A Little Fact About Mold

Fact:

Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house, and moisture is trapped), and occur in drafty homes more frequently in the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space, and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same desiccating effect as lowering humidity. Molds grow best in warm temperatures, 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Call us at (800)439-8833 for mold inspection & remediation whether you are in San Jose or San Francisco we are there to help you 24/7.

Broken Pipes, House Fires, Shattered Glass-Earthquake Party

One of the primary disasters that puts residents of the Bay Area at risk is the potential for earthquakes. Furthermore, the risk that is faced by most Bay Area residents is the fact that we are still waiting for the next "big one" to hit, and most are not prepared for this event. So what can you do to minimize the risk to your home or business?

There are a few different things that you can do to make sure you limit the amount of damage and risk you expose your home or business to in such an event. Most of the prevention measures can be based on what you see going wrong in the event of an earthquake. For example,in the event of an earthquake, one of the objects that carry's the most risk to your home or business are the pipes in your home. Most pipes can break or twist causing leaks and sometimes even leading to flooding in your home or business. This can turn out to be one of the larger damages resulting directly from an earthquake. Related to this, any gas lines or propane lines that are not secure can also be viewed as a potential risk to your home. Many websites on earthquake safety will tell you to analyze 3 main points, they are: Hazard, Exposure and Vulnerability. These ideas can be implemented for your home and business to find and correct the risks that are lurking in your home.

To get you started on better earthquake safety, here are a few quick tips:

1. Secure gas lines and water lines in your home.
2. Use bracing systems for water heaters/dryers/washing machines.
3. Move electrical appliances away from edges (to prevent from falling over).
4. Secure book cases
5. Check the glass on your windows for any protective coating to lower the risk of the glass breaking into shards.
6. Have an earthquake preparedness kit ready in your home or business!

All of these tips were provided by resources available to all on the internet. Do your research and find new ways you can help prepare and protect your home/business from the risk of earthquakes. For more information check out the websites listed in this posting. For any emergency services related to property damage call us at 1-415-584-6100. We are available 24/7/365, especially when something goes wrong!

http://www.disastersafety.org/Earthquake
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/risk.shtm
http://svmrecovery.com/

Mold-What is it?*

There is a good chance you have encountered mold at either one time or another. But how much do you really know about it? Did you know that there are many different species of mold but they all share similar characteristics? Knowing what these characteristics can assist you in treating the problem correctly. Here are 3 characteristics that all mold types share

1. ALL mold thrive and grow in moist and humid environments

2. ALL mold require an organic food source, such as cellulose that can be found in building materials such as drywall. Another common organic source is wood, used in a variety of building materials. 

3. ALL mold is spread by airborne microscopic spores. 

Mold exists all around us but becomes a big problem when it  grows in any indoor environment. If it is not corrected early, mold can spread and cause many problems both to the building as well as the health of its tenants. However, these concerns can all be prevented by education and early prevention of growth. Some simple ways of practicing these methods are by creating ventilation (open a window!), changing the temperature, allowing some sunlight on the affected areas. The primary purpose is to minimize the water and moisture content, to prevent the mold spores from growing. (The water is FOOD for the mold, get rid of the FOOD supply). For the best results consult a professional for avid area readings and proper mold remediation procedures. 

Conveniently, we provide water damage and mold remediation services. For 24 hour response, call us at 1-800-439-8833. Have a great weekend! 

*Information presented by ServiceMaster Clean- MOLD A Reasonable Approach*