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Residential Mold Removal in Milpitas, CA

Mold Remediation Near You

Black mold on window seal in Milpitas, CA

According to California Health & Safety Code, indoor mold may make homes substandard and uninhabitable. With the average humidity in Milpitas hovering around 75%, it’s the perfect place for mold to thrive. The reliable Milpitas mold remediation team at ServiceMaster Restoration Services - South Bay wants to ensure you have mold damage services after water damage from a flood, roof leak, or sudden humidity increase.

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide effective mold removal services in Milpitas, CA. Call (408) 547-4076 or contact us online today!

Regardless of the size or age of your home, mold can find its way in. Believe it or not, every property has a natural level of mold. However, humidity can create unhealthy amounts of fungi that can cause or exacerbate health conditions. Our Milpitas restoration services are based on decades of knowledge, extensive training, and state-of-the-art equipment to remediate your home of toxic mold.

Warning Signs of Mold in Your Home

The first sign of mold in your home is a musty or earthy smell. This scent can often be strongest in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. Visible signs of mold include discoloration on walls or floors, particularly in moist areas such as near leaky pipes or windows. In addition, individuals with allergies may experience symptoms such as coughing or sneezing when exposed to mold.

If you suspect that there is mold growth in your home from any of these signs, it's best to contact a professional for proper removal and assessment. Our Milpitas mold restoration company ServiceMaster Restoration Services - South Bay is here to protect your home from mold damage.

How To Test For Mold Exposure

There are different methods to test for mold exposure, but the most common tests include:

  • Blood test: A blood test can detect the presence of antibodies to mold in your bloodstream. If your body has been exposed to mold, your immune system will produce antibodies to fight it off. A blood test can measure the level of these antibodies in your bloodstream, indicating exposure to mold.

  • Skin prick test: A skin prick test involves injecting small amounts of mold allergens under the skin to see if an allergic reaction occurs. If you are allergic to mold, your skin will develop a raised, red bump at the site of injection.

  • Pulmonary function test: A pulmonary function test measures how well your lungs are working. Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, so this test can help to identify any lung damage caused by mold exposure.

It's important to note that these tests are not always necessary, and their results may not always be definitive. In many cases, a medical professional can diagnose mold-related health problems based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. If you suspect that you have been exposed to mold and are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or skin irritation, it's important to consult a medical professional for guidance.

Dial (408) 547-4076 or contact us online to schedule your Milpitas mold inspection today!

Where To Look For Mold

Mold isn’t picky when it comes to contaminating your home. If you have a mold infestation, you’ll find it anywhere dampness or humidity is present.

Areas that mold can affect include:

  • Foundation
  • Wallpaper
  • Ceilings
  • Floorboards
  • Carpets
  • Drywall

How To Test For Mold Inside Walls

Testing for mold inside walls can be challenging, as it is not always visible. However, here are some methods that can help:

  • Visual inspection: While not foolproof, a visual inspection can be helpful in identifying signs of mold inside walls. Look for any discoloration, stains, or warping that may indicate the presence of mold. Also, pay attention to any musty or earthy odors that could indicate mold growth.

  • Moisture detection: Since mold requires moisture to grow, moisture detection can help to identify areas where mold may be present. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels of materials such as drywall or wood. If moisture levels are high, it's possible that mold may be present.

  • Invasive testing: In some cases, it may be necessary to perform invasive testing to identify mold inside walls. This involves removing a small section of the wall or ceiling to access the area behind it. A mold inspector can then use specialized equipment, such as a borescope or fiber optic camera, to inspect the area for mold growth.

It's important to note that invasive testing can be expensive and may not be necessary in all cases. If you suspect mold growth inside walls, it's best to consult a professional mold inspector for guidance on the appropriate testing methods. They can help to identify the source of the mold growth and recommend the appropriate course of action.

The Difference Between Mold Remediation and Mold Removal

Many people use the terms “mold removal” and “mold remediation” interchangeably. However, they do encompass two distinct ways of reducing mold growth inside your home.

Mold removal entails techniques and advanced equipment to locate and remove mold in affected spaces and disinfect the area. Because mold is everywhere, most homes have a natural level of mold, so eliminating it completely is virtually impossible. Mold remediation incorporates some of the same removal strategies. However, it involves locating the source of the moisture that caused the mold, helping bring high concentrations back to normal and safe levels. As we said, 100% mold removal isn’t realistic, but our qualified team employs HEPA filtration systems to purify the air and dehumidify your home, so mold is a non-issue.

Why Hire ServiceMaster

Our Milpitas restoration service pros are here day and night, supporting homeowners like you with emergency mold removal solutions. We take mold damage seriously because we know it can affect your health, the function of your home, and so much more. You don’t have to worry about mold taking over your home with our team of trained experts on your side.

For fast and effective mold removal in Milpitas, CA, call (408) 547-4076 or contact us online immediately for exceptional mold remediation services.

frequently asked questions

PROVIDING YOU WITH ALL THE INFORMATION YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

  • How Do Mold Inspectors Find Mold?

    Mold inspectors use a variety of methods to find mold in homes and other buildings. The most common method is visual inspection, which involves looking for visible signs of mold growth such as discoloration or staining on walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and other surfaces. Other physical evidence that may indicate the presence of mold includes musty odors or water damage. Mold inspectors also often use moisture meters to measure humidity levels in order to identify areas where there is an increased risk for the development of mold growth due to high moisture content. In addition, infrared cameras can be used by trained professionals during inspections in order to detect temperature differences between wet and dry areas that could potentially indicate hidden sources of water intrusion which could lead to future problems with fungal growth if left untreated.

    In some cases air sampling may also be necessary when attempting to locate invisible molds within a structure’s interior environment; this type of testing requires collecting airborne spores from various locations within the property and then sending them off for laboratory analysis so their types can be identified before further action is taken.

  • Can Mold Cause Serious Illness? 

    Mold can potentially cause serious illness if not treated immediately. There has been a direct link between mold and severe allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, skin rash, headaches, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and more. Black mold can produce mycotoxins, potentially toxic substances, that can increase the chances of serious health issues and/or hospitalization when inhaled.

  • What Causes Black Mold?

    Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, typically grows in areas with high moisture levels and organic matter. Specifically, black mold requires three conditions to thrive: moisture, warmth, and a food source. The most common cause of black mold is water damage or excessive moisture buildup due to leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows. Flooding or high humidity levels can also contribute to the growth of black mold.

    In addition to moisture, black mold needs organic materials to grow. These include drywall, wood, carpeting, insulation, dust, or any other organic matter that has been wet for an extended period. Black mold thrives in damp and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C). 

    Black mold can become dormant in low temperatures but doesn't necessarily die. When the temperature drops below freezing,black mold spores can survive and remain inactive until the conditions improve.
     Extreme cold temperatures can cause moisture to freeze and expand, potentially damaging surfaces where black mold is growing. It's important to note that even if the black mold is dormant in cold temperatures, it can become active once the environment becomes favorable for its growth. It's crucial to address any moisture or humidity issues contributing to black mold growth regardless of the temperature.

  • What Does Black Mold Look Like?

    Black mold is commonly found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, or any areas where moisture gathers on a regular basis. Like the name, black mold is typically black or a dark green or brown color, sometimes dark gray. It appears on surfaces like a stain and spreads in the form of circles, spots, or splotches. It typically grows in a circular pattern, but it can have irregular patterns as well. It is easy to spot mold visually, but if you do not see any affected areas, another indicator of a mold problem is a room with a strong, musty smell.

  • Is It Really Black Mold?

    To confirm that what you see or smell is black mold, purchase a mold testing kit from your local home improvement or hardware store. Mold testing kits may also be available online, but no matter where you buy them, make sure you read the labels to know the differences between the products you are buying. Popular kits may take 5-minutes to show results or others require sending your sample to a lab for analysis. 
    If you or your family members have sensitive respiratory conditions, we recommend reaching out to mold remediation experts to complete the process for you instead. At ServiceMaster Restoration Services - South Bay, our team can test for black mold in your home safely and you can be sure that the results are accurate. When it is identified, we can make a plan for mold remediation as well!