Does Your Murray, Benton, Calvert City, Eddyville, Princeton, Cadiz, or Smithland Home Have A Mold Problem?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

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 SERVPRO of LBL North Today – 270-753-1160

Living With Mold is Simple, Don't

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

February 7^th, 2020

Living with Mold is Simple……. Don’t

Suppose your house suffered some wind damage recently due to the high winds that came through back in October (2019). You patched the roof with plans to “fix it yourself” when the seasons change and the temps warm up. A temporary tarp or other covering it currently being utilized to minimize further water from leaking into your house. You assume everything will be fine, and come Spring, one weekend you and perhaps some friends and family will simply remove the temporary covering and patch the roof. Everything is then good to go…..right? Not exactly.

See the entire time you have had the temporary patch on the house, water could have leaked in. Not to mention, what happened to all the water that leaked in before? Did you simply mop up what you could find, spray a little Kilz or similar product on the roof in order to remove the visible reminder of your misfortune? Well, when the season warms, and your attic space heats up, mold will begin to form, if it hasn’t already.

The type of mold that forms will cause problems, but what those problems are is hard to tell. Every type of mold runs the potential to cause health issues. As the mold grows, spores are released into the air, eventually getting into your HVAC lines and negatively affecting the air quality in your home. Since mold requires moisture to grow, the moisture it absorbs also absorbs into the wood, potentially causing wood rot. It should be noted that mold itself does not rot wood, but the moisture it attracts does. This is why it is very important to contact SERVPRO if you suffered water damage from any type of storm event in the past.

According to FEMA, using the residents of Hurricane IRENE as an example, once you see you have water damage, you should do everything you can to dry out immediately. If you do not have the proper tools and resources to do it, SERVPRO of LBL North does, and will respond to your call within four hours or less with the proper drying equipment. If you see mold, the general rule of thumb is DON’T DISTURB IT! Contact SERVPRO of LBL North and let us examine the mold, determine the type, and safely remove it from your home. Improperly disturbing/removing mold from your home could give it more moisture/room to grow. It is best to let professionals get rid of it the moment it is detected.

RESOURCE

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2011, September 18th). Be safe, don't stay in a home infested with mold or mildew. Retrieved from Federal Emergency Management Association: https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2011/09/18/be-safe-dont-stay-home-infested-mold-or-mildew

Mobile Homes and Moisture Issues

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

February 5^th, 2020

Mobile Homes and Moisture Issues

According to an article published in 2009, which uses a United States Census Report, more than 56% of the mobile homes in the nation are located in the southern states. Tie this with the abundance of moisture in the ground, therein arises many opportunities for mold to form in and around the mobile home. Let’s take a moment to understand the dynamics which set the stage for mold growth in mobile homes, then discuss how you can potentially minimize/prevent unnecessary mold growth in your home. 

Mobile homes by design (recent ones manufactured anytime after 2000) secure the insulation, water lines, electric lines, and HVAC ducts installed underneath the flooring of the home with a heavy duty plastic (vapor barrier). This plastic lining is there to protect the underside of the home, especially the wood flooring, from vapor rising up from the moist ground beneath it. In the South, as noted above, we have an abundance of both moisture in the ground, which results in the excessive humidity levels we experience. This plastic vapor barrier pre-installed on your home, also has a negative side effect, in that it hides slow leaks which may arise from poor fabrication or wear and tear. These leaks absorb first into the insulation, then begin to trickle down, pooling in a low spot it finds within the vapor barrier. During this course of time, humidity levels trapped between the vapor barrier and the floor sets the perfect stage for mold growth throughout the underside of your home. The spores from this growth eventually finds its way into your home as it grows up through the pores in the flooring and walls.  

Preventative Measures You Can Take and What to Report to SERVPRO of LBL North

• Routinely check under your home. Inspect the vapor barrier for sagging spots, which could lead to a slow leak
• Identify why moisture has accumulated at that spot and where it originated from
• Once the source has been identified and the leak eliminated, what path did the water take from the source to the location in which you found it

It is important that you inspect the vapor barrier of your home at least twice a year. Any vapor barrier that is altered (purposefully or unintentional), should be replaced/repaired as soon as possible so as to stop outside humidity levels from permitting mold to grown on all porous materials under the home. Mold can potentially negatively affect your air quality, and the integrity of your home. Call SERVPRO of LBL North anytime you detect moisture or mold in your home at (270) 753-1160.

References:

Manufactured Housing Research Alliance. 2000. "Moisture problems in manufactured homes; understanding their causes and finding solutions." United States Department of Housing and Urban Development . Accessed February 04, 2020. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/moisture.pdf.

Yousef, Hibah. 2009. Most mobile homes are in the south- Census. September 23rd. Accessed February 04, 2020. https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/22/real_estate/mobile_homes/index.htm.

Conditions In Murray Might Be Right For Mold

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 270-753-1160

MOLD: The Silent Threat

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Attic Due to Roof Leak

There are over 100,000 forms of fungi that can turn into mold. Mold in large amounts has the potential to cause health issues or even worse. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface in 24 to 48 hours. When water gets into a part of your home or business, getting the water out before mold has time to form is crucial. Mold reproduces by spores that can travel through the air, allowing mold to spread rapidly.

If your home has water damage due to:

• flooding
• sewage back-up
• plumbing or roof leaks
• damp basement or crawl space
• overflows from sinks or bathtubs
• high humidity (from steam cooking, dryer vents, humidifiers)

...mildew and mold will likely develop within 24 to 48 hours (though it may not always be noticeable!)

If you think you may have a mold problem due to one of these issues, call SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz & Princeton at 270-753-1160 today!

Two Reason To Address Mold Immediately

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy mold in basement stairwell.

The presence of mold leaves behind an unmistakable musty odor. Although this fungus can develop inside a house when it is simply a little too humid, it is more likely to develop after flood water damages the premises. When that flooding is accompanied by sewage loss, the contaminants only exacerbate the problem. Homeowners in Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton, KY should try to prevent mold growth entirely. However, if mold does develop, then you need to address it right away before a bad stench turns into something much worse. 

1. Structural Damage
Mold is particularly destructive to certain materials, including gypsum board, plaster and wood. Over time, these materials may weaken and change color. You may not even see the damage if the item is painted, but the paint merely hides the mildew. The only way to ensure your home remains structurally sound is to remove all presence of mold. Certain structures may need to be replaced entirely to make sure your house is safe to live in. 

2. Rapid Growth
Mold growth can get out of hand in just 24 hours. It can spread exponentially when exposed to the right conditions. Leaks, condensation and high humidity can accelerate the growth process, causing the mold to overtake entire sections of walls and flooring. Over time, this can lead to toxic black mold. 

An even more dangerous aspect is that visible mold is only half the story. If you see mold, then there is a very high likelihood there is even more growing out of sight. You need someone to come out to your place immediately to ensure your house remains mold-free.

When bringing in a professional team in Murray, Benton, Cadiz, or Princeton, KY to address mold in your home, it is vital that every sign of it is removed. This includes the mold you see on the wall as well as spores that have entered the air. Without addressing the problem comprehensively, the mold growth will simply resume, sometimes in less than a day. Visit http://www.SERVPROmurraybentoncadizprinceton.com/ for more information on storm damage.

Mold Mitigation Services for Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Molf found and contained behind a bar mirror.

Mold can sneak up in unlikely places, but SERVPRO is here to help provide a solution to your properties mold damage needs. 

There are many different factors that can cause mold growth in your home or business. SERVPRO Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton are here to help you find out your mold problems: 

The presence of visible mold. 

• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present. 
• Any evidence of past moisture issues. 
• Excessive humidity, especially during summer months.

If we find mold in your home or business in your home we can bring our team of highly trained mold remediation specialists. We will help eliminate mold and a potentially dangerous situation. We follow industry regulation to remove mold and reduce the risk of future mold growth.

If you need help solving your hold issue, call SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton today at (270) 753-1160!

Controlling Mold in Your Murray, Benton, Cadiz, or Princeton Home or Business

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

www.cdc.gov

How To Tell Mold From Mildew: 3 Key Identifiers

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Mold or Mildew?

Battling mold and mildew in your Murray, Benton, Cadiz, or Princeton, KY home can be a year-round housecleaning challenge. From preventing costly mold damage to scrubbing away mildew in the shower, fighting household fungi can take time and a considerable amount of elbow grease. However, trying to clean up mold on your own may cause the further spread of spores and increase the risk of a severe infestation. Knowing how to tell the difference between mold and mildew can help you save time, money and let you know whether you need the services of a certified mold remediation and removal company. 

1. Texture 

Although mold and mildew are both part of the fungi family, they have different textures that are usually visible to the naked eye. Mildew growth is typically thin and slimy, while mold is usually fuzzy or wooly. You can perform a quick test by adding a few drops of bleach to the suspect area, as mildew grows lighter on contact while mold retains its color. 

2. Color

You may be able to tell mold from mildew by the color of the growth. Mildew is usually grey or light yellow as it spreads, while mold growth comes in a variety of colors, from green to white to black. If you suspect what you see is black mold, it is a good idea to avoid touching the area and call in mold damage specialists to treat the problem instead, as this type of fungus can be aggressive and will likely need professional intervention. 

3. Growth Pattern

While both mold and mildew have a few similar qualities, the way each grows and spreads can help you tell them apart. Mildew is a surface fungus that can be wiped away easily, as it develops in flat, thin patches. Mold spores, however, penetrate the surface of any material they attach to and grow into wide patches that can be difficult to remove. 

It can be difficult to tell mold from mildew when you encounter either in your Murray, Benton, Cadiz, or Princeton home. However, knowing the characteristics of each can help you prevent mold damage and keep your home clean and sanitary.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROmurraybentoncadizprinceton.com/.

Does Your Murray, Benton, Cadiz or Princeton Home Have a Mold Problem?

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

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 – (270) 753-1160

Check out our Mold Remediation services here.

Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton Residents: Follow these Mold Tips if You Suspect Mold

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

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 Paducah 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 Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton 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 – (270) 753-1160