Ensure Mold Doesn’t Spread With Professional Mold Remediation

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent Mold Spread and Avoid Mold Damage by Following These Tips.

If you come across black mold in your Ogden, UT home, it’s one problem that needs to be addressed immediately. While the first thought might be to grab some bleach and start scrubbing, this makes the problem worse and often leads to a reoccurring problem. It’s ideal to consult with a professional mold damage restoration company before tackling a mold problem to ensure it is taken care of properly.

A Pesky, Lurking Fungus

Mold spores are everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Luckily, they require the right conditions to come out of their dormant stage and begin to spread. Unfortunately, a home is an ideal place to find that perfect environment. These spores, which are not visible to the naked eye, need the right temperature, moisture and food, which is any organic material.

Once spores have that perfect environment, they quickly begin a never-ending cycle. That means new spores are forming and becoming airborne to find another location in the home to start the process again. Unfortunately, this may be happening without any physical signs. Below are common reasons for mold to grow:

• Consistently high humidity
• Leaky pipes
• Damaged roof
• Condensation buildup
• Improper ventilation
• Damp or wet clothing
• Damp basements or foundation
• Flooding

The Benefits of Mold Remediation

Once a home has black mold, proper mold cleanup is vital to ensure the problem doesn’t persist. If that happens, it creates poor indoor air quality and may turn into a more expensive problem.

A hidden issue, such as behind walls or underneath the flooring, will eventually start to affect the home’s structure. Ensuring that doesn’t happen requires expertise, innovative methods and industrial equipment. A mold professional has everything needed to get your home free of mold. The remediation process typically involves the below steps.

Mold Inspection:

An inspector will perform a visual inspection, as well as take surface samples for testing and conduct air quality tests. Once the extent of the issue is determined, a remediation plan will be created.

Ventilation and Containment:

The affected area will be properly sealed off to ensure that the spores don’t spread. Air scrubbers and other air filtration devices will also be used to capture the spores, further helping to keep them only in the infected area.

Remediation:

This step involves the laborious work of cleaning and disinfecting. A professional will have a multitude of tools and industrial-grade cleaners to properly eradicate the problem. Once this task is finished, a solution will be applied to deter future mold growth.

Repair Source and Damage:

Whether the issue is a hole in the roof or an improperly sealed basement, the source of the problem will be fixed. Any other damage caused by the mold will also be repaired or replaced. In many cases, this will require tearing out carpet and drywall.

Once black mold is discovered, it's not a simple case of wiping it away and moving on. This pesky fungus continues to grow and spread to other areas of the home where the conditions are ideal. To avoid a small problem turning into a big one, it's best to trust the cleanup to a professional.

Why Your Building Smells Like Mold

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

If you smell a musty odor, you probably have mold damage in your Ogden, UT building.

A mold smell that you can't find the source of can be frustrating for property owners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify and eliminate the problem.

How To Eliminate Mold Smell

The characteristic fungus smell caused by the presence of mold or mildew is the result of gasses, called microbial volatile organic compounds, that are produced when molds reproduce. Not all MVOCs have an odor, but mycotoxins are responsible for the musty smell of mold. Eliminating the odor involves getting rid of the mold.

1. Identify Sources of Mold

Sometimes the source of a mildew smell is obvious. You may see patches of green, black, brown, pink, grey, or white mold or mildew growth on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, windowsills, and carpets. Other times, mold is more difficult to locate. Check hidden areas with high moisture, such as under sinks and inside HVAC vents. Mold can sometimes grow inside of walls or other places that are difficult to check. An infrared camera can be useful for detecting hidden mold and moisture.

2. Get Rid of Mold and Mildew

You may be able to remove small areas of mold or mildew by scrubbing with diluted bleach or using cleaners specifically intended for removing fungus. However, for larger jobs, you may need to contact a mold remediation company in Ogden, UT. The mold that is behind walls or beneath surfaces can be difficult to remove with do-it-yourself solutions. If you don't remove all of the molds, it is likely to come back.

3. Let in Some Fresh Air

Open some windows and doors to get the air circulating. This can help remove musty odors and may assist with drying out wet areas.

4. Use Odor Absorbers

If you still have lingering odors after mold removal try using odor absorbers or ozone machines to remove odors from the air. If the smell persists, you may still have hidden mold somewhere.

5. Eliminate Excess Moisture

Prevent future mold problems by controlling sources of moisture. If your property is located in an area with high humidity, install dehumidifiers. Make sure any industrial equipment, kitchens, showers, and other areas that produce moisture have proper ventilation. If there is any standing water in your building, remove it with a wet/dry vacuum. Have your HVAC system inspected and keep it regularly maintained to avoid accumulations of moisture in the vents and other areas. Repair leaking plumbing, roofs, appliances, and equipment promptly.

6. Use Mold-Resistant Products

You can reduce your chance of future mold issues by using mold-resistant products whenever you replace existing materials or construct new buildings. Mold-resistant drywall, sheetrock, and paint can help prevent mold growth in and on walls. It is particularly beneficial to use these materials in areas that tend to have high moisture levels.

If you are noticing a mold smell, you probably have mold, even if you can't see it. The key to getting rid of the smell is to get rid of the mold. Because mold isn't always easy to find, you may need to utilize special equipment or hire a professional to perform an inspection.

Steps To Take When You Discover Mold

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

When you discover mold in your Ogden, UT home, act quickly to avoid further damage.

You can't always prevent water damage in your commercial building or the fungus that grows on wet materials. You can, however, influence how big the problem gets. If you discover black mold in your building in Ogden, UT, the immediate steps you take may mean the difference between a quick remediation process and a long-term rebuild.

Call for Mitigation

The first thing you should do if you see patches on the wall or ceiling of your office building is to contact local mold damage, mitigation experts. The faster the technicians get there, the sooner they can start the steps of the mold cleanup process:

• Assess the scope of the problem
• Extract excess moisture
• Tear out ruined materials
• Disinfect area, if necessary
• Dry all surfaces
• Rebuild structure
• Restore aesthetic components

Mold can start to grow on surfaces within as few as 24 hours after a water loss has occurred. If you want to keep it from getting out of control, you need to call for help quickly.

Turn Off Water Main

Chances are good that the moisture problem causing the mold growth in your building stems from a blockage or leak somewhere. A toilet may have overflowed in the upstairs restroom. A pipe may have burst along an exterior wall during an ice storm. To prevent further damage, it makes sense to stop the flow to the location of the problem. Locate the water main and shut off the water for the building. Then call a trusted plumber to investigate and fix the issue before you turn the water back on again.

Shut Down HVAC System

While continuous airflow may help prevent black mold in your building, that changes once a fungus problem is discovered. An important step in slowing the spread of the growth is containing it, which means it doesn't help you to continue to blow mold spores throughout the building by way of the air ducts. By shutting down your HVAC system until the problem is resolved, you can help ensure that the technicians can isolate and mitigate the whole issue the first time around.

Leave Mitigation to the Professionals

It may be tempting to grab a bucket of soapy water and a brush to scrub away the mold on the wall. Unfortunately, this may make the problem worse, even if it looks like you're getting rid of the growth. Mold not only covers the surface of the materials it invades but also embeds itself into the fibers and cracks beneath. Despite your best intentions, your attempt to clean may just be feeding the mold by adding more moisture. It's best to wait for the mitigation team to arrive so that they can contain the mold and get rid of the problem for good.

You may not be able to completely prevent black mold growth in your building, but you can minimize its invasiveness. By calling the right professionals who can tackle the problem quickly and stopping the spread of the growth beyond the affected area, you are on the right track. Your fast action may be the key to stopping the mold before it gets out of control.

Understanding the Limitations of a Renter's Insurance Policy and Mold

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Cleanup in Ogden, UT

When you purchase a rental insurance policy, you likely believe it covers you for any personal property loss related to any disaster, but that is not true. Many policies have exclusions, and one popular exclusion is mold damage. However, many insurers will still permit some coverage for a mold remediation service in Ogden, Utah, if the mold is a result of other covered issues, like:

• Lightning or fire
• Hail or windstorm
• Vandalism
• Water damage from plumbing

The only surefire way to know if an insurer will cover mold issues is to talk with them directly. However, there are a few basics that might apply to your policy.

1. Storm Surges
Most rental insurance policies exclude storm surges. If you live in an area where external flooding is possible, consider purchasing additional insurance. A flood insurance policy will offer more protection for your personal property than typical rental policies.

2. Tenant Negligence
No insurance company will cover damages caused by your negligence. For example, leaving wet towels in a corner for weeks that result in mold growth and damage to your personal property is not covered. Furthermore, a landlord might also have grounds for a lawsuit to seek compensation for any structural damage.

3. Structural Damages
As a renter, you are not responsible for mold removal or damage if it stems from a property issue. A leaky pipe, roof damage, internal flooding, etc., are all the landlord's responsibility. However, while the landlord is responsible for structural damage and property upkeep, they are not responsible for damages to your personal property.

If you believe your personal property was affected by a landlord’s negligence, you might want to sue or demand compensation. Before you do so, it might be best to contact a local attorney to receive advice.
Rental insurance, especially standard policies, will not cover mold damage. You will probably need additional coverage for specific issues. You can always talk to your insurer to determine the best course of action and discover what you are covered for.

Understanding the Mold Remediation Process

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can cause severe damage to your property.

People get used to smelling old, musty basements, but should they? While some odors relate to older unwashed items, mustiness is often the result of dampness, which can lead to regular or black mold. Reading musty and mold in the same sentence is often enough to unnerve some homeowners, but with the help of a mold remediation specialist in Ogden, UT, there is a quick solution to your potential problem: the remediation process, which typically involves three steps.

3 Steps for Mold Remediation 

1. Testing and Quarantine

The remediation team you hire will probably test the mold before proceeding with removal. They will take samples of the infestation to identify the species. Through identification, the team learns about the necessary precautions to take during the removal phase.
Depending on the species of mold, the team might need to seal off or quarantine the affected part of the home, which is often the case with toxic black mold. They will do this using plastic sheeting and tape, masking over vents, doors, and most windows. They might also use air movers to maintain ventilation.

2. Removal

Once identified, the team will begin removing the mold species. Depending on the level of the infestation, they might need to remove sections of the wall, ceiling, or floor to get to the root of the growth. Mold tends to root deep into porous materials, including insulation.
Many homeowners find this part of the process overwhelming because large areas of the house might get stripped bare to expose and remove the problem. While intimidating, there is nothing to fear when using a qualified remediation and restoration team.

3. Restoration

With all evidence of mold removed and the mold cleanup complete, the remediation and restoration team will inspect the area and design a restoration plan. By the time the team finishes, you will never know they were even there. The goal of any restoration expert is to make a home look like it did before the disaster.

Mold, whether black mold or common, can cause tremendous property damage. The sooner you can start the remediation process the better.

Protection During Mold Remediation

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Use protection during mold cleanup

A musty odor in your home in Ogden, UT, may indicate that you have a mold problem. Before you grab your spray bottle and attack the patch with vigor, however, it's important to know the appropriate personal protective equipment you need to wear. Proper PPE goes beyond just wearing face masks. Follow these tips so that you know you're protected.

Use Proper Protection During Mold Remediation 

Small Mold Growth

A relatively small patch of mold damage on your counter or a contained growth in the grout in your shower may be something you can handle yourself. Before you start any cleaning, however, you need to don the right gear:

• N95 face mask
  
• Rubber gloves
  
• Goggles
  

These items protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands from any spores that you stir up during the cleanup process. Even if you have to upgrade your gloves because you decide to use a harsher chemical to clean, you should always take measures to ensure that you are working safely.

Large Mold Growth

If the mold growth takes up a whole wall or you smell the odor more strongly when the air conditioner comes on, indicating that it's inside the ducts, you must rely on mold remediation specialists to handle the cleanup job. The technicians are not only careful to wear face masks and other appropriate PPE throughout the mitigation process but also may put on protective coveralls. In addition to safeguarding themselves, they protect the rest of your house from additional fungal spread. The mitigation team starts by sealing off the affected area to prevent spores from traveling throughout the rest of the house. This protects your HVAC system and other vulnerable spaces.

Whether your mold problem is large or small, no mitigation should begin until you or the technicians whom you hire are wearing the appropriate gear. Face masks, gloves and goggles are the minimum requirements for proper protection.

How To Respond to Shower Mold

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Bathroom mold growth is common because of the constant use of water and high levels of humidity.

Your bathroom provides an ideal environment for black mold because of the constant use of water and the high levels of humidity. The good news is that you can clean up some of that unsightly shower mold between visits from Ogden, UT, mold remediation professionals. Before you get started, remember a few vital tips:

Vital Tips to Clean Up Unsightly Shower Mold

• Never mix bleach, vinegar, and other cleaning products.
  
• When you treat the surface mold, hidden growth is still present behind the tiles where you can't reach.
  
  

It's good to conduct surface cleaning regularly, but it's still necessary to have professionals visit to get rid of mold hidden by the shower walls, the ceiling, and the floor.

Use a Homemade Solution

You can use undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle. Full-strength vinegar is the most effective, and you don't need to wipe the vinegar away. Within an hour or two, you shouldn't be bothered by vinegar smell anymore. Alternatively, you could mix 1 cup of Borax or bleach with a gallon of water and put this mixture in your spray bottle. The Borax spray doesn't need to be rinsed off, but the bleach spray must be rinsed away. Remember that bleach releases toxic fumes.

Wipe and Scrub Affected Surfaces

It's important that you get the right amount of spray on the shower mold, so that there's an even coating, but not so much liquid that you increase the potential for mold growth. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the area down. Pull out a scrub brush for stubborn areas. Don't use that brush for anything else, or you'll risk spreading mold throughout your home. Moldy grout can be particularly hard to clean.

Replace Grout, Tiles, and Other Surfaces

If you can't get rid of mold stains, there's probably a deeper problem. This should be addressed by professionals. Removing wallboard, tiles, or wallpaper can release mold spores into the air, allowing them to float into other rooms of your home.

Shower mold may be a common occurrence, but this doesn't lessen the severity of this risks of associated with this fungus in your home. Make sure you take steps to clean up and treat mold as soon as you see or suspect its presence.

Top 4 Places To Find Mold in Your Home

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes roof leaks are subtle and can cause mold growth.

It is not uncommon to find some levels of mold growth in houses. No homeowner should want any level of growth in their home, but it is sometimes difficult to find the underlying causes for the problem, and sometimes, homeowners do not even realize there is a problem. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the top four hiding places of mold, so you can have a remediation company in Ogden, UT, come over to inspect these areas.

• Basement
• Attic
• Laundry room
• Kitchen

4 Places Where Mold Hides

1. Basement

Basements are notorious for having a musty, moldy smell, which can sometimes leave a homeowner’s guard down because they assume the smell is typical. The lowest level of your house, however, is the most vulnerable to high humidity levels and mold development. You most likely have exposed pipes, sump pumps and furnaces in the basement, which all contribute to the high moisture content in the air. Mold thrives in humid environments.

2. Attic

Do you know if you currently have a roof leak? Sometimes, leaks are subtle and go unnoticed for months. Attic leaks can lead to significant mold growth because people do not go into their attics often. You also should consider attic ventilation to reduce the risks.

3. Laundry Room

The laundry room is a moisture haven. The washing machine and dryer lead to high levels of humidity, and if you have a mechanical closet with a water heater, that only adds to the issue. To reduce your risks, try installing or using a dehumidifier, and perform water damage checks often.

4. Kitchen

While the use of fans and hood vents helps to remove excess moisture from the air in kitchens, you should still be cautious and observant. Any small leak or unsealed food items can lead to the development of mold.

While mold growth can be overwhelming for any homeowner, vigilance is key to prevention. Therefore, keep watch over the moisture levels in the areas listed above, and contact a remediation company to assess your home.

4 Ways to Remove and Prevent Shower Mold

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

Shower leak can lead to mold damage in Ogden, UT.

Shower mold is a common issue in most households. Although, the problem typically manifests as mildew rather than mold. If you have to deal with mold, then you definitely want to address the issue quickly, but you will also want to find ways to prevent the further development of the mold. Try the following four methods for removing and preventing mold.

• Commercial cleaners
• DIY cleaner
• Professional removal
• Preventatives

4 Methods For Removing and Preventing Shower Mold 

Commercial Cleaners

The first method that people tend to use without much consideration when they have a moldy bathroom is a commercial cleaner. While these cleaners can be useful, they can also be harsher than necessary and should be used with caution. If you choose to use a commercial product, be sure to use protective gear, such as gloves and eyewear, and open a window.

DIY Cleaner

When it comes to DIY shower mold removers, there are a few options. First, you can use undiluted vinegar for a non-toxic alternative. Second, you can mix one cup of Borax with a gallon of water for an effective fungicide solution. Last, you can use a bleach solution, but because of the fumes, it is not advisable.

Professional Removal

Next, if you are concerned about the type of mold your dealing with, or are curious if the substance is black mold, then consider hiring a professional mold remediation company in Ogden, UT. These professionals will inspect and test your home, making sure they take any necessary safety precautions.

Preventatives

Once the mold is cleaned and removed, it is necessary to ensure that you are taking all precautions to prevent future mold development. For example, always use the bathroom fan when taking a shower. Also, when you are done bathing, open a window and let the space dry. Last, consider using a squeegee to get excess moisture off of tiles and hard surfaces.
Shower mold or mildew is a common household occurrence, but it is necessary to take action to ensure the problem doesn't become unmanageable. Follow the steps above to clean and reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Are You Supporting Mold Growth in Your Home?

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys is black or toxic mold. It thrives wherever there's high humidity.

The more you know about black mold and how it affects your home, the better prepared you'll be to prevent trouble. Take a look at some of the facts, so you know exactly how to respond for the welfare of your home. Begin by identifying the most common types of mold that grow in homes.

• Acremonium typically grows in humidifiers, drain pans, and in window sealants.
  
• Alternaria is often found in showers, underneath leaking sinks, and around bathtubs.
  
• Aureobasidium grows behind wallpaper and on painted surfaces.
  
• Chaetomium grows where homes have suffered water damage.
  
• Cladosporium often grows in sofas, carpets, and inside cupboards.
  
• Mucor grows in patches around HVAC systems and inside ducts.
  
• Stachybotrys is black or toxic mold. It thrives wherever there's high humidity.
  
• Trichoderma causes heavy damage to building materials.
  
• Ulocladium is found around tubs and sinks. It also grows around windows with high condensation.
  
  

You may have noticed several of these throughout your home and not even recognized them as mold.

Learn How Mold Survives

Why are there so many types of mold in your home? Is there any way to get rid of them? The key to understanding this is know as much as possible about mold. For instance, hundreds of types of these living fungi exist in nature all around you. Most of the time, they don't cause any trouble, but play vital roles in the ecosystem. However, they are very adapted to living in spartan environments. Basically, mold only needs a bit of food and some moisture to establish a colony.

Prevent and Control Growth

Mold cleanup begins with home maintenance. Quickly repair any leaks or damages that take place in and around your home. Watch out for any spots that look or smell damp. If you suspect trouble, contact a mold remediation professional right away for inspections and sterilization of affected areas.

Avoid Trouble

Black mold doesn't have to be a big problem in your home. Before it can take hold and begin to spread, be as thorough as possible when completing household chores. Vigilantly dry up any spills, leaks, or flooding. Finally, contact South Ogden,UT, professionals when you suspect mold is already present.

5 Tips for Salvaging Belongings From Mold Damage

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in a Liberty, UT closet

5 Tips for Salvaging Belongings From Mold Damage

When it comes to mold cleaning in Liberty, UT, you may be wondering if a professional mold remediation service can do anything to salvage your belongings as well as clean your home. Fortunately, the answer in many cases is yes. Here are five tips if you're trying to save your personal items from mold damage.

1. Talk to a Professional

When you have water damage in your home, mold remediation steps may be necessary to salvage your belongings. Contacting a professional can be the first step to getting everything back in order. They'll know the right procedures and have the equipment necessary to get the cleanup process started.

2. Sort Your Belongings First

One important step towards salvaging belongings from mold is to sort the belongings by type. Different methods of cleaning are suited to different types of materials, meaning any affected items should be organized by material so that they can be cleaned efficiently.

3. Follow Cleaning Recommendations

When performing a mold cleaning it's best always follow any cleaning recommendations. This means you may need to double check the manufacturer's instructions on any cloth or upholstery items to prevent additional damage.

4. Keep Cleaned Items in a Mold-Free Zone

After you have cleaned away any mold damage, it's important to keep the cleaned items away from any area still being treated for mold. This will help prevent any additional spreading of spores.

5. Take Mold Prevention Steps

After your belongings have been cleaned and your home restored, you may want to take some mold prevention steps. These could include setting a regular schedule to check for water damage, installing a drainage system, or adjusting your landscaping to slope away from your home.

When it comes to mold cleaning you may be relieved to know that in many cases personal items can be saved as well. It's best to talk to a professional about the best cleaning methods beforehand, and the sort your items by type to ensure the most efficient process is used. Always follow cleaning recommendations for your items, and keep clean items in a mold-free zone until remediation efforts at your home are completed.

Are Mold-Testing Kits Accurate?

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Mold testing in a South Ogden, UT home

If you just purchased a home, or if you suspect mold may be growing in your current place, you want to know what you’re up against. No one wants to contend with this unwanted invader. If you’re not ready to call in an expert to do mold test, you may be thinking of trying a home mold test kit. Before you do anything, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using a kit on your own.

What They Do

Perhaps you don’t want to spend the money bringing in a professional to your South Ogden,UT,
home to do mold testing. You can purchase kits online or from your local home improvement store. These kits work in the following ways:

• You can place them in various zones of your home.
  
• Can test for the presence of mold in your home.
  
• Often require that you send the mold kit back to a lab to identify the type of mold growing in your house.
  
  

What They’ll Show

Here’s the interesting thing about DIY mold evaluation: The kits will almost certainly always detect mold in your house. This is because there is always at least a trace of mold. Therefore, these home kits will turn up positive results. Before you get scared, realize that this doesn’t necessarily mean you should be scared, as the kits could be showing the minute levels present.

A More Accurate Way

If you truly want to know whether mold is threatening in your house, you need to contact a professional. An environmental hygienist has the skills, expertise and experience to identify accurately what type of mold is growing and the extent to which it is present. This is the best method to understand what you face and what plans you should make for cleanup and restoration.

Don’t waste time on home mold testing kits. Call a trusted professional and feel good knowing you have accurate findings.

Got Mold? Hire an Environmental Hygienist

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage in an Ogden, UT home

Whether you have just moved to a new home or have lived where you’re at for many years, there may come a time when you need to seek mold cleaning. Asking friends and family members what to do could give you some direction, but how will you know what the best solution is? Environmental hygienists are certified to check for mold and will offer you the best course of action to take for your specific situation.

What Makes a Hygienist Stand Out?

You may wonder why an environmental hygienist is your best option when dealing with mold damage. There are a few qualities and qualifications that really make these professionals stand out.

• Hygienists are required to take a test showing their knowledge on the subject before heading out into the field.
• The certification is recognized around the world.
• They are given opportunities to practice learning and gain experience.
• They adhere to a specific code of ethics.

As you can see, when hiring a certified hygienist, you can rest assured the person in your home will know the difference between a normal level of mold and a heightened level. You can relax knowing the individual will suggest the proper avenue for mold cleaning. You can be sure he or she will spot water sources, moisture, mold colonies and odors that present a problem. Finally, you can trust that he or she will show respect and courtesy while in your Ogden, UT, home.

When Should You Call a Professional?

The best time to call a professional is anytime you’re not certain what to do. If you find yourself questioning a situation, that’s a great time to call. Mold cleaning can turn into a big job if not caught early enough, but with a professional environmental hygienist and mold remediation experts on your side, it won’t get out of hand. Whether you have noticed moisture and can’t find the source or can’t put your finger on a musty odor, it’s better to be safe and have your home professionally checked.

3 Ways To Keep Your Bathroom Mold Free

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

If you often find yourself battling mold and mildew in the bathroom of your Ogden, UT, home, it may give you some relief to know this is a common problem for many homeowners. The presence of plumbing appliances, pipes, past water damage and your family’s shower can all contribute to high humidity and dampness that creates an ideal environment for fungi to form. However, there are a few ways you can prevent mold and mildew from taking hold in the bathroom in between cleanings.

1. Install Air Vents

Proper ventilation can be key for preventing mold growth, especially if you have a small bathroom. The more enclosed the space, the higher the humidity levels after someone uses the shower or runs hot water in the sink. Installing air vents near the shower can allow some of the warm air to escape and lower the risk of mold formation in your shower’s grout or around the base of the toilet.

2. Treat the Shower After Use

An excess of moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow in the shower, but there is one way you can prevent it. Keep a small squeegee handy in or near the shower and encourage your family members to wipe down the stall with it once they are finished washing. This can prevent or slow the growth of fungus that can seriously affect your shower’s grout.

3. Have Your Bathroom Inspected for Water Damage

If you are having trouble controlling mold in your bathroom, you may want to call in a mold remediation and restoration service to inspect the room. Experienced servicemen can perform a thorough examination of your plumbing, sink and tub to ensure there are no slow leaks that may be causing the issue. They may also be able to give you tips on mold prevention you can use in the future.

Your Ogden, UT, home’s bathroom can be prone to mold and mildew because of high humidity and unseen water damage. Knowing how to prevent these issues may make weekly cleanup simpler and keep your restroom sparkling clean for everyone.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROogdenut.com/.

Does Your Home Have Mold?

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

If your home has recently experienced water damage, you should keep an eye out for mold. There are several ways to find out whether mold is growing. You can take simple investigative steps yourself, particularly if mold growth is visible. If you smell a mildew odor but do not see any evidence of mold, you should contact an indoor environmental specialist to schedule a mold test as soon as possible.

Follow these three steps to find out whether your home has mold:

1. Visually inspect areas where water damage has occurred for signs of mold. Mold is most likely to develop in areas with high humidity or moisture levels. Examine places where water damage has occurred for any evidence of mold growth and avoid disturbing any colonies you find, as this may expose you to mold or cause spores to spread.

2. If you smell a powerful moldy odor but see no visible signs of mold, contact an indoor environmental specialist. Do not attempt to search for hidden mold on your own. This is especially the case if your search would require you to peel back wallpaper or make a hole in the wall. Leave invasive search methods to certified mold remediation experts to protect yourself and prevent the problem from getting worse.

3. Have a mold test performed by certified professionals. Professional testing is the best way to find out what (if any) type of mold is present and the right combination of containment, removal, cleaning, and disinfection necessary to eliminate the issue. If a hygienist or environmental specialist finds mold, they can perform visual analysis or culturing to determine the type, genus, or subspecies of the mold.

If you discover mold in your home, detailed information can help you determine the best options for remediation. Contact an indoor environmental specialist in Ogden, UT, to find out about mold cleanup options.

For more information, visit us at http://www.SERVPROogdenut.com.