Our Experts Explain Containing Microbes During Our Mold Remediation Process In Chicago

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Call us for professional mold damage remediation services that provide long-lasting protection against mold and mildew.

How We Contain Microbes During Remediation Of Mold Damaged Areas In A Chicago Property

Chicago homeowners who find mold and mildew on walls and ceilings want to get the mess cleaned up fast. SERVPRO can help do this by using industry standard methods. Our methods also help prevent further contamination inside your home.

Before we begin any work, we look for hidden moisture that causes mold damage in your Chicago residence. We use infrared imaging cameras that show changes in the different materials' temperature because moisture keeps elements cooler than neighboring dry materials. This lost moisture feeds microbes, but without it, they cannot grow. Shutting off their source of sustenance becomes crucial toward controlling their growth in the future. Once we eliminate each of these sources and ensure that such affected areas can dry out thoroughly, we can begin our mold remediation work.

Many times, spores end up in your ventilation system. Heating and cooling ducts harbor spores, as well as transport them from one place to another area. Because of this, we turn off your HVAC system during mold damage remediation. Also, we use other ways to keep mold and spores from circulating through your property.

We use containment methods that effectively keep spores from escaping the area we are working on and then dispose of them properly. While we use HEPA filters on many of our machines, this is not enough alone. Even air scrubbers can allow some microbes to escape, especially when cutting materials such as moldy wallboard and infested carpets are part of the work. We must use plastic barriers that microbes find impossible to pass through.

Plastic sheeting works well as both temporary walls and also as tubing that runs from the air scrubber to the exit at the window. Pushing spores and microbes outdoors helps keep them from starting new colonies inside your home if moisture ever becomes a problem again. Dust also finds its way outside, keeping irritants at a minimum.

SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City protects homes in the Ford City area, as well as Scottsdale. Call us for professional mold damage remediation services that provide long-lasting protection against mold and mildew. Our number is (773) 337-3993 and is always answered to provide prompt and reliable services from start to finish.

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Some Ways to Keep a Mold Infestation From Spreading Throughout Your Chicago Home

1/6/2019 (Permalink)

Take note of mold when you see it in your home, so that you can better describe it when you call Team SERVPRO. Call right away for best results.

Cleaning Up Your Home's Interior with Help from Mold Removal Experts in Chicago

After the holidays, getting decorations and extra furnishings put back into storage helps get your Chicago home's environment restored to a calmer state. Moving things around can also stir up dust and reveal mold-infested areas in your attic or basement.
 
Over the winter, microbes might slow in the rate of growth and become dormant, making it an excellent time to start mold removal in Chicago. Cleaning up in these areas during periods of slowed growth can make things easier. If moisture remains a constant presence, temperature fluctuations in attics and basements only slightly slow these microbes' growth down. However, SERVPRO technicians always carry the tools and equipment needed to get mold reduced to normal levels and cleaned up.
 
While you clean your home after the last party or celebration, uncovering mold can put a stop to everything. If you find mold in any particular space, putting boxes in the area can contaminate them and their contents. SERVPRO cleans the mold from all surfaces and makes them clean again. We also clean the air by using our air scrubbers. These machines pull air through at a tremendous rate and extract all mold and spores from the air.
 
When mold grows densely in an enclosed space, our specialists often use blasting equipment to abrade mold colonies from surfaces in these areas. When we use dry ice pellets, the frozen pellets freeze the mold and spores instantly, keeping the spores from entering the air. Afterward, the dry ice evaporates and does not require any additional cleanup. Other times, we rely on soda blasting to achieve the desired results. This method does require a bit of cleanup after we finish, but the soda also kills odors while leaving a pleasant scent in the area.
 
Cleaning up party decorations often includes just pulling things down and placing them in either a box for re-use next year or disposal in a garbage bag. Finding mold and mildew means you need a partner in cleaning up your home. We at SERVPRO stand behind our methods and know we can restore your home's interior.
 
SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City can quickly get things squared away in your Brighton Park or Scottsdale home with IICRC-certified specialists in mold removal and remediation. Call our 24-hour service line at (773) 337-3993, year-round.

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Signs Every Renter In Chicago Needs To Know About Mold Damage In Their Apartment

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City, we can resolve mold infestation in your apartment.

How First Time Renters Can Find Out If Their Chicago Apartment Has Mold

Mold is a fungus which decomposes dead organic matter. It spreads by releasing spores in the air, similar to a dandelion. When the spores find a suitable surface in a Chicago apartment, a mold colony can grow. Prolonged exposure to mold and the spores leads to health effects. To avoid a rental with mold damage, take a few minutes to look out for signs. Here are signs to look for as you hunt for an apartment.

Stale Odor
No one wants to imagine mold damage in Chicago is present even in a rental. Not only can it ruin the drywall but colonies can grow to cause serious health effects. As you hunt for an apartment, pay extra attention to areas with high humidity. They include crawlspaces, bathrooms and under the kitchen sink. If you detect the presence of a musty smell, it means a mold colony is growing there.

Brown Stain On Your Ceiling
If you spot brown stains on your ceiling or interior walls, the cause is a roof leak or HVAC unit. Here is how it happens. The leaking roof slowly drips water over a period of time. After the water dries, a yellow stain appears. Aging pipes can leak too. As you know, ceilings contain organic material. If other conditions favor, a colony can start to grow. If not detected, it can lead to mold damage.

Bubbled Floors Or Walls
Laminate flooring expands and contracts with moisture. This is due to the presence of moisture in the air. Under normal conditions, the level of humidity in a home is 30% or less. If higher than 60%, it means too much moisture is in the air. If measures are not taken to improve air circulation in the house, bubbling can occur on the plank’s edges. Moisture causes this as it seeps into the floor via the joints. As a new renter, learning more about the signs of mold damage can save you.

At SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City, we can resolve mold infestation in your apartment. Our process is simple – inspection, assessment, and remediation. If you have any questions pertaining to mold, call our 24/7 emergency line at (773) 337-3993.

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We can Remediate Mold Damage Issues in Your Chicago Home

7/22/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold can lead to panic. Contact SERVPRO and let our technicians locate the cause and remediate the damage.

Team SERVPRO Has Many Techniques to Remediate Mold Damage as Well as Combat Remaining Odors 

Mold can grow in your home from various sources such as leaking pipe, a hole in the roof or from water seeping into cracks in the foundation. These types of problems may go on without homeowners taking notice for weeks or even months, which can lead to hidden moisture and mold damage. Fortunately, there are skilled professionals like us nearby that can offer you reliable services.
 
Call SERVPRO when you discover mold damage in your Chicago home right away. We offer expert remediation services. It is wise that you contact our company immediately because mold can cause health effects. Plus, mold can leave a very unpleasant smell in your home. Moreover, mold can cause rot in the affected areas of your home, which is why calling us as soon as possible can help reduce damages to your property.
 
When our skilled crew arrives at your residence, they can quickly check for mold, assess the damages and begin the remediation process. The first step to containing the issue in your home is to use plastic sheets to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the structure home during the cleanup stage. SERVPRO techs may also block and seal vents and doorways with plastic sheeting or other materials to contain the mold.
 
After the team removes mold from the affected areas, they can use air scrubbers to clean the atmosphere and rid the structure of musty odors. This process also helps eliminate airborne mold spores while the crew is working in your home. Our technicians may also use disinfectants to clean non-porous surfaces. The crew can utilize dehumidifiers to reduce the level of moisture in the area. Also, the team may use antifungal sprays to stop the re-growth of mold.
 
When you see mold damage in your home, it is best to call us right away. Our SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City techs can remediate mold damage in your home when possible. Call us at (773) 337-3993 at any time. We are available to assist you 24/7.
 
Click here for more information on the city of Chicago.

How We Clean Up Mold Damage in Your Chicago Home

6/24/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can be a reason to panic. Contact SERVPRO right away for efficient mold damage remediation services.

SERVPRO Technicians Use Effective Techniques When Remediating Mold on Your Property

Microbes live everywhere, including inside Chicago homes. This includes every room in your house. However, mold and mildew often stay out of sight because the lack of humidity keeps them from growing too much. Once a water source like a dripping faucet or a slow leak becomes available to them, they quickly become a problem.
 
When your Chicago dwelling has visible mold damage, you need to call an expert company like SERVPRO to help you correctly remediate the situation. We have IICRC-certified technicians who can safely perform this work. We know how to keep the rest of your home from cross-contamination. We use simple techniques like double bagging of materials to prevent spores from escaping and more complicated methods to rid your home of excess mold. Each technique helps us restore your home "Like it never even happened."
 
One of these techniques looks messy, but we, and the many hospitals who use it also, find negative pressure containment set-ups to work exceptionally well in most of the remediation jobs we perform. Hospitals use this when they must keep a patient’s room’s air from escaping into the rest of the hospital because of a highly contagious disease.
 
In negative air pressure set-ups, we pull the air into a tightly sealed area while simultaneously pushing the air out of the same area through an air filter and then out the window. We use HEPA filters that catch the spores in the area. Other tools and equipment help us clean your home after we remove moldy materials, so nothing gets left behind for you to clean up.
 
Mold damage in a home can cause health effects in occupants. We remove excess mold, so this does not happen and also stops the mold from damaging any other materials. Call SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City so we can restore your home’s interior to a healthy state by removing excess microbial populations and restoring areas with mold damage. Our emergency service line number, (773) 337-3993, is always available to you and your family.

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The Surprise Of Mold Damage In Your Newly Obtained Chicago Residence

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Mold eats at the substances it grows on, causing it to rapidly disintegrate at the cellular level.

Mold Damage In Your Residence

Homebuyers in Chicago can rely on various legal protections when purchasing a home, including those that require sellers divulge the existence of any problems with the property that require attention, maintenance, or repairs. These regulations do not always guarantee that the home does not have any problems. Also, when someone passes a property down to a relative, these same laws do not apply. Mold damage can also remain undetected in hidden areas inside a Chicago residence until a pre-sale inspection takes place, surprising both homeowner and buyer.

Microbial infestations can indicate other problems with the house. Water pipes that leak, or roofs that do not keep all the rain out, as well as accidental overflows from tubs and sinks, can create other types of damage. Mold eats at the substances it grows on, causing it to rapidly disintegrate at the cellular level. As it steadily moves deeper into the material, your walls, floors, and other structures, including any personal belongings, soon weaken, become filled with holes, and crumble into pieces.

Mold remediators from SERVPRO take care to only remove genuinely damaged materials and then bring in replacement items for these areas. We do not replace when we can restore through cleaning or by making minor repairs. We know you want to save money and generally, restoration or repair proves the less expensive option. SERVPRO employees earn different certificates from the IICRC, including the Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT) certificate. Remediation requires skill and a thorough understanding of how this microbe interacts with its environment. Disturbing it can cause spores to disperse, requiring protective measures beforehand. Building containment areas to control the spread of spores and loose mold particles remains a crucial part of the process.

SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City can remediate mold damage in your newly acquired house and help you make it a home in which your family loves to live, entertain guests, and make lasting memories. We know the importance of removing destructive mold that can affect your property and cause health effects in those you love. Call SERVPRO, so we can help you in accomplishing this goal. Our local number is (773) 337-3993, and we always answer it so we can provide the best service to those in our community.

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Stopping and Removing Mold Damage in Chicago Homes

2/18/2018 (Permalink)

When mold growth surfaces, it is time to give SERVPRO a call to investigate the source of the damage, remediate, and then offer preventative tips.

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Come Face-to-Face with Mold Damage on a Daily Basis

Removing mold from Chicago homes is not a simple task. Identifying possible sources of moisture and other risks for mold growth is a more efficient method of keeping our neighborhoods safe regarding structural and personal health.
 
Few people associate Chicago and mold damage. We are certainly more famous for our fires when it comes to disasters. SERVPRO, however, knows that mold can be just as destructive as a fire and the costs nationwide to remove it run into millions of dollars each year. Fortunately, we also know the best way to interrupt mold growth to remediate the effects is to stop it at its source.
 
For a residence, this usually means there is a leak somewhere inside. If the problem is something minor like a loose connection, a split washer hose, or a dried-out rubber washer, we can quickly fix it. Anything larger and we recommend using a licensed plumber. Before we repair the leak, though, our technicians spray any mold we find with an anti-fungal agent. It kills exposed mold on contact and temporarily stops further growth.
 
Now, we go to work removing standing water and drying the surrounding area. There is normally a small amount of water present, but even a small puddle can provide enough moisture for thousands of spores to expand and begin growing across attics, behind walls, and under sinks and other appliances. Once we remove the water, spores react quickly and return to their inert state within a few days. At this point, we can wipe away most of the spores on surfaces like house dust off a bookcase.
 
If mold has grown into the surface, however, SERVPRO technicians can deal with that as well. Building materials are a favorite food source for mold, especially drywall. Attempting to dig out mold from drywall panels is labor-intensive and usually costs far more to the homeowner than having us remove the affected panels and replace them.
 
When mold penetrates wall framing or other support structures, we have more options. If the mold is just below the surface, technicians can sand down the surface and spray the exposed mold and wood with the anti-fungal agent again. It is very effective and a cheaper option than replacing the wood.
 
Cleaning and removing mold damage requires professional service. If you suspect mold is in your home, contact SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City. Call (773) 337-3993 today with any questions or to schedule an inspection.

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How is Mold Damage Remedied by Professionals in Your Chicago Home?

12/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold sometimes hides for months before the smell creates a clear picture of what lies behind cabinets or furniture. Contact SERVPRO for remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Mold Damage and then Focus on Preventing the Mold Infestation From Recurring

Mold damage can be a nightmare for your Chicago property. If you do not act promptly and seek help, the damage can spread quickly and get out of hand. Furthermore, trying to tackle mold damage on your own is a bad idea. Mold remediation is a job for the professionals who have the necessary training and equipment to get it done.

Here at SERVPRO, we offer professional mold remediation services that can get rid of mold damage from your Chicago property in no time. Our skilled professionals are trained in eliminating mold from your property as safely and efficiently as possible. Here are some of the steps involved in remediation of mold damage. 

• Documentation

Documentation is a significant part of mold remediation process. Once SERVPRO technicians are on the site, they generate a record including information such as the extent of damage and moisture saturation. They work closely with the Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) to ensure proper documentation before and after remediation.  

• Contain mold at its source

The next thing that the professionals do is take steps to contain the damage to the affected area. Curtains and negative air pressure machines are used to ensure that mold does not find its way to the unaffected areas. 

• Mold removal

Once the mold is contained, the next step involves its removal. The excess mold can be removed physically, by HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping. If the mold damage is too extensive, the materials can be disposed of safely rather than trying to restore them. 

• Correcting the moisture problem

Even the best cleanup will not be able to prevent mold from returning if the moisture problem is not solved. Mold loves moisture, and if there is excess moisture on any surface, the mold is bound to make a comeback. SERVPRO professionals use equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to rectify the moisture problem. We also use various instruments to monitor the levels of moisture and ensure that the levels are brought back to normal.

Call SERVPRO of Marquette Park/ West Lawn/ Ford City at (773) 337-3993 today to schedule an appointment.

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Dealing With Mold Damage In Your Chicago Area Home The Right Way

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7/365 to answer all of your mold damage needs.

The Right Way to Deal with Mold Damage in Chicago is By Calling SERVPRO

Many people go their entire lives without experiencing mold damage in their home. They might be lucky or might experience mold without even knowing it. The signs of mold growth can be subtle, something that most might shrug-off if they do not know what to look for, or are unaware.

If you are interested in learning more about mold damage in your Chicago area home, take advice from someone who has experienced this type of event, and only read up on mold and related issues on sites provided by professionals. A lot of these general blogs that discuss mold issues may not point you in the right direction, or even give you bad advice. So, you should avoid them when possible.

When dealing with mold damage in your home, you always get the best results from a professional. Mold remediation takes far more equipment, and resources than most homeowners keep on their property. So, unless you are someone who specifically invested in industrial-grade mold remediation equipment for your home, leave the cleaning to a qualified professional, like SERVPRO.

Many homeowners attempt remediation on their own, only to find that the contamination spread further. Without the right equipment, tools, and safety lessons you can send airborne spores to any area of your home, you cannot see them, which makes it hard to prevent. SERVPRO remediation technicians use air movers and air scrubbers to catch spores, trapping them with containment sheeting, limiting exposure to other areas of your home.

What happens when you clean a moldy area with common household cleaning solutions? The mold itself simply waits for the right conditions to exist to flourish again. You might have taken care of existing growth and colonies, but the fungus remains. It takes an EPA-registered disinfectant and physically removing saturated materials to get mold growth in your home under control properly. SERVPRO provides these services and can perform any repairs necessary to get things back to normal quickly.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Make the call to SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City to begin your mold remediation, today. Take advantage of IICRC certified professionals in your area, call now. (773) 337-3993

For more information regarding the city of Chicago, click here.

Many Problems can Begin with Unremediated Mold Damage in Your Chicago Home

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

Don't Ignore Mold Patches in Your Chicago Property, Call SERVPRO for Remediation.

Ignoring Mold Infestations Is Not the Solution to Remediation

Not many homeowners like to think about the problems that their largest investment might someday have to face. Mold can grow prolifically enough that it creates damage all through a home. Addressing the situation by having professional remediation performed can prevent these problematic situations.
 
Mold travels easily by air and Chicago, known for its strong gusts of wind, is the perfect location for this fungi to find its way around, eventually causing substantial mold damage in someone's beautiful home. If that someone is you, SERVPRO can help solve the problem through remediation. Having extra protection against future mold infestation is important because mold does not just stop at being a bothersome problem – this scourge can produce many other issues.
 
Damage happens to walls and ceilings because these fungi attach to surfaces, burrowing their hyphae so they can consume the nutrients present while fending off air currents that might carry them away. As for feeding and growing on these surfaces progress, the structure slowly falls apart at the molecular level. Soon, growth into the material makes the deterioration more and more pronounced. Mold growth can spread to adjacent structures, including wooden support beams, making distressed areas in a home unsafe.
 
Potted plants can be infested by mildew on the surface of their pot's soil and their leaves and stems. Mold typically consumes dead organic matter, but even though your plants may seem lush and thriving, a treasure trove of organic matter exists in a potted plant's tiny environment. Soil can hold plenty of stuff for mold to feast on, and watering only adds to the benefits mold finds in these locations.
 
As mold finds it way around your home on air currents, nothing is off-limits. Once contamination happens, growth continues until all nutrients are exhausted. Then, spores are sent off to find new environments. Sometimes, your personal belongings are contaminated and attacked. When infiltrated, many things require specialized cleaning because of the stains normal cleaning leave behind. SERVPRO can help with this at a cost that is much less than the replacement cost for such items as coats, boots, shoes, sports gear, and clothing. Books and documents that are infested with mold growth can be treated, also, saving them from ruin.
 
SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City can perform remediation in homes where structures and contents have mold damage, and then help prevent future problems by ensuring that humidity levels are kept under control. Installing a dehumidifier can prevent mold growth. Call us at (773) 337-3993 at any hour to consult with us about restoring your home or apartment to a safe and healthy condition.

Here is the city of Chicago.

Get Help With Mold Damage In Your Chicago Area Home

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Patches in Your Chicago Home Get Professional Remediation from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Has the Solutions for Mold Remediation to Your Property

It is sometimes true that the right mixture of bleach, or other disinfectants, applied to small mold infected areas found in your home can inhibit mold growth and clean affected areas. However, these disinfectants have zero effectiveness against mold spores and mycotoxins that escape into the air and deposit new growth spores throughout your home.
 
Without professional remediation services, your Chicago area home is likely to become exposed to mold damage repeatedly. Applying chemical products as your sole source of mediation only leads to more exposure, often affecting larger areas than before. You can carry microscopic mold spores throughout your home without even knowing it is happening.
 
A company, like SERVPRO, with expertly trained mold remediation specialists, provides you with professionals capable of containing mold exposure in your home. We use water extractors and physical removal methods to rid your home of saturated materials and clean the affected areas before performing the repairs you need to return things to normal quickly.
 
Focusing on fast drying of your structure to limit damages and paying specific attention to the contents and personal belongings to save as much as possible from loss. SERVPRO’s IICRC certified technicians only use chemical products to help control microbes and make the job site safer for workers to perform their tasks.
 
All contaminated materials found on your property get bagged up and disposed of properly according to EPA and OSHA guidelines presented in our training. When porous materials such as sheetrock or wood become contaminated for longer periods of time, it becomes necessary to remove them and replace them with clean materials.
 
SERVPRO manages your complete remediation and restoration process. We remove all of the moisture found in your home, even moisture hidden within your walls, or in hard to reach areas like under your cabinets, or in crawl spaces. But not before we close off the entire area and use negative airflow equipment to stop contamination from reaching other clean areas of your home.
 
After we perform extraction and cleaning services, we perform any repairs necessary to get things back to normal quickly and efficiently. Our technicians treat you with respect and keep you informed throughout the entire process.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Marquette Park – West Lawn – Ford City for information about returning your home to a safe, clean, secure environment you and your family can enjoy. (773) 337-3993

Understanding Mold Remediation in Chicago

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Chicago Mold Remediation Handled Safely by SERVPRO

In Chicago, SERVPRO Remediates the Mold Problems to Your Property

Discovering mold damage in your home is never a happy moment. Fungi which is found both indoors and outdoors, mold in your home is unsightly, smelly, and can cause health effects for you and your family. Molds grow very well in damp, warm, and humid conditions, and makes spores to spread and reproduce. Mold spores can live through environmental conditions which are harsh, like dry conditions, which do not support normal growth of mold.

Understanding the basics of mold remediation and removal is simple and essential if you are going to hire the right professional at the highest quality and best price, such as SERVPRO. Your Chicago home is a huge investment and is the haven for your family, so when you discover mold damage, you want to be wary of any companies or contractors who try to confuse you about mold remediation or removal. While you are learning the basic concepts of this process, doing the actual work in the right way can be a challenge, which is why you need to let our trained technicians at SERVPRO handle it for you.

Every homeowner who has a mold problem can understand the basics of mold remediation and removal without needing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biology, and Earth Sciences. If you already have found mold, you need to get it removed as soon as possible. It must be gotten rid of and done so properly, regardless of the kind of mold that it is. There are five core principles of mold remediation that our staff will follow when we come to your home including:

• Safety – Protecting all occupants and workers.
• Assessment – Making a preliminary evaluation, another during remediation and a final one once the mold remediation is complete
• Contamination Control – Preventing spread of mold from contaminated areas to areas that do not have it or have less contamination and cross-contamination
• Source Removal – Physically removing the mold at its source.
• Moisture Removal – Eliminate the problem of moisture which caused the mold outbreak.

Once the mold is removed physically from its source, we scrub the are clean of airborne mold spores using a HEPA air scrubber and air exchange. Only HEPA filters are made to capture particles as small as mold spores.

Throughout the entire process, we explain anything to you that you do not understand, and ensure that you have no worries or concerns before we proceed with each step. We understand that you may be stressed and want to make sure that you are comfortable with what we need to do to help.

At SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City we can handle your mold problem, so you do not have to. Just contact us anytime you need at (773) 337-3993, and a technician will be out to your home soon.