Mold Sampling

10/28/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth is very common in damp building environments. During building assessments for mold growth, sampling is sometimes necessary. For example, air sampling may be performed to determine whether visible mold growth has degraded indoor air quality. Air sampling may also help to determine the presence, location, and/or extent of suspected hidden mold growth. Air sampling is also used to determine the effectiveness of mold remediation. Interpretation of air sample results can be difficult if clear sampling objectives were not set prior to sampling.

Surface sampling involves collecting samples such as bulk material, tape-lift samples, swabs/wipes, contact plates or dust samples. These type of samples (with the exception of contact plates) can be analyzed by direct microscopic examination (DME) to verify the presence of mold growth.

Content sampling can also be conducted during a mold growth investigation. Content sampling helps to determine whether visible mold growth is present on the items or whether there are significant amounts of settled mold materials on their surfaces. Contents can be sampled using tape-lifts, swabs, contact plates or by collecting dust settled on their surfaces.

If you suspect mold in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews today! (951)398-3240 

Mold Remediation Process

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what mold remediation is or the steps performed for a proper remediation? Here are the steps we take to ensure proper and complete removal from your home or business.

Every mold scenario is different and requires a solution planned out for that specific situation, but the mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our standard process:

Contact your local SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews  - 951-398-3240

When you call, our representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel, they will then schedule the inspection.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, clothing, textiles such as bedding, curtains and towels, decorative keepsakes and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

Call 951-398-3240 Our team is here for you, to make it "Like it never even happened."

What is Mold?

10/14/2023 (Permalink)

Mold (or mould) is a term used to refer to fungi that grow in the form of multicellular thread-like structures called hyphae. Fungi that exist as single cells are called yeasts. Some molds and yeasts cause health effects or food spoilage, others play an important role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes.

Mold is also found in damp building materials where it often appears like stains and comes in a variety of colors. A must smell is an indication of microbial growth even when there is no visible growth. 

Mold growth requires moisture. The sources of moisture could be Washing, cooking, air humidifiers, condensation or leaks from plumbing or from the outside. Poor ventilation contributes to higher humidity levels and leads to condensation, which also allows mold growth.

If you suspect you have Mold Call SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Ceritto / Lake Mathews at (951) 398-3240