Signs That Your Property Has Mold

10/23/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is more than ugly; it can pose a severe risk and damage your property. Recognizing the signs of mold early can help save you money, time, and stress. At SERVPRO of Patchogue, we provide mold detection, removal, and remediation to help prevent further mold growth. Here are some key things to look out for that might indicate mold in your home. 

Mold Has a Musty Odor

One of the most common signs that mold is present in your home is a musty smell. If you notice a persistent, earthy odor that doesn't go away with basic cleaning—especially in areas with high moisture levels—this could indicate mold growth hidden somewhere. Bathrooms, basements, and window sills are all familiar places with mold. If you smell musty odors, those are the places that you should check first.

Mold Growth From Previous Water Damage

If your home has experienced water damage–from flooding and storm damage to plumbing issues and simple leaks—it can cause mold growth if left untreated. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains, discoloration, or even peeling paint in more extreme cases. This could indicate a leak or moisture issue leading to mold growth. Inspect any plumbing system, rods, and wind for any sign of water infiltration.

Mold Can Cause Health Issues

Another vital sign that mold may be present in your home or business is if you or your family members have experienced unexplained health issues. Pay extra attention to symptoms, specifically when experiencing symptoms, as it can worsen when near the mold. For example, if you leave for an extended period and these symptoms clear up but return when you get home, it could be a sign of mold.

Mold Can Hide Behind Warped Walls and Peeling Wallpaper

As mentioned above, mold grows primarily due to prolonged moisture that has not been adequately handled. If you have any wood, drywall, or other materials in your home that are warped or swollen, this is due to moisture exposure and could indicate hidden mold growth behind the affected materials. Another sign to look for is peeling wallpaper, which is also mentioned above. If wallpaper is bubbling or peeling, it shows moisture behind the surface and could indicate mold growth.

Mold Can Grow on House Plants

Believe it or not, mold can grow on house plants that lack adequate drainage or excess moisture in the air. Although these types of mold may not necessarily be harmful, they can release mold spores into the air, which could land on other surfaces and lead to further mold growth. Check your home's humidity levels if you notice mold on your plants. 

Work with SERVPRO of Patchogue for Mold Detection & Removal

Mold can pose serious health risks and damage property, resulting in expensive and time-consuming repairs if left untreated. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent mold growth, but if you notice some of the signs listed above, it's best to call the professionals at SERVPRO. Consider consulting our team to assess the situation and ensure a safe, mold-free environment in your home.

Control Moisture and Reduce Mold

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Be an Informed Resource

Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present.  An Institute of Medicine study found excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, causing a public health problem.  The EPA advised that the potential health concerns from molds are an important reason to prevent moisture problems leading to mold growth.  It is especially important to clean up existing indoor mold growth to increase property appeal and retain its value.  If a property has experienced a water intrusion, your SERVPRO Franchise Professional can inspect the damage to see whether moisture has penetrated materials or is allowing mold growth.

Control Moisture and Reduce Mold

Should a damage event occur, timely response is the key to preventing further damage.  Act within the first 24-48 hours in order to discourage mold growth and travel. 

• Correct any water leaks or standing water.
• Remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units.
• Properly maintain humidifiers, if used.
• Replace wet or visibly moldy insulation materials.
• Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work.
• Install a ventilation system.

We Are Trained Professionals

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

The process of mold remediation has several facets. Once a third party Mold Assessor or Licensed Industrial Hygienist has performed testing in order to get a true picture of the situation at hand, they create a written protocol. In some instances mold spores are not visibly present, yet the air quality can indicate an elevation.

As responsible remediators following proper guidelines, we must first contain the doorway to the work area, either with a zipper or in the case pictured, with a tri-flap of plastic. We also post signs to alert non-trained people that there is a mold project taking place, as our trained professionals dress in their personal protective equipment, including full suits, gloves and respirators in order to protect them throughout the project.

What is Containment

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold remediation services has a very wide range of scope of work that may be necessary. Depending on the level of elevated mold spores, certain jobs involve very extensive removal of building materials while others may just require detailed surface cleaning.

In any case, containment is one of the most important parts of performing such work. At the job site in this photo, the situation did not require much removal of materials, however, we needed to thoroughly clean while running air purifying machines. Here is a visual of two components. Once content items (furniture shown here) were cleaned, they were then wrapped in thick plastic sheeting and in addition, the windows and vents were covered as to keep the room contained. This ensures the best result for ridding the work environment of elevated levels of spores once we finish our various steps of remediation. 

Remember, there are mold spores naturally occurring everywhere at all times, however, when elevated moisture is present it can cause the spores to propagate causing potential problems. Securing the buildings plumbing leaks or elevated moisture issues is key as to not have a re-occurrence.

Spring Cleaning

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Spring is right around the corner which means it's time to start thinking about your spring cleaning! Your home says a lot about you and makes an impression on all those who enter it. Here at SERVPRO of Patchogue we offer top quality professional cleaning services for your entire home (junk removal, carpet cleaning, blinds and drapes cleaning, ceilings, walls and hard floor cleaning). So this March, SPRING into action and call your local SERVPRO Professionals at SERVPRO of Patchogue! 631-924-1801. 

We also offer a service called Ultrasonics Cleaning. The secret of Ultrasonic cleaning is cavitation. Cavitation is the repeated formation and immediate collapse of millions of microscopic bubbles in a liquid medium.  These bubbles form over the entire surface of an object and penetrate into every niche and crevice. No Scrubbing Needed! 

When to Take Mold Precautions

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread when moisture has been affecting an environment for a long period of time.  If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to have water removed and the structure dried promptly.

If you have experienced an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert to the following factors:

*The presence of visible mold.

*Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.

*Any evidence of past moisture problems that might indicate previous mold growth.

* Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Does Your New York Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

#SERVPROcleansmold #SERVPROofPatchoguemoldremediation

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 – 631-924-1801