Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
Mold Outbreak Discovered Underneath Refrigerator in Mundelein Home?
4/9/2024 (Permalink)
We are leaders in mold remediation services in Lake County.
Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams often discover mold damage during water damage inspections and assessments. A leaking water supply line underneath a refrigerator poses a significant risk of triggering a hidden mold outbreak within a home. The continuous moisture from the leak creates an ideal environment for mold growth, especially in dark and confined spaces where the leak may go unnoticed for an extended period.
Initially, the leak introduces moisture to the surrounding area, such as the flooring or subfloor beneath the refrigerator. This moisture promotes mold spore germination, and as the mold colony forms, it begins to spread along surfaces and into nearby materials.
Because the leak is underneath the refrigerator, the mold growth remains hidden from plain sight, allowing it to increase unchecked. Over time, the mold may penetrate further into building materials like wood or drywall, exacerbating the problem.
The warmth generated by the refrigerator's motor also contributes to the ideal conditions for mold growth, as mold thrives in warm, damp environments.
As the mold colony expands, it releases spores into the air, which can circulate throughout the home via the HVAC system, spreading to other areas inside the home.
Call Us Today!
Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or business has a water-related mold outbreak. Call us today at 224-372-7064.
SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.
What Causes Winter Mold Outbreaks in Wauconda?
12/19/2023 (Permalink)
We are leaders in mold remediation services in Lake County.
Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams restore mold damage in Wauconda throughout the year. Although they are less common during the cold season compared to warmer months, winter mold outbreaks can be caused by a combination of factors. Mold typically thrives in environments with high humidity and moisture, so the following factors can contribute to winter mold outbreaks:
Indoor Humidity
As people heat their homes, the relative humidity indoors can increase if there is insufficient ventilation or if the home is not properly sealed. This can lead to condensation on windows and walls, creating a conducive environment for mold growth.
Poor Ventilation
In winter, homes are often sealed tightly to conserve heat. While this is energy-efficient, it can reduce ventilation and prevent moisture from escaping, leading to the buildup of humidity. Insufficient ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements can contribute to mold growth.
Leaks and Moisture Intrusion
Even in cold weather, leaks in the roof, walls, or foundation of a home can introduce moisture into the indoor environment. This moisture can accumulate and provide a suitable habitat for mold.
Condensation
Cold outdoor temperatures can cause condensation to form on windows and walls. If this moisture is not promptly dried or if it occurs in areas with poor airflow, it can create conditions favorable for mold development.
Insufficient Insulation
Poorly insulated areas of a home, such as attics, crawl spaces, or basements, can be prone to temperature fluctuations and moisture buildup, making them susceptible to mold growth.
Call Us Today!
When you discover a mold outbreak in your home or commercial business in Wauconda, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064.
SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.
Winter Mold Outbreak in Wauconda Home?
11/27/2023 (Permalink)
We are leaders in mold damage remediation services in Lake County.
If you discover a mold outbreak in your home during the winter months, it may be the result of excess moisture or hidden water damage. Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trained and certified to locate and restore mold damage in homes and commercial properties in Lake County. Mold requires moisture and organic material to grow, and several conditions can contribute to its development during the winter months:
Condensation: One common cause of mold growth in the winter is condensation. When warm, moist indoor air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as windows, walls, or ceilings, condensation can form. This moisture can create ideal conditions for mold growth, especially if it occurs in hidden areas like behind walls or inside insulation.
High Humidity: Some homes may have elevated indoor humidity levels during the winter, particularly if they are not well-ventilated or have inadequate insulation. High indoor humidity can lead to increased moisture in the air, which can promote mold growth if not properly controlled.
Leaks or Water Intrusion: Winter weather can lead to ice dams on roofs, frozen pipes, and other forms of water intrusion. Leaks from roofs, walls, or plumbing systems can introduce moisture into the home, providing a breeding ground for mold if not promptly addressed.
Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home can contribute to moisture buildup. Without proper ventilation, humidity can accumulate and create conditions favorable for mold growth.
Wet or Damp Materials: Wet or damp building materials, such as drywall, insulation, or carpeting, can support mold growth if they are not thoroughly dried. This can occur due to leaks, flooding, or improper moisture control.
Indoor Plants: Indoor plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. If you have a large number of indoor plants and inadequate ventilation, this can contribute to higher humidity levels and potentially create conditions for mold growth.
Call Us Today!
When your home or business in Wauconda has mold damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064.
SERVPRO® Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Comprehensive Mold Remediation Process Used to Restore Mold Damage in Wauconda?
10/10/2023 (Permalink)
We are leaders in mold damage restoration services in Lake County!
Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in mold damage removal services. We follow a seven-step remediation process when restoring mold damage as follows:
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.
- Mold Containment
We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.
- Air Filtration
We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while mold remediation is in process.
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.
- Cleaning Contents
We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
- Restoration
Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Call Us Today!
When your home or commercial business in Wauconda has a mold outbreak and you need mold remediation services, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
What Can I Do If I Discover Mold Growing in My Home in Mundelein?
6/6/2023 (Permalink)
We restore mold damage quickly and efficiently in Lake County!
If you smell a strong musty odor, you probably have a mold problem lurking somewhere in your home. Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team restores mold damage following state and local laws and regulations. Here are some tips from our website for things you can and should not do while waiting for professional help to arrive:
What to Do
- Stay out of affected areas
- Turn off the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system and fans
- Contact SERVPRO of Mundelein/North Wauconda 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
Mold facts
- Under the right warm and moist conditions, mold can colonize within 48 to 72 hours
- Mold left untreated can spread to other areas of a structure quickly
- Mold outbreaks are often caused by hidden water damage
- Mold feeds on all kinds of organic materials: clothing, upholstery, drywall, carpeting, wood, and more
Call Us Today!
When you discover mold damage in your Mundelein home or commercial business, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Mold Damage Prevention Tips for Wauconda Residents?
5/30/2023 (Permalink)
We are leaders in mold remediation services in Lake County!
Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is trained and certified to restore mold damage, no matter how big the job is. Mold is always present in the Earth’s atmosphere, waiting for the perfect conditions to colonize. Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions and it feeds on all kinds of organic material: fabric, carpeting, drywall, paint, wood surfaces, paper products, and more.
However, there are steps you can take to discourage mold from growing. Here are some tips for preventing mold growth from the Lake County Health Department:
- The source of the water problem must first be corrected. All roof, wall, surface, or plumbing leaks must be fixed. The affected areas must then be completely dried. The use of dehumidifiers and fans is recommended.
- Condensation problems need insulation, additional heat, air circulation, and/or reduced humidity to prevent mold-causing conditions. Sunlight or increased artificial light will limit mildew growth. Use moisture barrier material in crawl spaces.
Our Mold Removal Process
- Emergency Contact – 224-372-7064
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
- Mold Containment
- Air Filtration
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
- Cleaning Contents and Belongings
- Restoration
Call Us Today!
When you discover mold damage in your Wauconda home or commercial business, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
24/7 Emergency Service