Mold cleanup from a flooded basement

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

How did that mold get there?

This time of year we seem to get heavy rains that just soak the ground. Sometimes that water makes its way into our basements and we might not notice. This can happen if our sump pumps are either not working or might not be able to keep up with a heavy rain. 

Another potential cause might be a crack in the foundation wall. These are harder to identify because the walls might be covered with insulation and drywall. 

If we don't go into our basements often, we might be surprised to find wet content, a mildew smell or even mold growth.

SERVPRO of Elgin provides the mold services you need to restore your basement. We have specialty tools such as water detection meters, infrared cameras, and decades of experience to provide you with the correct services you need. 

We have been serving our communities for going on 19 years and pride ourselves on giving homeowners and business professionals the truth of what we see is happening to your facility. We will also provide you with a solution that meets your needs. No hype, no scare tactics just clear well thought out solutions to get you back on track.

We are family owned and we plan on being here for generations to come providing the same educated, honest assistance we have for the past two decades.

SERVPRO of Elgin, making it "Like it never even happened."

Where did that mold come from?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

mold damage from basement flood

This time of year we seem to get heavy rains that just soak the ground. Sometimes that water makes its way into our basements and we might not notice. This can happen if our sump pumps are either not working or might not be able to keep up with a heavy rain. 

Another potential cause might be a crack in the foundation wall. These are harder to identify because the walls might be covered with insulation and drywall. 

If we don't go into our basements often, we might be surprised to find wet content, a mildew smell or even mold growth.

SERVPRO of DeKalb provides the mold services you need to restore your basement. We have specialty tools such as water detection meters, infrared cameras, and decades of experience to provide you with the correct services you need. 

Although we are new to owning SERVPRO of DeKalb, our management team has been serving our communities for going on 19 years and pride ourselves on giving homeowners and business professionals the truth of what we see is happening to your facility. We will also provide you with a solution that meets your needs. No hype, no scare tactics just clear well thought out solutions to get you back on track.

We are family owned and we plan on being here for generations to come providing the same educated, honest assistance we have for the past two decades.

SERVPRO of DeKalb, making it "Like it never even happened."

Mold happens quickly

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

We had severe wet and cold weather for the past few weeks. We don't really go into our basement and with it being so cold we hadn't headed down there over the past week. When we finely went down there we had noticed some wetness on the drywall in the laundry room. We called SERVPRO of Dekalb and they came right out. When we questioned how the mold appeared in that short time their tech explained that mold can happen in as little as 48 hours. We got an estimate of the cost to complete the job. SERVPRO took very good care of us and left us with ideas of things we could to make sure this didn't happen again. We check our basement often even if we aren't hanging out there during a cold snap.

Mold in our bathroom

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

We recently have been looking to purchase a new home. We had our hearts set on a particular one in a near by subdivison. Our realtor noticed mold in the master bathroom. She had worked with SERVPRO of DeKalb County before and said to give them a call. We made arrangments with the realtor that was selling the home for SERVPRO to come out and take a look. They came out that very same day and gave us a detailed plan with a reasonable cost. We put in writing the plan with our home inspector and the sale went thru. When SERVPRO came out to door the work they did exactly what the plan had stated and it was even a few dollars under the original estimate. We now live in our dream home and its mold free. 

Mold in our new home

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

We had recently purchased a new home. We had never lived in a house with a basement, let a lone a finished one and with teenage kids were very excited to have a place for them to hang out in their own space. After about a week in the home we sarted to notice an odor or musty smell down there. Our neighbor works for SERVPRO and we asked him to come over and check it out. he came over and let us know that yes we did have mold. We were very nervous becasue we had heard how costly mold remediation and/or removal could be and that most isnt covered by insurance. We were very plesantly suprised after we met with the over of the franchise. He laid out a detailed plan and cost. The SERVPRO crew was great and did exactly what plan stated. We now have our basement back for the kids fresh and mold free. 

Mold in the mancave

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

My husband had recently decided that we were going to make a mancave in our basement in a room that we currently used for storage. When he decided to start the project he noticed mold in the corners of the room. He called his friend how is an insurance agent and he recommended SERVPRO of Dekalb County. Their crews came out and immediatley had a plan for how to take care of the problem. My husband was concerned with the cost as we had a strict budget for this remodeling project. The SERVPRO team gave us an estimate we were pleased with and started to get to work within just a few days. They followed the plan and took care of the problem. My husband now has been able to finish his mancave and our household couldn't be more peaceful and fresh.

Mold in our bathroom

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

We recently noticed a musty order in our 1st floor half bath. We searched for the cause and finally realized that our toilet had a leak and it had started to cause mold not only on the sub floor but also going up the drywall. We had a dark paint color in there and didn't notice it until it had gotten pretty bad. We had a neighbor that suggested SERVPRO as he had used them at his office and was happy with them. They sent an industrial hygienist out and confirmed we had mold. They also suggested a plumber to help with the toilet leak. After all the groundwork was done their crew came out and worked some magic on our bathroom. They were extremely professional and safety was a top priority to them We were happy with the results and now have a beautiful,fresh smelling and mold free half bath for our family to use. 

More rain. More moisture.

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Beware of mold

The spring rains bring the blossoming of the trees and flowers and the eager anticipation of warmer weather but it also means more moisture in the air. The two things that greatly increase the forming of mold is moisture and a warm environment. With the spring rains and the fact that the days are getting warmer gives it that environment. Inside our homes we tend to have less of a moisture content because of being sheltered from the environment but if we end up with a flooded basement or water damage in the home it increases that moisture level in the house. This is why it is so important to get the water restoration done as soon as possible. All that extra moisture and the fact our house is warm provides a good environment for mold to start. Our technicians can some in and remove that water and lower the moisture level in the home and check for mold as well. As an extra precaution within the home if you know your home retains moisture or you live in a place that has lots of rainfall is to just use a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check. However if you have a fair amount of water it will take more equipment which we have. We can come in and remove that water and it will be "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Wet shoes creating mold

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

Tracking snow in

Winter time means snow in the midwest. Walk through any snow and it sticks to your shoes and possibly clothes depending on how deep it is. Of course we go inside and track in the snow which eventually melts. As creatures of habit we tend to take our shoes off in the same spot. If you have a tile floor where you take off your shoes you have a lot less to worry about with mold but many of us have carpeted floors. Being we take our shoes off in about the same place the carpet gets wet and if we have a lot of snow on our shoes maybe enough water that the pad gets wet too. A further problem is maybe the whole family takes off their shoes in the same spot. If this is the case be wary of mold as it never really gets a chance to dry thoroughly as we go in day in and day out tracking that snow back to the same spot which creates a moisture problem for mold to grow and the heat in the house creates a nice warm environment adding to the chance mold will grow.

A Simple Solution

A nice simple way to help avoid this if you do not have a hard surface to take your shoes off at is to create an area right inside the door for everyone to take their shoes off at. Instead of being directly on the carpet grab a cheap rug or mat that can go right inside thew door. The mat could be plastic and dished so the water stays inside. If a small rug it is something that can be washed and/or dried regularly to keep the mold from forming and will keep it from your regular carpet as well. When spring hits it will also keep people from tracking mud into the house. Now getting people to remember to use it - that is the problem if you family is like mine and many others. They may need a few reminders.

Mold issues? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Its Winter. I shouldn't have mold.

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Anytime. Anywhere.

Mold spores are present almost all the time in most moderate climates and they are just waiting to grow. Most of the time they do not have the proper conditions so they lay dormant. Winter can be that time. With winter we have snow and sometimes lots of it(And lots of shoveling). Well when the snow melts we have plenty of water and thus plenty of moisture which is key to mold growth. It is important to get any water in the house out as quickly as possible to avoid mold. Ice dams can form on roofs and allow water to get under the shingles which can then turn to mold as the weather warms a little give it all the right conditions to grow. Another way you may have winter mold is that it was already present in your home but because you have the windows open a lot for fresh air that you never noticed the musty smell until closing everything up in the house to keep the heat in and now the musty odor is very noticeable. Winter doesn't necessarily mean no mold but good news is that with mold remediation we can take care of that mold.

Water or Mold Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Is your water issue creating mold issue

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Lurking below the surface

Mold just needs the right environment to grow which centers around moisture for it to grow. What appears to be a small water issue can actually be causing a mold problem as well because the excess water can be creating extra moisture for the mold to grow.

Water discoloration or stains on walls mean that you have a leak that is reaching that location. If it was just a one time deal where water just happen to get there and dry out you may not have too much of a problem but often when we have discolorations in our homes it is an ongoing problem. If the water found its way there once it will find its way again. The moisture in the walls and ceilings can be also creating a mold problem as well that won't likely be discovered until you go to fix the stain. Another indicator of a lot of moisture in the walls is bubbling and cracking of paint as it means the moisture levels are off. Latex paint will reabsorb moisture from the air and other water sources and if it is stretching and bubbling something is wrong. 

A lot of other times we know very well we have a water issue such as a leaky pipe or a flooded basement. In all these situations it is important to get the water issue resolved as quickly as possible to keep it from becoming a mold issue. When the moisture levels go up so does the chance of mold growth. Act quickly fixing the water issue and stop the mold before it starts.

Need our mold remediation services? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Some indicators of mold

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Do I have mold?

Mold spores are present everywhere but the conditions have to be just right for them to grow. Moisture being a big part of them growing. Hopefully you do not have a mold issue but there are some indicators that you could have a mold problem.

• A musty odor. If you have a musty odor very likely you do have mold and that musty odor is very distinctive when you smell it. It may just be surface mold somewhere but could also be an underlying problem behind walls or in ceilings, attics, or the basement
• Black, green or gray growth or discoloration on the wall or in the basement. It is important to fix what is causing the problem with mold growth on the wall then take care of it with a mold growth inhibitor.
• Mold growing in the grout lines or along the tub or shower in the bathroom. This can just be surface mold from the high humidity levels often found in bathrooms or it could be a water leak fueling the problem. Being bathrooms are prone to high moisture levels an excellent help for this is an exhaust fan to expel that moisture outside.

Have you discovered a mold problem? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Help prevent mold

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is waiting to grow.

Mold spores are present in most places but are unable to grow. The mold won't grow without the right environment which involves the right temperature and moist conditions. They can start in just a couple days to grow when conditions are right so it is important to handle problems as soon as you can to prevent mold from starting to grow in your home.

Things to watch for and do

• Dry wet items as quickly as possible
• Disinfect areas that you have dried water in
• Reduce moisture in the bathroom. If you have a exhaust fan it helps immensely for removing the warm moist air after a shower
• Check for plumbing leaks
• Keep an eye on the basement. A fair amount of basements run a little humid so a dehumidifier can help. Also check your sump pump if you have one to make sure it is working and check periodically if you don't go in your basement often to just make sure it is staying dry

Mold Issues Or Questions? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

How fast is mold spreading through my house?

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Slowly. Then Quickly.

If your house is generally dry and has no serious moisture issues the mold spores that are present will get old and take longer to start growing mold. Once they start however you now have these fresh spores waiting to grow anyplace where the conditions are right for them to grow. And these fresh spores can grow much easier than the older spores which is why you may not notice mold for a while but when you do you start seeing it in multiple places. And those spores get into the air then get circulated throughout the house and thus the importance of getting the mold taken care of as soon as possible. If your house is prone to moisture it is important to take steps to lower moisture levels. Do not let mold get a foothold in your home and if it does form get it taken care of as soon as possible to keep it from spreading.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Be careful to not spread mold throughout your house

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

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 Dekalb County 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 Dekalb County 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 – SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Does your Dekalb County Home have a Mold Problem?

6/21/2017 (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 – 815-758-3900