Protecting Homes in Durango, Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Mold Issues

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Welcome to SERVPRO©, your trusted ally in maintaining a healthy home environment! Nestled in the picturesque town of Durango, Colorado, discovering mold in your residence can be a cause for concern. Mold not only affects the aesthetics of your home but also poses health risks and potential structural damage. In this blog, we'll guide you through the essential steps to address mold and emphasize why relying on SERVPRO's© expertise is crucial for effective mold remediation in Durango.

Section 1: Identifying Mold Start by familiarizing yourself with the signs of mold growth in your Durango home. Mold can present itself in various colors and textures, such as black spots, green patches, or fuzzy growth on surfaces. Musty odors and increased allergy symptoms among household members can also be indicators of a potential mold issue.

Section 2: Immediate Actions to Take:

Isolate the Area: Contain the spread of mold spores by closing doors and windows. If feasible, seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting. Turn Off HVAC Systems: Prevent the circulation of mold spores throughout your home by turning off heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Handle with Care: Minimize disturbing the mold to reduce the release of spores into the air. Section 3: Why Professional Assistance is Essential:

Health Risks: Mold exposure can lead to various health problems, especially for those with respiratory conditions or allergies. Professional remediation ensures the safe and thorough removal of mold, minimizing health risks. Comprehensive Inspection: SERVPRO's© skilled technicians conduct a detailed inspection to identify the extent of mold growth, hidden mold, and potential moisture sources contributing to mold development. Effective Remediation Techniques: Our team utilizes advanced equipment and industry-approved techniques for mold remediation, ensuring a comprehensive and lasting solution. Preventing Future Growth: SERVPRO© not only eliminates existing mold but also addresses the root cause, implementing measures to prevent future mold growth. Section 4: The SERVPRO© Advantage:

Local Expertise: As a trusted SERVPRO© franchise in Durango, we understand the unique challenges posed by the local climate and environmental conditions. 24/7 Emergency Response: Mold problems can arise at any time. Our team is available 24/7 to respond promptly to emergencies, preventing further damage to your home. IICRC-Certified Technicians: Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ensuring industry-leading expertise in mold remediation. Conclusion: Discovering mold in your Durango home can be unsettling, but with timely and professional intervention, you can protect your property and the health of your loved ones. SERVPRO© is your local partner in effective mold remediation, offering unparalleled expertise and a commitment to restoring your home to a safe and healthy condition. Don't let mold compromise your living space – reach out to SERVPRO© for reliable and comprehensive mold remediation services tailored to the unique needs of Durango.

Breaking Down Mold Remediation

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs in a home or commercial property, mold growth will likely follow.

In fact, mold can begin growing within just 48 hours of moisture exposure. That means that if you are faced with a mold issue, it is imperative to know what your next steps should be.

The Importance of Mold Remediation

There are ads out there for mold remediation and mold removal and you’ve probably seen some, but the mold removal is a fallacy. Removing all mold from a home or business is simply not possible. The main focus of a qualified restoration company is mold remediation and bringing mold levels back to a normal and natural range.

Mold spores are naturally occurring almost everywhere, both inside structures and outdoors. Issues arise when a minor problem is left untreated, leaving it to become a major mold infestation.

During mold remediation, technicians will isolate all contaminated areas either by closing all doors and windows or effectively sealing off all doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting depending on the level of the remediation. Dust in the contaminated areas is then suppressed through a misting process.

All of the wet and mold-damaged materials will be removed and discarded through the use of plastic bags. After that, all areas that have been exposed to and affected by the mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum is sometimes used during some cases to aid in the removal of contamination and debris.

The mold area will then be treated with a biocide and left to cure overnight and destroy the mold spores. The next day, the mold remediation crew will return to encapsulate all of the affected and surrounding areas.

Do This If You Suspect a Mold Issue

If there is a chance that your home or business may have a mold problem,it is important that you act quickly. If, when you evaluate the size of the problem, you find that the affected area is more than 10 square feet, it’s time to call in the professionals.

These professionals you bring in need to be highly trained and certified in the following areas, to name a few:

• Applied microbial remediation
• Water damage restoration
• Applied structural drying

There have been times where some minor mold issues have been successfully resolved by homeowners and business owners on their own, but the best way is to use a professional remediation company to ensure the quickest and safest resolution to the problem.

SERVPRO® of Archuleta, Montezuma, La Plata & San Juan Counties is here to help you 24/7/365 with any mold damage and remediation issue.

Please call us at 970-259-6184

Don't "Leaf" Your Gutters Alone, Prevent Water and Mold Damage to Your Silverton Roof and Home

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

"Leaf" Guards Allow for Rainwater and Snow to Flow Away from Your Silverton Property to Help Prevent Water Damage and Mold Problems

Avoid Fueling Mold Growth -- Complete Autumn Roof And Gutter Maintenance In Silverton

Mold spores are a constant in Silverton as in most areas, floating on air currents and settling on surfaces in your home. The spores are relatively harmless until they absorb moisture from any water source. Within 24 to 48 hours of  moisture availability, spores can begin the growth of colonies on any surface with even a trace of organic matter. When the mold infestation becomes evident, we can help.

Drywall, wood framing, and insulation all provide a hospitable environment for mold damage in your Silverton home. The upper reaches of your attic, whether finished or not, are common places for microbial growth if even tiny amounts of rainwater, ice, or snow seep inside. Checking your roof and gutter system in the fall is a smart move to protect your home from water and mold damage. If you feel concerned about mold growth under the roof, we can help inspect and remediate if necessary.

With the extreme temperature ranges a house in our area experiences over the course of a year come many opportunities for water to force its way into the interior. SERVPRO recommends maintaining a sound roof and properly working gutters and downspouts as your first defense against the leakage that can result in mold damage. Leaves, needles, twigs, and even branches can clog gutters if homeowners fail to complete routine cleaning.

Clearing away debris and checking for cracked shingles, loose roof flashings, and broken drainage system supports ensures precipitation of all kinds remains outside your home. During our snowy winters, dirty gutters contribute to ice dams. Frozen water pushes its way under shingles bit by bit as warmer air from the house melts the edges of the pools of ice stuck in a clogged gutter. SERVPRO crews assist many homeowners with the water damage and resulting mold infestations in these scenarios.

If poorly draining gutters or damaged roofs allow water inside to feed mold colonies, SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma & San Juan Counties has the expertise and equipment to remediate the situation. Call us for an inspection this fall at (970) 259-6184 to avoid even more significant problems when the snow flies. 

Here is a magazine guide to the area.

Regular Mold Inspections In Your Durango Home Can Reduce Widespread Damages

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

When homeowners think of situations like mold damage in their Durango home, many attribute this occurrence to dirtiness or some different catalyst.

Regular Mold Inspections Can Reduce Widespread Damages

Keeping up with your Durango home might seem like a constant chore to many homeowners in the area. With the threats from severe weather systems throughout significant portions of the year and other natural threats to the stability and functionality of your home, many homeowners tend to overlook the potential problems that could exist in the less frequented areas of their homes.

When homeowners think of situations like mold damage in their Durango home, many attribute this occurrence to dirtiness or some different catalyst. In truth, mold spores exist microscopically in almost every environment we encounter, including every area of your home. With this in mind, these spores are only waiting for the conditions to get met for them to seat into organic materials and colonize.

Finding a colony can prove challenging in your home, primarily if it occurs in an area that you do not frequent very often. Crawlspaces and basements are two favorite locations for mold growth to occur, and both of these are often less trafficked areas of the house. While an active colony often emits a strong musty odor, this can get missed if you are not in the vicinity of the colony. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you to identify the presence of mold and potential risks for growth from unresolved moisture sources.

Inspections are an excellent way for you to stay ahead of a potential problem before it gets out of control. While ultimately these situations often still require the expertise of our SERVPRO remediation technicians, catching a problem early can aid in preserving structural materials from degrading to the point of being unsalvageable. Often, mold growth occurs in damp and dark locations in or around your home. Early indicators are random spots on drywall and wood, which can indicate that spores have started to colonize.

More often than not, homeowners do not know they have a problem until it is out of their control. If you find mold growth in your house, you can always count on our SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma & San Juan Counties remediation technicians to arrive quickly and get to work on removing this presence. Our rapid response team is standing by now at (970) 259-6184.

Click here for more about Durango.

Does Your Durango Area Home Have A Mold Problem?

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on a floor support beam

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.

SERVPRO of Archuleta, Montezuma, La Plata & San Juan Counties is here to help you 24/7/365 with any mold damage and restoration issue.

Please call us at 970-259-6184

Can we mitigate that mold? Yes we can!

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be hiding in places you wouldn't even see if you don't inspect your property thoroughly, but that's why our professionals check for you!

Where there's water, there is mold risk. Mold can not only affect your health, but it can also cause significant damage to your property. It is for the very same reasons that our SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties teams have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle any mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is unique, and requires an equally unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same to meet top industry standards.

Curious how we do it? Here are the basics for a "typical" mold job:

The mold cleanup and restoration process starts when you call us and tell us about the problem affecting your home. One of our fabulous office admins will ask you a series of questions that help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed to get your home back to normal.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Our team will inspect your home or business for signs of mold using technology designed to detect spores and any hidden water that might be feeding the mold and growing it.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures are followed prevent the mold from spreading and to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to also keep the mold spores from spreading during the rest of the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Special filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores in the air. Our professionals use powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to further prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on a variety of factors, but mainly the amount of mold, and the types of surfaces the mold appears on. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments are then employed to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new ones from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, is sometimes necessary to remediate heavier mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Our SERVPRO pros thoroughly clean your furniture, miscellaneous items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. Our teams are also trained to remove odors/deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the extent of the mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Archuleta, Montezuma, La Plata & San Juan Counties is here to help you 24/7/365 with any mold damage and restoration issue.

Please call us at 970-259-6184

Top Hidden Places Where Mold May Grow in Your Home

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth on a ceramic tile shower surround in Durango, CO.

Mold primarily thrives in damp, humid areas, such as basements, showers or areas around heating and cooling appliances.  However, there are many places where mold may be silently hiding.  It's these unseen areas that can lead to significant damage from mold making it important to check them regularly for signs of moisture or condensation. In no particular order, here are the top places where mold can grow in your home:

Crawl Spaces

Most homeowners never look into their crawlspace, but they might want to. Crawlspaces can easily collect moisture from water rising from the ground or seeping through the foundation. The presence of a vapor barrier will help keep the ground moisture from intruding into the crawlspace. Adequate ventilation also allows any moisture that may collect to flow out. Failure to keep the moisture out and have effective air-flow in your crawlspace can result in mold growth on the exposed framing of your home. The mold can eventually lead to excessive damage to all wood surfaces and slowly make its way into the home

Basements

Basements are similar to crawlspaces.  However, since they are open and exposed to the rest of the house, mold can quickly spread throughout your home via the air ducts and open doors. If your basement smells musty, you may have mold growth already happening or the high possibility of it occurring. Since many basements are furnished and carpeted, there are more areas to trap moisture, making them even more susceptible to mold growth when compared to a crawlspace.

Bathrooms

A good ventilation fan is important in a bathroom, not only for the odor issues, but for moisture as well. This is especially true with bathrooms where there are showers in them. While everybody loves a hot shower, the steam created from the hot water also generates a large amount of moisture that can easily lead to mold growth. Another area where mold may grow is behind toilets and under sinks with cabinets. Moisture can condensate on the toilet tank or base causing mold to form on the wall or where it is affixed to the floor.  Even a small amount of water that escapes from the plumbing underneath the bathroom sink can be enough to initiate mold growth.

Under the Refrigerator

Some refrigerators have drip pans where water can collect. If dust or debris get into the drip pan, mold can start to grow. Water can also leak from the water line to the ice maker, or drip from the cooling coils. Sweeping or vacuuming any vents or drip pans, as well as checking any lines or connections should be performed on a regular basis.

Around the Washing Machine

The washing machine and the dryer are both susceptible to mold growth. If the dryer vent hose does not properly vent out the steam from the drying clothes, it can accumulate in the hose or around the back of the dryer causing mold to grow. Washing machines can also leak and drip down under the machine where dust can gather creating the perfect home for mold growth. Just like the refrigerator, it's important to keep the areas clean and check underneath them often.

Top Ways to Reduce Mold Growth in Your Home

So now that you know where mold growth can happen, how can you reduce the likelihood of mold growing in your home? As stated above, it's important to keep your home clean of dust by sweeping and vacuuming on a regular basis. While dust doesn't necessarily cause mold to grow, dust along with moisture can.  The dust may inhibit the needed ventilation and air flow, and excess moisture accelerates mold growth.

The most important thing to remember when reducing the chance of mold growth from happening in your home, is the need to control and eliminate any source of excess moisture. Regularly check for leaks and condensation problems around sinks, appliances, and air conditioning units. If you have a musty basement, ensure that a vapor barrier is free from rips or tears and make sure your sump pump is operating properly. You may also want to consider a ventilator fan to facilitate air flow and reduce any moisture in the air. If water seems to be seeping in outside from the basement walls or crawl space foundation, you'll want to look at the drainage around your home.

SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma & San Juan Counties is here to help you 24/7/365 with any mold damage and restoration issue. 

Please call us at 970-259-6184.

Mold Removal and Remediation Guidelines

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth on exposed floor joists in a basement in Durango, CO.

Mold is a silent culprit that invades homes and businesses that experience excessive moisture due to floods, leaky water pipes, or even undetected plumbing problems. It can be found on almost any surface where moisture is present. Sometimes it grows undetected for long periods on wood, drywall, paper, insulation, and deep inside carpets and padding underneath. When excessive moisture is undiscovered and uncontrolled, the result is growth of mold in a home or business. Mold only needs a good supply of moisture and oxygen to flourish. Even though it may be impossible to eliminate all mold completely indoors, it can be successfully handled by controlling the presence of moisture. However, if persistent infestation exists, it may become necessary to seek the services of a reputable mold remediation specialist. These professionals understand the process of proper mold mitigation and mold removal. They investigate the extent of the mold damage and determine the primary cause.

When to Hire a Professional:

Once mold is discovered in a home or business, it is time to seek professional assistance. SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties is here to help. Mold is a serious problem that cannot be ignored or delayed. It will only get worse if left untreated. The first step is to arrange for a professional mold inspection by a reputable, certified remediation specialist. If a mold problem is detected a mold remediation company should begin the clean-up process and mold mitigation. The cleanup begins with the removal of all mold, mildew, and fungus infested materials.

Insurance Coverage Limitations:

If the mold, mildew or fungus infestation is a direct result of some emergency that is covered by a homeowner's insurance policy, the insurance may be required to pay. An example of this might be a broken drainpipe or water heater problem. The insurance company will investigate to determine the direct cause of the mold to determine if it is covered by a regular homeowner's policy. Mold resulting from floodwater is only covered if a separate flood policy was written. Most expenses incurred for mold damage and mold removal are not covered by insurance.

Types of Mold:

There are a variety of types of mold.  The most common found in a home or business are fungus and mildew. A more severe and serious type is black mold. All types of mold can grow behind walls causing a smelly odor that requires deodorization techniques to eliminate. Once a smelly odor is detected in an area, mold damage may already have occurred. The first indication that mildew or fungus exists is the smelly odor that is present with commercial mold damage and mold in the home as well. This requires an extensive deodorization process.

Professional Mold Removal and Mitigation:

To prevent further mold damage, professionals employ extensive mitigation techniques to eliminate the moisture source as they go about the process of mold removal. Some professionals use a thermal fogging system that works by combining a deodorizer with a fresh scent in the process of deodorization. When there is extensive commercial mold damage, experts recommend opening windows, running ceiling fans, and operating exhaust fans to help disperse bad smells that were created by the mold.

SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties is here to help you 24/7/365 with any mold damage and restoration issue.

Please call us at 970-259-6184

Concerns with Mold in your Four Corners Area home?

6/23/2016 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your home can result in mold growth

From The Ordinary....

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment.  In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified.  

Fungi produce some very useful results.  Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages.  The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold.  An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold.

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful.  Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

To The Unhealthy...

Intrusion of water into your Four Corners Area home can result in mold growth.  Water intrusions can be a result of storm damage, plumbing failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control.  When these intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.  Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments.  If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply.  Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.  Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Take Precautions

The Professionals at SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, & San Juan Co’s handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time.  If your Four Corners Area property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly.  If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

·          The presence of visible mold.

·          Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.

·          Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.

·          Excessive humidity.

Help is Here!! 

If you think you might have a mold problem, the Professionals at SERVPRO of Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, & San Juan Co’s are here to make it “Like it never even happened."

Call us today at (970) 259-6184 for any Mold concerns 

Four Corners Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

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 Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, & San Juan Co's  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 Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, & San Juan Co's 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 – (970) 259-6184