MOLD IN YOUR HOME?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth can be a nightmare for homeowners. That's why it is important to know the signs of mold so you can stop it before it spreads too far. Most of the time, once the mold has become visible on the surface, it has been growing behind the scenes for quite some time. Make sure you know the signs to look for BEFORE that mold becomes visible. 

If you notice a strange odor, that could be a sign of mold. If an area of your home is giving off a persistent must smell, there is a strong possibility that there is mold in the room. You can typically follow the smell to where it is strongest in the room and find the mold.

Condensation can also be a tell-tale sign of possible mold. It can be excess moisture on windows, or condensation dripping from pipes. If there is excess moisture in your home, that is often a sign that mold may be growing somewhere you can't see. 

A water damage in your home can also lead to mold growth. If there was a leaking pipe or appliance that went unnoticed for some time, there may be mold present. Mold can start to grow as soon as 48 hours after moisture has been present, so if you suspect that you had an ongoing leak, you may want to have a professional inspect for mold. 

If you do suspect your home has mold, give SERVPRO of South Burlington County a call for an inspection 856-988-6195. 

MOLD, TO DO AND NOT TO DO

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

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 Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 856-988-6195

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• 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 a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Difference in Mold Damage and Mildew Damage

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered, “What is the difference in mold damage and mildew damage?” Both can have similar characteristics, but they are far from being the same. Don’t confuse mold with mildew. SERVPRO® of South Burlington County can help educate you on this topic. 

Here are some similarities and differences in mold and mildew: 

Similarities:

• Keen on moisture
• Can grow on surfaces (food, shower, walls, etc.)
• Both are a fungi 

Differences:

• Size
• Color
• Texture 

According to HGTV, “mildew is a surface fungi that can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even white fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew is easily treated with a store-bought cleaner and a scrubbing brush.”

“Mold, on the other hand, can be black or green and is often the result of a much larger infestation. This type of fungus can appear almost "fuzzy" — especially when it is found on food — or even slimy in nature.”

Speaking of mold, a common misconception that many people have is that bleach can kill mold. This is a myth. 

Something else we’d like to educate you on is mold removal and mold remediation. There are clear differences. If you spot signs of mold, you’ll want to get a professional out to your home or business as quickly as possible. Because mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. 

Now that you know the difference in mold damage and mildew damage, if you happen to have mold damage at your residential or commercial property, count on the heroes of SERVPRO® of South Burlington County, who are your local mold remediation and restoration specialists. When you’re ready for us to make that damage Like it never even happened,® just email us at SERVPRO8494@GMAIL.COM  Or give us a call at 856-988-6195.

Black Mold

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

You may have seen news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of South Burlington County immediately

Understanding Mold

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

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.

Tips for Mold damage

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Black Mold

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 Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 856-988-6195

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• 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 a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Understanding Black mold " Stachybotrys chartarum "

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum aka 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 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. 

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.

Call 856-988-6195 for free mold estimates

Mold Remediation process

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our National Call Center. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Their specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: 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.

Call 856-988-6195 for free mold estimates

The water loss process and to prevent mold

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

In order to be prepared for our water mitigation process please see the 4 steps below!

Inspection:

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

Emergency Services:

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as your personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step.

Monitoring:

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.

Restoration Services:

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets,  and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A Final walk-through of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition. 

Call 856-988-6195 for water damage estimates

Info on mold remediation

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

Want to learn more about mold. Follow these steps. There is three Key factors of mold remediation. 1st. Assessment- identifying the type of mold, the cause, how large of an area, and the proper way to remove the mold. 2nd. Containment- sealing off the affected area from the unaffected areas. Creating negative pressure in the containment area to prevent mold spores escaping. 3rd. Removal- Removing of all affected material, cleaning of nonporous material, cleaning or scrubbing the air. These are just some basic steps to proper mold remediation, there is a lot more to it then just that so always call a professional. DO NOT attempt to clean mold your self! Call Sean @ SERVPRO of South Burlington County, NJ to schedule your free mold estimate. In order to find out if you have mold in your home or business. (856)-988-6195

Effects of Mold from Water Damage – House Cleanup & Health

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation

When an area experiences a major flood, water damage is not the only deadly culprit lurking around. As devastating as the damage is when the waters recede, residents are often faced with the new threat of mold contamination.

Porous materials that absorb water can confine mold infinitely. Anything that can harbor mold should be discarded immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), some people are sensitive to mold because exposure can cause symptoms such as eye irritation, wheezing, nasal congestion or skin irritation. Those who are seriously allergic to mold, may experience more severe reactions such as shortness of breath or a fever. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found sufficient evidence linking indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, wheezing and coughing in healthy individuals in addition to those with fragile immune conditions.

Mold and mildew can begin growing within 24 hours after a flood. Mold can begin colonization throughout your home, from the attic to the basement, and then to your crawl spaces. Porous materials such as rotten wood, drywall, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, rags, upholstered furniture or stale carpeting can trap mold indefinitely and should be discarded immediately. During cleanup, the EPA recommends that you wear gloves and use an N-95 respirator in a well-ventilated area.

Wet places need to be cleaned immediately and not allowed to remain damp. Mold cannot grow without moisture. Non-porous objects such as metal, plastic, glass or ceramic should be cleaned with a solution of household bleach, detergent and water. Use up to 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water. Do not forget to wear rubber gloves, goggles, an air filter mask and other protective clothing when working with bleach solutions. Never mix bleach and ammonia together. Mold contaminated areas should be washed down. Have ductwork inspected by a professional and don’t forget to change your air and furnace filters. Be sure to monitor the area for any signs of new mold growth and moisture.
Call SERVPRO of South Burlington County, NJ for a free mold estimate @ (856)-988-6195

“Mold Removal” vs. Mold Remediation

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

Setting up containment and negative pressure in a customer home, to begin mold remediation.

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 South Burlington County has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Call 856-988-6195 to schedule your inspection.

Key Factors Of Mold Remediation

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

Three Key factors of mold remediation. 1st. Assessment- identifying the type of mold, the cause, how large of an area, and the proper way to remove the mold. 2nd. Containment- sealing off the affected area from the unaffected areas. Creating negative pressure in the containment area to prevent mold spores escaping. 3rd. Removal- Removing of all affected material, cleaning of nonporous material, cleaning or scrubbing the air. These are just some basic steps to proper mold remediation, there is a lot more to it then just that so always call a professional. DO NOT attempt to clean mold your self! Call Sean @ SERVPRO of South Burlington County, NJ to schedule your free mold estimate. In order to find out if you have mold in your home or business.

(856)-988-6195

Asthma and Mold

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

#Asthma is a serious condition, and when paired with mold can be very dangerous and detrimental to your #health. #SERVPRO of South Burlington County, NJ have #Mold#Specialists that are here to assist you and your family in creating a pathway for a healthier lifestyle! Call (856)988-6195 ask for Sean....

Mold Remediation

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Large scale mold loss in a customer's house.

Mold is often an after effect of water damage and can spread in as little as 48 hours. If you see mold in your home or business, stop and call SERVPRO of South Burlington County, NJ to get a free estimate. Our team is certified and licensed to take care of the problem the first time. Call 856-988-6195 ask for Sean