Mold Facts!

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.  
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Bowie to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business. If you suspect mold, call us today at (301) 459-0444

Conditions Might Be Right for Mold

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow. Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Bowie to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (301)-459-0444

What to Do:

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

Top 10 Tips for Preventing Mold after Your home is Water Damaged

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow quickly in your home.

When a flood has contributed to mold damage in a home, due to either a serious water leak in the house or a natural disaster, mold can start to develop very quickly, sometimes in just a mere 48 hours. It is true that many types of mold are relatively benign, but there are other types that can cause health problems, such as irritation of the eyes, throat, and nose. Other common symptoms that mold can cause are respiratory problems, lethargy, headaches, and vomiting. To protect the health of everyone in the home, it is crucial to start thoroughly cleaning up as soon as possible after damage has occurred.

1. Keep doors and windows open to maximize ventilation and help air dry your home. If the power is working and you know it is safe, turn on fans as well to expedite the drying.
2. Remove and dispose of any wall to wall padding and carpeting. Wet carpets can take a very long time to dry, and the underlying floor will be ruined in the process.
3. Throw out any upholstered pillows, mattresses, and furniture. These are very difficult to clean properly and take too long to dry. These are ideal conditions in which mold can grow.
4. Any wallboard that has come into contact with water should be taken out. If it is wet, it will swell up and deteriorate, providing an environment in which mold can grow.
5. Throw away any wet papers and books that do not have value. Copy any important documents, and dispose of the originals if you can.
6. Mop up ceramic and vinyl flooring with a disinfecting cleaning solution. Ensure that any underlayment is properly dried.
7. Wash or dry clean curtains and draperies according to instructions given by the manufacturers.
8. Extract as much water from hardwood floors as you can, and do this immediately. Use dehumidifiers and fans to expedite this, but do not use heat, which runs the risk of warping the floor.
9. Remove and throw out any wet ceiling tiles. Let the area dry completely before putting in a new ceiling.
10. If the damage is severe, you may have to bring in a water remediation service, in order to dry your house out quickly. Keep in mind that in cases of water damage, the sooner you handle it, the higher the chance that you can stop mold from developing. 

We are trained mold damage responsive specialists that can bring your home or business back to normal, with specific training and certifications to handle your restoration needs including black mold, mold removal, and household mold removal, restoration, bathroom mold, and mold cleanup. 

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Bowie is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property.

Mold in Unexpected Places 2018

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

The mold in this home was the result of the very cold weather we experienced mixed with the warm temperatures inside of the home. This creates condensation, which is then trapped inside the window seal, eventually creating this mold buildup. This is more common than you would think and it often goes unnoticed.

The weather the past few weeks has been especially erratic and has created a good opportunity for mold to find its way into many of the nooks and crannies of your home. The best thing that you can do is to make sure all of your seals on doors and windows are tight. Mold needs water to grow and spread so the first step to prevention is cutting off the water source.

You might be thinking, “What should I do if I already have mold?” You should call SERVPRO of Bowie, we have technicians that are IICRC certified in mold remediation with years of experience. We also have specialized equipment that we use to filter the air and prevents the spreading of mold spores. So next time you come across an unknown substance that you think might be mold, you need to call SERVPRO of Bowie at (301)-459-0444

Mold Tips: Do's and Don'ts

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

MOLD!!!!

The four-letter word that all homeowners, tenants, property managers, real estate agents and insurance professionals hate to hear!  Mold can be a rather difficult at times, and can have negative health effects on children, elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and those with severe allergies.  If not handled properly, it can become airborne and spread everywhere!  So, what are some of the best practices while trying to remove mold?

Do:

1. Call a professional!  All of our SERVPRO technicians are highly trained in dealing with mold and have years of experience!
2. Try to contain the mold- Keep the mold from spreading to other rooms by keeping the door closed to that room.  You can also use painters tape to seal the room at the doorway.  You may not know when you are spreading it around, so it is best to leave it alone, until a professional can examine it.
3. Wear proper protective equipment when dealing with mold- When dealing with mold, you should always wear equipment to protect yourself.  You may not be able to see mold spores attach themselves to your clothing!
4. Try to discover the source of water.  Mold (just like any other living organism) needs food, air, and water.  The only thing we can really control is the moisture in the environment.  So where is the moisture coming from?

Don'ts:

1. DONT IGNORE IT!  Mold will not go away on its own, it will burrow into a porous material and live for a very long time.  SERVPRO professionals use specialized HEPA vacuums and a special antimicrobial agent to remove and kill mold and mold spores.
2. Don't use Bleach!  Bleach is not a good way to kill mold.  It is a temporary fix, but it will not solve the underlying problem.
3. Put any sort of air movement on the area of concern.  This can actually spread the mold to other areas and can contaminate areas that were not previously affected. 
4. Don't stress about it!  We have seen it all and can help you with any mold problem you may be experiencing!  Give us a call anytime at (301)-459-0444

Basic Mold Facts

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

What are molds?

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. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for use (see product label).

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Specific Recommendations:

• 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 temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

How do you know if you have mold?

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

It’s unpleasant by itself, but this kind of smelly odor takes on a very musty scent. Anyone who notices a smelly odor like this at home or at work should go ahead with deodorization to make the smell more pleasant, but the smelly odor can’t be ignored with the constant use of deodorization. It’s a sign professional help is needed. Deodorization isn’t something that can be used for purposes other than to cover up the smell. It’s not going to get rid of the problem. Homeowners often forget that deodorization doesn’t get rid of mold or other mildew. It only covers it up and allows people to live a bit more comfortably while they ignore the real problem.

Smelly odor, mildew, fungus, and any high levels of humidity combined with a leak anywhere is a sign it’s time to get a remediation company into the home or office to handle what’s going on with everything. It’s never a good idea to ignore these signs.

One way to ensure mold is handled properly at home or work is to ensure it’s taken care of the right way from start to finish. People might not like the idea of handling mold at home with professionals, but it’s the best way to guarantee it’s handled accordingly and without issue. No one wants to find its coming back and spreading rapidly when it’s not handled correctly the first time.

Contact SERVPRO of Bowie at (301)-459-0444 for more information or concern about mold in your home.

Does Your Bowie Home Have A Mold Problem?

4/17/2018 (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 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 (301)-459-0444