certified mold removal company by the IICRC.  They restore properties to a state that is better than new and these mold specialists are trained and certified to remove mold entirely.  Additionally, mold remediation companies will often give you personalized advice about how to sustain a mold-free environment after the remediation process is complete.  Clearly, professional mold removal services cost money; nonetheless, the price might be a lot less than you might think.

If however you have a mold difficulty that is straggly, like black mold, growing around all of your windows, in your attic, crawlspace, or in the basement, and even in toilets, it is probably advisable to contact a mold removal company like The CleanUP Guys. Mold isn't only unsightly, but it poses health risks such as fatigue, severe headaches, sinusitis, and asthma, to name just a few.  Call The CleanUP Guys today!

773-885-8528

Mold, Mold Removal, Mold Remediation 773-885-8528

Chicago, Illinois Mold Information

Chicago Mold Facts and Information

The CleanUP Guys is a Chicago restorationcompany that specializes in mold removal, water damage restoration, and flood damagerestoration. If you need immediate assistance, please call (773) 885-8528.

This article explains what mold is, the common types of mold, common mold species, why mold grows, and how to detect mold!

What Causes Mold Growth?

What Causes Mold Growth?

Mold is a fungus, as are mushrooms and yeast, and has a biological purpose in our eco-system: to consumes dead organic material. Understanding its biological importance is essential to understanding why it poses health hazards.

Problems occur with mold when it begins growing in an enclosed environment such as a home. Mold found inside homes and buildings originates from the outside. Mold spores enter buildings and homes through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to clothing, animals, shoes, bags and more!

The key ingredient mold needs to thrive and grow is moisture and a food source.

Sources of Moisture

Sources of Moisture

Since mold is everywhere, it will only start growing when the spores settle on surfaces with excess moisture. The key to preventing mold growth is to control moisture. Maintaining an interior humidity level of between 30 to 40% will prevent mold growth.

Listed below are the most common sources of moisture. If you suspect mold growth, before the mold can be cleaned and removed, the sources of the moisture issues must be addressed first.

1. Flooding.
2. Backed-up sewers.
3. Leaky roofs and/or water leaks.
4. Humidifier which is not regularly cleaned and disinfected.
5. Damp basements or crawl spaces.
6. House plants and their debris.
7. Steam from cooking and showers.
8. Wet clothes hung to dry indoors.
9. Inadequate air exchange.
10. Excessive humidity.
11. Condensation, which is especially a problem during the winter, on poorly insulated surfaces.

Sources of Food

Sources of Food

Mold is like a parasite because it will only grow if there is an ample mold source. Under the right conditions of temperature and moisture, mold will continue to feed. The problem with mold lies in the fact that most homes and buildings are made from dead organic material, which is the type of food that mold thrives on. Food sources for mold include the following:

1. Wood & wood products.
2. Paper and other paper products like cardboard and wallpaper
3. Leather.
4. Fabric and upholstery
5. Grout.
6. Painted walls.
7. Cement
8. Plaster (drywall).
9. Ceiling tiles
10. Insulation materials.
11. Carpet.

What Are The Most Common Types and Species of Mold?

Not all molds are the same; consequently, it is important to understand that identifying the types and species of mold is important because it helps you and the mold remediation professionals assess the potential health hazards that the growth poses.

Types of Mold

Of the 100,000 types of mold that have been identified, the three most common types have been identified as:

1. Allergenic Molds.
2. Pathogenic Molds.
3. Toxigenic Molds.

Types of Mold: Allergenic Molds

Allergenic molds are not usually life-threatening but do cause health concerns for individuals with allergies or asthma. Children and the elderly are most likely to experience health issues if there are allergenic molds present in the property.

Types of Mold: Pathogenic Molds

Pathogenic molds are of particular concern if your immune system is weak or compromised because these can cause infections. This type of mold can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an acute response resembling bacterial pneumonia. An example is Aspergillus fumigatus, which can grow in the lungs of immune-compromised individuals.

Types of Mold: Toxigenic Molds (aka “toxic molds”)

Toxigenic molds are the worse types of molds because they produce mycotoxins that will make anyone exposed to them sick. Mycotoxins are chemical toxins present within or on the surface of the mold spore, which can be inhaled, ingested, or touched. An example of this is an aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to mankind. Aflatoxins grow on peanuts and grains, and on some other foods.

Species of Mold

Mold inspectors and indoor air quality professionals use various methods to identify the mold species.

Testing could be done with a tape or swab sample on visible mold.

Air quality samples may also be recommended because air borne mold spores are not visible to the eye. Air quality samples are advantageous because they can identify the concentration of indoor spores.

Once samples are taken, they should be sent to accredited laboratories to analyze them to determine the exact species of mold.

The five most prevalent species of mold are:

1. Alternaria.
2. Aspergillus.
3. Cladosporium.
4. Penicillium.
5. Stachybotrys.

Species of Mold: Alternaria Mold

Alternaria mold is commonly found in your nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract and can cause allergic responses.

Species of Mold: Aspergillus Mold

Aspergillus mold is usually found in warm, extremely damp climates, and a common occupant of house dust. This mold produces mycotoxins which is a poisonous chemical compound. This mold variety can cause lung infections including aspergillosis.

Species of Mold: Cladosporium Mold

Cladosporium mold is a very common outdoor fungus that can find its way indoors and grow on textiles, wood and other damp, porous materials. This mold triggers hay fever and asthma symptoms.

Species of Mold: Penicillium Mold

Penicillium mold is a very common species found on wallpaper, decaying fabrics, carpet, and fiberglass duct insulation. It is known for causing allergies and asthma. Some species produce mycotoxins, one being the common antibiotic penicillin.

Species of Mold: Stachybotrys Mold

Stachybotrys mold is extremely toxic “black mold” that produces mycotoxins that can cause serious breathing difficulties and bleeding of the lungs. This mold can be found on wood or paper.

Why Should I Be Concerned About Mold?

There are two key reasons you should be concerned about mold:

1. Health.
2. Structural Integrity of Property.

Health Reasons

When mold is disturbed, spores become airborne increasing the likelihood of breathing spores in. While some people are not affected by mold spores, others sharing the same environment infested with mold can have severe reactions. Mold spore exposure can also cause adverse health effects in immune compromised individuals. Individuals sensitive to mold exposure can suffer from nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing and more. In addition, people with chronic illnesses, such as asthma or obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. Allergic reactions, similar to common pollen or animal allergies, are the most common health effects in individuals sensitive to mold. Flu-like symptoms and skin rashes can also occur.

Structural Integrity

In addition to the health concerns, it is also important to realize that like a parasite mold will continue to feed on its host, causing significant structural concerns.

How Can I Detect Mold?

Mold can be detected through smell, visual clues, and knowledge of the building history, ie. was there a flood or indoor leak. We recommend that the advice of a professional be sought because they have specialized tools and knowledge to identify the cause of the mold growth, ie. the source of moisture, and then make recommendations on how to remove the mold after the moisture problem has been fixed.

Visual Signs of Mold

Check for visible signs of mold growth. Molds may appear in colors such as gray, white, black, or green. Black mold, stachybotris, is especially dangerous.

Smell

A mildewy or moldy smell is a strong indication that mold is present.

Flooding or Indoor Leaks

If you experienced flooding or found a leak that has not been fixed for some time, there is a strong possibility that you will have mold growth because mold thrives in moisture.

Winter Mist

Generally when it’s cold, there is an excess in moisture. Excess humidity in the environment can cause mold growth. Ice Damning issues are a concern.

Hidden Molds

Hidden molds are particularly hard to find. However, if you smell a stale mildewy odor or have allergic symptoms when close to a source with no visual mold, this may be a clue that there is a hidden mold source.

Hire a Professional Mold Inspector

We strongly recommend that you hire a Certified Inspector to determine if you have a mold issue. Professionals follow a set procedure which starts with an interview to learn more about the building history, moisture readings to determine if there is a source of moisture required for mold growth, and visual inspections. During the meeting, the inspector may even recommend thermal imaging if an identifiable moisture source is not present, but mold is detected. Other recommendations may include a swab test, tape sample, or air quality test to determine the type of mold and spore count present. Ultimately, the goal of the mold inspection is to determine the extent of the mold problem so recommendations can be made to bring the fungal ecology to a healthy level.

Mold Remediation Chicago 773-885-8528

Mold Removal Vs Mold Remediation

If your home has a mold problem, then you definitely want to get rid of it. That much is a given. Mold is a green, black, sometimes yellowish fuzzy growth on walls, flooring, piping, etc., usually accompanied by a noxious smell. And while not all molds are actively dangerous, they are unpleasant and should be dealt with promptly.

Unfortunately, far too many people think that mold removal is all that is required, and of course there are any number of companies out there who advertise using the phrase “mold removal” and who will come in an eliminate the mold from your home.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Wrong. On every count.

You have to remember that mold is the byproduct, the after effect, of a much larger problem. Usually this is water damage, but mold can also be linked to fires and even something as seemingly innocuous as increased humidity.  Unless that original problem is properly addressed, then by removing the mold, all you are doing is putting off the problem temporarily.  Mold removal is useless if the environment that is favorable to the mold growth is allowed to remain.

This is where mold remediation comes in. By remediation, we mean not just the removal of the mold growth itself, but active and thorough treatment of the affected area in order to make sure you don’t find yourself with another mold problem down the road.

The mold remediation process is twofold….one you have to eliminate the existing mold growth, and do so without causing it to spread to other areas of the home. This is done by sealing off the affected area and using specialized gear and techniques to safely remove the growth and dispose of it.

The second step, and the most important one, is to properly treat the area, as well as the problem that caused the mold in the first place. This includes repairing and restoration of any and all water damage problems in and around the home, disinfecting and sanitizing the area where the mold grew, increasing ventilation throughout said area, and bringing down relative humidity levels to within acceptable parameters, usually between 40-45%.

This second step is absolutely vital when it comes to a successful mold remediation project. Any company that you consider hiring should be able to describe this step to you in detail. If their only plan of action is to cleanup the mold, then run. Run like a river when the snow melts, and hire a qualified, experienced moldremediation professional (and for the record, that would be us, The CleanUp Guys!) to handle all of your mold and water damagerestoration needs. 

Mold Remediation Chicago 773-885-8528

Mold Remediation…The Overlooked Third Step…

We all know that water damage restoration involves water removal as well as drying out of the damaged area. What fewer folks talk about is the third step in the process, the removal and remediation of mold. Mold is almost always present in some form following a water damage event, and your restoration project cannot be deemed complete until it has been taken care of.

Mold is one of the most serious aftereffects of water damage, because it can establish itself rapidly and prove almost impossible to get rid of. Mold remediation should only be performed by a qualified, competent professional, especially in cases where the growth is at an advanced stage. The CleanUP Guys are here to provide first rate, guaranteed mold remediation services.

The mold remediation clean up and repair efforts that follow flood events are major projects, and best left to the professionals with the proper experience and equipment.  The extent of damage is simply more than abilities of most homeowners to handle on their own, and mold remediation, if not properly handled, can have long lasting, destructive effects on homes or businesses

.

In the event of mold remediation, rapid response is important, but take enough time to do it right.  Not all emergency mold remediation providers are created equal.  There is always a temptation to rush and get it done, but choosing the wrong one may only serve to make a bad situation worse. Mold presents all kinds of health hazards, which means the job needs to be done correctly the first time in order to keep everyone in good health.

Your home will require not only water extraction and removal, repair to damaged items or furniture, drying of carpets, flooring, and drywall (along with appropriate cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing) but it will also require mold remediation, as well as structural repair or even reconstruction.

Obviously, these are not jobs to be undertaken by the novice.  Contact a local, professional emergency mold remediation company like The CleanUP Guys that offer up to date, industrial-grade equipment, manned by trained IICRC certified technicians who can take proper care of your home and possessions throughout the process. 

Mold Removal Services Lincolnwood IL 773-885-8528

BEWARE OF OUTDOOR MOLD BARRINGTON IL

We often think of mold as something we find in our homes or in our business.  We rarely associate mold with the outside of these places. But in fact, outdoor mold is just as common as its indoor companion. Mold can essentially grow anywhere that the spores can float to and land on materials that are porous on the surface it can latch onto are the greatest risk for mold damage. The environments that these surfaces are also big contributors to the growth of mold; environments that are shady and damp are the most common, and this growth usually happens during the months of the rainier seasons, as well as when lots of precipitation is involved, like snow. Many people think that once the winter months come along, the cold will simply kill it off and prevent any mold damage from growing… this is simply not true. Mold spores can live dormant during the cold season and continue to thrive once the weather heats up. Though it is true that the mold damage will not spread in the cold weather, thinking that it will completely die out is wishful thinking.  Proper mold remediation can get rid of or kill the contaminants for good.

Because mold spores (especially the ones outside) are so small and subject to the ever changing environment around it; many people are affected by mold and don’t even realize it. The spores can cause health issues that are associated with the common cold and can be overlooked by someone who doesn’t realize they have mold on the outside of their home or business. What many people claim as “allergies” could be an exposure of mold spores in their surrounding area.

These 5 places are breading grounds for outdoor mold and should be checked regularly. If you find signs of mold make sure to clear it out as soon as possible… it may dramatically improve your health.

Stucco:  a common location to spot mold.  Make sure to call a professional mold removal company when needing to remove mold damage from stucco because removing it incorrectly can cause more damage to your home than good.

The Foundation:  concrete and cement make up a huge portion of your building and can be a breeding ground for mold.  This can cause serious structural damage to your home.  Call a professional immediately.

Wooded Siding:  wood is a huge contributor to mold growth.  It is a natural surface that mold can grow and expand in easily.  This can also do serious damage to the structure of your home especially if you have a lot of wood siding.  A tip is to use a professional power washer to help remove and kill the mold.  The treat with an anti-microbial spray.

Wooded Gates and Fences: see reason #3 for details.

Concrete Patios:  (especially those that stay wet from weather).  See reason #2 for details.

Many companies off heat treatments to get rid of your outside mold issues and can be completed in a fairly quick amount of time. Don’t let the foundation and structure of your home be under attack from mold damage when you can easily remedy it.

Mold Removal Services Barrington IL 773-885-8528

BEWARE OF OUTDOOR MOLD BARRINGTON IL

We often think of mold as something we find in our homes or in our business.  We rarely associate mold with the outside of these places. But in fact, outdoor mold is just as common as its indoor companion. Mold can essentially grow anywhere that the spores can float to and land on materials that are porous on the surface it can latch onto are the greatest risk for mold damage. The environments that these surfaces are also big contributors to the growth of mold; environments that are shady and damp are the most common, and this growth usually happens during the months of the rainier seasons, as well as when lots of precipitation is involved, like snow. Many people think that once the winter months come along, the cold will simply kill it off and prevent any mold damage from growing… this is simply not true. Mold spores can live dormant during the cold season and continue to thrive once the weather heats up. Though it is true that the mold damage will not spread in the cold weather, thinking that it will completely die out is wishful thinking.  Proper mold remediation can get rid of or kill the contaminants for good.

Because mold spores (especially the ones outside) are so small and subject to the ever changing environment around it; many people are affected by mold and don’t even realize it. The spores can cause health issues that are associated with the common cold and can be overlooked by someone who doesn’t realize they have mold on the outside of their home or business. What many people claim as “allergies” could be an exposure of mold spores in their surrounding area.

These 5 places are breading grounds for outdoor mold and should be checked regularly. If you find signs of mold make sure to clear it out as soon as possible… it may dramatically improve your health.

Stucco:  a common location to spot mold.  Make sure to call a professional mold removal company when needing to remove mold damage from stucco because removing it incorrectly can cause more damage to your home than good.

The Foundation:  concrete and cement make up a huge portion of your building and can be a breeding ground for mold.  This can cause serious structural damage to your home.  Call a professional immediately.

Wooded Siding:  wood is a huge contributor to mold growth.  It is a natural surface that mold can grow and expand in easily.  This can also do serious damage to the structure of your home especially if you have a lot of wood siding.  A tip is to use a professional power washer to help remove and kill the mold.  The treat with an anti-microbial spray.

Wooded Gates and Fences: see reason #3 for details.

Concrete Patios:  (especially those that stay wet from weather).  See reason #2 for details.

Many companies off heat treatments to get rid of your outside mold issues and can be completed in a fairly quick amount of time. Don’t let the foundation and structure of your home be under attack from mold damage when you can easily remedy it.

Mold Removal Lincolnwood IL 773-885-8528

MOLD REMOVAL LINCOLNWOOD IL

Mold Removal Vs Mold Remediation

If your home in Lincolnwood IL has a mold problem, then you definitely want to get rid of it. That much is a given. Mold is a green, black, sometimes yellowish fuzzy growth on walls, flooring, piping, etc., usually accompanied by a noxious smell. And while not all molds are actively dangerous, they are unpleasant and should be dealt with promptly.

Unfortunately, far too many people think that mold removal is all that is required, and of course there are any number of companies out there who advertise using the phrase “mold removal” and who will come in an eliminate the mold from your home.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Wrong. On every count.

You have to remember that mold is the byproduct, the after effect, of a much larger problem. Usually this is water damage, but mold can also be linked to fires and even something as seemingly innocuous as increased humidity.  Unless that original problem is properly addressed, then by removing the mold, all you are doing is putting off the problem temporarily.  Mold removal is useless if the environment that is favorable to the mold growth is allowed to remain.

This is where mold remediation comes in. By remediation, we mean not just the removal of the mold growth itself, but active and thorough treatment of the affected area in order to make sure you don’t find yourself with another mold problem down the road.

The mold remediation process is twofold….one you have to eliminate the existing mold growth, and do so without causing it to spread to other areas of the home. This is done by sealing off the affected area and using specialized gear and techniques to safely remove the growth and dispose of it.

The second step, and the most important one, is to properly treat the area, as well as the problem that caused the mold in the first place. This includes repairing and restoration of any and all water damage problems in and around the home, disinfecting and sanitizing the area where the mold grew, increasing ventilation throughout said area, and bringing down relative humidity levels to within acceptable parameters, usually between 40-45%.

This second step is absolutely vital when it comes to a successful mold remediation project. Any company that you consider hiring should be able to describe this step to you in detail. If their only plan of action is to clean up the mold, then run. Run like a river when the snow melts, and hire a qualified, experienced mold remediation professional (and for the record, that would be us, The CleanUP Guys!) to handle all of your mold and water damage restoration needs. 

Mold Remediation Chicago 773-885-8528

MOLD REMEDIATION CHICAGO

Mold Removal Vs Mold Remediation

If your home has a mold problem, then you definitely want to get rid of it. That much is a given. Mold is a green, black, sometimes yellowish fuzzy growth on walls, flooring, piping, etc., usually accompanied by a noxious smell. And while not all molds are actively dangerous, they are unpleasant and should be dealt with promptly.

Unfortunately, far too many people think that mold removal is all that is required, and of course there are any number of companies out there who advertise using the phrase “mold removal” and who will come in an eliminate the mold from your home.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Wrong. On every count.

You have to remember that mold is the byproduct, the after effect, of a much larger problem. Usually this is water damage, but mold can also be linked to fires and even something as seemingly innocuous as increased humidity.  Unless that original problem is properly addressed, then by removing the mold, all you are doing is putting off the problem temporarily.  Mold removal is useless if the environment that is favorable to the mold growth is allowed to remain.

This is where mold remediation comes in. By remediation, we mean not just the removal of the mold growth itself, but active and thorough treatment of the affected area in order to make sure you don’t find yourself with another mold problem down the road.

The mold remediation process is twofold….one you have to eliminate the existing mold growth, and do so without causing it to spread to other areas of the home. This is done by sealing off the affected area and using specialized gear and techniques to safely remove the growth and dispose of it.

The second step, and the most important one, is to properly treat the area, as well as the problem that caused the mold in the first place. This includes repairing and restoration of any and all water damage problems in and around the home, disinfecting and sanitizing the area where the mold grew, increasing ventilation throughout said area, and bringing down relative humidity levels to within acceptable parameters, usually between 40-45%.

This second step is absolutely vital when it comes to a successful mold remediation project. Any company that you consider hiring should be able to describe this step to you in detail. If their only plan of action is to clean up the mold, then run. Run like a river when the snow melts, and hire a qualified, experienced mold remediation professional (and for the record, that would be us, The CleanUP Guys!) to handle all of your mold and water damage restoration needs.