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.