Removing Mold Damage In Echo Park

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Echo Park is not possible unless spores come into contact with enough moisture to allow them to expand and become active.

Removing Mold

Almost every structure in Echo Park contains mold. It is almost as common as dust and just about as harmful when its spores are in their inert state.

Mold damage in Echo Park is not possible unless spores come into contact with enough moisture to allow them to expand and become active. The spores then extend hyphae, which resemble root structures that seek out more moisture and a food source to increase the size of the mold colony. SERVPRO technicians are trained to trace the source of a mold growth and take steps to stop it and prevent more.

Most spores grow in a range from 68 to 86 degrees. Since this is the range for nearly every home in Illinois, stopping mold by raising or lowering temperature is just not possible. Spores feed on common building material, so it also not possible to remove all drywall, ceiling tiles, wood trim, or insulation from the home. The best way to stop mold is to concentrate on removing the source of water which forces the spores back into an inert state.

SERVPRO inspectors use visual inspections and air content meters to find mold concentrations. The highest levels are usually the beginning point of the growth, which means the source of moisture is nearby as well. In most cases, the source is a minor leak from a pipe. We have also found pools of water under a pipe that was improperly insulated, and changes in the outside temperature resulted in condensation which dripped down from the attic into the home. We can usually dry up any standing water and fix the water source in a single morning or afternoon.

If the mold we find is on the surface, our restoration specialists clean and remove it using dry cloths and sponges. If the layer is fairly thick, we use an anti-fungal cleaner to break it up and then wipe it off. For thicker amounts, we deploy commercial vacuums with HEPA filters. These filters are specially designed to capture and trap even a single spore, which by itself is too small to be seen unaided.

If the hyphae penetrated the surface of the building material to use a food source, the only option is to remove it. Drywall and other building materials are cheaper to replace than it is to attempt to clean them or cut out the affected sections.

If you suspect mold in your home, you need to have a professional service examine your home. For any questions about what SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park can do for you and your home, call us today at (323) 255-1000. We are here to help.

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