Commercial Building Mold Removal Under Cabinets

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Leaks around windows or the roof, air conditioning systems, and plumbing leaks under sinks inside cabinets can lead to mold colonies forming in commercial buildings. Employees may notice a strong, musty smell in a specific location of the building, which is often the first indication there may be a mold problem.

SERVPRO® provides mold removal services for all types of buildings. Residential apartment buildings, warehouses, hotels, motels, manufacturing, and retail stores all experience water leaks leading to the formation of mold inside walls and under cabinets.

We can help

• Identify the location of the mold colony,
• The source of the leak,
• Remove the mold and
• Dry the area
• Identify damage to structure and cabinets requiring repairs

Our construction services, building, and remodeling services professionals can also assist with any repairs to the structure, cabinetry, and flooring materials damaged by the mold infestation. Among the many services we provide, the following are often required to return the damaged area to its original condition after mold damage, “Like it never even happened.”

• Floor repairs – tile, hardwood, linoleum, carpet cleaning, and repair
• Drywall and insulation removal, installation, and repairs, including baseboards and corner round
• Plumbing repairs
• Painting of walls and ceilings
• Cabinet removal, repair, and installation

Our commercial mold remediation team will assess the mold infestation, check for moisture leaks, and prepare recommendations for mold removal and repair to your commercial building. We recommend that owners and property managers act quickly to limit the potential damage caused by ongoing water leaks and mold infestations.

SERVPRO can assist with all your mold removal needs in the commercial business. Call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West for mold removal services. We provide services to University Place, Lakewood and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (253) 896-3000.

Mold in the Attic

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Attics (like crawl spaces) are highly susceptible to mold growth because moisture can easily accumulate in these spaces.  It’s not every day that we think to check the attic for moisture. 

Attic mold is mostly caused by poor ventilation.  A good tip to check your attic space for moisture is by looking at the nails; if there is excess moisture, chances are you’re the nails will start to rust.  Eliminate or reduce the amount of moisture in your attic space by using the following helpful tips.

• Look for Roof Leaks – Check for discoloration at the joints where two types of material meet, or repair/replace deteriorating spots on the roof.
• Check for raised shingles – When shingles become brittle and dry, they are subject to nails pushing the shingles upward. High winds can also push old and damaged shingles upward.
• Beware of any gaps where moisture can enter – a few common culprits are skylights, duct work, plumbing and insulation (check for missing portions/sagging)

Although there is a plethora of other items to check for excess moisture, by keeping an eye out for these potential problems, you’re giving your self a head start against Attic Mold Prevention.

Do you have any questions about attic mold? Just ask - call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West 253-896-3000.

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Indoor Air Quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. 

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professionals evaluate the quality of the air inside a structure.  Some specialize and are skilled in testing buildings for the presence of molds.  Using various testing devices, these professionals collect air and surface samples to compare the indoor mold spore count to the outdoor environment.  If you have concerns about mold, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West can assist you in locating a qualified Air Quality/Environmental Professional.

Have questions about this blog?  Just ask!  SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West cares about your health and the  proper restoration of your home.  Call us at 253-896-3000, we'll be happy to help.

Preventing Mold Growth

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold, the very word causes people to cringe.  It does not take much for mold to grow, but there are ways you can help prevent the growth from starting and spreading.

The Washington State Department of Health has some handy tips for preventing mold growth.

• Stop water leaks, repair leaky roofs and plumbing. Keep water away from concrete slabs and basement walls.
• Open windows and doors to increase air flow in your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls. Use a fan if there are not windows available.
• Make sure that warm air flows into all areas of the home.
• Install and use exhaust fans in bathroom, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Ventilate and insulate attics and crawl spaces.
• Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 – 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings.
• Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove mold spores.
• Check around your windows for signs of condensation or water droplets. Wipe them up right away so mold can’t grow.

Taking the necessary precautions now can save a lot of time and money for future remediation. 

Basement Mold

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

The basement.  In many homes, it is the one room that is used the least.  With little to no sunlight, and little ventilation, this room is also susceptible to mold growth.  Even finished basements are a good candidate.  Mold can make a home anywhere in your house, but basements offer the best environment for it bloom. 

The best line of defense is preventing the living conditions mold needs to stay alive.  In order for mold to thrive, it needs an organic food source, oxygen and moisture. Below is a list of items to keep an eye out for to keep mold and mildew at bay:

• Leaks: since a lot of plumbing goes below the house, leaks are very common in the basement. Foundation leaks happen after years of wear and tear, and clogged drains or downspouts can divert water to the basement windows causing the water to well up and eventually leak into your basement.
• Flash floods: When this happens, it will cause water to rise in the soil and against the basement’s foundation.
• Sump Pump Failure: Most basements have sump pumps, sump pumps divert any water that accumulates around the foundation. These can fail if there is a power failure, or if they aren’t regularly maintained.  Serious water damage can occur if a sump pump fails.
• Water Heater Failure: Even a small leak from a water heater can create enough moisture that may lead to mold. If it fails completely, it can cause flooding.

If you notice mold or water in your mold basement, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West (253) 896-3000.  Our certified technicians have the tools and the training to help you.

https://moldpedia.com/basement-mold

https://www.howtoremoveblackmold.com/mold-in-basement/

How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage

Water damage can be a big issue, if not taken care of properly the left over moisture can turn into mold. Whether hidden in your walls or out in plain sight, mold only needs a little moisture and a dark space. A few things to keep in  mind when you find water some where it shouldn’t be in your home.

• Clean water as quickly as possible
• Use fans to dry the area
• Dehumidify the room
• Sanitize the area
• Check all furniture in the area to make sure it is not damp as well.

When water creeps in make sure you know the proper way to handle it, this can keep you from spending more than needed. If you have a water issue and need help to ensure you don’t end up with mold growth call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 253-896-3000. We are here to help!

Mold and Your Crawlspace

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

Microbial growth needs three components to grow: organic materials, moisture, and heat. The crawlspace is subject to all three, making it vulnerable to mold growth, along with the location of the crawlspace.

Location, Location, Location

The location of the crawlspace plays a key factor in microbial growth. As it sits on top of the earth, moisture in the dirt may rise up to the subfloor and framing. These organic materials are a breeding ground for mold growth. Moisture typically evaporates, however, it gets trapped in the crawlspace. High humidity levels also encourage mold growth.

The crawlspace is also located beneath the home. If you have any water damage in the interior of the home, it is not uncommon for water to find its way into the crawlspace. It's standard for our technicians to check the crawlspace during a water damage event to remove any standing water, as well as non-salvageable, wet materials, such as insulation.

Combine the organic materials, any moisture from the earth or water damage, and high humidity, the crawlspace is susceptible to mold growth. 

For mold remediation services, call SERVPRO of Tacoma- 253-896-3000

Understanding Mold

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet. 
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. 
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent. 

If you find you have mold present, call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West. 253-896-3000

What to do When You Have Mold

4/11/2017 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. 

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider these DOs and DON'Ts until help arrives.

Do

• Stay out of affected areas


• Turn off the HVAC system and fans


• Contact SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West for mold remediation services

Don't

• Touch or disturb the mold


• Blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth


• Attempt to dry the area yourself


• Spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Beware of Mold

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks, and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Concerns are more likely to arise for “at risk” people, which might include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, infants and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic inflammatory lung disease such as asthma and sever allergies. However, anyone may experience health problems associated with exposure to mold in damp buildings. Possible health effects include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat, or inflammation of the sinuses.

If you think you might have a mold problem call us at 253-896-3000. SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations, excessive mold growth is not a problem and we can safely restore your building to preloss conditions “Like it never even happened.”

Mold Remediation

10/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West handles water damages every day and knows prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity

If extensive mold growth is present, additional assistance may be required. Some situations require the addition of an Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional with the specialized equipment and services needed to assess and/or repair property.

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professionals evaluate the quality of the air inside a structure. Some specialize and are skilled in testing buildings for the presence of molds. Using various testing devices, these professionals collect air and surface samples to compare the indoor mold spore count to the outdoor environment. If you have concerns about mold, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West can assist you in locating a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional.

If you think you might have a mold problem, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West professionals are trained in mold remediation and will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. Call us at 253-896-3000!