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.