9 things to know about mold

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

The more you know about mold/growth, the more likely you will be able to prevent it in your home

When a residential or commercial property suffers a water damage disaster, mold spores begin to appear within 48-72 hours. You can count on the Growth Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO® to have the training and experience to properly execute the resolution of mold growth. In the case of mold growth in your residential or commercial property SERVPRO can inspect, determine the cause and remediate your property.

According to the EPA, here are the top 9 things you should know about mold.

1. Learn to control mold growth indoors. Maintain a low humidity level, especially high moisture in the bathroom and kitchen.
2. Immediately clean and eliminate the source of mold. If you are unable to or unsure, call in the professionals.
3. Repair or replace the source of water leak or problem.
4. Maintaining bathroom vents, dryers, and range hoods will lessen the possibility of mold growth. Be aware during hot weather when running your air conditioner units that there is no water spillage.
5. Immediately dry any water damaged surface or materials.
6. Use a combination of water and detergent to clean mold off of surfaces. This is less toxic than bleach and will not cause further damage to the surface.
7. Maintaining insulation properly (i.e. window sills, door jams, crawlspaces, attics) will reduce the collection of condensation.
8. Carpet should never be installed in bathrooms or kitchens due to the high moisture and humidity.
9. Inspect surfaces and object that have set in water damage, mold can grow on any surface including but not limited to cardboard, furniture, water fountains, and food.

If you have questions or need help with your Oregon residential or commercial property, you can call SERVPRO anytime, day or night.

Suspect Mold? Call us today!

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Suspect mold? Do not hesitate to call us today!

Let’s talk Mold.

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms. In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled.

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the 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 health effects.
• 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.

Call SERVPRO® today if you feel you have a Mold problem at 541-745-2097

Mold Discovered Growing in Gaston Garage?

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

We restore mold damage in Washington County.

Our local Hillsboro and Forest Grove team is a trusted leader in mold damage remediation services in Gaston. Mold is a common challenge in Oregon, and the State of Oregon website offers helpful information on how to prevent mold from growing inside homes and buildings as follows:

What causes mold to grow?

Molds need moisture to grow. Some household situations that lead to mold growth include:

1. Clogged gutters and downspouts
2. Leaky plumbing
3. Leaky roofs
4. Using hot water without venting the steam to outdoor air.

Also, when indoor air is warmer than outdoor air, moisture can collect on cold surfaces like single-pane windows, uninsulated walls, pipes, and roofs.

Preventing household mold

• Install double-pane windows or insulation to keep moisture from collecting on cold surfaces
• Inspect and repair leaks in roofs, gutters, foundations, and plumbing
• If you rent, consider taking pictures of moisture problems and documenting the situation with your landlord
• Review Home Moisture Problems (pdf) by the Oregon State University Extension Service

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Gaston has a mold problem, our Hillsboro and Forest Grove teams are Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Discovered Growing in Forest Grove Home?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in Washington County.

Mold is a common challenge for people living in Forest Grove. Our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team follows local and state laws for inspection and documentation protocols based on the size of the affected area and will advise you on the process. We follow this procedure for every mold remediation job we perform:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming.

6. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold.

7. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a mold damage problem, our Hillsboro and Forest Grove teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-648-8513.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Infestation Discovered in Orenco Home?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation in Washington County.

Our local Hillsboro and Forest Grove team is trained and certified to restore mold damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to restore areas damaged by mold in Orenco. We follow local and state laws regarding mold inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Call Us Today!

The moist climate means that mold damage can happen at any time in Orenco. Our Hillsboro and Forest Grove teams are Here to Help ® when you need mold damage removal services.  Call us today at 503-648-8513.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Professional Cleaning Services for Mold-Damaged Belongings in Gaston?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold damage remediation in Washington County.

Our local Hillsboro and Forest Grove team is trained and certified to mitigate and restore mold damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification in Gaston. Everyplace the mold spores have infiltrated will require professional cleaning to minimize the chances for the mold to return once the remediation process is complete.

We specialize in restoring belongings damaged by mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored to pre-mold conditions. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

•  Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
•  Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
•  Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
•  Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
•  Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
•  Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

Mold outbreaks can happen anytime, and when you need our help, our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team will restore your damage in Gaston “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

When Water Damage Becomes Mold Damage in Hillsboro & Forest Grove

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

When property damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove

We know that 2020 is a VERY different and hard year. Not only are we facing a pandemic and figuring out how to work from home while doing school from home, but we still have property damage that occurs. 

During quarantine, some property owners temporarily shut off their HVAC systems which created ideal conditions indoors for mold and microbial growth. 

If you think you have discovered mold or microbial growth in your property, or suspect at you do from a musty smell or weird discoloration, give us a call. 

SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove has the experience, equipment, and training to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have trained technicians on call around the clock who are ready to respond when disaster strikes. 

The truth of black mold

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Please refer to our to learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives. 

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional immediately. 

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

•  Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
•  Mold spores are microscopic, 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 toxins harmful to humans and pets.
•  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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
•  Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Tips for Mold damage

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

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 Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• 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 a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Understanding Black mold

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Please refer to our to learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives. 

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional immediately. 

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

•  Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
•  Mold spores are microscopic, 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 toxins harmful to humans and pets.
•  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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
•  Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Mold Remediation process

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our National Call Center. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Their specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

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

Mold, mold everywhere!

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Always call SERVPRO as soon as you have a water loss or findings of mold!

Have you ever been in the shower and you look up and see little black spots, what about when you are getting out of the shower and see some black spots on the corners of the tub? Bathrooms tend to be the most affected areas of home when it comes to mold! When the shower or bath have been used, you may see water droplets forming on the walls, ceiling or floors. This happens when the bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation and causing dew point to occur in the bathroom. Dew point is when the air is not able to hold the excess moisture that is usually caused by the shower or bath. Once the air has reached dew point water will start to form on the wall instead. This will cause the excess moisture to linger thus allowing great growing conditions for mold.

To help prevent mold properly ventilate your bathroom, opening a window or turning on the fan while you shower or take a bath. After you are finish you will want to leave the fan on to allow the atmosphere to return to normal conditions

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Inspect for mold prior to selling

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Spring and summer are the most popular times of year to sell a home, and the best!

However, the last minute repairs and detailing can really put a ding into closing on a sale or purchase of a home. 

Now is a great time to begin getting inspections and repairs done to your home. You avoid long waits for contractors, pricey estimates, and later closing dates.

Fall is also a great time to get final repairs and detail work completed because most contractors tend to slow down due to weather concerns. 

Call us today for a free estimate on mold remediation in unfinished spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages!

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

The layers of mold

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

The first step is to move affected contents!

Lets say it is 7 PM Saturday night and you go into the laundry room to switch the loads, when suddenly you step in a pool of hot water. This is clearly going to be chaotic. However, that is not the worst of your worries. Mold loves to grow in warm and humid areas. Sure, anyone can clean up some water off the floor but what about all the layers that could later be affected with mold?

Areas that can be affected by mold:

• Sheating
• Wall Stud
• Insulation
• Interior Area
• Drywall
• Baseboards
• Carpet
• Carpet Padding
• Bottom wall plate
• Subfloor
• Floor Joist
• Sill Plate
• Basement
• Foundation

What to do in the case of mold

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Removing Mold:

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth

Restoration:

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home

Mold vs. Health

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere and will travel!

Health Concerns are a huge issue when it comes to mold in your home or place of business.

From Asthma, COPD, all the way to infants and pets, mold can be a cause of concern in regards to your health and protecting the health of others. 

Anyone can and may experience health problems due to mold exposure. 

Possible symptoms of prolonged mold exposure can include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma or other respiratory disorders, sore throat, or inflammation of the sinuses.

Take Precautions With Mold

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO 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 water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which indicate that mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Help is here

If you think you might have a mold problem, call 1-800-SERVPRO. A SERVPRO franchise professional trained in mold remediation will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. 

From The Ordinary To The Unhealthy: Mold

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

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 product of mold as well! 

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 a 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 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. 

Seeing Mold in the Bathroom?

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

You might have seen mold in your bathroom, which can cause some concern. When the shower or bath have been used, you may see water droplets forming on the walls. This is happening when the bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation and causing dew point to occur in the bathroom. Dew point is when the air is not able to hold the excess moisture that is usually caused by the shower or bath. Once the air has reached dew point water will start to form on the wall instead. This will cause the excess moisture to linger thus allowing great growing conditions for mold.

To help prevent mold properly ventilate your bathroom, opening a window or turning on the fan while you shower or take a bath. After you are finish you will want to leave the fan on to allow the atmosphere to return to normal conditions

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

Roof leaking?

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your attic you might have a leak in your roof that went unnoticed. A leak in the roof will allow moisture to enter your home thus creating an ideal growing condition for mold. Before doing any mold remediation it is ideal to have the roof repaired first or else you may have mold growth again if you wait on repairing the roof after having the mold removed

The most common roof leaks are the following:

• Ice dams
• Missing or broken shingles
• Damaged flashing

In the winter you could be experiencing an ice dam. Ice dams happen when the snow freezes at the edge of the roof causing water to back up and leak into your home. To prevent an ice dam try removing 2-4 feet of snow from the edge to prevent an ice dam from forming.

A storm can cause damage to your roof, it is a good idea to check your roof after a storm to see if the roof has any broken or missing shingles.

Damaged flashing will allow water to leak into your home. Check your flashing regularly to see if they have any damages.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (503) 648-8513

John’s Tip of the Month

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Microbial growth colonies

BLEACH: THE GREATEST PRODUCT EVER?

Bleach has to be the best cleaning agent ever produced. We use it to whiten our laundry, kill gems, keep swimming pools safe, purify our drinking water, and to clean mold and mildew.

• It’s a miracle product and it’s so inexpensive.  

• Why would anyone consider using any anything else, or even a professional?

• Does bleach fall into the category of if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not true?

We know without a doubt that it is a very good whitening agent for our laundry. We also know that using chlorine in our drinking water keeps us free of water borne diseases.

But to remove mold, that’s just a myth.

To successfully remove mold you can’t just wipe the affected area down with bleach and have it go away.

So why is that?

Bleach will not work on any porous surface. Chlorine bleach is corrosive and that fact is stated on the product label (not to mention the exposure hazards of dioxins). The properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycelia (roots) of mold. 

Without killing the roots, the mold will be back!

This is what the EPA says about bleach:

“Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.”

It is tempting to use bleach because it is so inexpensive, but this is a misconception. The possible health risks from the reoccurring mold will far outweigh any perceived savings, and should be enough to end the temptation.

The EPA states that any area greater than ten square feet should be cleaned by a professional. When it comes to mold remediation, the SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove and SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties techs are second to none.

If this is a persistent problem contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have water, mold, or fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

John’s Tip of the Month

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth

Recently I was asked how to prevent the growth of mold.  Had they asked how to prevent a kid from growing tall that would have be easy, Mom always told me I would grow up too short when she caught me drinking coffee.

I will give an answer that was better than moms, as you know it didn’t work as I am taller than most people.

Mold, the very word is enough to make a person cringe.

     Yes, mold can be good — it's essential in making brie and penicillin, for example, and necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature — but it can also be very, very bad, especially when it grows undetected in your home.

   Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can't see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles. Mold forms when spore, moisture and a food source are present.

     Not only is a mold problem difficult to fix, but mold can also produce allergens and irritants that may compromise your health.

     So what can you do if you're concerned about mold growing in your home or business? The best approach is preventing mold before it becomes a problem. The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control.

     Here are nine ways to curb indoor moisture, and the mold that thrives on it.

1. Identify problem areas in your home or business and correct them. You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home or business: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.
2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. Seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you've experienced a flood, call a professional at SERVPRO to properly dry out and restore affected areas. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don't leave wet items lying around the house or business, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can spread quickly. Hang them to dry — preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home or business. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates my AC unit produces up to three gallons of water a day), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. Your energy-efficient home may be holding moisture inside, so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan.
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless — the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available; the core of the drywall is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.
5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You'll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture (for example, turn off a humidifier if water appears on the inside of nearby windows).
6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.
8. Improve air flow in your home. According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.
9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house.

If this is a persistent problem contact SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have water, mold, or fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.