Mold Has an Appetite for Fine Art

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Artwork poses a difficult challenge when it comes to mold cleaning. The usual mold remediation and prevention techniques won’t work. You can't:

•  Abrasive-blast the mold away with baking   soda
•  Treat the moldy area with chemicals and   paint
•  Throw it away
•  Make the environment inhospitable

Mold and Oil Paintings Both Like Warmth and Moisture

A home with low relative humidity inhibits mold growth. Unfortunately, it also damages oil paintings. Both do very well when the relative humidity is 45 percent. They also enjoy a room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Displaying your artwork in this environment makes it susceptible to mold.

Mold Cleaning of Paintings Is Simple for the Experts
Art restoration is a science unto itself. Its practitioners often restore paintings that are centuries old. These paintings may show damage, neglect, or need cleaning. The removal of mold is one of the many tasks they perform on a regular basis.

With your moldy oil paintings, there is one question. How important are they to you? A family heirloom deserves expert attention. If it's a painting you don't care as much about, mold removal might be an interesting experience. There are four simple steps:

1. Place the painting in the sun for a few hours and let it dry completely

2. Taking care not to damage the paint, don a mask and brush away the dried mold using a soft brush

3. Using a weak bleach solution, treat the moldy areas with a light spray

4. Return the painting to the sun for drying
Moldy Artwork May Point to a Bigger Problem
Finding mold damage on an oil painting is not a cause for panic. It suggests that it is time to check the rest of your home. Look for signs of mold in wet, damp or humid areas.

Further signs of infestation mean that you are due for mold cleaning. You will locate a team of mold remediation experts in the Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin area who can move in and address the problem. They can also find someone to restore your paintings.

Types of Household Mold

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Believe it or not, there are over 100,000 known types of mold on the planet. In the average home in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin mold growth likely to be found includes Aspergillus and Cladosporium, or perhaps black mold, Stachybotrys atra. Mold remediation services are usually not difficult to find and can be quite effective at taking care of the problem. Mold is not only unsightly; it can also compromise the integrity of building materials or home furnishings.

Types of Mold and Where They Grow

Mold growth can occur in conditions where there has been water damage due to leaks, floods or excessively high humidity. Common types of household mold include the following:

• Aspergillus is a genus of several hundred mold species. It can grow on food, air conditioning systems, compost or porous surfaces damaged by water.
• Cladosporium is a genus that grows indoors and outdoors and can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Its spores are present in air and it thrives on live or dead plant material, textiles and food.
• Stachybotrys atra is commonly called black mold and often grows in building materials containing cellulose that have been damaged by moisture.

Household Mold Remediation

Though microscopic spores proliferate in the natural world, mold can become a problematic if allowed to colonize in a home damaged by excessive moisture, humidity or flooding. It sometimes, but not always, produces a musty odor that is easily detected.

Addressing the problem in the home begins with remediating the source of moisture. Porous materials that cannot be cleaned, such as drywall, will require replacement. Thoroughly drying the environment is a must to prevent the return of mold after remediation. Keeping home humidity below 45% is recommended to keep mold at bay.

Even the most vigilant homeowner can experience an episode of mold growth. Once detected, a timely response can prevent the spread of damage to building materials and belongings.

Returning Mold Signifies a Recurring Problem

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you have recently cleaned off mold in an area of your Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin building and noticed that the organism later came back to the same spot, there is an underlying problem. Mold growth is likely thriving off water damage you may not notice or from not being thoroughly cleaned. With these four remedies, you can reduce the chance of mold coming back to that location.

1. Use a Special Mold Cleaner

Most industrial cleaners are not tailored for mold cleanup. Bleach can be used, but it may not be extensive enough. Special cleaners can be sprayed in an area without much risk of discoloring or damage to the building unlike bleach. Coating an area in the cleaner kills the localized mold to stop it from reproducing and coming back to the certain spot.

2. Reduce Humidity in the Area

High humidity in an area can contribute to mold’s resurgence. It may be worth investing in a dehumidifier or adjusting the ventilation to make a less ideal environment for the mold to reproduce.

3. Treat Any Water Damage

On top of posing potential damage to your property, water damage can lead to mold repeatedly finding a home in the unnaturally wet spot. A water and mold damage treatment company can remove the mold’s desired moisture from the room to stop it from thriving. With the building sterilized and cleaned, the problematic mold growth should no longer have a survivable location.

4. Throw Out or Professionally Clean Any Potentially Infected Items

Some furniture and fabrics may serve as hosts for mold. Without extensive professional cleaning, these typically wooden items will spread spores that cause more mold infestation. If the items cannot be cleaned, they should be thrown out while being kept away from the building to prevent additional contamination.

More often than not when dealing with problematic spots, there is something in the area that continues to spread the mold growth. Identifying which it is and taking appropriate action will keep the repeatedly affected spot and the rest of your commercial property mold-free.

Does Your Home Have Mold?

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 763-498-6500

Do You Suffer From Lawn Slime?

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Lawn slime is exactly what it sounds like – a creeping, invasive slime that seemingly crops up overnight on your St. Michael, MN lawn, often in brightly colored patches. Not only is this slime disgusting, but it can prevent your grass and other cultivated plants from growing. It also poses a safety hazard for slipping on the sticky, gooey mess. But did you know that lawn slime is actually a form of outdoor mold?

Getting to the Root of Lawn Slime

Lawn slime, like any other fungus, feeds on organic matter. Lawn slime in particular prefers dead and decaying matter, and if it’s been a while since you raked the lawn you might have created perfect breeding grounds for lawn slime to grow. Conditions that favor lawn slime include:

• Dark, shaded places, such as beneath thick trees, under bushes, and under heavy leaf, twig, and needle thatch
• Areas with trapped moisture, such as muddy gravel and peat beds or boggy areas
• Accumulations of dead matter such as dead leaves and other rotting foliage
• Hot, humid and/or rainy weather
• Overwatering
• Improper mowing
• Wrong grass type for your yard, leading to dry grass and decaying, dead matter

Keeping Lawn Slime Away

Unlike indoor mold, lawn slime rarely responds to the sort of mold remediation techniques used on household mold. Raking up lawn slime is a start, but as a fungus it often has a network of fibrous matter that extends through places you can’t see. It also doesn’t respond much to chemical treatments or other mold deterrents.

The best offense is a good defense, so avoid lawn slime by keeping your lawn clear of debris, trimming overhanging trees to reduce shadows, and using a sandy soil type that lawn slime has difficulty taking root in. Avoid overwatering your lawn and creating conditions ripe for lawn slime breeding. With a little diligence, you can keep your lawn slime-free.

How to Eliminate Mold Odor

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

While many people think of mold as having a musty odor, the truth is mold can release a wide variety of unpleasant odors, depending on the type mycotoxin it releases. If you notice a strange smell you can’t seem to get rid of, you may be dealing with mold.

What Causes the Smell?

Mold releases small molecules called mycotoxin that cause bad smells. Different species of mold have different odors. Some of the most common mold odors smell like:

• Cat urine
• Car exhaust
• Grease
• Earthy
• Musty
• Old cheese

If you smell mold in your home, it means you have a mold problem, even if you can’t see it. You’ll need to eliminate the mold in your house in order to get rid of the smell.

Get Rid of the Source

Perform a visual inspection of the room or area where the smell is strongest. Check in the back of closets, behind furniture and under carpets. If you can’t locate any mold, you may need to call in mold remediation specialists in St. Michael, MN, to help. They will know how to locate moist areas in your home and check inside walls to locate the mold.

Killing mold is not enough to get rid of odors. It must be removed completely, either by scrubbing it off building materials with a biocide or by removing affected materials and replacing them.

Prevent Reoccurrence

If you notice the odor returns, chances are good the mold has also returned. It’s critical to discover the cause of excess moisture in your home and eliminate it to prevent mold regrowth. Check for leaks and broken water pipes to discover where the moisture is coming from. Your mold remediation specialist can help you do this.

You can also install a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA air filtration device, to help speed the process of musty odor elimination. These air filters are designed to remove very small molecules from the air, including mycotoxin. Just remember that an air filter can’t solve your mold problem. You still have to eliminate the mold to eliminate the odor.

Keep Your Facility Fungus-Free With These Mold Prevention Tips

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Mold spores are extremely tiny and lightweight, and as a result, they can spread easily from room to room, just wafting in the air until they find a place to breed. All it takes to attract spores and encourage mold growth are water and humidity. If spores find a nice, warm and wet environment, they could grow into hazardous and damaging fungi within a matter of days. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your facility spore-free and to prevent mold problems from brewing:

• Deep clean regularly. This may entail carpet cleaning, cleaning out your facility’s HVAC system and disinfecting all surfaces on a regular basis.
• Identify and remedy any moisture issues. If you know of a leak, have it fixed. If your building condensates, up the temperature or invest in better insulation.
• Keep humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
• Minimize mold spores by cleaning and dusting often.

You Can’t Prevent Spores, But You Can Prevent Mold

Spores are everywhere, and they can enter your building on someone’s clothes, via food or even upon a light breeze. Because of this, it is impossible to eliminate them from your building entirely. That said, you can prevent spores from finding an ideal breeding ground with regular cleaning.

Carpet cleaning is often overlooked, but the mold prevention team recommends deep-cleaning your carpets on a monthly basis, at least. If you have the resources, you should really deep-clean your floors once a week, and when it’s raining or snowing outside, you should have them cleaned daily. Carpet retains a lot of moisture and it doesn’t receive a lot of sunlight, making it the perfect place for spores to land and make a home.

If you want to prevent mold problems from surfacing in your building, talk to your local mold remediation team about what more you can do to keep your facility as spore-free as possible. From carpet cleaning to moisture control, a little maintenance can go a long way.

Taking on Mold Damage as a Property Owner

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Taking on Mold Damage as a Property Owner

It is a requirement for home and business owners to have a clear grasp of mold remediation and mold removal so that they can hire the right professionals. Commercial mold damage is continuously growing, and it is important that the home and business owners receive remedies to any mold damage from the best contractors. Every property owner deserves high-quality services and at the best price.

Finding mold in your home or suffering a commercial mold damage are critical issues that need to be addressed swiftly. It is important that clients find a restoration company that offers the best action plan to clean up the mold damage. Mold mitigation can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to doing the work the proper way. Any mold that is observed growing on any premises must be removed.

Mold growth is among the worst contaminants, and it can have serious outcomes to the value of your property. Mold in a home can grow indoors on wet and damp surfaces such as carpets, insulation material, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, wood, and drywall. Mold growth takes place within 48 hours after being left unchecked and it will affect the livability of your home because of its smelly odor. Moreover, the physical structure of your home or business premise is affected by mold damage.

If a property owner suspects that his or her home or business has a mold problem, he or she should consult a restoration company to inspect the premises. If the mold is found, the professionals have the right equipment and training to carry out mold remediation.

There are things about mold in home that every owner needs to understand. Mold is usually a microscopic fungus that exists both indoors and outdoors, and its size makes it hard for mold removal. Mitigation of mold growth behind a wall is especially the hardest because of its location. On the other hand, mildew thrives on moisture, and the fungus can multiply rapidly when exposed to water.

The qualified professionals in any restoration company are aware that before mold removal and remediation commences, any presence of moisture or water ought to be addressed to avoid mold return. Usually, mold damage emits a strong smelly odor, which helps individuals to identify the areas with possible mold problems, especially mold growth behind a wall.

Dry rot is a type of fungus that causes decay on wood turning it to powder, and its mitigation is most imperative. Moreover, there is a type of mold called black mold, also referred to as toxic mold. Some reports highlight the dangers of black mold, and they can be quite frightening. For that reason, any black mold in a home or business premises should be treated with caution. Moreover, it is advisable to keep off areas with mold growth and not to touch areas with black mold.

Commercial mold damage removal as a profession offers its clients tips on what to do before aid from skilled contractors arrives. The occurrence of mildew on the walls of homes gives an appearance that is not appealing, and the damage by mildew can be compared to that of dry rot because each is a type of fungus. Luckily the restoration company contractors are well qualified to handle any type mold growth implying that the mold growth behind your wall won' pose any problem to them.

The professionals remove any smelly odor caused by mold growth through deodorization. Deodorization mainly involves either the removal or concealment of any unpleasant smell. It doesn't matter if the smelly odor is as a result of mildew, black mold, or dry rot, the odor can only be removed through deodorization.

Usually, the commercial mold damage removal is the best because it involves a series of five steps so that proper mold removal and remediation can be carried out. This will include the mitigation of the physical damage caused by dry rot on wooden surfaces, the mold growth behind a wall, and the deodorization of unpleasant odors.

The major steps are as follows:
1. Learn about the moisture source
2. Documenting the mold problem and creating a remediation plan
3. Calculation of the extent of contamination
4. Remediate mold contamination, and
5. Determining if the cleanup has been successful

What you Need to Know About Black Mold

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

What Causes Black Mold to Grow?

Even though mold is a natural organism, it can be worrying to see it inside your Maple grove, MN home, especially since it could be a danger to its soundness and hygiene. Something that may appear more intimidating is black mold, mostly due to its darker color. Read on to learn more about this specific mold, what causes its growth and mold cleanup and repair options.

What Is It?

This type of mold is also known as stachybotrys chartarum. Despite the name, it is not always black, as it sometimes takes a dark green color instead. The spores for this mold are found in both indoor and outdoor locations. While you may find it in the soil or in the grain, most of the time, it can make its way inside someone’s home or building through doors, vents or other entrances.

Why Does It Grow in Your Home?

Stachybotrys chartarum may thrive inside people’s homes due to the high number of cellulose sources found there:

• Fiber
• Paper and paper-derived materials
• Wood and wood-derived materials
• Carboard
• Ceiling tiles
  
  

Drywall, paint and carpet also can attract black mold. It usually grows in very moist places, such as those caused by leaks, floods, condensation or humidity. The specific combination of high cellulose and low nitrogen in these environments can encourage the mold’s growth.

How Can You Get Rid of It?

You may treat this type of mold as any other kind. It can have the same effects on your property, such as structural damage and a strong, unpleasant odor. As such, you might need to remove it from the affected area as soon as possible. Mold remediation specialists can help you eliminate the mold and restore the area to its previous state.

Despite the darker hue, black mold essentially has the same behavior and weaknesses as regular mold. You may stop its destructive impact on your home in Maple Grove, MN, with proper cleanup and repair services.

Mold Testing: 3 Reasons Why a Certified Hygienist is the Best Option

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Testing

Mold is a highly ubiquitous invader commonly found in moist spots in buildings. It has the ability to grow on surfaces made from many materials, including dust, carpet, insulation, drywall, tile, paint and more. Its presence in homes may result in mold damage as the microbe eats away at materials. If the fungus's spread is visible, testing is generally unnecessary and individuals can skip to the step of contacting a professional cleanup and restoration service in Wright County, MN, for mold cleaning. However, if it cannot be seen, homeowners who suspect mold has invaded their property because of odor or another reason need to contact a certified environmental hygienist to perform testing. Consulting a professional is the best choice for several reasons.

1. Hygienists Are Trained
They are certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene only after undergoing thorough credentialing. They have the experience and training needed to properly identify mold growth.

2. Hygienists Provide More Than a Lab Test
They also offer much more than a DIY kit, including:

A visual inspection that narrows down potential areas where the fungus may be (and mold cleaning is needed) and involves the use of equipment (borescopes, thermographic readings, moisture meters and more)
Professionally performed tests that follow specific scientific procedures
Recommendations for mold remediation based on the visual inspection, tests and experience

3. Hygienists Are More Reliable Than Home Kits
There are many at-home mold testing kits on the market. The problem with the vast majority (if not all) of them is that they aren't that useful. For one thing, they do not offer a visual inspection, which is more important than a person might think and can only be performed by someone (i.e. a certified hygienist) who knows what to look for. For another, they test for the presence of mold, which is pointless since it is in every home. They also often fail to produce quantitative and accurate results.
The Environmental Protection Agency specifically recommends that mold testing be left to certified hygienists. They are more capable of performing the job correctly and identifying the areas where mold cleaning is needed.

Let us help with all your Mold questions and concerns.
Call today. 763-498-6500

What to do if you Smell a Musty Odor From Your AC

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Signs and How To Prevent Mold

As a commercial property owner or manager in Maple Grove, MN you know there are many tasks you must perform to keep buildings running smoothly. If you’ve ever noticed a musty odor when you run the heating or air conditioning, it might be time to check the ducts for black mold. An understanding of the signs, and how to prevent mold in the future, will help you identify the problem. Here are a few things to look for.

Signs of Mold
Even though it is small, mold leaves signs that will alert you to its presence. When determining the source of a musty odor, the first thing you should do is check for the telltale symptoms of mold:

• Black dust near air ducts
• Moisture or discoloration on floors or walls
• Foul odors when air is flowing

If you notice any of these signs, the best thing to do is call a mold remediation specialist. Cleaning and sanitizing mold-affected items requires specialized equipment and expertise, so this is not a DIY situation. If you try to clean it on your own, you'll likely make the problem worse.

Prevent Mold
After your building is free of black mold, you’ll want to prevent it from coming back. Here are a few simple things you can do:

• Improve ventilation
• Keep gutters clean
• Change the HVAC air filter regularly
• Install a humidity sensor
• Inspect bathrooms and kitchens for water leaks

These tasks will help you keep your building free of excess moisture, which causes mold growth. Depending on your climate, you may want to consider a system-wide dehumidifier to keep levels under control. In addition, you can schedule an annual duct cleaning to ensure mold doesn’t grow unnoticed.
Black mold is a tiny organism that can create significant problems if not addressed in a timely manner. By ensuring your building has clean ducts, you’ll maintain a healthy space for everyone inside.

3 Tips to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Building

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Steps You Can Take To Enjoy a Bit of Flood Safety

Floods are some of the most common and most damaging disasters that U.S. homeowners face. However, there are some steps you can take to enjoy a bit of flood safety.

Prevent Electrocution

When flood water meets your electrical outlets, furnace, and other electrical equipment, there's a significant risk of electrocution. Even a tiny amount of water, combined with electricity, can cause serious injury. Reach out to a licensed plumber or experienced water damage remediation pro to determine your probable flood level and then move circuit breakers, sockets, and wiring above that level. Make sure your water heater and other equipment are located above that level as well. Steering clear of water and electricity is one of the most important safety tips you can follow.

Block Sewage Backups

When storm water overwhelms that sewer system, that system could back up into your home. Some expert recommendations include installing gate valves on every pipe that enters your home. A backflow valve, at the interior or exterior of your home, is a good option for keeping sewage out when flood waters rise.

Maintain Water Management Systems

Check the downspouts, drains, and gutters around your home. Are they free of debris, so water can easily flow through? These systems are meant to keep water away from your foundation, so it's vital that you keep them clear and in good condition.

Elevate Outside Equipment

If you have appliances outside, such as air conditioners, fuel tanks, and generators, store these in an elevated position, such as on flood-proof cement blocks. Make sure this equipment is anchored in place, so rushing water doesn't carry them off. This flood safety tip prevents you from some financial losses and also protects the community around you.
Before there's any risk of flood, take a look at how water moves around your house. Does the ground slope near your foundation causing puddles to form? Is there a lot of standing water in your street? Flood safety starts before the storms roll in; do what you can today to prevent flooding in the future.

6 Steps to Remediate Mold

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Take the Following Steps To Remove Black Mold

Remediating mold damage requires the right equipment, cleaning solutions, and methods to eliminate a fungal infestation. Restoration professionals take the following steps to remove black mold and other types of fungi and restore a commercial building.

1. Contain the Infestation
Once mold has been found in a structure, the affected area should be contained. Negative air pressure draws contaminated air and mold spores out of a building. Heavy plastic sheeting creates a physical barrier around an infestation. An airlock or decontamination chamber is also necessary for full containment.

2. Use Personal Protective Equipment
Mold cleanup workers should wear at least an N-95 respirator, eye protection, and gloves. More severe problems call for half-face or full-face air-purifying respirators with P100 filter cartridges. The most extensive or toxigenic infestations require full-face powered air-purifying respirators.

3. Tear Out Ruined Materials
Drywall, insulation, and other contaminated porous materials may need to be torn out and replaced. The species of mold, such as toxigenic black mold, may determine whether removal and replacement is the best approach.

4. Clean and Disinfect
Materials that remain intact will need to be cleaned and disinfected with a solution that has fungicide properties. These treatments eliminate the entire structure of mold down to the mycelium and hyphae.

5. Dry the Area
Moisture is the primary risk factor for mold. Dry the cleaned area and maintain humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent.

6. Restore the Area
Mold remediation concludes with the replacement of building materials. Building owners may want to select mold-resistant alternatives or have an antifungal coating applied to materials.
These steps are necessary to stop the spread of fungi and limit safety risks posed by toxigenic species such as black mold. Removing mold, cleaning the affected area, and maintaining low moisture levels can prevent a problem from recurring at a building in Maple Grove, MN.

Give us a call today (763)498-6500