Conditions In Beachwood, Shaker Heights or Cleveland Heights Might Be Right For Mold

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause negative health effects.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast for mold remediation services.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast to assess the situation at 216-464-4498. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business. We extend our services all over the Cleveland/Beachwood area including, but not limited to: Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, and Euclid. 

Mold in the Newburgh Heights Area

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold at a certain level is normal for the outdoors due to the amount of rain and moisture in the air. However, excess amounts of mold can be dangerous to the structure of your Mayfield Heights home.

Mold is present almost everywhere and goes unnoticed by most of us. It enters your Bratenahl home or University Heights business through windows, doors, air conditioning/heating units, pets and it may even come in off your clothing. Mold is only looking for the proper environment to flourish and can go easily undetected until the problem is at a level requiring professional remediation. Excessive mold growth can be preventable if moisture levels are kept under control, or if leaks are found and patched quickly. If mold levels become excessive, it can be remediated and reduced to an acceptable level.

By the time a mold problem is noticed visually or by odor, it is best to call SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast at 216-464-4498 to remediate the problem. Remember, before or shortly after the remediation process begins, the best practice is to address the source of moisture or water so the mold doesn’t return!

Mold Growth in Valley View

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth under a baseboard

Mold in your University Heights home can be a serious issue and one that you need to have taken care of as soon as possible. Luckily, SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast is here to help you understand mold damage and take action! 

The mold remediation process depends on the surface in which mold appears. Specialized cleaning procedures may include the use of HEPA vacuums, air filtration systems, and antimicrobial treatments to reduce mold within the affected area. Important measures are taken to prevent the spread of mold spores during the remediation process and after. Removal/disposal of mold infested porous materials like drywall and flooring may be necessary to keep your Lyndhurst home in good shape.

SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your Cuyahoga Heights home. Call us today at 216-464-4498 to schedule an appointment.

Mold Damage In Your Northeast Cleveland Residence

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Microbial life exists all over the world, including our homes in East Cleveland suburbs. The type of environment that we need to live comfortably helps keep these microbes from growing out of control and harming our Richmond Heights homes.

For a home in the Cleveland area, only a few variations can get conditions that cause mold damage to unfold rapidly. While the microbes always exist, it is nearly always the presence of moisture that creates this situation to plague a homeowner. The microbes merely need moisture to activate them to begin feeding on the already-present food supply found in your home's drywall, plaster, and wood components. Even the dust in your carpeting can supply mold and other microbes with substantial amounts of food.

A few actively growing microbes do not do much by themselves. However, these microbes rapidly reproduce by producing spores. These spores do not stay close to their place of origin. Instead, they end up thrust into the air and then carried to the same locations that air currents also carry excess moisture. This situation is what causes mold damage to become such a widespread problem in many homes so quickly.

At SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast, we train our technicians in how to both rapidly and effectively perform mold damage remediation services. These methods protect both our workers and your home in unaffected areas while efficiently ridding your home of an infestation.

We are also expert at keeping costs as low as possible by cleaning mold growth away from materials that have otherwise avoided exposure. Not everything in an area affected by mold damage requires removal, disposal, and replacement. Restoring damage and then preventing regrowth often suffices just as effectively while cutting the replacement costs out of the equation. At SERVPRO, we want to make things “Like it never even happened.” as inexpensively as possible for our customers while still ensuring their homes no longer contain excessive microbial populations.

We do this by clearing the air of microbes and spores, so they no longer can settle throughout your home and start new colonies. We also ensure that any sources of unwanted water or moisture no longer pose a threat to your home's interior. These and other measures help us succeed in eliminating current mold damage from your residence and prevent it from returning.

Contact SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast, we can always be reached at 216-464-4498 to help our neighbors with mold damage remediation. We’re here to help!

Mold Myths and Facts...Is it in Your Cuyahoga Heights Home?

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, there are many misconceptions that leave homeowners confused and misinformed. Just by mentioning the word “mold”, causes panic in the general population. Although mold can be a very serious problem and should always be handled with proper precautions, it is critical to have all the correct facts, so you can make informed decisions when necessary.

Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about mold:

• “Bleach kills mold” 

Bleach is able to kill certain types of mold on nonporous surfaces, but it is uncertain whether or not it can kill all types of mold on every surface of your South Euclid home. Most of the retail products out there only discolor the mold and are not suggested for porous surfaces for example, drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles, and wood, all of which are common materials affected by mold.

• “Mold is only found in homes with water damage”

It is true that mold generally forms in any areas that have problems of water seepage or flooding but unfortunately all homes could potentially wind up with a mold problem. Molds and mildews are present both indoors and outdoors, and when mold spores land on a surface that contains moisture, that mold can begin to grow.

• “You don’t have to remove mold if you kill it”

Even if you are able to kill the mold, there are allergens that live in mold that are still active. These allergens can even become airborne even if the mold is dead. Mold can also go dormant until conditions in the environment are optimal for regrowth. To protect yourself and your Brooklyn Heights home, it is necessary to remove the affected area and remove the items that contain mold. You need to be cautious not to spread the mold spores to unaffected areas. SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast are professionals and are properly trained to handle mold allergens without further contaminating your Garfield Heights home.

• “A small amount of visible mold is nothing to worry about”

While there is always some mold everywhere, sometimes small amounts of visible mold in your home may just be the tip of the iceberg. Chances are it has been growing for some time now and requires a knowledgeable mold professional to further assess the situation.

• “Mold Remediation is easy to do on your own”

That is not always the case. When it comes to very small areas affected by mold, sometimes it can be handled easily. But when the problem becomes pervasive, it is best to call the professionals to ensure it is truly resolved and does not continue to affect your home and family’s health.

For more information about mold, check out this link from the Center for Disease Control.

If you think there might be mold in your home, give SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast a call at 216-464-4498. Here to help!

Four Tips to Keep Mold Out of Your Newburgh Heights Business

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

The very idea of mold can make any home or business owner cringe. Mold can be a huge problem when it is growing undetected somewhere on your University Heights property or belongings. It can grow just about anywhere: on clothing, food, paper, carpet, and the backside of drywall, just to name a few spots. It can produce allergens and irritants and, in some cases, toxins that are dangerous to your health. Click on this link to learn about mold and its effects.

Here are four steps you can take to protect your East Cleveland business and employees from a mold issue:

• Do an audit of your Garfield Heights property. Are there any areas that are full of moisture much of the time? Seepage into storage areas or accumulation from leaky pipes should be dried within 48 hours to prevent mold damage. Encourage workers to keep wet items picked up, hanging wet coats up, and keeping rain boots and wet shoes in an area that won’t soak up moisture. Take steps to keep floors and windows dry always, especially during wet weather.
• Proper ventilation is an effective way to keep mold at bay. Keeping bathroom and kitchen doors open can help, increasing air circulation and aiding in the drying process. Using dehumidifiers keeps areas dry and pleasant, and always keep an eye on them to make sure they are in good repair and not contributing any moisture themselves; the manufacturer’s information provided will give directions on cleaning and care of your unit.
• Many products today contain mold-resistant materials, such as sheetrock or paint. Shop around for helpful products when doing any renovation or repair to your business, especially in areas that will experience moisture such as kitchens, break rooms, and bathrooms.
• Monitoring the humidity indoors in your business can go a long way to mold prevention. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity ideally between 30 and 50 percent; you can measure this with a moisture meter easily found at your local hardware store. 

Call SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast today at 216-464-4498. We are here to help, 24/7/365.

Is Home Improvement Illegal in Pepper Pike?

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that some DIY projects could put you behind bars? According to Bob Vila, “Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Some jobs call for a licensed professional, especially jobs that involve plumbing, electric, and HVAC installations and repairs. Improperly performed home improvements may cause injury, void warranties, compromise insurance claims, and complicate resales.”  

Check with your local city and county to make sure you are also following proper protocol for them as well. Educate yourself before you begin. 

SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast is happy to help! We extend our services across the Northeast Ohio region including, but not limited to: Euclid, East Cleveland, and Valley View. Give us a call today at 216.464.4498!

Mold in Your Beachwood, Ohio Home?

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast offers a mold remediation service. Our certified technicians follow certain procedures to ensure your home is restored, “Like it never even happened.” Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. 

What Causes Mold?

• Humidity
• Leaking pipes
• Leaking roof
• Condensation
• Poor ventilation
• Wet Clothes
• Flooding
• Damp basement

How to Prevent Mold:

• Monitor the humidity in your home – Try a dehumidifier
• Dry wet areas immediately
• Ensure your home has proper ventilation
• Try to bring in as much sunlight to your home
• Inspect water leaks around the house and fix immediately

If your Euclid, Mayfield Heights, or University Heights Ohio home needs a mold inspection or service call SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast at 216-464-4498 today!

Some Mold Facts to Consider on Your East Cleveland Property

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

When we are called about possible mold in a Cuyahoga Heights home, people always ask what should we know? Let's hear from our friends at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about mold:

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your Garfield Heights home or East Cleveland school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
   • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
   • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
   • Increasing ventilation
   • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning

Call SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast today at 216-464-4498….here to help! 

What exactly is mold?

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

What exactly is mold?

So we all have heard of mold. We all know that it can be bad and that you don’t want it in the house. That being said, what exactly is it?

According to aiha.org “The term “mold” is a colloquial term for a group of filamentous fungi that are common on food or wet materials. This includes the green Penicillium species that produces penicillin, and fungi that spoil our bread, fruit, cheese and crops. Most of these are Ascomycetes that produce a lot of spores.”

“The majority of the molds that grow on damp building materials are found in the soil and are adapted to grow on a wide variety of materials. Outdoors, molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. There are thousands of species of mold and they can be any color. Different mold species are adapted to different moisture conditions ranging from very wet to just damp. Many times, mold can be detected by a musty odor.”

Mold starts to grow in areas we don’t want it to when things inside your home get wet. This can be due to humidity issues, backed up drains, overflowing water sources, and a variety of other ways that surfaces in your home get wet. Remember too, that even if you think you have cleaned up the water, water can get underneath things such as flooring or behind drywall. Call us to be sure you are fully dry!

For more information click: here

SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights 216-464-4498

Mold in the workplace

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

Your home is not the only place that mold can become an issue. Mold can happen inside business establishments as well. OSHA has set guidelines about mold in the workplace and how it should be addressed.

“There are no standards that say how much mold is hazardous to your health. However, there should not be visible mold growth or objectionable moldy odors in your workplace. If you see or smell mold, or if you or others are experiencing mold-related health problems, report the problem to your employer so the problem can be investigated. If you believe that there is a mold hazard, you have the right to file a complaint with Federal OSHA or, in states with OSHA-approved state plans, the state occupational safety and health agency”.

If you own or manage a business and think you may have a mold problem contact SERVPRO. We’re here to help!

For more information visit: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/hazards.html

SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights 216-464-4498

Do you have mold?

7/23/2017 (Permalink)

"Homeowners can incur large bills for structural damage caused by water or water vapor trapped behind the walls. This is a prime location for mold to grow. That is why it is important to identify potential situations where mold can grow"

A common question we get here at SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights is how to know if there is mold in your home? 

"Detecting mold growth is fairly easy. Look for the following:

• Visible mold growth (discoloration ranging from white to orange and from green to brown or black)

• Musty odor

• Discoloration of building materials in areas where previous water damage occurred, such as drywall and plaster or plywood"

For more information visit: http://www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/ts_moldcontrol.pdf

If you suspect you have mold in your home give us a call! We are here 24/7/365 to help you. We are trained professionals in mold removal and will be there to put your worries at ease. 

SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights 216-464-4498

Importance Of A Dehumidifier In The Summer

4/19/2017 (Permalink)

“When it comes to your home, maintaining a cool and comfortable atmosphere at all times is of the utmost importance. While your air conditioner typically solves this problem during summer months, running the air conditioner constantly can result in extremely high electricity costs. A dehumidifier helps cool your home by removing moisture in the air, which allows you to run your air conditioner less often and so limit your expenses.

While an air conditioner can remove moisture from the air in well-ventilated areas, a dehumidifier takes this a step further by decreasing air humidity in all areas. A dehumidifier is most useful in poorly ventilated and damp areas such as bathrooms and laundries, which tend to hold moisture more than other rooms.”

For more information, please continue reading at: https://www.dehum.com.au/why-use-a-dehumidifier-in-summer/

SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights can be reached at 216-464-4498.

Are Some Home Improvements Illegal?

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that some DIY projects could put you behind bars? “Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Some jobs call for a licensed professional, especially jobs that involve plumbing, electric, and HVAC installations and repairs. Improperly performed home improvements may cause injury, void warranties, compromise insurance claims, and complicate resales”  Click on the source link below to continue reading and to view the slideshow.

Source: https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/13-home-improvements-that-are-illegal-to-diy-49321

Call SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights  today to begin the clean-up 216-464-4498!

Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Home

1/4/2017 (Permalink)

“Keep the house dry -- don't let water build up anywhere, ventilate damp rooms, wipe shower walls and doors after use.

Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine where mold can quickly grow.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles regularly with mold-killing products.

Don't have too many indoor plants -- especially in the bedroom -- as mold can grow in plant soil.

Fix any leaks or seepage in the house, indoors and out.

Put plastic over dirt in crawlspaces and keep them well ventilated.

Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows.

Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in basements and other areas of the house where mold tends to grow, especially in hot humid climates.

Clean dehumidifiers and humidifiers every week.

On concrete floors, remove carpet and use area rugs that can be lifted and washed, or install a vapor barrier over the concrete.”

For more information, please continue reading at: http://www.webmd.com/children/prevent-mold

SERVPRO of Beachwood can always be reached at 216-464-4498.

What Is Black Mold?

3/22/2016 (Permalink)

You may have seen sensational 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.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Beachwood / Shaker Heights / Cleveland Heights has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Beachwood / Shaker Heights / Cleveland Heights 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.

Have a Mold Problem?
Call SERVPRO of Beachwood Today –216-464-4498

Mold Busters

6/20/2013 (Permalink)

Never know where SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights will be next....We are ready to help!