Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Precautions Necessary in Seattle Property after Mold Damage
9/29/2022 (Permalink)
You can depend on our professionals with state-of-the-art equipment to thoroughly remediate mold damage in your Seattle property.
SERVPRO Runs Mold Remediation in Seattle Homes Safely
Mold straddles different spectrums of property damage. It soils and consumes materials while simultaneously creating hazardous conditions at a property. Therefore, taking precautionary steps is as crucial as any other action in your Seattle property when resolving mold damage.
The best precaution step would be to keep your Seattle property mold damage free. However, if you can see signs of contamination, then it is too late for that. You should move forward and find a way to mitigate the problem while protecting your family members from any detrimental effects. Our SERVPRO Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians receive training focusing on advanced and straightforward ways to handle mold remediation safely.
Simple safety actions during remediation :
- Do not stir too much airflow
- Contain areas before demolition
- Do not introduce moisture unnecessarily
Precautions are necessary when cleaning, moving contents, or removing moldy materials. One comprehensive solution is setting up containment barriers separating different house sections, thus ensuring any disturbed debris stays within the soiled area. The best containment is made from 6-mil plastic sheets supported by PVC pipes or spring-loaded metal rods since it is easy to set up and forms airtight barriers. With the containment in place, work crews can disturb materials without fear of spreading debris. Our SERVPRO technicians wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, respirators, and rubber gloves to protect themselves from exposure. In case of severe contamination, a full bodysuit is necessary.
Managing a Mold Damaged Environment
Since containment is not practical in every mold damage case or all areas of a property, knowing how to manage the environment, in general, is ideal. Moisture and airflow are the main issues to control since cleaning and drying are the main activities required when restoring contaminated areas. Airflow can be affected by abrasive cleaning processes such as compressed air or drying wet areas using air movers. Our SERVPRO technicians look for alternatives that do not create problems. For instance, HEPA vacuuming surfaces to remove colony debris by drawing it in rather than spreading it. Maximizing water extraction and then using dehumidifiers can limit the need for air movers.
Other steps that limit the spread of mold debris:
- Sealing HVAC Vents before starting the remediation
- Bagging and sealing removed materials
- Establishing negative air pressure
Moisture influences mold development and spreading. Using significant water when cleaning areas soiled by mold is not ideal since it can precipitate re-infestation. Alternatively, considerable drying efforts are necessary. Cleaning the contaminated areas using alternative approaches can be a better approach. Our SERVPRO technicians use soda or dry ice blasting. The two methods use sodium bicarbonate and dry ice pellets, driven at high pressure against a surface where they disintegrate on impact, removing the residue accumulation on the surface. Blast cleaning does not involve any moisture, so it cannot fuel further contamination. Sodium bicarbonate has an added advantage since it creates a harsh environment for mold spores while also deodorizing. On the other hand, dry ice does not leave any residues.
SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast handles mold damage regularly while following IICRC standards to ensure safety for work crews and home occupants. Call us at (206) 362-9295. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
SERVPRO Offers Mold Remediation in Seattle
9/27/2022 (Permalink)
SEWRVPRO technicians are IICRC certified to perform mold inspections in Seattle
Need Mold Inspection and Removal in Seattle – Call SERVPRO
Your home or business can host mold colonies if the humidity level is too high or there is a water leak. Mold can cause health effects. Many residents first notice a strong, musty smell emanating from an area of their home or business, and once they investigate, they find a mold colony in a warm dark place.
SERVPRO provides mold inspection services for Seattle clients. Our team inspects the mold infestation and provides guidance regarding state-required documentation and inspection requirements. We advise how best to deal with the mold in your unique situation. The simple solution is to hire professionals like us to remediate the problem.
Mold spores exist everywhere, and once they find a food source with high moisture levels, colonies quickly begin to grow. Our local humid conditions contribute to many mold infestations. We offer suggestions to help prevent mold infestations in your home.
- Keep air conditioning systems running
- Install a dehumidifier and operate it during humid weather conditions
- Ensure good ventilation in all rooms
SERVPRO also follows industry guidelines (IICRC) while removing mold infestations from your home. Negative pressure rooms, scraping surfaces from top to bottom, using industry-approved materials to remove mold, and controlled demolition techniques for severely damaged structures and contents. Our primary concern is preventing mold spores from moving to other areas of the home, reducing moisture levels, and removing damaged materials from your home.
Our mold inspection and remediation services include:
- Attic mold removal
- Bathroom mold removal
- Basement mold remediation and removal
Call the mold inspection specialists at SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast and nearby areas for assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (206) 362-9295.
Precautions Necessary in Seattle Property after Mold Damage
8/29/2022 (Permalink)
You can depend on our professionals with state-of-the-art equipment to thoroughly remediate mold damage in your Seattle property.
SERVPRO Runs Mold Remediation in Seattle Homes Safely
Mold straddles different spectrums of property damage. It soils and consumes materials while simultaneously creating hazardous conditions at a property. Therefore, taking precautionary steps is as crucial as any other actions in your Seattle property when resolving mold damage.
The best precaution step would be to keep your Seattle property mold damage free. However, if you can see signs of contamination, then it is too late for that. You should move forward and find a way to mitigate the problem while protecting your family members from any detrimental effects. Our SERVPRO Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians receive training focusing on advanced and straightforward ways to handle mold remediation safely.
Simple safety actions during remediation :
- Do not stir too much airflow
- Contain areas before demolition
- Do not introduce moisture unnecessarily
Precautions are necessary when cleaning, moving contents, or removing moldy materials. One comprehensive solution is setting up containment barriers separating different house sections, thus ensuring any disturbed debris stays within the soiled area. The best containment is made from 6-mil plastic sheets supported by PVC pipes or spring-loaded metal rods since it is easy to set up and forms airtight barriers. With the containment in place, work crews can disturb materials without fear of spreading debris. Our SERVPRO technicians wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, respirators, and rubber gloves to protect themselves from exposure. In case of severe contamination, a full bodysuit is necessary.
Managing a Mold Damaged Environment
Since containment is not practical in every mold damage case or all areas of a property, knowing how to manage the environment, in general, is ideal. Moisture and airflow are the main issues to control since cleaning and drying are the main activities required when restoring contaminated areas. Airflow can be affected by abrasive cleaning processes such as compressed air or drying wet areas using air movers. Our SERVPRO technicians look for alternatives that do not create problems. For instance, HEPA vacuuming surfaces to remove colony debris by drawing it in rather than spreading it. Maximizing water extraction and then using dehumidifiers can limit the need for air movers.
Other steps that limit the spread of mold debris:
- Sealing HVAC Vents before starting the remediation
- Bagging and sealing removed materials
- Establishing negative air pressure
Moisture influences mold development and spreading. Using significant water when cleaning areas soiled by mold is not ideal since it can precipitate re-infestation. Alternatively, considerable drying efforts are necessary. Cleaning the contaminated areas using alternative approaches can be a better approach. Our SERVPRO technicians use soda or dry ice blasting. The two methods use sodium bicarbonate and dry ice pellets, driven at high pressure against a surface where they disintegrate on impact, removing the residue accumulation on the surface. Blast cleaning does not involve any moisture, so it cannot fuel further contamination. Sodium bicarbonate has an added advantage since it creates a harsh environment for mold spores while also deodorizing. On the other hand, dry ice does not leave any residues.
SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast handles mold damage regularly while following IICRC standards to ensure safety for work crews and home occupants. Call us at (206) 362-9295. We’re "Faster to any size disaster".
Seattle Mold and Water Removal Company & a Multi-Pronged Approach
6/25/2022 (Permalink)
Professional mold remediation saves Seattle area homeowners disruptions and stress. Call SERVPRO for great assistance.
Mold Remediation Requires Professional Help
Seattle is a beautiful place to live. The glorious vistas of Puget Sound and Lake Washington make this an excellent place for your home. However, the climate does lend itself to a damp atmosphere and steady heavy rain, so those living here need to take extra care of their homes.
If your home suffers a leak of any kind, whether, from an appliance or inclement weather, you may need water and Mold removal in Seattle. For best results, choose a remediation company that takes a multi-pronged approach that leaves you stress-free and your home “Like it never even happened.”
What do we mean by a multi-pronged approach?
Water and mold remediation are not straightforward tasks. There are many things to consider:
• What caused the problem?
• What is the best way to remediate it?
• Are there any health risks?
• What should you do about insurance?
• Can you prevent the problem from coming back?
SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast takes all of these aspects into account.
How do we decide on the best course of remediation?
Every mold remediation project is different. We begin by assessing:
• How much moisture is present – we use moisture probes and meters to take readings
• Careful visual inspection to determine the amount of the infestation
Can we help you with insurance?
Dealing with insurers may be one of the most frustrating parts of a home disaster. SERVPRO can assist with insurance claims on your behalf. We log all damage and take photos of evidence, and we can provide a professional opinion on which items we can salvage and which items require replacing. We work with many insurance companies and understand what they are looking for. We try to help and reduce the anxiety level, but we are not insurance agents. Mold remediation can be tricky for securing reimbursement from your carrier.
SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast can help. Call or click for help. (206) 362-9295
SERVPRO Provides Mold Inspection Services in Seattle
4/27/2022 (Permalink)
Unseen mold damage is often hidden. SERVPRO has the expertise to locate mold colonies in your home.
Need Mold Inspection and Removal in Seattle – Call SERVPRO®
Whether it is a water leak, a storm, or high moisture levels in your Seattle home or business, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours after the initial exposure to water and moisture. Mold can cause health effects. Many residents first notice a strong, musty smell emanating from an area of their home or business, and once they investigate, they find a mold colony in a warm dark place of their home or business.
SERVPRO provides mold inspection services to their clients in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Our team inspects the mold infestation and provides guidance regarding state-required documentation and inspection requirements. We advise how best to deal with the mold in your unique situation.
Mold spores exist everywhere, and once they find a food source with high moisture levels, colonies quickly begin to grow. Our humid conditions contribute to many mold infestations. We also provide guidance on how to avoid mold infestations in your home:
- Keep air conditioning systems running
- Install a dehumidifier and operate it during humid weather conditions
- Ensure good ventilation in all rooms
SERVPRO also follows industry guidelines while removing mold infestations from your home. Negative pressure rooms, scraping surfaces from top to bottom, using industry-approved materials to remove mold, and controlled demolition techniques for severely damaged structures and contents. Our primary concern is preventing mold spores from moving to other areas of the home, reducing moisture levels, and removing damaged materials from your home.
Our mold inspection and remediation services include:
- Attic mold removal
- Bathroom mold removal
- Basement mold remediation and removal
Call the mold inspection specialists at SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast and nearby areas for assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (206) 362-9295.
Measures Taken During Mold Remediation in Seattle Homes
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
A common effect of water damage is mold, and mold spores quickly multiply. Call SERVPRO at the first sign of mold.
For Advanced Mold Remediation Procedures in Seattle Properties - Call SERVPRO®
A common effect of water damage is mold. The intruding water can stem from broken pipes, HVAC problems, or sprinkler system leaks. If the intrusion goes unnoticed, it might create room for mold growth. If you see any signs like dark spots on surfaces or detect a musty smell in your Seattle property, you might have a mold problem, so calling remediation contractors is ideal. You might also discover mold during other processes such as water damage restoration.
If mold remediation in Seattle properties is not done fast, the microbes can multiply, contaminating vast areas. Since mold spores float everywhere, our technicians construct containment barriers to stop mold debris from spreading into uncontaminated areas. According to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, ACGIH, various methods may be used to prevent the spread of contaminants during remediation.
Containment Measures That Prevent Mold Spores from Spreading
- Source containment
- Local or mini-containment
- Full-scale containment
Preventing Mold from Further Damaging Your Property
Proper mold remediation relies on the physical removal of heavily contaminated materials and adequate drying. It is possible to clean non-porous materials, but heavily infested porous items, like drywall, carpeting, plaster, fabric-covered furniture, and clothing damaged by mold should be removed and not cleaned.
Our technicians choose a containment method depending on the situation. For example, if the level of contamination is minimal, source containment would be applicable, whereby we wrap the contaminated materials using 6-mil polyethylene or sealed plastic bags before removing them from the building.
Other Steps in Mold Remediation
- HEPA vacuuming surfaces to remove loose mold fragments
- Damp wiping surfaces to remove mold growing in layers
- Drying the structure and contents sufficiently
SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast can help with mold remediation using skillful techniques. Call us at (206) 362-9295. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
What Should Happen with Wet Carpets in Lake City Homes?
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
Did a plumbing leak cause your carpets to become wet? SERVPRO has the tools and training to dry your carpet.
Water Damage Can Require Multiple Restoration and Cleaning Solutions for Lake City Properties
Because of how standard carpeting is to area homes, water damage incidents often involve these flooring elements. Technicians of our roster arrive with extraction and drying tools uniquely designed for the challenges of saturated carpeting.
How Damaged Is the Carpet?
One of the first questions that our SERVPRO team must answer with water damage in Lake City is how damaged the affected materials have become. Areas like the carpet rapidly absorb moisture to the point of becoming oversaturated. Understanding the degree of damage comes with indicative signs like:
- Needed surface water removal
- Feel and appearance of the carpet
- Moisture detection devices
- Thermal imagery
Has the Damage Reached Subflooring?
With moisture detection devices, our SERVPRO team can track the movement of water beyond the carpet and into the padding and subflooring. Determining if moisture has impacted the subflooring is critical to getting needed actions started.
How Can Water Be Removed?
Our SERVPRO professionals can utilize wet vacuums and carpet wands to pull out trapped water when still heavily saturated. Weighted extractors can also force water to the surface for removal.
Can the Materials Be Dried On-Site?
One of the advantages of having a team that responds as fast as our SERVPRO team will is dry damaged materials on-site rather than relying on controlled demolition and reinstallation. Separating the top layer from the padding allows our professionals to 'float' the materials by running a low-profile, high-velocity centrifugal air mover between the layers to dry both simultaneously.
Wet carpets can be a challenge for responding technicians. With the popularity of this flooring material, water damage to carpeted floors is a scenario our SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast team must stay prepared to overcome. We quickly assess the condition of the fibrous flooring and work to protect it from irreparable harm. Call today at (206) 362-9295.
Is Surface Cleaning Ideal for Mold Damage in Seattle Homes?
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has the tools and training to reduce or nearly eliminate a material's ability to host active colonies.
There are Multiple Mold Remediation Processes Possible for Seattle Properties
While surface mold remediation treatments are among the most common, a thorough inspection of the property is needed to determine where this removal tactic is beneficial and where other techniques might be better.
What Does Surface Cleaning Entail?
There is a necessity for swift and reliable mold remediation for Seattle homes, and much of this begins with surface cleaning strategies. We can apply biocide products that neutralize and eradicate mold spores on contact using mechanical actions like steel wool, brushing, and similar approaches. This antimicrobial method is the least invasive approach for removing active colonization but would be ineffective if the organism has become deeply rooted in the hosting material.
Can Mold Growth Be Prevented?
It is feasible to reduce or nearly eliminate a material's ability to host active colonies. In fact, one of the advantages of surface cleaning with the potent antimicrobial products in our inventory is the lasting effects on the hosting materials impacted. Sporicidal and biocide products can not only eliminate active colonization and mold organisms on contact, but they will also act as a mold inhibitor on specific hosting elements if they have not yet begun to support the spreading colony.
What Advanced Cleaning Options Exist?
More aggressive measures are necessary when our experienced mold specialists cannot utilize surface cleaning strategies to manage mold concerns. Direct efforts focus on pushing beyond the surface of hosting materials to remove the entire hyphae of the organism. Beyond the use of sporicidal products and inhibitors, our IICRC trained SERVPRO team can also implement more abrasive cleaning tactics such as:
- Media Blasting
- Surface Sanding
- Controlled Demolition
Multiple remediation strategies could impact the presence of mold and its ultimate effect on hosting elements in the house. Surface cleaning is direct and possible when the colonization is not out of control. Give our SERVPRO of Seattle Northeast team a call when you believe mold exists in your home at (206) 362-9295.
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