Recent Mold Remediation Posts

When to Test Indoor Air Quality

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brunswick understands mold and mold growth.

SERVPRO of Brunswick handles water damages every day and know that prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. If there is an ongoing moisture problem you will notice the following:

  • Visible Mold
  • Strong musty odors, may indicate mold is present
  • Any evidence of past moisture problems that caused undetected mold growth. 
  • Excessive humidity

These conditions above may require a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Enviormental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water intrusion.

Contact SERVPRO of Brunswick to schedule a inspection to get to the bottom of your mold problems. Call us today at 912-264-6094

Checking for Mold in Your Closet

5/18/2019 (Permalink)

Suspect mold damage? Contact SERVPRO of Brunswick to receive a comprehensive mold damage analysis.

In the humid months of the year, mold can take hold in your closet without your knowledge. That kind of oversight can be expensive when it comes to clothing, shoes, and other personal belongings that might be affected. After all, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to begin a rapid colonization if the conditions are right.

Here are some tips you can keep in mind to guard against mold:

  • Deep cleaning. This is probably the best and most effective way to guard against mold in your closet. Periodically, you will want to empty your closet and deep clean. It may not be necessary to remove those items that are hanging, but everything on the floor and along the walls including anything on shelving will need to come out. Sweep, vacuum, and mop, paying special attention to walls and corners. Use a disinfectant method such as baking soda and herbs to freshen the carpet, which also helps to prevent any mold spores from taking hold. Wipe down all shelving with a disinfectant liquid spray, and make sure they are completely dry before replacing your belongings.
  • Use a dehumidifier. Having a dehumidifier in your closet can be a big help when it gets muggy outside, and in.
    Don’t store items in cardboard. Storing items in cardboard is not the best idea. Once cardboard gets damp, it starts to decompose, and this is a great place for mold to begin a colony. It can also become a home for spiders, which is definitely something you don’t want!
  • Use mold-resistant materials. When renovating or refreshing this area, use mold resistant materials such as drywall and paint, etc. These types of materials are readily available at any home improvement store.

Here at SERVPRO of Brunswick, we are experienced in mold remediation, so call us at (912) 264-6094. We are also experts in cleanup after fire and water damage.

When is a Air Quality test needed?

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brunswick understands mold and mold growth. We have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, be alert for:

  • Visible mold
  • Strong musty odors, which may indicate the presence of mold
  • 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 intrusion problems. 

If you suspect mold contact SERVPRO of Brunswick for a damage analysis. 

Call us today at (912)264-6094

Property Owners.. Why it’s important to keep your AC unit running after tenants move out

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on a couch after AC had been turned off for the summer while home was vacant.

Should I keep my AC running in my rental while vacant?

When the tenants move out and you await for more to move in switch the power bill back to your name to ensure the AC unit is still circulating air throughout the home. Doing this will help eliminate moisture build up within the property. In the Golden Isles we know all too well the of moisture within our Coastal Climate.

By keeping your AC Unit running it continues to control the climate in the home and discourages moisture to build up on walls, ceilings, and furniture. Keeping the air circulating is crucial especially if the property is fully furnished. Fabric materials grow mold very easily due to the organic makeup of the fabric allowing it to be a fantastic breeding ground for all types of mold. Mold can drastically spread in 48-72 hours.

If your property sits vacant for a while remember these helpful tips:

  • Keep the air circulating
  • Cover furniture
  • Check the property regularly

If you find mold in your rental property?

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

What not to do:

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

Mold Remediation and Restoration

Contact SERVPRO of Brunswick today if you suspect your home has mold. 

Green Tips for Cleaning up Mold Naturally

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold could be growing in your home or business and you might never know because mold loves those dark and humid places that humans don’t pay much attention to. Basements, kitchens, and bathrooms are the most likely places to find mold and bacteria growth since water is a big factor in these spaces. Once a mold colony begins, it can rapidly establish itself within 24-48 hours, causing respiratory problems and allergic reactions in many people.

Using chemicals is something many of us are avoiding these days as well, so here are some non-toxic ways to eradicate mold.

SUPPLIES

  • Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Spray bottle

DIRECTIONS

Using Hydrogen Peroxide:

    • Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and saturate the moldy surface completely. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
    • Scrub the area to remove all mold and mold stains, and then wipe down surfaces to remove residual mold and spores.
  • Using Vinegar:
    • Pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle - do not water down. Spray the solution onto moldy surfaces and let it sit for one hour. Wipe the area clean with water and allow to dry thoroughly; any odors from the vinegar should be gone within a few hours.
    • Baking soda can also be used along with the vinegar to kill different mold species.
  • Using Baking Soda
    • Add ¼ tablespoon baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake till dissolved. Spray the moldy area with the solution and use the scrubbing brush to remove all mold from surfaces. Rinse the area with water to remove any residual mold.
    • Spray the surface a second time and let dry thoroughly; this will kill any left-over mold and prevent it from returning.

All these solutions are wonderful non-toxic alternatives to chemical-based cleaners and are safe to use for people, pets, and the environment. They are also easy to find and inexpensive as well.

SERVPRO of Brunswick cares about you, your family, and the environment. Call us today at (912) 264-6094 for all your cleanup needs.

Mold Prevention Tips for Your Home

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Just the thought of mold growing in your home can be very unsettling.

Mold is actually very beneficial in some areas of our lives, such as in cheese-making and in the production of medicines such as penicillin, and it is part of the natural processes of the earth during the decomposition of nature’s organic matter. Yet mold can be a very unhealthy organism to have around at times, such as when it grows undetected in your home. The spores spread easily and never completely eradicated, growing anywhere: on carpet, paper, inside walls, and on food.

Here are some mold prevention tips for your home:

  • LOOK FOR LEAKS: Leaks and flooding aftermath need to be cleaned up and dried as soon as possible to prevent water damage and mold growth. Keep an eye open for stains on ceilings and walls - telltale signs of leaks that are happening behind the scenes. Keep rain gutters clean and in good repair, and make sure water is properly diverted from the foundations and low-lying areas of your house.
  • KEEP THINGS DRY: Mold grows where it’s wet and will take over in 24-48 hours. Even leaving wet items lying around the house, such as beach towels and swimsuits, can create a problem. Hang things up to dry.
  • MAINTAIN PROPER VENTILATION: Make sure your living areas are properly ventilated. Any appliances that produce moisture need to be vented to the outdoors. Using a dehumidifier is always a good idea; today’s energy-efficient homes can actually hold moisture indoors, so monitoring the humidity levels in your home will help you keep the atmosphere healthy.
  • MOLD-RESISTANT PRODUCTS: Anytime you do repairs or renovations, use mold-resistant products such as drywall or sheetrock; many paints on the market today contain mold inhibitors, as well. These paints are especially good for use in bathrooms and laundry areas, for example, where humidity levels will probably be the highest in the home.
  • HOUSEPLANTS: Mold is apt to grow on houseplants, so keep leaves clean and dry by wiping down leaves periodically.

In the event that a mold problem has developed in your home, you can contact us here at SERVPRO of Brunswick for help. Our phone number is (912) 264-6094. We are experienced in cleanup projects needed after fire or water damage.

The Warning Signs of Mold Growth in the Summer

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Everyone has seen reports warning about the dangers of toxic mold. These reports can be extremely alarming, so let’s go over the facts that will help us better understand the issue, its dangers, and how to prevent it during the long, hot, humid days of summer.

The scientific name for the mold that is often called “black,” or toxic, mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. It can produce both allergens and irritants. However, many other types of mold can produce those same allergens and irritants, so it’s best to treat any mold with caution. Do not touch or disturb any mold found, and be sure to stay out of the affected areas.

Mold can affect the body negatively if not treated, and a minor mold problem can quickly grow into an infestation. Mold spores are microscopic and are everywhere. They float in the air, so they are able to enter your home through windows and doors, or HVAC systems. When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours since mold thrives on moisture, quickly growing into colonies when exposed to damp conditions.

It often produces a strong musty odor, so if you smell that odor it can lead you to areas in your home that could be experiencing a problem. Keep the humidity level in your home below 45 to help in blocking the growth of toxic mold in your house, and invest in a dehumidifier if you feel it will be beneficial.

Buckling and warping of woodwork and discoloration of surfaces can also be signs of water damage, and mold will not be far behind. Keep an eye on out of the way areas and places that don’t see the light of day. These are favorite spots for mold to colonize.

Many types of mold can cause adverse reactions, so you should contact us here at SERVPRO of Brunswick any time mold found in your home. Call us immediately at (912) 264-6094 if you suspect a toxic mold issue in your home. We are mold remediation experts!

Dehumidifying Your Home

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Allergies are a big problem for many people and can make anyone really miserable. The culprits in a humid climate are usually mold, mildew, dust mites, and seasonal allergy issues such as pollen and dust, etc. Allergic reactions can show up as skin rashes, sneezing, difficulty breathing, itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. When allergies are left untreated, they can lead to asthma and other complications. If you or someone you love suffers from allergies, using a dehumidifier in your home can be a huge help.

Whether you live in an area with a humid climate, or just in a space that tends to be damp, you may be experiencing problems from mold and/or mildew or dust mites. Limited ventilation in places such as basement apartments, small kitchens, or bathrooms can cause moisture to build up, even in the dryest of climates, so ensuring that these areas are properly ventilated is vital. You can also opt to use a dehumidifier in your home, and this is a very efficient way to protect your home and loved ones from physical issues that may arise in a damp environment.

Dehumidifiers can help by:

  • Reducing humidity levels, making your home less inviting to allergens.
  • Reducing the possibility that mold will develop on furniture, clothing, and other materials.
  • Eliminating the unpleasant odors that accompany mold and mildew.
  • Allowing you to breathe easier and reducing irritation to your skin and respiratory system.
  • Lowering the amount of dust in the home, which can be an irritant.
  • Keeping electronics and tools drier and free from rust and corrosion, and even prolonging the shelf life of breads and cereals!
  • Helping your clothing dry faster.
  • Lowering energy costs by assisting your HVAC in running more efficiently. When air in the home is humid, the A/C must work doubly hard by both removing the moisture and cooling the air. Your unit will wear out sooner under that stress, and that’s costly.
  • Running quietly and efficiently in the background of daily life. You won’t even notice it!

The SERVPRO of Brunswick team is here and ready to help with home or office cleanup issues both large and small. Fire damage, water damage, and mold prevention are just some our areas of expertise! Call us at (912) 264-6094 or visit our website:  SERVPRO of Brunswick

The Difference Between Mold Removal and Mold Remediation

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores cannot be detected by the naked eye as a spore, and they exist naturally almost everywhere. They are microscopic and can be found both indoors and out. Removing all mold from a home or business is actually impossible!

Mold becomes a true issue when it gets out of balance and its growth explodes. When the conditions are warm, wet, and dark, this can happen easily, and when it does, you will need the services of a professional.

Some professional restoration businesses advertise mold removal and even go so far as to guarantee the removal of all mold, but this is not really possible; it IS possible, however, to remediate mold in your home or business. To remediate means to bring mold back to its normal and natural level. A qualified restoration company like SERVPRO of Brunswick understands the science behind mold and its growth, and we have the training and experience to remediate the mold in your home or business.

Every situation where mold damage is found is going to be totally different and will require a specific solution, but in general, the mold remediation process remains the same.

If you believe that you have an unnatural mold situation developing, call our team at SERVPRO of Brunswick and schedule an inspection and mold damage assessment. Our team will take steps to contain the mold and filtrate the air of the area affected. All mold and materials will be removed and contents and belongings of the area will be cleaned thoroughly. We will then undertake the restoration of your property and make sure you are mold-damage free.

Here are some things to be aware of:

  • Mold spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows, doors, or HVAC systems. They can even hitch a ride on your pet!
  • Mold is microscopic; don’t expect to see it with your naked eye.
  • Mold growth can happen in as little as 24-48 hours! A higher-than-normal humidity level indoors can encourage the growth of mold colonies.
  • Mold produces a strong musty odor.
  • Mold produces irritants and can be hazardous to your health.

Call us here at SERVPRO of Brunswick at (912) 264 6094, or visit our website: SERVPRO of Brunswick if you are in need of mold remediation.