Specialty Services

Mold Remediation

Mold contamination continues to receive increased attention in the media and is a rapidly growing concern for homeowners, property managers, insurance providers and restoration companies. Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours any time excessive moisture is present indoors, whether the moisture is the result of a flood, a slow leak, a broken pipe, or just high humidity. Indoor mold contamination has been identified as a major contributor to allergies and poor indoor air quality. Despite the rapidly growing body of knowledge about mold, it remains the subject of a lot of confusion. We hope that this information will help you to make better decisions.

What is mold?
We have probably all encountered mold at one time or another. It might have been in the shower, or on a stale piece of bread or wet drywall. Mold is a microscopic life form found in all parts of the world. It is part of the natural decay process of organic materials. There are many different species of mold, and while they are diverse, they share some common characteristics:

• Molds require an organic food source. The most common food source indoors is cellulose, which is found in building materials such as wood and drywall.
• Molds require oxygen, so they do not grow under water.
• Molds require moisture. To prevent mold, buildings must be kept dry.
• Molds are spread by tiny particles called “spores.”

Why is it a problem?

• The colored, fuzzy growth on the surface of a wall, floor, ceiling or other indoor surface is obviously very objectionable.
• Active mold colonies usually emit a very unpleasant, musty odor.
• Because the job of mold is to digest, decay and recycle dead organic matter, it will eventually destroy whatever surface it grows on.
• Exposure to mold spores can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, depending on individual sensitivity.

What is a reasonable and safe response?
The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from happening. If the drying of wet building materials is commenced within 24 hours (assuming clean water), the chances of preventing mold growth are excellent. If building materials remain wet, it is inevitable that mold will start to grow. Therefore, addressing and eliminating moisture problems is the critical first step. Simply put, “Got Moisture? Got Mold!”

However, once mold is present, drying is not enough. Moldy materials must be either removed or decontaminated. This process is called remediation, which means “to remedy” or “to cure.” Proper remediation procedures will be determined by the size, scope and nature of the mold contamination.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a helpful guidebook for homeowners about the cleanup and prevention of mold problems in homes. This booklet, entitled A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, can help you decide when you can handle mold cleanup yourself and when you should call a professional. The booklet is available on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html.

ServiceMaster Clean® can help
In the midst of all the hype and hysteria about mold, ServiceMaster Clean is committed to maintaining a reasonable, prudent and responsible position.

All ServiceMaster Clean Quality Restoration Vendors have completed intensive mold remediation training and received instruction in the proper procedures for handling mold claims. All are prepared to handle small (10 square feet or less) and isolated areas affected by mold that may be encountered in the course of normal water damage mitigation services. In addition, a large number of our franchises are trained and certified to perform larger mold remediation projects.

Address the issues promptly
Just how far reaching the effects of mold may be is yet to be determined. What is clear is that living or working in a moldy home or building is ill advised. The obvious response is to address water intrusion issues promptly and thoroughly, before mold has a chance to grow. ServiceMaster Clean is the industry leader in professional water damage mitigation and restoration services and stands ready to serve you.

Boardups

If you have windows/doors or roof issues as a result of a disaster, we can provide emergency board up services to secure the structure. In the event of a disaster we know how to respond. Our phones are on 24-7 and we will be on site in 2-4 hours to perform emergency services.

Vandalism Cleanup

If your property has been vandalized, call us ASAP. Here are some ways to minimize damage effects:

• Wash any egg or other residue from the building exterior.
• Remove any debris or food from carpets or interior walls. Scrape or blot carpets and furniture--do not rub.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpet and upholstery. Do not walk barefoot in the area of glass residue.
• Save any information about the type of liquid that was spread over surfaces.
• Make a list of all damage.

Important warnings on damage resulting from vandalism:

• Do not attempt to remove chemical stains such as ink or paint.
• Do not operate damaged electrical appliances.
• Do not throw away damaged wood chips or other small articles. They might be helpful for repair.
• Do not use household cleaning products on fabrics, upholstery, or carpet without consulting your professional cleaner.

Pack Out/In

Some fire and water damage losses require that your personal contents and furnishings be removed so that structural repairs and/or the dry down process can get started. This type of loss is known in the insurance industry as a pack out.

Pack outs require a professional restoration vendor to remove personal property items from the premises in a timely manner in order to prevent any additional damage. Our trained technicians will evaluate the residence and /or business for any hazards or concerns prior to the start of the pack out. They will then handle your possessions with the utmost care from beginning to end.

HVAC Duct Cleaning

With the rise of allergies, most people are now aware that indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern and increased visibility. That’s why duct cleaning is vital to maintaining a healthy home environment, especially for children.

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. These include the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), the fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

Specialty Recovery & Restoration Service

• Damaged Document Recovery
• Antiques and Fine Art Restoration
• Electronic Equipment Restoration
• Furniture Refinishing