Recent Mold Remediation Posts

What SERVPRO of Wynwood Does For Mold Remediation in your Wynwood Home/Business

3/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Technicians SERVPRO Team Technicians
Call SERVPRO of Wynwood today for mold remediation (305)377-2325! When mold develops in your house, you need two things – remediation and reassurance that the actions taken are sufficient to nullify the issue. SERVPRO takes a systemic approach to ensure a thorough mold removal process and to reassure Jacksonville homeowners. 

How do we ensure mold removal restores our Wynwood property to preloss state?    

The process may involve several steps. Our SERVPRO technicians focus on a couple of areas like:

  • Inspection and assessment of mold damage
  • Mold Containment
  • Removal of mold and mold-Infested materials
  • Air Filtration
  • Cleaning Contents and other materials

In most cases, when you seek help because of mold in your Mid-town Miami home, you have noticed some signs such as patches or spots on surfaces, or there is a whiff of musty odor in your property. However, these signs rarely reveal the whole picture because mold tends to develop in hidden sections of the house. Our technicians can help perform additional tests, including drilling inspection holes on ceilings or walls and lifting covers such as carpets to establish how far the problem spreads around the house.

What sort of containment is done when mold is discovered?

Containment mostly helps prevent mold debris from spreading all over the property. Our SERVPRO technicians set up containment barriers using 6-mil plastic sheets, poles, and grip disks. Limiting further mold growth by applying biocides to vulnerable surfaces can also count as a form of containment.

Running air filtration devices helps remove moldy residues from the air. We also use the devices to create negative air pressure in the contained area, thus ensuring residues do not spread. With proper containment, demolition of affected materials and cleaning can run smoothly without affecting the rest of the house. 

When you need mold problems in your Wynwood home resolved, SERVPRO of Wynwood is ready to help. Call us at (305)377-2325. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Mold in Air Ducts Could Mean for Commercial Buildings

2/21/2021 (Permalink)

air duct mold air duct mold

Mold frequently grows on construction materials for commercial buildings in Midtown-Miami, FL. It thrives in hidden, dark spaces with favorable humidity levels and hosts that provide it the nutrients it needs. Mold spores will settle and develop into colonies in any areas that provide these conditions. Hiring an HVAC cleaning service at least twice a year is recommended for commercial buildings. It is common to find fungus growing inside of HVAC systems on:

  • AC evaporator coils
  • The drip pan
  • Inside air ducts

If you find mold around your commercial property, it is likely there is mold inside of your HVAC system as well. Here's what mold in the HVAC system could mean for your commercial building:

Mold Spores Will Circulate When the HVAC System Turns On

Mold can be found feeding off the dust in your HVAC system. This is because air ducts provide a suitable environment for fungus to thrive. This mold will release mold spores that circulate into every room of a commercial building when the HVAC system turns on. This makes them more likely to attach themselves to the natural construction materials of the building. Regular HVAC cleaning will clear your air conditioning system of dust, preventing mold growth. Cleaning vents frequently will also aid in mold prevention.

Mold in Your Air Ducts Will Cause Unpleasant Smells

A key indicator of mold being circulated through the building is an unpleasant, musky smell. When mold spores are circulated through air vents it makes them more likely to grow on other materials that provide the right nutrients, including water damaged wood or drywall. The smell coming from these materials is often described as humid and earthy.

Mold spores only take about 48-72 hours to develop into colonies. If you have found mold on your property, it is crucial to address it right away by calling an HVAC cleaning service. This will improve the overall air quality in your building and prevent mold damage.

Necessary Precautions to Prevent the Spread of Mold in Your Commercial Facility

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

mold growth in walls mold growth in walls

Mold growth on a wall in Midtown-Miami, FL

Precautions To Take While Removing Mold on Your Own

While it is natural to want to protect your business and facility, it is also necessary to know your limits, especially when it comes to mold. Fungal growths, especially significant ones, may require the expertise of remediation specialists in Wynwood, FL. However, if you do choose to remove the infestation on your own, there are a few precautions you should take.

  • Protective clothing and equipment
  • Plastic and garbage bags
  • Ventilation
  • Professionals

Protective Clothing and Equipment

The first thing you need to consider is your safety. While a mold problem may seem minor initially, as you continue to remove the contaminated surface, it is quite possible you will expose a significant infestation. Therefore, you should always wear a protective suit, gloves, goggles and a respirator when working with mold.

Plastic and Garbage Bags

Next, you will need plastic sheeting and garbage bags, the thicker, the better. If the mold is in a specific room, then close the doors, windows, and vents in the affected space. Next, hang plastic sheeting over the doors, windows, and vents in the space to protect them and prevent spores from spreading. As you remove pieces of the mold affected areas, place them into the garbage bags and seal them.

Ventilation

Before you begin removing pieces of the contamination, make sure that ventilation is controlled. You will want to open a window to the outside but restrict airflow and movement inside. Therefore, turn off the HVAC system and, again, close and seal vents.
Professionals
Last, if you have noticed significant mold growth in your facility, then call a professional. Mold removal is a specialized skill that requires training. Do not attempt mold removal unless you are licensed.
While you may want to protect your business, don't risk your safety. Mold can be toxic, which is why hiring a licensed and certified mold remediation professional is typically best.

3 Reasons To Skip the Home Mold Testing Kit

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Test Kit Package image Image of Mold Test Kit Package

Skip the home mold testing kit and contact a certified mold removal professional

Why Skip The Mold Testing Kit?

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home or suspect your house might have a mold problem, the DIY mold testing kits at your local Coral Gables, FL, hardware store might seem like a good place to start. However, these kits are limited in scope and are unlikely to supply the answers you need.

1. “Do I Have Mold?” Is a Trick Question
Before calling the professionals, many homeowners buy home mold kits to answer the question, “does my home contain mold?” That’s a bit of a trick question, however, and the answer will always be “yes.” All homes contain mold spores; it’s the reason bread left on the counter will eventually get moldy. DIY mold kits always yield positive results for the presence of mold.

2. Home Kits Leave the Real Questions Unanswered
The real questions you need to ask about a mold problem are things like:

  • Is the mold in my home harmful?
  • What’s causing it?
  • How can I remove it?
  • How can I keep it from coming back?

Unfortunately, mold testing kits can’t answer any of those questions. You’ll need to have a home inspection by a mold remediation specialist.

3. DIY Kits Yield Questionable Results
Your mold kit may include an option to send your results to a lab for further testing (for an additional fee). Unfortunately, the results of this testing are consistently unreliable. Relevant trade industry organizations and the Environmental Protection Agency have issued statements advising against the use of these kits. Consumer Reports has consistently rated them “Not Recommended.” Courts, insurance companies and medical professionals have rejected the results of home kits due to their lack of credibility.
If you’re concerned about mold because you can see mold spots, or smell a musty smell, your home likely has excessive mold growth. Skip the home mold testing kit and contact a certified mold removal professional to eliminate the problem at its source.

What is Black Mold?

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Black mold behind skirting board and a small saw on the floor. This mold was found after a water damage.

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many other types of mold can also produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

If you spot any signs of mold, don't be afraid to call the professionals at SERVPRO for a free estimate. Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by visiting Mold Damage Tips

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (305) 377-2325

Understanding Why Mold Grows in Your Home

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Mold found behind the drywall. Mold damage in Homestead, FL.

When it comes to most households, black mold is a forbidden word. It's one of the last things anyone wants to see. Worst of all, it seems like no matter how much you wipe, it just keeps coming back. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re wondering why mold keeps growing in your Homestead, FL, home, the answer may be as simple as understanding just what mold is, how it thrives and what you can get rid of to banish it for good.

What Are Molds?

The easiest way to think of molds are as insidious microorganisms that can take up residence just about anywhere. More specifically, molds are types of fungi that spread through little seed-like spores that are floating in the air all around us. Because black molds thrive in moist, warm environments, they replicate most easily in:

  • Attics
  • Bathrooms
  • Crawlspaces

Why Mold Gets Into Homes

Mold loves moist environments and those are perhaps nowhere more concentrated than in the average house. Things like taking a shower, using humidifiers or hanging clothes to dry all produce more of the moisture molds like. Outside your home, storing wet firewood or even excessively watering many plants can create the perfect breeding ground. Once spores land on a moist surface, they start growing.

Getting Rid of It

Whether you can get rid of your mold depends a lot on the depth of the problem. Small areas of mold on solid surfaces can often be removed with a sponge and specialized cleaner. But because black mold can be potentially dangerous to inhale, removing extensive mold should be left to specially trained mold cleanup companies.
Mold is the bane of the homeowner’s existence, but you can fight back. Start by contacting a mold removal specialist to get an idea of the depth of your moisture problem and you’ll soon be on your way to having a mold-free home.

Mildew Vs Mold

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The difference in color of Mildew and mold is mildew is white, where mold can be one many color, red, green, blue, orange or black, depending on the species. Mildew usually stays on the surface of the material on which it grows, removing it can be simple if the surface can be scrubbed with a cleaning solution in a well-ventilated area. Mildew can be thought of as annoying and as an indication that there is too much moisture in the area. On the other hand, mold infiltrates surfaces that have been exposed to humidity or water. It is best to allow professionals at SERVPRO of Wynwood to step in and make an assessment. The first step is to identify the source of moisture and address it. Materials like wallpaper and drywall are likely to require replacement. Once the mold growth has been removed, there are products on the market that inhibit regrowth. Keeping a home as dry as possible can prevent mold and mildew growth.

Identifying Mold Growth

1/19/2019 (Permalink)

There are over 100, 000 species of mold which exist in both the outside and indoor environments. For mold damage to occur, organic materials and moisture must be present - that is why they commonly grow on wet ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard, carpeting, paint, wallpaper, and fabrics. Mold can also grow on dirty and moist surfaces such as ceramic tiles, fiberglass insulation, and concrete. We are going to look at some of the facts that we consider during the remediation of your Miami property.

When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your Miami property to perform mold damage remediation, we perform an evaluation and determine whether the site is safe to enter. We can also set up barriers using plastic sheeting to separate clean areas from the contaminated areas. To avoid the trip, fall, and slip hazard while at the site, we might provide portable lighting.

To visually identify the mold, we watch out for discoloration on walls, staining, musty odor, and leathery growth on building materials. In most cases, mold grows on hidden areas, so, we check behind the insulation, wallboard, wallpaper, carpet backing, and padding. We can also use moisture meters to measure moisture levels of materials such as wallboard, brick, plaster, carpet, and concrete. It is because mold grows typically on surfaces with moisture accumulation.

SERVPRO of Wynwood is an industry leader in mold remediation and cleanup. Call SERVPRO at (305) 377-2325 when you need professional help from our highly trained and experienced technicians.

Different Types of Mold

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

There are three different classes of mold. Mold found in homes can be broken down into different classes based on their level of health risks.

Hazard Class A - Class A molds are classified as the most hazardous types. These molds can directly impact health. It is critical to remove this type of mold from the home immediately in order to eliminate the dangers it brings up.

Hazard Class B – Class B is less hazardous than Class A molds but, can still affect people's health. This group can cause allergic reactions, especially with prolonged exposure.

Hazard Class C - The types of mold in this group are not known for causing health risks but it can cause structural damage to your home if left untouched.

If mold is present in your home, then it is important to have it removed as soon as possible to eliminate any possible health risks and further damages. The professionals at SERVPRO of Wynwood will be able to efficiently remove the mold infestation from the property.

Places Mold Grows

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that when a home suffers any type of water damage, mold can arise within 48-72 hours throughout the home?  Removing all mold in a home is impossible as they are microscopic spores living both inside and outside. Unfortunately, mold spores produce a variety of irritants and allergens, making them potential health problems. As such, removing as much mold as possible is important for any homeowner, particularly for South Florida homeowners.

The following are some of the most common places for home mold growth:

  1. Bathrooms and showers
  2. HVAC system drain pans
  3. Underneath kitchen sinks
  4. Areas surrounding refrigerators
  5. Carpets
  6. Crawlspaces
  7. Ceiling tiles
  8. Surrounding air conditioning units
  9. Stacks of paper/newspapers/cardboard boxes/etc. that are dampened or wet
  10. Areas surrounding any kind of cooling or heating appliances

Places Mold Grows

1/13/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that when a home suffers any type of water damage, mold can arise within 48-72 hours throughout the home?  Removing all mold in a home is impossible as they are microscopic spores living both inside and outside. Unfortunately, mold spores produce a variety of irritants and allergens, making them potential health problems. As such, removing as much mold as possible is important for any homeowner, particularly for South Florida homeowners.

The following are some of the most common places for home mold growth:

  1. Bathrooms and showers
  2. HVAC system drain pans
  3. Underneath kitchen sinks
  4. Areas surrounding refrigerators
  5. Carpets
  6. Crawlspaces
  7. Ceiling tiles
  8. Surrounding air conditioning units
  9. Stacks of paper/newspapers/cardboard boxes/etc. that are dampened or wet
  10. Areas surrounding any kind of cooling or heating appliances

Different Types of Mold

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

There are three different classes of mold. Mold found in homes can be broken down into different classes based on their level of health risks.

Hazard Class A - Class A molds are classified as the most hazardous types. These molds can directly impact health. It is critical to remove this type of mold from the home immediately in order to eliminate the dangers it brings up.

Hazard Class B – Class B is less hazardous than Class A molds but, can still affect people's health. This group can cause allergic reactions, especially with prolonged exposure.

Hazard Class C - The types of mold in this group are not known for causing health risks but it can cause structural damage to your home if left untouched.

If mold is present in your home, then it is important to have it removed as soon as possible to eliminate any possible health risks and further damages. The professionals at SERVPRO of Wynwood will be able to efficiently remove the mold infestation from the property.