Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
What Color is Mold?
6/13/2019 (Permalink)
What Color is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. Mold can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.
In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.
If you are concerned your home or business may be experiencing a problem with mold, please do not hesitate to call the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country.
Source: WebMD Online
Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room
In the laundry room:
- Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
- Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
- Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.
In bathrooms:
- Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
- Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary.
- Open a window when showering.
- Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.
Source: WebMD Online. Jan 2019
Top Tips Reducing Mold Growth in the Kitchen
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
Top Tips Reducing Mold Growth in the Kitchen
In the kitchen:
- Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside (not into the attic) whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
- Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
- Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
- Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.
- Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
- Be sure crawl spaces are well ventilated by using fans and having vents installed in outside walls if necessary.
- Consider painting concrete floors and using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet in basements. If you plan to install carpet over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
- Have your basement floor checked for leaks and have them repaired if necessary. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors or walls.
- Make sure gutters are working properly and that outdoor landscaping causes water to run away from -- not toward -- the house.
- Do not finish basement walls with insulation and wall board unless your basement is very dry.
Source: WebMD Online. Jan 2019
Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in the State of Texas
12/5/2018 (Permalink)
Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in the State of Texas
Mold assessment activities include an inspection, investigation, or survey of a dwelling or other structure to provide the owner or occupant with information regarding the presence, identification, or evaluation of mold, the development of a mold management plan or remediation protocol, and the collection or analysis of a mold sample. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services in Texas are properly trained and licensed. For Mold Remediation, please contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country and we will be very happy to help!
Source: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/mld.htm
An Ounce of Mold Prevention Can Help Protect You
8/22/2018 (Permalink)
An Ounce of Mold Prevention Can Help Protect You
The most important step you can take is to identify humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold growth or structural damage.
§ Periodically inspect your building or home inside and out
§ Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, call SERVPRO® of The Hill Country to identify the extent of the damage. Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen. This provides perfect conditions for mold growth.
§ Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator of growing molds. Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see. Remember, the key to protecting your home or business is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.
§ Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking, and effective cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product will keep problems away.
§ Business: make sure your Emergency Response Plan includes vendors that have the proper personnel and reserves and guarantees response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This especially includes plumbers and restoration vendors like SERVPRO® of The Hill Country.
§ Regularly have your HVAC system and air conditioner inspected to identify moisture problems or drain clogs.
What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?
6/16/2018 (Permalink)
What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?
After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected. SERVPRO of The Hill Country strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.
If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.
Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help. Faster to Any Disaster
Managing the Mold Remediation Process
6/16/2018 (Permalink)
Managing the Mold Remediation Process
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 cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Franchise Professionals have 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 (210) 348-2911
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of the Hill Country. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.
Inspection and 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 and 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® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.
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. 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 and Belongings
SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using
fogging equipment. SERVPRO of the Hill Country Park Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.
Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow
6/16/2018 (Permalink)
Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow
We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives. Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful.
Mold can grow on areas with the following:
· Water, moisture or high humidity
· Food (any organic substance)
· The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)
· Lack of ventilation
· Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.
· Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.
If you suspect you have mold, please contact the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of The Hill Country at: (830) 995-4102.
What are Molds?
12/4/2017 (Permalink)
What are molds?
One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold. What kind of mold do I have? How do I keep it from spreading?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.
What are some of the common indoor molds?
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home. In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming. In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.
In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.
How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure
11/22/2017 (Permalink)
How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure
How can people decrease mold exposure?
Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.
Specific Recommendations:
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can — no higher than 50% – all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
- Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
- Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
- Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
- Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
- Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
What areas have high mold exposures?
- Antique shops
- Greenhouses
- Saunas
- Farms
- Mills
- Construction areas
- Flower shops
- Summer cottages
- Lake Houses
Source: cdc.gov
Toilet Leak Causes Secondary Damage
8/18/2017 (Permalink)
A mold colony growing inside of the closet, which shares a wall with the once flooded powder bathroom
When you experience water damage of any kind, it is important that mitigation begins as soon as possible. The longer the water is allowed to sit, the greater the extent of the damage that is done to your home and belongings. If it sits for long enough, you may no longer be looking at just water damage to clean up, but you could also have secondary damage. Secondary damage, also known as mold, can begin to occur in as little as 48 hours if water damage isn't tended to in a timely manner or isn't taken care of properly. That is what happened in this house in Comfort. The water damage occurred when a supply line to the toilet had disconnected. The homeowners discovered the leak not too long after it had started, and since the water was mostly contained to the four walls of their powder bathroom, the homeowners figured that they would mitigate the water damage themselves. They put in a couple fans and as soon as the baseboards felt dry, the fans were turned off and put away. Fast forward a few weeks later, the homeowner started to notice black spots inside the bathroom and along adjacent walls. Fearing that it was mold, they called SERVPRO of The Hill Country. Our "Mold Guru" came out and confirmed that it was in fact mold growing. Our team of highly-trained professionals completed the remediation that was needed and made this mold infestation "Like it never even happened."
Mold Remediation Should Not Be A DIY Project
6/21/2017 (Permalink)
Do-it-yourself projects can be a great way to save money while fixing things up around your home or business. However, certain DIY projects shouldn’t be done yourself; some require the attention of a certified professional. One DIY project that many try to tackle by themselves is removing mold. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some mold that you can take care of with everyday cleaning products, such as mold that is growing inside of your shower. However, when it comes to large infestations, you need to step back and hire a trusted remediation company that is trained and experienced in removing mold from your home. That is where SERVPRO of The Hill Country comes in!
When you find a mold colony growing along the outside of a wall, it is usually just the tip of the iceberg. It isn’t until you start removing the drywall and/or insulation that you can see the full extent of the affected areas. Attempting to remove mold yourself can actually make the situation worse. Agitating the mold causes the spores to be released into the air. These spores can float throughout your duct system and home, and if they land in a spot where the conditions are right, these spores will reproduce and mold will begin to grow in a different area of your home. This is why it is important to hire a certified mold remediation company like SERVPRO of The Hill Country. Our highly-trained technicians treat your home as if it were their own. They don’t cut corners to get the job done fast; they take the extra precautionary measures to ensure that the job is done properly. If you discover mold in your home or commercial building and aren’t really sure what the next step is, calling SERVPRO of The Hill Country is a great place to start. Our friendly office staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and set up an appointment for our “Mold Guru” to come out and give you an estimate.
Understanding Mold
6/16/2017 (Permalink)
Mold was discovered in the kitchen of this Boerne home.
Mold is a problem that homeowners have been dealing with for centuries. In fact, every house and environment has mold spores; they are a normal part of the air we breathe. When there is a greater concentration of mold spores is when mold becomes a problem.
Mold needs three things in order to thrive: a source of food, an ideal temperature, and moisture. Mold will feed on dirt and dust which is present in every home. And most houses are kept at temperatures that are almost always ideal for mold growth. As for moisture? Moisture can come in more than one form. Most people believe that you need to have experienced some kind of water damage (i.e. flooding, burst pipe, malfunctioning appliance) to encourage mold growth. While that can be true, especially if remediation isn't done within 24-48 hours, this is not always the case. If your home has a relative humidity of 60% or greater, mold can grow in your home, regardless of if you experienced water damage or not. A musty smell is usually the first sign that you have a mold problem in your Hill Country home.
Finding mold in your home or business can be panic-inducing, but that is what we are here for. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help, just as we have been for the past 14 years. We have a great, professional team of highly-trained technicians that will make your mold problem "Like it never even happened."
830-995-4102
Mold Growths Found in Fredericksburg Home
6/16/2017 (Permalink)
Green mold and black mold growing on the inside of the wall.
When conditions are ideal for mold, it will grow. And if it is not addressed at the first signs, mold can slowly begin to infest your entire house. That was the situation when SERVPRO of The Hill Country was called out to this house in Fredericksburg. The homeowner initially called us when he noticed a mold colony behind his oven. Upon further investigating, our crew realized that the colony behind the oven was just the beginning of it. They found that most of this home had been affected by mold. As you can see in the picture, there are both green and black molds growing on the wall. Much of the room looked like the small section you see here.
If you find mold colonies in your Hill Country home, call us at SERVPRO of The Hill Country. We have been serving our community for almost 15 years.
830-995-4102
Four Steps To Successful Mold Remediation
6/9/2017 (Permalink)
If you find mold in your Hill Country home, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country.
All it takes is a small water leak or excess humidity for mold to form in your home or business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is committed to helping you make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country at 830-995-4102
SERVPRO of The Hill Country has been serving our community for almost 15 years. We have extensive experience in successfully mitigating mold in homes, offices, and large warehouses.
- Set up an appointment
It is important to set containment and air filtration. It will limit the spread of mold spores and improve air quality.
- Mitigation
It is important to remove mold and mold-infested materials to insure that the source of the problem has been taken care of.
- Post-Testing
We recommend testing from an Industrial Hygienist to verify that mitigation was completed correctly and thoroughly.
What To Do If You Suspect Mold
12/7/2016 (Permalink)
Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.
Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in places with high levels of moisture, such as leaks around pipes, windows, or roofs. If flooding has occurred and saturated your home, mold will also grow in drywall, dust, upholstery, and carpet, just to name a few. This is why it is of utmost importance to reach out to SERVPRO of The Hill Country immediately if any water damage has occurred - these specially trained professionals will ensure your home and belongings are properly cleaned and dried to inhibit mold growth.
Mold can be many different colors, smell musty, and will often look like spots. Regardless of what type of mold it is, it needs to be removed. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it by attempting to clean the area yourself, touching the mold, or blowing air across affected areas. 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. If you suspect mold, keep loved ones out of the area, turn off fans and the HVAC system, and contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of The Hill Country 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 – SERVPRO of The Hill Country – 830. 995.4102
Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country To Prevent Secondary Damage
10/30/2016 (Permalink)
You have heard it said again and again: Time is money.
The old adage is never more true than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property remains wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage. That's why emergency response matters.
Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air. Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation. The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry. The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc. Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow. This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.
Let's face it: Floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday. So why should your restoration provider? SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods to get the job done right as quickly as possible. This includes every holiday, even Halloween.
Does Your Hill Country Home Have A Mold Problem?
8/10/2016 (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 The Hill Country and Mold
6/17/2016 (Permalink)
It's the water that you don't see that can truly cause the most damage to your home or office building. If you have had a water leak that you thought was all cleaned up, but are now starting to notice a musky odor in your home there is a good possibility that you have microbial growth. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help! The professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country are trained to halt water damage in its tracks. It is always best to call at the first signs of water damage to help prevent secondary damage, but SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals understand that you don't always realize there is a water leak until you start to see browning spots in your ceiling or smell that tell-tale odor. If you reside or perform business in the Hill Country of Texas, contact us at (830) 995-4102.
Managing Mold in The Hill Country
6/14/2016 (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 cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise
Professionals have 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 830-995-4102
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of The Hill Country. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.
Inspection and 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 and 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® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.
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. 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 and Belongings
SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using
fogging equipment.
Your local SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.
Understanding Mold
6/6/2016 (Permalink)
From the Ordinary...
Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment, and they produce some very useful results. For examples, yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads and other food products. Blue cheese's unique flavor is attributed to mold, and life-saving penicillin is a product of mold.
...To the Unhealthy
Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold and extended exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.
Any water intrusion into your office or your home can result in mold growth. This intrusion of water can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks, and poor humidity control. When these issues are not addressed, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.
Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments, but if the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply to a harmful level.
Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that may pose a health threat.
Take Precautions
If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, be alert for:
- The presence of visible mold
- Strong, musty odors that may indicate mold is present.
- Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
- Excessive humidity.
Help is Here
If you think you or your customer might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO
Real Quotes from Real Mold Customers
5/27/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of the Hill Country prides itself on ensuring that customers are happy. One of our top priorities is customer satisfaction. Here are some real quotes from some real customers that we performed services at their home or office.
"I'm very happy with your service and impressed with your personnel professionalism." -August in Bulverde, Texas
"They were prompt, courteous, and helpful."- Kathy in Fox, Texas
"In times of stress, Eric was kind and very polite. He was very good."- Martha in Kerville, Texas
"Everything was fantastic. Great crew/ very knowledgeable/ very professional." -Jessica in San Antonio, Texas
"Services over and above what was expected. Dealt with homeowners in a very professional manner. I would ask for Patrice if I ever need SERVPRO again. Great job!"= Don in Rio Frio, Texas
For a SERVPRO that you can count on, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country.
24/7 Emergency Service
