Essential Information About Leon Valley Mold Damage Remediation

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Mold spreads quickly when the conditions are right. Contact SERVPRO to investigate the cause and remediate the damage in your home.

Identifying the Source of Mold Damage in Leon Valley Homes

Many of the natural disasters that can affect Leon Valley homes have clear and concise damage points that make it evident where restoration was necessary. Not all of the threats to your home have such clear causes and simple recovery solutions, however. Mold growth requires a damp environment for spores to seat and thrive, but how this area becomes moisture-ridden can often be multiple possibilities. Our professionals can help you to get ahead of a potentially damaging situation by offering thorough inspections and lasting solutions to help reduce the risk of recurring mold growth.

While many homeowners are unfamiliar with mold damage in Leon Valley and the effects it can have on their home, they still work to remove this organism as quickly as possible. The faster that you can get rid of mold colonization in your home, the better the chances of protecting affected surfaces and reducing the damage throughout your property as the colony spreads and affects new materials and contents. Our SERVPRO team has the resources and experience to identify mold growth and help to determine the source of the water damage that allowed it to occur.

As with many homes in southern Texas homes, houses get constructed on concrete slabs for both stability and as an efficient foundation that allows for construction to begin shortly after the foundation gets poured. As a result, access to utilities like the bulk of the plumbing for the first floor gets concealed under the flooring of the main level of the house, which can provide a source of perpetual moisture if a joint in the plumbing has a steady leak. This leak is only one of several possible scenarios that could occur and allow conditions for mold growth.

Our SERVPRO professionals assess the situation with thermal imagery cameras and leak detection equipment when we begin remediation work to remove active colonies. Determining and deterring the source of this moisture can prevent recurrences once our remediation work completes.

If you have discovered mold growth in your home, let our SERVPRO of Braun Station remediation specialists help you get rid of the organism and offer lasting solutions to prevent further mold colonization in the future. You can reach us 24/7 by calling (210) 267-2159.

Click here for more information about Leon Valley.

Mold Damage Linked To High Indoor Humidity In San Antonio

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Drywall is one organic material in your home that mold damage can thrive on.

How high humidity can cause mold damage in your home

Residents of San Antonio experience long hot and humid summers. High levels of airborne moisture and warm temperatures indoors can contribute to the increased likelihood of mold growth in your home, even if you have air conditioning operating. Working with a reputable mold remediation company can help you pinpoint the reasons mold growth is an issue in your home as well as remediating the current growth.

Water is the fuel that accelerates mold damage in your San Antonio home. Mold spores are very opportunistic, gaining enough moisture from small amounts of dampness or small collections of condensation to begin growth. Running an air conditioner is often recommended to reduce interior humidity below 60 percent, the level where mold can find a supportive environment even without spills, leaks, or flooding.

Ironically, AC units can provide the moisture if operating inefficiently or if the wrong size for the space cooled. An air conditioner too small for the area is one problem SERVPRO sees, but an overly powerful system also can fail to reduce the humidity enough to halt mold development.

Air conditioning provides a cooling feeling when it removes moisture from the air, usually by condensing the water vapor on refrigerated coils. If adjusted correctly and draining properly, the system works well and prevents the conditions conducive to mold growth. Sometimes a larger than necessary unit does not operate long enough to reduce the humidity below the “sweet spot” for mold growth. It pumps cold air into the rooms too quickly and then cycles off before the humidity reduces. Mold then grows on the damp surfaces, necessitating mold remediation by our SERVPRO crews.

Keeping AC condensers and coils clean and the drains free-flowing is also key to preventing interior mold growth during a hot summer. If the drain is plugged, it may overflow, depositing moisture on a wall or floor nearby. Mold finds wood and drywall perfect organic surfaces to call home. SERVPRO inspects for these moisture sources when we arrive to assess and plan for mold remediation. If the homeowner does not address these issues chances are good that mold can return even after we complete a professional treatment.

SERVPRO  of Braun Station is eager to help community residents understand why mold finds a home attractive. We design strategies to remove current colonies while also inhibiting future outbreaks. Call us at (210) 267-2159 to schedule an evaluation.

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What To Expect From Professional Mold Remediation In San Antonio

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Count on the professionals at SERVPRO if you find mold damage in your home.

Removing Mold damage from your home

Mold growth looms as a potential problem for any homeowner in San Antonio. Mold spores coexist within residential settings, encompassing both outdoor and indoor environments. Although they usually pose little harm, when moisture is present, the invisible mold spores explode into invasive mold colonies. Our mold remediation services can help.

Mold damage is sometimes visible in a San Antonio  home, but it also announces itself with an unpleasant, musty odor. Ignoring a moldy smell is not advisable as large mold infestations can hide between walls, in attics and foundations, under flooring, and above ceilings. If you notice staining or some feathery or leathery growth, alert our remediation team. A small visible mold issue may be just the tip of a significant mold invasion.

SERVPRO mold remediation teams train to IICRC, EPA, and OSHA standards. We cannot promise to eliminate mold spores, but we can eradicate active mold colonies and take steps to inhibit further mold growth. Some individuals are sensitive to the vast quantities of mold spores generated by colony growth and the byproducts some molds shed as they multiply. Because of this, it is critical that EPA precautions  be observed during remediation.

Mold debris needs containment during remediation. SERVPRO employs a variety of strategies to keep individuals safe during mold abatement. Our employees wear personal protective equipment and shield unaffected areas of your home during the remediation process. We use physical barriers such as heavy-duty plastic sheeting to contain the debris. Negative pressure air scrubbers use filters and suction to keep the moldy particles away from people and clean areas of your home during the project.

Once the chosen containment strategies are in place our crew scrapes and sometimes blasts, using soda as a gentle abrasive, the mold off of surfaces. We bag and dispose of the moldy materials per local codes. Then the surfaces receive an EPA registered antimicrobial treatment to limit the possibility of additional mold growth.

SERVPRO  also identifies and recommends elimination of the moisture sources that fuel the mold growth. If the dampness, spills, leaks, or condensation that encouraged mold spores to multiply are not resolved, mold can return.

SERVPRO of Braun Station is ready to help remediate a mold damage issue in your San Antonio home. Call us at (210) 267-2159 if you suspect mold growth and we can assess the situation and develop a plan.

For more information about the Parks in San Antonio, click here.

Unhealthy Environments

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failure, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water 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!

3/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Braun Station's highly trained professionals handle water damages everyday 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 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, here are some things 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.

As your San Antonio mold remediation professionals, SERVPRO of Braun Station is here to help.

San Antonio Mold Damage Remediation Experts

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let mold take control of your San Antonio property. Call SERVPRO of Braun Station today!

SERVPRO of Braun Station is often called out to check for mold after a water damage has been left and not taken care of appropriately.  The majority of our mold calls occur in the first few months of the year because homeowners were out of town for the holidays and didn't know that a water damage occurred.  The most common cause of these unseen water damages are a pipe that slowly leaked instead of bursting due to the cold winter temperatures or age.  It is only when the home or business owner starts to notice an odd smell, one of the telltale indicators of mold, that they call a mold remediation company such as SERVPRO of Braun Station.  If you have noticed black spots or other mold indicators, don't delay and make sure you call us today at (210) 267-2159.  The faster SERVPRO of Braun Station arrives on site to begin the mold remediation process, the less damage will continue to occur.

Microbiology of Microbial Growth

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

Indoor and outdoor environments naturally harbor a great variety of microscopic life forms termed microorganisms or microbes. Found everywhere in nature, their largest components are classified as bacteria and fungi. Bacteria are an extremely large and diverse group of single-celled organisms found in all earthly habitats to include the most extreme and harsh physical environments.

In addition to visible bacterial or fungal growth and detection of moisture in porous materials, an obvious indicator of microbial growth and contamination is a "musty", "moldy", or "mildewy" odor. Bacteria and fungi produce a variety of volatile organic compounds during active growth in damp or wet building, finishing, and furnishing materials. These microbial volatile organic compounds, which are detected through the smell are generated by many molds, and also gram-negative and actinomycete bacteria as they rapidly metabolize and amplify. 

Mold Due to Recent Rains in San Antonio

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can begin to grow within 72 hours of a water damage to your San Antonio home or office. Let the experts at SERVPRO of Braun Station help.

Has you home suddenly taken on a musky odor?  Are you noticing black spots or other discolorations on your ceiling?  These can be signs of potential microbial growth in your home or commercial building.  As the weather has begun turning, we have had more rain than usual and it may have found a way into your home or office.  If you suspect that you might have microbial growth your first call should be to SERVPRO of Braun Station at (210) 267-2159.  We can come out and assess your home or office to determine if there is moisture in the building.  If moisture is found, we have the experience and expertise to quickly begin the water mitigation process, which may include clean-up of microbial growth.  The sooner you call the faster we can arrive to prevent further secondary damage to your structure.

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process in San Antonio, TX

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business.  Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property.  Fortunately, your local SERVPRO of Braun Station professionals have the protective gear and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.  Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same.  The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process.

Call Your Local SERVPRO of Braun Station Franchise Professionals

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Braun Station at (210) 267-2159.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect hidden water sources.  Mold feeds on cellulose & water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold & isolate the contaminated are with physical barriers & negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air.  SERVPRO technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers to prevent the spread of these mold spores.

Your local SERVPRO of Braun Station understands mold & mold growth, so call us today at the first signs of mold.

Untreated Water Damage Leads to Odors due to Mold Growth in San Antonio

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

When water damage is left untreated in San Antonio, mold growth quickly occurs. Contact SERVPRO of Braun Station at the first sign of water damage.

If you’ve ever been curious about where a certain odor was coming from and almost went crazy looking for the source, there’s a chance it might have been caused by water damage. But how does water damage cause such foul smells, and what can you do about them? SERVPRO of Braun Station provides large-scale restoration services to San Antonio, TX, and has experience dealing with this issue. Here, they explain a few ways odors can occur and how you can handle them.

Although it often starts out as merely a nuisance, water damage worsens over time. Seeping water can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which is when foul odors start to emerge. Water triggers mold to release spores, creating a sickening stench. Odors can also be a result of other contaminants. For instance, when a sewer backs up, the resulting smell comes from the sewage that’s inside your home.

So, what can you do about it? Well, this is one mess you definitely shouldn’t try to clean up yourself: Water damage, especially at the level where it’s producing odors, always calls for a professional touch. Additionally, if there’s any form of sewage present, you’ll need professional sewage cleanup services to remove all the hazardous and toxic materials. The same is true for mold cleanup. And remember: It’s important to call an expert right away. So whether you just noticed a leak or your home recently sustained a flood, now’s the time to contact a specialist. If you wait, the damage could become more expensive to repair and may harm your health.  

If you have water damage and need a crew that can handle large cleanups with ease, get in touch with SERVPRO of Braun Station. Their friendly staff can help with all types of large-scale damage. To find out more about the services they offer, call (210) 267-2159 or visit them online.

San Antonio Do You Understand Mold?

3/8/2017 (Permalink)

San Antonio Real Quotes from Real SERVPRO Customers

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

If you need a company you can trust, call SERVPRO of Braun Station today for any of your water or fire damage remediation needs.

“My first experience with SERVPRO® was after a pipe
ruptured in my attic. I was in a total state of panic.  SERVPRO® arrived with the most wonderful, understanding technicians who quickly located all of the trouble spots, and reassured me that all would be well. In no time, all the remediation equipment was in place. All of my personal property had been dried and carefully stored away. The technicians were neat and clean as they worked, not to mention polite and good-humored. Most of all, I appreciated their encouragement and reassurance. I think I’d expected this incident would be a total disaster, and I’m happy to report it was anything but. I am one happy, satisfied customer, and I’d readily recommend SERVPRO® to anyone in a similar predicament.”
—Linda, PA

SERVPRO of Braun Station prides itself on treating each customer as if their home or building was our own.  We take great care with every job from the smallest mold remediation to the largest commercial fire loss. 

Mold Tips from SERVPRO in San Antonio

1/11/2017 (Permalink)

Allow the professionals at SERVPRO of Braun Station to take care of all of your San Antonio mold remediation needs

Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in places with high levels of moisture, such as leaks around pipes, windows, or roofs. If flooding has occurred and saturated your home, mold will also grow in drywall, dust, upholstery, and carpet, just to name a few. This is why it is of utmost importance to reach out to SERVPRO of Braun Station immediately if any water damage has occurred - our specially trained professionals will ensure your home and belongings are properly cleaned and dried to inhibit mold growth. 

Mold can be many different colors, smell musty, and will often look like spots. Regardless of what type of mold it is, it needs to be removed. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it by attempting to clean the area yourself, touching the mold, or blowing air across affected areas. 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. If you suspect mold, keep loved ones out of the area, turn off fans and the HVAC system, and contact SERVPRO of Braun Station.

About our Mold Remediation Services

 SERVPRO of Braun Station 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.

Real Quotes from Real SERVPRO Customers

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Does Your San Antonio Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

In San Antonio, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours

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 – 210-267-2159

Mold and Your San Antonio Home

4/29/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Braun Station is here to help with all of your San Antonio Water and Mold Damage needs.

We at SERVPRO of Braun Station have often heard that it's just a "little bit" of water or that a homeowner used a wet vacuum to dry up the water that was on their floor.  Unfortunately, it only takes a small amount of water left over time for mold to begin to grow and using a wet vacuum does not get up the water that has seeped into your home's structure.  Fortunately, SERVPRO of Braun Station is here to help in San Antonio.  SERVPRO of Braun Station technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the governing body for our industry, to help get the water out of your home to prevent mold growth.   So, don't delay call us today for all of your water damage and mold damage restoration needs.   

Could you have mold in your San Antonio home?

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Braun Station is available to help!

SERVPRO of Braun Station wants you to better understand mold! Mold growth usually occurs when an area is exposed to water and moisture for an extended amount of time. Mold can grow anywhere in your home. There are only three things that mold needs in order to grow.  They are darkness, dampness, and a food source.  These three things oftentimes come together when a water leak such as from a slow dripping pipe is not discovered for several days to weeks.  At SERVPRO of Braun Station our job is to perform the mold remediation.  We specialize in both cleanup and restoration of your home or office.  We understand how important it is to live in an clean indoor envioronment.  Call 210-267-2159 today for all of your mold clean-up needs.

SERVPRO in San Antonio, TX wants to help you with controlling water damage, moisture, and mold problems

4/5/2016 (Permalink)

In San Antonio SERVPRO of Braun Station is here to help with all of your water damage restoration needs

Property management, construction and real estate companies in San Antonio, TX face a common challenge from water damage, moisture and mold problems.  As insurance premiums rise to offset the cost of these challenges, real estate industry professionals and insurers must work together to achieve reasonable solutions.

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

• Water, moisture or high humidity
• Food (any organic substance)
• The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)
• Lack of ventilation
• Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.
• Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

The good news is there are things you can do to reduce the growth of mold.

An Ounce of Prevention Can Protect You

The most important step you can take is to identify any humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold growth or structural damage.

§  Periodically inspect your building or home inside and out

§  Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, call SERVPRO of Braun Station to identify the extent of the damage.  Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen.  This provides perfect conditions for mold growth.  SERVPRO of Braun Station can identify this moisture and remove it.

§  Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator of growing molds.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.  Remember, the key to protecting your home or business is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.

§  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product will keep problems away.

§  Business: make sure your Emergency Response Plan includes vendors that have the proper personnel and reserves and guarantees response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  This especially includes plumbers and restoration vendors like SERVPRO of Braun Station. 

§  Regularly have your HVAC system and air conditioner inspected to identify moisture problems or drain clogs.

San Antonio Mold Removal Versus Mold Remediation

3/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Braun Station is here to help with your remediation needs

Mold removal seems to be what you hear most often in the media, etc.  However, it is truly not the correct term.  If you are in San Antonio and have signs of mold you want a professional that can perform mold remediation.

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Braun Station Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

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

• Step 1: Emergency Contact 210-267-2159
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

Signs of Mold in San Antonio? Call Today 210-267-2159

San Antonio: How Much Do You Know About Mold?

3/13/2016 (Permalink)

San Antonio residents call us at the first sign of water damage

As the flood water recedes, the opportunity for mold growth presents itself. Due to this, we recommend that you call SERVPRO of Braun Station at the first signs of moisture.  If you have discovered mold in your Bexar county home or office, we are here to help. We wanted to share some interesting facts about mold.

1.       There are over 10,000 species of mold.

2.       Some of your favorite cheeses have mold such as blue cheese.

3.       Penicillin is actually purified mold

4.       Mildew IS mold… many people think they’re two very different things but they’re not

SERVPRO of Braun Station is here to help with your water and mold damage remediation needs and are a phone call away at (210) 267-2159.  We are available twenty-four hours a day every day of the year.

Tip Tuesday for San Antonio Residents

3/8/2016 (Permalink)

San Antonio Did You Know

Did you Know? 

  Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business; therefore, it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally. 

Signs of the presences of excessive mold include:

• Visible mold
• Strong, musty odors
• Excessive humidity in your home or office

Mold is most likely to occur in the following areas:

• Dark spaces that receive very little light
• Spaces already predisposed to high levels of humidity such as in your bathroom

If you have any of these signs of mold then call us immediately so we can access the damage.  We are here to promptly clean-up any water damage that you may have from a leaking roof to a completely flooded home.  Call us today at (210) 267-2159 to prevent water from turning into mold growth.

All About Mold San Antonio

11/23/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Braun Station wants to help you ensure that mold does not invade your home, so call us immediately if you have a water intrusion

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 home or place of business can result in mold growth.  Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control.  When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.  Some amount of mold spores is 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 multiple.  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.

SERVPRO of Braun Station has the professionals that are needed to prevent mold from becoming a problem when a water damage occurs.