5 Mold Facts

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

1. Mold is a fungus

Like any fungus, mold sprouts from spores. Those spores are usually free-floating in your environment at all times, and only need a catalyst to grow into an active fungus infestation. That catalyst is water in any form, whether it be a puddle or humidity in the air.

2. Mold grows on organic surfaces

This can include food and plant matter, but you would be surprised what else is considered "organic." This includes the drywall of your walls and ceilings, as well as wooden floorboards and furniture upholstery.

3. Black mold doesn't always start off black

Black mold can start as gray, green, white, or yellow, before darkening through stages to brown and then black.

4. Mold is not the same as mildew

Mold and mildew are two different types of fungus. They can be differentiated by color, texture, and growth patterns. Mold is fuzzy and thick, while mildew has a soft, powdery texture.

5. Mold can often only be detected by trained professionals

Certified mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County can identify mold that isn't apparent to the naked eye. Call SERVPRO to help you develop strategies for mold prevention and cleanup.

Bleach May Cause More Harm than Good

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Some people have been told bleach is a quick way to take care of a mold problem.  It is true bleach kills mold, but it can only kill mold spores it can reach, and it is active for only a short time span. In other words it has no residual affect on mold spores to protect the material in the long term.

The application instructions for bleach specify it is effective on nonporous surfaces, such as ceramic and tile, countertops, appliances, etc. Mold can also grow on:

• Walls, ceilings or other painted surfaces
• Fabrics, like carpets, rugs and furniture
• Inside the grout between your tiles
• Along window sills

Mold spores can establish colonies of mold inside walls, under floors and behind cabinets, etc.

Mold spores are live organisms, and therefore are designed to defend themselves and to launch defense mechanisms when threatened or attacked. Another side-effect of using bleach, as opposed to an EPA registered antimicrobial disinfectant, is to exacerbate the problem by causing the mold to take its' defense mechanisms to the next level. This can accelerate the colonization of mold spores and increase the level of mold infestation. 

Mold spores thrive when excess moisture is present in materials susceptible to mold growth. Bleach-based cleaners contain mostly water. After you finish your initial fungus cleanup, the damp surface encourages more mold to grow. 

SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County will identify the true extent of the infestation and treat infected areas while controlling the spread of spores.

Do Not Despair, You Can Repair

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup and remediation in Cleburne, TX

Mold Is Everywhere

The appearance of mold is a fairly common occurrence, but major infestations are increasingly frequent as more severe weather events affect Cleburne, TX. There are always mold spores in the air. All it takes is some extra moisture to activate them. Once that happens, serious mold cleaning is called for. In that case, the best (and safest) course of action is to call a professional.

Mold remediation techniques can range from simple to complex, particularly when it involves a treasured family heirloom, such as a pricey painting. While mold damage to a painting can often look quite serious, it does not mean that the painting is unsalvageable.

How To Prepare

After you have made that all-important call to a trusted mold remediation service, there are certain things you should do:

• Avoid any areas that are affected by mold.
• Avoid disturbing or touching the mold; this could cause it to spread.
• Do not make any attempts to dry the mold.
• Turn off all fans and/or HVAC systems.
• Do not attempt to do any mold cleaning on your own with products such as bleach or disinfectant.

What To Expect

Once the professionals arrive, there is a standard process that will bring relief. Through various technologies, the mold damage will be inspected and assessed. One of the first things will be to address any water or moisture sources. This will prevent the formation of additional mold colonies. Then, by controlling the air flow, the mold will be contained, thereby halting any further spread. Once heavily damaged, porous materials such as drywall are removed, the cleaning process can commence. Thanks to a wide array of mold remediation techniques and technologies, most mold damage can be successfully repaired.

While a mold infestation can be a traumatic experience, having to throw away treasured items such as paintings need not be a foregone conclusion thanks to modern mold cleaning methods.

Taking a Look at the Basics of Mold

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

You can usually recognize mold on sight if it’s invaded your Cleburne, TX, home, but do you really know the ins and outs of this nuisance? It’s important to be able to identify mold easily, particularly black mold – and to know what to do about it when you find it.

Five Easy Facts About Mold

Let’s take a look at these things you should always remember about mold:

1. Mold is a fungus. This means that like any fungus, it sprouts from spores. Those spores are usually free-floating in your environment at all times, and only need a catalyst to grow into an active fungus infestation. That catalyst is water in any form, whether it’s a puddle or humidity in the air.
2. Mold grows on organic surfaces. This can include food and plant matter, but you would be surprised what else is considered “organic” that mold will happily take root in. This includes the drywall of your walls and ceilings, as well as wooden floorboards and furniture upholstery.
3. Black mold doesn’t always start off black. Black mold can start of gray or green or white or even yellow, before darkening through stages to brown and then black. You may not think you have a black mold infestation when you actually do.
4. Mold is not the same as mildew. Mold and mildew are actually two different types of fungus. They can be differentiated by color and texture, and by their growth patterns. Mold is fuzzy and thicker, while mildew has a sort of soft, powdery texture.
5. Often mold can only be detected by trained professionals. Certified mold remediation specialists can identify mold that isn’t apparent to the naked eye. Mold remediation specialists can also help you develop strategies for mold prevention and mold cleanup, depending on if you have an active infestation or not.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROofcrowleysjc.com. 

3 Ways To Prevent Mold From Growing Inside Your Home

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Protecting your Crowley, TX, home from mold can prevent costly repairs and the time it takes to treat it. While mold spores are naturally present in the air, they can multiply during times of high humidity or after a residence suffers water damage. However, there are ways you can prevent mold from taking hold inside your home, whether you are dealing with the aftermath of flood damage or simply want to protect your home from unwelcome fungi.

1. Maintain Your Plumbing System

Leaky pipes under sinks, old toilets and corroded plumbing in your basement or attic can all cause conditions ripe for mold growth. Leaky pipes and appliances can keep surfaces constantly moist, and since mold spores are attracted to moisture, this can cause them to latch on and multiply. Maintaining your plumbing and having a flood cleanup and restoration company come in to find trouble spots if water damage occurs can keep your home free of the moisture that attracts mold spores.

2. Use an Air Filter

One way to practice mold prevention in your home is to invest in an air filtration unit that captures mold spores. Consider using one with a HEPA filter and carbon cartridge to keep your home's air safe and fresh. There are many different models available, and some include a programmable system that allows the unit to run without daily adjustments.

3. Maintain From the Outside In

Keeping your property free of pooling or stagnant water and maintaining your home's drainage system can prevent water from seeping into your basement, where mold is commonly found. Mold spores do not need sunlight to grow and can thrive in dark, moist environments, so keeping your basement dry and ensuring moisture drains away from your home can control mold growth.

While mold occurs naturally, keeping it from encroaching on your Crowley, TX, home can prevent costly treatments and the spread of different species of fungi. Maintaining your plumbing and drainage systems and cleaning up water damage quickly are the best ways to keep it at bay.

For more information, visit us http://www.SERVPROofcrowleysjc.com.

Bleaching Mold Isn’t Enough

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Bleach is supposed to kill mold, and it does, in fact, kill the mold it can reach. However, it isn’t a long-term or complete solution. If you live in Crowley, TX, and suspect you have a mold problem, a professional remediation expert can help you with a proper fungus cleanup.

The Limits of Surface Cleaning

If you read the label on your bottle of bleach, it likely states the product kills molds on nonporous surfaces like ceramic and tile. Unfortunately, molds grow everywhere:

• On painted surfaces like walls and ceilings
• In fabrics like carpets, rugs, and furniture
• Along grout between tiles and along window seals

Entire colonies of molds can hide between walls, under floors, and behind appliances. Scrub away the surface mold of a deep infestation, and it grows right back.

Molds have roots that burrow into organic material. Wood beams and drywall are favorite targets. Spray cleaners only appear to remove molds by killing the exposed part of the colony on the surface.

The Spread of the Contamination

If you merely wipe or smear the mold around, you may be doing more harm than good. Proper fungus cleanup must also incorporate a strategy for containment. Mold spores released into the air travel until they find new homes. They might spread to other areas and grow new infestations.

The Problem With Increasing Moisture

It’s no secret that molds love moisture. They proliferate whenever they find damp or humid conditions. Bottle sprayers like bleach solutions or even general-purpose cleaners are mostly just water.

Even after you finish your initial fungus cleanup, the damp surface encourages more mold to grow. If you spray an infected area with a more extensive colony hiding beneath the surface, you could just be making things worse.

The Process of Mold Remediation

A professional remediation service helps to clean up mold for you and repair damage caused by mold. Experts identify the true extent of the infestation and treat infected areas while controlling the spread of spores.

Environmental Hygienist and Mold Identification

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Microbial Growth and Mold Growth Identification

Often homeowners identify mold-growth or microbial growth as one in the same. Although both flourish in damp indoor environments often caused by water leaks, floods or humidity, not all-microbial growth is mold-growth. Although undesirable, a microbial presence does not mean that the house has mold-growth. The only method of identifying the growth is through a certified professional who follows specific guidelines and procedures. Thus, during the assessment, samples are taken to identify the growth.

Identifying the Mold

Many claim to have knowledge in the area of mold-growth identification and removal. This can be dangerous, however, because once the fungus is disturbed it must be completely remediated. In recent years, mold cleanup and indoor air quality has received more attention, but still lacks sufficient state regulation. The inconsistencies within the industry can only be standardized through the use of a certified person. Identification and treatment requires the professional judgment of a qualified environmental hygienist. An industrial hygienist or environmental hygienist is tasked with maintaining an acceptable standard of environmental quality that includes safe air.

Visit our website for more information on mold growth and how to have it cleaned.

Does color make a difference when it comes to mold?

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Is black mold worse than other molds?

It is best to treat all molds as potentially harmful to your home. Black is not necessarily bad because the color is not the determining factor. Indoor mold-growth and mildew can come in varying colors. This is why an environmental hygienist is used to determine cleanup efforts.

Following disposal materials guidelines and coordinating the disposal, the professional mold remediation company reduces the homeowner's exposure risk. We use containment to keep mold spores from spreading throughout the home. We have equipment to clean the air through the use of HEPA filtrations. The highest care is taken into consideration to keep exposure of mold minimal during the cleaning process.

Visit our website for more information on mold growth and how to have it cleaned.

How does mold get in my house?

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is already in your home.

When your home is in its normal state you should not have to worry about mold. However, the mold is located in every room of your home in the form of a settled spore. It is invisible to the naked eye but it is there, waiting for the right time to start growing.

Water Damage and Mold Problems

A pipe bursts in your home and you go ahead and get the shop vac and soak up the water. All is fixed, but three days later you begin to see mold on your walls. "How did this get here?" you ask yourself. The mold had always been there but the water that was on the wall didn't dry out quickly enough and the mold had enough time to grow.

Learn more about mold by visiting our mold site.

What to wear during mold remediation?

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning up mold should be left to the professionals at SERVPRO. We are certified in mold cleanup and have the necessary equipment. We also use protective clothing to keep mold spores and mycotoxins from harming our technicians.

1. Tyvec Suits - These suits are made to block microscopic mold spores from our skin. Normal shirts and pants will gather mold spores.
2. Air Filtration Device - The full face or half face masks have HEPA filters to keep mold spores from being breathed. The mask also has a vapor barrier to keep out the mycotoxins.
3. Eye protection is worn if using a half face mask. A full face mask has eye protection built in.
4. Protective gloves and boots to keep skin safe while conducting demolition of the contaminated building materials.

How to Prevent Mold Growth While on Vacation

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold Growth While on Vacation

You’re about to head out on vacation. As much as you just want to get away, don’t forget to prepare your home in Crowley, TX for your absence. You don’t want to come home to a damaged property. Preparation is the key, and here’s what you can do for mold prevention.

1. Turn Off Water

Anytime you leave your home for a prolonged period of time, turn off the water. That way you can prevent or at least reduce the amount of damage to your home should anything happen to your pipes. Toilets, faucets, ice makers and appliances like dishwashers and clothes washing machines are potential hazards in your absence. If your property has a well, shut off the pump. Check for any standing water around toilets, water tanks and appliances and have the issue fixed before heading out on your vacation.

2. Set the Temperature

Your air conditioning system should not be shut-off completely in your absence. As tempting as this may seem, don’t do it. All your windows are going to be closed and you have to maintain a consistent temperature and allow for moving air to prevent humidity and condensation. A good summertime temperature is between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower than this can create cold surfaces and moisture accumulation. For mold prevention, consider installing a humidistat to keep moisture at bay. It turns on the air conditioning unit when the relative humidity reaches a certain level.

3. Check for Mold

Be sure to check your house for mold growth. If you don’t have a cleanup specialist make this inspection before you leave, your problem could become a lot worse and much more difficult to handle. After they successfully rid your house of mold, they can also explain to you in detail what you need to do to prevent mold in the future.

If you want to be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest and not worry about mold growth, take these proven steps for mold prevention. Any issues that you notice, such as water damage, need to be addressed before you head out. Visit http://www.SERVPROofcrowleysjc.com for more information on mold damage.

Mildew and Mold Prevention

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

Prevent mildew and mold growth

In case of an ice damage or an ice dam, you need the professionals to conduct a storm restoration promptly to avoid mold and mildew growth. Mold can grow if the storm restoration process is not done promptly after the formulation of an ice dam.

The professionals have the right tools to clean some of the areas where the fungus has started growing. An ice dam can lead to terrible roof leak if not handled properly and necessary roof repair done. The roof leak will cause the rain water or melted snow to seep into your walls and start forming mold and mildew within a few hours after the damage.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofcrowleysjc.com for more information on storm damage