Professional Mold Remediation

Name: SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix
Address: 1050 N. Eliseo Felix Jr Way, Suite 104, Avondale, AZ, 85323
Telephone: (623) 594-6033

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Battling with mold growth on your own can make many to feel like it is a losing battle. Using bleach to clean mold away from surfaces, a method claimed by many people to work well is counter-productive and can be part of the reason that mold returns to the same location repeatedly.

The climate in Phoenix can be dry at times, but mold damage can still happen to your home's interior. The tiniest drip from a water line can provide enough moisture for fungal infestations to prosper in hidden areas of your home. This shows how vital a nutrient water is for the spores.

Remove water from the interior environment of your home, and unwanted mold colonies find it nearly impossible to return after they have been cleaned away. Removing mold with the use of bleach fails to work as claimed because of bleach's high concentration of water and the physics involving permeability of a common material used in homes – sheets of drywall.

Moisture can penetrate into the drywall, while bleach molecules are too large to do the same. While water remains inside the porous drywall, and available to mold's hyphae, all of the bleach remains on the surface, only discoloring this tough, durable, but tiny microbe, creating the illusion that the mold has been killed and removed.

To remove unwanted mold and prevent damage, remediation is required. During this process, any materials affected by mold damage are removed and repaired, so the area involved is completely restored, “Like it never even happened.” Hard surfaced materials such as cast iron, glass, and ceramic tiles can be cleaned and treated. These materials cannot be penetrated by fungi as it grows, but any dust or other minute debris can provide the basic surface changes to allow this to happen.

When an area has re-attained a normal microbe level again, treating the previously affected areas with microbe-inhibitors can prevent recurrences. This can include a special liquid that is applied like paint or simply sprayed on directly. After it has dried, it is both long-lasting, but also safe around children and pets.

There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause, so call us, 24/7, at (623) 594-6033. Our IICRC trained technicians can win your battle and let you relax.

7 Most Common Types of Mold Found In Homes

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Mold on a hot water heater pedestal in a garage

Dampness, warmth, lack of direct light, and poor ventilation almost inevitably make your home affected by mold. While there are many types of household mold (fungi), most of them are toxic and should be removed as soon as possible by a professional mold remediation company.

Remember, while mold colonies thrive in your home, the health of inhabitants and the integrity of home structures gradually decline. Understanding of how to distinguish between the most common types of mold will help you recognize the problem and correctly assess the hazards.

Hazard Classes of Common Mold Types Found in Homes

All types of indoor mold are grouped into 3 hazard classes in view of the associated health risk.

Hazard Class A molds are highly hazardous and directly impact health. Presence of Class A mold in your home requires immediate action and extreme caution.

Hazard Class B fungi are less hazardous. Still, prolonged exposure to this type of mold causes allergic reactions and symptoms like itchy eyes, rashes, chronic cough, headaches and tiredness.

Hazard Class C molds do not pose a risks to health, but they still cause damage to the structures, on which they thrive. Thus, they still need to be removed from households.

Most Common Types of Household Mold

Cladosporium

Cladosporium, recognized by mottled black and green appearance, is one of the most widespread types of mold. It is notorious for triggering asthmatic attacks and a variety of allergic reactions. It is common on wet wallpapers and window frames, carpets, HVAC insulation, and fiberglass air ducts. This type of mold is airborne and thrives in both warm and cold conditions, which make it rather difficult to remove.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a hazard class A type of mold that is commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, on mattresses and carpets, as well as in air conditioning systems. Aspergillus matures in just three days darkening to various shades of brown, black, green or yellow. This type of mold causes eye and ear infections and serious respiratory conditions including asthma.

Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys is more familiar as black mold - a hazard class A mold that appears in areas that remain wet or damp for a longer period of time. Black mold grows on cellulose materials and is most commonly found on wallpapers, and wood. Stachybotrys causes sever health problems, including migraines, depression, fatigue, persistent cough, difficulty breathing and tightening in the chest, nose bleeds and pulmonary bleeding in infants.

Mucor

Mucor grows in thick white or grayish patches. This type of household mold is often found near the air conditioning, HVAC systems and ducting where it takes advantage of of condensation moisture or on old damp carpets. Mucor affects the respiratory system and causes flu-like symptoms. The most severe health problem associated with this mold is Mucormycosis that can damage the sinuses, lungs and even the brain.

Acremonium

Acremonium is a toxic hazard class A mold. This type of fungi has a distinct fouls smell, is pink, grey, orange or white in color, and turns from a moist mold to a powdery substance. It is typical of areas where condensation is present(near humidifiers, cooling coils, window sealants, etc.). Exposure to Acremonium is associated with serious bone marrow and immune system problems. It is also a known carcinogen with the potential to impair brain functions.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium is a hazard class B allergenic mold that can be typically found behind wallpapers on painted or wooden surfaces. As Aureobasidium grows and ages, it's color changes from pink and brown to dark brown. This type of mold causes eye, skin and nail infection. Touching Aureobasidium with bare skin can result in a rash and dermatitis.

Trichoderma

Trichoderma is an allergenic mold type thriving in moist areas. It can be distinguished by woolly green patches over a white color mold. Trichoderma is common of carpets, damp upholstery, in air conditioning filters and HVAC system ducts. Health hazards include pulmonary and liver infections. At the same time Trichoderma causes severe damage to building materials making structures rot and crumble. .

The Work that Goes Into Phoenix Mold Damage Odor Removal

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Whether you can see the mold producing the musty odor or it remains hidden, SERVPRO is up to the task of remediating the damage.

SERVPRO Understands Eliminating Mold Odor Starts With Removing the Source of the Mold

Odors from mold damage in Phoenix can leave your home smelling and feeling unclean, poorly-maintained, and older than its real age to visitors and residents alike. If the problem gets bad enough, musty smells can start to become overbearing and glaringly evident in multiple rooms. Long-term air conditioning use throughout most of the year further distributes the odors, allowing them to become pervasive across the entire home, in some cases. Further complicating matters is the resistance of spores to many ordinary deodorants and odor masks. Complete removal of bad smells from your home requires an expert, targeted treatment like those provided by SERVPRO.

How Our Process Works
To effectively combat odors from mold damage in Phoenix, we need to use a variety of advanced, industrial-strength tools and machines. Large-scale air filtration devices allow us to scrub spores and other contaminants from the air, simultaneously decreasing odors and reducing the risk of incurring health effects as a result of the mold. However, many odor particles are too small for these machines to combat, and must be attacked with fogging machines that spread a deodorizing fog into every nook and cranny in the area. For most rooms, we use industrial-scale thermal foggers, but we also bring ultra-low volume foggers for tight spaces.

Why The Process is So Advanced
Many household odors can be eliminated with only a few cleaning supplies and tools, leaving many homeowners confused when these tools do not work for mold odors. Different species of mold produce different types of odors, many of which are resistant to conventional household cleaning products.

Even those that can be effectively eliminated with standard products are typically replaced quickly by a still-active patch of growth. Eliminating foul smells for good requires both our far-reaching odor elimination tactics and our work against the source of growth itself.

SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix protects homeowners in the local area from mold damage and its complications. Call us for services or a quote at (623) 594-6033.

Click here for more information on the city of Phoenix.

Stopping and Removing Mold Damage in Goodyear

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold infestations spread quickly. Contact SERVPRO should you see or smell one in your home.

SERVPRO Technicians Understand BOTH What Causes a Mold Infestation and the Steps to Take Towards Not Only Remediating But Preventing Another One

Goodyear is not the first city that comes to mind when someone thinks of mold. An infestation is thought to happen in cities that could be damp, dank, and cold. The facts of the problem are very different, but very simple as well.

SERVPRO understands that mold damage in Goodyear, or anywhere else, occurs when mold spores grow into a large enough colony that expands through a home. It can cause structural and personal property loss, as well as health problems in some people unless the homeowner treats and removes it quickly. The factors that provide for mold spores to begin growing are temperature, food, and moisture.

Since mold grows in a range of 68 to 86 degrees, it can grow in any home in Arizona that uses air conditioning. That makes stopping mold by raising or lowering the temperature extremely difficult. The same is true with attempts of removing the source of food. Mold feeds and grows very well on drywall and other, common building materials. While removing infested panels stops further growth, it does not stop it at the source.

Moisture is that source. Without enough water, mold spores remain inert. Drying up and removing the moisture source forces active mold back into the inert state, which makes it easier to clean and remove. Most water sources are small enough so that SERVPRO technicians can remove them with cloths and sponges. We then use air movers to blow warm, dry air over the damp surfaces, so new mold growth does not start.

With the water gone, we get rid of the inert mold with physical scraping and removing materials so infested that we cannot remove the spores without destroying the item. After technicians dispose of the last item, we use vacuums with HEPA filters to clean up any loose spores that may have settled on surfaces of the affected area.

Mold damage goes almost unnoticed compared to other disasters. When left untreated for too long, it can cost as much to restore your home as it would from a fire or flood. If you have or suspect mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix at (623) 594-6033 today.

Click here for more information regarding the city of Goodyear.

Mold Damage Can Happen in Phoenix

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Spore Remediation Improves Indoor Air Quality -IAQ-Call SERVPRO to Help Protect Your Phoenix Home

Call SERVPRO to Your Phoenix Property for Mold Remediation

In the right mix of conditions, mold can become a threat in every Phoenix household. Since mold does not attract attention like a fire or flood, it is often overlooked and untreated until a colony of spores has grown throughout a room or even an entire home. If not dealt with quickly, mold can cause as much damage and cost as much in repair and replacement as any other disaster.

Phoenix mold damage only begins when the spores are in the right temperature range of 68 to 86 degrees, have enough water to expand from their inert state, and have a source of food. The most straightforward method SERVPRO uses to stop mold growth is to eliminate the source of water. Without it, the mold colony quickly goes dormant again which makes it easier to clean and remove.

We are more than just another area contractor. Our personnel has specialized training and tools designed to find and isolate a mold infestation, disinfect the surface mold, and clean the air. Then, we eliminate the water source, clean the mold off surfaces and property, and dispose of all affected property that we cannot clean or it is not cost effective to do so.

Even with everything that SERVPRO can do to remove mold, the best method to deal with it is to prevent it. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) published suggestions to prevent mold growth, and we have adopted several of them for our technicians and customers to identify and follow.

Never install carpets laundry rooms and bathrooms. The humidity is higher than anywhere else in the house, and the chance for leaks is higher than in other rooms which encourages mold. If you must have carpets, use smaller rugs that you can remove, wash, and dry on a regular schedule.

Clean your bathroom with an anti-fungal agent every time. Bleach is one of the strongest anti-fungal chemicals available and should be the primary one in any cleaner you purchase.

There are household paints available that contain mold-inhibitors. They do not stop mold spores completely, but the chemicals prevent them from using the painted materials as a food source. They are especially useful in bathrooms.

Finally, make sure your ventilation is adequate. Bathroom ceiling exhaust fans are useful to eliminate excess humidity as well as odors.

Stopping mold is important, but preventing it from starting can save you hundreds or even thousands in restoration costs. If you need our help to clean out a mold colony or want more information on how to keep one from forming in your home, call SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix at (623) 594-6033 today.

Information on the Phoenix and Litchfield Park Areas by clicking here.

REALITY OF "TREATING MOLD YOURSELF"

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Buckeye Home highly affected by Black Mold

These are the five basic principles of all successful mold removal and mold remediation projects:

1. Safety – Protect all workers and occupants.

2. Assessment – Make a preliminary assessment, an assessment during mold remediation and an assessment after mold remediation.

3. Contamination Control – Prevent cross-contamination and the spread of mold from contaminated areas to areas absent of or with less contamination.

4. Source Removal – Physically remove the mold at its source.

5. Moisture Removal – Eliminate the moisture problem that caused the mold outbreak.

When we hear people say they want to just take care of it, things to think about are not just money costing items that are avoidable, they are dangerous. If proper containment is not set , it can spread.

Mold clearance test should be performed at the end of the Remediation as well.

Treating mold with bleach will not kill it like you want it too for it to be safe and not grow back.

What does it matter if I dry a water loss or not?

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

In the 90's Mold became the Cause Celeb, especially that strain of "Black" Mold, Stachybotrys, that struck fear in the hearts of thousands of Americans. Even though that hysteria has passed, it is no joking matter to have mold growing in your home. It is true that mold spores are everywhere, but for mold to grow you have to have two things: 1)food; and 2) water. There is very little you can do to remove all "food" sources in a house, but you can eliminate the water factor. When you have a water loss, it is incredibly important to completely dry the area affected so mold will not grow. If you call SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix at 623-594-6033, we will make sure your house is dry and if you have mold, we can remove it.

Stay alert for Mold damage

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Mold behind Kitchen Cabinets from prior water damage un treated

Black mold - the words alone are enough to make you cringe. It's the last thing you need in your home. Any mold can cause problems for people who are allergic, of course, but those molds referred to as "black" or "toxic" are particularly dangerous. Chances are, if the conditions inside your home are hospitable to mold, you're going to have it. If you suspect the mold is "black" or toxic, however, consider hiring a professional to remove it for you.

Call SERVPRO today for a Free Evaluation

We practice the science of Drying and restoration needs...and we specialize in restoring your property. We are a"One Stop Shop"-A company that can dry your property, remove the mold, take care of your contents, and rebuild if necessary.

Removing Phoenix Mold Damage

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

If you spot or smell mold, it has already grown significantly and you should contact SERVPRO to professionally and thoroughly remediate the damage.

Inspection and Remediation of Mold Damage in Your Home

With our year-round high temperatures, many homeowners and residents believe mold is not a problem in Phoenix. The reality is that mold can survive and grow at higher temperatures as long as it has a source of moisture and food.

Since altering the temperature is a difficult process, stopping mold damage in a Phoenix home requires removal of either the moisture or food sources. By the time we are called in, residents have either seen mold behind a washing machine or under a sink. In some cases, they smell that telltale musty odor only mold produces. In both cases, that means the mold has already grown significantly. SERVPRO response teams use a combination of visual inspections, the latest technology and years of experience in demolition and restoration to return a home to its pre-infestation condition.

First, we have to determine just how far the mold has grown. Technicians use an air content meter to find the highest concentration of mold in an infested room and then follow it to the source. We visually confirm the origin point, sometimes needing to go behind a wall or into an attic to find the source of moisture that allowed the first spores to expand and grow.

We remove the moisture source to stop further growth. In our typically dry area, the source is usually a pipe or connection that has come loose or rusted out if the plumbing is older and not a pool of rainwater. SERVPRO technicians are licensed and perform most of the same tasks as a plumbing service without the need to call in a second agency. After we stopped the water, we spray the affected area with an anti-fungal agent to kill any active spores that have not returned to an inert state from a lack of moisture.

Now for the food source. Drywall and other building material is a particular favorite of mold. If the growth is light, we spray an anti-fungal and then wipe off the mold spores. If the mold has grown into the material, we remove and replace it. Cutting into drywall is difficult, and the increased labor usually costs more than just buying and installing new panels.

If you can see any signs of mold, or if you can detect that signature, musty odor, contact SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix today at (623) 594-6033. From an initial inspection to a final walk-through, we are here to help you return your home to its original, clean state.

Visit https://www.phoenix.gov/ for more information about Phoenix, Arizona.

Preventing Mold Damage After a Flood in Phoenix

9/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold infestations spread quickly throughout your home. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for remediation services right away after damage.

SERVPRO Starts the Mold Remediation Process by Determining the Source of Mold and Drying Out Your Property

Whether your home flooded from a storm, water line break, or anything else, getting things dry should be near the top of your list of priorities. Otherwise, your home may begin to develop mold growth. Mold can make a bad situation worse, covering surfaces in hazardous and unsightly patches and colonies. Worse, Phoenix mold damage is virtually impossible to remove without professional tools and training, leading to greater costs for you in the restoration process. Here are a few quick tips to slow the spread of mold in the aftermath of a flood.

Dry Everything Quickly

The most important catalyst for mold damage in Phoenix is water. Excess water is what allows mold to grow, especially in the dry atmosphere and climate of the Sonoran Desert. In the aftermath of a flood, your home is probably soaked, giving mold spores all the water they need to grow and spread around the home. Take initial steps toward dryness as soon as possible, and be sure to contact a professional mitigation service like SERVPRO to implement a thorough drying procedure as quickly as possible.

Stop Your HVAC System

If you find mold in your home, stopping your HVAC system may help to prevent it from spreading to other rooms. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems circulate air and mold spores alike throughout your home, quickly propagating a mature mold colony. Do note, however, that this may be inadvisable in the summer months when turning off the air conditioning could cause your home to overheat.

Call a Professional

Even if any visible water evaporates quickly, there may still be hidden patches of moisture soaked into materials or hidden behind objects around your home. SERVPRO technicians use thermal imaging technology to determine if your home is truly dry or not and to find any potential centers of mold growth. Without a thorough search, your home could be developing a mold colony that remains hidden behind a wall until it is too late.

SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix has years of experience dealing with mold damage and knows the best steps in both preventing and treating mold in the home. If you find mold in your home, call us right away at (623) 594-6033.

For more information regarding Phoenix, click here

No Reason to Live with Mold Damage in Your Phoenix Home

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Spores Can Develop into Colonies Requiring Remediation to Your Phoenix Area Home