How to Mitigate Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings: Best Practices

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a common problem in many commercial buildings, and can cause a variety of health issues if not kept in check. Fortunately, there are several practices you can employ to mitigate the growth of mold and help keep your property safe.

First, it’s important to identify any water or moisture sources that may be fueling the growth of mold. Check areas such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens for any signs of water damage or leaks. If you discover a leak, it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage.

Next, keep humidity levels in check. Mold loves dampness and humid air is one way that it can thrive in your building. Investing in a dehumidifier may be necessary to help reduce the relative humidity (RH) level inside your building to below 60%. Additionally, ensure that all windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent outside moisture from entering the premises.

Most importantly, regularly inspect your property for potential mold growth. Pay close attention to areas like carpets and furniture as these are particularly prone to mold growth. If you do find any signs of mold, be sure to contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO® Levittown right away for help.

By following these best practices, you can keep your commercial building safe and free from the dangers of mold. For further assistance in assessing and restoring your property after water or mold damage, reach out to SERVPRO® - We’re Here To Help®.

Mold 101: What You Need to Know About Mold and How SERVPRO Can Help

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be a serious issue. If you think you may have mold in your home, it is important to take action right away. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of mold, what to do if you find mold in your home, and how SERVPRO Levittown can help. We hope this information helps keep you and your family safe and healthy!

Mold can come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some mold is even invisible to the naked eye. Mold loves damp and humid environments, so it is often found in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and anywhere else that might be wet or damp. Mold can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, skin irritation, and more. If you think you may have mold in your home, it is important to take action right away.

Mold Type 1: Allergenic Mold

Allergenic mold is the most common type of mold. It can cause a variety of respiratory problems, as well as headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If you are allergic to mold, you may experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. Allergenic mold is not usually harmful to healthy people, but it can be dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.

Mold Type II: Pathogenic Mold

Pathogenic mold is a type of mold that can cause serious health problems. It is often found in damp, humid environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Pathogenic mold can cause respiratory problems, as well as headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If you are exposed to pathogenic mold, you may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Pathogenic mold is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.

Mold Type III: Toxigenic Mold

Toxigenic mold is a type of mold that can produce toxins. It is often found in damp, humid environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Toxigenic mold can cause respiratory problems, as well as headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If you are exposed to toxigenic mold, you may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Toxigenic mold is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.

If you think you may have mold in your home, it is important to take action right away. Mold can cause a variety of health issues, so it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. SERVPRO is the nation's leading restoration company and the Levittown team is standing by. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle any mold situation. We will work quickly and efficiently to get your home back to normal.

3 Methods for Preventing Mildew on Plants

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

3 Methods for Preventing Mildew on Plants

At one point or another, you may have come across mold in your Levittown, PA home, whether it grew in your bathroom, your kitchen or your garage. However, it’s less likely that you’ve ever had to deal with mildew growth on your household plants — until now. If you encounter plant mildew on your indoor or outdoor plants, here are three methods for preventing its return in the future.

1. Don’t allow for overcrowding of leaves amongst your plants. Plants need sufficient space for leaves to expand and grow without running into problems. Therefore, if you’ve neglected to cut back the leaves and overgrowth is exceeding the limits of the space, mildew can begin to form. Regularly maintain your greenery to ensure they can branch out and naturally utilize the space around themselves to stretch out.

2. Place your greenery in areas with better air circulation and suitable sunlight. Powdery plant mildew tends to flourish in hot, humid spaces and in situations where a plant’s leaves can’t dry out enough after being watered. Giving your plants sufficient sunlight can help them dry faster and grow stronger, while placing them in areas where they’ll be given adequate air circulation can help ensure high heat or humidity doesn’t allow for mildew growth.

3. If you notice mildew creeping up on your plants, snip the edges to prevent its spread. Trimming your plants is crucial for sustaining healthy greenery that’s mildew-free. Simply trimming the edges of infected leaves can do the trick, or try removing the specific layers of leaves altogether to contain the spread of mildew throughout the entire plant.

Once you’ve followed these methods for preventing plant mildew, your greenery should return to its happy, healthy state. If you come across any forms of mildew or mold in your household that seems to be beyond the point of easy maintenance, it’s important to let professional mold remediation specialists handle its removal.

Mold Remediation in Fairless Hills

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Don't Let Mold Hide Inside Your Walls

While there are numerous challenges that homeowners can experience in Fairless Hills, dealing with the presence of mold in their residential property can be particularly difficult. Luckily, retaining a professional mold remediation service like SERVPRO can help you limit and eliminate mold growth in your home. Learn more about this important matter by reviewing the following short outline:

The Benefits of Professional Mold Remediation Services

There are many benefits that result from hiring a professional mold remediation service. The professionals from SERVPRO conduct a detailed inspection to determine the source or sources of the mold growth. In addition to locating the source of mold growth, our professional remediation specialists are effective in fixing the cause of water leakage to prevent future growth of mold by eliminating moisture. Extensive training gives us the option, when needed, to utilize specific containment techniques to isolate and destroy the mold. We can utilize negative pressure chambers to prevent mold spore from cross-contamination. And to prevent the mold from returning to the treated areas, SERVPRO mold remediation experts will disinfect and use deodorizing absorbing foggers to purify, not mask the air.  More specialized filtering gear such as "air scrubbers" and HEPA vacuum help to prevent the migration of mold spores.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in Fairless Hills too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Levittown is close by to Bristol, Tullytown, and Langhorn and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. Please call us for help. (215) 785-1777

How do you kill and remove mold?

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

The mold remediation includes a clean up process dependent upon your personal home situation in Fairless Hills. After the antifungal and antibacterial chemicals have been applied, the focus is put upon cleaning furniture, clothing, drapes, and your important possessions. Any porous materials like drywall or carpeting that are infested with mold will be removed from the premises.

Mold remediation is the process of returning your home to a healthy environment and stopping structural damage to your building and its contents. Since mold spores are endemic to the air, it would be a mistatement to say that we can eliminate all mold from your home.

In recognizing all of the benefits and the difficulties involved in achieving positive results, it makes sense to make the call to SERVPRO. Our expert technicians have extensive IICRC training, the most current industrial grade equipment, and the will to successfully return your home in Fairless Hills to a safe haven for your and your family.

Steps for Cleaning Moldy Paintings

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Call a mold remediation specialist for your mold cleaning process

Excess moisture can create the environment that mold needs to grow. If your home in Levittown, PA, floods or has a problem with high humidity, you may find mold on some of your belongings. This includes furniture, clothing, books and even art. Here are a few mold cleaning tips to help you salvage affected paintings.

1. Determine Type of Painting

The first thing you need to do is determine what kind of painting you're dealing with. You may want to save your watercolor, but keep in mind that cleaning it with water may damage it beyond repair. Acrylic paint is sturdier. An oil painting, however, is probably going to be easiest to save as long as you don't use chemicals that damage the oils.

2. Remove Canvas from Frame

The next step of mold cleaning is to separate all the parts. Take the frame off the canvas and lay the canvas flat.

3. Clean Back of Painting

The back of the painting is the easier side to clean. Mist it with a rubbing alcohol and water solution and then gently wipe off the mold.

4. Clean Front of Painting

The front of the painting is tricky because it's best to do it without chemicals. The easiest way to clean it is by letting the mold dry first. Then use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to remove the mold damage.

5. Dry Painting

The sun is the best tool for drying your painting. While prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage it by altering colors, your painting won't be outside or on a sunny windowsill long enough for fading to become an issue.

Keep in mind throughout the process that mold remediation is often a job best left to the professionals. If you are ever uncertain about a step in the process, it is safer to call remediation specialists to take over the mold cleaning process.

For more on Levittown click here. 

Should I Check a Mold Remediation Company's Certifications?

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

When facing the prospect of hiring mold remediation specialists to mitigate mold damage to your Levittown, PA home, you may see many companies advertising specialized mold certifications. But what makes a company certified for mold removal, and is there any value in hiring a company that has been certified for mold remediation?

So Who Certifies Mold Remediation Companies?

Mold remediation companies and certified mold specialists are accredited by IICRC, or the institute of Inspection Cleaning and Remediation Certification. This organization acts as the standards body that defines proper procedure and accountability for cleaning, remediation, and restoration for various services. For certified mold remediation specialists, this means:

• Attaining in-depth expertise on mold identification
• Certifying in safe methods for mold remediation and elimination
• Gaining insight into safe technician handling of microbial substances
• Understanding water damage restoration
• Qualifying in both technician and consumer safety management

Attaining these certifications requires a great deal of training and coursework for both companies and individual technicians, as well as assessment of cleaning, remediation, and restoration protocols.

Why Does Certification Matter?

Certification means accountability and protections for you as a consumer. Certified mold remediation companies and mold remediation technicians are held to a particular standard required to maintain their certification and remain in good standing with the IICRC. This means that you as a consumer are protected by an established standard for professional, ethical mold remediation and damage treatment.

Protect Yourself

While it’s possible to hire mold remediation specialists without certification, keep in mind that certification means protections you may not find with non-certified technicians and companies. Handling mold detection, remediation, and prevention is a highly complex endeavor requiring extensive knowledge of safety procedures and proper interactions with fungal agents and microbial spores. While certified mold remediation companies may charge more, often you are paying for the assurance of a job done right. Therefore it is always wise to check the status of a remediation company’s mold certification. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold. 

The Link Between Ice Dams and Mold Damage

4/28/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you notice mold in your home or business.

During winter months, ice may have a habit of accumulating on the roof of your commercial property in Levittown, PA and eventually, this ice melts. When it does, if it trickles between the shingles instead of running off the side of the roof, it may refreeze and form an ice dam. Ice dams can cause leaks in your building, and these leaks can prompt the growth of black mold.

How Ice Dams Happen

Ice dams accumulate when heat from the attic escapes through the roof, melting the snow or ice on the outside. Several factors in your building’s attic can contribute to the possibility of this happening:

• Poor ventilation
• Inadequate insulation
• Leaks in air ducts that cause excess warmth

Clogged gutters on the edge of your roof can also keep water from being able to drain properly, trapping it on the roof where it refreezes into an ice dam. When it melts, the water seeps into the roof and can leak into the ceiling, walls and insulation. This becomes a potential breeding ground for black mold.

How a Mold Problem Starts

Excess moisture is mold’s favorite home. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours from the time water invades places it is not supposed to be. Warm air exacerbates the problem and speeds up the growth. This deteriorates the wall or other building material where the problem occurs. If you suspect that your commercial property has mold from water damage, remediation specialists in Levittown, PA can ensure that the mold cleanup process is completed thoroughly.

If an ice dam forms on the roof of your building, it is likely to lead to water damage that hosts mold growth. Prevention is the best cure. Make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated, and keep rain gutters free of debris. If, however, you end up with mold, your local remediation specialists can help by fixing the problem. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold. 

4 Reasons To Hire a Certified Mold Remediation Company

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

The floor joists under this home in Bristol were starting to mold after water intruded the crawlspace.

A certified mold remediation company can help you stop the growth of mold in your home. Some uncertified general contractors offer mold services, but you should consider hiring a company with up-to-date mold certification. A certified mold service in Levittown, PA can save you time and money by making informed choices at the right time.

1. Insurance companies prefer to work with mold remediation specialists that hold an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This certification is based on current professional standards for water damage restoration and mold remediation.

2. A company that holds IICRC should be able to provide the best mold remediation services available based on the consensus of experienced and knowledgeable scientists and health experts. Hygienists, microbiologists, and public health professionals work together to set these standards.

3. When you hire certified mold experts, you can count on their awareness of the best practices for mitigating mold as quickly and effectively as possible. It is important to contact a service as soon as you suspect that mold may be a problem, ideally within 24 hours after conditions conducive to mold growth occur anywhere in your home.

4. A reputable remediation company should follow established protocols for mold testing, diagnosis, containment, removal, disposal, and restoration. They should provide the services necessary to get rid of the mold in your home and not try to upsell unnecessary services. You may wish to obtain the opinion of an independent hygienist to consult before and after remediation.

These are just a few reasons why a certified mold restoration company is the best choice when you need to eradicate mold from your home in Levittown, PA. The difference between having inexperienced contractors or experts with mold certification attempt remediation can significantly impact whether these repairs are covered by insurance as well as the long-term results of the mold restoration process. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold. 

Mold Remediation in Commercial Buildings

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Black mold can be rather invasive.

Because it reproduces via spores, it can travel on air currents and easily infiltrate areas to capitalize on any moist environments in your commercial building. Mold has no problem growing on a variety of surfaces as long as a suitable food source is available. Spores are so small they can get behind walls and under carpets, growing in places that may go undetected until they are at levels that may present a problem.

Mold Remediation

The best way to deal with black mold is to prevent it before it has an opportunity to take hold. However, if you have already found mold or suspect you have a problem with your commercial property, mold remediation companies in Pinewood, PA, can help you eliminate the problem, so you can rest assured.

Below, you will find the commercial building mold removal process.

• Inspect the premises for mold formation and problem areas
• Assess the damage
• Take measures to contain the mold
• Start removing mold and contaminated materials
• Clean and sanitize
• Repair any damaged areas

Signs of Mold

Mold is fairly common in office and commercial buildings. No indoor space is completely free of its presence. The issue is the amount and whether it is a toxic black mold or not. Tests are available that help you find any hidden colonies as well as test the overall air quality and identify types of mold and other contaminants that might be present.

If you do have an infestation problem, your best mold cleanup solution might involve calling a mold professional to help you alleviate the problem entirely. The best way to prevent the growth of mold is to control the moisture in your building. If you have an incident involving a burst pipe, leaking roof, basement seepage or other water problem, it is imperative that you dry the space out as quickly as possible. You may need to replace wet building materials to prevent growth. Make sure moist areas are well-ventilated.

Although mold is present in most environments, an accumulation can become an issue. Take preventative measures and call in an expert when needed.

How SERVPRO of Levittown Conducts Mold Remediation in Your Home

9/9/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation 

The challenges experienced when mold is present in your home can be very stressful. Luckily there are companies like SERVPRO who are trained in mold remediation services. Learn more about Professional Mold Remediation Services.

The benefits of using and hiring a professional are these:

• Detailed Inspection
• Mold Source
• Water Leaks
• IICRC Certifications

A detailed inspection includes using thermal imaging to find the source of water. Once the source of water is located it can be stopped to keep the mold from growing.

Once the source of the water is stopped the mold can be removed and it will not return. Technicians should go through highly trained IICRC courses in order to remediate against mold correctly.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in Levittown like you. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Levittown is close by to Bristol, Tullytown, and Langhorn and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. Please call us for help. (215) 785-1777

What to do if Mold is growing in your business?

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

What do you do if Mold is growing in you business?

Mold is a naturally occurring substance in the environment. It is everywhere indoors and outdoors. A majority of these spores are virtually harmless and may even be beneficial to the environment.

Not All Microbial Growth Are Spores

If you see dark growth in a damp area of your home, you should not automatically assume that it is dangerous black spores. Microbial growth can be many things including fungus, algae, and mildew. Many of these growths are annoying to clean, but they are virtually harmless. However, if there is a smelly odor associated with the growth, it is important to seek assistance from an Environmental Hygienist to determine if you need professional mold cleanup services.

Mold Cleanup Services And Why They Are Necessary

Mold reproduces at an exponential rate. Reproduction occurs when a “pod” bursts open and the spores are released into the air. These spores then reattach themselves to anything that would provide a food source such as drywall or wall paper. If the food source is great, reproduction can occur continually throughout each day. Since these spores can live on anything that is porous.

The first thing you may notice is the smelly odor of the spore growth. This smell is often what people consider a “musty” smell. Since spore growth often occurs in hard to see places, such as the back of a closet or behind the floor boards, the smell is often the first sign that you need to bring in an Environmental Hygienist to examine the problem, verify it is not a fungus, and determine the proper course of treatment.

Mold cleanup should be conducted by a professional service which uses commercial grade cleaners to ensure elimination of all the spores. Spores can cause physical damage to your Business and belongings as the mold erodes and beaks down items.

How to Handle Mold Growth the Right Way

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

How to Handle Mold Growth the Right Way

Mold removal is meant for the professionals regardless whether the problem is minimal mold in the home or excessive commercial mold damage. Mold damage occurs quickly and spreads even faster, which leaves home and business owners with a large problem provided they ignore it or wonder how they can handle the art of mold removal on their own. Mold damage always requires a restoration company to handle the mitigation and remediation process, and it always requires mold removal is handled by no one other than the restoration company and their team of experts.

Finding mold in the home or commercial mold damage is a big deal, but it’s just as big of a deal that the home and business owners do not touch the mold growth at all. Wiping it up like they would a spot of mildew or fungus in the bathroom causes mold spores to enter the air and spread throughout the building at a rapid pace. Mold is fungus, and that means mold growth occurs quickly. Even assuming a little mildew is just mildew when it’s mold can cause serious mold growth to occur rapidly.

The only thing home and business owners do when mold in the home or commercial mold damage is present is turn off the air to stop the spread of mold spores through the air, and clean up the water damage that caused the mold in the first place provided it’s major damage from a flood or leak. Other than that, the only thing people should do is call a restoration company for remediation and mitigation in addition to mold removal.

Recognizing the Signs of Mold Damage

Mold growth can occur anywhere, and these signs can help people recognize they might have a mold issue. One such issue is mold growth in behind the walls. It’s not easy to tell when mold growth behind walls is occurring, but it’s often found when people begin to notice a smelly odor. The smelly odor becomes very apparent very fast, and the use of common household deodorization tricks no longer works. Deodorization might cover up the smelly odor for a few hours, but it fails after that. It often takes people many forms of failed deodorization and a continuous smelly odor to realize it might be mold growth behind the walls.

Dry rot is another very common sign of mold growth. It might not indicate mold is present, but dry rot does indicate there was moisture present at some point. Dry rot might be accompanied by mildew or another fungus, and it’s important dry rot is handled right way. Mold and dry rot often go hand in hand.

It’s also important people learn to tell the difference between black mold and regular mold, but it’s not easy. Many forms of mold are black mold, but they’re not the same as the black mold that raises more concerns than others. Black mold might not be easily identified without the help of a restoration company and their remediation and mitigation techniques.

Dealing with Mold Damage

The only way to deal correctly with dry rot, mildew, fungus, black mold, or any mold growth behind the walls is by calling a restoration company. Mitigation and remediation are required during the mold removal process, and no one should ever attempt to remove mold on their own. It causes additional damage when mold in the home and commercial mold damage are already a problem.

Even just a little mold in the home or commercial mold damage is enough to call a pro. It’s not safe to handle it without professional help because it only causes things to become worse. Let the professionals handle anything that even appears to look or smell like mold. Getting rid of damage, the smelly odor it causes, and the probability of it returning requires help from equipment designed to kill it as well as provide special deodorization.
Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold.

Professional Mold Remediation

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Professional Mold Remediation

Mold growth can have a devastating effect on your home. It is one of the worst and most destructive kinds of corrosion. The subtlety with which it consumes your living space is dangerous and difficult to deal with. Mold growth is not animate like termites, nor is it colorful like rust. The insidious life of the substance is characterized by a slow and gradual takeover of spaces.

Hot, damp, ill-lit spaces provide the perfect conditions for mold growth. Among these, water and heat are the most necessary elements. Mold growth can appear on surfaces and fixtures throughout your home. It is an unsightly substance and can leave you embarrassed if spotted by guests. 

Mold begins as a tiny fungus. The nasty, yellowish-green substance that you see on your walls or in other places comes about over time. Bathrooms are one of the most common places for mold because of the large amounts of condensation that builds up in them every day. Mold can also consume basements, attics, sheds, and other spaces that are cramped, warm, and exposed to the elements.

If you have spotted mold in your home, you should avoid trying to remove it yourself. There are different kinds of mold, and you don’t know which has invaded your domicile. Your only option is to contact mold removal professionals. They are the only ones who possess the knowledge, skill, ability, and experience to rid your home of mold.

The point of the above was to demonstrate why mold removal is so urgent. It is not an action that can be indefinitely postponed. Mold removal is too urgent for procrastination.

A number of companies offer professional mold removal services. A remediation and restoration company is the only kind of company you want to call if you spot mold in your home. If the growth has gone beyond a certain point, they may need to conduct a mold remediation operation. This is a major undertaking that involves specific tools and techniques.

The first thing that the mold remediation professionals will do when they arrive is put on protective suits. They must do this to protect themselves against mold fungus and spores. Next, they will seal off the room to protect the mold fungus and spores from spreading to the rest of the house. They will then set negative pressure to ventilate the room. Once they have taken these preparatory measures, they will start the process of removing the mold and the fungus associated with it.

The mold restoration company you work with will take specific steps to ensure the mold does not return. Disinfectants are applied to prevent mildew from returning. Deodorization helps to suppress the smelly odor that some mold causes. The remediation process also kills and suppresses the growth of mold growth behind walls. A High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) device is used to suck up any stray spores in the space.

A mold restoration company can provide you with the proper solution for mold. You can trust a mold restoration company to help you contain the mold and prevent it from spreading further. They are the best kind of ally in the fight against mold. Visit http://www.SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold.

Removing Mold, Mildew, and Fungus

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Removing Mold, Mildew, and Fungus

No one wants the burden of having a home with a smelly odor. Mold in home can give off a bad impression especially if it's in a business. Commercial mold damage can be fixed, and smelly odor can be remedied. Mold damage and mildew can also be easily removed by calling a professional. Here are some mold tips to keep in mind while waiting for professionals to show up.


White distilled vinegar and water is necessary for this natural mold removal remedy. To remove mildew and mold damage, spray the vinegar and water combination on the area with the mold damage. The vinegar concoction aids in deodorization to rid that rancid, smelly odor that comes with mildew, mold, and fungus.

Tea Tree Remedy

Items needed:

water
tea tree oil
white vinegar


Mold can be very resilient and hard to remove. Many people have found that after scrubbing mold, fungus, and mildew away, it comes right back. There's a natural solution to this problem without the aid of bleach. For this mold removal procedure, the area with mold damage should be scrubbed with water first. Afterward, mix 100ml of white vinegar with 100ml of tea tree oil and 500ml of water. After mixing, spray the mixture onto the surface. The abundance of anti-fungi properties within the tea tree oil will certainly kill any fungus present.


Ethanol

Items needed:

vodka
water


Mold tends to leave a very repulsive scent. Some people may not enjoy the smell of vinegar. However, there are other ways of deodorization and mold removal. Distilled ethanol is a great option and still very inexpensive. Vodka and water should be mixed and applied to the troubled areas. Mold in home will vanish as well as the morbid aroma that accompanies it.

Baking Soda

Items needed:

baking soda
water
vinegar (optional)


The use of baking soda is perfect for the deodorization and mitigation of mold and mildew. Some may not prefer the faint smell of vinegar. However, the baking soda mixture is certain to absorb any bad smells and leave the atmosphere odorless. Just mix 1 1/2 cups of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Adding a little vinegar to this recipe is optional. Baking soda is perfect for the remediation of mold in home because it's a natural disinfectant and very mild.


Citrus Seed Extract

Items needed:

citrus seed extract
water


What exactly is citrus seed extract? Well, citrus seed extract is a liquid extracted from the seeds and white membranes of a grapefruit. The solution will kill fungus and commercial mold damage. 20 drops of the extract should be mixed with 2 cups of water. Put the two ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. This original recipe is sure to make the remediation and mold mitigation process much easier and much safer.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Items needed:

hydrogen peroxide
vinegar (optional)


The more hydrogen peroxide is exposed to light, the less potent it becomes. Combine 3 percent hydrogen peroxide directly on the surface. Leave the peroxide on the area for 15 minutes and then scrub clean. After scrubbing, wipe the surface with a wet cloth to remove any additional mold spores so that the mold doesn't reproduce or spread. This remedy only consists of one ingredient so that mold removal is easy as ever! Vinegar is optional. However, if choosing to add vinegar with the hydrogen peroxide, make sure the mixture is stored in a dark area.


Commercial mold damage within a business could be a health code violation. Additionally, mold in home doesn't make house guests feel comfortable. Mildew and mold typically thrive in moist environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. Mitigation and remediation can be done by drying surfaces. Dehumidifiers come in handy and ensure that furniture stays dry. Commercial mold damage remediation and mitigation could be costly if done wrong. Avoid the harsh chemicals by using the natural remedies listed above.
Visit http://SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Signs That You May Have A Mold Problem

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Signs That You May Have A Mold Problem

If you are a homeowner, you know the importance of regular inspections for signs of things that could damage your home and require repair. While many people focus on things they can see easily, they fail to look for trouble in less obvious places such as the basement, crawl space and attic. Mold growth is common in these areas and if left untouched, can wreak havoc on the structure of the home and cause health problems in those exposed daily. Mold in home is a type of fungus, that must be removed through mitigation and remediation. Business owners must also watch for commercial mold damage that can lead to huge issues if not removed. Below are some signs that you may have this fungus inside your home, and how to avoid mold damage through mold removal on the professional level.

There Is A Smelly Odor

One of the most common signs of mold in home is a smelly odor in a certain area of the house. This odor does not typically occur with mildew growth and it can smell foul or simply earthy. In many instances, this distinctive smelly odor is the first clue that mold is present. Mold remediation also includes deodorization to eliminate this smell after mitigation and remediation so you can breathe clean, fresh air again.

It Is Visible

Mold is a fungus that is often visible to the eye. Mildew and mold can have a similar appearance, but mold is often faster growing and damages the surface it is growing on, where mildew does not. Some of the most common places for mold damage are underneath carpet, behind wallpaper, in damp basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms and attics. Commercial mold damage can often be found in kitchens, bathrooms and near unrepaired water leaks. Mold and mildew may be present with or without a distinctive smelly odor, but can still cause mold damage if mold removal is not done within a timely manner.

There Is A Constant Source Of Moisture

Mold damage is most common in areas where there is a constant source of moisture present. Leaky pipes, damaged shingles and appliance leaks can all provide enough moisture for the fungus causing mold and mildew to thrive. Even excess condensation can cause mold in home and commercial mold damage if left untreated long enough. If water leaks or condensation is present, it is best to seek advice from a mold mitigation and remediation specialist before the fungus grows out of control. This is the best way to keep mold in home damage and commercial mold damage to a minimum. Eliminating things that cause mold to grow before structural damage occurs can make the mold removal process less costly and time consuming. Detecting mold before a smell odor appears eliminates the need for deodorization as well.

Mold mitigation and remediation specialists are trained to spot mold and perform mold removal as quickly and easily as possible. This includes an inspection to learn where mold is thriving and a written estimate on how much the removal, repair and deodorization process will cost the home or business owner. Having an action plan in place is the best way to treat a mold problem before it spreads to other areas in close proximity or causes adverse health effects in those inhaling mold spores daily.

The sight of mold growth is unsettling for any home or business owner, but there is help available. Mold removal and restoration specialists are trained in the removal and deodorization of homes and businesses that have fungal growth both large and small. Regular inspections can also be helpful in reducing the cost of repairs, due to early detection before mold spreads.
Visit http://SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

If You Have Mold, Mitigation Is Essential

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

If You Have Mold, Mitigation Is Essential

Mold in your home or business location is something that should not be ignored. It will damage both structures and human health if left to develop unchecked. Mold appears everywhere, from floating in the air to clinging to all kinds of surfaces. Where there is moisture, there will be mold. It is a microscopic microbial growth that nature uses to break down organic material, and will eventually destroy any surface on which it grows. Given its risks to human health, along with its destruction of property, it should always be quickly mitigated.

If mold is growing in your home or place of business, you face two areas to address, one of which is to engage an environmental hygienist to perform a professional mold cleanup. Undertaking a DIY removal is not a good choice when dealing with this microbial growth that can hide in walls, make people sick, and destroy your property. While not all molds are a health risk, if you smell mildew or note a fungus, it is simpler and less expensive to simply choose mitigation than to engage in identification processes. People are affected in different ways by mildew, so having it classified doesn't provide a guarantee regarding its risk to health.

Along with initiating the cleanup, you also must eliminate the moisture source which allowed the fungus to gain a hold in the first place. Mitigating the encroachment of this microbial growth begins with identifying the issue(s) in your home or office building that encourage its presence. While some culprits are obvious once you focus on the problem, others may not immediately come to mind. Any of the following apparently harmless moisture sources can provide fertile territory for mildew to make its home.

Any type of water flooding
Wet clothes hung to try indoors
Clothes dryer not vented to the outside
Steam produced by hot water sources such as showers or cooking
Leaks in the plumbing
Crawl space or cellar that is damp
Humidifiers
Overflow from sinks, showers, or tubs
Leaks in the roof or around windows

Once you have detected the odor of mildew or possibly spotted the organism setting up shop on your wall, had a professional cleanup done by an environmental hygienist, and figured out the initial cause of your problem, it’s important to take a few steps to prevent the re-establishment of the fungus. Whatever you have identified as the specific cause must be remediated, then followed up by establishing good habits for the future. Make it a priority from then on to keep the humidity level in your home as low as possible, venting all steam-producing areas. Check for leaks on a regular basis and immediately fix any spots that are compromised. Remember that although having this organism growing under your roof is both unpleasant and possibly hazardous to your health, it can be cleaned up, as well as discouraged from returning, through careful maintenance and good judgment. Visit http://SERVPROlevittown.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Containment: The Weapon of Choice in Mold Remediation

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

Containment of a mold affected area.

February 1, 2017
Brad Prezant

As a “mold warrior” or more commonly known in the correct circles, a mold remediator, you are constantly fighting a war.

Whether daily, weekly or monthly, you battle against a very small, incredibly durable, micro-sized enemy, invisible to the naked eye.

This enemy has the ability to survive a wide range of temperatures, can withstand harsh chemical attack, cannot be drowned and has an uncanny ability to camouflage itself among the most ordinary dust.  Give it a bit of food and moisture, and it will reproduce itself at such phenomenal rates that even the most sophisticated video processor available would have difficulty showing the process on your X-Box console.

We're talking about fungal particulate- whole intact spores capable of germinating, broken spore fragments, and pieces of the bodies of living and desiccated molds which, when inhaled by unsuspecting human hosts, can have drastic health effects.

The great mold warriors we meet and work with on a daily basis all have a common advantage- like the greatest generals in history, they know their enemy. More specifically they know and understand that the greatest strength of their enemy is its invisibility.

Before your own battle begins, you have to understand that you must strategically approach the enemy by devising systems to discover, collect, and contain it which will work despite your inability to visualise its presence. 

Begin your battle by heeding the current Nobel Laureate for literature:  "The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind." [Of course that was an anti-war song…but let's not get too hung up in details…]

Since we know our enemy, we know it's greatest weakness - it cannot move on its own accord.  It is entirely dependent on air currents to power its invasion. Manage the skies, and you will win the war.

Erecting containment and generating and directing the air flow within that containment will enable us to win the air war, by controlling the enemy's movement. 

Where is the most strategic location of this containment?  It should be placed as close to the source of invasion as possible while still permitting us to gain access and accomplish our work.

Taken to its extreme, if it allows you to do what you need, it can be as small as a glove bag over a pipe, such as is used by our asbestos warrior brethren.

One of the most common flaws in mold remediation projects is a containment structure that is larger than it needs to be:  Larger containments require more equipment for managing airflow, have more possible leak points, and require more time and effort to decontaminate prior to de-mobilisation. While erecting a containment, one must carefully balance the trade-offs between size and work access. 

To do so, one can rely on the knowledge of experienced mold warriors and follow the established principles. 

Principle #1:

Choose the smallest possible surface area with the fewest "seams" that will get the job done cost-effectively.

A curtain is the structure for our containment but a curtain does not cause air to flow.  Fans cause air to flow.  If we are to control the air war, we need to control the airflow. For true functionality, we need fans capable of creating a pressure differential of sufficient magnitude that it can overcome any other air currents, but not too strong that it creates eddy currents in the opposite direction (watch the area upstream of a large rock in a swift-flowing river and see the direction of flow of fallen leaves.  Air is just thin water, both are fluids, and both behave identically). To control the air war, control the airflow by sealing the edges of the containment.

Principle #2

Effectively seal the edges of your containment.

The amount of suck we apply to our containment is determined by the amount of leakage, regardless of the size of the internal area of the containment (really!).  Build a containment with minimal leakage, and a specified pressure differential can be maintained with a small fan. Build one with lots of leakage and it will require a lot more suck to be effective.

Sealing the edges will ensure that the leakage into the containment comes mostly through the intended pathways - the traffic area for personnel and equipment, and the waste removal area (these can be the same).  We will need inward airflow in these transit areas to prevent dust containing our enemy to escape by hitching a free ride alongside people and equipment.  (Stealthy, huh?)

Build a containment where most of the volume of air exhausted by the fans is used to overcome diffuse leakage from poorly sealed edges and the directional airflow will not be easily achieved and maintained where it is most needed.  

It should go without saying that leaving gaping holes (or multiple small holes) at the edges of the containment will dramatically increase the amount of fan power necessary to ensure inward flow of air.  Leave a large enough effective leakage area, and your chosen fan will not be big enough to create inward flow.  How to be sure we've not made this mistake?

Principle #3

Always measure and monitor the pressure differential of containment using appropriate instrumentation to ensure adequate airflow management.

Fortunately, we have a way of measuring whether the fan size is properly matched to the effective open area of the containment by measuring pressure differential. An electronic or mechanical dial-type instrument known as a manometer or micromanometer, with one tube attached to the interior of the containment and one tube attached to the exterior of the containment will show precisely how good a job you've done in sealing those edges.

Whether you express this differential in pascals (metric) or inches of water column (an obsolete system surprisingly still used by otherwise intelligent people) it should match your company's SOPs or the job specification’s recommended pressure differentials for containments. The correct differential will provide sufficient flow for controlling our enemy's movements without creating eddy currents allowing them to sneak through our defenses.

Build a good containment with sealed edges and monitor the pressure differential and you effectively have both structure AND functionality. 

Principle #4

Ensure that the make-up air entering the containment is free of both fungal particulate and general particulate by minimizing the volume of air and HEPA filtering it prior to entry.

There is another reason to properly seal the edges.  Since our enemy is camouflaged within ordinary dust, all leakage points are sources for the entry of external dust.  There are two ways this can lead to problems. 

One is if that dust is hiding our enemy - the classic Trojan horse invasion.  If there is a source of fungal particulate outside the containment, it can be brought in with the containment make-up air.  Our efforts to remove the fungal particulate within the containment will then be compromised by an ongoing source of new fungal particulate from outside the containment, and no matter how much cleaning we do it will be replaced with new fungal particulate. Not a situation leading to victory in the war.

Secondly, if the areas outside the containment are dusty, or contaminated with construction or demolition debris absent fungal particulate, we will have a very difficult time achieving clean interior surfaces within the containment and will likely fail a visual inspection, despite the absence of fungal particulate.

 Therefore you cannot get away with a sloppy leaky containment and more fans, even if they are maintaining adequate pressure differential. Install the HEPA filter in a location that creates the airflow through the entry/exit points that is most beneficial. 

Follow these four principles, and shortly you will find your rising up the ranks to command your elite warriors.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Tips on Staying Safe with Mold Damage

8/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tip: Call Us to Remediate Mold Damage in Your Croydon Home

Mold Remediation Should Be Left to the Professionals from SERVPRO

Mold damage in homes is never and can never be a good thing. Mold, while in most cases harmless to humans, has the potential to cause health effects for some individuals. Keeping safe after you've discovered mold in your home is important, so follow these steps to make sure you sustain no harm until SERVPRO can arrive to clean it up.

Turn off Fans and HVAC
Patches of mold damage in Croydon homes will typically be regularly releasing airborne spores, microscopic organisms that operate similar to seeds, laying dormant until they find a suitable surface to grow on. These are naturally occurring in the air around the world, but in high quantities, can cause health effects and mold patches to grow in other parts of the home. Turn off all fans and HVAC systems in the area affected by mold, to help prevent the circulation of mold spores.
 
Never Dry It Yourself
SERVPRO carries out an extensive and thorough drying process in any mold remediation and uses industrial machines to do it. You should never attempt to dry out mold yourself, through fans, hair dryers, or any other means, as this can lead to a variety of potentially dangerous situations. Upon finding a mold colony, simply leave it be and call us to respond as quickly as possible.
 
Do Not Clean Mold
Some homeowners will try to scrub off mold damage on their own or sanitize with household cleaning products. This is never recommended, as not only can you put yourself at risk, but you may simply make a bigger mess and more difficult job for our technicians. Our crews are well trained in this part of any mold remediation job, and you should allow us or our contractors to handle this work.
 
SERVPRO of Levittown has the equipment and personnel to respond fast to any mold damage you may encounter in your home. Within hours of your call, our technicians will be on-site ready to begin work on your mold damage. Just call us 24/7 at (215) 785-1777.