Mold, Mold, Go Away!

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

mold on wall

As the weather starts to warm up and beach season approaches, something that is often overlooked is mold growth within homes. Whether you're looking to sell your home, purchase a home, or stay within your current home- mold seems to be the four letter word no one wants to hear! In this blog you'll learn where the most common areas for mold growth are, and when you'll need to call in a professional (like SERVPRO) to remediate!

Where is Mold most commonly found?

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

How can I tell if I need to call in a professional?

If the mold growth covers an area of more than 10 square feet (the size of a bath towel), you should consider calling a mold specialist. Cleaning large areas of mold can be tricky. Mold spores are airborne and very hard to keep contained.

If you think you might have Black Mold in your home or business, call the professionals today at 508-946-2397

What is THAT? - Rochester 02576

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Ever go upstairs to your attic, or down to your basement, or basically anywhere in the house just to find some intricate “art” work that smells a bit… musty? If so, you may have asked yourself if that little patchwork is mold. 

The funny thing about mold is that it’s everywhere. Meaning the question isn’t whether or not you have mold in your home, but rather how much of it do you have that can potentially cause it to be a problem. 

Beyond the dirty look it gives off, mold can cause health and respiratory issues if not treated properly or left unattended. This is why each time SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough works on a mold job, our technicians set up air scrubbers to filter the air and catch any loose mold spores that can be harmful to the human body. 

If you suspect to have a mold issue in your home, call the crew here at SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough for a free estimate today!

Did You Know This About Mold? - Marion 02738

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungi that grows on to materials like wood, fabrics, cardboard, or paper and increases in areas that have a lot of moisture and less sunlight. Mold will feed off of the materials and eat away at them if left untreated. 

Mold can completely deteriorate things like furniture, carpets, shelving, and other mobile materials. It’s important to replace items that are affected and removal of affected textiles such as drywall and insulation. Since mold can grow and spread, always check to make sure you’ve completely removed the origin of the problem. Another area mold can be found is within your HVAC systems and can be spread quickly. Mold found in these areas can affect your air quality and create health effects. It’s important to remember to clean out air ducts and filters regularly. Mold can also seep into walls, ceilings, floorboards, or tiles and can completely destroy the foundations of a home.

If you think you may have mold give SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough a call to set up a visual inspection.

Air Conditioners Can Cause Mold - Middleborough 02344

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

Past water damages, poor ventilation, and condensation are just a few opportunities for mold to grow and appear. Even though the cooler weather is approaching, there are a few ways you can help avoid mold production. For instance, before putting your window air conditioner away for the season be sure to check your AC condensation drain pan underneath the indoor air handler. It’s normal for it to be slightly wet, but still-water may indicate there is a clogged line. Stagnant water inside the pan can become a source of mold during the off months. To clear any clogs you will want to hire an HVAC professional to handle the precaution.

Another event for mold occurrence stems from high humidity levels and condensation. Acting quickly on leaks is crucial and using the appropriate equipment such as fans and dehumidifiers will cause the moisture in the air to dissipate.

Here at SERVPRO of Marion/Middleborough, we know it’s not always possible to intercept mold, so we are happy to provide you with a free estimate should one be necessary.

Got Mold? Yes you do! – Middleboro, MA 02346

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold

Did you know mold is everywhere?

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 You See Signs of Mold, 
Call Us Today – (508) 999-2380

"I ain't afraid of no mold" – Middleborough, MA 02344

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

“I ain’t afraid of no mold!” Can you picture yourself saying that as you’re rolling up your sleeves ready to tackle your moldy mess on your own? Well before you do, here are some things to consider-

What is mold?

Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in moist, warm conditions. As it is an important part of the ecosystem, it can be a nuisance when it is found in your home or business. Mold is able to reproduce by releasing spores that can be carried through air, water or even animals. There are many different kinds of molds out there.

Some signs of mold are:

• A strange odor
• Appearance of mold
• Known moisture source

If you notice moisture around your home or business or detect a strange odor and are not sure if there is mold present, it is best to call a professional to come in and look at it. SERVPRO of Marion/Middleborough specializes in mold remediation and offer free estimates as well!

Here are some common areas of moisture/warmth where mold can grow:

• Roof leaks
• Indoor plumbing leaks
• Outdoor drainage problems
• Damp basements/ crawl spaces
• Steam from bathroom/kitchen
• Condensation on cool surfaces
• Humidifiers
• Wet clothing drying inside of the home
• Poor or improper ventilation of heating or cooking appliances

Although you may think simply wiping it away or putting bleach on it will solve the problem, chances are you could spread it, make it airborne and could cause more potential problems. It is always best to contact a professional. Give SERVPRO of Marion/Middleborough a call at (508) 946-2397

Reference: New York State/Department of Health

Mold on your Belongings?

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

This Customers Family Heirloom was Restored back to Pre-Loss Condition

A New Lease on Life for this Old Heirloom

We we’re recently approached by a woman who was having issues with mold in a split unit A/C system in her home. This particular unit was located in her tiny 10’ x 10’ bedroom, and simple enough to clean where she felt comfortable doing it on her own.

Unfortunately, the system was situated in a way where the air flow blew directly on a foot stool her mother had passed down to her. Unbeknownst to her, the air blowing from the unit spread mold which attached to her family heirloom. She expressed feelings of devastation to us and how badly she’d like for it to be fixed.

We were able to completely remediate the mold from this item and get it back to preloss condition for her. She was very satisfied with the outcome and relieved that this piece could continue to live on in the family for the next generation.  

Common Areas for Mold Growth

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to your home or business mold is not something you want to mess around with. It doesn’t take very much time for mold to spread quickly. Mold can become extremely hazardous to your health, and if left untreated can cause costly structural damage to building materials. If you find mold growing in your home, it’s important to call in a professional who has the experience and expertise to have the mold completely removed by using the correct process.

Mold is a living organism that belongs to the fungi family. There are over 100,000 species of mold, and all of them can be harmful if not properly taken care of.

As long as oxygen and moisture are present, mold can virtually grow on any organic surface such as paper, wood, insulation, food, and carpet padding.  Because mold will eat or digest what it is growing on, if left untreated, mold can even cause structural damage to buildings and furnishings.

Here are some Places to Watch for Mold Growth in Your Home:

• Basements or cellars that have been flooded
• Underneath kitchen sinks
• Attics & Crawl Spaces
• Underneath or behind refrigerators
• Behind walls that also house plumbing
• Stacks of damp or wet newspaper or cardboard boxes
• Around air-conditioning units
• Wallboard or around windows that leak
• Under carpeting that may have become wet
• Bathroom shower or under sink

You can prevent damage to your home or business, its contents, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

 Reminder: With any type of water damage in the home drying the affected areas within three days or less will help prevent the growth of toxic mold that can make you extremely sick.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

1. Emergency Contact - 508-946-2397
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

How Often Should you Clean your Bathroom to Avoid Mold Growth?

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Mold & Mildrew Growth in your Bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, it seems like it’s the least favorite room for homeowners to clean. However, dust, dirt, grime, and moisture sitting on your bathrooms surfaces can lead to mold and mildew. So, why avoid the cleanup and put your family’s health at risk? Bathrooms should be cleaned weekly, but there’s also little things that can be done daily that can help make that weekly cleanup seem less daunting.

Daily:

• After a shower, squeegee your tiles to remove the excess water
• Keep the shower stall door or curtain open after a shower for at least 10 minutes to help exhaust the humidity that has built up inside
• Close the shower curtain afterwards to help dry them so moisture doesn’t get trapped when they are bunched up when closed
• Empty garbage bins every other day. Think of what gets thrown out: wet naps, damp paper towels, Kleenex, tissue paper, etc. After a few days, your garbage bin can start to get musty and moldy
• Hang towels right away after a bath or shower. Leaving them on the floor can lead to musty odors
• Run your exhaust fans or open windows during your shower and keep them open/on afterwards for at least 20 minutes

Weekly:

• Toilet bowls
• Shower head; build-up can occur causing mold and clogging, preventing you from having a relaxing shower experience.
• Counters and sinks
• Walls and floors; dust, grime and hair is mold food when left on surfaces for too long
• Shower mats
• Replace hand and bath towels with fresh, clean linens
• Mirrors
• Door handles and faucets can hold onto bacteria

The main objective is to keep moisture levels to a minimum so not to create the perfect breeding ground for mold. By following these tips, you'll have a better control on minimizing mold growth.

Molds You Don’t Want to Mess With

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Harmful or Harmless?

Stachybotrys, Penicillium/Aspergillus, and Chaetomiumspp are all molds you don’t want to mess with... and that's just to name a few! These types of molds are commonly found within the home and can be extremely dangerous to your health if not handled properly or by a professional.

Stachybotrys, or black mold, are part of the Aspergillus family and are known to cause an array of human health problems. This type of mold is identified as being a greenish black, slimy mold that grows on waterlogged paper and wood. It should be noted that Stachybotrys does not grow on tile, linoleum or concrete.

Penicillium/Aspergillus are ubiquitous with one another; where one is present, the other is typically lingering close by. They are the most common mold species to appear in indoor air quality samples. Aspergillus is usually found in fabrics and damp wallboards while Penicillium are known to hide in decaying fabrics, wallpaper, house dust, and oddly enough… moist clipboards. It is also pretty amazing to think that the antibiotic penicillin derives from the mold penicillium

It can be argued that Chaetomiumspp are the most dangerous of these three species, causing a slew of health problems. This species should be avoided at all costs.

With over 50 years of experience, the professionals at SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro are proficient in dealing with the various strains of mold that may find their way into your home. If you think you are suffering from mold in your home or business, call us today for a free consultation at (508) 946-2397.

Characteristics of Alternaria- Marion, MA 02738

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

Plant mold but easily enters home

Commonly found in soil, plants or other vegetation.

Black color & velvet or fuzzy in nature

Exposure in the home caused by spores entering from an outdoor source (plants, flowers, dirt) often tracked in from shoes

Growth peaks from Spring to Fall

Can cause rhinitis, provoke issues with those who suffer from mold allergies & is a known risk for asthma

Thrives in dry, windy conditions as well as wet conditions

Growth in windy conditions can easily transport spores into the home through open doors & windows

Grows in damp areas of the home, under sinks is common

Often found after water damage or flooding, in showers or window frames.

Call SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro today at (508)946-2397 if you are in need of mold remediation services 

Black Mold/Stachybotrys - E.Freetown, MA 02717

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys is more commonly referred to as 'Black Mold' here are some identifying characteristics 

Prone to indoor growth

Typically dark brown to black in color

Looks: slimmy, sooty or like grayish white strands

Many other mold types can look similar

Needs moisture, nutrient source, temperature & time

Standing water or 90% or higher relative humidity for germination or growth to begin

However, growth can continue even if surface water dries and relative humidity drops to 70%

Thrives on natural materials (ceiling tiles, drywall, wallpaper, etc)

Tends to develop after 1 to 2 weeks vs 1 to 2 days with other molds.

If you find mold in your home or business SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro can help. Call us today (508)946-2397 for a free on-site estimate 

Ways to try to prevent mold growth - Freetown, MA 02717

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

When people hear the word mold, they automatically have a negative reaction to it, but did you know mold is everywhere? It’s in the air we breathe, and on many surfaces. Not all molds are harmful, and in fact, some molds have found their way into our homes willingly, such as penicillin and in blue cheeses.

Mold can however, affect people in different ways. The following is a list of tips for mold prevention:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can – no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
• Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperatures, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once an day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford immediately to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

For help with Mold issues call our office (508)946-2397 for a free on-site estimate!

Importance of Mold Containment- Part 2- Marion, MA 02738

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Why is containment of mold so important during the removal/mitigation process? 

There are many different types of mold. Most are not harmful to the human body however some types of mold can be very toxic. The toxins within the mold are called mycotoxins. There are various factors, for each individual, as to how much exposure is considered safe. Finding and removing or encapsulating these mold spores before they continue to grow or spread is critical; especially if children, elderly or persons with a critical/immune illness inhabits the area where mold was found. 

Containment of these mold spores during the mitigation/removal process, by a professional, is extremely important in avoiding any mold spores that detach from the surface during cleaning from becoming airborne and spreading to other areas throughout the building that were not affected. These minuscule particles can quickly spread throughout previously unaffected areas of your home, including air ducts, bedrooms, etc.

For more information about mold or for your free estimate call our office (508)946-2397 today! 

Why HEPA? Lakeville, MA 02347

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter works by filtering air and trapping dangerous particles. The smaller mesh design helps to trap smoke, pollen, dander and other fine particles that traditional filters miss. The HEPA filter design is essentially similar to the way a water filtration system works.

SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro only uses the highest quality HEPA filter machines in order to fully eradicate mold and other particles from the air. It is a vital component to purifying the toxins and that pollute the air we breathe. SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro uses equipment with a HEPA filter after sewage and similar category 2 and 3 losses, mold mitigation to remove the mold spores from to prevent health hazards as well as contamination of previously uncontaminated areas of the building, as well as biohazard cleanup jobs where a room or structure is contaminated.

Importance of Mold Containment- Part 1- Marion, MA 02738

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Upon discovering the presence of mold in your home it is critical to hire a well trained and experienced professional to perform the mitigation/cleanup. Do It Yourself mold removal is not something you want to attempt.

Trust us; the allure of saving money will only cost thousands more in the end; if not done correctly by a professional. The prevention of mold spores from spreading to other areas of the building is a very intricate and precise process. Here at SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro this type of containment is only performed by the highest trained professionals. To help you understand, the process and importance of proper containment, we will go into detail about the mold mitigation process in our next blog (which will be labeled part 2) or visit our Mold Section. 

If you would like to speak with one of our experienced mold mitigation specialists please contact SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro at (508)946-2397

Mold Prevention Tips

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention Tips

When people hear the word mold, they automatically have a negative reaction to it, but did you know mold is everywhere? It’s in the air we breathe, and on many surfaces. Not all molds are harmful, and in fact, some molds have found their way into our homes willingly, such as penicillin and in blue cheeses.

Mold can however, affect people in different ways. If you’d rather not find out if you’d have a bad reaction to mold, the following is a list of tips for mold prevention:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can – no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
• Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperatures, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once an day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Contact SERVPRO Marion/Middleboro immediately to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

For more information see the CDC website

A Little Moisture Goes a Long Way

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

Picture this: It rained heavily last night, and you woke up to find a small puddle on your kitchen floor. You mopped it up, and it looks like the ceiling is dry. You think the situation has been dealt with, so you forget about it and go on with your day. What you do not realize is that above those ceiling tiles, the pink insulation has soaked up the water and is completely saturated. The longer that the wet insulation sits there, the more likely you will be having mold grow above the ceiling.

Even the slightest amount of moisture in your home can turn to mold in the right conditions. If you do see signs of water damage, such as staining of ceiling tiles. Even if the stain is light, it is best to have the area moisture tested. It is much easier and less costly to dry out your home after a water damage, than it is to have mold re-mediated. 

Contact SERVPRO Marion/Middleboro today at 508-946-2397!

Got Mold? Yes, it's everywhere!

11/7/2016 (Permalink)

Whether you realize it or not, there is mold everywhere.

Whether you realize it or not, there is mold everywhere. Mold spores are a part of life. The most important factor in how it affects your health is in the quantity and the particular combination of moisture, temperature and food source that is perfect for specific types of mold to grow.

What happens with the mold spores in the air at your home and at work?

In homes and offices with central HVAC systems, properly maintained in-system or in-duct filters should remove many of the spores present. Nonetheless, many occurrences are known where the HVAC system itself served as breeding ground for spores. In these cases, mold has been found growing on air filters as well as in the ducts. This can often be prevented by routine maintenance. Mold growth in the home is often noticeable, it may be visible and often produces a musty odor. If you suspect mold in your home, you should get preliminary air quality testing done. Whether mold is visible or not, contact SERVPRO Marion/Middleboro today at 508-946-2397 and we will help you make it like it never even happened!

Mold and the Hidden Dangers

11/3/2016 (Permalink)

"If not taken care of properly, this can cause prolonged exposure and health risks to residents of the home"

The general public is typically familiar with identifying visible mold growing on surfaces that you can see. Most people know the immediate dangers and will work towards resolving the issue.

Unfortunately, mold often lurks in places that are not so visible to homeowners including behind drywall. Typically found in finished basements after a flood or water is seeping through a home’s basement cement wall or an improperly sealed tie rod hole. Broken, or leaking pipes and even houses with poor ventilation can all factor into moisture collecting and creating the environment needed for mold to grow.

If not taken care of properly, this can cause prolonged exposure and health risks to residents of the home, without their knowledge. Symptoms are often very similar to common seasonal allergies such as; itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion, itchy throat, runny nose or even asthma attacks. With prolonged exposure mold poisoning may develop. Symptoms become much worse. Respiratory infections, scar tissue build up and bleeding of the lungs, joint pain and even depression are just a few of the symptoms. If left untreated these health problems can become chronic, life altering issues. 

Be proactive and do your best to keep your house mold free. If you believe that you may have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO Marion / Middleboro today at (508) 946-2397 .