SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co explains the difference between mold inspection and mold remediation

11/24/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co explains what mold remediation and inspection mean and how they differ.

If not promptly removed, mold can ruin your property and pollute the air around you. Everyone knows to quickly get rid of mold once it’s found so it doesn’t spread, but only a few people know how this can be done. Many property owners don’t know the difference between various phases of mold removal, from mold inspection to mold remediation, so they find it difficult to understand the process.

In this article, the professionals at SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co, a leading mold removal company in Keller, TX, share the differences between mold inspection and mold remediation.

What is a mold inspection?

When you see mold on your property or suspect that there’s mold around, the next step is to confirm your suspicion and check if other parts of the property also have mold. This process is what mold inspection is all about. It involves “inspecting” a property for mold.

Apart from finding areas with mold, the mold inspection process also allows you to know the type of mold that has grown on your property. Some types of mold are more dangerous than others, so it’s always advisable to have a mold removal professional inspect them.

During the mold inspection, the specialist will access various parts of your property, including hidden areas where mold could form, like your attic. They would document the cause of the mold growth, the areas affected, the type of mold, and how it can be removed. 

What is mold remediation?

Mold remediation is the process of restoring out-of-control mold to normal levels. It involves identifying and removing mold or mold-contaminated material through cleaning, sanitizing, demolishing, and more. The mold remediation process has several stages, including:

Containment: This is the initial stage, where the mold-infested sections are all enclosed using negative air pressure and negative air chambers to stop them from spreading to other areas of the property.

Air filtering: The mold remediation specialist will install high-efficiency air filters in the HVAC system to completely rid the space of live spores. This process will reduce the number of spores and the possibility of developing fungus.

Mold Cleanup: The identified mold colonies are then cleaned with antifungal and antibacterial disinfectants to prevent the mold from growing back.

Clean-up and sanitation: After the remediation, your property needs to be cleaned and sanitized. There’ll be a need to clean your drapes, chairs, and other belongings in the space to freshen the air.

Mold inspection vs. mold remediation

Mold remediation, as mentioned above, is a multi-step process of removing mold from a property, and it starts with identifying the mold (inspection). So, in essence, mold inspection isn’t different from mold remediation. Instead, it’s a part of the mold remediation process. It is the first and essential step of the process, where you find the mold and determine how to remove it.

You may also need to embark on a post-remediation inspection to see if all the mold growth elements have been eliminated from the property.

Get specialized mold inspection/mold remediation services in Keller, TX.

SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co is a leader in the Keller restoration industry. They provide professional mold remediation services to rid your home or business of any signs of mold. Their team of certified professionals will come to your property and inspect the mold situation; then they will contain, filter the air, clean up the mold and then clean your belongings.

The SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co team can handle small and large mold issues and provide the fast and efficient mold removal services you need.

Call them at (817) 595-2506 for a free quote.

Here's Why You Shouldn't Use Bleach On Mold

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that you should absolutely 100% not use ANY bleach to kill mold? That’s been the common trick for years, you have mold? Use bleach. But that can actually do more harm than good. If you read the label on your bottle of bleach, it’ll probably say don’t use on non-porous surfaces like tile or ceramic. Basically, for bathrooms or kitchen countertops.

Chlorine bleach is diluted with water to make it safer for household use, and it evaporates much faster than normal water does. So, it won’t stick around on surfaces long enough, nor will it seep down into the surface the bleach is on to fully kill all of the mold. Mold has little roots that stretch down into the surface, like a weed. Don’t get all of the root and the mold will come back. The surface may also look clean, but bleach is just doing what it does best: stripping the color. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean its not there.  

If you suspect you’ve got mold in your home, give us a call today and we can come out and give you an estimate and a plan of action. 817.595.2506.

Mold Safety

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

It’s impossible to completely mold proof your home, however, it’s possible to make it mold resistant. We know that mold is everywhere and is instrumental in making many things that we use daily like penicillin and cheese, that being said not all mold is bad.

But it is important to know which molds are in your home, so you can better protect your family from the ones that are dangerous. If you suspect mold in your home, give us a call at 817.595.2506 so we can get it tested for you.

If you’re looking to make sure your home is mold resistant, make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed, limit the humidity in your home, and turn fans on when you shower. If you’ve got a water leak, get that fixed immediately and for any water emergencies give us a call so we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Ideal Conditions For Mold Growth

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing mold from growing in your home or office can be as simple as understanding what kind of environment mold likes to grow in. Once you know what to look for, you can use this information to keep microbial growth out of your home. Molds are found in nearly every environment on earth – both indoors and outdoors. The types of mold that grow inside your homes and offices prefer warm humid conditions. Basements and showers are extremely common areas for mold to grow. Once the spores find a suitable area, they will begin growing and spreading within 48 hours. If you have water damage from a storm or burst pipe, make sure the water is cleaned up quickly and properly. Our professionals are specially trained to get rid of water quickly so that mold does not grow; we will even spray affected areas with antimicrobial formula to be sure that mold cannot take root. Mold growth should be handled by professionals, or it could become worse. Call us today at 817-595-2506 if you have mold inside your home or commercial building.

Is All Mold Bad?

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

The fine folks in charge of home renovation shows have given mold a bad name. They tell tales of toxic black mold that kills everything it comes into contact with and leaves devastating health problems in those who “survive” the encounter. This is simply false information. Mold is found everywhere, both inside and out, and most people live their entire lives untroubled by it. In fact, we use mold to make many great things like penicillin and cheese! So, when does mold become a problem?

Everyone reacts to mold differently, so there is no hard and fast rule as to when mold is a problem. Generally, you want mold counts to be lower indoors than outdoors. This can be achieved with air scrubbers and other tools. If someone has allergies or asthma, you may want to be more cautious of mold spores in the air.

Visible mold growth indoors is never good and should be treated immediately. It is also important to note that “visible mold” may not be in a very visible area. Mold likes to hide in dark damp areas such as air ducts. If you detect a musty smell in your home, have it checked for mold. If any mold is discovered, call us at 817-595-2506. We serve Grapevine, Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Keller, Decatur, Roanoke, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas.

Types of Mold Found Indoors

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be found everywhere, indoors and out. There are over 10,000 different species of mold, but out of this massive group, only 5 genera of mold are commonly found indoors

1. Alternaria: Spores from this type of mold are in their highest concentration from spring to late fall in most areas. It is well known as an allergy causing mold and can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks. It has a coloring that can range from black to grey to dark brown.
2. Aspergillus: This mold is one of the most common types that we find indoors. There are over 200 different species in type of mold, but only about 16 of them are known to pose a health risk. It can cause allergic reactions and infections in folks with weak immune systems. It is often mistaken for “toxic black mold” because it can appear black in color, but it also comes in a variety of other shades including grey, brown, yellow, green, and white.
3. Cladosporium: Mold from this genus is also one of the most common molds found indoors. It can survive in colder temperatures than other molds, and it is rarely harmful to people. Of course, the spores can still cause allergic reactions, so you don’t want to let it begin growing in your house. This mold is generally a dark olive green or black in color.
4. Penicillium: If this genus of mold sounds familiar, it may be because some members of this group are used to produce penicillin and create antibiotics! Other species in this genus are used for cheese making as well! This type of mold likes to inhabit carpeting, wallpaper, drywall, and insulation. It is usually blue or green, and it often creates a musty odor.
5. Stachybotry chartarum: Also known as “black mold,” this type of mold produces mycotoxins (toxic compounds) that are harmful to humans. While the mold produces toxins, the mold itself is not actually toxic. Even so, you should have it removed as quickly as possible. This type of mold usually only appears on surfaces that have been in contact with water for a while, so always be sure to check your home for hidden leaks. Despite the phrase “black mold” this mold is actually a very dark green.

Why You Should Never Use Bleach to Kill Mold

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Nobody wants mold in their home, so when you spot some, it may be a natural reaction to want to clean it yourself but think twice before you grab that bottle of bleach off the shelf. Using bleach to treat mold can actually make the problem worse! Even the EPA and OSHA have taken a strong stance against using bleach to treat mold growth.

Bleach is designed to work on surfaces that are not porous, but mold thrives in porous areas. Bleach is about 90% water, so once the chlorine evaporates, the leftover moisture creates a perfect place for mold to grow. Though it may look like the bleach has killed off the growth, it has actually only killed the top layer of growth and left the roots. These roots allow the mold to grow back stronger than ever

Bleach is toxic. Though it is great in small doses for simple cleaning tasks, you definitely don’t want to be dumping large quantities of it in your house or office. Children and pets get into everything – and this includes bleach. Even the fumes can create health problems! There are so many alternative solutions to treat mold with that there is really no reason to put your family or employees at risk by treating mold with bleach.

Bleach can actually weaken surfaces that you put it on. When bleach is used on surfaces such as wood, it begins to eat away at the fibers which weakens the structure. Even the slightest change to an important beam could have disastrous consequences!

When dealing with mold, it is important to make sure it is done right. That is why you should always leave it to a professional. Our experts will get rid of mold quickly and treat the affected areas to make sure that the growth does not come back. If you need mold remediation, call us today at 817-595-2506.

Is Mold Really That Bad?

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, as much as we try to avoid mold in our homes and businesses – it’s almost impossible. Mold is everywhere (In fact, the outdoor Mold spore count for today is moderate)! And we don’t mean to try and scare you, even if it is the spookiest time of the year.

Did you know that there are over 200,000 species of fungi in the world? And that includes over 100,000 types of mold too. While some species of mold can be bad for humans, not all of it is! Some molds can definitely be our friendly little helpers.

If you’ve ever been sick with a sinus infection or bronchitis and you’ve seen the doctor she may have prescribed you the antibiotic Penicillin, which is actually a type of mold! It typically grows on bread or other cheeses and has a distinctive green/blue color that’s sometimes mixed with white or gray. If you enjoy blue cheese salad dressing, then that’s a type of Penicillin! Penicillin has been in use as a drug since the 30s and is incredibly effective in treating infections.

While some mold is good, we still cannot stress enough that mold in your home is dangerous. It can cause severe allergic reactions and can be really dangerous to those with asthma, children, or the elderly. If you think you may have mold in your home give Grapevine/NE Tarrant County a call today at 817.595.2506!

Mold In Your Home? Here's How To Tell.

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Don’t get me wrong, I love this weather. The rains are making it cool down, despite the humidity. It legitimately is starting to feel like fall here in North Texas! But with all this rain comes flooding and leaks in the home, and if that’s not taken care of – paired with the humidity it can lead to mold.

That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for any leaks or unexpected flooding that may have popped up in your house. The faster you take care of the water damage, the less of a chance you have for a mold problem. But in case you missed a leak or any other unexpected water damages there are a few ways you can tell if you’ve got mold in your home.

1. The most obvious way to tell if you’ve got mold in your home is if you can actually see it. It can be a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. If you suspect what you see is mold, give SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County a call and we can come out and look at it for you.
2. If you notice a musty or strange odor that’s out of place in your home or certain rooms of your home, there’s a pretty good chance in your home has mold.
3. Keep an eye out for yourself too, your health can be a very telling sign as to whether or not there is mold in your home. Keep an eye out for signs of the common cold like a runny nose, cough, sneezing and other things. If you notice you only feel like this in your home it’s important to call an expert like SERVPRO to remove the mold from your home ASAP, as some mold can be way more dangerous.

If you do find mold in your home DO NOT CLEAN IT WITH BLEACH! That will only discolor the mold, and not kill anything making it liable to return and make you sicker. Give SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County a call today at 817.595.2506 and we can help you with your mold problem!

Mold Prevention for Bathroom

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention in Bathroom

Mold in bathrooms is a common problem in almost every home. Excessive moisture and provides the perfect conditions for consistent mold growth. Constantly re-caulking, to keep a growth problem under control, can be time consuming and expensive. The best defense against mold is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tricks to help you stop mold growth in your bathroom:

• Turn on the ventilation fan while you shower and leave it on for 15 minutes after. If you don’t have a fan open a window or use a dehumidifier. Check ventilation fan for dust and debris, clean as needed.
• Leave shower curtain and/or door open to allow air flow dry out the shower/bathtub.
• Use a squeegee after a bath or shower to remove some of the excess moisture.
• Keeping items inside of the bath/shower can hide mold growth as well as collecting water to promote it. Childs bath toys are particularly notorious for growing mold, so be sure to dry them as much as possible and clean them regularly.
• Fix leaky faucets and shower heads.
• Use a shower curtain that can be put in the washing machine. There are also many mold-resistant liners available.
• Check for any other signs of mold in the bathroom under the sink, behind the toilet, etc.

If you are experiencing mold in your bathroom, regardless of how often you clean, please call us here at SERVPRO of Grapevine / N.E. Tarrant County at 817-595-2506 to schedule an appointment!

Helping to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Can You Save Your Beautiful Carpet From Mold When It Get’s Wet in Grapevine/NE Tarrant Co?

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Fast Response can Help Prevent Mold Infestation

It doesn’t take much for a rug to get wet.  In rare instances the culprit can be extreme weather or run-off after a storm, more often the cause is a broken pipe or appliance is enough to thoroughly soak a carpet through.  Once this does happen there is a genuine concern that you might be facing mold growth in the near future.  Mold is a fungus that thrives off of moisture and an organic food source for sustenance.  Carpet fibers are an excellent food source for mold, once fungus gets into your carpet, it is difficult to get it out again.

The best way to save your beautiful carpet from mold damage after it gets wet in Grapevine/NE Tarrant Co. is to call SERVPRO at once.  The key to saving floor coverings from microbial growth is to dry them out quickly and thoroughly, not allowing the spores a chance to grow.  Our technicians are IICRC certified and have the equipment and skills to dry your carpet fast.

On arrival, we begin by extracting as much water from your carpet as possible.  We use specialized tools and make several passes over the affected area because we understand that thorough extraction is key to the success of the drying process.

Once extraction is complete, our next step is to dry your carpet.  SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant Co. will use up to three different kinds of air movers strategically placed to move air over the area and wick out what moisture is left.  We also use dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels in the air and hasten the drying process.

We understand that thorough drying is the only protection against mold growth.  To make sure we dry your carpet and structure up to its dry standard we use a range of equipment including moisture meters and moisture probes to measure the moisture content continuously through the drying process.

If your carpet gets wet, do not put your home or carpet at risk for microbial growth!  Call SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant Co, we are always here to help!  Our phones are answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

817-595-2506