Managing and Limiting Residential Bathroom Mold Issues

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Every home has some “hot spots” where mold spores are more likely to find the moisture and temperatures needed to grow. Bathrooms provide an optimum environment for mold development. Homeowners need education on the risk
factors contributing to microbial growth and familiarity with practical pointers that can minimize the threat of mold problems in their particular circumstances.

Mold problems are common in bathrooms. Oxygen and moisture are the two requirements for mold spores to develop into mold colonies, with an organic food source necessary for the mold to multiply. Mold spores and oxygen are a
constant presence in the average home. Many opportunities exist within residential bathroom spaces for mold spores to find and absorb water. Organic food sources include soap scum and sloughed off skin cells, often found coating
the porcelain and tiles in bathrooms.
Common sources where water gathers in bathrooms include shower enclosures, bathtubs, and sinks. Accidental overflows or spray that gets past a shower curtain or door can collect in a corner or a crevice or grout line on the floor. The steam from hot water can condense on colder surfaces like windows or tiles. If the water is not cleaned up and completely dried out within the first 24 to 48 hours, spores begin growing.
Barely noticeable but capable of depositing moisture in vulnerable spots, minor plumbing leaks also can create the conditions for significant mold damage in a bathroom. Vanities and cabinets hide the moisture, but the mold spores
are opportunistic and find the dampness and grow.

Homeowners can make a significant difference and minimize mold growth wit just a few simple responses.

-Install and use exhaust fans at least 30 minutes after baths and showers to reduce the humidity levels in the rooms, or open a window to ensure the damp air exits the space.

-Wipe down tiles and enclosures, removing all moisture at least daily.

-Choose shower and window curtains and other accessories manufactured from mildew and mold resistant materials.
-Replace towels and mats if damp and wash and dry before their next use.

-Carefully inspect plumbing, both pipes, and
connections, to find leaks.

-Immediately arrange for repair of any problem areas.
Do-it-yourself attempts to remove mold pose challenges include the potential spread of moldy materials or incomplete abatement tied to the use of inadequate cleaning and antimicrobial products. Although not all mold infestations link
to health problems, susceptible individuals may suffer health effects to the spores or mold growth byproducts. If despite your best efforts mold finds its way into one or more of your bathrooms it is a smart move to contact a professional mold remediation company for assistance. Technicians trained to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning,
and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards use proven strategies to contain and remove mold without compromising safety inside your home.

You Will Never See What Is Lurking In Your Ducts

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest  culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the Ductwork should be the high priority . In the most cases the HVAC systems has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and containment such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

Inspecting the heating , ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) is a service offered. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you many.

But keep in mind Duct Cleaning may not always be necessary. Always have your HVAC inspected so your technician or inspector can make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. 

In certain circumstance, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning may become an essential part of the clean up process. In these cases, professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

-Remediate bacteria, fungi, and mold

-Reduce potential for mold growth

-Restore peak energy efficaincy

-Eliminate offensive odors

-Provide free written inspections and estimates

The Science Behind Mold Damage

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

The Science Behind Mold Damage

Mold, mildew, fungus is a universal problem that affects the well-being of people exposed to the spores. There are many species of mold, however, the most toxic is the black mold. This type of mold feeds on the host surface while releasing spores. These spores can attach on wet surfaces, carpets, clothing or any surface exposed to moisture. Mold, mildew and fungus can easily grow into colonies which pose a health concern to occupants in the house or the business.

Mold in home or business should not be ignored. If you are dealing with black mold and other forms of mold damage, it is wise to bring in commercial mold damage companies. Apart from causing a smelly odor. Mold damage can cause symptoms such as allergic reactions, irritation, asthma attacks and infections. It is therefore evident that mold removal and remediation needs to be done immediately. Mold mitigation services need to be sought once the mold is spotted. While a smelly odor can help detect the presence of mold, most of these spores are not visible. This is why mold inspection by commercial mold damage companies need to be done on a regular basis.

The presence of black mold is often triggered by a respiratory response. This can be evidenced in a child or a pet. Once these signs are detected, mold mitigation measures need to be sought. Prompt action can prevent further spread of the spores. The first measure in the remediation of the mold in home or mold in business is to contain the mold and keep it from spreading.

Another sign of mold, mildew or fungus is black patches. These are often seen in bathrooms and basements. Mold in home and mold in business can also be seen on the window sills, shady areas and humid places. It is wise to take action before the mold escalates. Mold, mildew and fungus replicate easily and the situation can get out of hand. Timely mitigation is the best strategy to address the mold situation.

Any signs of mold in home or mold in business should be addressed by a licensed and qualified company. This industry is not well regulated, as such it is very easy to find rogue contractors who perform substandard mold removal services. You need to find a reputable and established commercial mold damage company. These professionals will have the right equipment. The mold remediation services should include a plan to deal with the moisture problem. Experts in this business will also offer deodorization services.

Professional mold damage companies also carry state of the art equipment. They also use moisture meters to detect the mold infested areas. Mold, mitigation, remediation and removal should only be done after thorough inspection. Commercial mold damage companies also give advice to their clients on preventative measures to avoid mold re-occurrence.

Commercial mold damage remediation is not complete without deodorization. Deodorization takes care of the smelly odor from fungus, mold and mildew. The musty smell can easily permeate and spread to other properties. Once the mold removal has been completed, the smell odor may linger but it will fade away after several days. A professional mold damage removal company will include deodorization in the services.

The major benefit of seeking mold removal services early is that you save costly repairs in future. If the mold damage is extensive, expensive repairs are needed to deal with the damaged items. Extensive deodorization is also needed to deal with the smelly odor. To restore the indoor air quality, mold removal is paired with deodorization.

Scientists have done research to prove that there are over 1000 species of mold which can breed in a home setting. The reason why you should be concerned about the mold situation in the home is that on average, most people spend over 50% of their time locked indoors. Mold in home needs to be dealt with professionally through commercial mold damage services.
Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on mold damage.

Important Mold Removal and Remediation Strategies

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Important Mold Removal and Remediation Strategies

Mold can grow into a colony within 48 hours from the time its spore comes in contact with a damp surface leading to mold damage if not contained early. This explains why mold is found in most home structures that provide a prime environment for it to develop. These include utility rooms, laundry equipment, kitchen area, basements, and bathrooms. Therefore, property owners should take proactive mitigation steps to limit mold growth.

Spotting Mold Damage

Every fungus; including mold and mildew, develops and spreads when its spore reaches a surface that has enough moisture, favorable temperature, and a food source such as wood moldings, ceiling tiles, sheathing, and carpet. Whether mold is found in a commercial or home structure, removal and remediation after mold damage can be costly. However, the owner can begin the restoration process early by spotting signs of mold in home before domestic or commercial mold damage occurs.

The earlier the property owner investigates the damage signs, the better the possibility of early mitigation. These signs include the following:
• Observable mold and mildew growth
• Smelly odor
• Areas of stagnant water or condensation on the window sills, walls, or floors
• Water stains on the ceilings, outer walls, or internally facing walls
When a Mold Removal and Mitigation Professional is Required
The home or commercial owner can prefer to use a mold removal and remediation company for safe mitigation. An expert from the company will begin by identifying the source of water leakage then stopping where necessary. He will also measure the extent of the mold growth to make sure that the mold in home is completely mitigated.

The expert will then take the samples when dealing with home or commercial mold damage. They may also test the quality of air to help in deodorization process. They will then send the samples to an approved laboratory that will provide a report stating the genre of fungus or mold present for the right deodorization . The report is important for the following reasons:
• It helps the mold removal expert in determining the extent of commercial or home damage. This is because some types of molds pose more risks that may need extra safety measures to secure the residents.
• It helps in determining the cheapest mold removal and alleviation process.
• It also helps healthcare professionals to know whether there are health concerns related to the mold or mildew infestation.

The next step will be creating a removal and alleviation plan of work for handling home or commercial mold damage. This is vital for addressing the cause of fungus on mold damage and determining all safety procedures necessary when removing mold in home.

The mold control experts will then work on the affected areas and create the right air pressure for frequent monitoring to eliminate mold spread to other home or commercial areas. They will also remove the mold or mildew and dispose of damaged materials. However, non-porous materials can be thoroughly cleaned before deodorization for reuse. The professionals on remediation should seal the moldy and damaged materials before removing them from the containment to avoid cross infection.

Elimination of smelly odors from the place will be done using carbon filters during the removal and remediation process. Air cleaners and specialized treatments may also be needed to ensure that the smelly odor will not recur. When all is done, an expert is required to carry out post-remediation verification to ensure that the home or commercial mold damage restored and is suitable for occupancy. This will include the use of specialized equipment to sample the air and surface during the clearance investigation process.

They say prevention is better than cure. Therefore, proper precautionary measures should be taken to prevent any fungus from infesting a home or commercial property. These include fixing foundation cracks that could bring mold in home, properly organizing stored items, having proper ventilation, and using treatments that can absorb moisture in damp places. Through deodorization after mold removal, smelly odor will be gone for good. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on mold removal.

Understanding Mold, Mildew, and Microbial Growth

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold, Mildew, and Microbial Growth

Most homes and businesses are exposed to bacteria and fungus growth, such as mold, mildew and other microbial growth. These growths can be harmful as they destroy building materials, cause a bad odor, discolor leather and fabrics, as well as cause fabrics to rot. They can also cause adverse health problems. It is, therefore, necessary to be equipped with the right knowledge of developing mitigation strategies for getting rid of mold when it occurs. The services of an environmental hygienist come in handy during the process of conducting an effective mold cleanup and treatment.

Characteristics

Mold is a plant that belongs to fungus group. When exposed to some levels of temperature and moisture or dampness, they cause mildew. Mildew manifests itself in the form of a thin black or white discoloration. They grow on practically anything they can get the required nutrients, such as fabrics, wood, and paper among other places. The growth thrives in humid weathers mostly in closed houses. Microbial growth is the growth of harmful bacteria. They commonly grow in areas that are often wet in the house, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry areas. They manifest in the form of water spots on walls and ceilings, cracked paints, and a yellow discoloration. Though they display almost similar characteristics, the presence of microbial growth does not denote that it is mildew. After conducting mold cleanup, you should have your home inspected by an environmental hygienist.

Mitigation

Bacteria and fungus that bring about mildew causing microbial growths are found anywhere. Therefore, preventing them from entering the house can be a difficult task. Materials used for building such as wood and papers provide the necessary conditions for the growth. The oxygen they require is freely available in the air. These growths cannot occur in the absence of moisture. In addition to mold cleanup, controlling moisture in homes is another important mitigation strategy for these growths. The following measures can be taken to keep the homes dry.

1. Control moisture levels in the air

You can control moisture by using exhaust fans in the areas where moisture is mostly formed like the bathrooms and kitchens. Ensure also that the air coming from the clothes dryer is directed to the outside.

2. Do not use a humidifier unless necessary

Using a humidifier can increase the level of humidity in the house, which can provide an appropriate environment for these growths. Use the hygrometer to measure the humidity level before using the humidifier. Also, ensure that the relative humidity doesn’t rise above 35 percent when using a humidifier.


3. Be on the lookout for leaks

Sometimes windows, roofs, and plumbing pipes leak and cause dampness and wet spots, which cause these unwanted growths in a very short time. It is important to note these leaks on time for repair. A proficient environmental hygienist will look for signs of leaks when inspecting a home for fungus growth.


Treatment

In case a home is infested by fungus growth, appropriate mitigation measures should be adopted to keep the homes clean. First, determine the extent of the mold growth. If it has affected a small area, you can use detergents to carry out a thorough mold cleanup. If the microbial growth has affected an extensive area, enlisting the help of a qualified environmental hygienist is important. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Mold Removal in Your Concord, NC Home or Business

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Containment in Concord, NC

Mold Removal in Your Concord, NC Home

Mild, mildew and microbial growth in the house is a terrible thing to find, and anyone who has confronted it must take steps to bring the home back to proper condition. This article explains what to do when a home in Concord NC, Midland NC and other arras of the state is hit with a major growth. The home will not be as healthy, and it will cause problems for people who are attempting to live their live comfortably.

#1: How Is The Mold Found?

Anyone may find a microbial growth or mildew in their home, and they must not approach it or attempt to fix it on their own. They do not have the tools or equipment to deal with a fungus of any type, and the environmental hygienist must be brought to the house as soon as possible to ensure the problem has been addressed.

#2: What Is The Process For Cleaning Up The House?

The environmental hygienist will inspect the house from stem to stern, and they will learn where the source of the problem is. They will make adjustments for the North Carolina weather, and they will find it simple to use the equipment they have brought to the site to remove anything they find. There are quite a few people who will notice growths that they could not have imagined, and they may be baffled about how they got that way. There are things that may be done to remove them, and the work will begin in earnest.

#3: Removing Everything

Removing everything from the house is quite important, and the hygienist will come in with a team of people who will use their devices to scrub the house of everything that may be dangerous. They know how to check for a fungus or mildew, and they will find items that appear to be harmful. They will continue to use their tools and techniques to clean the house, and they will ensure they have cleaned up everything properly before they move on. They will find it simple to clean the house to a point where they may begin to pull back.

#4: Testing Air Quality

Testing air quality is an important part of closing down the house. The air in the house must be checked to ensure it is healthy, and there are many people who are searching for ways to ensure they do not smell the must that has been passed through the house. A house that seems to be in poor condition will begin to feel unhealthy when the air is not clean. The hygienist will continue to clean until they are certain the air is clean, and they will climb into the air ducts if they need.

#5: How Long Does Work Last?

The team of professional who work on the house will offer a number of services that ensure the homeowner is safe. Homeowners cannot be healthy if they have not cleaned their homes properly, and they may call for help in the Concord NC, Midland NC and other North Carolina locations. Mold that is found in the home is removed using their basic processes, and they will let the homeowner know how long they believe it will take to complete the job.

Weather in the area is a factor that may cause problems for the homeowner, and they may need extra time to get everything cleaned. The work crew will let the homeowner know they have time left on the job, and they will inform the homeowner when new patches of fungi or growths have been found. They will work diligently until the job is done, and they will ensure they have spent an adequate amount of time repairing.

#6: The Home Is Certified Repaired

The home is certified repaired by the people on the work crew, and they will leave a receipt of the work with the homeowner. The homeowner will offer quite a lot of information ensures their home has been repaired properly, and they may call the company back when needed. Each step in the process will leave the house cleaner, and the homeowner will notice the difference when they breathe in.

There are quite a few people who need to have their homes repaired before they live another day with the growths that they have found, and they may call the hygienist for help. The crew will arrive ready to clean out the house completely, and they will help the homeowner understand what happened when the fungi invaded. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on mold removal.

Mold in Your North Carolina Home?

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage to home.

Mold in Your North Carolina Home?

Several different types of tasks will need to be done if a homeowner is to find themselves in an unfortunate and unexpected scenario of finding mold growing in their home. Fungus is something that is never wanted in the premises of any property. If one is to find any of these forms of bacteria within the interior or exterior premises of their home, then they should contact a mildew removal professional as soon as possible.

Microbial growth is often found in places where one may least expect it. An environmental hygienist may be able to assist you with not only detecting areas that may be prone to microbial growth, but also of removing them is they do indeed exist. More often than not, an environmental hygienist is able to find fungus in areas where they will be showing you they are most prone to develop without giving off any types of signs for one to be aware of their existence. Although the mold may go unnoticed unless one knows where to look and where their opportunities of growth are, it is highly important for residents of households to know that such instances are extremely harmful to their health. A mildew removal specialist of Midland NC will be able to assist you in having them removed.

Concord, NC is perhaps an area that is known for having homes that have mildew growing in them. In North Carolina, if you are experiencing bacteria growth and/or damages, then please do not hesitate to contact your local restoration and cleaning expert. Concord, NC professionals are always standing by to receive your phone call and help you with setting up an appointment. Midland NC professionals are well aware of the importance of ensuring home and business owners are given adequate amounts of services for full and absolute extents of restoration. North Carolina has some of the best experts available for assisting you in achieving optimal qualities of home amenities and appliances by removing the mold and fungus that exists within or on them. Cracks and crevices are some of the best spots for unwanted bacteria to grow in. It is going to be necessary for you to ensure that you contact a professional immediately to assist you with restoration efforts. The cracks and crevices the bacteria often exist in are not only difficult to find, but they are also difficult to reach in to remove and clean as bacteria can require strong efforts of scrubbing and wiping. They also often require sprays for removal, which an environmental hygienist can provide. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are taking necessary steps towards securing the value of your property, both its appraisal value, and the value it offers in pertinence to quality of living or working in. No one will want to visit a home or business property that has bacteria lingering around within its premises. It is bad for business when it comes to business and bad for visitation when it comes to home gatherings. Be sure to contact a professional who is reputed well in the community so that you can achieve a higher quality of living and working.

Some of the best bacteria removal companies are not only aware of where to find instances of bacteria within their properties, but they also possess some of the best types of sprays and sanitation chemicals to ensure that both present and future conditions are properly tended to. Oftentimes, when bacteria is removed from a property, one may not be aware of it, but they tend to come back after some time. This is usually due to the chemicals that were utilized in the cleanup processes not being strong enough. The Property hygienists possess some of the strongest chemicals to assure their clients that the different forms of bacteria will be eliminated completely. After acquiring their cleanup services, it is recommended for home or business owners to ensure that they are proceeding with efforts of keeping their properties clean and maintained on a regular basis as it helps with keeping new forms of bacteria from developing and spreading in living and work areas. Living in an immaculate work and/or living space is something that should be considered to be a priority for all everyone. If an individual is to place importance on these necessities in their life, then they will find that there are a myriad of benefits for them to reap and take advantage of. Perhaps one aspect of clean living that is often overlooked, yet, extremely important is optimal levels of health!

Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com if you suspect mold in your home or business.

Air Quality Awareness Week

4/24/2015 (Permalink)

April 30-May 4 is Air Quality Week. Take the time this week to learn the causes of poor air quality and what you can do to help make our air cleaner. The goal is to increase air quality awareness and inspire people to takes steps, no matter how large or small, to reduce the poor air pollution. You are never to young and never to old to learn how to do your part. Innovative ideas is what sets us apart. Think green and go outside to smell the fresh air.  Visit the U.S Environmental Protection Agency website at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/airaware/ for more information.