Understanding Mold Concerns and Professional Remediation with SERVPRO of Greenville

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

Discovering potential mold, like on this wall, is troubling. Call SERVPRO of Greenville, your local mold remediation professionals for help!

Mold, an ever-present, natural part of our environment, plays an essential role in breaking down organic materials. However, when it comes to our homes and businesses, its presence can raise valid concerns due to potential health effects and structural damage it may cause.

It's essential to understand that it's impossible to completely remove all mold spores indoors; some microscopic particles will always remain in the air and on surfaces. The key to managing mold is controlling moisture and humidity levels, as these conditions can promote mold growth.

Identifying a Potential Mold Issue

Musty odors, visible mold growth, and long-term moisture issues can be potential signs of a mold concern in your property. If you're experiencing any of these, professional assistance from a qualified restoration company like SERVPRO® of Greenville can help determine the necessary steps to take.

Professional Mold Remediation Services

At SERVPRO® of Greenville, our experienced team follows strict industry standards for mold remediation, using specialized tools and methods:

1. Inspection and Damage Assessment: Our professionals will thoroughly inspect your property for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources.

2. Mold Containment: To prevent the spread of mold during the cleanup process, we use advanced containment procedures, like negative air chambers and physical barriers.

3. Air Filtration: We use advanced air filtration equipment, such as "air scrubbers" and HEPA vacuums, to capture microscopic mold spores from the air.

4. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials: Depending on the level of mold damage and the types of surfaces involved, we will use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments designed to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new ones from forming.

5. Cleaning and Sanitizing: We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold, using various cleaning techniques. We can also remove odors with air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

6. Restoration: Depending on the extent of the mold damage, we can replace drywall, subfloors, and other building materials.

At SERVPRO® of Greenville, our IICRC-certified professionals are ready to help you navigate mold concerns and restore your property. 

Common Sources of Mold

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

There are many types of mold, coming in a variety of colors and appearences.

Five Places Where Mold Grows

One big aspect of mold prevention is early detection. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of fungal intruders in Greenville, NC, uncovering growths that have recently begun to develop grants you an opportunity to stop infestations from worsening. Here are five locations within your office that should be checked regularly.

1. HVAC Drain Pans
   Air conditioning pans are located near your temperature control system’s cooling coils. The sweat that develops as air moves through the coils drips into the pan. When flow rates become too high, the collected condensation can overflow. This runoff sometimes soaks ductwork, making mold a possibility.
2. Ducts
   Air moving through ductwork contains heavy moisture. When this buildup condenses, it gets absorbed into duct linings. Besides checking for growths, ensure that your system’s airflow rates are optimal as an additional form of mold prevention.
3. Ceilings
   Because they tend to be porous, mold sometimes grows in ceiling tiles. Those adjacent to HVAC system vents are particularly vulnerable. Mold in ceilings can also result from roof leaks. When this happens, the eventual water damagegives good reason for hiring an expert roofing repair team. Such professionals are also typically capable of safely removing mold growth.
4. Carpeting
   Carpets are susceptible to spills, floods, and leaks. Look underneath yours to determine whether dampness exists. A wet vacuum should be employed when water is discovered. Follow this step with a good steam cleaning. Fans and dehumidifiers may also be used to accelerate the process.
5. Wallboard
   Flooding, groundwater and mechanical system leaks are common causes of damp wallboard. Get rid of compromised wallboard by cutting at least 20 inches above the water’s high point. Make certain that all wall and ceiling cavities are thoroughly dried before installing a fresh set. An important part of mold prevention is rapid discovery. Halt the progress of fungal invasions by regularly checking your building’s most common trouble spots.

Mold can be a stressful invader in your home or business. Call a reputable mold inspection specialist if you have any doubts or concerns.

5 Facts About Mold on Food

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Learn More About Mold on Food by Following our Tips.

Have you ever purchased a loaf of bread in Greenville, NC only to go to eat it a couple of days later and realize that it's moldy? You're not only frustrated at the waste, but you're surprised at how quickly your bread went bad. Why does bread mold form so quickly? Here are five facts about mold on food that you might not know.

Does My Home Have a Mold Infestation?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spores spread fast in your Greenville, NC, home.

Mold is relatively common in residential spaces. Unfortunately, many times it goes unnoticed until it's out of control. It's good at hiding. There are signs of mold that will keep you more aware if you should have a problem. The sooner you can identify mold in your Greenville, NC, home, the better. Black mold is particularly damaging, possessing a mycotoxin. If you discover mold, it's essential to take action immediately, as it can spread out of control extremely quickly.

How Do I Find and Identify Mold in My Home?

1. Your Home Is Humid

Mold is not picky about where it lives. It thrives in conditions that are dark, humid, and reasonably warm. If your home has high humidity, there's a good chance you could have mold growth, particularly in areas with poor circulation. The indoor relative humidity should be no higher than 50%. You can purchase inexpensive humidity monitors at hardware stores. Keep adequate humidity levels in your home by placing dehumidifiers, running fans, and opening windows (if the humidity is lower outdoors than in). Mold is also prone to grow in bathrooms and kitchens due to the excess moisture created. Utilize the ventilation systems in the bathrooms and kitchen whenever you're taking a shower or cooking on the stove.

2. You See It on Walls or Ceilings

Mold is good at hiding, but it also often grows visibly on walls and ceilings. If you see it on walls or ceilings, it could also be growing within and behind them, even under wallpaper. When you see mold growth, you must call mold remediation experts immediately to begin the inspection and restoration process as soon as possible. They have the professional equipment and expertise to find all of the molds and eliminate it safely.

3. You Find It in Inconspicuous Locations

Look in out-of-the-way areas of your home, such as inside bathroom cabinets and behind appliances and furniture. Spaces that are poorly ventilated and go untouched for some time, such as basements and attics, are even more susceptible to mold growing on and behind things. Both places are also more likely to have water damage that goes unnoticed.

4. You Smell a Persistent, Pungent Odor

If you smell a musty odor in your home, there's probably mold growing nearby. This odor is created by mycotoxin, which the mold produces.

5. You Detect Water Damage

If your home has water damage, such as from a leaky pipe or roof, there will almost certainly be mold growth if it goes untreated for more than 48 hours. This is why it's essential to clean, dry, and repair water damage and its source immediately.

6. You Discover a Bug Infestation

Many people don't realize that mold can attract certain bugs, such as booklice. Despite their name, they aren't restricted to books; they thrive in moldy conditions because they eat mold. The only way to get rid of this bug infestation is to eradicate all of the molds.

From the mycotoxin it produces to the structural damage it can cause, mold can create various severe issues if left untreated for even a short time. It's critical to know the signs of mold, where it lurks, and how to identify it.

How To Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Greenville, NC.

If your home in Greenville, NC, has water damage, that may not be the only thing you have to worry about. Oily patches on your wall or a musty smell can be a sign of a black mold problem. Even if you can't see the fungus growth, that doesn't mean it's not there. To get rid of it, you need certified professionals who can locate and mitigate the damage.

Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

Finding the Mold

It's not possible to get rid of every mold spore in your home. Every time you open a door or window, mold can get inside. This is only a problem, however, if there is excess moisture in places where it can grow undisturbed:

• On drywall
  
• Under sinks
  
• In tile grout
  
• Beneath appliances
  

Mold remediation experts not only find where the mold is hiding but also test to see what type of mold it is and how concentrated a growth they have to deal with. Once they have this information, they can start the mold cleanup process.

Mold Remediation

Getting rid of black mold growth takes more than just a brush, detergent and some elbow grease. If the material on which it grows is porous, there is a strong chance that the filaments have actually embedded themselves below the surface. After a thorough assessment, the technicians that handle the mitigation know which equipment and technique is most effective for your specific problem. If material is too damaged by the mold, it must be torn out and replaced. Once the cleanup process is complete, a final professional mold test can give you peace of mind that the issue is resolved.

If you suspect there is black mold in your home, you need to call for professional mitigation. Certified technicians can ensure that the problem is thoroughly diagnosed and dealt with so that the mold growth does not return at a later date.

Tips For Managing Mold In Your Greenville, NC Home Or Business

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for mold growth on any damp or wet surfaces.

Eastern NC has a notoriously humid subtropical climate and the Greenville, Winterville and Snow Hill area is no exception. This near constant moisture and heat means mold excels at growing where you don’t want it. Being national leaders in residential and commercial remediation, the SERVPRO team has a significant amount of experience dealing with mold and we are more than happy to share some of our professional wisdom.

Ten Things You Should Know about Mold

1. As many know, mold may cause potential health effects, depending on the type and individual sensitivity.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; instead, prevention of mold spores from growing is key.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or business, remediation and eliminating excess sources of moisture are crucial. Leaving it untreated will only allow it to spread.
4. Most cases of mold that we are called to help with are from a leak; finding the source of the water problem is absolutely necessary to prevent further mold growth. If you’re unsure where the leak is coming from, contact a plumber who also offers leak detection!
5. Reduce indoor humidity, typically between 30-60% to decrease mold growth by:
• Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
• Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increasing ventilation
• Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with warm water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, if moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods and all need to be remediated as soon as you are aware of the issue. Waiting will only cause more damage and in return cost you more money in repairs.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, give us a call at: (252)-329-7205.

Vacant homes can be a breeding ground for mold

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Vacant homes can be breeding grounds for mold growth. Quite often we are called to a vacant home that is up for sale or the renter has moved out. The realtor/rental agent has come to show the home and finds mold growing on the walls. Mold can be seen growing most often in the upper wall locations, though it is not unusual to see growth at the lower wall levels as well. Closets that have been closed will quite often have the worst mold growth, partly because they are dark and mold loves the dark.

What could cause this? No broken water lines are found, the water is usually turned off to the home. Sometimes the HVAC system is off and that is the source of the problem. Having the heating and air turned off creates a high humidity level in the home. When the HVAC system is off there is no airflow circulating in the home therefore the air becomes stagnant. This is the perfect scenario for mold development.

Here are some tips on preventing mold issues in vacant homes:

• Always keep some heat and air running in the home. Set temperature so heat or air runs periodically during the day.
• Open closet doors to allow for airflow and light to enter.
• A ceiling fan left on low can help circulate the air in the home.
• Open window treatments/blinds at least ¼ open to allow in extra light. Remember, mold loves the dark.
• Visit the home occasionally. Just opening the doors and entering the structure allows for the exchange of fresh air and extra airflow. It’s also a great way to catch any issues before they become serious problems

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 SERVPRO of Pitt/Greene Counties Today – 252-329-7205

Pitt and Greene County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. 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.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Pitt/Greene Counties 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.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Pitt/Greene Counties 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 – (252) 329-7205