Chicago Mold Removal and Remediation

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Mold problems are serious and not to be taken lightly!
Mold can cause serious health issues if not handled and treated correctly. The CleanUP Guys have been the Trusted Source for Mold Removal and Mold Remediation services in the greater Chicago area for more than 21 Years!  We offer Commercial & Residential Solutions for mold problems.

Mold Services we Offer in the Greater Chicago Area:

• Mold Inspections
• Mold Removal and Cleanup

• Mold Remediation
• Black Mold Removal

Call The CleanUP Guys 24 Hours a Day – (773) 885-8528

If you suspect you have black mold in your home or business, call The CleanUP Guys at (773) 885-8528, or use our contact form to drop us a note.

We follow the appropriate steps for Proper Mold Removal:

1. Setup and containment of the damaged area(s)
2. HEPA vacuuming of all exposed or infected surfaces
3. Proper removal and anti-microbial wipe down of hard surfaces including furniture with mold cleaner
4. Removal of infected porous materials if necessary (known as demolition)
5. Negative Air Machine (NAM) or Air Scrubber operation
6. Properly bagging and discarding contaminated items for removal from premises
7. Antimicrobial treatment and Biocide application
8. HEPA vacuuming again to ensure complete removal
9. Encapsulation sealant process

If your property was tested and found to have high levels of contamination or harmful bacterial, don’t wait: You need The CleanUP Guys now! We provide the services you need and ONLY those you need. We never try to sell you unnecessary services; we believe honesty isalways the best policy! Gaining and retaining your trust is important to us!

BLACK MOLD

There are many types of black mold, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, but the most common black mold is Stachybotrys. When conditions are favorable, this dominant mold grows faster than any other species.

How Black Mold Feeds and Grows

The most common species of Stachybotrys mold is Stachybotrys atra, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. This species often grows indoors. Moisture and a relative humidity of 90% or higher are ideal conditions for black mold to germinate and grow. When mold grows on wet material, its spores don’t disperse as easily; this is because they are held together by a sticky coating produced by the moisture. If the material dries out or is moved, the spores are then released into the air.

Stachybotrys mold can feed on decaying organic matter with a high cellulose content such as hay, straw, and wood chips. Building materials such as ceiling tile, drywall, paper vapor barriers, wall paper, insulation backing, cardboard boxes, and paper files may also host Stachybotrys chartarum. Mold does not just grow on the surface of materials; it possesses root-like tendrils called mycelia which can penetrate deep into the surface. Usually the mold grows in clusters at the end of stem-like structures known as hyphae.

As professionals, The CleanUP Guys’ goal is to prevent the spread of black mold. We accomplish this through containment, a process of creating a poly barrier around the area where the Stachybotrys mold is growing.

Black Mold and Your Health

Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin (i.e., poison from a fungus) called trichothecenes. This is a major health concern, as studies have shown that one of the major effects of trichothecene exposure is immunosuppression. Even low-level exposure to trichothecenes may lead to immunosuppression, which is the suppression of the immune system and its ability to fight off infections. This can leave you susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, coughing, skin irritation and even allergic reactions. In some quarters, there is even speculation it may cause cancer.

Mold Inspection

If you notice a mildew smell or if you detect spots on the wall in your basement or in the attic, it might be high time for a mold inspection.  This is especially the case when there has been an intrusion of water from condensation, leaking pipe or other water related incidents.

Do I Really Need a Mold Inspection?

In order to determine the type of mold and any necessary repairs which will have to be done you will need to have a mold inspection by a qualified professional.

A Mold Inspection will determine at least four important points:

• The type of mold in your property
• The extent of your mold damage
• The necessary steps to remediate your mold issue
• How long the process will take

The Mold Inspection Process

A mold inspection will also identify any conditions around your property which may further the spread or growth of unwanted bacteria like mold. Mold inspection testing should be done outside as well and include the exterior of the property for obvious signs of water damage, leaks and their sources such as broken pipes, broken gutters, and cracks in brick work.

It is important to gauge and record moisture levels. This is done to keep relative humidity below 68 degrees.

Samples are then taken of the environment in different locations, especially those with high humidity levels. The sample taken is most likely to be an air sample. By taking air samples during a mold inspection it is possible to establish what strain of mold is present in the atmosphere and in what quantities.  The mold type may be the same indoor and outdoor but the concentrations much higher inside or it may be toxic mold.

What to Expect from Your Mold Inspection

Sample results normally take around 3 to 4 days as the testing labs have to return the results by a full report.  It will give readings of good bacteria, and the toxic kind, and their levels.  Dangerous, toxic molds are the ones the inspection will address and give a plan for remediation.

If you suspect that you might have mold, or you are sneezing, coughing, have runny eyes, sniffling, skin rashes, etc.  It might be a good idea to get a Mold Inspection done right away!

Think you may need a Mold Inspection? Call us to discuss your situation or to schedule a mold inspection. (773) 885-8528

15 Health Problems Caused When Toxic Black Mold is Inhaled or Ingested

1. Sore/hoarse throat
2. Cold and flu symptoms (headaches, slight fever, and muscle aches)
3. Nosebleeds
4. Tingling or burning of nose, mouth, and perspiration areas (under the arms or between the legs)
5. Chronic fatigue
6. Dizziness
7. Nausea/vomiting
8. Memory loss
9. Attention deficit/concentration problems
10. Personality changes such as irritability or depression
11. Neurological disorders such as tremors
12. Hair loss
13. Coughing with blood
14. Bleeding in the lungs (hemosiderosis)
15. Damage to internal organs including blood, liver, kidneys, and lungs

Black Mold is Hazardous — and Can Damage Your Home or Business Property

If you own a property and are dealing with moisture issues on any level rest assured you will probably have to deal with toxic black mold. There is much said today about this substance and the ill effects it has on us and our pets, endangering our environment. It may seem trivial to the average person, in fact, it can go unnoticed, ignored, and just flat out disregarded as something that just exists. That is the complete untruth in regards to black mold.

When opening walls or floors to inspect for black mold, many find that it has eaten away at the very core or foundation of a property. The subsequent damage went unnoticed, and caused extensive damage that turned out to be quite costly to repair.

How long Can I wait to Get Black Mold Removed?

If you are wondering when or how black mold removal should be done, the short answer is; immediately. It doesn’t take much for black mold spores to start spreading rapidly. A slight brush against it, the right wind or airflow, can disturb the tiny particles and away they fly. Once airborne they can land on anything and patiently wait for the right circumstances to germinate and spread throughout the environment. Thus it is important not to take black mold lightly. By the time we decide to act on it, the results have become near devastating proportions.

Professional Mold Removal Services You Can Trust!

Here is where The CleanUP Guys come in. We are certified experts in getting rid of black mold and cleaning the affected space. We use proper techniques to contain it, before we start the black mold removal procedure. Typically, moisture detection must be done right away. Water is the conduit for toxic black mold. Stagnate water is the worst feeding ground for any sort of toxic bacteria. In most cases just a simple mold remediation program can get rid of the nasty substance. However, there are times when wall, floor, or other surface removal needs to take place to properly contain and get rid of black mold. Because it is such a devouring bacteria, it can and will eat away at anything in its path, that is, anything porous (anything with minute spaces or holes that can allow moisture or air to penetrate). These materials include wood, drywall, sponges, pumice stones, cork, and human skin just to name a few.

The CleanUP Guys are experts at handling any type of black mold removal problem, whether it is commercial or residential. We have many customers who are now breathing better and living a better quality of life because of getting rid of black mold in their property. Let us help you to get your property back to normal with a mold remediation or black mold removal program for your particular project.

Mold Projects in Chicago

Need Mold Removal Help? Think You May have Black Mold?

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