Recent Mold Remediation Posts

The Dangers of Mold in Pineville

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

Quick action can prevent mold from spreading! Call SERVPRO today to investigate!

Mold Can Spread Quickly and Cause Extensive Damage if not Remediated

Exposure to mold and repairs after damage related to mold can be quite costly both to the health of you and your family, plus your home itself. If you know the warning signs and what kind of damage to look for, however, it is possible to catch a mold problem before it causes property damage that is widespread, or even serious adverse health effects.

Warning Signs of Mold Damage

Mold needs the right conditions to start growing and creating mold damage to your structure in Pineville. The growth of mold will begin when a spore reaches an area which has enough moisture, the right temperature range, and a food source. Paper sheathing, insulation, wood moldings, carpeting or ceiling tiles all can act as sources of food for mold.

If you believe you have a mold problem, the earlier you contact a professional remediation company such as SERVPRO, the better chance you have at preventing or reducing widespread damage. There are several physical warning signs that can lead you to have your home checked for a possible mold infestation. These can include:

  • Visible growth of mold
  • Water stains or discoloration on internally facing ceilings or walls
  • Water stains or discoloration on externally facing walls
  • Musty odor
  • Areas of condensation or standing water on walls, floors or window sales

Damages from Mold Exposure

If mold is left untreated, it will grow and spread, creating a variety of problems including physical damage to the structure itself, plus the contents of your home.

Structural components and building materials: Mold can cause major structural damage to your home since it feeds on and breaks down matter of organic origin. When mold infests insulation, walls, carpeting, or paper backing, these materials, therefore, need to be removed. Clean up, and removal can be a big inconvenience, but our staff at SERVPRO will work thoroughly and quickly so your home is back to normal as soon as possible.

Personal property: Besides causing structural damage, mold could destroy property inside your home. When mold adheres to personal property, it can be quite difficult or even impossible to clean. Many times, the item must be disposed of since the spores cannot be totally removed.

Ventilation and heating systems: Mold might also enter ventilation and heating systems. A lot of sections of the system could be inaccessible for a visible cleaning or inspection, so that is again where our technicians at SERVPRO can help. It is very important that ventilation and heating systems be thoroughly cleaned since spores can use the systems as ways to get to other areas of your home. If it cannot be cleaned or a moisture problem cannot be fixed, the entire system might have to be removed and replaced.

Mold can become a serious problem, so if you suspect you have a problem, you should let our staff at SERVPRO of South Charlotte know right away. We are available to help you out whenever you need us when you dial (704) 333-7737.

Sources of Mold Damage

10/2/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful when you see mold. Dormant mold spores can result in Mold Damage. Call SERVPRO today!

Mold Spore Activity and Subsequent Damage

As a homeowner, you may have noticed that the concern about mold growth has become more and more talked about. It is known that mold can cause adverse health effects for you and your family, but understanding more about mold and how it grows is important to truly knowing how important it is to get rid of this danger to your family quickly if you ever notice that it is growing in your home.

The professionals at SERVPRO understand that mold damage in Arboretum can occur from several different sources of moisture. Mold typically begins life as a minuscule spore, which acts as a seed, but smaller. A mass of spores of mold can number into the thousands, however still be smaller than a pinhead. When the spore mass is disturbed, thousands of the mold spores break free. They are carried off by airflow and stay in the air until they settle due to gravity. A very gentle movement of air is all that is needed to lift the spores again and to keep them in the air. A mass of mold spores is much like a dandelion seed head, because when the seeds are released, they float all over the place.

The airborne spores will eventually settle onto a surface, and since they are built for survival, they could lie dormant as they await the right growth conditions. This includes temperature, moisture, and food. As the spores absorb water, they will swell and start to grow by sending out a network of structures, known as hyphae. This network of structures grows like roots into the material under the spores. More hyphae could grow across the surface, and more can grow upright.

You should also understand that in order to grow and multiply, mold will need the correct temperature and a source of food. A majority of molds grow best between sixty-eight and eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit, but some kinds of mold like cold temperatures as low as thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit, and others like hot temperatures as high as one hundred twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Molds will feed on materials that are organic, and a lot of materials in your home can be used for food. Drywall, wooden floors, tackless strip, walls, cellulosic carpet fibers like wool, jute, and rayon, plus cotton are all good sources of food for mold. Any surfaces which are exposed to air can accumulate mold spores. When such materials get wet or damp, the settled spores will start growing into molds.

To properly take care of a mold problem in your home, you need a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO which is trained how to handle it correctly and has the experience needed. If you think you are experiencing a mold problem, you should call us at SERVPRO of South Charlotte any time you need by dialing (704) 333-7737 so we can take a look and get rid of the mold thoroughly and properly.

Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Pineville Property

11/7/2015 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Pineville Is Treated By SERVPRO

Pineville mold remediation should not be delayed. Mold growth in your home can be a reality that shouldn't be taken lightly. In addition to compromising the integrity of your residential property, mold may cause health issues. And if you do not address a mold invasion quickly and correctly, you could wind up paying high fees for mold remediation services. To learn more about mold and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your home, refer to the quick reference guide found below:

Mold Basics. Molds are fungi that come in various colors (that do not indicate danger or toxicity), including black, green, blue, white, and orange. While mold grows naturally in the outdoors, its presence in your home is quite problematic. 

Mold Prevention Strategies. In recognizing that a mold infestation can cause serious health issues, it's important to know how to prevent the fungus from spreading inside your home in Pineville. By implementing the following tips, you may avert issues requiring mold remediation.

  • Vacuum your property on a regular basis. Reduce the number of mold spores that develop into mold patches in the interior of your property.  Have SERVPRO sanitize HVAC systems and ductwork periodically.
  • Check your property for water leaks and inspect the roof and plumbing. These processes help you identify and address water damage early on. If excess water on your property is not cleaned up quickly, it can create the perfect environment for mold to thrive in.
  • Minimize moisture and water sources in your basement; mold growth proliferates in dark and cool areas.
  • Ensure optimal ambient air quality by encouraging airflow. Open windows and doors regularly to increase circulation. Air movement will diminish the moisture level. Maintain 45% or lower interior humidity.
  • Prevent moisture from accumulating in areas of your property like the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms by having exhaust fans installed.
  • If your upholstered furniture, bedding, or carpeting becomes damaged with water, make sure that it is cleaned and dried within 48 hours preferably much sooner.

    Call SERVPRO For Fast, Friendly Mold Remediation Services

    Although utilizing mold prevention strategies is important, there's still a chance that the fungus could start to grow on your property. If this happens, there's only one company to call for fast, friendly mold remediation services: SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified technicians use cutting edge methodologies and industry leading equipment to optimize the mold remediation process. Moreover, we offer round the clock services to ensure that we can address any fungus problem immediately. We're ready to eliminate all unwanted mold from your property and make your home in Pineville once again safe for all.
  • Locally Owned Company with National Resources

    We live and work in Pineville too. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is ready to help with your mold-damaged property. For mold remediation call: (704) 333-7737