Tackling Mold Damage in Elkhorn

1/12/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home need not cause a panic. Contact SERVPRO and have our trained technicians investigate the extent of the infestation.

Our Technicians are Experts in Remediating Mold and Preventing Constant Recurrences

Mold spore is a common element of dust in every Elkhorn home. The spore can remain in an inert state almost indefinitely, until it comes into contact with enough moisture to allow it to 'sprout' and grow, seeking a food source and further sources of water.
 
To stop the growth and remove mold damage in Elkhorn homes, SERVPRO carefully follows the guidelines developed by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC gridlines are based on the specifications developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for schools but are also applicable to private homes and apartment buildings. For mold remediation, there are key steps that we have adopted for our residential customers.
 
First, we must contain the affected area by constructing an airtight barrier around it.  We then set up negative air pressure within the containment area to prevent the spread of mold throughout the building.  

Once the affected area is contained, drying and removing non-salvageable materials can begin.  Mold cannot be safely removed from porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpet, so these types of materials must usually be discarded. Some salvageable items must be removed and cleaned off-site, at our facility. Depending on the type of item, technicians can wipe down the surface with a dry sponge or cloth. For thicker layers of mold, we use either water or a mild anti-fungal cleaner to loosen the mold and remove it.

Upholstered furniture can be difficult to clean.  It requires a stronger cleaning agent and a way to agitate both the cleaner and the surface of the fabric to remove the mold. In most cases, SERVPRO technicians can still clean these sofas or upholstered chairs in the home.
 
The items we removed from the home require immersion to clean them. For mold this thick, we take the item, such as window blinds, and place them inside a tank of cleaning agent. This method is effective, but not recommended when there is a risk of color run.
 
As team members clean salvageable property, others dispose of items too infested to be cleaned. We carefully bag or otherwise cover the items and remove them from the home.
 
Stopping and cleaning mold in your home is not an easy task, but at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest, we do our best to make it as simple, quick and painless as possible. If you suspect or see mold in your home, call us today at (402) 800-2134 to schedule an appointment.

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