What Equipment Is Used in Mold Remediation?

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Coming in direct contact with moldy items can increase the spread of mold and can be hazardous.

What Equipment Is Used In Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation can be a substantial endeavor if your home in Austin Springs, TN has had major damage. There are often particular types of equipment, such as face masks, that are needed throughout the remediation process.

1. Gloves

Throughout the process of mold cleanup and remediation, many items may need to be removed from the home in order for the items to be cleaned. However, coming in direct contact with moldy items can increase the spread of mold and can be hazardous. Using disposable gloves is often preferable, but if non-disposable gloves are used, then the gloves need to be cleaned carefully after they are used to ensure they don’t cause mold to spread.

2. Masks

Special face masks are often used during the mold remediation process when there is extensive mold damage throughout the home. These masks allow a person to breathe in an area with black mold or other potentially hazardous types of mold without breathing in the spores. If your home has been badly damaged and you know you will need assistance in restoring your home, it’s often helpful to contact mold remediation professionals who have access to high-quality masks in order to save money, time and to protect your overall health.

3. Coverings

In addition to using gloves and masks, protective coverings for clothes and hair are often other important types of equipment used during mold remediation. Since mold spores are so small, they can easily cling to clothes or hair, which can then result in mold spreading throughout a home. Often, these types of coverings are disposable, since cleaning items that have come in contact with mold spores can actually accelerate the spread of the spores.

Gloves, face masks and coverings for clothes, shoes and hair are common pieces of equipment used in mold remediation. Using protective equipment can help prevent the spread of mold and can also help to keep anyone in a home affected by mold damage safe.

What to do when you find Mold in Your Home in Johnson City, TN

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Mold testing in a Johnson City, TN home

Finding Mold in Your Home

Finding mold in your home in Johnson City, TN home can be a nerve wrecking experience. This dangerous growth is a form of fungus that can cause extensive damage to your home and the health of your family. Signs of mold inhalating range from chronic allergies, runny nose, frequent illnesses and migraines. Most common places that it can hide is in the bathroom, under sinks or wherever there is a dark, moist environment. Mold spores are likely to grow in heating and cooling units, ducts, carpet flooring and within the walls. If left untreated or unnoticed, mold spores can spread very quickly.

Mold Testing

It is important to have a proper mold test done by a trained environmental hygienist. They would be able to determine the specific type of fungus and the correct treatment to remove it. It is important to keep in mind that microbial growth does not automatically mean mold. Microbial growth can include bacteria or viruses, as these are easily killed by household cleaners such as bleach.

A mold test would include the professional taking a sample of the growth and testing it inside of a lab. The testing could include samples taken from the air or the surface of the growth. Air samples would include testing the concentration of spores in your home and then examined through a microscope. These are especially useful if the growth cannot be seen with the naked eye or is hidden within fixtures of the house.

A surface test would take a culture sample from a surface, such as a ceiling and would determine the cause.

The hygienist will be able to determine the best route for treatment. Depending on your problem, you may be able to remove it yourself or you may need to hire a professional. 

If you own your home in Tennessee, you may want to consider looking into your home owner's insurance policy as treatment may be covered.

The most common type of fungus would include Stachybotrys chartarum. This is a greenish-black substance usually caused by water leaks, water damage and excessive humidity. Large infestations are malodorous and can easily be smelled.

Ventilation

In this case, you can ventilate the room as much as possible. Many household appliances are also useful such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers to control the temperature and moisture level of the room.

When using cleaners to treat the issue, it is important to use the right chemical as recommended by a professional. Wear proper clothing and attire to protect yourself as these chemicals can be very harsh on your health and the environment.

Your home in Johnson City, TN does not have to be subject to such damage. With the proper information on the type of issue, it can be cured the right way. If you suspect that your home may have this dangerous growth, get it inspected and tested immediately. The longer you wait the problem may become increasingly worse. For more information entailing disaster restoration services and prevention, please visit www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com

What to Do if You Suspect Mold Damage in Your Home

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage

Mold damage is not uncommon in many parts of the country, but the correct information regarding the proper handling of mold is uncommon. Many people are unaware of how they should remove mold in their home or commercial property. Anyone who finds mold in their home or commercial property must follow these steps to get rid of mildew, fungus, and the smelly odor that comes with.

Signs of Mold Damage

It’s not always easy for people to spot mold in their home or commercial property. It’s a fungus that’s not always visible to those who have it. Mold can grow anywhere, and it likes to grow where it’s warm, moist, and humid. Mold damage can occur inside walls. If there is a pipe leaking in a wall, mildew might begin to form and mold damage can occur.

Mold brings with it a smelly odor that’s moist and wet, and it smells distinct.

Deodorization

Deodorization is often the first method people turn to when they want to get rid of this damp smell. They’ll notice right away that the deodorization method they use might mask the smelly odor for a while, but it doesn’t get rid of it. 

Call A Mold Removal Company

The first thing people must do when they find mold in their home or commercial property is to call a professional mold removal and remediation company. This kind of mitigation is required to properly care for mold damage and the disaster it might bring. There is never an appropriate time to wait it out or see if mold damage becomes worse before calling for professional remediation. It always gets worse, and the excess damage it causes is devastating.

Mitigation

Once the professional remediation company comes to a home or business to see about the fungus, mildew, or mold in the home or business, they are able to see how to implement mitigation. Mitigation is a helpful tool that allows home and business owners to learn how to prevent mold, how to spot it when it begins, and how to keep conditions unwelcoming. The professionals rid the home of mold and educate homeowners about how to keep it out.

The best way to fight mold is to prevent it. Prevention includes keeping the humidity level in a home below 40%. The other way to prevent mold is to keep the moisture level low and prevent water from getting into the home. 

The professionals are the ones to call when water damage occurs and mold is present. Without professional help, it’s often difficult to find a way to get mold out of the home or business. Ignoring the problem or attempting any DIY mold removal projects only makes the situation grow and become more expensive to fix. 

5 Steps To Assess Mold Damage

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Mold infestation at a Johnson City, TN home

Accurate Mold Assessment

Mold can cause major damage at a residence in Johnson City, TN. A mold assessment is the only way to determine the extent of this damage. Mold remediation experts can perform an inspection and provide an estimate and schedule. Here are five steps involved in a complete assessment.

1. Locate Mold

The first step of an assessment is to determine whether mold is growing. Mold spores are everywhere, but moisture and food sources are necessary for spores to thrive and multiply. A homeowner can look for signs of visible mold. If a musty odor is present but no signs of mold or mildew are apparent, a mold specialist should search for hidden mold.

2. Determine Growth

Once it has been established that mold is growing, the extent of an infestation is the most important issue. Remediating a minor mold problem may cost several thousand dollars, but a major problem can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars.

3. Identify the Species

A homeowner will probably not be able to identify which type of mold is present without lab analysis. An environmental hygienist can take samples and provide accurate results as part of a mold assessment. If black mold or another toxigenic species is growing, remediation may require specialized equipment.

4. Obtain Remediation Estimates

A mold cleanup and remediation service can provide an estimate. Experts will factor in the equipment, methods, and labor costs necessary to stop mold growth and eliminate the residual effects of an infestation.

5. Make a Restoration Schedule

The final stage of an assessment involves determining the length of the remediation process. A mold cleanup service should be able to provide a schedule once the extent of the infestation and species are known.

Each of these steps is necessary for an accurate mold assessment. If mold is growing in a residence in Johnson City, TN, homeowners should act quickly to prevent the problem from worsening prior to remediation.

4 Reasons to Hold Off on Mold Testing Kits

9/9/2018 (Permalink)

Choosing the best option for mold testing is essential for planning treatment.

Mold testing is a vital part of figuring out where mold is so you can act to remove it from your Johnson City, TN, home. You may consider buying a mold kit, but those have a number of flaws that make them unreliable. Here are four reasons why DIY mold tests are inferior compared to the alternatives.

1. They Don’t Give Much Information

A mold sample only tells you that there is mold at your home. It doesn’t inform you of the species or location. You may also be oblivious to any potential water problems feeding the mold.

While it can be used to verify that there is a fungus in your home, you need more information to know if it could cause property damage and is worth removing.

2. They Are Scientifically Questionable

These mold testing kits are Petri dishes that give a place for a mold sample to grow. There is no comparison control sample to compare what’s in the air versus where you sampled.

Additionally, any that offer a service to send them off for evaluation involves sending them through the mail. Depending on shipping, the kit’s receipt could take days. This potentially taints the sample due to heat or package mishandling.

3. They Are Not Effective for Every Infestation

Dead or airborne mold spores will not show up in a test with a mold kit. Different species may settle more easily on the testing dish, so the tests tend to have dominant growths. With the other types overshadowed, you could miss finding a specific mold infestation.

4. They Don’t Compare to Professionals

An environmental hygienist has the commercial tools and methodology necessary to find all mold and identify problematic locations. Mold is almost unavoidable in your home, but only certain infestations need treatment. An expert mold damage restoration company can act on these findings to remove the mold growth and its cause.

Choosing the best option for mold testing is essential for planning treatment. By understanding these reasons against DIY mold products, you can make the right choice to protect your home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com/.

Does Mold Go Away On Its Own?

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you are concerned about black mold or other mold growth, schedule a test with a service that provides mold cleanup in Johnson City, TN.

Mold requires a combination of organic material and moisture in order to grow. Once mold develops, it remains present even after the source of excess moisture is addressed and humidity levels drop. Whether you are dealing with black mold or another type of mold, addressing a moisture problem is only the first step. You should also arrange for mold cleanup to ensure that the problem does not return.

Here are several facts that you should keep in mind regarding mold and moisture.

• Mold remains active as long as relative humidity levels are 60 percent or higher. If you want to stop the growth of mold and render it inactive, you should maintain humidity levels at 50 percent or lower. Mold will not continue to grow without moisture, but it also does not disappear.

• If mold is still present when moisture levels rise, colonies will start growing again. Mold requires moisture to sustain the growth phase. If you already have any kind of mold in your residence, including black mold, moisture will stimulate this growth.

• Mold spores are resistant to desiccation, or drying out. Dry spores may spread even more easily than mold in other stages of the growth cycle. Even inactive mold growth will occasionally emit spores. These spores generally do not become airborne unless disturbed.

• Mold toxins are not alive, and they are stable. Mycotoxins can be present anywhere that mold is present. These toxins are not alive and are not affected by the presence or absence of moisture sources. Once they develop, these toxins remain present until removed.

If you are concerned about black mold or other mold growth, schedule a test with a service that provides mold cleanup in Johnson City, TN. In addition to resolving the moisture problem that is causing mold to develop, you should also eliminate the presence of mold so that it does not intensify or spread. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com/.

Avoid Mold Damage by Preventing Ice Dams

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

When spring arrives in Johnson City, TN, and temperatures rise, snow can begin to thaw. But as the melting snow freezes each night, a ridge of ice can form on the edge of the gutters or eaves of the roof. The result is what many call an ice dam. The dam is a thick ridge of frozen water along the edge of the building’s roof that catches the melting snow and prevents it from draining off the structure. As the water backs up and refreezes, the weight can tear off shingles, damage gutters, and push water into attic or ceiling areas. That is why most building owners cringe when they see a long row of icicles cascading from their building’s eaves. It is typically a sure sign of ice damming.

Preventing Ice Dams

One of the most effective ways to stop an ice dam is by making sure the roof is cold. Although the dams are often a fact of life in areas with heavy snow, ice dams can be eliminated or reduced by taking the following steps:

• Top off attic insulation so it is 12 to 14 inches in depth.
• Close attic bypasses and control heat loss into the attic.
• Add attic soffit and roof vents to provide proper attic ventilation.

Also, by insuring continuous airflow within the attic, the chances the area will fill with residual heat are much less than without the airflow.

Avoiding Water Damage

When the frozen water dam forces liquid into the attic, walls, or roofing of a building, it can lead to mold and mildew growth. Mold remediation experts suggest drying out any wet or damp structural areas as soon as they are discovered because mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. Since wet areas often hide extensive mold colonies, black mold can quickly grow inside the walls or within the ceilings.

If an ice dam appears on the roof of your building, take immediate action to protect the structure from water damage. A few preventative steps can go a long way in avoiding widespread seepage and costly mold cleanup.

Top 3 Reasons You Need an Environmental Hygienist to Check for Mold

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

You do not always need to have mold testing done before starting the mold cleaning process in Johnson City, TN. If you can see the mold growth, chances are you are going to need to bring in a mold remediation team to help you deal with the problem. However, if you only smell the mold, you may need help figuring out if there really is a mold problem. Some homeowners may try to use home testing kits, but working with an environmental hygienist can be more beneficial for several reasons.

1. Locating Mold: If you smell mold but can't see it, you need someone to help you find out where the problem is. A home testing kit might be able to help you figure out there is mold in your home, but it can't show you where the problem is located. Without knowing where the fungus is, mold damage can spread into the nooks and crannies of your home.

2. Distinguishing Between Normal and Abnormal Amounts of Mold: Mold exists in the air of your home, and indeed in the air of every home. It naturally occurs in the environment. You don't need to start a mold cleaning process for the spores naturally in the air of your home. An environmental hygienist can help you determine if there are problematic amounts of mold in your home or simply the expected, average levels.

3. Possessing Special Training: A certified hygienist has the training needed to handle samples, read results and design testing methods. Without this special training, samples can get contaminated and lose their reliability. An environmental hygienist may be the only professional specifically certified to check for mold in your home.

These professionals can also help you determine that a mold cleaning was successful. After the cleaning is done, they can perform another test to make sure that the mold levels in your home are back to normal, granting you greater peace of mind. Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on mold. 

Use a Certified Mold Remediation Company

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Certified Mold Remediation for Johnson City, TN

Make sure you call in a professional mold cleanup crew who is trained in proper mold removal. They can ensure all mold is removed, help you identify why it was growing in the first place and ensure you do not end up with the same problem in the future.

Mold can become quite damaging. Not only will it damage your home in Johnson City, TN but it also can cause serious safety issues for you and your family. The only way to protect your home and your family is to get rid of the mold once and for all. By stopping the spread of spores, removing moisture sources and getting mold removal professionals in to tackle the problem, you should be able to kiss your troubles with mold goodbye. Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on mold.

Get to the Root of the Problem To Get Rid of Mold

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

When mold is discovered in a business in Austin Springs, Tennessee, the company owners will likely want to do everything in their power to get rid of the fungal culprit. For many people, the first and most important step in any type of fungus cleanup is the application of bleach. However, what the layman might not realize is that the use of this solution is not enough to truly enforce the removal of mold. If you want to have a successful mold cleanup, you need to turn to a commercial mold remedial professional who knows how to get to the heart of the problem.

1. Stop the Spread

One of the biggest concerns with mold is how easily it spreads. Once the spores are in the air, it's much harder to stop. That's why experts search for the source of contamination when they start a fungus cleanup. Cleaning up from the source out can help make the remediation a more permanent process.

2. Manage the Moisture

Moisture is one of the biggest components of fungal issues. Even if a mold source is cleaned up properly, it can come back if the moisture is not contained. In order to keep a fungus away, you may need to do the following:

• Identify the reason for the dampness.
• Find the source of the excess water.
• Control the amount of moisture in the air.

Putting an end to excess water buildup can stop future recontamination from taking place in your business.

3. Remove the Roots

Simply getting rid of the surface signs of mold with bleach or another cleaner does not actually kill the growth. Instead, professionals have to remove the mildew physically from the entire structure. That's why remediation may include removing sections of drywall.

Returning a mold-filled business back to its former glory takes more than a little bleach. Fungus cleanup has to get to the source of the problem if you really want to end mold growth.

For more information on growth of mold visit us at http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com.

3 Ways To Find Insurance Coverage for Mold

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

3 Ways To Find Insurance Coverage for Mold

A mold infestation can devastate a home and result in costly restoration. Many people in Johnson City, TN don't think their home can have a mold problem. In fact, any residence is susceptible to contamination. A lot of minor epidemics go unnoticed until the fungus growth is severe enough to cause significant damage. One way to protect your property from mold is to get insurance that covers remediation service. Although mold is not often included in general homeowner’s insurance, there are ways to find ample coverage for your residence.

1. Talk to Your Insurance Adjuster

If you already have home insurance, you might be able to add mold coverage. Call your insurance company to inquire if it offers this benefit. Adding it to an existing plan might be more cost-effective than purchasing separate coverage.

Since most fungus growth is a result of water damage, you might consider mold add-ons to existing flood or storm coverage. The high-moisture environments resulting from an aquatic disaster are fertile breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Although most insurance companies don't cover mold damage in its entirety, there are some that offer mold caps that cover a set amount of dollars or specific services, such as testing or cleanup.

2. Talk to a Restoration Expert

Home restoration professionals have repaired countless homes with mold infestations. They might be able to recommend a good insurance plan for your home. Give your local company in Johnson City, TN a call to schedule an appointment with a friendly representative. Apart from insurance tips, representatives can also conduct an examination of your home to determine if it's in danger of mold.

3. Search Online

Of course, the internet is full of information on how you can find mold insurance. A quick online search can reveal several options. Take the time to explore all of them to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Finding good insurance coverage for fungus growth is easier than you think. With these three tips in mind, you can get peace of mind and financial security.
Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on mold.

Mold Damage Tips

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Tips

If your home in Johnson City, TN develops a mold issues, it is important to get the situation under control before it spreads. You also must be conscious of the effect of mold on your home, such as that from black mold. Leaving the problem unattended is not the answer. Here are some things you do as soon as you notice issues with mold in your home.

Stop Spores From Spreading

Your first move should be to stop the spores from spreading. They spread throughout the air. Make sure you turn off your HVAC system. Try to isolate the area where the black mold is growing. You can shut doors or hang up a barrier if needed. Doing this helps to contain the spores and prevent them from traveling all over your home.

Stop Water Source

You also need to stop the moisture. Figure out where it is coming from. If it is a water pipe, then turn off the water. If it is a leak, the try to put up a temporary barrier to stop it from getting into your home. The moisture problem is what helps the mold grow. If it is still present, your black mold issues will just continue to get worse.

Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on mold.

What Happens if I Have Water Damage and Suspect Mold?

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

What Happens if I Have Water Damage and Suspect Mold?

Mold damage is never a good sign. Mold in the home, commercial mold damage, and mold growth behind walls often indicates a larger problem. It usually means there is a problem with leaks or a flood. Both are dangerous, and both can cause problems in the long-term if they left untreated. Flood water should be cleaned up right away when it occurs. This is the only way to minimize or even prevent mold in the home or commercial mold damage from occurring, but it isn’t a guarantee it will work. Sometimes flood water isn’t properly cleaned up, and it does allow mold in the home and even commercial mold damage to grow.

The biggest issue with flood water cleanup is when people don’t call a restoration company for help. This means they might not get the home or business completely cleaned up and dried out, and mold growth behind the walls begins to appear. This is also common when there is a leaking pipe or ventilation issues in a home. Either way, this kind of water damage is the kind that causes mold in the home and commercial mold damage, and it’s not good.

Recognizing Mold Growth

Mold growth seems as if it would be easy to recognize at home or work, but it’s not always the case for many people. Sometimes mold in the home and commercial mold damage are ongoing and people have no idea because they don’t know what signs to look for.

- Dry rot
- Mildew
- Fungus
- Smelly odor
- Constant use of deodorization to remove musty smell

These are all things that might indicate mold damage has occurred in someone’s home or office. Dry rot, mildew, and other fungus all grow in relatively similar conditions. While some people go through life assuming dry rot is nothing more than a small issue, it’s really a glaring sign of potential mold damage. Dry rot is not the only signs of mold growth. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage are also evident when people find mildew and fungus.

Both mildew and fungus grow in the same conditions as mold, and they’re part of the same family. This could mean they are indicators that mold growth behind the walls is occurring if it’s not occurring where it’s visible. Mold growth behind walls doesn’t always occur with the presence of other fungus or mildew, however. Sometimes the only signs of mold growth behind walls is a smelly odor.

Most people try to cover up a smelly odor with deodorization, but the deodorization regularly fails. They use other forms of deodorization to rid the building of a smelly odor, but it doesn’t work. The smelly odor is only going away when a restoration company comes into the building with special equipment to tackle mold removal, to get rid of the smelly odor, and to properly use deodorization processes.

When to Call For Help

Anytime mold removal is needed it’s imperative people call a restoration company for their remediation and mitigation services. It doesn’t matter if the mold isn’t black mold, either. Some people feel they only call a restoration company for mitigation and remediation when they require help with black mold. However, there are many forms of black mold. Not all of them are the ones people should worry about, but not all black mold is easily identified without remediation and mitigation.

Mold removal is not something anyone should ever try on their own. People need to turn off the air to stop the spread of mold spores, they need to leave all mold alone so as not to disturb spores and send them into the air to find a new home, and they need to start removing any water damage immediately. This is all the home people need to provide when they find mold growth or mold damage. The rest of the mold removal process is up to a professional restoration company and their remediation and mitigation skills.
Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on mold.