Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Top Tips for Tracking Down a Mold Infestation | SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee

Name: SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee
Address: 27903 Cooke Street, Flat Rock, MI, 48134
Telephone: (734) 299-7006

1/12/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee is here for you when mold strikes!

Our homes put up with a lot day in and day out to keep us safe and comfortable. They are the first line of defense when the weather gets bad, they withstand the elements no matter what season we are in, and they keep us safe and warm while we are cozy in our beds.

However, that also means that different situations can develop from time to time that could lead to serious issues if they go unaddressed. This is especially true when mold is concerned. Mold has the potential to become a health hazard in your home, but it can also start to compromise your home’s structure over time as well.

Our SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee team is fully trained on handling mold infestations, and we can make sure that the mold in your home is taken care of fully no matter the type of situation. Check out more about mold below!

Where Does Mold Like to Grow?
Did you know that mold spores are basically everywhere? These microscopic spores are floating through the air both outside and inside your homes.

They can travel back and forth through windows, vents or through that pesky draft in your basement.

The presence of mold spores in your home doesn’t guarantee an infestation will occur because the conditions have to be right. Mold loves dark, damp and cool areas of your home. If a spore finds its way into a space like your basement, attic or bathroom corner, it can take hold and start to grow into an entire colony in 24 to 48 hours.

What to Do About a Mold Infestation
Mold is something that no one wants to find in their homes, so your first reaction will probably be a few words of surprised disgust followed by an overwhelming sense of not knowing what to do. Our first tip is to avoid touching it or disturbing it in any way. Some types of mold shouldn’t be inhaled or handled, so keep yourself safe and call us instead.

We can come out quickly and identify the type of mold so we can create our recovery and restoration plan. We will also investigate the reason for the mold in the first place and can track down any moisture issues or humidity problems in your home. We will contain the area, filter the air and then we will work on removing the mold and the mold infested materials.

Cleaning Up After the Mold Is Gone

The longer mold is left to grow and spread, the higher the chances of some sort of home damage occurring underneath the colony. Mold can slowly eat away at wood, drywall or other structural supports around your home, and that can lead to a dangerous living space.

We will tackle any repairs that need to be done and then give the whole area a cleaning and sanitization to help ensure the mold can’t grow back.

Mold infestations should always be handled by professionals. Contact us today at SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee.

Got mold? Let SERVPRO help!

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage can occur in many places in your home. Mold spores are present almost everywhere and can grow with an appliance or pipe leak, after a sump pump failure in your basement, or any other source of water intrusion such as a roof leak. Mold colonies can develop if water soaks into the structures of your home or into soft furnishings and materials such as carpet, and can also grow on the surfaces of walls. It is sometimes challenging to prevent mold growth after a water leak or other source of moisture, and many homeowners will struggle with fungal growth at some point.

How Does Mold Grow?

Molds are microscopic fungal organisms that can colonize and grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce through spores that travel through the air, and digest and destroy organic materials. (https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf) The most common types of indoor molds have been identified as Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. (https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm)

The fungus needs the following to grow and spread:

An organic food source such as cotton, paper, or wood
Moisture
Oxygen

Mold grows best in cool and dark conditions. The spores reproduce rapidly and can create a significant problem in as little as 24-72 hours, including both structural damage and health problems.

How Does SERVPRO Reduce Mold Damage Risks?

You might call us out if you are concerned about visible fungi, a moldy smell, or a water leak. Mold remediation services can minimize the damage, demolition, and costs of replacing mold damaged materials.

We know that looking for visible signs of mold is sometimes not enough. The fungus often grows in dark, hidden corners of your home and hard to reach places like inside wall cavities. We can use various equipment to assess moisture levels in your home's walls and carpets and to check humidity levels. We can also refer you to companies that provide air quality testing to let you know the types and levels of mold spores in your home.

Why is Drying Your Home so Important?

Because fungus needs moisture to thrive, properly drying your home reduces mold damage risks. This is especially important if your house has suffered recent water damage or a water leak.

Getting your home dry is a crucial part of our mold remediation process. This includes:

Setting up air movers to help dry the surface of wet flooring or walls
Using dehumidifiers to reduce the amount of moisture in the air
Using portable extractors to remove water from floors and carpets

Our crews can also deal with the fungus that is already present. We use air scrubbers and HEPA filters to help capture the airborne spores. We can also clean or dispose of items depending on whether they are salvageable. Antimicrobial products are typically sprayed on treated surfaces to inhibit any future mold growth. SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee microbial remediation technicians have the skills, experience, equipment, and products to leave your home looking "Like it never even happened." Call us for your mold remediation needs at (734) 299-7006.

Mold damage after flooding: What you need to know

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage in basement after flood.

It's been a wet spring and summer this year in lower Southeastern MI and with the increase in temperatures this past week it is now more important the ever that homeowners and business owners alike be aware of mold and the proper precautions to take if mold spores are suspected.

Mold is all around us, and occurs naturally in our environment; floating through the air as tiny particles. Some types of mold can even be useful. For instance, penicillin, which has been used medically for over 70 years, and has saved millions of lives, is actually a product of mold.

Unfortunately though, all strains of mold are not as beneficial as penicillin, and exposure can cause health concerns, especially for the elderly, children, people with weakened immune systems, and for those with respiratory issues.

What to be on the lookout for:

If you have had a water loss in the past, or have evidence of moisture problems, you may be at risk
Visible presence of something that appears like it may be mold
Higher than normal humidity
Musty odor

What to do if you suspect mold

Turn off your HVAC and heat; air movement could cause the spores to spread
Do not touch or disturb what you suspect may be the presence of mold
Most importantly, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee at (734) 299-7006 to assess the situation

Mold in Your Home or Rental Property

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee are licensed in mold remediation, and are ready to tackle the problem!

The Truth About Mold

Mold:

grows from mold spores
- spores are too small to see unaided
- spores can survive harsh environments for many years
can grow almost anywhere
needs to have only
- above-freezing temperatures
- protein, such as animal dander, skin cells, wood, plaster, or carpet
- moisture (high humidity is enough)
grows rapidly
damages and can even ruin property
has a bad smell
is unsightly (and can come in many different colors)

If you have a small amount of mold on a dish, for example, you can clean it. You can even throw the dish away.

However, if you have a large amount of mold, you need licensed mold remediation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a "large amount" as an area of 10 square feet or more.

SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee is licensed in the mold remediation process, and is qualified for even the worst of mold situations.

If you see or smell anything that may lead you to believe that you may have mold in your home, please contact the mold professionals at SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee at (734) 299-7006. If you are in a rental home, talk with your landlord if you suspect a problem to see if licensed professionals need to become involved.

Monroe County Residents: What to Know About Mold After Flooding

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

After devastating flooding destroyed homes and displaced people all across Monroe County and other areas of Southeast Michigan two weeks ago, Spring has finally come and temperatures are starting to warm up. With the increase in temperatures, however, it is now more important the ever that homeowners and business owners alike be aware of mold and the proper precautions to take if mold spores are suspected.