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Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Has Mold Invaded Your Chardon, Ohio Home?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Geauga County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today at 440-564-7266 or Email us at office@SERVPRO10360.com

What a surprise…It’s raining in Geauga County again! 

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

muddy falls Rainy weather in Chagrin Falls, Ohio

The relationship between rain and mold is simple: Mold spores attach themselves to damp surfaces. When it rains or even when the air is particularly humid, surfaces outside your home or business can become damp, allowing for mold spores to latch on and grow. Anywhere you have leaks, the rain can saturate building materials and cause mold to grow.

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in helping home and business owners with preventative measures that will, in the long run, prevent extensive mold and mildew growth even during the rainiest of seasons!

When black mold is growing outside your home, it is less of a threat because your family members won’t breathe in the spores as often as they would if the mold was inside. But black mold outside usually finds a way into our homes

If you think you have a black mold infestation, your main goal should not be simply removing the black mold. While you definitely want to do that, your bigger priority should be to remove the moisture that’s giving the mold the ability to grow. Remember, mold needs a damp environment to thrive. If you take that away, the mold will not grow. Tackling the source of the dampness rather than just the mold itself will take care of the problem in the long run.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Geauga County can inspect, assess and remediate your property. 440-564-7266 or visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com  

Signs of mold???? What NOT to do!

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

mold on wall Water and mold damage.

Do you have a plan of action when a mold problem arises? 

When mold starts to invade your home or business, dealing with the problem quickly and safely should be a priority. It can take less than 72 hours for mold to spread throughout your home, which may result in negative health effects to your family, as well as damage to your property.

SERVPRO of Geauga County responds quickly to assess your situation and uses advanced equipment and has credentials from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in efforts to determine the water source of your mold problem. Then, we’ll work with you in the cleanup and restoration process with as little disruption to your family or business as possible. 

Do you know what NOT to do should you see mold in your home or business?  Follow these important guidelines then contact SERVPRO of Geauga County so that remediation work can be performed ASAP.

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t paint over it
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.

Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information.

Mold in Chagrin Falls, Oh

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Closet Mold This homeowner suspected mold after seeing discoloration on his walls.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Geauga County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it is a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

For more information on Mold Remediation, visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com/

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 440-564-7266

Signs of mold in Chagrin Falls

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Geauga County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Do not touch or disturb the mold.
  • Do not blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Do not attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Do not spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in mold cleanup and remediation, in fact, it is our core competency and the cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

(440) 564-7266 or

Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com 

Mold Growth After the Storms in Chagrin Falls, Oh

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Roof Leak Heavy rains infiltrated a roof in Chagrin Falls, causing mold damage to the ceiling below.

After recent storms have you seen visible mold?  Did you know mold can be visible in as little as 24-48 hours? Fighting mold damage can be dangerous, so here are a few tips:

What to Do:

  • Do not go near the affected areas.
  • Keep humidity between 30 and 60 percent
  • Keep gutters and drains clean
  • Inspect your sump pump to ensure it is functioning properly
  • Contact SERVPRO of Geauga County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t run fans near suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 440-564-7266

Attic Inspected; Mold Detected?

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Attic Mold This attic has black spots and rusted nails, where is the moisture coming from? Is your bathroom vented properly?

Are you trying to sell your home and the inspector notices mold in your attic? How will this affect your property value? Will the buyer be afraid of potential health risks? Not only can it affect the appearance and perception of the property, it may bring down the value of your home.

Many Chagrin Falls homes were built with poorly ventilated bathrooms. Bathroom fans that vent directly into an attic space verse the outside, have potential for mold issues. As you know heat rises, but did you know that once it meets the cool air of the attic, it condenses creating moisture. Mold grows when air is stagnant and humid, so having proper ventilation and circulation is crucial in preventing mold growth. If your home has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, it is one of the cornerstones of our business.  

Call us at 440-564-7266

Visit us at http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information. 

3 Reasons Not to Use Bleach When Cleaning Mold

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Removing mold with bleach may not be the best idea

Do Not Use Bleach When Cleaning Mold

If you have discovered a mold growth in your Bainbridge, OH building, you might be tempted to try to tackle the problem on your own. In many cases, bleach is the go-to method for removing mold, but this might not be the best idea. Consider the following reasons why you should choose a different way to solve your fungus problem.

1. It is a Toxic Chemical

The reason that many people use this method is because it is a strong chemical. However, it is also a toxic chemical. If you use it during fungus cleanup, you are further polluting the air in this area. It can be especially problematic if you have employees with sensitivities or health problems, as it can be unsafe for them to be around the chemicals.

2. It Doesn’t Get to the Root of the Problem

Using bleach to cleanup mold might work if the surface it is growing on is non-porous, but this is often not the case. Porous materials, such as carpeting and some woods, hold moisture very easily. If mold begins to grow inside of these materials, it might be too far from the surface for a chemical cleaner to reach.

3. There Are More Effective Methods

While doing the fungus cleanup on your own might be able to save you some trouble, if you don’t do a thorough job, it will make the problem even worse. Hiring a mold remediation specialist to get the job done for you is a much better option. As professionals, these specialists will have the necessary tools and experience to remove the mold effectively without relying on toxic treatments.


If you find mold in your building, it is important to have fungus cleanup done as quickly as you can to prevent damage. However, relying on substances such as bleach to remove the growth will likely not give you the results you want.

Home Mold Proliferation

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors

Certain places in your Chardon, OH , residence can harbor mold growth, even if your environment is usually dry. Learn how to protect your home’s crawlspace from problematic fungal activity by familiarizing yourself with some common treatment methods.

1. Location and Inspection

The first step in stopping mold growth is to understand the sites from which it frequently spreads. Due to its low-lying location and lack of sunlight, the crawlspace beneath the lowest floor of your home is a frequent culprit of fungal growth. Leaking pipes can create problem areas on upper floors, as the resulting flooding is retained in porous surfaces. Regardless, you should contact a local mold inspection agency to get an estimate if you suspect mold in your home.

2. Blasting

If an inspector finds mold in your home, he or she will schedule a mold removal process. Most companies will use a media blasting technique in which wood and other surfaces are treated with soda under high pressure. Chemically speaking, this soda is sodium bicarbonate, which is the same as the baking soda used in many cooking applications. The use of dry soda in the blasting technique is due to its abrasive properties, which scour the mold away from the wood.

3. Benefits

The use of an inert soda compound means that it is totally safe for your family and pets. Unlike some chemical methods such as fogging, you will not lose access to your home for any substantial length of time. The procedure is also fast and inexpensive compared to scrubbing the affected surfaces by hand. Depending on your degree of coverage and the specifics of your mold damage, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the media blasting and other professional restoration services.

Mold growth in your residential crawlspace is not the sort of problem you want to leave unaddressed. Stay on top of your home maintenance and inspection by obtaining an estimate from a local media blasting professional.

Mold Growth in the Home: 3 Common Areas Where It May Thrive

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Fighting mold can be a challenge in your Ohio home

Maintaining your Chardon, OH, home can increase its resale value and give you a sense of pride as a homeowner. However, not all maintenance battles are easy ones, especially in the case of mold damage. There are many different types of mold, and each can affect your home and its structure in different ways. If you want to seek out and destroy mold in and around your home, there are several places where you may find it hiding.

1. The Attic

Because heat rises, your home’s third or fourth-story attic may be hotter than other floors and encourage humid temperatures. As a result, mold spores that lay on the surface of stored items, such as wood furniture and papers may be given a perfect habitat in which to grow and spread. Store books and documents in a cool, dry place and cover furniture with plastic to keep mold spores and mildew growth off wood surfaces.

2. Near the HVAC System

Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit keeps the indoor temperature comfortable all year long. However, the outdoor compressor, vents and ducts may retain moisture that can encourage mold growth. If you find that the area contains considerable growth, you may want to call in a mold damage and cleanup service to eliminate the problem before it spreads to other areas of your home.

3. In the Bathroom

Your bathroom’s sink, bathtub and shower can all give mold an opportunity to thrive. High humidity and water leakage are both conducive to mold and mildew growth, and over time, this can lead to serious problems with your bathroom walls and floors. Check your bathroom fixtures often and allow the vent to run after someone uses the shower to dry up any excess moisture and to lower the room’s humidity level.

Fighting mold damage in your Chardon, OH, home can be a challenge. However, where you know where mold hides and grows, you can seek it out and destroy it before it takes hold.

For more on Chardon click here.

For Immediate Service in Chagrin Falls, Call SERVPRO

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Geauga County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Chagrin Falls. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 440-564-7266

Residential Services

Whether your Chagrin Falls home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Mold Facts and Reasons to Remediate

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage to ceiling of a Charging Falls home.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.

Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along 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 your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 440-564-7266

How Do Professionals Restore Mold-Damaged Paintings?

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring Mold damage in Charden professionally

Mold thrives on moist organic surfaces, including canvas, paper, and even hardboard. Mold cleaning experts rely on techniques and materials developed for use on various mediums and finishes when working on paintings.

• Oil paints are durable, but may have unexpected chemical reactions. Exercise caution when using antifungal or cleaning agents.

• Acrylic paints are water soluble and prone to damage while wet. Some acrylics may have a protective varnish.

• Watercolor paint is water-based. Don't use wet cleaning methods.

No matter the paint or medium, you should avoid bleach and be wary of vinegar. Contact a conservator or certified restoration service with any mold cleaning concerns or mold damage inquiries.

Here are a few more methods for cleaning frames, glass, and paintings:

• Clean glass and frames with a solution of one cup bleach to one gallon distilled water. Perform a patch test to avoid damaging a delicate finish.

• Clean stretcher frames or combat mold on the back on a painting with a solution of 70% alcohol diluted in water in a fine mist bottle. You may also use Lysol, but you should avoid dampening the canvas.

• Dab at small mold clusters on the painting with a cotton swab lightly dampened with a mixture of 70% alcohol and water. Start by testing this mixture in an inconspicuous place.

• Brush away dry mold with a soft brush. You may want to keep a HEPA filtered vacuum nearby to suck up dust and spores.

• Use sunlight to dry paintings and inhibit mold. Lay a moldy painting out flat in direct sunlight until completely dry or set up in front of a sunny window. You may repeat this method for two to three days without degrading the paint color.

Use the mold cleaning method least likely to damage each work of art. You may want to rely on a mold remediation service located in Charden, OH.

For more on Charden Click here

The ABCs of Mold Prevention

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Floor Mold Damage

Commercial buildings in Chardon, OH, are difficult to prevent mold growth in because there are often a variety of clients, tenants, or customers with varying degrees of preferences on humidity levels. Mold loves humidity and has adapted to easily survive on the small amount of moisture on a structural wall during a humid day. For that reason, indoor molds are most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If leaky pipes are present, or water damage has occurred, mold also loves to grow on ceilings and within walls.

Preventative Measures

Mold is a common fungus, with thousands of different types and species growing all over the world at any given time. Consequently, the only way to potentially prevent mold growth is to make the building inhospitable to the fungi life cycle. Here are a few ways to deter mold’s growth:

• Add mold inhibitors to paint before painting each area of the building, especially bathrooms and basements.
• Use dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or fans to keep humidity levels within the building to between 30 and 65 percent.
• Vent kitchens, basements, and bathrooms with exhaust fans to lower humidity levels.
• Keep the area under houseplants free from water to deter possible fungi growth.
• Remove carpets from damp rooms such as bathrooms or basements. Spores can quickly bury themselves into the damp carpet and thrive.
• Use sanitizing mold prevention products to clean areas with any water damage or mildew growth to prevent possible future contamination.
• Contact a mold remediation professional at the first sign of water leakage under appliances or in bathrooms.

Precaution Problems

Sometimes mold attacks in unseen places after a flood or pipe leak. Once this occurs, removing the rot is not enough to eliminate the fungi entirely. Mold can survive for years without water, only to awake and germinate at the first sign of liquid.

Seeking the assistance of a remediation expert may help prevent future contamination and water damage. The experts know how to disinfect infected areas and completely kill mold colonies.

For more information on Chardon click here.

Turning a Mold Disaster Into an Opportunity

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Loss in Ohio Home

Chances are that you would welcome any kind of good news if you're suffering through a mold infestation in Chardon, OH. You have mold cleaning bills to face and furniture to throw away. Unfortunately, mold damage is the type of problem where some forced optimism is necessary to find any upside. There is a silver lining, but it's thin.

The first major benefit of getting your home professionally cleaned to remove mold is obvious: You have the best possible chance of eliminating the infestation and preventing further contamination. In addition, there are two potentially good things about the mold remediation process:

* Your furniture will need to be replaced
* Some furnishings might need to be cleaned

Remediate and Refresh

You might ask how these are good things. As far as furniture replacement is concerned, many homeowners in Chardon, OH, live with outdated or worn-out furniture even if they have the resources available to buy replacements. Having your home in a state of relative chaos is a good time to order, build and install new furnishings. Looking forward, these new items could benefit you during a home sale or provide many more years of comfort than your previous furnishings.

Save What Matters

Here's some more good news in the form of bad news: You might be able to save some of your possessions. This possibility comes with two major warnings. The first is that mold cleaning for possessions could be extremely costly. In some cases, it's more expensive than buying replacements. The second warning is that, if you go with budget services, there's a good chance your saved item could harbor some rogue mold spores. Try to make hard decisions and save only what's truly valuable or sentimentally important to you.

It isn't easy to find many benefits to a mold infestation. However, mold cleaning does give you some incentive to refresh your home, and there are often ways to preserve the items you value the most.

Visit us at http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information. 

Keep Your Restaurant Mold-Free

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

As far as businesses are concerned, restaurants are among the most difficult to keep mold-free. You have to be diligent to control mold growth. The kitchen is where most of the mildew problem begins. For help keeping your Chardon, OH, restaurant mold-free, follow these steps.

1. Use a Ventilation System

First things first, you need to have a good ventilation system in your restaurant. Mold grows when air is stagnant and humid. Adequate air circulation can keep moisture from staying in one place. This is particularly good when you are cooking. A lot of condensation ends up in the air while you cook and clean. Having proper venting and using fans can help eliminate the mold growth risk in areas of high humidity.

2. Maintain the Plumbing

When it comes to the pipes in your kitchen, you have to make sure they aren’t leaky or broken. With a leak or water damage, you not only run the risk of mold but also the issue of having to replace drywall or flooring due to the damage caused. If mold has already become a problem, you may need a specialist to help.

3. Practice Proper Food Care

Another problem in the kitchen is the food itself. The best way to avoid this is to make sure the food remains at the proper temperature at all times. Ensure that everything in your kitchen has accurate dates. Your cooks should handle all food according to the rules, and if there is any sign of mold or if the food is spoiled, they should toss it immediately.

In order for your business to thrive, your restaurant should be free from fungus at all times. Any signs of mold growth can become a risk to your customers and to the longevity of your company. Fortunately, the steps to take to prevent mold aren’t difficult to perform.

The Process of Mold Removal

8/29/2017 (Permalink)


The Process of Mold Removal

Mold must be eliminated as soon as it crops up. The greenish-yellow substance that grows on the surfaces of your home must not be allowed to remain or they will cause serious damage and degradation to your home.

If you live in an especially hot and humid location, you must be especially vigilant in looking out for mold damage. It thrives in such places. Water and warmth nourish the fungus that gives rise to mold damage. Mildew and trapped water droplets create the conditions for it. Your shower area, your kitchen and bathroom sink, in short, wherever large amounts of water accumulate over a period of time will see the presence of mold. Fungus and mildew can lead to mold. Don't allow them to get out of control.

You must also look out for mold growth and mold damage in spaces susceptible to dampness. Basements, sheds, attics, garage areas are vulnerable to mold. The cracks and crevices and infrequently visited places of older homes may have the unwanted growth. If you have recently purchased a home, you may encounter mold growth in places that you had not noticed before.

Too much fungus and mildew can lead to mold growth. Mold that is allowed to spread unchecked can become a serious problem. It will after a while degrade the spaces it contaminates to the point at which they become unusable. Mold is also ugly. It is not the kind of thing that you want your guests to see. Neither is it something that is especially nice for you to look at every day. Mold that has become not only noticeable but predominate in spaces throughout your home must be removed.

Mold removal is best carried out by professionals. Mold damage can only be remedied by mold removal. If you are to have it done, then you must ensure the completion of a competent and thorough job. Only those with the right knowledge, skill, expertise, and experience can be trusted. And indeed you should leave the mold undisturbed until the team from the restoration company you have engaged has arrived. Mold that is thick and deeply rooted can throw up a great many spores into the air if you attempt to remove it. Mold removal is the answer to mold damage.

Extensive mold growth in your home calls for mold remediation. This is a highly technical process that involves several phases in order to be effective.

When the remediation and restoration company team arrives, the first thing they will do is don protective suits. This is necessary to protect them against the work they will have to do in removing the mold from the affected space. But before doing so, the team will seal off the space and set negative pressure to it. The mold will then be carefully and meticulously removed and placed into specially designed hazardous waste bags.

The next phase of the job involves the use of a high energy, high efficiency fan. It is a powerful device that is made to remove the particulate mold spores that have saturated the air. The entire surface of the affected area is gone over with an industrial vacuum so that all remaining fungus and mold bacteria are removed.

The team will then apply a chemical solvent designed to suppress the re-growth of the mold. Fungus and mildew are also suppressed. The team will then take away the collected mold and properly dispose of it.

Special training and a wealth of experience is required before one is qualified to work in mold removal and remediation. The tools and skills required to do a good job cannot be gathered and employed by just any old person. They can only come through some time in apprenticeship with a mold remediation company.

The company you call to remove your mold should have on it staff only the most highly trained and competent professionals. You should work only with those companies that have a track record of delivering excellent and sound results. You should start your search for the right mold remediation company online. Doing so will allow you to choose from a variety of top notch companies.

When mold strikes, you must strike back immediately. A professional mold removal company is your instrument for doing just that. A restoration company can help you get your home back. The professionals working for a restoration company can provide the expertise you need to restore your home.
Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information on mold.

What You Need to Know About Professional Mold Remediation

7/25/2017 (Permalink)


What You Need to Know About Professional Mold Remediation

Before embarking on mold removal, it is important to demystify all the myths about mold damage. You should research widely about mold damage and Mold removal. You should seek professional help when it comes to mold remediation and mitigation. Prior information will assist in providing necessary information to interact with potential removal experts. You should also gather facts to determine the cost you will incur in mold removal and remediation. Arming yourself with facts about remediation will help in selecting the best professionals to do mitigation. In case you are suffering from dry rot, bad smell and you need commercial removal, it will be even more important to get an expert to deal with commercial Mold damage and mold growth behind wall and other structures.

It is important to understand that mold damage is a type of fungus, which means that wherever you find moisture, there will also be Mildew. Any moist place in the house that is not well aerated is a breeding ground for mildew. For this reason, it is important to consider Mold in home removal as soon as you discover Mold damage. Mold removal is not as easy as many people think, especially because if not done by a competent mold restoration company, problems often result and the dry rot could tear apart the house.

Professional help is essential because it will not only offer you repairs but will also mitigate against the frequent occurrence of mold growth and mildew in the home. Before you bring a mold remediation company on board, ask them how much they charge for the entire process, including mitigation and deodorization to eliminate the smelly odor that comes from Mold in home.

When you contact a restoration company to clean up the mold growth, dry rot, smelly odor and other side effects that come from the fungus, the first thing they will do is look for any signs of black mold. After removing the black mold, they perform deodorization to remove the smell that follows after mold growth

In cases of extensive commercial mold damage, you are always advised to shut down the promises until you are able to do mitigation to all signs of the mildew. The professionals will do deodorization to the premises after they have finished dealing with the commercial mold damage. They will also make sure that they have put in place measures to prevent further mold growth behind wall and other hidden corners in the home. The process includes removal of dry rot, smelly odor and other side effects of the mold. In case the fungus has already started releasing spores into the house, you should consider temporarily moving out of the house and allowing the restoration company to check for mold behind wall and all other areas of the house. You should only get back into the home when the company confirms that there is no more mold growth in the house. There are treatments that are used to stop further mold growth in the home and deodorization to remove the smelly odor.

Since Mold damage in home is caused by fungus, mold removal experts mitigate against it by use of antifungal and antibacterial chemicals to remove black mold and mold stains. Water is used during cleaning and thus mold damage procedure should entail sealing areas that are likely to leak to avoid the spread of the smelly odor during the process of mold cleaning. Lack of clean air causes some mold growth behind wall. In this regard, it is necessary to clean HVAC air ducts and remove accumulated mold in home and deal with mold growth behind wall.

Mold in home can be a hazard while in other cases it can be suffocating especially those with a smelly odor. For this reason, you would need a professional who will act promptly and mitigate commercial Mold damage. A professional will take safety measures to protect removal experts and occupants of the house. The expert will also assess the situation before and after mold removing. Preventing the further spread of mold is also important in maintaining professional standards. A good restoration company will physically remove the mold and its source and control moisture to prevent a future outbreak.
Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information on mold.

Importance of Hiring Mold Removal and Remediation Professionals

6/26/2017 (Permalink)


Importance of Hiring Mold Removal and Remediation Professionals

The presence of a musty and smelly odor in a home or business is a clear indication that a type of fungus is developing and may lead to mold damage. Fungi such as mildew and mold thrive on most organic materials including ceilings, paper, fabric, wood, and shower stalls if they have moisture. While fungi may be useful in some industries and nutrient recycling in the environment, some varieties of fungi are toxic. Home and commercial mold damage lead to diseases such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, eye infections, and valley fever. Therefore, immediate mildew or mold removal, fungus, and air deodorization actions should be taken when fungal signs appear.

Some mold in home can cause instant death in humans and animals. Many home and business owners think that fungus removal is a simple do-it-yourself process. However, it is a dangerous procedure that can lead to health hazards if proper mitigation measures are not established for mold in home removal. For safe mold removal and remediation, therefore, it is important to hire a professional who can remove all the fungi including mildew and mold. What is the importance of hiring the professional for this task?

Thorough Mold Removal

The fungus can grow everywhere as long as moisture is present. Hence, even if you remove it on your own, the affected area cannot be 100 percent fungal free. A commercial mold damage remediation company, however, does the job thoroughly since they are experienced and have proper safety equipment. They also do air deodorization to ensure that it is safe for inhaling.

Health Protection

Immediate removal will help reduce health concerns in the home or business. Doing the mold remediation without professional help, however, can expose the people around to toxins. Professional fungal removal experts protect themselves while dealing with home and commercial mold damage. They can also neutralize the smelly odor from the mold damage that could be harmful if inhaled.

Discover the Fungal Source

Mold removal and air deodorization is a great achievement. However, the chances of fungal and smelly odor reappearance are high if the source is not identified and appropriately dealt with. A professional mold removal and mitigation company not only clears the home and commercial mold damage, but it also locates the source. An industrial hygienist should test the presence of mold before the mitigation professionals leave the place.

The hygienist will explain the process and results to prove that the place is safe for living in after the mold damage is restored. Moreover, the professionals can differentiate any discoloration and the common areas where mildew and mold damage cannot be noticed. Once the source is discovered, the experts can help you determine the best action for the problem’s resolution. They can also show you how to identify a recurrence of mold in home.

Mitigate the Spread of Mold and Mildew

During the cleanup, mold spores get into the air and can spread into the whole house. Some of the do-it-yourself procedures also significantly lead to the spread. Even when the fungal spores are destroyed, they can still cause much harm if left behind. The spread becomes more intense if the mold spores enter the HVAC system since it contains warmth produced by the heating system, dust as the food source, and the moisture generated by the air conditioner. Professional companies have the knowledge and equipment necessary for remediation, mitigation, and deodorization.

The presence of mold in home is dangerous for humans and animals if proper remediation and mitigation action is not taken immediately. Trying to do the process alone poses more risks as you may agitate the mold and mildew causing it to spread to unaffected areas. The best action to take, therefore, is to call a professional do the removal and mitigation process; making sure that the mold damage cannot recur in future. They also deodorize the smelly odor that could be a threat to human and animal health.
Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Proper Mold Removal and Remediation Steps

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Proper Mold Removal and Remediation Steps


Learning the basic mold remediation and concepts isn't hard, and it's necessary for anyone who wants to hire an ideal professional for quality work and at the best price. Although it's easy to master the step theoretically, it's always advisable to leave the actual work to the experts. Here are the steps the contractor needs to follow during mold removal:

Learning about the moisture

Assessing the extent of mold damage involves more than looking at the growing fungus. In most cases, the fungus is an invisible intruder that grows behind or around what's visible. An expert needs to understand the cause of the moisture problem. This way, all the fungus growth is located and repairs are done to prevent further mildew or water issues.

Creating a plan

To design a plan, one needs to document all the findings in a photo, video, and writing form. The plan will help the professionals to conduct their work efficiently. It also helps to know the work schedule and how the removal and remediation will be done.

Remediate mold contamination

The process of remediation involves cleaning up the existing mold and avoiding contact to oneself and the homeowners. It also involves preventing mildew that causes fungus growth by addressing the source of moisture. Mold removal includes the following steps:

Repairing the water source – this helps to prevent more mold damage by stopping mold from growing.
Isolating the contaminated section – all the windows and doors near the contaminated areas need to be closed and any opening must be sealed.
Suppressing dust – this is accomplished by misting the areas with mold in the home.
Removing materials - all wet and mold damaged materials must be removed. The dirty materials should be placed in bags, and then closed tightly. These bags might have a smelly odor so they shouldn't be disposed of as ordinary trash.
Cleaning – all the wood surfaces and non-porous materials with mold should be cleaned to get rid of the mold damage and smelly odor. Deodorization can be done at this stage too. All the surfaces with mold in the home must be scrubbed with a cloth and detergent solution, and then rinsed using clean water. The surface can also be vacuumed especially if it was a case of commercial mold damage.
Conducting a visibility test – once mold mitigation is over, the area would be free of debris and contamination. Lack of dirt and dust may mean no mold in the home.
Drying – the cleaned materials are then deodorized and dried to allow any moisture/mildew to evaporate. If the experts are dealing with commercial mold damage, more resources such dehumidifiers and fans will be needed to speed up the drying process after mitigation and deodorization.
Replacing – all the material that had been moved must be repaired or replaced.

Determining if mold mitigation is successful

Just because mold damage isn't visible and the smelly odor is gone after cleaning and deodorization, it doesn't mean that mold removal was successful. To know if the moisture problem is solved for good, the professionals can come back after mitigation. If any signs of mold damage are noticed, especially if it was commercial mold damage, the process must be repeated. Maybe the real source of mildew wasn't identified, or another problem occurred. But, when you work with a commercial mold damage contractor, the job will be perfectly done.

If one presumes that there is mold in their home, the problem should never be ignored. Look out for signs like smelly odor but don't simply do deodorization to get rid of the smell. To be sure, contact mold mitigation professional to get your property restored to its original state. Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

What Everyone Must Know About Mold Inspection

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

What Everyone must know about Mold Inspection

Mold is a dangerous condition that can quickly ruin any person’s home. If this happens, a person’s house will no longer be a dwelling place. It will have to be emptied out and destroyed. No one should have to lose their home due to the presence of bacterial growth and mildew.

The following information will provide home owners with knowledge about mold inspection and mold cleanup. Once they have this information they will be able to restore their home and make it a safe place to live again.

How can you know if bacteria is growing inside of your home?

When most people believe they have a problem with microbial growth it will usually be detected by the following signs.

• Homeowners will usually discover visible signs of microbial growth that can be described as fuzzy, discolored or slimy patches on walls or on furniture or clothing. Remember that fungus and mildew is normally found on organic material.

• Most microbial growth produce a musty odor. If a person constantly smells an unpleasant musty smell in their home; chances are it could be from fungal microorganisms. An individual will usually have to inspect their property to ensure that this is not an issue.

• If a person cannot figure out if bacteria is present they should call an environmental hygienist. This professionally trained individual usually has the ability to detect any problems associated with microbial growth and development.

• A homeowner or an environmental hygienist should thoroughly examine a house to find any areas that have been overrun with water or excessive moisture. Sometimes water can be present without anyone knowing about it for a very long time. This will usually lead to microbial growth.

• An environmental hygienist will not just look on the surface of a home. Sometimes, they will go inside of walls and underneath flooring to discover where mold, mildew, bacteria and fungus are hiding. Homeowners should take the same action.

An environmental hygienist also uses special mold detection equipment to help them to find problems with mold. They also realize that mold typically hides in places such as bathrooms, kitchen areas and in basements where sump pumps might be or where there is an excessive amount of mildew and fungus.

How to know if you need Flood Mitigation and Microbial Cleanup Services

A person can easily figure out if they need flood mitigation and mold cleanup services by simply discovering the presence of fungus and bacteria. This is when they need to call a mold cleanup service. A flood mitigation service will remove water and debris from a home after it has been flooded.

A mold cleanup service is important for getting rid of microbes that can cause health problems. Most flood restoration companies provide these types of services together. They will usually help a person with mold cleanup and water removal.

Flood mitigation and mold cleanup services are relatively inexpensive and they can literally save a homeowner thousands of dollars on restoring their home. They can also help a homeowner from having to purchase another house. Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

What Should a Homeowner in Chagrin Falls, OH Do if Mold is Found in Their Home?

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

If a homeowner in Chagrin Falls, OH finds mold or any growth that looks like it, such as a fungus or mildew, they should not attempt to wipe it off, scrape it down, or touch it, or breathe near it at all. Not everything that looks like the substance is real, but a person should not take any chances.

A person should not attempt to wash it away either because it has roots that grow into any surface that it attaches itself too. It is possible for an individual to wash away the part of the substance that is showing and they will thing that they got rid of it. However, the roots are still intact and will regrow.

It will grow on just about any substance that is porous such as wood, concrete, wallpaper, drywall and substances similar. However, it will not grow on glass. Special treatment must be applied to kill the substance down to the roots.

Mold comes from a spore that floats through the air until it finds a suitable place to grow. There are millions of spores that land in the wrong place and die, but if it happens to land in a place that has the right conditions, it will grow.

All the dark areas that are quiet with no moving air should be checked for any moisture from time to time, especially in the OH towns and areas that have been mentioned. Take a flashlight and check the attic and the basement and look for any leaking pipes or moisture that may have leaked in after a storm or rising water outside.

The substance needs three conditions to grow. It needs a dark place, some moisture on a regular basis, and no moving air. Thus, places like attics, basements, behind walls, and crawl spaces are excellent places for it to take root and grow. A missing shingle on a roof can let moisture into an attic which is dark, and there is no air moving. This is an excellent example of a place for this insidious substance to take root and proliferate.


It can grow very fast too. A small patch can grow to cover an entire wall in the space of a month or so, and the problem is as that when it grows, it spawns more spores that float away to find more spots to grow more of the same substance.

The Dangers of Mold
If a person finds a suspicious substance on a wall, under a rug, along with the back of a wall, or in a crawl space, they should not attempt to remove it themselves, but they should call someone who can analyze it and determine what it is. It may only be a fungus or mildew, but if it is not, it could be dangerous.

The best course of action is to contact an environmental hygienist who can determine what kind of microbial growth is present by testing it in a laboratory. Then if it is dangerous, the proper professionals can do a mold cleanup which will result in a remediation of the affected area.

Workers who perform a mold cleanup operation would wear protective clothing so that they won't be affected and a homeowner would be totally unprotected if they attempted a cleanup and remediation process.

An environmental hygienist has special training when it comes to discerning what kind of microbial growth is present, so once that fact is determined then, cleanup experts can come and not only remove the substance but clean the area, so it is not likely to return.

Ohio can be somewhat of a damp state, and cities around Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Affton, and Bainbridge are more prone to dampness than many cities because of the humidity in the summer and the damp times in the spring and fall.

Consequently, residents of Ohio around the Chagrin Falls, Affton, Bainbridge and Chardon areas should take special precautions in keeping watch in the various places that it could grow. Keep in mind that any microbial growth is suspicious, although it may only be a fungus or mildew. But don't attempt to remove anything like that yourself, especially if it is located in a dark place with any moisture present.


For more information on how to handle Mold, visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com/

What to do when you find Mold in Your Home in Chagrin Falls, OH

3/6/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage in Chagrin Falls, OH

In the highly populated state of Ohio, a fundamentally important concern in today’s modern world is the potential for the contamination of dangerous mold where you live at. It is by and large encountered as very dark green or sometimes black in color.

A lot of homeowners are uneducated that fungus can have vicious destructive effects on their home’s interior structure. The fungus time and again is found to cause extreme devastation inside, by wiping out the bits and pieces of ceilings, flooring and more frequently, the walls of the home. For people who are going to place their estate on the sellers market, this can be complicated to get done in Affton, Chardon, Bainbridge or Chagrin Falls, OH. A great number of the residences in Ohio are identified to have a sincerely bad problem with dangerous spores.

If truth be known, frequent university studies have shown that almost every single housing structure has a contamination of some microbial growth within the building’s structure. On the other hand, many of these dangerous growths are not anything to be overly concerned about. It is often times easy for most homeowners to have their residence tested, to discover if in fact there is a serious quandary to be nervous about. Just about always, the proprietor of the estate is ignorant of the existence of any fungal growth, until a perceptibly mildew-like odor is discovered, for example, a sickening odor that seems to come from within the kitchen area.

Over and over again, repeated leaks from cabinet pipes go unobserved, for far too long. These steady leaks bring about a perfect environment for microbial growth to begin to emit dangerous spores, unobserved within the estate. Unnoticed fungal growth time and again becomes a costly affair to look after. A large number of individuals who own residential estates pay well over one to two thousand dollars, to rid themselves of dangerously overlooked growth.

If you think for even a moment that there might be unwanted growth inside of the estate property, it is very simple to pay for a professional examiner to look over the estate and make the first move to begin mildew cleaning, treatment and testing procedures. Commonly obtained, over the counter mold test kits can be purchased for around $50. Then again, it is important to be aware that a small quantity of these over the counter mildew testing kits are undependable and may actually deliver a false positive or negative result when mold is in fact present.

If the presence of mildew requires an Environmental Hygienist to be hired to examine the estate’s property, and conduct mold cleanup, be cautious of prospective scammers looking to take your money. More than a few people and companies are understood to ask for the paying of irrationally high prices to take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances.

From time to time, businesses are new or their staff are not as aptly trained for mold cleanup as they may actually claim to be. It is wise to stay as far away as possible from people that are seen engaging in the act of offering their professional services from out of the back of their car or truck, and one should always be certain to take notice of your gut feeling, or your instinct, to avoid the need for remediation. If something does not seem right and you cant put your finger on what it is, best to not hire the individual. It is often put forth from many people in the know, that you should be adamant about contacting at minimum, three inspection cleanup services to be have a comparison of the available treatment pricing that is offered.

On the other hand, a good and properly conducted evaluation of everything that needs to be done to the estate’s property is not often easy to pull off, outside of an Environmental Hygienist actually going into the building, to conduct thorough testing and remediation. Look into the businesses you hire to find out if the services that you make use of are from a licensed business and that they have been conducting business for several years. Visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com for more information on mold remediation.

Geauga County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Geauga County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Geauga County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 440-564-7266