Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
What is mold, anyway?
9/10/2023 (Permalink)
When people call to ask about mold remediation services, they're usually in a panic. They've found some kind of growth on their basement walls, for instance, and they have no idea what it is, if it's dangerous, and what they're supposed to do about it.
They often ask us if mold is dangerous, and what mold even is in the first place.
Let's tackle that second question.
Mold is natural. It occurs anywhere that the conditions are ripe - namely, anywhere it can find food, water and oxygen. It's technically a fungi, and for the most part, it's a good thing - it breaks down dead organic matter for us.
Indoor mold, however, is another matter. Not only can it be hazardous, but it's also a good indicator that something is wrong with your structure. There should not be enough moisture in your structure to support this kind of growth to begin with.
If you do discover mold in your home, call us immediately for assistance.
How SERVPRO of The Southtowns Addresses Long-Term Water Damage + Mold Concerns
3/15/2021 (Permalink)
Proactive beats reactive every day! Thanks Julia!
Julia Spitz, the executive vice president over at Savarino Properties in downtown Buffalo, NY, was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about what she appreciates most about working with SERVPRO of The Southtowns.
Among other things, she mentioned our long-term focus. Not only do we help out during the emergency, but the mitigation, restoration and reconstruction service we offer ensure that no unexpected problems will pop up down the road.
Check out her testimonial here. Would you rather read it? Here’s the transcript:
In this building, actually, part of the building is under grade and we have our fitness center there and a couple other parts of the building. Early on, when we first moved into the building, the first time we were really deluged with rain we learned that that rain poured right into the parts of the building that were under grade and again this time we knew to call SERVPRO.
We panicked and we called SERVPRO right away and you guys responded immediately and you brought in equipment to suck up the water and then you also brought in equipment to dry it out to make sure no mold formed.
So it's not just the emergency response that was helpful for us in that situation but also the proactive prevention work that you guys did to make sure that we don't have any problems in the future.
When Mold Strikes: Real Estate Edition
10/31/2018 (Permalink)
Mold can hinder the process of selling a home. Take action fast and let the professionals at SERVPRO of The Southtowns handle it.
Are you looking to list a home or property soon and discovered mold? SERVPRO of The Southtowns can help! Recently, our Sales and Marketing Representative Jocelin gave a short presentation to a real estate office in East Aurora. She explained that mold spores are everywhere, because they are airborne. In fact, there are an uncountable number of mold spores. An Institute of Medicine study found that excessive dampness indoors is a public health problem by encouraging growth of molds, dust mites and other organisms. This makes sense since mold needs three things to survive:
Therefore, if you find mold in your home it is important to call the professionals at SERVPRO of The Southtowns to remove it properly. Simply spraying bleach on the mold and scrubbing it will not work. Our technicians are certified and trained to come in and remove the moisture from the air, clean the mold off the surface with the appropriate cleaning agent and remove the mold spores from the air. Thus, preventing any future mold growth.
Prior to listing a home or property, SERVPRO of The Southtowns recommends the following steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for moisture buildup or mold growth:
- Correct any water leaks and remove any standing water. This includes water under cooking coils or air handling units.
- Ensure a ventilation system is installed and working properly.
- Ensure exhaust fans are operating properly.
- Run a dehumidifier if moisture lingers.
NYS Mold Remediation Certifications
10/31/2018 (Permalink)
NYS Mold Certifications
The Department's new Mold Program, which is responsible for enforcing Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law, establishes licensing requirements and minimum work standards for professionals engaged in mold assessment and remediation. There are three main components to the new law:
- Training: The Mold Program will protect consumers by requiring contractors to obtain appropriate training prior to being licensed to perform mold assessment, remediation or abatement services.
- Licensing: Contractors will not be allowed to advertise or perform covered work without the required license, with limited exceptions such as home or business owners performing work on their own properties.
- Minimum Work Standards: The Mold Program also establishes new minimum work standards for mold assessments and remediation activities by licensed professionals, including:
- Protection against fraud by prohibiting the performance of both the assessment and remediation on the same property by the same individual;
- Protection against fraud by requiring an independent mold assessment to define the scope of the remediation work;
- Identification of disinfectant products, consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards;
- Provision of personal protection equipment to employees, as necessary;
- Posted notice of the project and the contractor's licenses; and
- Completion of a post-remediation assessment.
https://labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/safetyhealth/mold/mold-program.shtm
SERVPRO® of The Southtowns is certified and compliant with the new NYS Mold Remediation requirements
The Causes of Mold In Your Home
6/20/2018 (Permalink)
Possible cause of mold
When customers call us wanting to get rid of the mold in their home, we often ask them what caused the mold to be there. This is an important question, because if the cause of the mold growth is not fixed, then mold will return after the mold remediation is completed.
There are many different reasons that could cause mold to grow. By failing to get to the root of the problem, mold will most definitely come back.
There are many different types of mold. Mold is essentially all around us. It is indoors, outdoors, settled on materials and in the air. Mold can transfer from place to place by spores wafting around in the air or being transferred via clothing or other items. Mold growth thrives in moist damp areas.
In order to stop mold growth in your home, it is important to follow these recommendations:
- Keep doors and windows closed during times when the mold count outside is high.
- Make sure your windows, doors and roofs are not allowing moisture into the home. These are places in the home that often allow water into the home causing mold problems.
- Make sure your basement is properly sealed and ground water is not settling inside of your home.
- Ensure that your home is exhausting and ventilated appropriately. Often people find that their bathroom exhaust fan is not ventilating properly and the moisture is getting stuck in the attic space causing mold to grow. Likewise, a dryer vent may be exhausting into a crawlspace rather than all the way to an outside area.
- Check your pipes and drains to ensure that water is not leaking from these areas.
If you have an area of your home that gets a lot of moisture that cannot be fixed correctly or may be too costly, consider putting a dehumidifier in that area to draw extra moisture out of the air. You may want to consult with someone with knowledge about different types of dehumidifiers do see what kind would best work in the space you are drying to dehumidify.
If you should have more questions on this topic, please feel free to call our office at 716-646-6684 and ask to speak to someone who can further assist you. We would be happy to help!
Concrobium Mold Stain Remover
6/20/2018 (Permalink)
Concrobium Mold Stain Remover
Mold staining can remain on surfaces affected by mold even after the mold has been removed. Concrobium Mold Stain Remover is one of the products that we often use on mold projects for stain removal. This product is designed to effectively eliminate mold staining. This stain remover removes the toughest mold staining and separates mold from the surface for remediation. Once the concrobium has been applied, we let it dry and begin HEPA vacuuming and wiping affected surfaces.
This solution is safe for use in homes, hospitals, schools, commercial and industrial buildings. The stain remover works on hard, non-porous or semi-porous surfaces such as wood and composite wood, concrete, masonry, drywall, grout, fiberglass, tile, plastic, laminate, metal and fabric.
The Concrobium Mold Stain Remover has a slight odor which will dissipate within a couple hours of usage. Due to the odor, it is important that this product is used in a well ventilated area.
Should you have questions as to whether or not this product could be used on a project you have, feel free to call our office at 716-646-6684 and speak to someone about our Concrobium Mold Stain Remover.
The Three Warning Signs of Mold
5/25/2018 (Permalink)
Mold can have several negative effects on your health and home. Know the general warning signs!
Mold can have several negative effects on your health, as well as cause an enormous amount of property damage. Knowing the warning signs of mold is not only important for your family’s health, but for saving money in potential property damage as well. There are generally three major warning signs of mold:
- Strange Odors
If mold is present, you will notice a musty smell. However, this smell is often not noticeable until you leave the room and return. This is due to your nose adjusting to the odor of the mold. If you notice that the smell is worse when the air conditioning or heat is on, there could be a mold problem in the HVAC system, air conditioner or heater. If you do notice a musty smell in your home, it’s important to look for signs of water damage (because it could lead to mold).
- Past Flooding
If your home has suffered from past flooding, there could be a chance that mold may be growing in those areas. Mold survives off of moisture, heat and a food source. So, if there was previous water damage and it was not dried properly, there is a chance mold could be growing in those affected areas.
- Health Symptoms
Mold can have many negative effects on your health. Such as:
- Asthma
- Sore Eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore Throat
People often attribute these symptoms to colds or allergies. However, a good indicator that mold is the cause is if symptoms go away once leaving the home. Also, a good indicator that these symptoms are caused by mold is if multiple people in the home are suffering them.
Should you notice any of these signs, please give our office a call at (716) 646-6684 to begin the mold remediation process immediately.
http://blacktoxicmolds.com/mold-signs.php
What To Do If There Is Mold In Your Apartment, Home Or Business
4/11/2018 (Permalink)
In the short time of 48 hours, water from a roof or water line leak may cause a mold growth problem in your home or business. Not only can mold cause significant damage to your property, but it may have sever health effects as well. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems may be at a greater risk when exposed to mold.
Eradicating a mold issue takes specialized equipment, proper training and protective gear. SERVPRO of The Southtowns is the one place that has them ALL. If you do suspect a mold problem in your home or business, it’s important to remember safety. Significant mold growth can occur between 48-72 hours.
If you suspect a mold problem call SERVPRO of The Southtowns at 716-646-6684 IMMEDIATELY.
Here are a few tips on what to do until help arrives.
What To Do:
- Stay out of effected areas.
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
- Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of The Southtowns for mold remediation services
An Overview of Mold
5/30/2017 (Permalink)
Mold Remediation
Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.
Water Damage can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally.
Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:
- The presence of visible mold.
- Strong, musty odors.
- Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
- Excessive humidity.
Mold Damage Removal
If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of The Southtowns at 716-646-6684 to schedule an inspection or mold removal.
In most water damage situations, mold growth is not a problem, and we can safely restore your home or business to preloss condition. The need to address the mold removal can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.
Mold Remediation
In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. SERVPRO is experienced at carrying out the assigned mold remediation plan and working to make it "Like it never even happened."
Water Damage can cause Mold Damage
4/4/2017 (Permalink)
Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of excessive mold is identified.
Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally.
Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:
- The presence of visible mold.
- Strong, musty odors.
- Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
- Excessive humidity.
Call SERVPRO of The Southtowns today to schedule an estimate for mold remediation. Don't put off the health of you and your family.
The Science of Mold
9/23/2016 (Permalink)
Mold can grow on organic surfaces after moisture intrusion.
A mold (US / CA) or mould (UK / NZ / AU / ZA / IN / CA) is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.[1][2] In contrast, fungi that can adopt a single-celled growth habit are called yeasts.
Molds are a large and taxonomically diverse number of fungal species where the growth of hyphae results in discoloration and a fuzzy appearance, especially on food.[3] The network of these tubular branching hyphae, called a mycelium, is considered a single organism. The hyphae are generally transparent, so the mycelium appears like very fine, fluffy white threads over the surface. Cross-walls (septa) may delimit connected compartments along the hyphae, each containing one or multiple, genetically identical nuclei. The dusty texture of many molds is caused by profuse production of asexual spores (conidia) formed by differentiation at the ends of hyphae. The mode of formation and shape of these spores is traditionally used to classify molds. Many of these spores are colored, making the fungus much more obvious to the human eye at this stage in its life-cycle.
Molds are considered to be microbes and do not form a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic grouping, but can be found in the divisions Zygomycota and Ascomycota. In the past, most molds were classified within the Deuteromycota.
Molds cause biodegradation of natural materials, which can be unwanted when it becomes food spoilage or damage to property. They also play important roles in biotechnology and food science in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics, pharmaceuticals and enzymes. Some diseases of animals and humans can be caused by certain molds: disease may result from allergic sensitivity to mold spores, from growth of pathogenic molds within the body, or from the effects of ingested or inhaled toxic compounds (mycotoxins) produced by molds.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold
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