Green mold is a common indoor contaminant that typically appears in damp, moisture-rich areas around your home. Leaks, poor ventilation, and rising humidity levels create the ideal environment for this mold to grow, putting you and your household at risk. From congestion to severe allergic reactions, green mold can have serious health effects if not addressed quickly. Keep reading to learn more about this potentially harmful contaminant and discover how professional remediation by the team at Restorerz helps protect your home and health.

What is Green Mold?

Green mold is a type of mold that gets its name from its color. It ranges from light green to olive or blue-like green and has a soft, fuzzy, or powdery texture. Many homeowners discover mold in moist areas of the home, as well as on surfaces such as food and plants. While some species of green mold are harmless, others produce mycotoxins that can pose a threat to the health of your household.

Types of Green Mold

Green mold refers to any type of mold that produces green spores. The most common species found in homes include:

• Cladosporium: This olive-green mold is commonly found on plants and various surfaces, including wood, drywall, carpets, and window sills. 
• Aspergillus: Including various species with green spores, is often found in moisture-rich areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
• Penicillium: This blue-green mold is known for producing the antibiotic penicillin. It can grow in water-damaged areas, on food, and in ducts.

Causes of Green Mold

Mold thrives in environments with high moisture levels and poor ventilation. Common causes of mold growth within the home include:

• Water leaks: Leaking pipes, roofs, or appliances can cause excess moisture to accumulate behind walls, under floors, or within ceilings, creating ideal conditions for mold growth.
• Condensation: Cold surfaces such as windows, pipes, and walls often create condensation buildup, which encourages mold growth.
• Water damage: If you don’t thoroughly dry flooding or other water damage within 48 hours, excess moisture creates an environment for mold to spread.
• Poor ventilation: Lack of air circulation can trap moisture, allowing mold to grow and spread.
• High humidity: Areas with high humidity levels often see mold growth due to excess moisture buildup. 

Health Risks of Green Mold

Some green mold species contain mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that affect human and animal health. Exposure to these spores can lead to concerning symptoms, including:

• Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
• Asthma attacks or worsening symptoms
• Allergic reactions
• Sneezing and congestion
• Infections

The health risks vary depending on the type of mold, the level of exposure, and the individual’s sensitivity level. If you spot green mold in your home, it’s important to contact a professional remediation company as soon as possible to minimize symptoms.

Where Does Green Mold Grow?

Green mold is found in areas where excess moisture can accumulate. Common locations include bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces. These spaces are more prone to water damage, condensation, or leaks, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. It’s also often found inside walls, ceilings, cabinets, or under floors where ventilation is minimal. 

Along with household surfaces, green mold can grow on plants and food such as bread, fruits, or vegetables. If you leave these items out for too long or store them incorrectly, the combination of moisture and warmth creates an environment for mold growth. 

Cleaning and Remediation

If you suspect green mold is growing in your home, contact a trusted restoration company in your area immediately. Professional cleaning and remediation are crucial for eliminating spores, thoroughly cleaning the area, and preventing future growth. These experts follow a strict remediation process that typically includes the following steps:

• Assessment: The technicians examine and test the area to identify the type of mold, the source of moisture, and the most effective cleanup solution.
• Containment and cleaning: They’ll create a contaminant barrier to stop the spread of spores and begin cleaning the surface using tools such as HEPA vacuums, steam cleaning, and specialized solutions.
• Moisture control and repairs: Professionals will address the root cause of the growth, such as leaks, poor ventilation, or humidity issues.
• Remediation: Mold-inhibiting chemicals or antifungal solutions are applied to the area to prevent regrowth.
• Final examination: Before leaving, they’ll perform a thorough inspection to verify that all mold is gone and the moisture problem is no longer a concern.

Contact Restorerz 24/7 for Professional Mold Remediation!

Don’t let green mold put your household at risk. Contact the experts at Restorerz to schedule professional mold remediation! Our specialists carefully locate, contain, and eliminate mold from your home to create a safe, healthier environment. We’re available around the clock to address your concerns and create a tailored plan that stops mold growth at its source and prevents it from recurring.

Call us or book online to schedule your remediation service today. We proudly offer restoration services throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is green mold the most dangerous type of mold?

Green mold is not the most harmful type of mold. Black mold is considered the most toxic type, producing mycotoxins that can cause severe health effects, including asthma, allergies, and compromised immune systems.

What other types of mold are commonly found in homes?

The other types of mold commonly found in residential homes include black mold, white mold, yellow mold, and Alternaria. Each species has varying appearances, potential, and associated health risks.

Can I clean up green mold myself?

It’s best to leave mold cleanup and remediation to the professionals. Specialized tools, equipment, and techniques are necessary to properly eliminate mold and prevent regrowth. If you suspect mold is growing in your home, contact our team to discuss your remediation options.

Mold is everywhere, playing its part in nature by helping break down organic materials. However, when mold begins to spread in your home, it‘s important to address it quickly. The EPA warns that molds have the potential to cause health problems because they produce allergens, irritants, and toxic substances that can lead to skin irritation and respiratory issues.

Mold in the home can also damage building materials, potentially causing your drywall, wooden structures, furniture, and insulation to rot or stain. Fabrics, wallpaper, and other organic materials also start to break down over time.

How does mold spread? Learn the warning signs of mold in your home, tips for prevention, and when it’s time to call Restorerz Emergency Services for mold remediation in the LA area.

What Mold Needs To Grow and Spread

Mold doesn’t need much to survive in your home. Mold requires the following factors to grow and spread:

• Moisture: Mold thrives in damp environments.
• An organic food source: Wood, paper, and cloth are all potential food sources for mold. 
• Oxygen: Mold needs oxygen to survive and grow.
• A suitable temperature: Los Angeles County’s mild Mediterranean climate is perfect for mold growth, which, depending on the type of mold, usually thrives between 40°F and 100°F.
• Dark spaces: Mold prefers to live in dark spaces and can be destroyed by direct sunlight.

How Mold Spreads Through Your Home

Does mold spread through the air? How does it move around? If you’ve found mold growing on your walls, in your bathroom, or under the carpet, you may be wondering where it came from and how to stop it from spreading further. 

Mold is a fungus that releases microscopic reproductive cells, called spores, into the air. These act like “seeds” that germinate once they find a suitable place to take root and grow. If you have mold in your air ducts, spores can blow around your entire home. However, just walking past mold is enough to send spores flying into the air.

Mold spores also attach to anything that brushes against them. They take root in moist areas with a food supply, grow, and then release more spores. Mold can also spread to your furniture and clothes. 

Does Mold Spread Quickly?

Mold spreads very quickly, colonizing a new area from a tiny spore within 24 to 48 hours after it finds a water source. After three to seven days, visible mold will appear, along with a musty odor. The higher the humidity and the greater the airflow, the more readily the mold can grow and release spores into the air. This fast timeline means it’s important to act as soon as you notice any signs of mold in your home. 

Warning Signs Mold Is Spreading in Your Home

Some common warning signs you may have a mold problem in your home include: 

• Musty smell: You can usually smell mold before you can see it. Its musty or stuffy smell is often compared to wet socks or decaying wood. 
• Visible mold: There are many forms of mold. Black mold looks like black or dark grey/green patches with a furry, slimy, or powdery texture. You may also see patches of white, green, blue, yellow, or brown growths that can sometimes be mistaken for stains or dust.
• Water damage: Peeling wallpaper, water stains, soft spots, sagging ceilings, or bubbling paint are signs that water has been leaking out of sight for a while, creating an ideal environment for mold growth.
• Health issues: Persistent coughing, respiratory issues, nausea, headaches, dizziness, allergies, or asthma attacks may occur around mold growth.

How To Prevent Mold from Spreading

The best way to prevent mold from spreading is to remove the conditions it needs to survive. This means not allowing moisture to sit for too long, cleaning regularly, installing moisture barriers, and addressing major leaks or flooding with professional remediation.

Some of the most common causes of mold growth indoors include:

• Plumbing leaks or roof leaks
• Improper ventilation of clothes dryers or cooking appliances
• Steam in a kitchen or bathroom
• Damp basements or crawlspaces
• Outdoor drainage issues 

How Professional Mold Remediation Stops the Spread

Mold can spread even after being cleaned if the root cause of the mold growth isn’t fully addressed. The best way to ensure the mold won’t grow back again is to contact a restoration company like Restorerz. Our process is as follows:

• Step one: Call us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll be there within 24 hours. 
• Step two: We assess the contaminated areas and develop a remediation plan.
• Step three: We contain the mold to prevent cross-contamination as we work.
• Step four: We remove all affected materials, from furniture to drywall, cleaning what we can and disposing of anything that’s unsalvageable.
• Step five: We treat the area, as well as any salvageable building materials and furniture. 
• Step six: A mold clearance test that meets the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards ensures all mold has been removed.
• Step seven: We restore your home to its original state.

Contact Restorerz for Professional Mold Remediation Services in California

Have you noticed the telltale signs of mold growth in your home? Call Restorerz Emergency Services for professional remediation from certified experts. We’ll provide immediate help, not only by cleaning up the mold, but also by addressing the root cause of the mold growth. 

We work with all insurance companies and offer the most competitive pricing in Southern California. Our service area spans most of Southern California and parts of Nevada, including Los Angeles, Encino, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, and Boulder City. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive mold inspection.

If you’re cleaning the shower and you notice a suspicious pink splotch, have no fear. While pink mold isn’t something you want in your home, it’s easy for professional mold remediation specialists to resolve the issue. We’ll take you through the basics of pink-colored mold, including where it grows and how to deal with it, as well as when to call a professional. We’ll also provide some prevention tips to help keep pink mold out of your SoCal home.

What Is Pink-Colored Mold?

Despite being called mold, pink mold isn’t actually mold — it’s a bacterium called Serratia marcescens. It has a slimy, whitish appearance with spots or streaks of bright pink.

Pink mold loves moist environments and feeds on organic materials, including fat and minerals. Some of its most common food sources include soap residue, waste particles found in bathrooms, and minerals from hard water.

Where Does Pink Mold Grow in Homes?

Keep an eye out for pink or reddish mold growth in these areas of your home:

Bathrooms

Pink mold is most commonly found in bathrooms. The bacteria in pink mold love moisture, so this mold tends to thrive in humid environments. You’ll most often see it in baths, showers, and sometimes the inside of the toilet rim. Keep an eye out for corners and other small spots that tend to trap moisture.

Kitchens

Thanks to the presence of plenty of moisture and food particles, kitchens can be an appealing environment for pink mold bacteria. Common problem areas include around sinks and faucets, dishwasher door seals, behind appliances, and inside refrigerator drip pans if standing water accumulates.

Laundry rooms and basements

In some cases, pink mold can spread to other damp environments, such as laundry rooms and basements. Although it’s less common than in the bathroom, it can grow anywhere with enough moisture and organic material for it to feed on.

SoCal’s warm climate can pose an elevated mold risk, especially in humid areas like LA. If you’re worried about mold growth in your home, it’s a good idea to call professional LA mold remediation services.

Is Pink Mold Dangerous?

Pink mold does pose a health risk. Although it’s not as dangerous as black mold and other true molds, it can still make you sick, especially for people who have weaker immune systems or respiratory difficulties. Removing pink mold is essential for keeping your home environment healthy.

Learn more about common molds and discover the differences between pink mold, black mold, and other household molds.

How to Safely Handle Pink Mold Removal

In general, DIY mold removal is not recommended, since the potential for inhaling or contacting the mold poses a health risk. However, for those dealing with only a tiny area of mold on a hard surface, and who have the appropriate safety gear, here’s how to approach the problem:

Step 1: Prepare your safety gear

Before you start cleaning, ensure you’re wearing strong rubber gloves, eye protection, and an N95 respirator mask to prevent inhaling mold spores.

Step 2: Ventilate your space

Make sure the room is well ventilated. Open any windows and leave a fan running while you work. Try to avoid opening doors that lead to the rest of the house, as this can risk spreading mold particles throughout your home.

Step 3: Prepare your cleaning solution

Combine four parts water with one part bleach in a spray bottle. Always add water first, then add bleach. The reverse creates a toxic gas.

Step 5: Apply cleaner

Spray the solution onto the mold, being careful not to inhale while doing so. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse with fresh water and dry the area.

Step 5: Maintain precautions

Check the area every day for the next week to make sure the mold hasn’t returned. Ensure that you follow maintenance procedures, such as reducing humidity and drying the area regularly.

When to Call a Professional

Although not a true mold, pink mold resembles and behaves like mold, making it difficult to simply wipe away. Even after cleaning, pink mold often returns, especially in large areas, established colonies, or on soft or porous surfaces. If you’re dealing with any of the following pink mold issues, it’s a good idea to call a pro:

• Mold growth on any soft or porous areas, including wood or drywall.
• Anyone in your family is vulnerable or is experiencing health concerns.
• You think the pink mold may be in your ventilation system.
• Pink mold returns after cleaning.
• Mold growth covers an area of more than three square feet.

In general, the best solution for pink mold removal is to call a professional. Our mold removal professionals are certified and experienced in safely removing all mold from your house without risking contamination of other surfaces. We offer professional mold remediation across Southern California, including Van Nuys mold remediation and Norwalk mold remediation.

How to Prevent Pink Mold

Keep pink mold at bay with these helpful prevention tips:

Ventilate your space

Pink mold loves humid environments, so good bathroom ventilation is key to preventing growth. Make sure to turn on the fan after you shower, or open a door or window to help air out the space.

Dry the shower

The higher the moisture level, the greater the chance of mold growth. Squeegeeing the shower walls after your shower helps remove excess moisture and makes it harder for pink mold to grow. If the environment stays moist, pink mold often returns even after cleaning.

Have a regular cleaning routine

Pink mold bacteria feed on soap scum and body oils that get trapped in your shower. Aim to thoroughly clean your shower at least once a week to remove any potential food for bacterial growth.

Consider installing a moisture barrier to help reduce the risk of mold in your home.

Call Restorerz for Professional Mold Remediation in Southern California

Get rid of mold once and for all with a visit from Restorerz professional mold remediation. Our team of experienced pros safely removes mold in your home and helps you set up your space to reduce the risk of mold coming back. Contact us today to book your next assessment and keep your SoCal home fresh, healthy, and mold-free.

White or black, mold growth of any kind is bad news, especially when it appears inside your home. At Restorerz, we provide professional mold remediation.

If you’ve recently experienced water damage in your home, smell a musty, mildewy scent, or see mold in or around your house, or just want to know more about white mold vs. black mold, call Restorerz Emergency Services for immediate assistance.

White Mold

White mold is a fungus with a hairy, slimy, or powdery look. It can be white, grey, or green, and lives in damp spaces, especially on porous substances like wood, insulation materials, fabric, carpet, or drywall.

How dangerous is white mold?

Exposure to any type of mold, especially in large quantities, is unhealthy for any person, but most types of white mold are considered non-toxic. People with mold allergies or sensitivities will experience stronger exposure symptoms than others, resulting in flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions, or asthma attacks.

Black Mold

The fungus known as black mold can also be green or black in color. It grows on wood products, drywall, paper, and other materials that contain cellulose. It requires a high moisture level to grow, so you’ll usually find it in areas with flood damage or dampness-prone rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.

Is black mold dangerous?

Black mold isn’t any more dangerous than other types of mold, although it doesn’t affect everybody in the same way. For some people, exposure to black mold causes mild symptoms like itchy, red eyes and nasal congestion, but for people with mold allergies or those with prolonged exposure, it can result in:

• Rashes
• Respiratory problems
• Allergic reactions
• Shortness of breath
• Body pain
• Mood changes
• Tiredness
• Coughing
• Neurological conditions

The more mold present in the home, the more spores you inhale, and the worse the effects will be, especially if you have asthma or other lung conditions.

If you notice black mold growing in your home, contact a professional mold remediator soon. The more it spreads, the more damage it can do to your home and your health.

Key Differences Between White Mold and Black Mold

White and black mold have several key differences:

• Black mold is slimy or fuzzy-looking and dark green or black, while “white” mold comes in a variety of textures and colors.
• Black mold is more dangerous, with the potential to produce serious health problems.
• White mold is more common than black mold.
• White mold will grow on almost any surface, including plants, leather, or clothing, while black mold tends to thrive best on ultra-moist or porous surfaces.

Prevention Strategies

The following are some simple mold prevention strategies LA County homeowners can use.

Reduce humidity in the home

Turn the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom on, make sure the entire home has good circulation (including basements and crawl spaces), check that your vents are clear with good airflow, and install an air conditioner to pull moisture from the air.

Add mold inhibitors to the wall and ceiling paint

In LA, you can buy house paint and primer with mold inhibitors, or substances that naturally prevent mold growth.

Install an air filtration system

Although we can never fully remove mold from any environment, HEPA filters will remove 99.9% of all mold spores from the air, preventing the spread of mold in your home.

Regularly inspect the home for signs of mold

Check the corners, bathrooms, attics, areas around the windows, plumbing, and anywhere there’s been water leaks or damage in the past. Use your nose as well to see if you smell any musty, earthy, or “wet sock” smells.

Clean bathrooms regularly

Use mold-killing cleaning agents like baking soda, bleach, or vinegar, and proper ventilation to keep mold from thriving in your bathrooms.

Replace carpet with moisture-resistant flooring

Replacing porous carpets with a moisture-resistant alternative like vinyl flooring, cement, or tiles will reduce the chances of mold growth, especially in basements and garages.

Don’t bring mold home

Mold spores can hitch a ride on your clothes or in your hair. If you’ve been exposed to a moldy environment, brush off as much as you can outside, shower immediately, and wash your clothes in hot water, drying them thoroughly. If you can disinfect your clothing before washing and dry the items in direct sunlight, even better.

Handle flood damage quickly

Dispose of flood-damaged carpets and furniture, dry everything thoroughly, and clean all wet items well with disinfectant to kill off any mold growth before it starts. It’s safest to contact expert mold remediators after flooding to make sure there’s no growth in hidden areas.

Remediation and Professional Assistance

Just removing mold from where you can see it won’t get rid of the spores. It’ll keep coming back until your moisture problems are fixed, and all the contaminated flooring, walls, and property like furniture, rugs, etc, are gone.

If you have mold growth in your home, call Restorerz Emergency Services. We’ll send a mold remediation services team to your home ASAP to inspect the damage and determine how much work needs to be done.

Once we’ve come up with a remediation plan, we contain the affected areas and remove all contaminated materials, while avoiding unnecessary damage to your home. We treat any salvageable building materials to avoid waste, and after determining the area is completely mold-free, we’ll rebuild and restore the space.

Contact Restorerz 24/7 for Professional Mold Remediation

Restorerz is the top LA mold remediation company, using the latest technological advances for emergency restoration and mold removal. Our crew is made up of friendly, professional local remediators who understand the importance of getting the job done right the first time. They’ll work hard to remove all mold from your residence, clean up, and restore your home to its original state as quickly as possible.

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing local expertise, excellent customer service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee to our clients. If you’re concerned about mold growth in your home, let Restorerz’s expert team assess and address any mold issues with precision and care. Contact us today to schedule our professional mold inspection and remediation services.

One way to check on the health of your Los Angeles area home is to look at what builds up on surfaces like your floors and furniture. If you happen to notice an unusual amount of buildup, it may be either mold or dust, both of which are completely different but look similar to the untrained eye.

Restorerz Emergency Services is one of the best local mold remediation companies with years of experience testing for and removing mold from properties throughout the cities of Gardena, Placentia, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, Glendale, and other areas of California. It’s important to recognize the key differences between dust and mold to help you determine what the buildup is in your Los Angeles area home.

The Key Differences Between Dust and Mold

Several features distinguish between dust and mold. Here are some of the key differences to look for when trying to determine whether you have mold or dust in your home.

Texture and appearance

Dust is comprised of dry, powdery particles, while mold is a living fungus. Mold typically feels slimy or fuzzy to the touch and often appears in patches. Dust settles evenly and won’t normally appear in one singular, concentrated area.

Color

When it comes to black mold vs dust, the name says it all. Black mold is dark in color and tends to look greenish-black. Dust is usually light or dark gray, or it may appear brown and orange depending on the particles it contains. Other forms of mold, like penicillium, may appear white, blue, or green. These distinct color variations make it easier to determine whether you’re dealing with mold or dust.

Smell

Although dust doesn’t have a particularly distinct odor, it can smell slightly earthy, or it may smell like dirt. However, mold is typically characterized by a strong, damp, and musty smell that gets stronger over time and resembles the odor of damp socks or rotten wood. This unpleasant odor is one of the telltale signs of a mold issue, and it becomes stronger as the mold grows and spreads wherever it finds water and food sources.

Location

As you learn how to tell if it’s mold or dirt in your home, consider the location. Even though mold looks like dirt or dust in some cases, dust tends to settle on surfaces thanks to gravity and lands on virtually any area it touches, while mold thrives and spreads in damp, dark, and humid environments with little to no sunlight. Mold can climb up walls and other vertical surfaces, while dust cannot.

Reaction to bleach

One way to determine whether you have dust or mold is to test its reaction to bleach. Dab some bleach with a cotton swab and gently rub it onto the affected area. If it’s dust, it won’t react to the bleach, but if the substance starts changing appearance and gets brighter after a few minutes, it’s likely mold. It’s important to note that DIY methods like using bleach will not “kill” mold or keep it from returning.

Common Places You Might Mistake Mold for Dust

There are several areas around your Southern California home where you might mistake mold for dust. Inspect these areas and use the characteristics listed to help you determine whether dust or mold is present.

• Any areas with leaky pipes under your bathroom and kitchen sinks can encourage mold to thrive and spread.
• Your air ducts are a common breeding ground for mold due to excess moisture that builds up whenever your HVAC system is operating.
• The rubber seal on appliances and the drip pan under your refrigerator can trap moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.
• Rooms with high humidity, like the bathroom, can experience mold growing on grout and tiles, and around the toilet or sink.
• Anywhere around your AC unit and air vents that appear to be covered in black dust could actually be mold spores, especially if there is a lot of moisture accumulating there.
• When it rains or the weather is humid, condensation can build up on windows and create the ideal area for mold to grow and thrive.

Black Mold vs Dust

Black mold and dust may appear similar at first glance, but there are some distinct differences between them. One of the most significant differences is how black mold affects your health and well-being. Breathing in dust can trigger respiratory symptoms like allergies or asthma, but exposure to black mold can cause other serious health problems like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. While dust can’t turn into mold, it can create an environment for mold to settle and germinate.

When To Call a Professional for Mold Inspection

If you suspect that you may have mold, it’s important to know when a professional inspection or mold remediation is required. Mold remediation may take one or two days to several weeks, depending on the severity and how widespread it is. Here’s when to call Restorerz for a mold inspection:

• Your home has experienced significant water damage.
• There’s a strong musty odor in your home.
• You have large visible areas of mold, typically covering between five to 10 square feet or more.
• You or someone in your family experiences an increase in upper respiratory symptoms or other sudden health concerns.

How To Prevent Mold Growth at Home

Unlike dust, mold doesn’t wipe off easily because it can penetrate deep into porous materials. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent mold growth in your Van Nuys, CA area home:

• Install dehumidifiers in damp areas to control moisture and humidity levels.
• Open your windows and turn on ceiling fans to improve ventilation and air circulation.
• Use HEPA air purifiers to capture and remove mold spores and particles from the air and replace your HVAC filters as recommended.
• Clean your home regularly and remove dust by wiping surfaces with a clean rag and a non-toxic cleaning product.
• Store items that are prone to collecting dust in drawers, cabinets, and storage containers.

Contact Restorerz Emergency Services Today

Restorerz Emergency Services is a trusted emergency restoration company serving customers in the city of Glendale and throughout the Los Angeles area. We specialize in mold remediation and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need a professional mold inspection, testing, or mold remediation, contact us to schedule service today.

Mold is ugly and smelly and can do significant damage to your home. It’s also a serious health hazard. It can cause flu-like symptoms and be especially harmful to those with respiratory illnesses. Therefore, due diligence is a must when finding a mold remediation company. Restorerz is here to help with your mold situation. But if you’ve never hired a professional, here are tips for finding the best mold company near you.

Speak to a Representative on the Phone

The representative or inspector should listen carefully to what you’re dealing with and ask questions to better understand your situation. They may be able to provide advice over the phone. If they’re communicative and informative, that’s a good sign. But not every problem can be resolved over the phone; ask to schedule an inspection if the person on the other end of the line doesn’t bring it up.

In-Home Inspection

The contractor should evaluate the problem in person. An inspection may come at an extra cost, but it helps to know where the mold is, the type that’s present, and how much of it you’re dealing with. Mold and indoor air quality testing may be performed to fully assess the issue. 

The inspector may use tape and swab sampling techniques. When taking air samples, at least three samples should be taken. All samples will then be sent to a lab to be analyzed. Once the results are in, the inspector should explain your options, create a plan, and work with your budget.

Get a Price Quote

Mold inspectors and remediators price their services in different ways. Ask for a quote and what is included. With mold remediation, you get what you pay for. An experienced, detail-oriented inspector will charge a fee commensurate with their quality of service. Inspectors charge for their time, expertise, mold sampling, air quality and surface testing, and reporting. Some consider the size of your home when determining what to charge.

Ask About Reporting Practices

A mold inspector should provide a detailed report of their findings. You might receive a verbal summary if there are no significant issues. But check into the type of report the contractor will give you. A detailed inspection should be followed by a written report. Software is often used to generate reports, so the process is quick and easy for the inspector.

Review the Mold Inspector’s Qualifications

Inquire about the type of training the inspector has. They should have certifications in mold inspection and infrared technology, experience with building envelope science, and the appropriate training. A highly qualified inspector is also certified in water damage restoration. If they are certified with the IICRC (Institute of Cleaning, Restoration and Certification), that is a bonus.

Ability to Address Moisture Problems

A mold problem can’t be fully resolved unless your moisture problem is fixed. If the environment remains damp, the mold will grow back. The mold company near you should be connected with professionals and organizations that can address leaks and other plumbing issues. The mold inspector shouldn’t start moving heavy furniture and opening up walls. These tasks are for a different professional they can refer you to. Ask if they’re affiliated with other restoration experts/companies.

They Are Properly Equipped

Ask the inspector what they use to diagnose and confirm issues. They should be equipped with a flashlight, moisture meter, infrared camera, hygrometer, and air quality testing equipment. Extensive training in using testing equipment is required for a mold remediation specialist or inspector to do their job right.

Assess Their Reputation

Reputation means everything in the home services industry. Start by checking online reviews. Customers tend to be highly verbal on the web about their experiences with mold remediation companies. You can ask someone in your family, or a friend or neighbor, about a company they used. Or, contact the company directly and ask for references. These methods can help evaluate its quality of service before you hire them.

Contact Restorerz: The Best Mold Company Near You

As a leading emergency restoration company in Southern California, Restorerz will be glad to answer all your questions. We specialize in mold remediation, water damage repair, and many other services to help clients deal with emergencies. Our team is available 24/7 and serves the entire Los Angeles area. Request service online or call (323) 970-4761 and we can be at your home in 60 minutes or less.

Residential and commercial clients in Los Angeles rely on Restorerz for cleanup after emergencies like floods. We are also experts in flood damage restoration. There may be little to stop major storms, drainage problems, flash flooding, and some plumbing mishaps. But you can prevent flood damage with some of these effective tips:

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least once a year. If you have a lot of trees near your home, clogs by leaves and dirt are more likely. More frequent cleanings are necessary to avoid drainage issues that lead to flooding.

2. Don’t Let Debris Prevent Drainage 

Be aware of where you pile leaves, mulch, firewood, and other items. If they’re in the wrong place, they can block drainage paths or be washed into sewer drains. Rake your yard regularly and clear any nearby storm drains

3. Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump in the basement or at the lowest drain in your home will remove water when it gets to a certain level. It can be highly effective during heavy rain. For improved reliability, install a correctly sized pump, test it often, and install a battery backup so it works during a power outage.

4. Install a Backflow Valve

For a few hundred dollars, you can install a backflow valve for a sewer or septic system. It will prevent sewage from flowing backward through drain pipes and into your home. Dangerous situations and major damage can be avoided

5. Waterproof Your Roof

In addition to maintaining gutters, you can protect your roof with a liquid waterproof sealant. It can bond to various substrates without a major renovation. If your roof needs to be replaced, install waterproofing material under the shingles to prevent rainwater from damaging underlying materials.

6. Install Water and Leak Sensors

Water sensors, detectors, and alarms can be installed anywhere in your home. Many can be linked to your security system or smartphone. You then receive instant alerts when there’s a leak or flood and can take quick action.

7. Make Sure the Ground Slopes Away from Your Foundation

Water will be directed at and put pressure on your foundation if the ground slopes toward your home. Improving slope and grade can ensure stormwater flows away from your house and into the drainage system.

8. Seal Any Openings or Cracks

Seal and repair any cracks in the foundation with masonry or mortar caulk. Also make sure doors, windows, and utility and exhaust entry points are sealed. Basement windows and doors are especially vulnerable.

9. Improve Interior Drainage

An interior French drain provides a path of least resistance to redirect water outside. A type of gutter system along the basement perimeter, it is highly effective when used with a sump pump.

10. Keep Sandbags Handy

Sandbags are a common and effective way to avoid the need for flood damage restoration. You should have them around if you live in a flood-prone area. They’ll prevent rising water from getting through windows and doorways.

11. Elevate or Move Furnishings/Valuables

Elevating furniture and valuables can avoid damage when a flood is expected or if you live in a low-lying area. Transporting belongings to higher ground is also a good idea. These steps can save money and they’ll be less to put on your insurance claim.

12. Secure Fuel Tanks

Anchor any fuel tanks stored in or near your home. Otherwise, they can be swept downstream, cause additional property damage, or trigger an explosion. Anchor tanks in your basement as well, as a torn supply line can contaminate your home with fuel.

13. Have Electrical Components Raised

Circuit breaker panels, switches, sockets, and wiring should be elevated by a licensed electrician. They’ll elevate electrical components at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation to avoid short circuits and fires. 

14. Add a Flood Vent

The pressure of rising water can do some of the worst damage. A flood vent equalizes water pressure by allowing water to flow through your basement or crawl space. It can reduce the pressure that can collapse a foundation wall.

15. Take Action When a Flood Is Forecast

If severe weather is forecast for your area, check and clear drains, gutters, and downspouts and move furniture and electronics to higher parts of your home. Elevate appliances using masonry or concrete blocks. If possible, roll up area rugs. Check that your sump pump is working and shut off the main breaker if water is expected to impact your electrical system.

Contact Restorerz for Help with Flood Damage Restoration

We can clean up your home after a flood and help with insurance claims. Our restoration experts can quickly extract water, salvage the contents of your home, dry things out, and remove debris. Flooding sometimes surprises the most prepared home and business owners, but we hope our tips to prevent flood damage prove effective. To request service, contact us online or call 323-312-3808.

Mold is an insidious threat to property and the health of homeowners. Neglecting water damage and promoting mold growth can lead to expensive repairs. Mold can also harm precious household belongings.

Not all leaks require professional mold remediation. Given the cost of mold cleanup and removal, many homeowners ask, “When is mold remediation required? 

Restorerz Emergency Services has a team of professionals to tackle the most challenging mold cases. However, they would rather not have to come to your house on an emergency call. It’s best that we help you get rid of mold in its earliest stages when the infestation impacts fewer areas of your home.

What Is Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation involves restoring homes, businesses, and other properties to their previous condition before mold infestation. The remediation process includes:

• Drying out damp areas that harbor mold
• Removing and safely disposing of materials that have mold contamination
• Repairing structures like walls and floorboards that have water damage and rot
• Filtering the air to remove mold spores
• Protecting the property from future mold growth

When is mold remediation required? Every mold infestation is unique. When you call a mold remediation specialist at Restorerz Emergency Services, they will develop a remediation plan with you. 

Restorerz Emergency Services is the top mold remediation company in Los Angeles, CA. We have the expertise to deal with any mold problem.

We would have to inspect your home to tell you if we recommend mold remediation. Nonetheless, we would like to share these warning signs with our potential customers in the Los Angeles area.

Warning Sign #1: Spotty Discoloration

Mold forms spots as it grows on damp surfaces. These spots are often black (as in “black mold”) but can also be green, white, and other colors.

An experienced mold remediation technician can identify the type of mold in your home or business. They will then recommend a plan to eradicate it.

Mold spots may get larger and spread as mold infestation worsens. Some areas might have mold contamination even if they do not have visible mold spots. If the mold remediation team does not remove all traces of mold, it could grow back later. 

It is not always clear just by looking at a spot whether it is mold. Even mold testing kits that you can buy at a home improvement store might not reveal the extent of the infestation. They also won’t advise you on how to eliminate the mold.

Call a professional if you see any spots that could be mold, especially on damp or flooded surfaces.

Warning Sign #2: Musty Odors

As mold grows, it generates waste products and spores that float into the air. These substances often produce an unpleasant musty odor.

This distinctive odor can be useful as an early warning sign. Mold in out-of-the-way places might be hard to detect visually. So if you smell any unusual odors in your home, especially in damp areas, you likely have a mold problem.

Furthermore, odors can spread through air ducts, carrying spores far from the initial source of mold growth. If you smell mold in one part of the house but cannot see the source, contact a mold remediation professional. The specialist can inspect the ducts in your central heating or cooling system for signs of mold spread.

Warning Sign #3: Visible Moisture

If part of your home experiences a plumbing leak or flooding, keep an eye out for discoloration due to moisture. Drywall, plaster, carpeting, and wood might look noticeably darker when they get wet.

After donning gloves and eye protection, you can investigate further by touching the area to see if it feels wet. Watch for condensation on walls, especially near air vents, as it could foster mold growth.

Warning Sign #4: Respiratory Problems

Mold spores in the air can trigger allergies and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. These problems can be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. Moreover, fungal infections can be more severe in people with COVID-19.

If you suffer from frequent flare-ups of lung problems or nasal congestion, contact a mold specialist. You may have mold infiltrating your HVAC system or other ductwork. 

Warning Sign #5: Signs of Rot

Prolonged dampness can promote rot growth in walls, floorboards, or ceiling tiles. In advanced cases, the rot could compromise the home’s structural integrity. When this situation happens, sections of your walls will crumble at the touch, ceiling tiles will fall, or floor sections may collapse underfoot.

Go Beyond the Warning Signs with a Professional Mold Inspection

When is mold remediation required? If you notice any of the signs we discussed above or if your home has water damage, it’s never too soon to schedule a professional inspection. Even if the mold in your house is not serious, most homeowners find it a relief to know that their home does not have a hidden mold issue.

Our commercial customers also benefit from a mold inspection. The odors from mold growth can drive away customers and hurt the reputation of your business.

Even if you don’t find mold on your premises, your business could benefit from a clean bill of health from a mold inspector. This certification could back you up if a customer or employee has a respiratory issue or allergic reaction while on your premises. 

Schedule Mold Remediation Service Today

It is best to act as soon as possible if you observe any of these signs of mold. Don’t hesitate to call Restorerz Emergency Services and schedule an inspection today.

Our mold remediation technicians are ready 24/7 to serve you. A trained and qualified consultant will go through potential mold sources in your home and discuss a plan of action. 

Know the reasons why you have black dust in your house and have all your questions answered, including “when is mold remediation required?” Help is just a phone call away in the Los Angeles, CA, area. Call us today at (323) 402-6523.

Recovering from a fire isn’t over once the flames and smoke are gone. Fire damage repair is a multi-step process that helps manage the aftermath of the event. Repairs must begin immediately or there may be even more damage; for example, water left behind from firefighting efforts can cause mold and more severe structural damage.

TL;DR Summary What Happens in a Fire Damage Repair Process:

Fire damage repair is a multi-step process to restore your home or business after a fire. Steps include:

1. Initial Assessment: Evaluating damage and creating a restoration plan.
2. Safety Precautions: Isolating unsafe areas and adding temporary protections.
3. Water Extraction: Removing standing water to prevent mold and further damage.
4. Cleaning and Debris Removal: Cleaning smoke and soot damage, removing odors, and discarding irreparably damaged materials.
5. Repairs: Fixing structural, electrical, and plumbing damage, and restoring interiors like flooring, drywall, and air ducts.

Timeline: Repairs can take days to weeks, depending on the severity and size of the property.

Solution: Restorerz offers 24/7 service, fast response times, and expertise to fully restore your property after a fire. Call for help today.

At Restorerz, we follow an organized approach to repairing any home or business impacted by a fire, which includes:

Initial Assessment

Being available 24/7 enables us to reach your home, day or night. As soon as the fire is extinguished, we’ll assess the extent of the damage and create a restoration plan. We’ll determine whether carpenters, plumbers, roofers, or other professionals are needed. 

The trained eyes of our technicians help determine if a warped floor is water-damaged or if electrical wiring or the foundation were affected. The extent of smoke, soot, and water damage is determined. All damage is documented and recorded for insurance purposes.

Safety Precautions

Any areas deemed unsafe will be isolated and blocked off. This protects your family and also protects you from liability should anyone be injured in your fire-damaged home. Safety measures include boarding off your property, adding tarps to damaged roofs, installing temporary fencing, and providing bracing to stabilize structurally unsound areas.

Water Extraction

Firefighters’ hoses may have been running for hours, or your sprinkler system may have unleashed a torrent of water. Fires can also damage plumbing systems so ruptured pipes can be a problem. Our fire damage repair team works quickly to get rid of standing water. We’ll use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to dry out your home, prevent mold, and avoid worse damage, while furniture, flooring, drywall, upholstery, and other items are salvaged if possible

Cleaning and Debris Removal

If any furniture or construction materials are irreparably damaged, we will remove and discard them. Smoke- and soot-damaged walls, floors, ceilings, and windows will be cleaned and disinfected (even if they are in areas not directly impacted by the blaze). We also employ specialized equipment to get rid of foul smoke odors. Badly damaged structural elements are demolished, and we’ll determine what we can repair or restore.

Fire Damage Repair

Everything damaged by fire, smoke, soot, water, etc. is fixed by our skilled repair professionals. The process may require installing new flooring, removing and replacing drywall, replacing windows and doors, and fixing or replacing your roof. Plumbing and electrical repairs may be required as well. Our team may also help lay new carpeting, repaint your home, and clean and restore your air ducts.

How Long Does Fire Damage Repair Take?

We can estimate the timeline during our evaluation. Minor repairs can take a few days, but resolving more extensive smoke, soot, and water damage can take longer. The larger your property, the longer the process might take. Also, the fire department must inspect your property before repairs can begin, and scheduling an appointment can take time.

Why Choose Restorerz

We are considered the #1 fire damage repair and restoration company in Los Angeles. Numerous 5-star reviews back that up, but our 24/7 availability, prompt service, and 100% satisfaction guarantee mean we are always ready to take on the toughest jobs. Our team is trained in numerous areas of expertise and has the knowledge, tools, and equipment to fully restore your property after a devastating fire. For competitive pricing and fire and smoke restoration service in 60 minutes or less, call 323-973-1055.

Why DIY Mold Remediation is Not Advisable

Why wait to get the home service you need? Call Restorerz at (323) 970-4761 today.

You take pride in completing home renovations on your own. We understand that independent work can save time and money with some projects.

However, DIY mold remediation should not be a project you take on without qualified help.

The risks of DIY mold remediation far exceed the rewards. It’s best to invest in professionals for thorough spore removal. Experts from our mold remediation company in Los Angeles, CA, explain the dangers of tackling this project alone.

When is Mold Remediation Necessary?

Mold exists in nearly every outdoor and indoor space. That said, mold growth is only a problem when it becomes noticeable by sight or smell. Over time, a mold infestation that starts small can rapidly grow.

The types of mold you find in your home may vary. While some, like, mildew, are more annoying than anything else, some forms can be dangerous and threaten the health of everyone in your household.

Black mold is a hazardous substance that will endanger you and your family if left unchecked. If your home experiences an infestation of black mold, you risk:

• Damage to the structural integrity of the house
• Increased risk of lung disease or breathing complications
• Reduced air quality in the house
• Blocked air ducts
• Discoloration on walls and furniture
• Unpleasant odors

If you notice any of these occurrences, it’s time to start mold remediation. Like most homeowners, you probably won’t tolerate any of these problems once they manifest, and will want to tackle them yourself. Before grabbing your cleaning supplies and tools, consider some important information.

Risks of DIY Mold Remediation | The Home

Mold is a notoriously stubborn fungal growth that can emerge within days. If your home experiences water damage, it will gather mold quickly, compromising the entire property.

Most homeowners do not know how to clean mold off surfaces or in air vents properly. Some may use corrosive cleaners that damage their property. Others may even tear down interior features of the home to get rid of more significant mold outbreaks.

Prepare for unnecessary expenses if you repeat these DIY mold remediation mistakes. Removing walls or other features may not reduce the risk of mold regrowth in your spaces. It is devastating to find mold on the surface of your newly installed renovation, necessitating even more work.

Mold spores linger in the air and grow in places you may miss. Unfortunately, you won’t find the tools and wisdom needed to address this problem in a hardware store.

Don’t spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on home replacements because you didn’t invest in professional help. A technician will identify at-risk areas of your house and use mold prevention strategies to secure those areas. They will also monitor air quality so you know if the problem is severe.

Risks of DIY Mold Remediation | Your Health

Like most homeowners, wasting money is likely a concern for you. However, risking your health is arguably worse than losing money on renovations.

When you clean or knock down mold-infested walls, thousands of spores release into the air. These toxic particles significantly impact your health. Mold removal requires personal protection equipment to ensure the safety of the person working on the mold.

Some types of mold even cause rashes and irritation during contact with your skin. A simple dust mask and rubber gloves aren’t always enough. A professional technician will have everything they need to protect themselves from these elements when servicing your home.

Remember, mold may hide in other spaces around the house. Partner with a mold remediation crew to locate and purge spores from problematic areas.

Mold Remediation is Challenging

Mold remediation is challenging because of how elusive spores can be. A mold infestation may be accumulating long before you notice the evidence. Confidence aside, you likely do not have the knowledge you need to do the job right.

Avoid finding lackluster solutions on the internet. Videos and blogs rarely offer comprehensive remediation plans. At worst, they may even mislead you with dangerous or expensive strategies that create more stress down the line.

Avoid Making the Situation Worse

DIY mold remediation typically makes the situation worse in most homes. Spores that spread from improper cleanup can quickly ruin other areas of your home. Unfortunately, this means spending more on renovations, repairs, and remediation.

Avoid these problems by hiring a professional for a mold inspection. They will use high-tech devices to ensure your home is safe from black mold. This way, you can be confident about the safety of your space.

How To Find a Reliable Mold Remediation Service

Finding reliable mold remediation professionals is easier than it may seem. Search online for emergency home services in your area. Most mold specialists offer their services through HVAC, home renovation, or property sanitation companies.

Check online testimonials for accurate company reviews. Numerous five-star reviews indicate that professionals provide quality work and excellent customer service.

Because mold is so dangerous to human and pet life, find a company that offers 24-hour services. These emergency responders will quickly assess and resolve the problem so you can rest assured that your home is safe.

Ensure that your contractor has the tools to remove mold from hard-to-reach spaces, like vents and basements. These spaces tend to harbor some of the worst mold outbreaks in residential buildings.

Schedule Your Appointment With Restorerz Emergency Services

If you are looking for top-tier results at affordable rates, trust Restorerz Emergency Services. Our veteran technicians help hundreds of homeowners clean out dangerous elements like mold every year.

We also provide services for those whose homes have experienced fire damage, water damage, and other disasters. Avoid the hassle of trying to save your home alone by investing in our excellent cleanup solutions.

We also help you prevent disasters before they occur. Need to know the signs of when to call an emergency plumber? We’ve got you covered.

Learn more about the dangers of DIY mold remediation by contacting us today. Call Restorerz Emergency Services in Van Nuys, CA, at (323) 970-4761.