Recent Mold Remediation Posts

The Importance of Hiring SERVPRO Professionals to Eliminate Mold from Your Home or Business

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

 
  •  Mold is a common problem that many homeowners and business owners face. Not only can it be unsightly, but it can also pose serious health risks to occupants. When dealing with mold, it's crucial to enlist the help of professionals who have the expertise, tools, and experience to effectively remove it. SERVPRO, a trusted name in the restoration industry, offers specialized services to tackle mold infestations, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for your property. In this blog, we'll explore why hiring SERVPRO professionals is essential for mold remediation.
  1. Expertise and Training: Mold remediation is not a DIY project. Professionals from SERVPRO undergo extensive training to understand mold growth patterns, proper removal techniques, and safety protocols. They are equipped with the knowledge to identify the type of mold present, assess the extent of the infestation, and devise a comprehensive plan for its removal.

  2. Specialized Equipment: Effective mold removal requires specialized equipment that homeowners or business owners may not have access to. SERVPRO professionals use advanced tools such as air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums to contain and eliminate mold spores. This ensures thorough cleaning and prevents cross-contamination.

  3. Comprehensive Approach: Mold doesn't just grow on surfaces we can see; it can also lurk behind walls, in HVAC systems, and in other hidden areas. SERVPRO professionals take a comprehensive approach, conducting thorough inspections to identify all areas affected by mold. Their expertise allows them to address hidden mold sources and prevent future growth.

  4. Health and Safety: Certain types of mold can release harmful mycotoxins into the air, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Handling mold without proper protective gear and protocols can exacerbate these risks. SERVPRO professionals prioritize safety, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following industry standards to minimize health hazards.

  5. Preventing Recurrence: Simply removing visible mold is not enough to prevent its return. SERVPRO professionals not only eliminate existing mold but also address the underlying moisture issues that contribute to its growth. By tackling the root cause, they help prevent future mold infestations, saving you from potential headaches and expenses down the line.

  6. Timely Restoration: Mold can spread quickly and cause extensive damage if not addressed promptly. SERVPRO professionals understand the urgency of mold remediation and work efficiently to restore your property to its pre-mold condition. Their quick response helps minimize damage and reduces the overall cost of restoration.

Conclusion: When it comes to mold remediation, the expertise, experience, and specialized equipment that SERVPRO professionals bring to the table are invaluable. Their comprehensive approach ensures that all traces of mold are eliminated, the risk of recurrence is minimized, and the health and safety of occupants are prioritized. For a thorough and effective mold remediation process, trusting the professionals at SERVPRO is a decision that can make a significant difference in the health and longevity of your home or business.

5 Things You Should Know About Mold Growth

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Know more About Mold Growth by Following These Tips.

Mold is a common issue that affects many buildings, particularly those that have suffered water damage. It can be a frustrating problem, especially since it can be recurring in many cases. If you have an infestation in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home, the following information may help you take care of it.

Useful information about Mold.

1. What Is Mold?

A fungus that can be found in several different environments, mold grows both indoors and outdoors. It comes in many colors and textures but most varieties are not harmful. It often shows up as discoloration on the surface of walls and floors. If it is in a hidden area, you may not be able to see the mold growth; in this case, the first sign of growth may be a musty odor.

2. How Does It Spread?

Mold grows from spores that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. This means that they can easily make their way into your house without you noticing. They can be carried into the house on your shoes and clothing or by pets who venture outside. They can also be spread through the house on air currents from the wind, fans or an HVAC system.

3. Why Is It Growing In Your Home?

Spores are likely present in your house at any given time but won’t cause you any trouble unless they have the right conditions for growth. Mold needs moisture to grow and there are many situations that could provide it. Something like a storm, a burst pipe or a damaged appliance that causes serious water damage to the building can cause mold to grow in as little as a day. However, smaller issues can contribute as well. A small leak or even high humidity can be enough to start an infestation.

4. How Do You Get Rid of It?

It can be tempting to try to remove the mold growth on your own, particularly if it seems like it is only affecting a small area. However, this can end up making the situation worse. Mold spores spread quickly and easily and, if the area is not properly contained, you could unintentionally make the infestation larger during your attempt to remove it. Instead, you should contact a mold remediation company to remove it for you.

5. How Do You Keep It From Returning?

Because it requires moisture, an important part of mold prevention is making sure there are not excessive levels of moisture in your house. Depending on where the moisture is coming from, there are a few solutions. Any leaks should be fixed as soon as you notice them, and water should be removed from sinks and showers after use. Opening windows, turning on exhaust fans or using a dehumidifier can reduce moisture in your home’s environment.

Although mold can be frustrating to deal with, you can keep it at bay by reducing the moisture in your house. Any water damage should be taken care of right away, and humidity levels should be kept low. If you do find any signs of mold in the building, you should hire professionals to do removal and cleanup, as attempting to do so on your own could cause it to spread.

Tips for Air Duct Mold Mitigation

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Maintain the air duct clean of your commercial building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to avoid black mold.

Keeping the HVAC system in your commercial building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, clean should be one of your top priorities. Regular upkeep is necessary to regulate air quality and keep the vents free of black mold. If you have consistent fungus issues throughout your building, dirty ducts are the most likely culprit. 

Tips For Quick Mitigation And Prevention.

Inspection

The first step to fixing any problem is pinpointing what exactly the issue is. There are a few telltale signs to look for when you suspect there is mold growth in your air ducts:

  • Musty odor
  • Black spots on ceilings or walls near vents
  • Poor air quality

If you notice any of these signs when you complete your regular building inspection, don't wait to call mold damage remediation specialists. The earlier they can start work on your mold problem, the easier it will be to resolve.

Mitigation

The first step that technicians will likely take is testing to see how pervasive the mold growth is. They may test not only the surfaces where patches are visible but also the concentration of spores in the air. This helps them determine the kind of mold they are dealing with and the location of the problem.

Wiping away the mold growth on the outside of the vents is not going to get rid of it for good. It will just keep coming back unless you have clean ducts. Mitigation efforts include not only cleaning and drying the ducts throughout the system but also identifying the underlying cause of the problem. For example, heavy condensation on the chillers can produce enough extra moisture to attract spores and promote growth. For long-term protection from black mold, you must resolve the problem that caused it.

Prevention

You can prevent mold growth in your building by adding a few key checkpoints to your routine maintenance list. Making sure your external drainage system, including gutters, downspouts, and trenches, is frequently cleaned protects your building from heavy precipitation. Watch for any signs of water damage in your building and, if you find them, call for remediation immediately to prevent secondary damage such as mold. Avoid installing carpet in areas that are particularly prone to excess moisture, such as the break room or any room with a sink or appliances that may leak.

When it comes to your HVAC system, moisture control and ventilation are vital to preventing mold growth. Look for wet spots from leaks or condensation during inspections. Replace air filters once a quarter and schedule a yearly system tune-up to keep the system running efficiently. Monitor the humidity level in your building and investigate to find the cause if it gets too high. Finally, it's a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned at least twice a year.

If you suspect you have a black mold problem in your commercial building, it's in your best interest to act quickly. Certified mold experts have the tools and experience to track down the cause, mitigate the damage and advise you on the best prevention methods moving forward.

Is Mold Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Most people would probably agree that insurance is a complicated subject. It can be anxiety-provoking trying to interpret exactly what your policy covers. This is especially true when you're trying to file a claim after sustaining damage to your Roanoke Rapids, NC, home. In the case of fungus growth, your understanding of your insurance coverage can become exceptionally muddled. Dealing with mold can be complex in itself because it can spread fast and needs immediate attention. Waiting on information about your mold coverage can be stressful, to say the least. Here's some information about mold damage and typical homeowners insurance policies.

Information About Mold Damage and Typical Homeowners Insurance Policies

What Determines Mold Coverage?

The amount and nature of the coverage for mold will vary from one policy to another. It usually depends on:

  • The particular insurance company
  • The specific policy
  • The details of the peril
  • The coverage limits
  • The cost of the insurance premium


Mold damage is often not included on a standard homeowners insurance policy. Some carriers offer mold insurance as an add-on option, but the coverage will still be limited to specific instances.

What Is Likely to Be Covered?

The typical homeowners policy has a "covered peril and timing" section. This covers instances such as water damage that occurs as a result of a winter ice storm. Sometimes an attic can sustain water damage which leads to fungus growth. Attics aren't typically high-traffic areas of a home, so mold growth can go unnoticed, causing more damage. An adjuster might deem this a suitable situation for coverage.

What Is Unlikely to Be Covered?

Mold damage resulting from several issues will generally not be covered by a mold claim. Mold is considered secondary damage meaning it can usually be mitigated or avoided if restoration begins quickly. Therefore, mold damage resulting from perils such as a sewer backup or a flood probably won't be covered.

Mold restoration professionals have the expertise to help you file the claim. With this assistance, you can be confident that you'll receive as much compensation as possible for the needed fungus growth remediation.

Cleaning a Moldy Washing Machine

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Clean a moldy washing machine.

The front-load washer is the high-efficiency appliance of most homeowners’ dreams, except for one little nasty problem: it can stink. People want their washing machine to keep their clothes smelling fresh, but for some reason, the front-loader can lead to an unpleasant musky and musty odor, often caused by mildew and mold.
While the mold smell is unsettling, there is no reason it must persist. The primary issue is that homeowners do not use the right detergents. Front-load washers require high-efficiency detergents. When you stick with that old standby laundry soap, the machine is not capable of cleaning and washing all the detergent away, meaning the drum gets a nice layer of soap scum with bits of lint and dirt.
Unfortunately, between the scum layer and rubber door guard, the washing machine becomes a breeding ground for mold. Thankfully, there is a straightforward three-step process to clean the washer, ensuring your dirty laundry smells fresh after a cycle.

3 Steps to Clean the Washer 

1. Create a Baking Soda Mixture

While many people will head straight for the bleach – which will work – there is a gentler and more health-conscious choice: baking soda. By mixing a quarter cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of water and adding it to your machine's detergent container, you have a gentle and effective cleaning solution.

2. Add in the White Vinegar

To increase the cleaning power of the baking soda, add two cups of white vinegar directly into the washer's drum. The two products, when run through a clothes-free cycle on high-heat, should break up any residue, kill any mold, and remove foul odors.

3. Use a Little Elbow Grease

Depending on how long the mold has been in the drum, you might need to put a little physical effort into the mix. With a mixture of one part water to one part white vinegar, use a kitchen sponge – the rough side – to scrub any remaining spots away.

A front-load washing machine is excellent for home use, but it does require maintenance. Keeping up with maintenance and appliance cleanings can help limit such odor problems in the future.

3 Simple Recipes for Cleaning Shower Mold

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Shower mold

Bathrooms are often havens for mold because there's plenty of humidity, warmth, and out-of-the-way corners. The good news is that it's fairly easy to clean away visible mold in the bathroom. If you find shower mold, use one of the following solutions to get rid of shower mold.

3 Solutions to Get Rid of Shower Mold

1. Full-Strength Vinegar

Many Roanoke Rapids, NC, families opt for this solution because vinegar is non-toxic and safe around children and pets. Pour white vinegar into a clean spray bottle. Apply this full-strength vinegar spray to the shower mold. You don't need to rinse the surface, and you can reapply as often as you'd like.

2. One Part Bleach/Ten Parts Water

Bleach is toxic and may cause skin, eye, or lung irritation. If you use bleach, open the window to provide plenty of ventilation. Put the bleach/water solution into a spray bottle or wear gloves to apply the treatment to affected areas.
Bleach is effective for treating surface mold on tile and other surfaces but doesn't penetrate to treat mold that's out of sight. If you find black mold in your bathroom, contact water damage treatment and mitigation professionals for a mold test or cleanup services.

3. Borax/Water Mixture

Check your grocery store for Borax; it is usually available in the laundry section. This white powder doesn't release fumes the way bleach does, but it should still be used with care. Mix a cup of Borax into a gallon of water before pouring into a spray bottle. If you leave the mixture in place without rinsing it off, the solution will prevent future mold growth.
After applying a visible coating of your cleaning solution, wipe off or scrub the surface to remove the mold you can see. It's best to use rags or scrubbing brushes that are used only in the bathroom and switch to clean rags or brushes when they get dirty. Don't leave drips or puddles of water to prevent slips or new mold growth.
Shower mold doesn't have to be a constant presence in your home. Use these simple cleaning solutions and tips to keep your home fresh and mold-free.

Top 3 Places Mold May Be Hiding in Your Home

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth may be hiding in your home.

When’s the last time you stuck your head up your chimney? Have you cleaned your refrigerator’s drip pan recently? Or ever? Mold growth isn’t limited to flooded rec rooms. Virtually everyone can spot mold on wood paneling or moldy drywall in a garage, but it takes a targeted inspection to locate these popular hideouts for mold.

3 Popular Hideouts For Mold

1. Front-Loading Washing Machines


The gasket on the front door of your washing machine is essentially Old Country Buffet for mold. It's frequently wet and it's home to a never-ending supply of one of mold’s favorite comfort foods: lint.
To prevent mold from claiming your washing machine, make sure you keep the door open when the washer isn’t in use, and clean the gasket once a month. Use a microfiber cloth or retail washing machine wipe to clean the gasket, and then dry it thoroughly.


2. Chimneys


You’d think the presence of fire would deter mold growth or, even better, vaporize it. You’d be wrong. The bricks in your chimney are full of cozy little nooks and crannies for dirt, debris and water to congregate. If your chimney isn’t regularly maintained, your cap may be letting in water as well. As such, your first step in eradicating chimney mold is to have your chimney inspected to make sure its cap and flashing are keeping out rain and snow.
Once your chimney is structurally sound, contact a chimney sweep. He or she will remove dirt, debris, mold and creosote. The result? A mold-free and more efficient chimney.


3. Refrigerator Drip Pans


Nobody looks forward to deep cleaning his or her fridge, but the drip pan underneath should be essential annual cleaning to prevent mold. This pan's entire job is to collect the stuff that mold’s dreams are made of: food and moisture. To keep yours clean, wipe down both it and the floor beneath it with white vinegar.

These are just three of the places mold growth may be hiding in your Roanoke Rapids, MN, home. When in doubt — and particularly if you notice that familiar musty smell — contact your local mold mitigation company for an assessment that will bring you peace of mind.

Signs of Mold

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in your home? Give us a call, We're Here To Help!

If you are worried that your house has mold, here are the most frequent signs to look out for:  

Visible Signs

  • Uneven patches on the floors and walls. If your walls have bubbling under the paint and your floors seem squishy, then you almost certainly have mold growing.  
  • Black spores spreading on surfaces. 
  • You can smell a musty/damp odor.  

What does Mold Smell like? 

When mold is growing and spreading, it releases compounds that have a distinct and unpleasant odor. Once you are familiar with this smell, there is no mistaking it. The best way to describe this smell is; wet, stale, and musty.  

Where can Mold hide?  

Mold grows in areas of the home where there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and darkness.  

Bathrooms- Check behind your toilet around the waste pipe, under the flooring, around the sink, and behind the basin.  

Kitchens- Check behind your appliances that use or produce moisture, such as your refrigerator and ice dispenser.  

Bedrooms- The main places to find mold in the bedrooms are mattresses and window sills.  

If you think your home has mold, give SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids a call!  

Even A Little Water Can Cause Big Problems

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that even the small amounts of water in your home can lead to mold growth? This means that a minor leak in your Roanoke Rapids home, can lead to big problems. 

To many homeowners a small leak seems like no big deal. It often times gets overlooked or just simply wiped cleaned. While everything may look dry, the problem sometimes is not solved. Overtime mold will become visible. Once this happens you should immediately call the professionals. Mold is dangerous and you should leave it alone. When those not trained in mold removal try to clean it up, it can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout the home. Microscopic mold spores are released when mold is disturbed. These tiny particles then circulate in your home. 

While mold is scary, you shouldn’t worry if you trust the cleanup to the professionals at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. We are here to help with all of your mold mitigation needs. 

Before for our professionals arrive at you home, here are few things you should and shouldn’t do in order to ensure the health and safety of you and your family. 

What You Should Do –

  • Stay away from infected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and any fans. 

What You Shouldn’t Do –

  • Touch or disturb the mold in any way.
  • Blow air across any surface with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Attempt to dry or clean the area yourself.
  • Spray bleach or other household disinfectants on the mold.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids specializes in mold mitigation and restoration. Our team is highly trained in mold cleanup. We’re IICRC professionals. We utilize special equipment and techniques to remedy your mold problem quickly and safely. Locally owned and operated, we’re here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids at the very first sign of mold in your home or business!

Mold Prevention Guide

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growing in the corner of the ceiling.

September 23rd marks the first day of fall! The days are getting shorter and the leaves will start to pile up in the yard. These piles of dead leaves are breeding grounds for mold, but that’s okay and important. Mold plays an important role in our ecosystem, helping to break down dead foliage, creating nutrients for the ground. In homes, it’s different story, and we’re here to give you some important information for preventing mold from growing in your house this fall season.

Mold is a common household problem that comes in many different colors, such as green, purple, orange, black, and white. Commonly, mold will grow in showers and bathrooms due to the warm, damp environment but it can grow anywhere in your house such as exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build up.

While mold spores cannot be eliminated, they will not grow if their environment is dry and well ventilated. Inadequate sealed doors or windows are open invitations for mold spores to come in.

Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Hurricane season does not end until November 30th, well into the Fall season. If your house suffers even minor water damage during this time, it will be a breeding ground for dormant mold spores to grow.

North Carolina is known for its humidity, which is cumbersome to the average homeowner and beneficial for mold. Using AC Units during the more humid seasons will help keep the house cool and dry, preventing any spores from growing.

Other areas of the house to check on would be the kitchen and crawl spaces. In the kitchen, check for leaks around the refrigerator and underneath the sink. Using exhaust fans while cooking and cleaning in the kitchen will circulate the moisture in the air out of the room and reduce damp walls. Crawl spaces must be well ventilated and sealed, or else mold spores will thrive in the environment and cause damage.

As you head into the colder weather, stay vigilant with your mold prevention in your house. The information provided is the first step to keeping your family and home safe and healthy. If you do discover mold growth, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties. Are you worried there might be too much mold in your home? Contact us today for our new mold testing!

Signs You Might Have Carpet Mold

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let carpet mold take control of your home or business, call SERVPRO.

Mold is extremely invasive. Mold thrives in dark, damp places and underneath your carpet is no exception. Not sure if you have mold in your home? Read the list below to learn the five main signs of mold growth!

Do you have a damp carpet?

Any floor that remains damp for more than 24 hours could begin to grow mold. Make sure when liquids are spilled, no matter how small, you clean up properly and check over time to see if mold has grown within the area. If you notice that your carpet has become damp, a common cause is a leak from underneath typically in your basement. If your basement has leaking pipes, there is a high chance that your nearby carpet has mold growth.

Have higher Incidence of allergies that have occurred over time?

Difficulty breathing, asthma, and allergies could be caused by carpet mold in your home. If you have noticed these health problems increase, you might consider the possibility of mold in your carpet.

Do you have musty odors that are smelling throughout your home or business?

This a sure-fire way to know if you have mold in your home! You can do your best to cover up the musty odor with candles and air fresheners, but the problem will persist if mold is present. However, if you spend a lot of time in your home it can be hard to detect a musty odor. Pay close attention to how your visitors react when they step into your home and take note if they mention a musty smell.

Do you see white, green, or black spots that have appeared that were not there before?

If you see these spots on your carpet, then your mold growth has reached an advanced stage. These color patches are caused by the mold growth multiplying onto your carpet.

Have you tested your carpet for mold with a mold test?

Stay on top of mold growth by continually checking underneath your carpet for mold growth. Once you lift your carpet, thoroughly look for discolored flooring/patches, and any musty odors.

There are mold-testing kits available for you to test the airflow across your carpet. If there is mold in your home then the mold spores will land on your testing kit and begin to multiply.

These are five signs that you have mold growing under your carpet! Mold can be tough to eliminate once it begins to grow. Were the answers to these questions a little concerning? Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today for an exclusive guarantee with our mold testing services for your home or business!

MOLD – Just follow your Nose!

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids recently held a Continuing Education Class for Realtors on Mold.  SERVPRO offers these Continuing Ed classes to both Insurance and Realtor Professionals Free of Charge.  Realtors from Roanoke Rapids, Lake Gaston, Virginia and surrounding areas gained knowledge on the contributing factors, dangers and remedies for mold and fungus.  SERVPRO Franchise owner and class instructor, Cindy Baldwin emphasized that first it is important to remove the moisture source, make sure the area is completely dry and afterwards a thorough cleaning is in order.  She also warned of the importance of wearing a mask that can filter both fine particles and gas as well as other proper protective equipment.  She explained the biggest indicator of mold is your nose since mold can grow anywhere there is moisture and leaves a musty, bad smell.  Cindy explained there are thousands of kinds of molds and those molds are a part of every environment.

Cindy, along with her husband John Baldwin, also part owner of the Franchise, gave suggestions homeowners can do to prevent mold from getting out of hand included keeping crawlspace vents open year-round and making sure attics have proper ventilation. Since airflow is extremely important, Cindy also said to make sure dryer vents are properly attached and that the air flows to the outside of the house, not under it.

As the class concluded, John and Cindy both demonstrated and discussed the process, equipment and treatments SERVPRO uses for mold remediation.  Feedback from class participants was very positive and indicating they look forward to future classes.

Does your Ronaoke Rapids Home Have A Mold Problem?

7/13/2018 (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 false statement. Think about 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 training, equipment, and knowledge to remediate your mold issue.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –(252) 537-3473