Keeping Mold Out!

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention

• Mold: It’s a sight no business owner wants to see. The discovery of mold in your Spring Hill office can cause alarm with everyone. Not only this, but mold growth can result in heavy costs on your part. Luckily, there are things you can do to help prevent microbial growth.

Pay Attention to Humidity

Mold thrives in humid environments, so be aware of areas at work where the humidity levels may be on the high side. If you spot concerns, get a dehumidifier. Basements, attics and the areas under sinks are common culprits.

Watch for Flooding

Water damage is perhaps the most common source for mold trouble. After a heavy storm or pipe break, hire a competent water cleanup team to thoroughly dry the building and sanitize the area.

Repair Leaks Promptly

Inspect your kitchens, break rooms and restrooms regularly. As soon as you spot trouble with pipes and faucets, especially persistent dripping and leaks, get the right people on the job to fix the issues.

Ventilation Is Critical

Mold prevention will be successful if your building has effective ventilation throughout all areas. This is especially important in kitchens or laundry areas. If you have these rooms in your building, ensure that you have functioning fans in them.

Like any disaster or unforeseen incident, preventing mold may not be 100 percent possible, but you can significantly increase the likelihood that this unwanted invader will stay away from the premises. Don’t wait for water damage or other issues to spring you into action. Pay attention to all of these factors so you can keep mold away.

Does Your Apartment Have Mold/Mildew?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

One of the most common calls we get here at SERVPRO of Hernando County is from clients who have discovered mold in their property. Mold is not a minor issue, it is a top environmental hazard. Mold begins to grow in warm, damp areas, hence why it is such a common occurrence here. The perfect place for growth is in basements, attics, and other dimly-lit areas of a property with poor ventilation and high humidity.

No rental property is immune from a mold outbreak. Common causes include an unattended spill, faulty plumbing, open window during a rain storm, or an appliance that has a leak. Whatever the reason is, it's important to be prepared!

Remember, whether you own or manage a rental property in Spring Hill, mold is an issue that can add up to an expensive bill and a lengthy cleanup so its important to take it seriously.

Gather evidence and report it

Mold is found by scent or sight, you should be able to see the off color dots that will line up on surfaces. If you do have mold in your home, you are usually able to locate it on sight so make sure you take a photo of the mold. You'll want the evidence to show to your landlord or property manager.

First, call them to explain the issue immediately. You will need to refer to your lease but most states require owners to remove mold at their own expense as soon as they are notified. After you have a conversation about the problem, send the photos their way so you can start working on a plan to get the mold out of your apartment.

After you get in touch with your property manager/landlord, call a Mold Remediation Expert. By contacting an expert, it allows you to have the growth properly tested and reported to get a better idea of the severity. This will also give you the documentation you may need to prove that the growth you are seeing is, in fact, mold. A local expert in remediation, SERVPRO of Hernando County works closely with several buildings and property managers to ensure quick and easy removal of mold. If you need our assistance at one of your properties, please give us a call today at 727-847-3000.

Mold In Your Spring Hill Home or Business?

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Ten Things You Should Know about Mold

1. Mold May cause potential health effects.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control the humidity levels.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or business, you must remediate the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Leaving it untreated will only allow it to spread.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. If you’re unsure where the leak is coming from, contact a plumber who also offers leak detection!
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
   • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
   • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
   • Increasing ventilation
   • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with warm water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods and all need to be remediated as soon as you are aware of the issue. Waiting will only cause more damage and in return cost you more money in repairs.

Mold vs Mildew

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

The thought of finding mold in your home or business can be scary, especially when you’re unsure how to remediate it. Mildew and molds are fungi - simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. That makes it difficult to get rid of on your own.

Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It is their ability to destroy organic materials, however, that makes mold a problem for people - in our homes and in our bodies.

 Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air.

 Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems if left untreated. If you or someone you know has discovered growth in their home or business, give us a call at 727-847-3000 and let SERVPRO of Hernando County help make your home “Like it never even happened.”

You've Found Mold...

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Mold was found during a water mitigation behind the vanity

Oh No! You wake up, walk into your bathroom and find a pool of water on the floor. Immediately you contact SERVPRO of Hernando County to come out to your home to start the process of drying it out. While inspecting the area they notice some microbial growth behind the vanity. NOW WHAT?  

This unfortunate scenario was faced by one of our clients in her beautiful waterfront condo in Dunedin, Florida. Luckily SERVPRO of Hernando County arrived quickly and – as a firm licensed by the State of Florida as a Mold Remediator – we knew exactly what to do. Microbial growth and the dreaded threat of mold sounds ominous, but with a team of trained professionals behind you, it doesn’t have to be scary. Our technicians and project managers are trained to handle such threats so it's “Like it never even happened.” 

Here’s a step-by-step of the process we use when dealing with any kind of microbial growth. Our No. 1 priority is safety. This is not only for our technicians but for our clients' health as well. We protect onsite workers with proper PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) first. The next step is equally as important and that consists of us placing containment to separate the uncontaminated area from our work zone and minimize the opportunities for spores to spread. Next we detached all affected material such as the vanity, bathtub, and even the mirror mounted to the wall. It’s crucial to remove anything that could be affected, and if being saved, we clean and treat it before placing it back. It’s worthy to note that while working with mold in any situation we always have air scrubbers in place and negative pressure to ensure that we don’t contaminate anymore of the space. Drywall was then removed, all studs and framing treated and wiped, and the air scrubber was left overnight to get anything that may have been left behind. The final step in treating this kind of disaster is an independent clearance test, in which an independent environmental hygienist collects air samples to confirm any issues have indeed been remediated. This step provides a confirmation that the property is safe for occupancy and that the procedure was successful.  

So while mold might seem like a reason to panic, rest assured when you use a firm like SERVPRO of Hernando County. 

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Weeki Wachee Home

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your home.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them.Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters.
2. Dry wet areas immediately.Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. 
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. 
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products.Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. 
5. Monitor humidity indoors.The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. 
6. Direct water away from your home.If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.
8. Improve air flow in your home.Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.
9. Keep mold off household plants.They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants.

SERVPRO of Hernando County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle any mold issues you may find in your home. Call Us Today (352) 683-3730.  

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/how-to-prevent-mold-9-tips

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

Managing Mold In Your Brooksville Home

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

A tiny amount of moisture can become a giant problem in your Brooksville home.

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Hernando has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.  

Call the Team in Green 

The mold cleanup and restoration process in your Brooksville home begins when you call your SERVPRO of Hernando County Professionals. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.  

Inspection and Damage Assessment 

 Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.  

Mold Containment  

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

 Air Filtration  

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.  

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials 

 The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

 Cleaning Contents and Belongings  

SERVPRO of Hernando County Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.  

Restoration 

 Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. We understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home. 

Brooksville Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. 

What to Do: 

• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans. 
• Contact SERVPRO of Hernando County for mold remediation services. 

What Not to Do: 

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold. 
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth. 
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself. 
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. 

About Our Mold Remediation Services 

SERVPRO of Hernando County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (352)683-3730 

Does Your Spring Hill Home Have A Mold Problem?

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

In Spring Hill, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 – (352) 683-3730.