Recent Mold Remediation Posts
Mold Prevention in Your Basement and Attic: Tips and Tricks
10/23/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® can ensure that your basement has adequate ventilation in your Everett basement during mold remediation.
Basements and attics are common areas in homes where mold can thrive due to their potential for high humidity, limited ventilation, and exposure to moisture. Preventing mold growth in these spaces is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we'll provide you with practical tips and tricks to help you keep your basement and attic mold-free.
Basement Mold Prevention:
Proper Ventilation: Ensure your basement has adequate ventilation. Use exhaust fans or open windows when possible to circulate air and reduce humidity.
Dehumidification: Basements are prone to high humidity. Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels below 50%, which discourages mold growth.
Address Moisture Issues: Repair any leaks, cracks, or foundation issues promptly. Water intrusion is a major contributor to basement mold problems.
Use Waterproofing Paint: Apply waterproofing paint or sealant to basement walls and floors to create a moisture barrier.
Reduce Clutter: Clutter can trap moisture and provide hiding spots for mold. Keep your basement well-organized and free of unnecessary items.
Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean and dust your basement to remove mold spores and keep the area dry.
Attic Mold Prevention:
Insulation and Ventilation: Ensure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. Adequate insulation helps prevent condensation on surfaces, while proper ventilation allows moisture to escape.
Seal Leaks: Inspect the roof and attic for leaks or gaps that might allow water to enter. Address these issues promptly to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep Attic Cool: Ventilation and insulation can help keep your attic temperature closer to that of the outdoors, discouraging condensation and mold growth.
Remove Organic Debris: Keep the attic free of organic materials like leaves and dead insects, as they can provide nutrients for mold to grow.
Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your attic for signs of mold, leaks, or damage. Catching issues early can prevent larger mold problems.
Use Mold-Resistant Materials: When renovating or making repairs in the attic, consider using mold-resistant materials, such as mold-resistant drywall.
General Mold Prevention Tips for Both Spaces:
Monitor Humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels regularly and take action if they exceed 50%.
Use Mold-Resistant Products: Consider using mold-resistant paint and building materials when finishing or renovating these spaces.
Proper Storage: Elevate stored items off the floor in both the basement and attic to prevent moisture contact.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect these spaces for signs of water damage, leaks, or mold growth, especially after heavy rains or significant weather events.
Landscaping: Ensure the landscaping around your home encourages water to flow away from the foundation to reduce basement moisture.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth in your basement and attic, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.
How A/C Can Prevent Mold Growth in Humid Climates
8/7/2018 (Permalink)
HOW A/C CAN PREVENT MOLD GROWTH IN HUMID CLIMATES
The temperature in your home can affect you and your family’s comfort level tremendously, especially if you live in states with hot, humid summers like Massachusetts where we’ve been experiencing heat and humidity for most of July and August. However, living in such climates could have other consequences for your home and family, as humidity can contribute to mold growth. Fortunately, your air conditioner can prevent the growth of this fungus, while also keeping you cool.
HOW TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD GROWTH
Mold needs certain conditions to grow, and unfortunately for those who live in hot and humid places like Massachusetts in the summer, the heat plus the humidity create a moist environment where mold and dust mites thrive. While the various types of mold have different optimum conditions for growth many kinds of mold will grow well when conditions are between 60F and 80F - the same temperature range we’re often comfortable in. Combine these temperatures with excessive moisture and you could have a mold problem in your home.
HOW AIR CONDITIONING CAN PREVENT MOLD GROWTH
Your air conditioner can control the temperature and humidity in your home, which can prevent mold growth. During the hot, humid summer months, set your air conditioner to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity in your house should not exceed 50 percent. While most modern air conditioners dehumidify as they cool, they do not independently control both temperature and humidity, so you may want to purchase a stand-alone dehumidifier for when conditions are especially humid.
Other tips for using your air conditioner to prevent mold include setting your air conditioners fan mode to auto because setting it to “on” can cause moisture produced during the air conditioning process to be blown back into your home.
Can Mold be Completely Removed?
6/15/2018 (Permalink)
Mold Found in Basement
Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. 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.
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 Medford/Everett 800-394-4466
Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation
6/6/2018 (Permalink)
What’s the Difference?
Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Medford/Everett has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.
Signs of Mold? Call Today
800-394-4466
Understanding Mold
When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic, 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
The Mold Remediation Process
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. Learn more about our mold remediation process
- Emergency Contact 800-394-4466
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
- Mold Containment
- Air Filtration
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
- Cleaning Contents and Belongings
Commercial Mold Remediation
6/5/2018 (Permalink)
Mold in Basement of Commercial Building
Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Medford/Everett, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.
- 24 Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any Size Disaster
- A Trusted Leader in the Mold and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
- Highly Trained Mold and Water Damage Restoration Specialists
Have a Mold Problem?
Call Us Today – 800-394-4466
Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of Medford / Everett can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition. Learn more about SERVPRO of Medford / Everett training and certifications.
- Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Applied Structural Drying Technician
- Odor Control Technician
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 800-394-4466
Some Basic Mold Information
6/4/2018 (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 or Have Questions Regrading Mold, Please Give Us a Call @ SERVPRO of Medford/Everett 800-394-4466.
If You Suspect Mold in Your Home
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
If Your Suspect Mold in Your Home
In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Medford/Everett has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.
Have a Mold Problem?
Call Us Today 800-394-4466
If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:
- Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
- Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
- A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.
What to Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
- Contact SERVPRO of West Atlanta / Downtown 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.
Mold Remediation Services
If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem call, SERVPRO of Medford/Everett. We have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.
800-394-4466
What is Black Mold?
9/26/2017 (Permalink)
What Is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Please refer to our Mold Damage Tips to learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives.
How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?
Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional immediately.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today
SERVPRO of Medford/Everett 781-395-4444
Understanding Mold
When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic, 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 toxins harmful to humans and pets.
- 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 that odor 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
SERVPRO of Medford/Everett 781-395-4444
Mold in Basement
8/9/2016 (Permalink)
Mold in Basement
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 Medford/Everett
781-395-4444
24/7 Emergency Service
