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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Mold Signs

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Common signs that you might have mold

Signs of mold can mean you need a mold inspection. If mold is hidden then you will only find out about it by noticing mold signs.

By noticing mold signs you can find mold early. This can save you a lot of money and a lot of trouble since you can stop mold before it becomes a much bigger problem.

  • Mold Smell
    Another sign of hidden mold is a moldy smell. If the smell is worse in certain rooms then the mold is probably growing near that area. If the mold smell gets worse when the air conditioning or heating is on then there could be a mold problem in your HVAC or in your air conditioner or heater.
  • Seeing Mold
    Sometimes people see mold without realizing it. You might have to look closely to identify mold. People often have mold growing in their bathroom, on the grout between tiles. However, they do not realize it is mold. People also might ignore small amounts of mold, even though they can see it. However, small amounts of mold means there is enough moisture for mold to grow. It can mean there is more mold in the home. For example, mold hidden behind a wall eventually grows through. This leads to small spots of mold on the inside wall.
  • Humidity
    Another potential mold sign is humidity. High humidity can lead to condensation and water accumulation. Things also take longer to dry out when the air is humid. Some molds can live off humidity in the air. A humidity level above 60% can lead to mold growth. It's best to keep humidity between 30% and 60%. You can buy humidity monitors to keep an eye on the humidity in your home. If you live near water, such as the coast or a lake, the humidity may be high. Using air conditioning and HVAC can also change the humidity levels indoors.
  • Condensation
    Condensation may create moisture problems because the water from condensation can build up. Condensation is also a sign of humidity. Condensation often occurs on cold surfaces, such as windows and metal pipes. This is because when water vapor in the air touches a cold surface, it cools and becomes liquid. If you often see condensation, it could be a sign of a moisture problem, and perhaps a mold problem.
  • Water Leaks
    Water leaks can be a sign of mold. Leaks in pipes and roofs are the most common. Cracks in walls can also let in moisture. Leaking taps can also create moisture problems. Leaks are often hidden (for example inside wall cavities or in the attic). If a leak is undetected for a long time, it is very likely to cause mold. If you discover a leak then you should check for mold.
  • Leaking Roof or Attic
    Signs of a leaking roof are water damage on the ceiling below the attic. There will also be signs of water damage in the attic. Cracks and splits in the roof are another sign. Beams that have gotten moisture in them become weakened. This can lead to the roof sagging.
  • Flooding
    Another sign you could have mold is if your house has been flooded in the past. Flooding that left materials, like drywall, wet for more than 24 hours probably caused mold. Past flooding can be a sign you have hidden mold (eg inside wall cavities). It can also be a sign of mold problems in the basement.
  • Damp Basement
    The basement is one room that usually doesn't get much ventilation. It is usually cold too, which can lead to condensation. Water can end up running down into the basement, also. If it floods, the basement is usually the worst affected room. If you notice your basement is often damp, this could be a sign of a mold problem.
  • Water Stains
    Another sign of a water problem is water stains on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Often stains will be yellowish. If there is mold growing the stain might be darker. Ceiling leaks often cause water stains in the walls and ceiling. Stains around windows can also be a sign of water intrusion.
  • Paint
    When there is a lot of moisture, paint may start to come off surfaces. Paint, or wallpaper, may be peeling, cracked, bulging, or bubbling if moisture is building up behind it.
  • Rust
    Rust in the home is a sign of a moisture problem. You might see rust on nails or metal pipes. This could mean you have high humidity, condensation, a water leak, or some other water problem.
  • Warping
    When moisture gets into wood, drywall and other materials it can cause bowing. If you see warped walls, or other surfaces, you probably have a moisture problem.
  • Deterioration
    Water problems can deteriorate materials in your home. Seeing building materials that have deteriorated from moisture can be another sign of mold.
  • Blocked Gutters
    When it rains, you may see water building up on the ground near your house. This is usually caused by blocked gutters, or ground sloping towards your house. It can be a sign of indoor moisture problems because the water can seep into the walls or the foundation. Blocked gutters can also cause water to run down into the roof, or down the walls.
  • Poor Ventilation
    Look out for rooms with poor airflow. This can be a sign of moisture problems. Ventilation helps to dry out moisture. A lack of ventilation allows moisture to remain much longer.
  • Standing Water
  • You might often see water building up, or pools of water around your home. This can lead to mold problems. Sometimes you might be able to see moisture on walls and other surfaces too. There is often a lot of standing water in the bathroom or kitchen. Steam in these rooms can also create problems.
  • History of Water Problems
    A history of water problems can also be a sign of mold. If your home has previously been flooded or has had water leaks, then you could have mold.
  • Dust
    A dirty or dusty home is more likely to have mold. Mold grows on dust. Dust can also transport mold spores around the home.

Mold Inspection, Testing, and Removal

If you notice signs of mold in your home then you should consider having a mold inspection. Mold Testing also helps to locate mold, especially hidden mold.

If you find mold in your home then you will need to remove it. See the Mold Remediation page for a guide to removing mold

The Myths About Mold

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, there are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation that can lead to confusion for homeowners. Just the mention of the word "mold" can cause people to panic. While mold can be a very serious problem and should be taken seriously, it is important to have all the facts to be able to discern myth from fact so that you can make proper and informed decisions when necessary. 

  1. "Bleach Kills Mold"
    While bleach may be able to kill some types of mold on non-porous surfaces, it is unclear whether or not bleach can kill all types of mold, or if it can kill mold on porous surfaces like wood. Bleach is also a very corrosive agent and can pose its own health risks if used to kill mold. It's best to leave it to the professionals. 
  2. "You Don't Have To Remove Mold If You Kill It"
    Even if you are able to kill mold, you may not have removed the allergens that live in the mold. They can still be present even if the mold is killed. To fully protect yourself, removal of the affected areas is often necessary. You have to be careful not to spread the mold spores throughout your home when removing areas affected with mold. Professionals, like us, know how to set proper containment so that the mold allergens don't spread and further contaminate your home. 
  3. "A Little Mold Is Nothing To Worry About"
    If mold has become visible in your home, then chances are it has been growing for some time. Once mold becomes visible, it is important that you have the situation looked at, as there is more than likely more mold behind the surface. 
  4. "Mold Remediation Is Easy To Do On Your Own"
    This is usually not the case. Small areas of mold can sometimes be handled rather easily, but if the problem appears to be pervasive, it is best to call a professional. SERVPRO is always "Here to help!"

Does You Tustin Home Have A Mold Problem?

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. Call us anytime at (714) 480-1340

Do You Know The Signs of Mold?

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know what's going on behind your walls?

Mold growth can be a nightmare for homeowners. That's why it is important to know the signs of mold so you can stop it before it spreads too far. Most of the time, once the mold has become visible on the surface, it has been growing behind the scenes for quite some time. Make sure you know the signs to look for BEFORE that mold becomes visible. 

If you notice a strange odor, that could be a sign of mold. If an area of your home is giving off a persistent must smell, there is a strong possibility that there is mold in the room. You can typically follow the smell to where it is strongest in the room and find the mold.

Condensation can also be a tell-tale sign of possible mold. It can be excess moisture on windows, or condensation dripping from pipes. If there is excess moisture in your home, that is often a sign that mold may be growing somewhere you can't see. 

A water damage in your home can also lead to mold growth. If there was a leaking pipe or appliance that went unnoticed for some time, there may be mold present. Mold can start to grow as soon as 48 hours after moisture has been present, so if you suspect that you had an ongoing leak, you may want to have a professional inspect for mold. 

If you do suspect your home has mold, give SERVPRO of Tustin a call for an inspection 714-480-1340

Avoid Mold Damage In Your Home In The Heat

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Temperatures are high, which means your Tustin home is at a greater risk for mold growth. Mold spores can grow in temperatures ranging from 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature range for mold growth is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a common temperature range here in Orange County.


As the summer weather continues to remain hot and humid, it is time to be even more cautious of any possible moisture or water damage on your property. In order to reproduce, mold spores require moist or damp areas. Excess moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are prime areas for mold to grow. Also be on the lookout for flooding, leaky pipes/windows/roof, etc., and call a professional right away should any of these problems occur.


SERVPRO of Tustin has a highly trained and experienced crew ready to make it "Like it never even happened."


Available 24/7, call (714)480-1340