Basement Mold Removal Chicago 773-885-8528

Basement Mold Removal

Since moisture is a leading cause of mold it is very important to keep it at a level, if possible, where it does not start to breed unwanted bacteria.  We commonly call it mold. One of the areas in the home that gets more moisture normally, than any other area of the home, is the basement.  Basements also typically have the worst ventilation of the entire house, so moisture usually has no way to escape, leading to mold contamination. Thus, basement mold can be caused by a few of the following issues:

§  Condensation in the basement can cause mold. Moisture condensates on the outside of pipes because of the cool temperatures. If this moisture collects, mold will form.

§  Flooding water that is not taken care of and removed immediately will lead to mold buildup. Dangerous molds can grow in your basement if it is not dried, quickly following a flood or any other type of water damage.

§  High levels of humidity in your basement is yet another way for mold to grow in your home.

§  Leaking pipes, cracks in the home’s foundation, and leaking gutters can all bring more moisture into the basement. If these leaks are not addressed immediately, mold will build up rapidly.  And while this list is not exhaustive, there are so many more ways that moisture tries to find a hiding place in the home.

Mold produces dangerous spores that can harm many people. People with allergic reactions to mold and those with vulnerable immune systems are especially susceptible to mold exposure. Other more dangerous types of mold, such as toxic molds, can cause damage to anyone, even if they are perfectly healthy. The CleanUP Guys are experts in Illinois and particularly the Chicago area and suburbs well mold removal, mold remediation, and mold damage services are needed.  During the rainy seasons, homes, businesses, hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial properties all can get mold from excess moisture.  The CleanUP Guys are certified, trained professionals that kill mold spores, mold bacterium, mold infestation, the right and proper way.  Eliminating it for good!  So whether you have basement mold, attic mold, or crawlspacemold, we take care of it for you!

Mold Removal Chicago 773-885-8528

The Many Myths of Mold Removal Chicago

Much is made of the dangers associated with mold and mold growth in your home.  So much, in fact, that some people act quickly, almost too quickly, in an effort to get rid of it, which sometimes leads to hiring less than stellar providers which results in subpar work.  See where we are going with this? So let’s get acquainted with mold and determine exactly what the facts in the case are.

Mold is almost always portrayed as a bad thing, especially black mold, capable of causing physical problems ranging from the slight to the severe, from mild allergic reactions to serious respiratory and neurological disorders.  If you push it far enough you could end up blaming it for third world hunger.  In short, it often gets blown out of proportion.  The fact is that while some mold species can cause problems, the vast majority are perfectly harmless, capable of doing no more than causing unsightly stains in the areas where they grow, usually accompanied by an acrid, unpleasant smell.

Bleach is commonly prescribed as a mold removal agent. However, bleach has never been and never will be the solution for your mold problem. For starters, bleach can be dangerous to your health if inhaled or ingested. Also, bleach is a water based solution, and as we all know, mold lives on (get ready) water! You may end up with a temporarily clean surface, but mold has the ability to hide within the pores of that surface, feed on the water in the bleach, and then bingo! You have an all new old growth to contend with.

We have also heard that even small mold growths should be handled by a professional. This is also not true. As much as we would like to go to work for you, we’re not going to have you go through the time and expense of calling us out for a problem that you can take care of yourself using mold removal agents that are readily available at your local market. Just be sure to follow the instructions to the letter.

You have probably also been told that removing the mold is all that is needed to solve the problem. Wrong again. Mold is the byproduct of a much larger problem, usually water damage, and that problem must also be addressed and repaired in order to ensure that the mold does not return.  Thus, mold remediation might be in order to permanently eradicate the problem.

So when do you call in the pros (yes, that would be us!)?  Make the call when you discover mold growth that is three or more feet in diameter. You are now officially dealing with a major mold infestation, one which could be aggravated if you so much as touch it in any way.  We know how to eliminate the mold without inadvertently spreading it throughout the home.

Hopefully we have answered a few of your questions on this fairly gross subject, and set the record straight on this particular subject. Stay tuned to these pages for further developments!

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. 

Mold Remediation and Water Damage 773-885-8528

HELP TO KEEP YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM MOLD FREE!

If you think neglecting your water heater’s care is acceptable, you might want to think again. Many homeowners repeatedly commit the sine of not observing necessary water heater upkeep. Ensure your water system stays in peak condition by keeping in mind the following recommended maintenance tips.

Drain hot water system at least once a year

Draining your tank from the bottom helps get rid of debris and sediments that are accumulated due to constant use.  It also helps maximize heating efficiency and prevents rust and corrosion.

Check the temperature and pressure (T and P) relief valve

The T and P relief valve is designed to ensure your tank does not become too hot or overly pressurized.  While not many people realize it, the importance of looking after this valve cannot be overstated.  When neglected, you can end up dealing with all the hassles and inconvenience a ruptured tank can bring.  In thin with this, having it checked at least once a year is deemed ideal.

Insulate your tanks’ water pipes

Many homeowners not only fail to regulate their water heater’s insulation materials, they also commit the major mistake of not insulating the heater’s water pipes.  The necessity to insulate cannot be overemphasized as it provides energy and money-saving benefits.  Apart from a dramatic reduction in heat loss, insulation can also effectively enhance the water’s temperature. Consider yearly insulation upkeep if you wish to take full advantage of the benefits it has to offer. Also, if you intend to purchase a new heater, opt for one with a thick insulation, so you are guaranteed it will last for a long time.

Inspect for any leakage

A hot water heater leak can cause more damage than most homeowners anticipate.  Leaks that are left unattended are not only detrimental to your property, it can also pose serious health risks. Case in point, the presence of moisture encourages mold growth, which can trigger numerous health issues, like asthma, allergic reactions, and other respiratory problems.  To further ensure leaks are kept at bay, check the drain valve and see to it that it’s tightened properly.

Observer routine upkeep regimen

Just like other pieces of machinery, your water heater can surely benefit from regular and expert care.  If you do not have the spare time or the necessary expertise to look after your heater, the help of a plumber will surely come in handy.  While plumbing fees can come off as an unnecessary expense you can do without, nothing can be farther from the truth.  Keep in mind that regular maintenance can reward you back in the form of lower bills, increased efficiency and reduced risks.

Reset or replace the thermostat

The inability to produce hot water after it has been turned on is a clear indication something is amiss with the thermostat.  In cases like this, cleaning the thermostat or replacing it (whichever is applicable) are two options you have at your disposal.  Also, it is best to remember that this job is best left in the hands of a professionals, so have a qualified technician help you out.

Call a plumber if your water begins to smell

If you notice a light sulfuric smell in your water, it is a foolproof sign there is something wrong with your system.  A sulfuric smell is often the result of a decline in water pressure so having this checked right away is mandatory.  Enlist the help of a professional so damaged hot water parts can be checked and replaced when necessary.

Call a water damage restoration company

If you should get water in your basement because of neglecting the above, don’t hesitate to call awater damage restoration specialist who can get the water out of your basement fast.  This is important for obvious reasons, such as mentioned above, mold can develop quite quickly in a basement.  Water damage allowed to sit too long can precipitate mold spore growth and thus, a need to have mold remediation services done as well.  Many homeowners have neglected taking care of water extraction immediately and have paid the price in time, resources, and finances because of neglecting water in the basement, and subsequently mold removal.  Don’t let it sit there.  Do something about it fast!