Getting rid of mold is a much more complex and serious issue than it might seem at first glance. Instinctively, you might think that mold can simply be "cleaned" off a surface. While small instances of mold can probably be treated in this way if caution is exercised, larger mold problems require the skills of an expert. Many people wonder just when to call an expert--at what point is the problem out of your control? If your home smells musty and you are unable to determine the source of the smell, you might have a serious mold problem lurking in an unseen location. In this situation, improper handling of the contaminated surface can only compound your mold problem. Mold removal experts are also necessary if you have had a flood or massive leak in your home. Mold thrives in moist, sun-deprived areas and water-soaked carpeting and floor boards fit the bill perfectly. If this is happening in your home (or you suspect it may be happening), contact Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. They will contain any mold growth that's begun and then destroy the mold-friendly environment by thoroughly drying the area. Salvageable or Not? Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. can also help you determine which mold-damaged objects are salvageable. For instance, you might assume that water-logged carpeting is unsalvageable, but this is not necessarily the case. By using sophisticated water extraction techniques and high-tech equipment (like the Hydro-X Extreme Extractor), Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. can often save carpet that's been submerged in water, as well as make sure it never becomes a breeding ground for mold. read full post »

Mold remediation simply refers to the process of eradicating any mold present in a structure or item. If you have never had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a mold remediation situation, you should certainly count yourself lucky. Once mold begins to grow and thrive in hidden locations (like behind cabinets or drywall), that area will need to be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. The mold that grows in homes and other occupied buildings usually grows in areas that are moist and dark. Unchecked, mold can become a serious problem that not only causes a foul odor in the air, but can also ultimately become a health issue as well. The very young, very old, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to breathing problems caused by mold spores in the air. Should mold overcome your precautions, let the experts at Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. restore the healthy environment of your home. They have a multi-step process that is catered to... read full post »

One of the best ways to avoid an expensive mold removal operation in your home is to develop a good mold prevention strategy. As with most unwanted organisms, the key to preventing mold is knowing what it likes. If you can remove the conditions and factors that are favorable to mold growth, then the chances are good that you can prevent a full-blown mold infestation. Mold is a subspecies of fungi. Like most fungi, mold thrives in areas that are moist and dark. Molds are very common in household bathrooms and air ducts for exactly these reasons. These areas can become ultimate hotbeds for unbridled mold growth. A common type of mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, which feeds on paper, dust, lint, and other high-cellulose items. If your home has experienced leakage or a flood, you will have to be particularly vigilant when it comes to preventing mold growth. Experts recommend cleaning up any and all water within 12 to 24 hours after the flooding in order to have the best chance of... read full post »

Molds, a type of fungi, live in nearly every part of the Earth. They are a highly adaptive and widespread organism that needs little to survive and reproduce. You can find molds on everything from forest trees to clothing, carpeting, and even food items. They are common in damp, moist places like behind furniture, near leaking pipes, and in roofing materials. Unchecked mold growth can become a very serious problem. The least bit of water leakage can create a hotbed for mold growth. Flooding and water main leaks are primary sources of mold infestations. Oftentimes, if the molding area isn't easily visible, homeowners won't even realize the mold problem is present until the musty, pungent odor presents itself. Mold contamination is such a large concern not only because it can be unsightly and odiferous, but because mold can be downright deadly. During the lifespan of mold, it produces substances called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are the source of many of the health... read full post »

Many homeowners aren't aware of the difference between mold and mildew. In truth, mildew is simply a type of mold. In terms of a home, mildew generally refers to a type of dark or even black mold that can decimate the surface on which it lives. Molds digest organic material to survive, and they will eventually destroy what it is they are ingesting, including walls, floors, or other areas of your home. Molds can be extremely invasive if they are introduced to an optimal growth area. Molds and mildews grow best in non ventilated, moist areas. This is why they are so common in bathrooms and on northern exterior walls that are exposed to little sun. Mildews, once established, can seep behind drywall and absolutely take over the interior of your home. The problem with mildew is at least twofold. Perhaps the most obvious effect of mildew is that it can cause a highly unpleasant odor. Homes may acquire a "musty" smell that can be impossible to clean up in a conventional way.... read full post »

Though absolutely necessary for our daily lives, water can also be one of the most damaging elements to a home or office. In the event of a flood or large water spill, removing the excess water is only the beginning. Once that water is gone, the true spectrum of damage comes clearly into focus. Perhaps the most obvious damage associated with water is the general physical damage such as warping or water stains. Water can cause a great deal of damage to a carpet, and it can cause hardwood floors to warp and swell. Beyond this surface-level type of damage, however, there is a much more serious and invasive type of damage that results from water: mold. If not removed within 12 to 24 hours, water damage can quickly move from merely destructive to severely damaging. To prevent mold from forming, Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. uses a dehumidifier to alter the very environment in which mold would tend to form. After the initial water extraction, mold may still survive if the... read full post »

Decontamination is a complicated process that requires professional tools and expertise in order to be handled correctly. There are a number of reasons why a particular area might need to be decontaminated. Offensive odors can be caused by mold, mildew, or even by animal infestation. At Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc., great care is given to each aspect of the decontamination process. They utilize a series of procedures including wall injection, surface sealants, and thermo fogging to ensure there is absolutely no odor left. Their ability to completely deodorize an area is reflected in their full no-odor guarantee. Contamination can happen in many different ways, affecting both residential homes and commercial businesses. Smoke or fire can cause severe and multi-faceted damage both in terms of odor and general destruction of property. Even after a home or office is restored physically, the odor of smoke can linger in the air ducts and behind the dry wall. A professional... read full post »

Cleaning air ducts is a vital step in keeping your home or office free of mold. While we're used to checking for mold near sinks, pipes, drains, or other moist places, many of us simply don't think of ducts as a candidate for mold growth. Identifying and containing a mold problem is often best left to professionals who can use specialized equipment to see just how far the problem extends. Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. has the tools and the knowledge to identify, contain, and eliminate any mold problem you have. Mold has serious consequences for those with allergies or other respiratory ailments (the young and the elderly are particularly susceptible). When it's airborne, mold can be especially dangerous. Depending on the type of mold, it can cause anything from common respiratory allergic reactions to dangerous reactions in those with compromised immune systems. Mold produces substances called mycotoxins, and these are generally the source of most... read full post »