Molds Love Water and Moisture, But Hate When SERVPRO Remediates the Damage in Seaford Homes

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Moisture from Leaks Leads to Mold Damage in Seaford Properties

Seaford's Mold Remediation Technicians Talk About Common Causes of Fungal Growth

A fungus only needs an organic food source, moisture and temperatures ideally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to develop inside your Seaford residence. Most houses are built with several different types of organic substances such as wood and drywall backing, and they are kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making mold proliferation likely once moisture is added. Often when a pipe breaks or water gets spilled inside the house, we notice the problem and take action to mitigate the leak damage by calling in a professional restoration company like SERVPRO. However, sometimes moisture may have made its way inside your structure, and you do not notice it until it is too late. As time goes by, mold damage can grow, spread and get more severe.
 
Microbial issues are the one type of problem that can be sneaky and you may not know that something is wrong. However, all cases of mold damage in Seaford can be traced to some sort of water-related problem that sat without being rectified for too long. Therefore, if our SERVPRO technicians find the source of the water leak, then they can figure out how to prevent the fungi from growing and spreading to other parts of the building. Once the original problem is fixed so that no sufficient moisture can fuel mold colonization in organic building materials, we can then work on removing the contamination that already exists.
 
One very frequent cause of mold problems is a leaky roof. Hail or wind can damage roof shingles allowing moisture to get in from above when it rains. In other cases, a fungus can form by there being improper ventilation in your attic. With improperly vented attics, moisture can build up in the eves and insulation.
 
Having poor ventilation in your bathroom can also be a source for mold problems. When people shower humidity in the room increases and water vapor needs a place to exit or fungi can start growing on your bathroom walls and other places. Leaky window seals can also be a problem that helps fungal contamination take place. Water can get into the wall cavity and make structural components in your walls wet. A working exhaust fan can significantly reduce the humidity levels in heavy water-usage rooms of your home.
 
If you ever see or smell mold in your house, call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600 immediately.

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Benefits of a Mold Remediation

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

As spring approaches so does the humidity and that creepy mold that shows up. Sometimes it shows up around our windows or even on our walls. Many people wipe the mold down with their average household cleaner, while others do a more thorough job and call the professionals. Which one is the better option and why?

Cleaning up mold yourself isn’t uncommon and yes, it is cheap. In my case in the past it always seemed to come back with a vengeance, and I would find myself doing it all over again. In addition, my home began to smell musty over the years. The reason: the mold spores were spreading into the air at a rate higher than normal every time I wiped them. This caused the spores to spread once they found a new surface. I wasn’t doing myself any favors, I was making the mold worse.

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh specializes in mold and the containment of spores. We have equipment that can collect those spores in the air and clean the air. Also, the anti-microbial that we use is commercial grade, it is not something you can find at your local hardware store. The techs are certified in mold remediation. Yes, it may cost a little more than the household cleaner but in the long run you are protecting your family’s health and a larger bill by not getting the mold taken care of correctly.

Going to the professionals to take care of a hazardous clean-up all in all seems like the correct decision to make especially when it comes to your family. Do your research, get estimates, and don’t wait! Taking care of that fuzzy little black stuff correctly could be the smartest thing you do for yourself and your family.

Understanding the Mold Process

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

Step 1: Emergency Contact (516) 809-9600

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh. Our staff will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh will carefully inspect the area for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various ways to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Step 3: Mold Containment

We use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

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

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, sub-floors, and other building materials may be removed. 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.

What Is Black Mold?

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Hazardous Black Mold

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It's Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh immediately at (516) 809-9600

Places to Check for Mold

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

this mold was found growing behind paneling that was placed directly over drywall.

The best strategy to fight mold is to try to prevent it in the first place. In order to do that we need to understand that mold needs three things in order to grow; Oxygen, Food, and Water. These ingredients are virtually anywhere therefore it is necessary to take pay attention to those places in your home where it could appear and spread. Some places in your home where you should keep an eye for mold are:

The Walls; Mold can appear in the walls of your home due to plumbing leaks. It can growth from the inside, behind the wall or on the wall itself where it can be visible. The problem with the first two is that it can happen without you knowing is even there, by the time that is visible it usually means it is pretty bad and it can be dangerous (Mold is taking over).Therefore, try to check your walls for signs like discoloration and peeling of the paint.

Basement; some of the reasons for mold to growth in your basement may be flooding issues or the condensation from the pipes created from the cold during winter. The exposed beams, the walls, (sometimes carpet), and furniture are usually the items where mold can grow in your basement. We recommend to check this area of your home once a month or as often as you can, to avoid having issues with mold due to not knowing what is happening there.

Carpet;  Mold can growth in carpets due to leaks in the house, flooding, and even pet urine. The problem with the carpet is that sometimes the mold grows beneath it and when it becomes visible it means that it is severe by that moment. You should inspect your carpet around the house to make sure that no water, or any moisture is in it to prevent mold to growth and spread.

Finally, our last recommendation is to always address any water problems that you have right away, leaks, floods, or standing water, because these scenarios are the perfect opportunity for mold to growth. If you ever experience a water loss please consider a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh to help you to restore your home and to prevent mold to appear. Remember prevention is the key to keep mold away from your property and your health.

Mold Remediation

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

Customer was on 2 week vacation and came home to find the floor joists in his basement covered in mold.

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.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 516-809-9600