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Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Slidell Homes, Mold Growth, and SERVPRO to the Rescue

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO tech in PPE suit SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have IICRC certified training for every phase of mold remediation.

Getting to the Root Cause of Mold Damage in your Slidell Property

After a water spill in the home, interior parts like sheetrock can take on excess moisture. If the saturated sheetrock is not dealt with, it can become a hotbed for bacteria, including mold growth which thrives in warm, humid environments. Although this process occurs out of sight, the proliferation of mold colonies eventually releases a musty odor or begins to appear on walls and ceilings.

Homeowners suffering from mold damage in Slidell homes need professional help to ensure the problem is dealt with at the first sign of discovery. SERVPRO provides technicians with the opportunity to gain IICRC certificates in mold assessment and remediation, which is invaluable to homeowners suffering from fungi issues.

Mold Damage Remediation

When cleaning mold, the first principle is to find the source. Tracing back to the root cause is crucial as it prevents the damage from returning after complete service. As we stated initially, colonies can often reside in wall cavities, ceilings, or underneath floorboards; sheetrock, in particular, is a common culprit. We can remove and replace sections of drywall in the home to access the source and remediate it once and for all.

The removal of mold and thorough drying of the affected area is the first step. What remains is to clear away the mold colonies using abrasive cleaning methods, chemical-based solvents, and anti-microbial treatments. Combining these three aspects helps to ensure that the mold is cleaned and that it does not come back.

Finally, the odor of a fungi infestation can linger long after the colonies themselves have been destroyed. Using air scrubbers alongside industrial-grade water-based foggers, SERVPRO can neutralize odors in your home without using harmful toxins that could be a health risk to you or your family. As an experienced local provider, we have built strong connections with local insurance adjusters. We can help you with your claim by providing an itinerary of services carried out and item damages.

If you notice the symptoms of microbial growth in the home, contact SERVPRO of Slidell immediately at (985) 649-1516.

How To Contain Mold in Your Home

9/22/2018 (Permalink)

Mold remediation equipment in Slidell, LA

Surprisingly, there are benefits to mold in Slidell,LA. Outdoors, mold breaks down organic materials that collect on the ground. Problems arise when airborne spores land in a warm, damp indoor environment. Since mold spreads quickly, take steps to avoid mold contamination in unaffected rooms in your house.

Homeowner Steps

When you suspect mold growth in your home, take action immediately to discourage further mold contamination:

  • Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning to reduce the spread of spores through the air.
  • Stay away from moldy areas. Do not touch or clean the mold. Disturbing the mold increases the chance of additional contamination.
  • Fix the source of the moisture problem to prevent spores settling in to other habitable areas.
  • Contact a mold remediation specialist trained in proper containment techniques.

Professional Steps

Mold experts typically assess the situation and then immediately begin to contain the problem:

  • The room or area that holds the mold infestation is physically sealed off from the rest of the house. Specialists usually use plastic and polyethylene sheeting to enclose the space during remediation efforts. Vents, doors, pipes, outlets and any other sources of air out of the space are typically sealed as well.
  • Negative air pressure is utilized to hold the mold spores in the contained space. Experts often achieve this by using a negative air machine. This specialized equipment maintains lower pressure within the contained area compared to the rest of your home. During remediation efforts as spores are dislodged, the negative pressure prevents them from traveling outside of the enclosed work zone.

Discovery of mold at your home in Slidell,LA, is a problem. Properly contain the mold to prevent the problem from turning into an entire house disaster. Without containment, mold contamination can occur anywhere airborne spores travel. Before help arrives, stay away from the mold and cut off its air supply to reduce spreading. Professional mold remediation specialists then use specialized techniques to contain the area throughout the remediation process.

Keeping Mold From Being an Unwelcome Guest at Your Restaurant

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Mold from growing in your Slidell Resturant

If you work in the food service industry, you may be quite familiar with how uncomfortable working in a too-hot kitchen in Slidell, LA, can be. But while your physical discomfort may be bothersome, the food that you’re preparing can potentially suffer far worse. Kitchens play host to an abundance of warm, moist air as it is, and when that hot air merges with an occasional blast of cool air coming in to the kitchen from an air-conditioned dining area or a back door, the condensation that ultimately forms can quickly lead to mold growth on your food.

Keeping Food Mold-Free

Mold growth can occur quickly under the right conditions. Taking these steps can help prevent mold from contaminating the food in your work kitchen:

1. Properly launder all kitchen towels, sponges, and dishcloths on a regular basis. Keeping these items dry and well ventilated prior to laundering will help prevent mold and mildew from forming.

2. Take special care to clean wood cooking tools. Wooden kitchen tools in particular are at high risk for developing mold. Make sure that these tools are properly washed and thoroughly dried, preferably in a spot where there is plenty of air circulation (and light, if possible).

3. Keep your refrigerator clean. Cleaning the place where the food will be stored will help cut down on the risk of mold. A solution of one to two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water is an effective cleaner for the fridge.

4. Carefully inspect any food you buy. Fresh produce should be examined closely for any bruising, pits or dents, which will indicate damage during shipping and/or potential rotting on the inside. Choose firm, evenly colored produce with a relatively smooth surface and a fresh smell. Similarly, check fresh meats, poultry and jarred food items for any signs of mold.

5. Store food properly. Protect your food from any airborne mold spores by keeping it tightly covered with plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate perishable foods and ensure that they do not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Consume leftovers within 3-4 days.

Utilizing a Proper Ventilation System for Mold Prevention

When managing an area with high humidity such as a restaurant kitchen or bakery, it is imperative to have an adequate ventilation system to keep air cool and circulating. Since experts recommend keeping the relative humidity level to below 40 percent, more than one HVAC unit in a commercial kitchen – one in the front and one in the back – is a wise choice. Also, be sure to maintain all gaskets and vents, keeping them clean and free of any dust or debris. Taking this approach, in addition to employing efficient exhaust hoods and fans, help prevent food spoilage as well as overheated conditions for kitchen workers. If water damage has already occurred in the walls or ceiling, you may want to enlist the help of a specialist to remove any resulting mold.

Keeping your kitchen in Slidell, LA, free of mold growth is a continual process, but following these tips will help ensure that your workspace remains as clean and effective as possible.

For more on Slidell click here

A Quick Primer on Mold

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow quickly so getting a jump on it is important for clean up procedures and keeping mold from spreading

You may be familiar with the presence of mold in your home, but without truly understanding what mold is and how it thrives, it can be difficult to prevent or eradicate it. Black mold in particular is extremely pernicious and persistent, and even mold cleanup might not be enough to clear it from your Slidell, LA home. Let’s break down what mold is, and why it’s so hard to eliminate.

Mold Is a Fungus

That’s right, the same type of growth as mushrooms – but unless you know proper methods for making moldy cheese, mold isn’t safe to eat. Here are a few things you need to know about black mold:

• It grows where there’s moisture to feed it and organic matter to infest
• Like other fungi, it grows from spores – and you’re typically surrounded by invisible mold spores in your environment
• Mold isn’t always visible to the naked eye, and can take root in hidden crevices
• It’s impossible to wholly eliminate mold from your environment due to the prevalence of atmospheric spores
• Mold can come in many colors, including green, white, yellow, and black, but it’s almost always a fuzzy, thick growth
• Mold can often be easily recognized by an extremely strong, musty smell

So How Can I Get Rid of Mold?

As mentioned above, it’s impossible to wholly eradicate microscopic mold spores in the air – but you can control mold to keep it from growing past the spore stage. Keep moisture in your environment under control by addressing any leaks, flooding, or other sources of water damage. Use a dehumidifier to cut down on heavy moisture in the air. Check your appliances for leaks or condensation issues. Get an air purifier to cut down on the number of spores in the air. If you fear you have a problem, it may be helpful to consult with a mold remediation specialist for additional assistance.

For more on Slidell click here.

Mold: The Bathroom Villain

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Bathroom Mold Remediation

No matter the type of property, most Jamestown,NY, business owners can agree that preventing mold in the building is a pesky part of the job. This diverse fungus is capable of settling in long-term, potentially inflicting a significant amount of damage on the building you work so hard to keep clean. There are a few helpful tips you can use when approaching a mildew clean up in your building's bathrooms.

1. Become a Mold Watchdog

Even if you have to bring in the help of professionals, there are some actions you can take first to help your company's bathroom stay in tip-top shape. When it comes to this particular type of moisture-prone room, mold can pop up behind sinks, on wallpaper, and on ceilings. Bathroom mold can hang around for extensive periods of time, too, making it important that you search carefully so that no spores get overlooked.

2. Use Permeable Wallcoverings

Regardless of whether you have your eye on a new interior design for your company's bathroom, you may be dealing with a mildew problem if the room contains impermeable materials on the walls. Materials such as vinyl wallcoverings can easily trap moisture in. Mold can also break down drywall over time, so it's vital that you go about your mildew clean up the right way.

3. Keep Windows Secure

If there is one big takeaway to mildew prevention in your building, it is to always make sure to apply proper caulking to windows. Moisture from outside can quickly seep into unsealed openings, allowing condensation to perpetually reside within. Say goodbye to bathroom mold by checking the sealing on all windows.

There are other steps you can take to get a foul fungal intruder out of your building's bathrooms, but the above three can get you started. The mildew clean up process can help you get that unpleasant bathroom villain behind you, so you can devote your time to the actual job at hand.

Click here for more on Jamestown.

What You Should Know About Mold Insurance Before a Flood

3/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage found in Kitchen

One of the most common causes of fungus growth in a home is flooding, and when mold growth affects your Slidel, LA, property, you may find yourself dealing with many problems. Not only can mold spread quickly, it also creates an unpleasant, dirty smell that might permeate more than one room. You may believe that your homeowner's policy covers mold; however, knowing the facts can prevent unpleasant surprises later, especially after a flood.

What Types of Floods Are Covered?

In many cases, a general homeowner's insurance policy does not cover all types of flooding. You may need a separate policy to cover more than one circumstance, including the following:

" Flooding from nature
" Plumbing mishaps
" Flooding from spring thawing

Some basic policies may cover plumbing floods, but if you failed to maintain your pipes, your mold insurance provider may refuse to cover your losses. Remember to wrap your pipes in cold weather and check your plumbing for leaks at least a few times a year.

How Can You Cover Insurance Gaps?

You may find that while your insurance might cover water damage caused by a plumbing flood, you do not have any type of mold coverage. This could leave considerable gaps in your homeowners' policy, especially if the area you live in is prone to flooding. Ask your insurance agent about what kind of mold insurance the company offers and if there are any caps you need to know about before you sign up.

Can You Prevent Mold?

While mold itself is difficult to prevent, you can take steps to prevent indoor flooding. Have your plumbing inspected, chase down leaks under cabinets and in your basement, and have a mold cleanup and remediation company come in to inspect the perimeter of your home. Stopping flooding before it starts can be the most effective mold insurance coverage of all.

When mold encroaches on your Slidel, LA, home, it can be a stressful experience. However, knowing the facts about mold prevention and insurance coverage, including what types of fungus growth are covered, can help protect your property.

Visit us at http://www.SERVPROslidell.com for more information. 

Water Damage and Black Mold

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Turn Off Your Home’s Water

Water damage is a major cause of mold growth, so if this is what is causing the current mold you are battling, turn off your water. This is especially important if a leak is present. Before turning the water back on, have the leak fixed and ensure that a professional plumber looks at the rest of your system to ensure it is in good condition.

Finding Black Mold

Make sure that black mold is something that you are constantly aware of. You want to actively work to ensure that you are preventing it from occurring and spreading. Should you notice it in your home, immediately work to engage in mold cleanup.

Visit http://www.SERVPROslidell.com for more information on mold.

Preventing Mold Growth

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Ways to Prevent Mold Growth

Luckily, there are things that you can do that can help prevent mold growth. First, if you notice any signs of water damage or a moisture problem, act immediately. The longer you wait with having the issue fixed, the worse it will get. Have your home’s systems inspected regularly in order to prevent damage in the first place. Second, control the level of humidity in your house. With a dehumidifier you can keep the relative humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. Third, there is nothing you can do about natural disasters, but what you can do though is reach out to a restoration company as soon as you’re able to return home to start the cleanup process early.

Be sure to keep in mind these facts at all times. If you should ever have to deal with a moisture problem or black mold, contact local experts in water and mold restoration immediately to get the mold cleanup process going.
Visit http://www.SERVPROslidell.com for more information on mold.

Reasons for Mold Growth and How to Prevent It

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Reasons for Mold Growth and How to Prevent It

Most people will probably agree that dealing with mold growth in a house in Slidell, LA is everything but fun. What factors can lead to the growth of black mold and how can you prevent it in the first place?

Reasons for Mold Growth

There are various reasons why mold has the chance to grow. First, be aware though that mold spores are a natural occurrence and you have to create a specific environment in order for it to grow. Mold thrives in moist and wet environments due to:

Water damage
High humidity level
Natural disasters

Aspects that can be responsible for water damage are things like broken pipes, a leaking roof, unsealed windows, a leaking water tank and a cracked foundation. Especially broken pipes can be difficult to notice as it takes some time until the issue becomes apparent. Furthermore, a humidity level over 60 percent is concerning and even more of a problem if water damage is already present. Tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding are often times responsible for the growth of black mold as it can take some time until excess moisture and standing water can be cleaned up after a disaster.

Visit http://www.SERVPROslidell.com for more information on mold.

Quick Tips To Prevent Mold Growth and Damage

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Quick Tips To Prevent Mold Growth and Damage

When you are dealing with black mold in Slidell, LA it is important to know that the spores can be spread via airflow. Knowing how to prevent moisture problems and the spread of the spores is basic information all homeowners should have.

Turn Off Your HVAC System

Turning off your HVAC system is a fast way to help stop the growth of mold. Of course, you do not want to leave it off for weeks at a time. Have your air ducts cleaned so that the spores are removed as promptly as possible so that you can turn it back on. Remember that controlling your indoor climate is important to keeping your risk of mold reduced.

Reduce Humidity

Black mold needs moisture to grow, and humidity can also help it along. Because of this, it is imperative that you work to reduce humidity levels. Place a dehumidifier in your home where the mold is present. You also want to ensure that you have proper air circulation and ventilation in this area.

Visit http://www.SERVPROslidell.com for more information on mold.