PuroClean of Evanston 
Being a homeowner in the Chicagoland area comes with both joys and challenges. Picturesque landscapes, culture, history, and an abundance of delectable cuisine define the vibrant lifestyle of our region, but we also have to deal with extreme weather and the risk of property damage due to flooding and water intrusion.
One of the biggest issues resulting from excess moisture is the growth of toxic black mold. Stachybotrys chartarum is a species of microfungus that poses serious health risks if inhaled or touched. Prompt identification and remediation are essential to protect yourself, your family, and your most precious assets.
PuroClean of Evanston is here to help you understand the danger posed by this unwanted guest and how to take steps to eradicate black mold for good.
A Stealthy Intruder
While your home provides comfort and security, it can also be the ideal breeding ground for what’s commonly referred to as black mold. It’s an insidious organism that thrives in areas that are damp, humid, and often poorly ventilated such as basements, bathrooms, and neglected closets.
It often grows on materials high in cellulose like drywall, wood, paper, and ceiling tiles. Slimy and appearing black or greenish-black, Stachybotrys chartarum is no mere cosmetic concern. It poses a real threat to your health and the integrity of your home.
This toxic interloper releases microscopic spores into the air that can easily be inhaled. Those microscopic spores are known to contribute to medical issues, ranging from mild allergies to more severe respiratory problems.
Common symptoms of toxic mold interaction include:
- Coughing and congestion
- Eye irritation
- Skin rashes
- Inflammation
- Fungal infections
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
The mycotoxins produced by black mold can suppress the immune system and damage the lungs over time. Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses face the greatest risk. Severe reactions may be life-threatening.
Mold infestations produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create a strong musty, earthy, or unpleasant smell. This can frequently occur after a flooding or water damage event is left untreated.
If you notice signs of black mold in your home, the best thing to do is reach out to the experts at PuroClean of Evanston for immediate assistance.
Nipping It in the Bud: Effective Removal Strategies
When it comes to dealing with water damage and black mold, procrastination is not your friend. Swift action is the key to a successful restoration.
While a DIY approach might work for smaller affected areas, most mold infestations warrant the expertise of trained professionals. Enlisting the help of a skilled disaster restoration and mold remediation team can make all the difference.
Our knowledgeable mold remediation team will conduct a thorough evaluation of the affected area and deliver a tailored recommendation for containment, removal, and sanitization.
We utilize the latest technology to isolate the contamination and prevent the spread of mold to other parts of your home. Garbed in industrial-strength personal protective equipment, we use specialized materials and HEPA filtration systems to ensure victory against this all-too-common health hazard.
Removal of mold-infested or porous items like carpet and drywall is followed by a deep cleaning process using antimicrobial, fungicide, and disinfectant solutions. Deodorization and HEPA vacuuming maneuvers are also performed to bring your home back to its previous condition.
A Mold-Free Future
PuroClean’s experts will also offer recommendations for making your property inhospitable to spores, which will help you keep the problem from reoccurring. A post-remediation inspection is carried out to confirm the toxic black mold has been completely evicted.
Fully eradicating toxic mold is essential, but preventing its return is equally vital. Homeowners should address the root causes — fix leaky pipes or appliances, improve ventilation, and keep an eye on humidity levels. A dehumidifier can be your trusted sidekick, sucking excess moisture out of the air and depriving mold of its beloved habitat.
It’s critical to fortify your home against moisture intrusion as much as possible, especially as flooding in the Chicagoland area becomes more frequent. Sealants, flashing, and mold-resistant materials are valuable allies, and it’s always smart to keep a close eye on your water bill to help spot unseen leaks. You should also be aware of how to shut off your water main.
If you or your family are experiencing symptoms of black mold, notice wet patches or water leaks, or suffer a flooding event in your home, it’s crucial to contact PuroClean of Evanston’s 24/7 emergency response team right away to minimize the damage and keep your loved ones safe.
PuroClean of Evanston 