Mold Tips

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

In order for mold to grow and thrive, there must be excess moisture, food, the right temperature and lack of ventilation. 

The most important step that any property owner can take is to identify any humidity, moisture or water problems before they create bigger more costly issues. Look for any water or moisture present in your home.  Be sure to pay special attention to your plumbing in basements and crawl spaces where a water leak wouldn't be as noticeable.  Recognize musty or moldy odors, which indicate mold growth.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.   As soon as you become aware of a different smell this is perfect time to start investigating a little bit further.  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is used on a regular basis.  The use of exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with a bleach based product will help keep problems away.  Inspect your HVAC systems and air conditioners as well as this is a common location where mold is present.  Regular inspection and maintenance can identify moisture problems or drain clogs before they get worse.  

If moisture or mold is spotted contact a SERVPRO® professional to come out and take a look. We will be able to provide you with an estimate for what it will take to clean the affected areas.

Mold Tips

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

In order for mold to grow and thrive, there must be excess moisture, food, the right temperature and lack of ventilation. 

The most important step that any property owner can take is to identify any humidity, moisture or water problems before they create bigger more costly issues. Look for any water or moisture present in your home.  Be sure to pay special attention to your plumbing in basements and crawl spaces where a water leak wouldn't be as noticeable.  Recognize musty or moldy odors, which indicate mold growth.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.   As soon as you become aware of a different smell this is perfect time to start investigating a little bit further.  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is used on a regular basis.  The use of exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with a bleach based product will help keep problems away.  Inspect your HVAC systems and air conditioners as well as this is a common location where mold is present.  Regular inspection and maintenance can identify moisture problems or drain clogs before they get worse.  

If moisture or mold is spotted contact a SERVPRO professional to come out and take a look. We will be able to provide you with an estimate for what it will take to clean the affected areas.

Tips for Mold

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

In order for mold to grow and thrive, there must be excess moisture, food, the right temperature and lack of ventilation. 

The most important step that any property owner can take is to identify any humidity, moisture or water problems before they create bigger more costly issues. Look for any water or moisture present in your home.  Be sure to pay special attention to your plumbing in basements and crawl spaces where a water leak wouldn't be as noticeable.  Recognize musty or moldy odors, which indicate mold growth.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.   As soon as you become aware of a different smell this is perfect time to start investigating a little bit further.  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is used on a regular basis.  The use of exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with a bleach based product will help keep problems away.  Inspect your HVAC systems and air conditioners as well as this is a common location where mold is present.  Regular inspection and maintenance can identify moisture problems or drain clogs before they get worse.  

If moisture or mold is spotted contact a SERVPRO professional to come out and take a look. We will be able to provide you with an estimate for what it will take to clean the affected areas.

Mold Tips

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

In order for mold to grow and thrive, there must be excess moisture, food, the right temperature and lack of ventilation. 

The most important step that any property owner can take is to identify any humidity, moisture or water problems before they create bigger more costly issues. Look for any water or moisture present in your home.  Be sure to pay special attention to your plumbing in basements and crawl spaces where a water leak wouldn't be as noticeable.  Recognize musty or moldy odors, which indicate mold growth.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.   As soon as you become aware of a different smell this is perfect time to start investigating a little bit further.  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is used on a regular basis.  The use of exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with a bleach based product will help keep problems away.  Inspect your HVAC systems and air conditioners as well as this is a common location where mold is present.  Regular inspection and maintenance can identify moisture problems or drain clogs before they get worse.  

If moisture or mold  is spotted contact a SERVPRO professional to come out and take a look. We will be able to provide you with an estimate for what it will take to clean the affected areas.

Mold Prevention Tips

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

In order for mold to grow and thrive, there must be excess moisture, food, the right temperature and lack of ventilation. 

The most important step that any property owner can take is to identify any humidity, moisture or water problems before they create bigger more costly issues. Look for any water or moisture present in your home.  Be sure to pay special attention to your plumbing in basements and crawl spaces where a water leak wouldn't be as noticeable.  Recognize musty or moldy odors, which indicate mold growth.  Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see.   As soon as you become aware of a different smell this is perfect time to start investigating a little bit further.  Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is used on a regular basis.  The use of exhaust fans, proper caulking and effective cleaning with a bleach based product will help keep problems away.  Inspect your HVAC systems and air conditioners as well as this is a common location where mold is present.  Regular inspection and maintenance can identify moisture problems or drain clogs before they get worse.  

If moisture or mold  is spotted contact a SERVPRO professional to come out and take a look. We will be able to provide you with an estimate for what it will take to clean the affected areas.

Types of Mold in Households

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Different types of mold that you might find in your home:

1. Acremonium: toxigenic mold.

What does it look like?

Starts as moist, then turns into a powdery substance that is pink, orange, gray, or white.

Where does it commonly grow?

Window sealants, humidifiers, drain pans, and cooling coils.

2. Alternaria: allergenic mold.

What does it look like?

Dark green and/or brown hairs, soft and textured.

Where does it commonly grow?

Showers, bathtubs, below leaking sinks, anywhere with dampness

3. Aspergillus: allergenic mold.

What does it look like?

Comes in many colors, when given the chance to grow it is thick.

Where does it commonly grow?

Anywhere with dampness and something for it to feed on.

4. Aureobasidium: allergenic mold.

What does it look like?

Ranges in colors from pink, brown, and black.

Where does it commonly grow?

Typically found behind wallpaper, painted surfaces, and wooden surfaces.

Types of Mold in Households Pt. 2

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

5. Chaetomium: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic.

What does it look like?

Similar texture to cotton, white, gray, brown, and black in coloring. The color changes over time.

Where is it commonly found?

Leaky roofs, pipes, and basements. 

6. Cladosporium: allergenic.

What does it look like?

Brown or olive green in color with a suede like texture.

Where is it commonly found?

Under floor boards, and on carpets, and upholstery.

7. Fusarium: allergenic and toxigenic.

What does it look like?

Red, pink, or white in color.

Where is it commonly found?

Carpet, wallpaper, and food products.

8. Mucor: allergenic.

What does it look like?

Thick and white or gray in color.

Where is it commonly found?

Air conditioning and HVAC units. Also in ducting systems. At times it can grow in old, damp carpets as well.

Our Process with Mold

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

When you find mold in your home and you call SERVPRO, this is what happens. We answer the phone and figure out what the issue is and ask where the mold is located in the house. We also assure you that everything will be okay; we understand that mold can be scary. Once we have communicated with you, we come to inspect and assess the area with mold in it. Then we contain the mold and filter the air. When the air filtration and mold containment is finished we start the process of removing the mold itself and mold infested materials. After that we take care to clean your belongings and contents that were in the areas impacted by the mold. Once all of this is done, the  restoration process is begun so we can make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Mold Myths, Busted

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a normal thing. People seem to have a lot of misinformation about mold so we are here to set a few things straight. Mold is a natural allergen that has been around for a long time. It is everywhere. It will grow if it has moisture and a proper food source. Bleach does not kill mold and killing mold is not just enough to get rid of the allergens that affect you if you are sensitive to mold. While you may be able to remove some types of mold in small quantities yourself, you should contact a professional. Mold remediation should be done by professionals like SERVPRO to ensure that the entire mold is properly removed. If you notice any mold in your home or commercial building contact SERVPRO immediately.

Mold Sensitivity

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

"A furry growth of minute fungal hyphae occurring typically in moist warm conditions, especially on food or other organic matter,” is how Google’s dictionary defines mold. Some of the most common molds found indoors are cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, and aspergillus. Mold effects people in different ways, for some people who are more sensitive to mold it gives them itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, or even a sore throat. For people that are sensitive to mold we suggest that you avoid those areas that are moist and humid, prone to mold growth. It is recommended to keep your bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms well ventilated to avoid mold growth in these damp areas. Some people don’t have any reaction to mold. For more information on mold click here.