How To Prevent Mold Recurrence

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth after water damage in Albany, NY.

Mold Recurrence: How To Avoid It

Recurring mold growth in your Albany, NY, business is unwelcome and frustrating. Fortunately, knowing the causes for the recurrence will help you keep the problem at bay.

Necessary Conditions
Mold returns for the same reason that it occurs in the first place: The conditions are right. The following are three things that fungi need to thrive:

• Warmth
• Food source
• Water source
  
  

Most indoor locations are warm enough to support mold. Nutrient sources, including pulpy products, dust and dirt, are regularly found in most buildings as well. The presence of water, however, can generally be controlled.

Prevention Methods
Even if a professional restoration company performs the initial mold removal, it is still up to you, the business owner, to prevent future growth. As discussed above, the presence of water is generally the easiest condition to control. If the area with the recurring mold problem is prone to high humidity, install a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the area. Address water damage as quickly as possible and dry up spills, leaks and all standing water immediately.
In addition to keeping the area as dry as possible, there are specialized products available that are resistant to mold growth. Common options include paints, primers and fabrics. There are also sprays that can be applied to certain surfaces that are thought to help repel mold.

Another option is minimizing the number of mold spores present in the area. These spores occur almost everywhere, so it can be helpful to trap them in a HEPA filter before they have a chance to colonize. You may even have a chance to address two factors with one product if you select a combination dehumidifier and purifier.
Ideally, mold that has been properly removed would not return. However, this is not always the case. Fortunately, there are a variety of tactics available to those who are struggling with recurring mold growth.

Mold Growth

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

How to recover from mold growth.

Moisture and high humidity can attract mold spores into your Albany home, where they can grow across a variety of surfaces. While mold commonly grows on building surfaces like drywall and carpeting, it can also affect your belongings such as clothing and furniture. Mold cleaning can be difficult; however, before you throw items away, you may want to learn about which could be saved by different types of professional cleaning processes used by SERVPRO of South Albany County and which cannot. 

1. Throw Away Porous Items 

Most porous surfaces can absorb water and encourage further mold growth. As such, some items like mattresses, thick rugs and stuffed toys that already show signs of mold damage are usually not salvageable. If your child has a favorite stuffed toy that you want to attempt to save, ask our SERVPRO remediation technicians if they have any mold cleaning processes that may help. You may want to remember, however, that porous items affected by black mold are usually considered unsalvageable because this type of fungus is particularly hard to eradicate. 

2. Freeze Documents and Books 

If you have important documents and books that developed mold, place them in sealable plastic bags and store them in your freezer. Freezing these items can inhibit further mold growth and protect them until they can be inspected by our SERVPRO expert mold remediation and restoration technicians This can salvage items like original birth certificates, wedding albums, and baby books. 

3. Set Aside Moldy Clothing 

If you have favorite items of clothing that have been affected by mold, ask our remediation technicians about what type of options you have for salvaging them. Wet, dry and immersion cleaning may all be possible, especially for leather jackets and shoes. SERVPRO of South Albany County uses an Esporta Machine, which cleans soft contents by removing tough odors, dirt, and molds in a way that even commercial-grade units cannot. 

Mold can have a devastating effect on your home’s contents. However, professional mold cleaning processes may be able to salvage your treasured possessions, even if you believe they are beyond repair.  

Let us try to help you with this problem, call SERVPRO of South Albany County at (518) 456-1111.

10 Things You Should be Doing to Prevent Mold

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless if you’re a new homeowner or if you’ve been in the same home for forty years, it’s absolutely vital to make sure you take the proper precautions to fight off and prevent mold and mildew in your home or office. Mold is basically tiny fungi that grow in branch-like filaments called hyphae. While some mold and mildew can be scrubbed away with the right cleaning products, other types of mold can do severe damage to the structure of your home and it can be very expensive to repair. Not only is mold horrible for your home, but it can be dangerous. Unfortunately, certain kinds of toxic mold are undetectable by the naked eye. That’s why it’s so important to follow these guidelines to make sure that you’re protecting your home from the potential risks of mold and mildew.

1. Be Aware of Air Flow

When trying to prevent mold, take note of the arrangement of furniture and other items in your home. You want to make sure you have a proper airflow throughout the house. When moisture gets trapped, you’re increasing your chances of mold. Always be aware of odd smells or odors in the home that may represent mold or mildew. Any kind of musty smells will most likely be a sign of mold growth.

2. Know Your Moisture Levels

Most people don’t really know how much moisture they have floating around their home, but it’s important to keep an eye on these levels, especially in basements. Basements should always be below 50% humidity to prevent mold. If you’re worried about how much humidity is in your home, you can purchase a hygrometer. A lot of the new thermometers for central air and heat in more modern homes will include a humidity level setting on the monitor.

3. Check All Storage

When moving into a new home, it’s easy to toss unwanted cardboard boxes and bins into the garage and then forget they were ever there. If it’s been a while since you’ve explored through the storage in your garage, basement or attic, you may want to give it a good check. Cardboard boxes in low ventilated areas are a breeding ground for mold. You also want to stay away from keeping your items in cardboard boxes or on wooden shelves.

4. Keep Moisture Rich Areas Clean

To prevent mold it’s important to consistently clean areas of the house that are exposed to moisture often, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Routinely remove all of the items on your counter-tops and use anti-mold or mildew cleaning products. If water gets trapped in areas for longer than 48-hours, then mold can become apparent.

5. Utilize Exhaust Fans

When showering or cooking, remember to always use your exhaust fans. Some people will only turn exhaust fans on after showering, but this is a big mold prevention no-no. Always be sure to have the fan on during a hot shower, as well as for some time after a shower to make sure that all of the humidity has dissipated.

6. Be Aware of Leaks

It’s important to have your house checked randomly throughout the year for leaks. A leaky pipe that goes unnoticed can create havoc in a household. Something that might be simple to fix one day, can turn into a nightmare if it goes undetected. Have a mold remediation company occasionally check your home for potential leaks to save yourself money in the long run.

7. Remove Carpet in Basements

While some carpets may feel cozy and look great in a basement, they can turn into a fuzzy hotel for fungus. Basements are infamous for holding in moisture and carpets can make these matters much worse. If you’re looking to upgrade your home in the near future, tearing out carpets in the basement not only saves you from potential mold, but it can also increase your property value.

8. Keep Roof and Gutters Clean

With heavy rain, moisture can clog up your gutters and cause cracks in your roof.  It can build up near corners or crevasses in doorways. Keeping your roof and your gutters clean throughout the year can help you to prevent mold in these areas.

9. Use Mold Prevention Based Paints

If you happen to be renovating or moving into a new home, it’s the perfect time to find quality mold inhibiting paints and primers. Ask an expert at your local home improvement store which kind of paints are best for fighting off mold and mildew.

10. Change Out Air Filters

Everyone should always be aware of the air quality in their home. As mentioned above, many of the airborne illnesses that come from mold are very difficult to detect. Changing out air filters or purchasing air purifiers can add an extra layer of protection in your home.

Having the above ten steps on your checklist will help you to prevent mold in your home. If you do suspect there is mold in your home, call SERVPRO of South Albany County to inspect and remove it for you.

Unexpected Mold Locations, Where Does Mold Hide?

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in hidden places within your home.

Think your home is pristine? There is no way mold can be infesting your sanctuary, right? You may need to reevaluate your thinking. Mold may be hiding within your residence. Mold problems can occur anywhere if conditions are ideal for growth, and some portions of your home may be home to mold, as well. You may try to maintain a clean environment, constantly dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, organizing, and doing a thorough cleaning of your property, but you may have missed a spot…or a few. There may be some parts of your home you do not consider, and you are not alone in making this mistake.

Where Does Mold Hide?

Kitchen

The kitchen is a location that may have moisture issues which can contribute to mold growth.

• Check under your sink. A small pipe leak may go unnoticed, letting the moisture and water damage sit untreated. Leaks combined with dark spaces are the perfect environment for mold.
• The sponge dish may have a mold problem. You use your sponge to wash dishes every day, but when you put it back in its dish, moisture may begin to collect and mold begin to form.
• Under your fridge isn’t safe either. Yes, even your refrigerator may have moisture issues. The refrigerator can leak without you knowing. There is a drip pan under your refrigerator that can collect excess water, but if left untreated, mold can form.

Laundry Room

Your washing machine may be a hot spot for mold. Check the door of the washing machine, inside the gasket. Dark, warm, moist areas are ideal for mold growth. Make sure to wipe under the door gasket after each wash to prevent mold growth. Also leave the door open to air-out the washing machine.

Bathroom

Your shower or tub may be hiding mold without your knowledge.

• Check under lids and bottoms of shower products. You may forget to pick these products up and clean underneath. Moisture can become trapped under the lids or under the products and mold can form.
• Bath toys may be fun for kids, but they may also be housing mold. Water may get inside the toys and be unable to get out. This is a difficult location to discover mold. You may need to open up one of the toys to see if mold is growing inside, and if there is mold, replace all of the toys, as there most-likely will be mold within them as well.

Mold does not discriminate and may develop in any property as long as ideal conditions are met. Mold can cause health effects with excess exposure, so it is important to remove any mold you discover. If you suspect mold may be in your property, contact a professional home inspector. A home inspector will be able to conduct mold tests which will be able to identify moldy areas within your home. Once mold is officially discovered, contact a qualified mold remediation company, such as SERVPRO of South Albany County, to remediate the mold and restore your home to the haven you work so hard to maintain.

If you have mold issue please contact SERVPRO of South Albany County at: (518) 456-1111 to arrange for a mold inspection.

Three Facts About Mold Survival in Buildings

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Facts About Mold and How It Survives

If you can't see mildew in the bathroom, is it really a problem? After all, if bathroom mold is out of sight, under the carpet, or tucked into the corners of the window, it's contained; right? Actually, seen or unseen, mold growth indicates an underlying problem and that often involves too much moisture. Take a look at three important facts about mold and how it survives on your property before you contact professionals to make your property mildew clean.

1. Its Purpose Is Decomposition

Although there are many, many types of these encroachers, they all have one goal in common; digest and decompose the organic compounds around them. The good news is that mold is responsible for the decomposition of dead trees, animals, and vegetables. The bad news is that the wood used in your building, the paper on your sheetrock, and the people living or working in your buildings are organic.

2. There Are Hidden Sources of Mold Nutrition All Over Your Buildings

Mold can't survive on all surfaces, but many of the materials used to construct buildings do support it. For example, the cellulose in insulation glues used on carpeting, and the moist, hidden areas under the sink all give bathroom mold a place to live and reproduce. Bare earth floors in crawlspaces and freshly cut firewood emit a lot of moisture. However, if you're able to decrease humidity or limit the amount of moisture in your home, you can prevent much of the spread of mildew.

3. Mold Spores Are Airborne

These tiny specks of spore are hard to filter out of the air. They hang suspended in the air for hours at a time, and they travel easily from one area of a building to another. This means that even if get one part of your building mold and mildew clean, you could still have trouble elsewhere.

Prevention is the best solution to bathroom mold. Keep restrooms clean and dry to prevent further growth. If grout or caulking shows signs of contamination, replace them. Achieving a state of mold and mildew clean properties takes time and effort, and sometimes the involvement of SERVPRO of South Albany County.

Don't let your home become infested with mold, act now!

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

A small leak behind a dishwasher in this Albany home led to some major mold damage

Don't let your home become infested with mold, act now! How often do you move your dishwasher out to inspect behind it for possible water damage? Not to often, right. This photo illustrates what could be larking behind your appliances that had a small leak for a period of time. For most cases when a dishwasher begins to have a leak it will be a slow drip beneath or behind the unit causing the floor to become saturate, rotting or mold to develop. What to do when you discover a leak in your dishwasher that caused possible water damage? 

• Turn off the source of the water
• Turn off the power to the dishwasher
• Contact a plumber 
• Contact your insurance office to assess information about filing a claim or coverage. 
  

Contact SERVPRO of South Albany County 518-456-1111

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Mold Remediation Technicians
• Specialized Mold Remediation Equipment
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated

When Your Water Damage is Gone, Your Mold Problem May Start

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

If a water pipe breaks, and water sits for a long time before the water issue is resolved, the problem is not done just because the water damage is fixed. Even when your water damage is gone, your mold problem may start. Find out what you need to do to address a potential mold issue by working with SERVPRO of South Albany County. 

How likely is it that mold will form after water damage happens?

Mold spores exist in almost every environment and it only takes the right moisture conditions like a water leak for these spores to seep into materials and colonize. That means a mold problem for your home. Mold exists everywhere, indoors and outdoors, but a damp situation like a water leak can accelerate that growth into a mold issue for your home. When that happens, you’ll need mold remediation.

Even if you can’t see it, mold may be present in your home after water damage

Perhaps you were fortunate enough to catch your water issue early, and therefore water didn’t sit for too long. Does that mean mold isn’t an issue?  Possibly, but possibly not. Keeping in mind mold spores are everywhere, it doesn’t take much excessive moisture to become a problem, and often a mold problem is not visible. It could be behind plumbing walls, in carpet padding, or other hidden places. If you smell a musty odor, the chances are that you have a mold problem, but in many cases, mold is growing before you smell anything.

What steps should be taken to address a possible mold issue?

First, the source of the water damage needs to be addressed. If it’s not resolved, there’s a good chance that even if mold is present and is dealt with, it could come back again, which is why mold remediation should be left to professionals such as SERVPRO of South Albany County. They are certified to understand how to assess a situation and if a mold problem is found, address it so that the issue is resolved. Specifically, our mold remediation specialists will:

• Inspect and assess mold damage
• Contain the mold
• Use air filtration for airborne mold spores
• Remove any materials containing mold, including drywall, carpet, etc.
• Clean any salvageable items with mold damage such as draperies, books, etc.
• Restore the premised to pre-mold problem conditions

So SERVPRO can get rid of mold in my house?

Again, mold is everywhere, inside your home and outside your home, so mold cannot be “removed” completely. What it can be is contained or remediated to keep it under control. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of South Albany County has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home.

Work with one company to handle all your damage needs

As you can see, water damage actually requires multiple areas of expertise: fix the cause of the water damage, repair water damaged items, dry out the area, and deal with any mold remediation necessary. Why call multiple companies when you can rely on the experts at SERVPRO?  If your Albany home suffers from water damage, contact us 24/7 at (518) 456-1111to address all issues that you may experience.

When Mold Strikes: Real Estate Edition

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can hinder the process of selling your home. Take action fast and let the professionals at SERVPRO of South Albany County handle it.

Are you looking to list a home or property soon and discovered mold? SERVPRO of South Albany County can help! Mold spores are everywhere, because they are airborne. In fact, there are an uncountable number of mold spores. An Institute of Medicine study found that excessive dampness indoors is a public health problem by encouraging the growth of molds, dust mites and other organisms. This makes sense since mold needs three things to survive:

• Moisture
• Heat
• Food Source

Therefore, if you find mold in your home it is important to call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Albany County to remove it properly. Simply spraying bleach on the mold and scrubbing it will not work. Our technicians are certified and trained to come in and remove the moisture from the air, clean the mold off the surface with the appropriate cleaning agent and remove the mold spores from the air. Thus, preventing any future mold growth.

Prior to listing a home or property, SERVPRO of South Albany County recommends the following steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for moisture buildup or mold growth:

• Correct any water leaks and remove any standing water. This includes water under cooking coils or air handling units.
• Ensure a ventilation system is installed and working properly.
• Ensure exhaust fans are operating properly.
• Run a dehumidifier if moisture lingers.

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Microscopic mold spores naturally occur in our environment, 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.

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 the mold infestation immediately.

Mold Prevention Knows No Season

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Maintaining a healthy indoor environment in a commercial facility is a year-round endeavor. While it is true that every building has some mold spores present, unhealthy levels can quickly arise under the right circumstances – usually within 24-48 hours when excess moisture is present.

Periodic inspection and proper maintenance of building envelope, plumbing system and the HVAC system to detect potential problems in advance and to prevent moisture from entering the facility is very important. This is especially true during the fall and winter months when the weather puts extra pressure on these systems and most indoor environments are primed for mild growth (i.e., warmer temperature settings, less air flow to help keep humidity levels under control, etc.) Even in buildings where maintaining a warm indoor environment is a non-issue, indoor air quality can still be impacted by mold species that thrive in cooler conditions.

SERVPRO of South Albany County is equipped with the proper equipment to help identify indoor air quality issues, including improper humidity levels, contaminated ductwork systems and moisture that may have accumulated behind walls or under flooring due to an undetected roof or plumbing leak.

Call us for helpful information on how to prevent indoor air quality issues as part of your Emergency Response Profile development.

Preventing Mold In Your Bathroom

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fighting mold in your bathroom? That’s because showers, sinks, bathtubs and toilets are each high producers of lingering moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow in.

The good news is, there are preventative measures you can take to help combat mold growth in these areas, and stop it from spreading to the rest of your home:

1. Make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated. Ventilation is key in regulating the amount of moisture in the air and keeps it from settling on surfaces where mold can grow. If you have a fan, make sure it is on or a window is open while you are showering so the steam can be directed away from the rest of the room.
2. Once you finish taking a bath or shower, allow your bathroom fan to run for at least 30 minutes longer. This will give the air time to circulate.
3. Mildew-resistant materials to the rescue! If you have a shower curtain or window curtains in your bathroom, make sure they are mildew resistant so mold can’t grow on them.
4. Wipe down your shower often. Wiping down your shower after using it removes any lingering moisture that otherwise would have no place to go.
5. Wash your shower curtain. Many people forget this one, but you should always wash your shower curtain at least once a month! Not only will it keep your bathroom looking fresh and clean, it will help remove any mold spores that could potentially grow and wreak havoc on the material.
6. NEVER leave damp laundry on the floor. Or any laundry for that matter. When damp laundry is left on the floor, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. It also can ruin your clothes!
7. Repair any water leaks. If any drains, faucets, or pipes are leaking water, it creates a constant source of moisture for mold to live on and grow from. Fix leaks immediately to reduce the chances of mold.

If you find mold, or suspect you may have mold in your home, give SERVPRO of South Albany County a call and we will come inspect it for you. (518)456-1111

3 Early Signs of Mold Growth

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that mold is one of the most hazardous forms of damage that can happen to your home. It infiltrates homes easily, grows rapidly, and can cause health effects. If you’re worried about finding mold in your home, be on alert and look for these three signs that could indicate early stages of mold growth:

1. The first indicator of the presence of mold are water spots. Any surfaces dampened by water create the perfect environment for mold to flourish. Water spots that begin appearing on your walls, ceiling, or floors should be a major red flag. Wherever you see water spots, try finding the source of the moisture causing them and get it taken care of as soon as possible.

We recommend hiring remediation professionals like our team here at SERVPRO of South Albany County to help fix the problem as well as take preventive measures to keep it from happening again.

2. The second sign to look for is discoloration. If you find spots of discoloration on surfaces of your home, it could mean fungus is growing. If there is a green or black tint to it, mold is even more likely

3. Third, mold can cause a bad smell. Depending on the type of mold and how fast it is growing, the aroma could be strong or faint, and can smell pungent, musty, or earthy. If you experience any of those smells coming from your home, it needs to be inspected.

It’s important to take action immediately in removing mold in order to stop the infestation and prevent future spreading. If you have mold in your home, call us today for our remediation services.

What is Mold?

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Excessive moisture can lead to mold problems.

Mold is a fungus that reproduces by spreading tiny spores everywhere. Each and every day, there are millions upon millions of mold spores just drifting through the air, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, molds plays a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matters, such as leaves and dead trees, but indoors mold growth should be avoided. Mold may begin to grow indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. Although there are many different types of mold, none of them can grow without water or moisture.

Remember mold is everywhere and has been around a long time, so living with mold is a natural process. It's only when mold levels grow beyond the normal levels that they can cause problems. So, knowing the basics about mold can help you and your family.

Mold Basic:

• The key to mold control is moisture control

• If mold is a problem in your home, you should have the mold cleaned promptly and properly and have the water problem repaired

• It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth

If you have visible mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of South Albany County today at 518-456-1111. Our technicians are friendly, well-trained, and knowledgeable to determine the problem and course of action remediate the problem.

The Causes of Mold In Your Home

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

If the cause of mold growth is not determined in your home, it will return after remediation.

When customers call us wanting to get rid of the mold in their home, we often ask them what caused the mold to be there. This is an important question, because if the cause of the mold growth is not fixed, then mold will return after the mold remediation is completed.

There are many different reasons that could cause mold to grow. By failing to get to the root of the problem, mold will most definitely come back.

There are many different types of mold. Mold is essentially all around us. It is indoors, outdoors, settled on materials and in the air. Mold can transfer from place to place by spores wafting around in the air or being transferred via clothing or other items. Mold growth thrives in moist damp areas.

In order to stop mold growth in your home, it is important to follow these recommendations:

• Keep doors and windows closed during times when the mold count outside is high.
• Make sure your windows, doors and roofs are not allowing moisture into the home. These are places in the home that often allow water into the home causing mold problems.
• Make sure your basement is properly sealed and ground water is not settling inside of your home.
• Ensure that your home is exhausting and ventilated appropriately. Often people find that their bathroom exhaust fan is not ventilating properly and the moisture is getting stuck in the attic space causing mold to grow. Likewise, a dryer vent may be exhausting into a crawl space rather than all the way to an outside area.
• Check your pipes and drains to ensure that water is not leaking from these areas.

If you have an area of your home that gets a lot of moisture that cannot be fixed correctly or may be too costly, consider putting a dehumidifier in that area to draw extra moisture out of the air. You may want to consult with someone with knowledge about different types of dehumidifiers do see what kind would best work in the space you are drying to dehumidify.

If you should have more questions on this topic, please feel free to call our office at (518) 456-1111 and ask to speak to someone who can further assist you. We would be happy to help!

Getting Rid of Mold Behind Wallpaper

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Usually people who have mold behind wallpaper may not suspect that it is there. The most common place for mold to grow is behind the wallpaper that is in bathroom. As you can imagine, this is where there is a lot of moisture present from daily showering, etc. Therefore, it is a breeding ground for mold because the glue also attracts organic materials, such as dust, which is the favorite food combination for mold.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inexperienced people who have attempted to remove mold from behind wallpaper usually exacerbate the problem by releasing a “massive” number of spores when the wallpaper is taken down. They also state that just by killing mold, and not getting rid of it, it can still cause serious health problems to some people. Therefore, when dealing with mold behind wallpaper, what you should know is that it is best to contact an expert mold remediation company, SERVPRO of South Albany County. This will ensure that the problem will be effectively resolved and will provide a safe environment for you and your family.

Why You Need to Stay Ahead of Mold

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a flood in your home mold can start to develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Your going to want to start to be activewith the clean up as soon as possible. SERVPRO of South Albany County is available 24 hours a day, everyday of the year.

Here are some things you can start to do before SERVPRO arrives:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

SERVPRO uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly and properly dry out your home or business.

Let us help you stay ahead of the mold if possible but rest assure if the mold follows the water damage SERVPRO can handle it. We are here for any type of problem.

How to Handle Mold Problems

12/20/2018 (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.

Mold Facts You Should Know

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. In humid climates, mold can easily take root in areas that have moisture problems. In building with Water Damage, mold will most likely be present unless the area has been promptly dried and ventilated. If the water problem is not treated however, the mold cannot be eradicated. Water Damage is necessary to prevent the allergic reactions, odors, and damage that the spores cause.

Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

When Mold Removal and Water Damage arise, contact us! SERVPRO is certified company specializing in Mold Removal and Water Damage. Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

Mold has the potential to cause health effects and can spread through your property in as little as 48 hours. SERVPRO understands mold and mold growth and has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Protect your health; call us if you are facing a mold problem.

You know SERVPRO as a leader in Water Damage, but our expertise can also make it “Like it never even happened."

3 Steps for Preparing for Mold Remediation

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Take the following steps when preparing for mold remediation. Many businesses have built these steps into their maintenance protocols to avoid costly repairs in the future.

1. Learn how moisture gets into your buildings. Before you call a mold removal professional, you can begin resolving this problem by finding the source of moisture. This often requires visually inspecting your entire property. If mold has spread throughout your building, the source of the problem may be pretty far from the initial source of moisture. Professionals will also want to inspect the source of trouble to prevent future mold growth.

2. Make a record of the problem. Insurance companies in Cookeville, TN, often require proof of mold before agreeing to pay for remediation. Your written records and photos of the area could also be used by professionals when they plan their remediation efforts. Your records may also be used to determine the extent of the problem. 

3. Plan for three to seven days of remediation work. The mold removal process typically includes the same steps:

• Resolving the water problem 
• Isolating areas of mold contamination
• Misting contaminated areas to control dust
• Removing and disposing of damaged materials
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying infected areas
• Replacing removed materials

These steps can effectively address mold issues. After the area has been cleared by professionals, you can safely begin using that part of your property again.

What is Mold?

3/24/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes down to it, not many people actually understand what mold is. So what is mold?  Well, in this blog we are going to discuss just that.

What is Mold:

The word “mold” refers to a group of fungi that are very common on food or wet surfaces. This fungi will include the green mold that produces penicillin as well as the mold that you will commonly see on fruit, bread, or cheese as it spoils. Most molds you will find growing on damp building materials are actually found in soil and is adapted to grow on a wide variety of materials. In the outdoors mold will grow in soil, on plants, and on decaying matter. There are thousands of different types of this fungi we refer to as mold. These types will range from different moisture conditions as well as a vast array of different colors. Many times (but not always) there is a very musty odor that can be associated with the presence of mold. Live spores will act like seeds in spreading and forming new mold growths that we refer to as colonies under the right conditions. We are all exposed to a variety of fungal spores on a daily basis both indoors and outdoors. So how does this fungi we call mold find its way into our homes and buildings? Let’s discuss.

How mold enters a structure:

We now understand that mold and fungal spores naturally occur outdoors. Indoors, however, mold will require moisture in order to grow. This will commonly occur from water damage in your home or building. Water damage may appear in your home due to flooding, roof leaks, storm-driven rain, pipe leaks, damp basements, or condensation on cold surfaces. Fortunately, there are several ways in which to prevent mold growth which you can read about in our next blog!

Where to Test for Black Mold

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Black mold is one of the worst fears you might have as a homeowner. Toxic black mold grows in common household features such as carpet, drywall, insulation, and sub-flooring. It grows when these household materials have been in contact with moisture. As it grows, it releases spores into the air. 

Where to Test for Black Mold

Testing for mold is essential, and you should have a dwelling inspected for black mold before you buy it or sign a lease. If you suspect there may be black mold in your home, or you have never had your home tested, contact SERVPRO of South Albany County for professional mold remediation services in the area. While many aspects of home-ownership can be handled in a D.I.Y. fashion, black mold is not something to be messed around with.

Carpet

Black mold loves to live on the carpet. Dust collects in carpet fibers and those same fibers trap the humidity and dampness that enables mold to grow. Carpets in below-ground levels are especially susceptible to mold as there is more humidity there.

Carpet mold is often not visible from the surface, except in severe cases, which makes testing for it necessary even if you don't see any evidence.

Air Conditioning and Heating Vents

Air conditioning and heating vents actually create ideal conditions for black mold to grow. Dual-purpose vents that both heat and cool your house raise that risk as they are in constant use.

When you have mold in your air vents, those spores are being circulated throughout your home. The sooner you can perform mold remediation procedures, the better. SERVPRO of South Albany County has a 24-hour mold emergency service hotline to quickly begin the process of cleaning your air vents.

Drywall

Mold is unfortunately common in drywall, as it traps humidity. This is especially common as the seasons change from winter into spring. Because of the nature of it, mold in drywall is rarely visible except in severe cases. For this reason, it's imperative to have a potential home be tested for mold in the walls before you sign a lease or put down a deposit.

How to Remove Mold for Good

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a serious problem. For some Albany County homeowners, it can cause problems for the foundation of their home and even trigger health issues. At SERVPRO, we know how dangerous it is. Many of our clients want to know how to prevent mold from coming into their home and prevent it from coming back. Many homeowners are delighted to learn there are easy steps they can take that will help with mold remediation. Such steps can help make sure the mold stays away from all areas of your home.

Moisture and Humidity

This problem is frequently caused by too much moisture and humidity in the home. Water encourages the growth of spores. If the initial treatment did not stop the problem, it's a good idea to think about where water in the home originates. We do our best to examine each area to make sure there is no problem with water. However, sometimes things can be missed. Water may be coming from other areas of the home as a result of a new problem. In that case, steps need to be taken to remove the moisture again.

Ventilation

Clean, fresh air can help get rid of mold. New mold remediation efforts may focus on bringing cleaner air into the home. It's a good idea to think about air circulation. If the air is stagnant, the problem can recur. Items like a ventilation system in each bathroom can help. Ventilation systems help remove water vapor and improve air circulation in your home. They're easy to install and can be turned on after a quick shower to remove the moisture in the air.

Periodic Cleaning

In addition to a ventilation system and a complete inspection of the property, it also helps to clean as often as possible. Cleaning helps with mold remediation efforts by keeping humidity and moisture at bay. Spills should be mopped up quickly. Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that kills most mold species instantly. Distilled vinegar can be poured into a spray bottle and used to clean the walls each month. This will help kill any new spore growths. Wipe it down after cleaning to keep moisture out of your home.

Benefits of Mold Remediation

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Excess moisture in your home, whether from a flood, leaky pipe, or  high humidity, can lead to mold growth. Once mold grows, it requires a company such as SERVPRO of South Albany County to safely and completely remove mold and mold spores and prevent its return.

Due to heavy rains and high humidity, Albany County homes are at risk for excess interior moisture. This leads to the growth of mold and mildew in the home. Basements, attics, and crawl spaces are especially susceptible to mold, though it can occur in any area where there is dampness or moisture. Mold remediation ensures that mold is safely and completely removed from an area while also preventing further growth. 

Remediation is a multi-step process that requires a certified and licensed professional such as SERVPRO of South Albany County. It is not safe to attempt as a do-it-yourself task. We can test the areas to see where mold spores are located and what kind of mold is growing to best combat the problem. Once that is determined, technicians seal off the area with heavy-duty sheeting and duct tape to prevent mold from escaping. Then, we remove all objects that can not be clean, such as porous items like drywall that has mold grown all the way through.

After sealing and removing items from the home, work can begin. Technicians use air filtration and professional-grade cleaning agents to start the process. We scrub and clean the area off of non-porous items such as wood and tile. The detergents used are effective and environmentally-friendly and safe for homes and businesses. Once clean, technicians dry the area using fans and dehumidifiers. We also search for the cause of the mold growth if not already treated. 

Mold remediation will ensure your Albany County home is safe and healthy for you and your family. If your home has had water damage, whether minor or major, or there are damp or humid areas, it is a good idea to call a professional company to test and see if remediation is required. Call us to set up an appointment today!

The Top 3 Warning Signs for Mold

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Nothing sends shivers through a homeowner's spine like mentioning the word "mold." Not only can it cause damage to your home and make it hard to sell, it also can be a health hazard to you and your family. Here are three warning signs of this insidious fungus that you don't want to ignore:

1) Water spots

Any wet spot in your South Albany County home can be a potential sign of fungus growth. This can include water spots on your ceilings or walls, or on floors in your basement or crawlspace. If you find evidence of water spots, you need to find the potential moisture source and get it taken care of promptly. Using a highly-recommended remediation company like SERVPRO of South Albany County is the best option.

2) Discoloration

If you find a spot on a wall or floor that's discolored, it is a potential sign of mold. Discoloration that is green or black is a definite warning sign of fungus growth. However, any discoloration can mean growth is present, even if it isn't of the tell-tale colors.

3) Bad smell

If you have fungus growth in your home, it can cause a bad smell. Depending on the type of growth and how much of it you have, you could have a very strong smell or one that is faint. It can smell musty or earthy, or it can produce a smell that is more pungent. Any bad smell needs to be investigated.

Mold can be harmful and is not something to be ignored. If you experience any of these warning signs, call SERVPRO of South Albany County to investigate. Our staff receives extensive training on how to effectively deal with mold infestations. We also have the equipment and start of the art techniques to carry out remediation tasks and keep your home safe and clean.

7 Causes of Mold in Homes

12/3/2017 (Permalink)

Have you been seeing mold in your home more often?

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness.

7 Causes of Mold in Homes:

Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause mold in homes:

• Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.
• Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.
• Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.
• Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.
• Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.
• Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.
• Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult. For professional mold removal, as well as fire and water restoration services, contact the professional experts at SERVPRO today.