Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Mold in Your Home: A Guide to Identification and Prevention

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your home can be a concerning issue. As a trusted restoration company, we've seen firsthand how important it is to identify and address mold problems promptly. In this blog post, we'll provide you with valuable insights on how to spot mold in your home and take steps to prevent it from becoming a more significant issue.

Spotting Mold

Mold can be sneaky, often hiding in dark and damp areas of your home. Here's how to identify signs of mold:

Musty Odor: One of the earliest signs of mold is a musty or earthy smell. If you notice an unpleasant, persistent odor in your home, it may be an indicator of hidden mold growth.

Visible Mold: The most obvious sign is seeing mold growth. It can appear as fuzzy spots, black streaks, or discolored patches on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. Common areas for visible mold growth include bathrooms, basements, and around windows.

Water Damage: If you've experienced recent water damage, such as a leak or flooding, mold is likely to follow if not addressed promptly. Keep a close eye on areas that were affected by the water, as mold can develop within 24-48 hours.

Allergy Symptoms: Mold can trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you or your family members experience unexplained allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes when at home, mold could be the culprit.

Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold is the best way to deal with the issue. Here's how you can do it:

Control Moisture: Mold needs moisture to thrive. Keep your home dry by fixing leaks, addressing water damage promptly, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.

Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Use exhaust fans and keep windows open when the weather permits.

Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and inspect areas where mold is likely to develop, such as bathrooms and basements. Use mold-resistant paints and cleaning products.

Proper Insulation: Insulate your home properly to prevent condensation on walls and ceilings. This is especially important in colder climates.

Spotting and preventing mold growth is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe home environment. If you are struggling with mold in your home, contact our team of restoration experts at SERVPRO today!

What Happens when you don't call SERVPRO

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

The inside of the pool house was consumed with mold. This caused considerably more damage than the original water leak that had taken place.

During one of the hardest freezes in January, 2018 we had a customer that found a pipe that burst in their pool house. This caused water to leak throughout the building. They were able to turn the water off manually. The homeowners thought that since they wouldn’t be using the pool house until it got warm that they would allow it to air dry. This happens a lot. We get so caught up in our day to day activities that we just don’t have the time to worry about a water leak.

A few weeks later our customer found the pool house decorated with different kinds and colors of mold.

Once we got the call our crew was able to get the pool house packed out so that we could perform the necessary demolition and restore the property back to its original condition.

When you have a water leak give us a call at SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork.We will work with your insurance company and take care of the problem for you. Calling SERVPRO as soon as you find your water leak will save you time and money.

Conditions In Irmo Increase Likelihood of Mold

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 803-749-0178

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork for mold remediation services.

Dutch Fork Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

A Leaking Sink Creates A Great Environment for Mold.

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 The Dutch Fork 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 The Dutch Fork 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 SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork - 803-749-0178

Does Your Irmo Home Have A Mold Problem?

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

A mold job we are currently working on at a home in Irmo.

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 at 803-749-0178