Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
What is Mold?
5/9/2018 (Permalink)
Mold growth in mechanical closet after a pipe break
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm#indoor “Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth”.
Excess moisture in your home can lead to mold growth. A flood, broken pipe, or an exhaust fan that is improperly vented can cause excess moisture in your home. Removing or eliminating the source of the water is the first step in making your home healthy from mold.
The next step is to call in a Professional. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills can safely remove mold in your home.
The Mold Remediation Process
Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:
- Emergency Contact - (248) 427-1500
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
- Mold Containment
- Air Filtration
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
- Cleaning Contents and Belongings
- Restoration
If You See Signs of Mold,
Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
Is Mold Damage a Covered by Your Insurance?
5/3/2018 (Permalink)
Mold found after removing kitchen cabinets
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what your coverage is for Mold Remediation. Some insurers may offer limited coverage for mold claims, sometimes capping the amount they will pay out for clean-up services.
Insurance can cover mold damage if it due to frozen pipes, broken supply line, and other sudden or accidental events. They do not typically cover mold damage because of a preventative or maintenance issues such as flooding or foundation leaks. Homeowners insurance will not cover you if there was negligence from a water damage. They expect you to be proactive and fix or clean up the water damage when it occurred.
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what your coverage is for Mold Remediation. Some insurers may offer limited coverage for mold claims, sometimes capping the amount they will pay out for clean-up services.
Mold Testing by an Mold Inspector may be necessary if the area of mold present is larger than 10 square foot.
Mold removal “average cost is just over $7,500” according to Home Advisor True Cost Guide 2018. Although there are several factors that can vary, including replacement of the materials removed and disposal of materials.
Have a Mold Problem? Call SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills Today – (248) 427-1500
Cleaning up Mold in the Basement
5/2/2018 (Permalink)
Basements have the possibility of water seeping in from outside. Many homeowners use their unfinished basements for storage. Basements provide some of the most ideal conditions for mold to form. They are cool, damp, and dark. When ugly stains appear on the lower portion of a foundation wall it could be a sign of larger problems.
As seen in this before and after, dark black/gray stains are a sign of mold. Mold typically thrives in damp, humid areas. If you suspect mold in your basement, the first step is to identify and correct the source of the water problem. If you have mold in an area in your basement that is larger than 10 square feet, you should not attempt to clean it up yourself. The best way to remove mold is to call SERVPRO to inspect the area and develop a plan of action to remove the mold safely.
What to Do:
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.
If you have any questions about Mold, do not hesitate to Contact Us directly.
How can you tell if MOLD is growing in your home?
4/24/2018 (Permalink)
Mold on exterior walls of a basement prior to remediation.
MOLD can be spotted in a variety of ways. Most of the time you can see it and/or smell it. Sometimes it discolors your ceiling or walls, or it shows up as black spots on areas throughout the home, or as rot on damp wood.
Mold is a big deal and its removal is critical. Not only can it cause considerable damage your household items and walls, but it can cause health problems to people who are allergic to it. It is important to take care of the Water Damage immediately to avoid the mold growth. If there is mold growth in your home, you need to fix the water problem prior to cleaning up the mold. If you do not repair the problem, the mold will most likely come back. Homeowners may have to resort to opening a wall to visually inspect the damage.
A qualified mitigation company can use certain tools, such as a moisture meter and Infrared Camera to detect whether the insulation within a wall is wet.
Homeowners who suspect they may have mold in their home can call SERVPRO at (248) 427-1500 to schedule a free mold inspection.
Water damage in Metro Detroit causes mold growth
4/19/2018 (Permalink)
Mold on the walls of a finished basement
Water damage is one of the major causes of mold growth. Not only can mold growth destroy your walls, flooring and furniture but it can also create poor indoor air quality. Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems including asthma and bronchitis.
If you have mold, do not delay cleaning it up. If you have more that 10 square feet of mold growth, contact SERVPRO to get your mold problem resolved before you risk the health of your family.
Steps for successful Mold removal and remediation will include:
Safety – Protecting all workers and occupants.
Assessment – Making a preliminary assessment, developing a plan of action, and a post remediation assessment.
Contamination control – Preventing cross contamination and the spread of mold from contaminated areas.
Source Removal – Removing the Mold at its source.
Moisture Removal – Eliminate the moisture problem that cause the mold.
If you see signs of Mold, call SERVPRO
Mold Clean up in Milford Michigan
4/15/2018 (Permalink)
Mold growth from a broken pipe in the kitchen
When a water loss occurs and not taken care of immediately mold can grow. The longer the water and moisture is present, the longer the mold has time to grow and become an issue.
A homeowner in Milford suffered damage from a water loss after a pipe broke under the kitchen sink. It was left too long, and mold began to grow beneath the wood flooring. Our technician met with homeowners to perform an assessment of the damage to the property. An industrial hygienist was hired to perform an indoor air quality test. The hygienist gave technicians a scope of work to be performed, including containment, air filtration, Hepa vacuuming and removal of the hardwood to get to the underlayment where the mold was present, mold removal and applying antimicrobial that will help prevent future mold growth. After remediation, the industrial hygienist performed a post test and the homeowners were able to move back into a safe and clean home.
Mold Removal vs Mold Remediation
4/13/2018 (Permalink)
Mold found in Apartment
What’s the Difference?
Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.
Understanding Mold
When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic, 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
The Mold Remediation Process
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.
Signs of Mold? Call Today – (248) 427-1500
Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
Mold Containment
Air Filtration
Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Cleaning Contents and Belongings in basement in Farmington Hills
From the Ordinary to the Unhealthy
3/21/2017 (Permalink)
Mold Remediation
Many people call on SERVPRO everyday with a mold growth issue that they have no idea what to do with. Luckily, we are here to help and give you some insight on the types of mold you may be dealing with in your home or business.
Ordinary. 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 such as: Yeast for baking, mushrooms for cooking, and penicillin for curing disease. 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 exposure to mold may present health concerns for some people.
Unhealthy. Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.
Mold and Health Risks
3/21/2017 (Permalink)
Mold Remediation
We at SERVPRO deal with customers that have mold issues every day and the health concerns that come along with it. We are here to help!
Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for "at risk" people, which might include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, young children and individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and severe allergies. However, anyone may experience health problems associated with exposure to mold in damp buildings. Possible health effects include: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat or inflammation of the sinuses. People most at risk include:
-Infants and children
-Pregnant women
-The elderly
-People with compromised respiratory systems or asthma and allergies
-People with weakened immune system
If you think you have a mold problem, call (248) 427-1500. A SERVPRPO technician trained in mold remediation 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.
Confused About Mold - Leave It to the Professionals
3/21/2017 (Permalink)
Mold Remediation
If our SERVPRO technicians find more than 10 sq foot of mold in your home or business we will call in an Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to assess the mold and give us a scope of work for your space.
Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professionals evaluate the quality of the air inside a structure. Some specialize and are skilled in testing buildings for the presence of molds. Using various testing devices, these professionals collect air and surface samples to compare the indoor mold spore count to the outdoor environment. If you have concerns about mold, SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills can assist you in locating a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional.
Our technicians care about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and we can safely restore your building to pre loss condition.
We make your damage "Like it never even happened."
Got Mold?
12/27/2016 (Permalink)
Mold in Residential Property
Now that Michigan is in full fledged winter, undetected water damages can easily cause a mold issue in your home or business. This water damage in Oak Park, MI was the result of water damage that was unresolved.
SERVPRO Franchise Preofessionals handle 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 a 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 on the 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 problem call the SERVPRO Professionals at SERVPRO of Rochester to come to your rescue.
What to do with Mold in your home before help arrives
2/17/2016 (Permalink)
Homeowner in Farmington Hills called SERVPRO when he found mold on his basement wall
In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.
If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:
- Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
- Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
- A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.
What to Do:
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.
If you have any questions about Mold, do not hesitate to Contact us directly.
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