Battling Rain-Related Mold Damage in San Diego?

6/25/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in San Diego.

With its reputation for year-round sunshine, San Diego might not be one of many places that come to mind when you think of mold issues. However, locals know that the city isn't immune to occasional bouts of rain. While the rain is a welcome sight for parched landscapes, it can also bring unwelcome consequences, including mold damage.

The combination of intermittent rain showers and the city's typically dry climate creates ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in homes and buildings with poor ventilation or water intrusion issues. Even a minor roof leak or improperly sealed windows can provide enough moisture for mold spores to thrive, leading to unsightly stains, musty odors, and potentially costly structural damage.

Mold remediation becomes a pressing concern for residents when rain-related moisture issues arise. Prompt action is essential to prevent mold from spreading and causing further damage. Our local San Diego City, South West team has been restoring mold damage in our beautiful city for many years.

SERVPRO® professionals play a crucial role in assessing the extent of mold damage, identifying sources of moisture, and implementing effective remediation strategies to restore indoor environments to pre-mold conditions.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business requires mold remediation, our San Diego City, South West team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-269-5004.

SERVPRO franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding and Water Damage Leads to Mold Outbreaks in San Diego?

4/30/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in San Diego.

Our local San Diego City, South West team is highly trained and certified to restore mold damage. Water damage creates the ideal environment for mold growth due to the presence of moisture and organic materials. When water damage is not dried thoroughly, the moisture provides the perfect breeding ground for mold spores to thrive. Mold spores are always present in the environment, and when they encounter a damp surface, they begin to germinate and form colonies.

Without proper drying, moisture becomes trapped in porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, and wood, facilitating rapid mold proliferation. Mold can spread rapidly within 24 to 48 hours of water damage occurrence, further exacerbating the problem. Mold feeds on organic materials in wooden furniture, fabrics, paper products, drywall, and paint, further sustaining the colonies and allowing them to grow.

Our Mold Restoration Process

Although every mold infestation is unique, we use this process for every customer we serve to comprehensively restore mold damage in homes and commercial businesses:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents
7. Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in San Diego has mold damage, our San Diego City, South West team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-269-5004.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Keep Mold From Growing in My Home in Golden Hill?

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

We mitigate and remove mold damage in San Diego County.

For many years, our local San Diego City, South West team has been remediating mold problems for Golden Hill residents and businesses. Mold spores are always present in the Earth’s atmosphere, waiting for the perfect conditions to colonize. Here are some tips from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for keeping mold out of homes and buildings:

Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance. Correct conditions causing mold growth (e.g., water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding) to prevent mold growth.

Inside your home, you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas

Specific Recommendations

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—between 30% and 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months

• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture

Call Us Today!

Our San Diego City, South West team is Here to Help ® when you need mold remediation services. Call us today at 619-269-5004.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

East Village Residents Mold Damage Discovered in East Village Apartment?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in San Diego County.

If you discover a water leak, you will probably discover mold growing close by. East Village residents and businesses have relied on our local San Diego City, South West team to restore mold outbreaks for many years. Our technicians are trained and certified to mitigate and restore mold problems by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Here is a recent Google review from one of our happy customers:

“Boy is this company great! They came so quick when we had a leak behind our washer. Everyone from our tech to the staff answering the phone are super polite and easy to work with. I will definitely be referring them to anyone who might need them.” Darren Roach

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Service: Mold mitigation

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

1. Emergency Contact

1. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
2. Mold Containment
3. Air Filtration
4. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
5. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
6. Restoration

Call Us Today!

Our San Diego City, South West team is Here to Help ® when you have a mold problem. We have the training, equipment, and protective gear required to restore mold and water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-269-5004.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Outbreak Discovered in Logan Heights?

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in mold remediation services in San Diego.

Although this picture looks like a Martian landscape, it is actually a photo of microscopic mold spores. Mold is often a symptom of water damage, especially if you notice a strong, musty odor after it has rained or if you have had recent water damage. Our local San Diego City, South West team is trained and certified to mitigate and remove mold infestations from homes and businesses in Logan Heights. We have the training, equipment, and experience to remove mold quickly and efficiently.

Here is some information from our website about mold:

• 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 air conditioning and 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 
• Mold colonies may produce allergens and irritants
• Before mold remediation begins, any water or moisture sources 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.

Call Us Today!

Our San Diego City, South West team is Here to Help ® when your home or business needs mold removal services in Logan Heights. Call us today at 619-269-5004.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heavy Rains Cause Mold Outbreaks in Golden Hill?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold damage remediation in San Diego County.

With heavy rain comes the potential for water intrusion and mold outbreaks. Last month, several atmospheric rivers brought heavy rain to San Diego County and especially San Diego communities. When your Golden Hill home experiences a mold infestation, you can rely on our local San Diego City, South West team of professionals to inspect, assess, and remediate the problem. Our technicians are certified in applied microbial remediation by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the restoration industry.

Often mold infestations are symptoms of a water leak or exposure to high moisture levels, so we will locate the source of the excess moisture or water and make repairs to minimize the potential for the mold to return once the remediation process is complete.

Mold spores are microscopic and float around in the Earth’s atmosphere waiting for the perfect, moist, warm conditions to colonize. These colonies can become visible in as little as 48 hours and can spread quickly. Because mold is always present in the air, it can never be completely removed, but it can be controlled and remediated.

Call Us Today!

Our San Diego City, South West team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Golden Hill has a mold problem. Call us today at 619-269-5004.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Do you have mold in your home or business?

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a commercial property in San Diego that had a mold issue on the exterior of the property, behind the siding. Call SERVPRO 24/7.

If you are on Google searching for mold remediation companies, or information on mold, you probably suspect your property has a mold damage issue.

You may be wondering what the signs of mold are. Keep your eyes peeled for standing water in the basement, watermarks on walls (particularly recent-looking stains), or musty smells, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, cabinets with plumbing, or other areas with plumbing.

Mold needs a few things to thrive: moisture, and humidity. Keep in mind while mold can be a common occurrence related to leaks or other water damage, it isn't always due to water damages to a property.

If you do have a mold issue, SERVPRO of San Diego City SW is here to help! We are mold remediation professionals. We are available 24/7/365 at (619) 269-5004.

Sick Building Syndrome in San Diego

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

This photo shows one section of a business that had a major mold problem in San Diego. Call SERVPRO at 619-269-5004 and we can help.

Back in the 1970s, sick building syndrome became recognized as people displayed similar symptoms after having spent extended periods of time in buildings with poor air quality.  Sick building syndrome (also known as SBS) is a name for a condition that is thought to be caused by being in an enclosed space. The key to SBS Is that your symptoms improve after leaving the building in question, only to come back when you return to that locaton.

People thought to be the most at risk for SBS are:

• Infants and children
• Pregnant women
• Elderly
• People with respiratory issues or allergies
• People with weak immune systems

While mold is found in our everyday environment, an abundance of mold indoors is something that needs to be addressed, some individuals can become ill.  If you have excessive mold, SERVPRO of San Diego City SW can help.  

To control moisture and therefore reduce your risk of getting mold, be sure to correct any water leaks or standing water.

The World Health Organization says that poor indoor air quality costs $60 billion in employee sick leave and loss of production.

SERVPRO of San Diego is available 24/7/365. To learn more about Indoor Air Quality, call us at 619-269-5004.

I have a big mold problem in San Diego. What do I do?

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

This photo was taken mid-demolition process of a commercial mold remediation job near downtown San Diego.

When you suspect your commercial (or personal) property has mold, you are going to want a licensed, bonded and insured company to help you through the mold remediation process.

Sometimes people don't think mold is a big deal, but we are here to tell you that is absolutely is. It can cause all sorts of issues to a property, and sometimes health issues for owners and tenants, or occupants of buildings.

But don't let it scare you or keep you up at night, that's what SERVPRO of San Diego City SW is here for. We do mold remediation jobs day in and day out, and we know what it takes to properly do a mold remediation job.  We've done extremely large and complex mold jobs, and your basic small mold issue in a residence. We treat both just as seriously. If you suspect you have mold, call us for a free inspection. SERVPRO of San Diego City SW can be reached at 619-269-5004.

How do I remove mold?

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Surface mold at a property in San Diego, California.

At least several times a week we get phone calls for mold remediation estimates. And, by the way, we do free inspections! When we do get those calls, pretty much 9 times out of 10, when someone suspects they have mold, they do have mold.

By the time you suspect mold damage in your San Diego business or home, you probably either see it or smell it. Mold has a very strong odor, and can be bothersome for many.

The important thing to know is that with SERVPRO of San Diego City SW, you are in great hands when it comes to mold remediation.

Our team can come onsite and give you a free inspection and provide you with an estimate, discuss what the process would look like and all  the steps involved, and then at the end of the job, a mold clearance test would need to be performed to show you that we did everything properly.

If you suspect you have mold and you are in San Diego County, call SERVPRO of San Diego City SW at 619-269-5004.

Is mold removal covered by homeowners insurance?

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

We get a number of calls each week from San Diego homeowners concerned that they may have mold. The truth is, 9 times out of 10, if you suspect you have mold, you do. By that time, you probably have noticed a musty smell, or even potentially have seen mold growth on your walls or personal items.

How do you clean up mold in San Diego?

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

A photo of mold taken at a multi unit property in San Diego.

Mold, mold, mold! Mold can be such a scary word, and with good reason. Most of us know what some of the side effects from mold exposure can be, especially to those with respiratory issues or weakened immune systems.

There are a couple important things to know about mold:

1. It needs moisture to grow.

2. It needs a food source to spread.

We tend to see a lot of mold calls come in from the beach areas of San Diego, because mold loves a humid environment. But the truth is, mold can and does happen anywhere in San Diego County, especially when it's related to an undetected water leak that's been going on for some time.

So how do you clean up mold?

Well, the first thing is first, many old timers in this industry use BLEACH to treat mold, and that's a big no-no. When you are dealing with a non-porous material, you can simply clean it with Dawn dish soap (yes, really), but when you have a porous material involved, you have to remove the affected materials by hiring a licensed, bonded and insured expert mold remediation company. Like us! SERVPRO of San Diego City SW.

Call us anytime at 619-269-5004, we'll come out and assess your property for free.

Does water damage cause mold?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

A photo of suspected mold growth at a commercial office building in downtown San Diego.

Does water damage cause mold? The short and sweet of it is, yes, water damage can cause mold.

Mold spores live indoors and outdoors, truthfully, they're all around us. But mold needs two things to grow: a food source and moisture.

Examples of food sources for mold include porous items throughout our home, including, drywall, clothing, couches, flooring, shoes, walls and carpet. 

If you have water damage such as a roof leak, or a sewage backup, or a pipe burst, and the water damage isn't properly handled, you could be looking at a mold problem. And mold spores can start to colonize within 48 hours, so time is of the essence.

If you have water damage or suspect you have mold due to the musty odor, call us anytime at 619-269-5004.  We'd be happy to come out and give you a free assessment. 

Mold remediation in Imperial Beach, San Diego

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Here's a photo of suspected mold growth at a multi-unit building in the Imperial Beach area of San Diego.

Here's a photo of a recent mold remediation job we performed in the Imperial Beach neighborhood of San Diego.

This call came from one of our regular property managers that call on us anytime they have a water damage, fire damage, or mold remediation need. They know they can trust SERVPRO of San Diego City SW to make it "Like it never even happened."

Any time you see visible mold or suspect you have mold, you'll want to call in a trusted mold remediation cleanup company to handle it for you. 

There are certain problems associated with high levels of airborne mold spores, though it's important to note it does affect each person differently. Some health issues that can result from being exposed to mold include allergic reactions, asthma episodes (though exposure to mold DOES NOT CAUSE asthma), irritations of the eye, nose and throat, sinus congestion, and other respiratory problems.

If you suspect you have a mold problem in San Diego, call SERVPRO of San Diego City SW at 619-269-5004.  We'll come out for free and do an inspection.

Mold and Water Damage in Escondido, CA

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold under a bathroom vanity at a home in Escondido, CA.

This photo of mold and water damage in Escondido, CA shows what can happen to you if water damage goes undetected.  In this instance, the mold was quite minimal, compared to some other jobs we've performed!

Mold Mold Mold. Everything you want to know.

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

Mold

Mold is a term used to refer to fungi that grow in the form of multicellular thread-like structures called hyphae. Fungi that exist as single cells are called yeasts. Some molds and yeasts cause disease or food spoilage, others play an important role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes.

Mold is also found in damp building materials where it often appears like stains and comes in a variety of colours. A must smell is an indication of microbial growth even when there is no visible growth. If mold is allowed to grow in homes or offices it can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Some molds such as the Dry Rot Fungus, Serpula lacrymans, are highly destructive. For more details about dry rot fungus read Occurrence and Significance of Dry Rot Fungus, Serpula lacrymans.

Mold growth requires moisture. The sources of moisture could be Washing, cooking, air humidifiers, condensation or leaks from plumbing or from the outside. Poor ventilation contributes to higher humidity levels and leads to condensation, which also allows mold growth.

Molds release small “spores” into the air. So, when mold grows indoors, the number of mold spores and fragments is usually higher indoors than it is outdoors. These spores are small enough that people can actually inhale them deep into the lungs. Inhalation of spores poses risk of developing respiratory problems. With the exception of winter months mold spores are always present outdoors.

If you have a mold problem in your San Diego home or business/commercial property, call SERVPRO of San Diego City SW at 619-269-5004.

Information from: http://www.moldbacteriafacts.com/what-is-mold/

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

MOLD

As the public becomes more aware about the effects of mold exposure, concern about indoor mold has steadily increased. Here are some guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture problems in schools and other commercial buildings. These guidelines serve as a tool to protect the health of building occupants and remediators, and have been designed for:

• Building managers
• Custodians
• Others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance

It should serve as a reference for potential mold and moisture remediators. Using this document, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation should be able to make a reasonable judgment as to whether the situation can be handled in-house. It will help those in charge of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan or a remediation plan submitted by an outside contractor¹. Contractors and other professionals who respond to mold and moisture situations in commercial buildings and schools may also want to refer to these guidelines.

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings

Moisture problems in portable classrooms and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems. 

When mold growth occurs in buildings, adverse health problems may be reported by some building occupants, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants.

When your school or commercial property or place of business is suffering from mold exposure in San Diego, call SERVPRO of San Diego City SW. We’re available 24/7 at 619-269-5004.

info by: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide

All About Mold

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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.

Got a mold problem in San Diego? Call SERVPRO of San Diego City SW at 619-269-5004. We're trusted mold remediation experts and would be happy to give you a free estimate.

What Is Black Mold?

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

What Is Black Mold?

You may have seen news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by visiting Mold Damage Tips. 

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of San Diego City SW immediately. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (619) 269-5004

What Causes Mold to Grow?

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

What You Need To Know About Mold Remediation In San Diego

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

What You Need To Know About Mold Remediation In San Diego

 

If you're facing mild or severe mold in your residence or commercial building, the prospect of having mold remediation experts in San Diego enter your property and set up decontamination areas probabably seems overwhelming. But it doesn't need to be. Here at SERVPRO of San Diego City SW, we specialize in the remediation of mold.

 

Curious about your containment procedures? Let us give you a little step-by-step guide.

 

Explain a Containment

 

When we build a containment, our goal is to build an air tight seal around the affected area, so we can use negative pressure and HEPA filtration (air being sucked out of the containment and pushed outside). This cleans the air within to make it safe for workers and minimize the possibility of mold moving out of the area to other parts of the property. 

 

The containment will have an access to enter and exit, and while we don't want homeowners to enter the affected area, there is no danger to worry about.

 

After negative air pressure is setup and proper sealing of the containment is complete, dehumidifiers are placed. Demolition and cleaning of the affected area then takes place. Timing depends on the scope of work. During this time, the air flow and air purification using HEPA air filtration is taking place.

Then What?

It may be necessary to keep some of the machines running constantly over a period of days. You will be informed of this, and the experts will be on site regularly to check progress. 

 

Get in touch with our mold remediation experts here at SERVPRO of San Diego City SW before your small mold problem turns into a huge mold mess! We are experienced and highly skilled, and offer truly fantastic customer service. You can reach us at 619-269-5004.