Moisture and mold go hand in hand. To clear mold from a structure, the moisture problem at the source must be addressed.
Timing is crucial to the drying of a structure to prevent the growth of destructive mold and mildew.
Some species of mold and mildew can cause serious complications, and therefore it is important to have a specialist perform proper removal of contaminated areas.
In today’s litigious environment it is important to call a professional firm to handle mold related issues.
Our team at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and are trained in the use of the latest technology to properly eliminate harmful microbiological contamination.
Understanding Mold
Mold spores are microscopic – and they exist in almost all places! That includes indoors and outdoors – and makes it very difficult to remove completely. If you think you have a mold problem, understanding the facts about mold will make the process of removal easier.
Mold is present indoors and outdoors
Mold often produces a musty odor – giving you clues to the source of the affected areas
Mold spores are microscopic and travel in the air
Mold can enter your home through windows, doors, heating and cooling systems or even through your pets or clothing
Mold spores thrive in moist areas and can quickly spread and grow when exposed to water
Before mold remediation can begin, the problem sources of water should be addressed or the mold may comeback
Humidity that is higher than 65% facilitates mold growth.
Mold in your home or business? Leave it to the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. Call today to speak to a Remediation specialist. 502.241.6861
Mold behind your walls may be a part of nature, however, it’s one natural thing that you never want to see in your home. Even the most minor examples of mold can be visually unappealing and potentially cause issues.
Never Leave Black Mold Unchecked!
Some types of mold, specifically black mold, can be dangerous if left unchecked. In some cases, mold can be easy to identify and take care of, but in many cases, it’s the mold that you can’t see that is the biggest problem.
This is especially the case in flood/water damage scenarios, where water and moisture tend to infiltrate all different parts of a home or building, creating a idea environment for mold to grow.
One common issue people with water damage have to deal with is mold behind their walls. Here are some signs that there may be some mold growing out of sight in your home.
First Off!
For one thing, even if you can’t actually see the mold behind your walls, there are still some tangible indicators that it cold be present. Some people tend to have allergic reactions to even non-toxic mold. If you start noticing these symptoms out of the blue, it could be a potential clue, especially if there was recent flooding or heavy rains. In addition, mold, even behind the walls, still leaves a trademark odor.
If you can smell it, but can’t see it, there’s a chance that it may be growing behind the walls!
Have The Eye For Visual Signs
In some cases, there may even be visual signs on the walls itself, if not of the mold, there are clues that you’re at potential risk of mold.
For example, water stains on drywall aren’t 100% indicator that you have mold, but there’s clearly water coming in from some sort of source. With this in mind, chances are that you’re going to get mold in time if you don’t find and address the source. This is part of the reason why many experts recommend doing home examinations during periods of the year where there’s a lot of humidity or rain.
The Screwdriver Test
Other visual indicators of moisture include peeling wallpaper or condensation on the wall or ceiling. Be careful if you think there’s mold under your wallpaper, though. Peeling it off yourself to see may end up exposing you to a cloud of spores.
If you’re willing to do a more intensive test, consider trying to probe the wall in question with a screwdriver. If things are soft or crumbling, you may already have rot taking hold from mold.
How Can You Curb Mold’s Growth?
If you find that there’s mold behind the walls or have a suspicion that this is the case, there are a few things you can do right away to try to at least curb it's growth.
One example of this is using any means necessary to try and tune down the humidity in your home. In general, you want to try to shoot for indoor humidity at 55% or less. There are detectors you can buy to chart this, but if you live in a naturally humid area, you may need to buy dehumidifiers to try and keep the air dry.
Something else worth looking at is potential areas where excess moisture may get into your home. Cracks in the foundation or leaky gutters are common sources for extra moisture that could make the mold behind your walls grow faster.
When you initially discover that there’s mold behind your walls, some of the things we just mentioned are good ways to minimize the initial spread.
These Are More Of A Stopgap Solution Rather Than A Final Fix
Because of the potential danger that unchecked mold can cause, if you see evidence of it behind your walls or anywhere else in your home, make sure you reach out to professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861
Not only do we believe in doing the most for our customers in the Oldham/Shelby area, but we’re also IICRC-certified.
This means we use the best cleaning and restoration tactics to help target mold and other remnants of water damage, and fix them so you can come back to your home or business with peace of mind.
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Mold can grow in virtually every area of a home and on any surface, if given the right environment. That includes your beautiful carpets that you spend so much energy trying to keep clean and looking beautiful. While there can be many common causes for mold in a home, when it comes to moldy carpets there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances you ever have to deal with it.
Steps to prevent mold damage to your carpets
Mold Damage can be expensive to remediate. Not to mention the health effects it can bring upon inhabitants of the dwelling. As with many aspects of home maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Not only can moldy carpets be unsightly and need to be replaced, they can be the tip of the iceberg in terms of more substantial damage to your property. So consider taking these steps to keep black mold from growing on your carpets!
Control the humidity and temperature in your home
Mold grows best with a certain amount of moisture in the air as well as certain temperature ranges. One way to help prevent mold growth on any surface in your home, including your carpets, is to ensure your humidity levels never reach 60%. And while it’s unlikely you like living in this warm of a house, make sure you don’t set the thermometer to 80 degrees.
Consider a different floor covering in areas prone to moisture
Some areas of a home are just more prone to humidity and moisture. Like your bathroom, for instance. Every design aspect of your home should be done with appearance and functionality in mind, and that includes making sure you’re making smart decisions about the type of floor coverings to have in certain areas based on the area’s usage along with environmental aspects. When it comes to bathroom floors, and to a lesser extent basement floors, usually the smartest plan is to avoid carpets altogether.
Use carpet padding that is anti-microbial
There are a few different types of carpet pad most commonly used in residential homes. While some are more budget friendly than others, if you’re considering carpet in areas that may be prone to moisture issues, consider installing rubber-slab carpet padding. It’s much more resistant to mold growth than traditional carpet pads.
If you do get standing water on your carpets, get it out fast!
This goes for any surface type in your home, and it’s especially true with carpets. With the right humidity levels and temperatures, mold growth can accelerate quickly when food and water are present. Getting the water and excess moisture out immediately can be the difference between a close call and health problems for your family.
Clean your carpets regularly
Vacuuming your carpets regularly, along with having them professionally steam cleaned, can go along way in preventing mold growth. One of the components of rapid mold growth is food, and mold loves dirt, grime, food, and any other organic substance that can be found in your carpet fibers. Regularly cleaning your carpets is a great way to help reduce the likelihood of dealing with mold in the future!
Do you suspect you have mold growth in your carpets?
Typically if you have black mold on your carpets a visual inspection is all that is necessary. But in other instances, you may notice a musty smell or perhaps you’ve also been experiencing some troubling issues that you think may be attributed to high levels of mold. In most states, mold remediation companies must be different than mold testing companies. The way it works is that the mold testing company will come take environmental samples from your home and have them sent off to a lab to be evaluated. If it’s determined through the testing that your home has a toxic black mold problem, it’s at that point that you’ll want to hire a mold removal and restoration company like us. Call us today to speak to a Remediation Specialist. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Owning a home means seasonal upkeep is a mandatory. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County suggest homeowners focus on improving drainage and preventing ground water intrusion, both runoff issues that occur this time of year. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County has tips for you to stay dry and give you peace of mind.
As you might guess, preventing ground water intrusion starts outside of your home. It’s easy to think that installing a sump pump, basket or drain tile is the only way to combat water issues indoors, however outside the home is where your real maintenance should begin. The quality and placement of your gutters, as well as the grading around your home, and crawl spaces in your home have the most impact for prevention.
Gutters and downspouts work wonders in clearing out water runoff when properly installed. Without gutters having extensions, water can concentrate in the same areas, causing damage over time. Without downspouts, water will concentrate in the same areas outside your home, eventually seeping in. After proper installation, water should end up six to ten feet from your home. If at all possible, place these downspouts where the ground slopes away from your home.
Grading around your home, in simple terms, means that you want water to flow in the opposite direction of your house and foundation. Sometimes the solution is as easy as piling and arranging your landscaping with dirt to change the direction, other times you will need to dig a trench or install an underground drain system.
Also, check your home’s crawlspace to be sure that water isn’t seeping in. Many homeowners never pay attention to their crawlspace because it is out of sight, therefore out of mind. Often it’s a good idea to install a moisture alarm in a crawlspace to alert you when moisture is present.
If you find that you have water in your basement or crawlspace, it’s important to call a professional restoration company for a comprehensive assessment. Often people only are concerned about squishy carpet, unaware that water can intrude the wall cavities and insulation inside the wall. If not properly addressed and dried, mold can grow in the wall cavity. Additionally, ground water can be contaminated with bacteria from the soil as a result of animal, bird and rodent feces. This means that water damaged materials may need to be removed and discarded, and a disinfection process should be used in clean-up.
Water Intrusion in your home or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Mold Remediation is vital for a home and a business because it keeps the building looking new, neat and promotes safety. If mold is left untreated, it can pose a serious issue. For some DIY inspection, here are some tips on where to look for mold.
Areas With Moisture – Mold forms most often in areas that have a lot of moisture. For homes, rooms that have a lot of humidity usually produce moisture, which will result in mold. Ceilings & Walls – These areas are popular for mold because they are areas where moisture can be trapped. In addition, the piping for the houses tend to drip and may leak. Once mold starts in these areas, they will spread and eventually become visible. It is important to catch the mold early on so there is less contamination. Shower Tile & Shower Curtains – The most common place for mold to grow in a household is in the shower. This is because it is the place with the most moisture, coming from the heat of the shower along with the water. In addition, the dirt and grime from your body combines with shampoo which will latch onto the curtains. Unless you wipe down your curtains, excess moisture can cause mold to form.
Mold In Your Home Or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Soencer, Trimble and Henry Counties.
Discovering mold in your home can be incredibly stressful. Once mold has began growing, it can spread aggressively. Because mold grows so quickly, you need to be incredibly observant of what’s happening in your home to address an issue right away. If mold is growing in your home, it can also have highly negative health effects.
Some telling signs that you may need mold removal services include the following:
If you smell a wet or unpleasant odor in your home, it may be attributed to mold.
Moisture is the contributing factor to making an environment more conducive to mold growth. High levels of humidity in your home is likely causing mold to grow somewhere– possibly the attic, the basement, or anywhere that water may be leaking.
Mold removal may be necessary if your family is experiencing allergy symptoms.
Actually seeing mold growth is always a telling sign that you need mold remediation services; however, it may be hard to spot sometimes, so it’s important to know what your looking for.
If your home has recently had flooding caused by a broken pipe, appliance, or excessive rain, there is a chance of mold growth. This is especially true if you did not have professional services come to clean up the flooding.
Pay closse attention so that you’ll notice these telling signs of mold growth as early as possible. This will help you to avoid serious mold issues.
Mold In Your Home or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Trimble and Henry Counties.
Mold grows when the weather is humid as well as when it has been raining for several days. A recurring problem of mold growth happens when live in places where humidity is naturally high.
Humidity indoors also increases when moisture inside the house evaporates. Much more if the house is not well ventilated. This causes the humidity to be high.
An Indoor humidity problem can happen when homeowners dry their clothes inside.
HVAC systems can cause humidity while it is heating and cooling the inside of the home.
Condensation
Condensation can also promote mold growth. Cold surfaces at home like concrete enables condensation thus promoting mold growth.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation can create pockets of stagnant moist air where mold can grow. When a room is not well ventilated wet surfaces will not dry out quickly.
Wet Clothes
Drying clothes in a room that is not well ventilated can create a buildup of moisture causing mold growth. Wet as well as damp clothes provides a perfect spot for mold to thrive.
Flooding
Having mold growth after a flood is inevitable. Flood water removal can only begin after the water starts to recede. However, if the water recedes after 2 days, mold may begin to thrive on wet surfaces.
Having mold indoors will lead to a plethora of unexpected and expensive damages. Don’t wait for mold to grow and spread. Though it may sound expensive to hire a competent water damage restoration company to restore your home it will save you money in the long run.
Mold In Your Home Or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County to speak to a Mitigation Specialist today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
After a flood or other major water damage, mold can become a very real problem. It’s always safer to have mold removed from your home or business quickly, even if it is not particularly dangerous. Not taking care of mold damage in a timely manner can cause issues for your family or customers. One of the best ways to keep your home or business safe and clean is by trusting a professional to handle any mold damage repair you need.
Even if you can’t see all of the mold, it is possible that it has spread into the structure of your home. When this is the case and the damages are deeper than the surface level, mold growth can also lead to structural and safety issues.
Taking care of mold damage can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to expect or don’t have experience getting rid of mold. It is often better to trust a professional with mold damage repair because they have the skills and knowledge needed to remedy the problem completely. This is critical if your mold problem has affected many areas of your home. Trusting a professional with your mold damage repair will ensure the problem is completely and safely taken care of, and you will be much less likely to experience more mold in the future.
Mold in your home or business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Mold prevention tips are very relevant to today’s landlords. Contamination of a rental property almost always requires professional mold remediation services to make the home habitable for tenants again. Also, in recent years, owners of rental properties have been held liable for mold in Civil cases. Tenants also bear some responsibility for eliminating indoor conditions that foster mold growth. For owners and onsite landlords, however, here are four mold prevention tips to help you fulfill your obligation to keep the property mold-free.
Maintain the building envelope. Moisture is the primary ingredient that triggers active toxic mold growth. Moisture affecting the indoor environment most often originates outdoors. Whether it’s rain dripping into the attic through roof leaks, or cracks and gaps in the structure that allow excess outdoor humidity to infiltrate indoors, regular roof maintenance as well as proper air-sealing of the walls, doors and windows, helps keep the living environment mold-free.
Stay on top of plumbing issues. Inside the house, no plumbing leaks—even inconspicuous pinholes or drippy faucets—should be considered “normal” and allowed to continue. Minor leaks you can actually see in aging water supply lines are also often happening in areas you cannot see—such as the attic or crawl space, prime locations for hidden mold growth.
Exhaust humid rooms. Bathrooms and kitchens often harbor excess humidity from steamy showers and cooking. Exhaust fans ducted all the way to the outdoors remove humid air that feeds mold growth. Invest in energy-efficient fans with timer switches to run for a limited time, then will shut off automatically.
Maintain the HVAC system. The air conditioner, in particular, can either be an ally in preventing mold contamination—or another cause of it. A properly functioning A/C helps keep indoor humidity low, discouraging the growth of mold. Make sure the system gets an annual check-up, including inspecting the indoor evaporator coil and air handler drip pan for mold growth. Mold contamination in these components is frequently dispersed through the ductwork into all living spaces in the house. Finally, having the duct system cleaned and sprayed with an antimicrobial agent will inhibit mold growth.
If you suspect mold in your rental home or business contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby to confirm and begin Remediation Services. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
What can be done to avoid mold growth in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas?
The experts at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County recommends proper ventilation, identifying problematic areas, and maintaining low humidity level. Cleaning surfaces regularly with soap and water, or a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water regularly will also help to keep mold at bay. An important word of caution: never mix bleach with other cleaning products! This can result in the release of potentially toxic fumes.
If mold is already present, it can spread rapidly. Mold removal and restoration may require the professional expertise that SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County offers. When disasters strike in the form of heavy rains, floods, or even when a pipe bursts and mold begins to grow, time is of the essence. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby professionals provide rapid damage assessment, and the skilled knowledge of how to get the job done properly, thoroughly, and safely.
Removing wet carpet, dry wall, any affected materials, and stopping the damaging effect of mold is vital to securing the safety of your home and business. Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for you and those who those who are most important to you is why the experts at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County prides themselves in their work.
Mold Or Water Damage In Your Home Or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
The Top Reasons Why You Should Never Handle Mold On Your Home
The Reasons Why You Should Never Tackle Mold on Your Own
There are many reasons why taking care of mold on your own can be a bad idea. The first reason for this is that when you try and eliminate mold on your own, it is possible that you may not adequately remove all of the mold. Another reason for this is that it’s very difficult for an amateur to control all of the environmental conditions that promote mold growth on their own. Finally, the mold may grow because of improper maintenance of your household appliances. However, with some information, you can now how to tackle mold instead.
The cleaners used weren’t effective:
When it comes to the kind of cleaners that are recommended by usual DIYs, not all of them are effective against mold growth. The most commonly recommended cleaner is chlorine, which as it turns out, is not going to do much to destroy the mold growth on its own. This is because mold itself is a fungus and has deep-seated roots. These roots can go very deep and embed the roots inside porous surfaces. The chlorine itself can only take care of the mold growing on the surface of the material, but the roots will stay alive and grow again.
The thing with Chlorine is that it doesn’t seep inside materials in the way that most cleaners can do. So chlorine will only destroy the mold growth on the surface, but the mold growth underneath will still thrive. When it comes to a solution of bleach and water, the cleaner isn’t as effective because the bleach itself can evaporate. This would leave the water behind, meaning that the mold will have access to more water that will allow it to grow.
The environmental conditions can’t be controlled:
Mold doesn’t just grow rapidly, it also sends off spores through the home to help it move from room to room. These spores are tiny and can get everywhere inside your home, such as your furniture, walls, pets, and even you and your family. If the levels of this get very high, the mold can be dangerous to everyone exposed to the spores.
There are certain environmental conditions you can control, such as the level of humidity inside the home. This should be kept in a minimum and that can be done using equipment such as a dehumidifier to reduce the levels of moisture in the air. You can also reduce the mold growth levels by reducing the temperature to slow down their rate of growth. So, based on all of that, the best way to reduce mold growth is to keep the environment at reduced humidity and temperature.
The appliances weren’t maintained:
You can do things later when it comes to cleaning up the mold, but when you’re dealing with prevention, you will need to maintain the appliances inside the home. This means having them regularly checked and making sure that there were no leaks that need fixing.
Mold In Your Home Or Business? Leave it to the remediation specialist here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Common Areas to Look For Mold When Purchasing A Home
Mold in homes starts to grow when you least expect it. Not only is it unsightly, it’s potentially dangerous, and simply cleaning it up without remedying the source will only result in the mold re-growing.
Mold in homes has many causes, including undetected water leaks in your walls, leaks from your roof, plumbing problems, and even from outside environmental sources, such as bringing in plants with mold issues, or tracking in spores on shoes. Unsurprisingly, mold is more likely to grow in homes after floods or severe water damage, and in humid climates. However home mold is most often caused by leaks in plumbing, leaky foundations, and roof leaks.
Mold can impact the value or sale of your home, sometimes even for the long-term. Depending on the extent of mold damage, the value of your home can be significantly lost. Just as you would not want to buy a home with mold damage, understandably buyers on the market are also weary.
If you’re buying a house or inspecting your own, know what to look for. As you inspect, take note of areas where the accumulation of moisture is probable. Pay special attention to signs of water damage in areas where water intrusion is likely. In our experience, these are the top 5 of the most common areas to find mold in a home:
A damaged gutter that is leaking and diverting water near the home foundation.
Near gutter downspouts that are not properly diverted away from the foundation or damaged gutters that are not carrying water and snow melt to a downspout and away from the foundation.
Mold growth on framing that is revealed by removing batt insulation.
2. Behind insulation along rim joists in crawl spaces. These spots are prone to mold as moist air can get behind the insulation and then condensate on the cool joist surface. The insulation should be discarded and replaced with a spray foam product to prevent future mold growth.
Improper venting has resulted in significant mold growth.
3. In attics near improperly vented exhaust fans. Don’t look only at bathroom fans, kitchen exhaust hoods can be culprits as well. Also, another common attic issue is related to insulation being blown into the eaves without installation of baffles, a home inspector can check for this.
Long term leaks under this sink have resulted in major problems.
4. Under sinks inside vanities and cabinets. Because these areas are often out-of-sight, out-of-mind, they are often neglected. Leaking shut-off valves and drain lines that have bad gaskets or seals can result in slow leaks that cause long-term problems.
Moisture from vents and leaking plumbing has resulted in a big problem.
5. Behind washing machines and dryer appliances where either pipes have leaked, or are not properly connected. Again, this area is often out of sight and can be neglected, but the moisture sources, if leaking, can ultimately result in mold growth.
If you have concerns about one of these areas as you inspect, be sure to bring it to the attention of the company that you hire for your home inspection prior to purchasing the home. A qualified and experienced home inspector is a very important decision when it comes to your home purchase. A good home inspector will have the experience to identify other problems beyond these common issues that you may need to be aware of.
If you suspect more serious problems, feel free to call one of our experts who can help you with further identification and clean-up solutions. If a home has mold issues, they can typically be resolved and cleaned prior to taking possession of the home.
Contact our remediation professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Moisture control is the key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean-up, drying, and/ or removal of water damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth.
Mold prevention tips include:
Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible.
Looking for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible.
Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes.
If you’re like most of us, you rarely if ever venture into your home’s attic. Why would you? It’s not usually a place you care to venture and for the most part if you do it’s because something isn’t going well. In this blog post, we’ll talk through what we typically see when homes have considerable amounts of attic black mold and help you understand ways you can make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Why black mold grows in attics
Black mold damage in your attic space occurs for the same reasons it occurs anywhere else in a dwelling. It’s a combination of a few things:
The Right Temperature – mold spores like warmer, ambient temps. In fact, it likes about the same temp range as we do, between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Food – no, not crumbs from discarded food a home service technicians may have left while doing some work up in your attic long ago. Black mold eats anything that is high in cellulose. Unfortunately for homeowners, that’s pretty much anything in your attic, like plywood, wood joists, roof decking, etc.
Elevated moisture – many homeowners don’t realize that moisture is found in every surface of their home, as it should be. If those surfaces were completely devoid of moisture they wouldn’t perform their duties properly. But if a surface gets too much moisture in it, that’s the trigger black mold needs to start growing.
Another thing most homeowners don’t realize is that black mold spores are present in most environments, and certainly in every home or other type of dwelling. It exists naturally and in low levels and is completely harmless to humans and pets. But with the right conditions, it can grow quickly and spread, causing wide spread damage to your home and have potentially serious consequences for the home’s inhabitants.
As you can see from the list above, 2 of those things are normal. It’s the 3rd thing, elevated moisture, that is not normal and creates the right environment for a serious mold problem. So now let’s talk through how moisture gets into attics and what you can do to make sure it doesn’t get into yours.
Causes of attic black mold growth
When we are called to a home and discover toxic black mold in the attic, the culprits are usually pretty easy to spot. There are only so many ways moisture finds its way into an attic. Here’s what we usually see:
Venting directly into the attic
Many bathrooms are equipped with vents that take the warm, wet air released when a shower is running and remove it from the bathroom. Unfortunately, sometimes a misguided homeowner or shoddy handyman will simply install the vent fan such that the air is pushed into the attic where it has nowhere to escape. If you have an older home that is equipped with one or multiple of these types of exhaust fans, it’s probably worth you taking a look in the attic space to make sure it’s vented properly.
Condensation from an AC unit in an attic
In some areas of the country, HVAC companies will install AC units in attics. These units produce condensation that must be vented and drained properly or else it can allow moisture to find its way into your attic. Manufacturers recommend you inspect your AC unit before you turn it on for the summer as well as at the end of the hot months to make sure it’s running properly and so that you discover any potential moisture problems before the get too bad.
A leaky roof
By far the biggest culprit we find when inspecting an attic with black mold is a leaky roof. Just one damaged or misplaced tile can allow rain water to slowly seep into your attic. While most people picture a deluge of water coming through their ceiling, more often than not a rook leak will just allow a slow amount of rain water to enter the attic, usually soaking the roof deck and eventually dripping down onto the attic floor and/or your exterior walls.
We always recommend that you (safely) inspect your roof’s exterior each spring and it’s also a good idea to just crawl up into your attic and peer at the interior decking of the roof. If you start to see staining, it’s a sign you have some moisture intrusion that needs to be addressed!
If you discover Mold in your home or business call the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry, and Trimble.
Help! I Have Mold In My House! What Next? After sustaining water damage, homes frequently suffer from mold damage, as well. Mold can begin to grow on damp surfaces within 24 hours of getting saturated with moisture, so mold damage repair is an important job to tackle soon after a flooding incident.
Mold growth in a home can present adverse health effects from inhaling mold spores. Mold growth can eat away at the home’s structure and cause weakness in the materials it is growing on.
Mold damage can also occur in moist, warm environments where there isn’t air circulation, so even if your home hasn’t had any flooding, you could have mold growth. It’s important to monitor areas in your home that are high risk.
When you do notice you have mold damage, you can call us at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County for complete mold damage repair and restoration. 502.241.6861
Our technicians are highly trained at dealing with mold removal and will be able to clean the area thoroughly. We recommend shutting of any air circulation while we work to prevent mold spores from traveling throughout the home. Along with that, our crews will set up containment to assist with this process. When the mold has been removed, we will thoroughly disinfect the area to prevent further mold growth.
To prevent mold damage in the future, we recommend reducing the moisture content in your home. Most air conditioning units are efficient at removing moisture from the air and keeping the moisture content low enough to discourage mold growth. However, it is important to be sure that the air circulation reaches all area of the home.
If you have mold damage, you can feel confident that our team at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby county can get rid of it and restore your home to its original state. Call us today to learn more about our mold damage repair services.
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Trimble and Henry Counties.
What can be done to avoid mold growth in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas?
The experts at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County recommend proper ventilation, identifying problematic areas, and maintaining low humidity level. Cleaning surfaces regularly with soap and water, or a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water regularly will also help to keep mold at bay. An important word of caution: never mix bleach with other cleaning products! This can result in the release of potentially toxic fumes.
If mold is already present, it can spread rapidly. Mold removal and restoration may require the professional expertise that SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County offers. When disasters strike in the form of heavy rains, floods, or even when a pipe bursts and mold begins to grow, time is of the essence. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County professionals provide rapid damage assessment, and the skilled knowledge of how to get the job done properly, thoroughly, and safely.
Removing wet carpet, dry wall, any affected materials, and stopping the damaging effect of mold is vital to securing the safety of your home and business. Maintaining a safe environment for you and those who are most important to you is why the professionals at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby pride themselves in their work.
Concerned with Mold In Your Home or Business? Contact the experts at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861
SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Smelly Carpets Could Mean Your Need More Than A Carpet Cleaning
ou know how some places just smell musty and old? Like they haven't been cleaned in a while? What if you enter your home one day and notice that smell? Could it be your carpets went bad in a day, because that smell wasn't there yesterday? That's probably not the case. If you had a leak or water flood in on your carpets, you may have moldy carpets.
WHEN WATER DAMAGE STRIKES
One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you had water damage due to leaky pipes, or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. ASAP.
Mold takes 24 to 48 hours to grow in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).
MOLD IS DANGEROUS, EVEN WHEN HIDDEN
In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is pretty rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or mold testing company. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.
To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.
STEPS TO PREVENT MOLD AFTER WATER DAMAGE:
Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County to help you with it.
Dry it up. Fast! - If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items.
Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Call us to set up an appointment today. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
Sanitize the affected area - Use water and soap, and also use a solution of chlorine and water (read instructions, and use protective gear, please, for your own safety). This is part of our restoration process.
We'll Make Sure The Mold Is Gone
If you still feel like your cleanup wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.
Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home Get your mold remediated as soon as you can. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby can help you through this process as well. Our techs are professionally trained in Mold Remediation.
Mold is one of those pesky problems nobody wants to have in their homes. No matter how hard you try to avoid it though, you may still see a few patches of mold now and then. Besides walls and wooden items, the carpet is also a common target for mold growth as it easily attracts moisture and dirt. Keep your carpet mold-free with these five key tips:
1. Control the indoor humidity. Mold doesn’t only need standing water to grow – an area with increased humidity and heat is enough. As mold spores reproduce in excessively humid conditions, keep your indoor humidity under 60%. If you live in a humid area, install a dehumidifier that’s suited for your room size. Also keep the temperature in your home below 80 degrees F.
2. Remove carpet from humidity-prone areas. Don’t install carpet in areas that are more likely to experience humidity or water leaks, such as the basement and bathroom. These areas are also more prone to flooding caused by storms, river or ocean overflows, washing machine failures, and more.
3. Choose antimicrobial carpet padding. When you’re installing new carpet in your home, choose rubber-slab carpet padding, which is less prone to developing mold and bacteria. Although it’s a bit more expensive than normal padding, it’ll help keep mold at bay, especially if your home isn’t naturally low in humidity.
4. Remove standing water as fast as possible. Mold needs only a small amount of water and time (24-48 hours) to grow. So, if you have water damage, always remove the water and dry the carpet even if the damage was minor, such as a small spill or leak. Make sure there’s no moisture hiding underneath the carpet as well. In case of flooding, you may need to replace your carpet, depending on the floodwater (tap water, grey water or sewage). Learn more about saving your carpet after a flood.
5. Keep carpets clean. Dirt and dust are mold “food” which you should get rid of regularly from your carpet. Vacuum your carpet with a good-quality vacuum cleaner on a weekly basis. When the carpet needs to be cleaned, use a dry form of cleaning to minimize the amount of moisture your carpet absorbs.
Since mold can grow in most areas of a house, check out what causes mold to grow in homes. If you suspect that your home harbors mold, learn how to detect mold in homes. For mold remediation service and flood water damage repair, contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. We also service Henry, Trimble and Spencer Counties. 502.241.6861
It’s a given that water and moisture will always exist in your shower; unfortunately this constant becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold formation. But you don’t have to resign yourself to tolerating mold odor when showering. There are easy steps to take to keep mold from taking up residence in your shower or bathtub.
An investment in a small humidifier can reduce humidity levels in the bathroom to 30-50%, helping to prevent mold growth in your shower, tub, and sink. Also, remember to leave the bathroom door and any windows open before you take a hot shower. If you don’t have a ceiling fan or a built-in fan in your bathroom, you can use a small fan to blow steam away. By employing these techniques, you will help to prevent mold from taking root in tile grout, caulk, and drains.
Be sure to always keep the shower and tub area clean and free of any standing water. Periodically check to clean the areas where you keep shampoo bottles, body wash bottles and soap bar, making sure they are not sitting in standing water. If you keep a shower mat on the bottom of your shower or tub be sure to clean it on a regular basis – especially underneath, keeping the suction cups clean. Those suction cups are mold breeding grounds!
Know that soap scum is your enemy. A combination of soap, body oils, hair and other organic materials get trapped between the bath mat and shower/tub floor every time you bathe. Every color of mold will call that area home if you don’t clean it. You’ll have to both scour and sanitize the bath mat on a weekly basis – and it might be a good idea to eventually replace it entirely. Remember to allow the mat to completely dry before returning it to the shower or tub floor. Cleaning this one particular item regularly will go a long way towards keeping your bathroom mold-free.
Also, regularly mist a 50/50 solution mix of vinegar and water to your shower curtain, glass doors, tile grout and inside shower walls. If you can tolerate the smell, you might want to use straight white diluted vinegar instead. Be sure to spray the caulked corners, as well as all cracks and crevices around spigot, spout, drain, and shower nozzle. Do not rinse right away, allowing all treated areas to dry completely. Fortunately, the vinegar solution has only a slight odor and will dissipate fairly quickly after application. The vinegar solution will help with deodorizing as the acids in the vinegar continue to consume and kill any remaining mold spores. This process will help to prohibit future mold growth.
Mold prevention in the bathroom is easiest when you keep to a sound prevention plan. Also useful are applications of tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, as well as trusty white distilled vinegar. Employing these methodical steps regularly will keep mold from setting up camp in your bathroom.
Mold In Your Home? Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Spencer/Trimble/Henry today to speak to a Mold Remediation Specialist. 502.241.6861
Here is how it happens…water condenses on the AC coils, and if dust or dirt is on the coils, mold grows. So, if your AC coils are dusty and dirty, it’s pretty much a given.
Also by using cheap fiberglass filters that let dust pass through onto the AC coils, having an air intake in a moldy basement, an over-sized unit, or an in-line humidifier (which is a whole house humidification solution).
By the way, sometimes there is lots of debris in the duct work from the time of construction…sawdust, trash, etc.
Some helpful tips to keep mold from re-growing.
You’ll want to disconnect and remove any attached humidifier.
Install a pleated media filter to protect the newly cleaned (or replaced) AC coils from dust and dirt, this filter looks like an accordion pleat. Change the filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. This is the easier route to keep the coils clean. If coils are clean, then even if they get wet, mold won’t grow.Cheap fiberglass filters are really not the way to go, they are pretty useless. Electrostatic or electronic filters can work fine up until they are coated with dust which could be 3 months or 3 hours.
Always make sure it’s the correct filter for your unit and that it fits well. There should be no air by-pass around the filter.
Not sure if your Ductwork contains mold? SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby professionals are IICRC trained in Mold Remediation. Call us today for an appointment. 502.241.6861
Mold is an important part of nature, helping with the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. While outdoor mold is essential, mold growing indoors presents health hazards and can cause property damage. Molds reproduce by means of tiny airborne spores that travel virtually anywhere, even in our homes.
Even though there are traces of mold spores indoors, they need the right “ingredients” to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold growth are found in most homes: a food source (such as drywall, carpet, and wood), warmth, darkness, enough time to grow, and most importantly, moisture. Since moisture is an essential factor in mold growth, here are the common culprits that cause elevated moisture in homes:
Flooding can bring in a huge amount of water into your home, causing severe water damage and possibly mold growth within 24-48 hours. Calling a professional restoration company immediately after the disaster is your best chance of mitigating water damage and preventing mold growth.
Increased humidity can occur in homes in many ways — humid weather, continuous rain, cooking, showering, etc. To help prevent mold growth in your home, make sure your house is well-ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.
Insufficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and thus, to mold growth and other problems like indoor pollution. Make sure to open doors and/or windows when practical and to use fans as needed.
Leaking pipes are a common problem in homes and must be fixed immediately. Oftentimes, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls, so make sure to inspect walls for water stains regularly.
Roof leaks are also a way for water to seep into your home and cause mold. If you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof inspected and fixed as soon as possible.
Condensation occurs when warm moisture-laden air comes in contact with cold surfaces. Condensation can be visible on walls, windows, concrete floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.
Basements provide excellent conditions for mold growth due to poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that promote condensation), and frequent water leaks and flooding.
Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold removal more difficult.
Mold Damage In Your Home Or Business? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also serving Trimble, Henry, Spencer. 502.241.6861
We’re going to spend much of 2017 talking about black mold. It’s a pervasive enemy to many homes throughout the country and a serious health risk to those exposed to high levels of black mold spores. We’ve spent much of the last few years detailing water damage and the impact it has on homes. In doing so, we’ve discussed the correlation between moisture and mold. But this year we’re going to delve further into the root causes of mold damage, where you’re most likely to find it, and what you can do to either prevent it or make sure it’s safely removed in the event you discover it. So with that backdrop, let’s talk about black mold in crawlspaces.
What causes black mold damage in crawlspaces?
What causes black mold levels to become elevated in any environment are the same things, whether it’s in your kitchen cabinets or below your home or even outside in nature for that matter. To review, what mold needs to grow and expand inside a home is:
() the right temperatures
() food
() moisture
Unfortunately for us, mold is most comfortable in the same temperature range that we find comfortable, but can also thrive in considerably colder temps. And as for food, mold spores love the organic cellulose found in wood. That means the main components of your crawlspace, the floor joists and beams supporting your home, are the perfect food for toxic mold. So where does that leave us? Trying to measure and manage the one factor we can control: moisture. Here’s the main ways moisture enters your crawlspace:
Water pooling in your crawlspace
Most of your crawlspace resides underground. That can be troublesome when you have a water drainage problem outside of your home. We’ve discussed at length the issues with lawn sloping and its impact on home water damage, so for the purposes of this blog post, we’re just going to point out that if you have water seeping into your foundation walls from the ground, it will end up causing big problems as it sits in your crawlspace.
In homes with crawlspaces, there is another potential cause of excess moisture: plumbing pipes. Both the supply lines and drain pipes that service your home’s plumbing systems are housed in this space. So if either develops a small leak, it can lead to a lot of water being dumped into your crawlspace.
Evaporating ground moisture
Depending on where you live (both geographically within the US as well as your proximity to a river or lake or other large deposit of water) your soil is going to naturally hold some moisture. If that is the case, that moisture can evaporate into your crawlspace.
Air from outside coming in through your vents
Your crawlspace needs to breathe. That’s why you’ll notice vents located around your home that allow air to exit your crawlspace. It also allows air to come into your crawlspace. In many cases, the air inside your crawlspace is cooler than the air outside. Cool air can’t hold as much moisture as warmer air, so the moisture trapped in the air turns to liquid as it cools in your crawlspace. Overtime, the moisture can create serious water issues that can allow for black mold growth.
How can I prevent these conditions from happening?
If you live in a humid environment or in an area with a high water table, you are right to be concerned about moisture problems in your crawlspace. And as we’ve said on this blog a thousand times, it’s up to you to gauge the risk you are at of developing problems with the cost of implementing proactive solutions to stop those problems from happening. For some people, that calculation may determine the need for somewhat costly solutions. For others, it may simply mean that keep a more watchful eye on their crawlspace in the event a problem does arise. But below are some measures you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to take in order to prevent mold from damaging your crawlspace.
Install a digital thermo-hygrometer
A hygrometer measures the relative humidity inside your crawlspace and can come with a a remote sensor that allows you to monitor the conditions inside your crawlspace without having to go down there yourself. If the relative humidity approaches 70%, you’ve got a critical problem on your hands that you need to address. A simple hygrometer can be had for $30 or so. If it means you’re alerted to a problem that could end up costing you several thousand dollars, in our minds $30 is worth that peace of mind.
Fix your lawn’s slope
If you notice water pooling on the exterior of one section of your crawlspace (and you don’t see any issues with plumbing pipes in the vicinity), you may have an issue with groundwater seeping into your crawlspace. Luckily, this should be a relatively cheap fix. The issue most likely is that the slope of your lawn is towards your home as opposed to away from your home. Fix this problem and it will allow any water that comes down near your foundation to be carried away from the home and into your yard and/or street. That’s a lot better than inside your crawlspace!
Install a vapor barrier
In the event you have moisture from the ground evaporating up into your crawlspace, it may be in your best interest to install a vapor barrier. A basement waterproofing company can do this for you, or it’s something relatively inexpensive and easy you can do yourself.
Hopefully this blog post helps give you a little more insight into the causes of black mold in crawlspaces as well as solutions to fix the conditions necessary to create said problems. Of course, if all of this advice is too late for you and you do have visual black mold in your crawlspace, please do give us a call here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby. 502.241.6861 We would be happy to come out and inspect your crawlspace and help give you a better idea of the process and costs involved with removing the mold and restoring your crawlspace!
Mold is an extremely small, dangerous element that belongs to the family of fungi. It can thrive on almost any surface especially cellulose-based objects.
Molds are present almost everywhere. Though they maybe harmful at times, molds are a big part of the ecological balance in the environment, as they play a major role in breaking down organic substances. Molds are the original recyclers.
According to some recent studies, approximately 50 percent of homes have unknown moisture problems. And as we all know, molds thrive best in moist places.
To a large extent, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold are present or whether they can produce toxins. Awareness and sanitation should be observed to prevent the spread of molds in your home.
Here are 7 ways to detect if your home has dangerous molds :
Launch a search operation
Check whether there is a visible signs of mold growth in your home. Molds are characterized by its cotton-like features that may appear in colors such as gray, white, black, or green.Black moldcan be especially dangerous, so be sure to watch for any signs of this type of growth.
Check for any yellowing or furry looking growth on fabrics, sheet rock, or anything else that’s potentially been exposed to moisture.
Use your sense of smell
Whenever you smell some mold odors, begin your search immediately. But you also have to remember that even if your home has no moldy smell it doesn’t mean that you’re free from its threat.
Be sharp-eyed because some fragrance-free molds are still toxic.
Is basement flooding one of your indoor problems?
If yes, then there is a large probability that your house is filled with some dangerous molds. Look around your basement for indications of extra mustiness or water damage.
Also check if there are water discolorations on walls and ceilings. Remember excess amount of moisture is the major culprit for mold exposure.
Windows mist over during winter
Winter season is characterized by rain and cold and generally when it’s cold and rainy, there is an excess in moisture. This excess amount of humidity in the environment can cause fungal growth which culminates the most in damp areas.
If your windows are foggy during winter, it is best to find out where the extra moisture is coming from, and check the area for any mold contamination.
Use home mold test kits
Mold testing is used to find out any dangerous threats of molds. These do-it-yourself test kits are designed to track down the presence of harmful molds that can trigger serious health problems. Most of these testing devices are user-friendly and can provide reliable results. However, don’t skip a visual inspection of your home!
Molds that are hidden
Most experts agree that the most perilous mold is the one that is unseen, such as in air conditioning units, duct-work, or within walls. These molds can swell up rapidly while undetected. In most cases, hidden molds can be discerned not by eye but by the stale odor or the frequent need to clear your throat. Proper care and maintenance will typically prevent these.
Ask a Certified Mold Inspector
In instances where you cannot detect if there are molds inside your house, you can ask the assistance of licensed mold inspectors. They have the proper know-how in pinpointing the exact location of undetected mold problems.
All in all, the key to total prevention of the threats caused by mold problems is awareness of the problem. Be vigilant with your surroundings for any sign of mold growth. Early prevention is the best solution to all the hazards set off by this microorganism.
If you suspect or have confirmed Mold in your home contact the Professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Henry/Spencer to start remediation today. 502.241.6861
Water, when filling our oceans, swimming pools, or parched mouths, can be our best friend. But when it seeps into our homes, good old H2O turns into a slippery enemy. Depending on the source, home insurance coverage can offer protection.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold and water damage?
Homeowners insurance may cover repairs for mold and water damage, but it depends on the source. For instance, you could be reimbursed if mold or water damage is caused by a plumbing issue or brutal weather. However, damage caused by flooding wouldn't be covered because standard homeowners policies don't include floods, nor do they extend to long-term neglect.
Dealing with mold
One of the worst byproducts of water damage can be mold. Besides being potentially hazardous for your health and just plain gross, mold can reduce your home's value by discoloring the walls or ceiling, rotting wood or ductwork, or creating a foul odor.
Luckily, you needn't rely only on your insurance. There are plenty of ways to prevent mold growth on your own.
How to prevent mold
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold spores flat out cannot grow without moisture. Here are some mold prevention tips to keep your pad dry and fungus at bay:
Dry any spills or leaks within 48 hours
Clean gutters frequently
Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (if you use a humidifier)
Activate bathroom vent or open a window while showering
Vent appliances that produce moisture (stove, dryer, etc.) and use fans when necessary
Insulate cold surfaces
Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting if possible
Don't store paper products or clothing in humid areas
Clean fridge drip pans regularly
Ensure rainwater flows away from the house
How to spot mold
Sometimes even if mildew has entered your home, it's not obvious. Here are a few tricks on how to spot mold:
Check for an earthy or musty odor
Angle a flashlight at the wall to reveal color contrast
Look behind shelves and dressers, or anywhere the air is cold and not ventilated
Pat pillows with a spatula to see what dust comes up
Check surfaces for a slick or slimy feel
SERVPRO of Oldham / Shelby County has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.
The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process.
-Inspection and Damage Assessment. Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources.
-Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaiminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.
-Air Filitration. Specialized Mold filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air.
-Removing Mold and Mold infested materials. Antifungal and Antimocrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new ones from forming.
-Cleaning Contents and Belongings. SERVPRO Franchise Proffesionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold.
-Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO Franchise Proffessionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.
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