Mold: The Who, What, When. & Why

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. We are here to help everyone in Kosciusko & Noble County get back to "Like it never even happened."

Mold, in my home!

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Kosciusko & Noble Counties for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Kosciusko & Noble Counties specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. If you are in need of mold remediation please call our office at (574) 306-4134.

Mold after a Busted Pipe

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever gone on vacation to come return and find mold somewhere in your home? This happened to a local family not too long ago, and SERVPRO was there to help! 

A pipe had busted behind the local family's fridge. First, there was water damage on the wall. Then, mold damage occurred later. The first plan of action was to remove the molded materials. Then we set up drying equipment to help dry the areas that were still wet.

Once mold is spotted, it is important to begin the removal process because mold can spread quickly. It tends to be found in damp, warm places, such as, our bathrooms or any type of plumbing area. Unfortunately, some people have a mold allergy which is another reason for a prompt removal.

Luckily, the family that found mold on their arrival home noticed it immediately and SERVPRO was quick to respond. We employ only highly trained professionals that are especially trained in this field.

Mold & Your Health

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Many homeowners may not even be aware of the mold in their home, particularly if it is unusual looking. Mold can be white and thread like or it can appear as clusters of small black spots. Mold can vary in color and may be black, greyish brown, green or white. There is even mold that is pinkish in color.

Sometimes the only evidence of hidden mold in your home is a musty smell. This indicator should not be ignored. Just because mold is out of sight, does not mean that it is not able to cause harm and damage.

Mold tends to flourish in warm, damp & humid areas. Leaky basements and crawlspaces are prime areas for mold growth. Mold feeds on wet organic materials found in carpet, drywall, insulation and wood and releases spores. Exposure to these spores can potentially cause problems in both humans and pets.

Long term mold exposure is especially problematic for elderly people, infants and small children and those with allergies and pre-existing respiratory problems.  

Mitigating your mold problem immediately can spare your family of its harmful effects. If you see or smell mold in your home, the experts at SERVPRO of Kosciusko & Noble Counties are here to help. Call us today to set up a consultation with one of our technicians. (574) 306-4134

After the Fire: Risks of Mold

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Assess Mold Infestation Issues After Water was Used to Put Out a Fire at Your Home

Water seems like a real savior during recent fire events.  As the threat of extensive damage reduces through fire-fighting efforts, the possibility of mold damage developing is rarely considered. Once you step back and consider how much water is used to control a blaze or reduce the possibility that fire takes off in your home you understand that secondary water-accelerated mold damage can become a crisis in its own right. 
 
Mold damage basics emphasize that where standing water or residual dampness remains unabated for just a couple of days, microbial growth is almost inevitable. Our area of Indiana is one of the most humid in the country, and the high percent average ambient moisture can by itself support mold growth. Add water-based firefighting efforts, and it is not surprising that area homeowners so often seek our mold remediation skills. 
 
If mold damage does take hold in your home, abating it becomes as important as cleaning up soot or smoke damage. SERVPRO offers full-service restoration, able to handle your water damage issues, smoke and soot cleanup, as well as providing the mold remediation protocols developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Your reliance upon our ability to respond professionally and successfully whatever your restoration needs is well-founded. Our technicians train in a broad variety of strategies and methodologies supported by courses developed with the backing of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an international restoration industry standards-setting organization. 
 
Expect the mold damage remediation process to emphasize the safety of you and your family as well as the professionals providing the services. SERVPRO technicians wear full personal protective gear during the abatement and contain the moldy areas with physical barriers and modern technologies, like negative pressure air scrubbers, preventing particles from contaminating mold growth-free areas of your home. Any porous materials infiltrated by mold growth will be removed along with the mold colonies, and the infested items disposed of according to local codes for hazardous waste. 
 
Final mold remediation steps include sanitization with professional grade antimicrobials matched to the fungal growth and a careful consideration of the water incursion that activated the mold in the first place. Any water or moisture remaining after all restoration services complete can contribute to another wave of mold growth. The water and fire damage efforts must completely eradicate excess moisture issues to prevent further mold damage. 
 
Often home restoration is a complicated matter, and SERVPRO of Kosciusko & Noble Counties has the skills, experience, and trained technicians to manage mold, water, and fire damage issues, as well as other. Call  to set your individualized remediation processes in motion. (574) 306-4134

Shower Damaged Caulking and Grout Caused Water & Mold Damage

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

As your tiled shower ages, it is important to keep your caulking and grout in good repair. Water and mold damage is caused by deteriorating or missing caulking and grout which causes water to seep underneath the surface damaging your shower walls over time. Between 1965 and 1990 drywall was used behind tile and when it gets wet it expands and swells causing the grout to crack. In recent years they have started using cement board that do not swell when moist and can be treated with a waterproofing. This makes your shower less likely to have major water issues, but it is still important to check your caulking and grout regularly, making repairs immediately to prevent a costly project.

SERVPRO was contacted for a water damage in this home. After examining the area and performing a moisture check, it was discovered that the walls were wet due to damaged and missing grout.

Our professionally trained production crew removed all the damaged tile and drywall in this shower and the remaining structure was cleaned and treated for mold.

If you think you have a moisture problem in your shower contact SERVPRO at (574) 306-4134.

How To Find Whether Your Basement Needs Mold Remediation

9/9/2018 (Permalink)

Performing regular inspection for mold and taking suitable mold mitigation is the ideal way to maintain your commercial or residential property as protected as possible. How do you identify that your home requires mold remediation? Even though it is best to have regular professional inspection to identify the mold formation, there are some signs that can make you aware about the mold growth on the building. These includes

• Puddles
• Musty smells
• Moist spots on ceiling or floor
• Continuous incoming water
• Visible mildew or mold spots

In case your building structure shows any of the above listed signs, it is essential to take instant action before the situation spreads or worsens.

Mold can cause health effects. SERVPRO deals with mold remediation every day. Hiring a professional is the permanent solution for mold removal. 

The professional mold remediation process involves following things:

• They seal off the mold affected area in order to prevent them from spreading.
• They scrape the patches of mold and clean the affected region thoroughly.
• They pinpoint the moisture source that leads mold formation.
• Sometimes they discuss the basement waterproofing option to remove the moisture that supply mold growth.

SERVPRO® of Kosciusko & Noble Counties is always here to help! Whether in Warsaw, Wabash, Syracuse, Huntington, Columbia City, Milford or surrounding areas, we are here to make it "Like it never even happened." for you!