What Is Mold, And Why Is It Dangerous?

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

Base filling with water, and full of potential Mold Growth.

Mold Remediation: Protecting Your Health & Home

Over 100,000 types of molds can begin to grow after water damage, and in many cases, go unmitigated for too long causing many major health risks! Some of these molds include: Stachybotrys Chartarum, or black mold. A type of mold that thrives in water damage. Black mold produces toxins that can cause a wide range of health concerns from an sever respiratory problems, weakening of the immune system, fungal infections and even neurological problems in children! Another common mold found here in Florida being Cladosporium with its own slew of concerns such as: Structural Damage to materials like wood and drywall, Asthma, Allergies, and Infections to the skin, eyes, upper airways and brain! But mold doesn’t have to stick around where you don’t want it. Mold Remediation can help clear these pesky pathogens up and allow you to love with peace of mind!

Expert Mold Remediation: Restoring Your Space With SERVPRO

Understandably you would want to know what Mold Remediation is, and how it can help you. Through a comprehensive process, mold is removed, and the area is cleaned to a degree ensuring the mold won’t come back. In some cases, where certain molds have done structural damage, PROs will replace the flooring or drywall to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.

At SERVPRO Team George, our team of professionals have the training and expertise to provide mold mitigation and remediation services and make your damage “Like it never even happened.”

Does Your Apartment Have Mold/Mildew?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

One of the most common calls we get here at SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel is from clients who have discovered mold in their property. Mold is not a minor issue, it is a top environmental hazard. Mold begins to grow in warm, damp areas, hence why it is such a common occurrence here. The perfect place for growth is in basements, attics, and other dimly-lit areas of a property with poor ventilation and high humidity.

No rental property is immune from a mold outbreak. Common causes include an unattended spill, faulty plumbing, open window during a rain storm, or an appliance that has a leak. Whatever the reason is, it's important to be prepared!

Remember, whether you own or manage a rental property in Tampa Bay, mold is an issue that can add up to an expensive bill and a lengthy cleanup so its important to take it seriously.

Gather evidence and report it

Mold is found by scent or sight, you should be able to see the off color dots that will line up on surfaces. If you do have mold in your home, you are usually able to locate it on sight so make sure you take a photo of the mold. You'll want the evidence to show to your landlord or property manager.

First, call them to explain the issue immediately. You will need to refer to your lease but most states require owners to remove mold at their own expense as soon as they are notified. After you have a conversation about the problem, send the photos their way so you can start working on a plan to get the mold out of your apartment.

After you get in touch with your property manager/landlord, call a Mold Remediation Expert. By contacting an expert, it allows you to have the growth properly tested and reported to get a better idea of the severity. This will also give you the documentation you may need to prove that the growth you are seeing is, in fact, mold. A local expert in remediation, SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel works closely with several buildings and property managers to ensure quick and easy removal of mold. If you need our assistance at one of your properties, please give us a call today at 727-847-3000.

Mold In Your Wesley Chapel Home or Business?

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Nine Things You Should Know about Mold

1. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control the humidity levels.
2. If mold is a problem in your home or business, you must remediate the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Leaving it untreated will only allow it to spread.
3. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. If you’re unsure where the leak is coming from, contact a plumber who also offers leak detection!
4. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
   • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
   • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
   • Increasing ventilation
   • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
5. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
6. Clean mold off hard surfaces with warm water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
7. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
8. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
9. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods and all need to be remediated as soon as you are aware of the issue. Waiting will only cause more damage and in return cost you more money in repairs.

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Dade City Home

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your home.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them.Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters.
2. Dry wet areas immediately.Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. 
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. 
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products.Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. 
5. Monitor humidity indoors.The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. 
6. Direct water away from your home.If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.
8. Improve air flow in your home.Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.
9. Keep mold off household plants.They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants.

SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel has the training, experience, and equipment to handle any mold issues you may find in your home. Call Us Today (813) 929.9898.  

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/how-to-prevent-mold-9-tips

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

Managing Mold In Your Lutz Home

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

A tiny amount of moisture can become a giant problem in your Lutz home.

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or 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, SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.  

Call the Team in Green 

 The mold cleanup and restoration process in your Lutz home begins when you call your SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel Professionals. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.  

Inspection and Damage Assessment 

 Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.  

Mold Containment  

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

 Air Filtration  

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.  

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. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

 Cleaning Contents and Belongings  

SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.  

Restoration 

 Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, 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. We understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home. 

Dade City Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

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

What to Do: 

• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans. 
• Contact SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel for mold remediation services. 

What Not to Do: 

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

About Our Mold Remediation Services 

SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (813)929-9898

Does Your Land O' Lakes Home Have A Mold Problem?

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

In Land O' Lakes, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 – (813)-929-9898.