Five Ways To Prevent Mold In The Winter

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Although seasonal outdoor conditions have little effect on mold growth inside enclosed environments of a home, airborne spores that spawn mold may infiltrate the house any time of the year. Controlling certain factors specific to the cold season can at least reduce the odds of household mold contamination. Here are 5 tips preventing mold in the winter:

1. Run ceiling fans in the reverse (clockwise) mode for winter. A ceiling fan rotating clockwise pulls warm air upwards and pushes it across the ceiling and down walls and windows. This air circulation dries out condensation, eliminating another source of mold triggering moisture. 

2. Humidify sparingly. Winter air is often dry and irritating to certain individuals. To alleviate these symptoms, humidifiers are commonly utilized to add water vapor to indoor air. Maintain indoor humidity levels at 60% or below to discourage mold.

3. Dry wet areas. Many parts of the house tend to be damp in the winter- windows, mirrors, pipes- due to condensation. By quickly removing moisture with a towel it prevents them from becoming potential for mold.

4. Check the attic. While your roof shingles may shed summer rain effectively, stationary seepage from melting snow on the roof is another matter. Roof leakage due to snow melt or ice dams on the roof is a common cause of mold growth in the attic. 

5. Upgrade your insulation. Some house have minimal or no insulation inside exterior walls. Condensation forms on and inside cold, uninsulated walls in contact with warm, moist indoor air.  

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

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 affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County 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 SERVPRO of North Elkhart County        

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & 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 which 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 of North Elkhart County utilizes powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & 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 & Belongings          

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County cleans your furniture, decorative items, 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.

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County understands mold and mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

Keep Your Home or Business Safe and Clean with Expert Mold Damage Repair

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

After a flood or other major water damage, mold can become a very real problem. It’s always safer to have mold removed from your home or business quickly, even if it is not particularly dangerous. Not taking care of mold damage in a timely manner can cause safety and health issues for your family or customers. 

Mold is well known for potentially causing respiratory and other health issues, and this is especially true if you are exposed to it constantly in your home or business. Even if you can’t see all of the mold, it is possible that it has spread into the structure of your home. When this is the case and the damages are deeper than the surface level, mold growth can also lead to structural and safety issues.

Taking care of mold damage can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to expect or don’t have experience getting rid of mold. It is often better to trust a professional with mold damage repair because they have the skills and knowledge needed to remedy the problem completely. This is critical if your mold problem has affected many aspects of your home.

Trusting a professional with your mold damage repair will ensure the problem is completely and safely taken care of, and you will be much less likely to experience more mold in the future.

Mold and Spring-The Two Does Not Mix

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

If you have an allergy that occurs over several seasons, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds live everywhere. Upsetting a mold source can send the spores into the air.

Mold and mildew are fungi. They are different from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The “seeds,” called spores, travel through the air. Some spores spread in dry, windy weather. Others spread with the fog or dew when humidity is high.

Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Allergic symptoms from fungus spores are most common from July to early fall. But fungi grow in many places, both indoors and outside, so allergic reactions can occur year round.

Although there are many types of molds, only a few dozen cause allergic reactions. Many molds grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, in compost piles and on grasses and grains. Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost. Most outdoor molds become inactive during the winter. In the spring they grow on plants killed by the cold. Indoors, fungi grow in damp areas. They can often be found in the bathroom, kitchen or basement.

It only takes 3-5 mold spores to cause an allergic reaction, and some molds contain mycotoxins that are carcinogenic or deadly. Vibrations and movement will cause mold to release their spores; it's easy to accidentally knock hundreds of thousands of spores loose from a single patch of mold! And that's just a drop in the bucket: Recent research has shown that up to one billion mold spores can be found in just one square foot of drywall!

Mold removal experts have a variety of state-of-the-art equipment that they use to identify sources of moisture, dry out wall cavities, and safely remove mold that is growing in your home. Samples of mold may be analyzed in a laboratory to identify potentially toxic strains, and special cleaning agents may be used to restore property.

Controlling Mold Growth During Spring Cleaning and the Rest of the Year

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Molds are everywhere in the environment and can grow on virtually any organic substance where moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, carpet and insulation. Mold growth will often occur when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials.  If the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed, not only can the damage from mold growth be costly, but it can affect your home’s indoor air quality and the health of people sensitive to mold, too. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

The key is to remember that:"The key to mold control is moisture control!"

-If possible keep indoor humidity low.

-Scrub only visible mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry the area completely.

-Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. 

-If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls, or pipes, dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.

-Clean and repair roof gutters regulary

-Identify and repair plumbing leaks and other water problems immediately. 

Leave it to the Pros

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Mold removal seems like a simple process at the surface. Splash a little bleach on the visible mold spores and enjoy a lifetime of clean air…right? Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple – not by a long shot. Before you create more work for yourself later on, you may want to work with a professional mold removal company to tackle the mold in your home or office. Here is a look at why mold removal is best left to the pros.

Mold Spores Aren’t Always Visible

In most cases, mold spores are not visible on the surface. You may not think of treating your mold until you see it on the walls, ceilings, or floors, but it has probably been lurking behind the scenes for quite some time. A water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO of North Elkhart County,  can assess your property for hidden mold and treat the root of the problem. If you only treat what you can see, you will be fighting mold for years to come.

Mold Treatment Requires Special Tools

To properly treat your home for mold, you need special equipment to eliminate the spores and the moisture they feed on. Most at-home mold removal guides say to use bleach for treatment, but doing so will actually make the mold worse. The mold uses the water in the bleach to spread and contaminate your house even further. Instead of risking the chance of making the problem worse, trust SERVPRO of North Elkhart County to take care of the mold for you. They will have the tools they need to truly get rid of the problem, not just mask it.

FACT: Speed Matters In Mold Removal!

The Environmental Protection Agency says that water removal needs to take place within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 

Mold Prevention Is A Must

Simply removing the existing mold isn’t enough. In order to have a truly successful experience, you need to go through mold prevention as well. Ask yourself: What caused the mold in the first place? A leaky pipe? Excessive humidity? A faulty washer and dryer? A bad seal?

Let the pros inspect your home for causes of mold so they can recommend repairs you need to make. Through fast-acting water removal and proper mold prevention, you can eliminate mold problems in your property and improve your air quality at the same time.

You deserve to breathe easy – literally! Let the professionals take care of your mold problem and show you how to prevent it from happening to your home. 

Mold Removal in the Winter

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

As the leaves and plants outside begin to decay, mold spores are naturally released into the air, but we also unknowingly invite mold growth inside our homes when we raise the thermostat. Today’s energy efficient homes make it hard for the warm air and humidity to escape, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow.

Because both humidity and temperature contribute to mold growth in the winter, it’s a tricky balancing act. For instance, we commonly find mold growth in rooms located in bends or corners of the home since they are exposed to significantly colder temperatures. The imbalance in temperature between neighboring rooms and high water vapor content in the air creates the ideal conditions for mold to grow.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Winter

Ideally, indoor humidity levels should be kept between 35% and 45%. Here are some tips to help prevent mold growth in your home.

• Use a dehumidifier
• Set ceiling fans in reverse
• Keep ductwork and air filters clean

Mold can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and in some cases, skin irritation. If you suspect mold contamination, it’s best to consult a professional mold removal service. 

5 Tips For Mold Prevention in The Winter

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Although seasonal outdoor conditions have little effect on mold growth inside enclosed environments of a home, airborne spores that spawn mold may infiltrate the house any time of the year. Controlling certain factors specific to the cold season can at least reduce the odds of household mold contamination. Here are 5 tips preventing mold in the winter:

1. Run ceiling fans in the reverse (clockwise) mode for winter. A ceiling fan rotating clockwise pulls warm air upwards and pushes it across the ceiling and down walls and windows. This air circulation dries out condensation, eliminating another source of mold triggering moisture. 

2. Humidify sparingly. Winter air is often dry and irritating to certain individuals. To alleviate these symptoms, humidifiers are commonly utilized to add water vapor to indoor air. Maintain indoor humidity levels at 60% or below to discourage mold.

3. Dry wet areas. Many parts of the house tend to be damp in the winter- windows, mirrors, pipes- due to condensation. By quickly removing moisture with a towel it prevents them from becoming potential for mold.

4. Check the attic. While your roof shingles may shed summer rain effectively, stationary seepage from melting snow on the roof is another matter. Roof leakage due to snow melt or ice dams on the roof is a common cause of mold growth in the attic. 

5. Upgrade your insulation. Some house have minimal or no insulation inside exterior walls. Condensation forms on and inside cold, uninsulated walls in contact with warm, moist indoor air.  

How to remove mold & the smell from clothing

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

A very unusual approach would be to use vinegar in removing mold stains and its smell. Vinegar is very useful and effective in removing the ‘moldy’ smell from clothes. Add 3/4 cup white vinegar to a load of wash.

The vinegar will remove any moldy smell from clothing. Repeat this process until all traces of mold and its smell are gone. Use detergent afterwards to thoroughly clean your clothes.

What’s so interesting about this process is that vinegar itself is made through fermentation with the help of a certain type of mold. 

Take all clothing that have mold or have been exposed to mold, outside and one by one, brush off any loose mold growth. By doing this outside you prevent mold spores from spreading inside the house.

Always remember to wear a protective mask and gloves when dealing with mold contamination. Remember that if you choose to use a mildicide to remove mold and its odor from your clothes, always read the label for proper techniques. Mildicides are still chemicals and can be harmful to your health if not used properly.

Mold Warning Signs: How to Tell if You Have Mold

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Discovering that you have mold within your home can cause you to feel many things. Therefore, its important to be aware of what the signs are that you may be sharing your home with more than just your family.

A strange odor: Mold has a pungent smell. When it is confined to one area of your home, you may notice an unpleasant odor when you are in that area. 

The appearance of mold: In your shower stall or bathtub, its easy to distinguish normal soap scum from mold. However, in the basement or cellar you may have to investigate a little further to find the mold. 

Health symptoms: Because mold is not always visible, it can be difficult realizing that you do indeed have a mold problem. If you feel listless, congested and experience watering eyes while in your home, these can all be signs of the presence of mold.Its not uncommon for a person who lives in a home that has mold to feel better while at work or out shopping. 

What causes attic mold?

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

With warmer temps here for the summer, more homeowners have discovered black mold in their attic. Here are some ways to help you make sure it does not happen to you:

• The right temperature- mold spores like warmer, ambient temperatures, but hate the cold
• Food- Black mold eats anything that is high in cellulose. Unfortunately for homeowners that pretty much anything in your attic like plywood, wood joists, roof decking, etc.
• Elevated moisture- Many homeowners do not realize that moisture is found in every surface of their home. If those serfaces were completely devoided of moisture they wouldn't perform their duties properly.

By regulating these things, keeping the right balance in your home you can prevent mold. Getting rid of the visible, fuzzy spores and disposing of the evidence of mold by wiping it off or with a chemical cleaner, such as bleach, will not completely solve your problem.

Why does black mold growth occure?

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

It is important to explain the reasons black mold forms in the first place. But first a surprising fact: every home has black mold. There are trace amounts in virtually any indoor environment. That isn’t meant to scare you. At low levels it is entirely benign. The right conditions to become a hazard to your health. 

• Food- Mold can eat any organic substance such as the wood in your walls, cabinets, subfloors, etc.
• Warm dark places- mold cannot survive in areas that are exposed to UV light. It also cannot survive in very cold conditions.
• Moisture- Like us, mold needs water; every surface in your home has moisture in it. If those levels get elevated that is when things can get worst.
• Time- and not much of it. Some people think mold is a very slow threat. The reality is that it is an extremely aggressive and fast threat. 

Mold in your Elkhart Basement?

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded basements are very difficult to properly dry-out quickly which makes them a common area for mold growth. Lifting up carpeting and cutting holes in the dywall might be necessary to properly dry-out and prevent mold growth. Mold in the basement is usually caused by seepage from a crack in the foundation. The mold growth is often localized near the crack. Being that this is generally the place where storage occurs, items should sit at least 6 inches off the ground on a shelf or rack, and be at least 6 inches from the walls. Should there become a mold problem, personal belongings are safe.

If you have mold in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs! 574-343-1397

SERVPRO of North Elkhart has Mold Advice

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

Molds are living microorganisms and forms of fungi like yeast; it comes in about any shape, size, and color. Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic airborne spores that find their way to a habitable surface. Mold can grow on almost anything especially drywall, insulation, and wood. If water is present on these surfaces, mold grows into active colonies and spread. Mold can also grow on surfaces like metal, plastic, and glass if moisture is present. Some people are not affected by mold, but for others, mold symptoms include allergies, fatigue, headache, runny nose, and dry throat.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs! Our business hours our from 9AM-5PM weekdays. 

574-343-1397

How much do you know about mold? The myths and facts.

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

There are lots of misconceptions regarding mold. Mold is something to be concerned about, the following may help you to understand mold a little better.

MYTHS

Toxic Mold-"Black Mold"

Many varieties of mold appear black in color. All colors of mold can be a concern to people with a sensitivity to mold.

Bleach Kills Mold

When bleach is applied to mold it may appear to remove the mold, but it is only temporary. Bleach is water based, the chlorine in bleach evaporates much more quickly than the water, which can actually then be giving the mold one element it needs to thrive...moisture. 

Mold has not been proven to be a health concern

Mold indoors or outdoors can cause people with sensitivity to mold to have allergic type reactions.

FACTS

Mold is everywhere and can be a problem in any climate

Mold needs three things to thrive: Moisture, a food source, and appropriate temperature. Molds prefer temperature ranges that are the same as what people prefer. Any temperature controlled home whether in the desert or your home here in Elkhart can provide an environment for mold to grow.

Mold affects every person differently

As with any allergy-producing substances, each person reacts differently to mold. Certain people may have a stronger sensitivity to than others.

A clean or new home does not mean mold can't or won't be a problem

Some new homes actually have a better chance to have mold issues, than some older homes. This is due in large part to modern building materials. Which can provide a food source for mold. Drywall is a much more absorbent material than the plaster used in older homes and can be a good host for mold. 

Mold needs three things to thrive: Moisture, a food source, and the correct temperature. Obvious signs of moisture can allow mold growth such as broken pipes or plumbing fixtures, roof leaks, or foundation issues. There are sometimes moisture issues present from things you may not think of or can see. Condensation in attics and basements, poor ventilation in bathrooms or even leaks from the siding of a home can allow moisture to accumulate in a home.

There are several ways mold can affect you or your families health. Some people are senstitive to mold, which can lead to nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritations. Some people with serious allergies to mold can have a more severe reaction to mold exposure, including fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic lung disorders may be more affected by mold, and can possibly develop lung infections.

If you have visible mold or suspect there is a mold problem in your Elkhart home. The best thing you can do is contact the appropriate professionals for air quality testing and also for remediation.

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County can help you with your remediation needs. Call us to set up an appointment today.

574-343-1397

For more helpful information on mold and its health-related concerns visit: The CDC's website at https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

Controlling moisture in your Elkhart home is the key to reducing mold growth

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Molds are a natural part of the environment, they can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Moisture is necessary for mold growth.

The best way prevent mold growth in your Elkhart county home is to control the moisture. The indoor humidity levels inside a home should be between 30-60%. To help maintain those levels it is ideal to make sure to vent all moisture producing sources to the outside. Items such as bath fans, dryers, and the exhaust fan above your stove. Adding insulation can help reduce condensation.

Fix any water leaks or intrusions into your home such as fondation leaks, windows, and pipes. The use of air conditioning and dehumidifiers will also help reduce the moisture levels in your home. 

Make sure to clean and dry any wet materials or furnishings within 24-48 hours to reduce the risk of mold growth. 

For more information on mold remediation contact SERVPRO of North Elkhart County at 574-343-1397.

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

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 North Elkhart County 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 North Elkhart County 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 – 

(574) 343-1397

Does Your Elkhart County Home Have A Mold Problem?

7/25/2016 (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 – 

SERVPRO of North Elkhart 

(574) 343-1397