Mold During the Winter?

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

Mold During the Winter?  

While mold may seem more like a concern for the Spring and Summer months, mold can still be a major problem during the Winter. The wet seasons can provide optimal opportunities for mold to develop. Not only through the additional moisture but through an increase in opportunities for water damage, which may lead to mold if not discovered or taken care of quickly.  

Here are some mold prevention steps you can take as you begin to prepare your home for the upcoming Winter Season:  

• Keep areas/surfaces clean and dry. 

• Maintain air circulation. Be sure to run exhaust fans or open windows if possible while showering, cooking, or washing dishes.   

• Turn off the water connection to appliances that are broken or malfunctioning.  

• Check and repair seals on windows, basements, doors, and foundations.  

• Insulate pipes to prevent burst pipes.  

• Clean and repair gutters and ensure the area around your home has proper drainage.  

If you have found or suspect mold in your Natchez home, call SERVPRO of Natchez, our professional crews will assess your home and develop a plan to remediate your mold. When you give us a call at, (601) 304-5554, we will make sure that your home is dry and clean again before we say the job is finished. 

What to do if you Suspect Mold in your Natchez Home

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Suspect Mold in your Natchez Home?   

It is believed that there are currently over one million different species of mold in existence, but less than 10 percent have been documented and named. Mold spores are in the air, everywhere, all the time, making mold extremely common in both indoor and outdoor environments. Sometimes humans and mold can exist together without any major problems, however, depending on the strand of mold and the sensitivity level of the person, mold can cause adverse health effects. These effects range from mild symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes to more severe respiratory diseases, fevers, and dizziness.    

All mold needs to grow is the right conditions, such as: 

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins. 
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers develop in only one day after being exposed to water, but the longer it is left alone with adequate temperatures and moisture, the more it will continue to grow.

Mold can grow anywhere, in any home, a leaky roof or chimney, wet basements, condensation from ducts, and water seeping into absorbent materials are just a few examples of situations or problems that create the perfect environment for mold. It is important for Natchez homeowners and business owners to be aware of situations like these that could potentially allow mold growth. 

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

In the meantime here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from potential illness and to keep the mold from spreading: 

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off HVAC system and fans.
• Don’t touch or disturb the mold 
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold
• Don't blow air across the affected or suspected areas 
• Don't try to dry or clean the area by yourself

The Mold Process

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

When there is water in your home, mold can quickly become an issue. It can cause health issues and damage to your property. SERVPRO of Natchez has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment to handle your mold problem.

Call SERVPRO of Natchez at 601.304.5554. The mold cleanup and restoration process begin when you call us. One of knowledgeable office employees will ask a series of questions to help determine how to help you remediate any mold and get information that will help the technician who will come to do an assessment at your property.

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

Containment
Different containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold, like negative air chambers to 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 of Natchez’s technicians use powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing
The process of mold remediation depends on the amount of mold growth and the type of surface it's on. Anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new ones from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary.

Cleaning
SERVPRO of Natchez cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.

Prevent Mold in Closet Areas

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

In many older homes your closet could be affected by moisture and a smelly odor. It is very important you deal with moisture issues in a closet to prevent microbial growth and mildew. Here are a few tips on how you could prevent this issue from happening.

• Always let any damp material to dry completely before putting them away.
• Make sure clothes or any other items stored away are cleaned because soiled items can be the breeding ground for microbial growth.
• Try not to pack your closets to tight with items so you can allow air flow.
• Store shoe boxes on wire shelves instead of the floor so you do not trap moisture under the boxes.

Hopefully these few tips can help you prevent microbial growth, if you have any questions or concerns contact SERVPRO Of Natchez at 601.304.5554.

What is secondary damage after a water damage?

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Natchez strives to prevent secondary damage every time we complete a water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home PLEASE call SERVPRO of Natchez @601.304.5554.

Mold in Closets

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture can come from many sources. Even wet or damp clothing can be a water source. Homeowners sometimes find that their closets become a source of mold and mildew.

Here are a few tips to prevent mold in your closet.

• Be sure any clothes, linens or towels are completely clean and dry before storing them.
• Leave space around stored clothing allows more air to circulate. Do not pack clothes too tightly.
• Leave the closet door open when possible.
• Wire shelving provides greater air circulation than solid shelves.
• Keep your items off the floor to keep moisture from appearing underneath them. Hang the clothes or keep them in boxes.
• Air out your closets occasionally by clearing them out and washing any clothing.
• Do not keep your dry-cleaning in plastic bags. Their polyethylene composition traps humidity around fibers, and the dampness encourages mold growth.
• Leave the light on - Install an energy-efficient light in the closet. Remember mold needs moisture to live, so the warmth from a low wattage light bulb can help keep the closet dry.
• Don’t ignore a musty smell; it can only mean one thing, mold is growing somewhere and it has to be taken care of. This is when you need to call for a certified mold remediation contractor.

Here at SERVPRO of Natchez, we have the experience, knowledge, and expertise necessary to help you with any mold damage or preventive practices. We are also available for cleanup after fire and water damage. Call us today at 601.304.5554.

Mold in the Walls and Ceiling

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

If you have water damage, make sure you call a professional to take care of it immediately, to prevent mold from forming. SERVPRO of Natchez has trained and certified mold technicians to perform this type of remediation.

Our crews use Protective Clothing: half- or full-face respirator mask, goggles with a half-face respirator mask prevent mold spores from reaching the mucous membranes of the eyes, they wear disposable hazmat coveralls to keep out particles down to one micrometer, and protective suits keep mold spores from entering skin cuts last but not least, gloves are made of rubber, nitrile, polyurethane, or neoprene.

Mold is part of the natural environment. Indoor mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores. The spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air. Mold may begin growing indoors when spores land on moist surfaces. For example: In the photo the mold grew in the wall and ceiling as the result from a roof leak that was not dried out. There are many types of mold, but all require moisture for growth.

SERVPRO of Natchez is here to help and restore your property call 601.304.5554.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Mold Growth

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

To prevent excessive moisture that can lead to mold growth try these helpful tips:

• Install exhaust fans in bathroom and kitchen,use them while showering and cooking.
• Don't use carpet in bathrooms or kitchens
• If you have rugs in the bathroom make sure you hang them up to dry after they get damp.
• Clean up water spills promptly
• Routinely check under sinks, behind toilets and around appliances for any unnoticed leaks.
• Install dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity.
• Make sure your drain gutters are properly draining water away from your home. 
• Use climate control in areas with high humidity to keep the humidity down.

If your home or business shows any signs of mold call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Natchez 601.304.5554 and let us make it look "Like it never even happened." 

What is secondary damage after a water damage?

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Natchez strives to prevent secondary damage every time we complete a water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home PLEASE call SERVPRO Of Natchez 601.304.5554. 

Does your Miss-Lou Home have Mold??

10/8/2018 (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.

Mold facts to consider:

• 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 using our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - 601.304.5554

Different Colors of Mold?

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

When many people think of mold, they think of it as being black in color. But mold actually comes in a variety of different colors including white, green, yellow and even pink!

While many fear that black mold is toxic, white mold does not usually cause the same concerns. It can be found on about any type of surface. Attics, basement walls and exposed dirt in crawlspaces are all common areas where white mold can be found. It also can appear on food as it is going bad.

Green mold is very common and prefers cool to moderate environments. Due to this, it is commonly found on rotting refrigerated foods and breads.

Yellow mold can be very bright in color and is usually easy to spot. According to moldguide.net, this variety of mold can be dangerous. It should not be touched or inhaled and it should be removed as soon as possible.

Pink mold often develops on shower floors and the bottom of shower curtains because it thrives in moisture-rich environments. It is difficult to completely prevent pink mold in the bathroom and usually requires continual maintenance to control the issue.

Although mold comes in a variety of colors, all thrive in similar, moist environments. To control or prevent mold, be sure to ventilate damp areas and monitor pipes and other areas susceptible to leaking! If you suspect a mold issue at your property, call SERVPRO of Natchez. We are experts in mold remediation!

Stop Mold Growth

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Most homeowners have concerns about mold and how to prevent it. Mold can grow anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and if not treated promptly, can spread very quickly. It is best to prevent mold before it ever becomes a problem.

Tips to Prevent Mold

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. The Mother Nature Network suggests several ways for homeowners to curb moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it:

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. Areas such as wet basements, water stained ceilings, or windows with condensation are examples of potential problem areas. Correcting these issues can prevent mold before it becomes a problem.
2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold needs moisture to grow. Don’t leave wet areas in your home. Remove wet carpets and furniture if they can’t be dried completely. Don’t leave wet items lying around the house. Always dry the walls and floors after showers or spills.
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. Make sure your home isn’t holding moisture inside by opening a winder or running an exhaust fan while cooking or showering.
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. If building a new home or renovating your current home, always use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paint.
5. Monitor humidity indoors. Measure humidity in your home with a moisture meter and keep the indoor humidity levels between recommended levels.
6. Direct water away from your home. Make sure the ground around your home is sloped so that water runs away from the home.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters. Leaky roofs lead to moisture in the home.
8. Improve air flow in your home. Increase air circulation in your home by opening doors between rooms and moving furniture away from walls. Let fresh air into your home.
9. Keep mold off house plants. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold. Find ways to prevent mold from growing on your house plants.

If after following these tips you still find that you have a mold infestation in your home, SERVPRO of Natchez has the specialized mold remediation equipment and the highly trained mold remediation technicians necessary to handle any size mold infestation.  

Mold Management

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

When there is water in your home, mold can quickly become an issue. It can cause health issues and damage to your property. SERVPRO of Natchea has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment to handle your mold problem. 

Suspect Mold?

10/5/2018 (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.

Water Intrusions and Mold

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

What Causes Mold?

Water intrusions in residential and commercial properties that are not properly mitigated contribute to mold. These water intrusions can include, but are not limited to storm damage (wind-driven rain or flooding), plumbing leaks, sprinkler system failure or even properly working following smoke/fire, water heater leaks, washing machine overflows and lack of humidity control (improperly working HVAC unit or improper manual use). Not surprisingly, we often see these issues in unoccupied or secondary homes. Since Natchez has a vast amount of second homes, we see this often. When vacation is over, many property owners adjust the HVAC unit to save electricity costs while they are away. Often, the biggest damages occur when there is a combination of these items - poor humidity control and no one checking on the property regularly.

Mold and microbial growth are the resulting damage from improper mitigation or lack of mitigation. Mold not only negatively affects the materials it grows on, but it is also can gravely affect the air quality. Some amounts of mold spores are normally present in most environments. Dark and warm moist areas provide the environment, and organic materials provide the food source for mold to flourish. These materials are commonly found in buildings and homes - they include but are not limited to the following: wood (framework, trim, flooring), drywall, paper, and insulation. By delaying mitigation following a water damage, mold spores may increase significantly. All environments, even healthy environments, contain some degree of mold or microbial growth, but when the damage becomes excessive, health threats increase dramatically.

Do you have mold?

At SERVPRO of Natchez, our team of experts have been trained by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC); in regards to mold, our team members have received IICRC's specific designation for Applied Microbial Growth Technician (AMRT). Mold is no match for us. Our professionals use advanced water detection equipment to locate the source of the problem and remediate any mold or water damage. 

If you have concerns regarding mold growth following a water damage, reach out to our team of experts: SERVPRO of Natchez at 601.304.5554 We are always here to help.

Mold in Storage

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

The Miss-Lou area can experience microbial growth, or mold, year round with Mississippi unpredictable weather and rather warm winters. 

SERVPRO of Natchez has seen many different growth situations. If your health is a concern with this invasive growth, we always advise you speak with an Environmental Hygienist who will usually do a clearance test after mold remediation. Common factors that are found to create the optimal environment for growth is a food source such as paint, glue, paper etc, moisture, warm and dark areas. It is common to find growth in your ductwork or corners of your basement. If your home has not properly been remediated following water invasion, the risk of growth is more likely. If you are a property owner and see microbial growth in your home, call 601.304.5554 to find out how SERVPRO of Natchez can help you. 

Mold Prevention Tips

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Call us at 601.304.5554 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROnatchez.com.

Nobody likes a mold problem. There are several ways to prevent mold growth in your home. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Control your indoor climate
2. Keep a eye out for standing water
3. Do not leave wet clothing around for more then two days.
4. If the moisture becomes to much in your home, add a dehumidifier. 
5. Check for drainage problems around the home.
6. Eliminate clutter in and outside of the home.
7. Properly size your air conditioner unit to the size of your home.
8. An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of the moisture in your home.
9. Always check your air conditioning unit before turning it on for the season.
10. Call a professional if you believe you may have any mold problem.

Call us at 601.304.5554 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROnatchez.com.

Good Mold vs. Bad Mold

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

When most of us hear the word mold we assume it could be good mold or bad mold. Let's take good mold for example. It is found in medicines to cure illness. It is also found in cheeses and of course the moldy loaf of bread left open a little to long.  Next we have a type of normal mold that falls in between good and bad. There are two types of normal molds. There are airborne mold spores and mold growth. There is simply no way around the airborne mold. This type of mold is present to some degree in the air we breath. The mold we see in our homes such as in the window seals and bathtubs are simply common day to day molds. They are not from a sustainable food source. It can be cleaned away, so this makes it normal. The bad mold people fear most is considered bad mold because it could potentially affect the air with elevated mold spores which is quite a bit different than normal. The food sources within a home are pretty numerous. Materials must be properly removed and/or cleaned. Airborne issues must also be addressed. 

The first step a homeowner should take if they suspect mold is to call a specialist to ensure the proper precautions and testing are done properly.

Call us at 601.304.5554 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROnatchez.com.

Getting Rid of Mold

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Getting rid of mold is a tough job! Give SERVPRO of Natchez a call 601.304.5554

Here are some healthy tips to follow when you are dealing with mold. Some people cringe at the sound of the word mold but it may be easier to take care of then you think. Hopefully these will help ease the stress along the way.

• Take things that were wet for 2 or more days outside. Things that stay wet 2 or more days can have mold on them. Mold is not always visible by looking.
• Take out stuff made of cloth, unless you can wash them in HOT water.
• Use bleach to clean mold on hard things or surfaces (like floors, counter tops, toys, tools, and plates.)
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
• wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask.
• Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.
• Mix no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
• Wash the item with the bleach and water mixture.
• Rinse the item with clean water.
• Dry the item or leave it out to dry. 

Call us at 601.304.5554 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROnatchez.com.

Should You Use Mold Resistant Paint To Help Prevent Mold Damage To Your Home?

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Considering types of paint is extremely important in an environment that will be repeatedly damp and quite possibly wet. Call SERVPRO to discuss.

SERVPRO Certified Technicians Provide Many Useful Tips for Preventing Mold Damage on Your Property

Mold is a potential problem for any homeowner. Mold can live in any damp place where there is also food for it to grow – and it can use many household items like food, including damp clothes, carpets, drapes, and drywall. Therefore any steps you can take to make it harder for the fungi to take hold are a good idea.
 
Perhaps you have heard of mold resistant paint. You might be wondering what it is and whether you should use it to help prevent mold damage to your Montgomery home.
 
Mold resistant paint contains antimicrobial ingredients that discourage growth on any surface treated with the paint. Each manufacturer states on the tin how long the effect should be expected to last.
 
Such paint is a useful tool for any homeowner in the fight against mold. SERVPRO recommends the use of mold resistant paint in any areas that are prone to damp, such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, or some internal ceilings. It is particularly important to pay attention to corners and the areas where ceilings and walls meet, as these areas are popular with the fungi and are common areas for it to appear.
 
However, SERVPRO’s recommendation of this paint does come with an important caveat: For it to work properly, you need to deal with the issue at its source first. Painting helps prevent a recurrence of the problem, but only if the problem is properly dealt with in the first place.
 
We can assist you with mold remediation before application. Our IICRC-certified experts are trained to deal with outbreaks in any area of your home. We come equipped with a range of tools and techniques to get growth under control.
 
The first step is to establish containment to prevent spores spreading to other areas. Following containment, negative air machines draw the contaminated air out of the affected area and vent it outside your home. Then the work of remediation begins. Our technicians use a combination of techniques which include scrubbing, HEPA vacuuming, and damp wiping with detergents.
 
Depending on the total extent of the damage, some areas of drywall might need to be replaced as well.
 
Once the mold is under control and the area is thoroughly dried out, it is safe to apply mold resistant paint to help prevent future outbreaks.
 
If you have mold growing in your home, do not delay. Call SERVPRO of Natchez at 601.304.5554 for assistance.

Do You Have Mold In Your Crawlspace?

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Over the last few years I have received many calls from homeowners about mold underneath their house or in the crawlspace. This only occurs in a home that is built on a conventional foundation. Sometimes their floors inside have began to buckle but they have not had a water damage or leak. As our summers in Mississippi have grown hotter and more humid the problem has gotten worse. 

Mold or fungi have to have moisture and a food source to grow. Of the two, moisture is the easiest to control since it can feed on any organic material. If you haven't had a leak or drainage problem that is causing excess moisture underneath your home the most probable source of moisture is from condensation. 

Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler material like the floor boards of your home. Many homeowners are having problems with this now for the first time in forty years. Many of them have recently installed new storm windows or a new more efficient Air conditioner system or re-insulated their home. The point is that combined with the hotter more humid summers and the people keeping their homes cooler creates an environment conducive to condensation in their crawlspace. 

One of the ways to you can help prevent condensation in your crawlspace is to increase the amount of ventilation under your house and install some fans to keep the air circulating. This will encourage more evaporation and help to keep your floor joist and sub-floor dry. Wood can only support microbial growth at 16% moisture content or above. If you can keep your crawlspace dry you shouldn't have any problem with mold or fungi growing there