Understanding Mold

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these 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 and 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.

Do You Have Mold In Your Home?

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods, and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold (Penicillin chrysogenum).

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long –standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental  conditions that pose a health threat.

Mold Remediation In Fort Dodge

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge handles water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for long period of time. If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge @ 515-955-4009

A SERVPRO professional will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. The technician may also recommend you leave the affected area while the mold cleanup and associated containment process is being safely completed.

Are You Selling a House with Mold?

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Have you spent time cleaning, painting and otherwise preparing your house for sale. What you may have overlooked though, is the presence of mold and/or moisture stains that can suggest mold is present. This would be a red flag to any buyer and could stop a sale in it's tracks, if not handled properly. 

Understanding Mold

Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems.

Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• 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.

Our highly trained Project Managers use state-of-the-art technology to take moisture readings that can indicate the likelihood of mold. 

Armed with that knowledge, you can then make an informed decision on next steps for the sale of your home. 

If you think you have mold, or have any other mold related questions, don't hesitate to call us. (515) 955-4009.

Bathroom Vent Fan

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

A properly installed vent fan is an essential weapon against bathroom mold.

We all know mold likes moisture. That’s why bathrooms are so vulnerable to mold. Water that gets onto the bathroom floor is an obvious concern. The greater concern is moisture in the air –moisture that can permeate wall and ceiling materials because of poor bathroom ventilation.

When the bathroom fills with a fog of moist air while taking a hot shower, thousands of moisture droplets can condense on cool wall, ceiling and window surfaces in the bathroom and also in adjacent rooms. Some of this moist air can even penetrate into unseen building cavities through cracks and gaps around electrical outlets and molding. Because damp organic material (wood, paper-faced wallboard, paint resins, paper-faced fiberglass insulation) makes ideal mold food, we have the makings of a mold invasion.

Vent fan to the rescue–or not?

The bathroom vent fan is a major weapon against bathroom mold. The fan’s job is to move moist air outside the house before it can condense and permeate into mold-prone materials. 

However, some builders mistakenly allow the fan to blow moist air into the attic, a practice that simply moves the mold problem to another part of the house. During cold weather, warm, moist air blown into a cooler attic will deposit its moisture on attic rafters and roof sheathing. Telltale black mold stains typically result from this ventilation error. Eventually, this mold can develop into wood rot.

When you find mold

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Our advanced equipment helps to detect and stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

Call Us! We Can help! (515) 955-4009

MOLD: Should I Be Worried?

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge at (515)955-4009

Mold

Should I Be Worried

                What Is Mold? Mold is a part of the kingdom fungi and mold is a general term to describe many different types of fungi. Specifically those that grow in colonies and reproduce with spores. Some molds do not affect people and others only affect some people. To find more information about molds affecting your body you should contact a doctor or ask your physician.  So if a mold does not affect people should we still be worried about it in our homes or businesses. The short answer is yes, but then the question is why. Let’s take a look at molds role in nature. Mold is here to help decompose natural materials like wood, grass, or animals.  Take a look around at your home, what are the materials used to build it. Wood studs in the walls, paper sheets over gypsum board. Plywood, or composite wood sheeting, and baseboards. Well now you are asking why is my home not overtaken by mold already? The answer we keep our homes dry.

 Mold comes into play when there is a water intrusion either from a roof leak, a broken pipe, or over flow from a toilet, shower or sink. Don’t be scared just because you just had a little water spill on your floor that can dry up quickly and mold won’t take root. But when water floods though your home, not taking the proper steps, quickly, can cause the moisture to dry slowly, and then mold can take root in your home. Having trained professionals, Like SERVPRO of Fort Dodge, inspect your home after a water leak can let you know where the excess moisture is and they can help you come up with a plan to get the moisture out of your home so you can be safe and your home can be safe as well.

If there is water rushing through your home, or you just want to be sure all the water is dry from the loss you had a week ago give SERVPRO of Fort Dodge a call at (515)955-4009 today.

16 General Facts About Mold

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Scary Mold in a home.

Here at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge we hear all kinds of misinformation about mold. We want you to be informed and to have an understanding not a fear of this organism and its impacts on your home. So to start lets learn a little about mold in general.

1. What exactly is mold? Molds are living microorganisms and forms of fungi like yeasts and mushrooms. Now that we have a basic definition of mold, let’s start debunking some common mold myths!
2. Most of the information you find in the media and internet on “Black Mold” is completely bogus and horribly misleading. The fact is that the color of the mold as it appears to the naked eye cannot tell you anything about whether its toxic or not. This brings us to point #3:
3. With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it virtually impossible to tell what type of mold you have without a microscope.
4. While there are over 100,000 species of mold, the good news is that you do NOT need to know what kind of mold you have to eliminate mold growth. All molds are treated in the same way. Since mold is a living organism, it requires food and water to survive. But controlling mold by eliminating food sources is very difficult since mold can feed off building materials, and the tiniest of organic matter like dirt, dust and debris. Thus the best way to eliminate mold problems is to eliminate water problems.
5. Eliminating mold problems is important because the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, and that the air we breathe indoors is more polluted than the outdoor air. So indoor air quality matters a lot to our health.
6. Speaking of our health, so called “Black Mold” typically refers to molds that can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), such as groups of molds known as Stachybotrys. Mycotoxins will not always be produced when these types of mold are present. To put it another way, the presence of mold does not necessarily mean mycotoxins are present. The conditions needed for mycotoxins to be produced are not fully understood. Further, mycotoxins can be produced by other types of molds besides Stachybotrys and these molds are not always black. But all visible molds, regardless of color, should be removed by a professional, like SERVPRO of Fort Dodge.
7. Mold is a natural organism that serves many useful purposes in daily life. It breaks down dead organic matter, helps make certain cheeses, and antibiotics like Penicillin. Mold only becomes a problem when it is found in elevated levels. Then, mold removal and remediation should be performed.
8. Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic airborne spores that find their way to a habitable surface. Molds can grow on almost anything, including most building materials such as drywall, insulation, wood, etc. If enough water is present on these surfaces, the mold grows into active colonies and releases spores into the air.
9. While mold grows most easily on porous organic surfaces such as drywall and unfinished wood, it can also grow on inorganic surfaces such as metal, plastics and glass when organic nutrients such as dust and debris are along with moisture.
10. You can be exposed to mold by breathing in mold spores or touching and/or ingesting moldy items. And under ideal conditions, active visible mold colonies can grow in as little as one or two days.
11. There are currently no federal guidelines specifying what constitutes an unsafe level of mold. But if you see visible mold growth or smell it, your environment almost certainly has elevated levels of mold.
12. If nobody knows how bad mold is, should you care? Yes! A moldy home is unappealing to buyers, and can cause allergies and illness to those living in it. It should be removed or treated as soon as possible.
13. Tiny amounts of mold are in every breath you take. Only the cleanest environments, such as a sterilized hospital organ transplant room, are mold-free. A home will continue to have low levels of mold even after mold removal and mold remediation is finished.
14. It is generally agreed that media reports of mold causing severe illness, disease or death are isolated cases that are sensationalized and scientifically unproven.
15. Everyone responds to mold differently, but certain groups such as the elderly, young children and people with autoimmune disorders are thought to be more at risk for the common allergenic symptoms associated with mold.
16. Many homeowners’ insurance policies specifically list mold as an exclusion and will not cover mold-related claims. There are insurance policies that will cover mold related claims. You should not assume your policy covers mold. Chances are, it doesn’t. If you want mold insurance, ask for it, and review your policy carefully to make sure you understand what is and is not included.

Here at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge your family’s health and well being are of the utmost importance to us. If you can see visible mold in your home give us a call at (515)955-4009. We want your home to be a safe place for you and your family to relax, and rest.

Mold Remediation Steps

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or a broken water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge professionals have 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. 

Step 1 - Call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge, at (515) 955-4009. One of our representatives will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

Step 2 - Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold grows best in dark, moist areas with a food source (drywall, wood, etc.), so the areas that promote growth in homes are often out of sight. 

Step 3 - 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.

Step 4 - Air Filtration

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

Step 5 - Removing Mold & 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. 

Step 6 - Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains and any other items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also able to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Step 7 - 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. 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge Professionals understands mold growth, and has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. Call us now if you suspect mold growth in your home at (515)955-4009

Conditions In Fort Dodge Might Be Right Mold

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 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 of Fort Dodge 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 515-955-4009

What to Do:

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

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

11/17/2017 (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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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: 515-955-4009

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

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 - 515-955-4009