Winning the Battle Against Summer Mold Property Damage

8/30/2024 (Permalink)

As summer temperatures soar and humidity levels rise, property owners face a common yet insidious threat: mold. This pesky fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, making summer the peak season for mold growth. Whether it's a residential home, commercial property, or community building, mold can cause significant property damage and pose health risks if left unchecked. SERVPRO®, with its decades of experience in disaster restoration and mold remediation, is your trusted partner in winning the battle against summer mold property damage.

Understanding the Summer Mold Menace

Mold is more than just an unsightly problem; it’s a serious issue that can affect the structural integrity of your property and the health of its occupants. Mold spores are everywhere, but they only grow into colonies when they find a suitable environment—one that is warm, damp, and poorly ventilated. The summer months provide the perfect breeding ground for mold, particularly in areas like basements, attics, bathrooms, and behind walls where moisture can accumulate.

The Risks of Summer Mold

1. Property Damage: Mold can eat away at building materials like wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to costly repairs. Over time, unchecked mold growth can weaken structures and cause extensive damage that may not be immediately visible.
2. Health Hazards: Mold exposure can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. Certain types of mold, like black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), produce mycotoxins that can be particularly harmful to human health.
3. Decreased Property Value: A mold-infested property can suffer from reduced market value. Buyers and tenants are wary of mold problems, knowing the potential health risks and the costs associated with remediation.

Why Mold Grows in the Summer

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of mold growth during the summer months:

• High Humidity: Summer humidity levels often exceed 60%, which is the threshold where mold thrives. Even air-conditioned homes can fall victim to mold if the system isn’t properly maintained to control humidity.
• Condensation: When warm air comes into contact with cool surfaces, condensation forms. This moisture can lead to mold growth in areas like windows, pipes, and air ducts.
• Storms and Flooding: Summer storms can lead to water intrusion, especially in basements or areas with poor drainage. If water is not quickly removed, mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours.
• Poor Ventilation: Closed windows and doors in the summer can trap moisture inside, creating a perfect environment for mold.

How SERVPRO Fights Summer Mold Property Damage

When it comes to mold, time is of the essence. The faster the problem is addressed, the less damage it will cause. SERVPRO offers comprehensive mold remediation services that are designed to tackle mold problems quickly and effectively, utilizing cutting-edge equipment to ensure the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness.

1. Immediate Response:

SERVPRO understands that mold can spread rapidly, which is why their teams are available 24/7 to respond to mold emergencies. Whether it's a small spot of mold in a residential bathroom or a widespread infestation in a commercial building, SERVPRO’s local team is always ready to act. Their commitment to helping the community recover from mold and other property disasters is unmatched, ensuring that your property is safe and sound.

2. Cutting-Edge Equipment and Technology:

SERVPRO’s edge in mold remediation comes from its use of advanced technology and equipment designed to handle even the most challenging mold problems. Their cutting-edge tools include moisture meters and infrared cameras that detect hidden moisture and mold growth in areas that are not visible to the naked eye. These tools allow SERVPRO to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture problem, ensuring a thorough remediation process.

For mold removal, SERVPRO uses specialized HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers. These devices not only remove mold spores from the air but also reduce humidity levels to prevent future mold growth. In addition, SERVPRO employs advanced antimicrobial treatments and cleaning agents that are effective against a wide range of mold types, ensuring complete eradication of mold colonies.

3. Thorough Inspection and Assessment:

The first step in the mold remediation process is a thorough inspection. SERVPRO’s certified technicians will identify the source of the moisture problem, the extent of the mold growth, and any hidden mold that may not be immediately visible. This detailed assessment allows them to develop a customized remediation plan tailored to your property’s specific needs.

4. Containment of Mold:

To prevent the spread of mold spores during the cleanup process, SERVPRO uses advanced containment procedures. These may include physical barriers, negative air pressure, and air scrubbers with HEPA filters. Containment is crucial in ensuring that mold does not spread to unaffected areas of the property.

5. Advanced Mold Removal Techniques:

SERVPRO employs state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to remove mold from your property. This includes antifungal and antimicrobial treatments that eliminate mold colonies and prevent new growth. In cases of severe mold infestation, SERVPRO may also remove and dispose of mold-infested materials like drywall and carpeting to ensure complete remediation.

6. Air Quality Improvement:

Mold can significantly impact indoor air quality, leading to potential health issues. SERVPRO’s air scrubbers and filtration systems help remove airborne mold spores, improving the air quality in your property. This step is especially important in properties where occupants have respiratory conditions or allergies.

7. Restoration and Repair:

Once the mold is removed, SERVPRO doesn’t just stop there. They also provide restoration services to repair any damage caused by the mold. This includes replacing drywall, painting, and installing new flooring.

8. Prevention Guidance:

SERVPRO believes in proactive measures to prevent future mold problems. After remediation, their experts provide valuable guidance on how to maintain your property and keep it mold-free. This includes tips on controlling humidity levels, ensuring proper ventilation, and regularly checking for leaks or water damage.

SERVPRO’s Commitment to Excellence

SERVPRO’s mold remediation services are backed by over five decades of experience in disaster restoration. Their technicians are highly trained and certified in mold remediation, adhering to industry standards and best practices. As an approved vendor for many national insurance accounts, SERVPRO also assists with the insurance claims process, making it easier for property owners to get the coverage they need for mold remediation.

The SERVPRO team takes pride in their role in the community, helping property owners recover from disasters and restoring peace of mind. Their dedication to quality service, quick response, and thorough remediation has made them a trusted partner in the fight against summer mold property damage.

Mold may be a common summer problem, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With SERVPRO’s expert mold remediation services, powered by cutting-edge equipment and technology, you can protect your property from mold damage and ensure a safe and healthy environment for your family, employees, or tenants. Don’t wait until mold becomes a major issue—contact SERVPRO at the first sign of mold, and let their experienced team handle the rest. Together, you can win the battle against summer mold property damage, preserving the integrity and value of your property for years to come.

Moisture & Mold Solutions for Your Cranbury Home or Business

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

If your New Jersey property mold damage is larger than 10 sq. ft, you should contact a mold remediation service like SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury

Indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% are ideal.

Moisture problems in your home have a variety of causes and can lead to major property damage and encourage harmful mold and mildew growth.

Common causes of Moisture and Mold in your home can be:

• Water from a leaking water pipe, toilet, shower or bathtub, also weather related flooding in your home. Depending on the severity, conditions can lead to rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of health effects.
  
  
• Excessive moisture from condensation and high humidity can have negative effects on your property and may indicate poor ventilation or that repairs are needed.
  
  
• Water can seep into your house from the outside through a leak in your roof, foundation, or small gaps around windows or doors.
  
  
• Normal activities such as cooking, bathing, clothes drying and dish washing also add moisture to the air.

All of these common problems contribute to overall high indoor humidity levels leading to mold and mildew growth. Mold can grow quickly and spread fast if moisture is left untreated, under ideal conditions (optimal temperature and level of humidity) it takes 24-48 hours for mold growth to occur. Typically you will start to see visible mold in 12-20 days, the more time passes the greater chance for mold to develop and spread through your home.

When you find mold damage in your Old Bridge, Cranbury or other local New Jersey property it is essential to call for remediation services as quickly as possible, as mold can cause health effects. Additionally, mold also leaves behind a musty smell and has the power to rot organic materials. For health and safety reasons, when you find mold, you should contact SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury professionals and have them remediate it for you.

When SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury arrives at your New Jersey home, we can swiftly inspect the mold damage and then identify a remediation strategy. The first step to containing the problem is to set up plastic sheeting, block vents and doorways, so the spores cannot spread while the colony is being removed.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify moisture sources
• Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
• Contain damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a preloss condition

It is a good idea to inspect your New Jersey home or business regularly for any damage caused by moisture, if you notice any problems, take immediate action to fix them before they cause further damage or balloon into larger, more complicated issues. Here are some way you can reduce moisture and prevent damage in your home from water and mold.

• Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Run a dehumidifier.
• Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier.
• Seal air and duct leaks.
• Houseplants can absorb moisture from the air
• Never let wet clothing or other fabrics lie around
• Avoid activities that add moisture to the air on humid days, such as taking hot showers and boiling water on the stove.

Indoor plants that help absorb moisture:

These are perfect plants to have in your home or business to help decrease moisture in the air, with the added bonus of purifying your air of certain contaminants at the same time.

Reed Palms, English Ivy, and Boston Ferns

These plants will reduce humidity levels by absorbing moisture from the air through their leaves.

Some moisture property problems require more complex solutions, and sources of moisture may be hidden.

Consult SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury for a complete inspection if you have serious water damage or mold problems due to humidity, condensation or a water leak or flood. Luckily, our team at SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury is highly qualified and trained in water and mold remediation and restoration services. Every New Jersey water and mold restoration situation is unique and we treat them that way.

We are here for you in these very stressful times, our team is Always Here to Help! Contact SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury @ 732-257-3739!


Our experts will come in and assess your South East New Jersey water or mold problem, take the proper steps to limit additional damage. Our teams works quickly to eliminate the water, prepare the area for our advanced drying techniques, inspect for additional damage or mold and work with you to restore your property back to a stable, safe and healthy condition.

What Causes Mold Inside The Home?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury to handle any mold removal or mold remediation emergencies.

Mold needs dampness, or water, to flourish. Mold spores will begin multiplying when they reach a wet surface. Some essential spots mold can be hiding include:

• Bathrooms. Showers, sinks, and toilets are ideal locations for mold. These spots have a tendency to be moist and, without effective ventilation, will give a home to mold.
• Air conditioning and vents.
• Fireplaces. When not being used chimneys and fireplaces are cool, moist, and murky—fruitful ground for mold spores.
• Attics. If your housetop springs a leak, mold can procreate and spread through the ventilation space in the often ignored room. It will thrive in ventilation or soffit vents.
• Cellars. That conspicuous basement smell is verification of sogginess and—more than likely—mold. As often as possible, mold will be discovered in ducts, surrounding the foundation, sump pump, windows, or vents.

Indoor mold advancement must be stopped by drying the damp conditions inside. If there is mold propagation in your home it is essential to stop it rapidly and take out the origin of the issue. In the right conditions, mold development will spread fast—in as little as 24–48 hours.

If you are unsure if your home or business has mold it is essential that you call a specialist as quickly as time permits. They will start by analyzing and testing the area. The Mold Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury are experienced in water and mold expulsion. They're pros in reclaiming your home from mold using the best accessible equipment.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury experts will assess the harm and, if required by law, get a protocol for a Certified Mold Assessor and devise a methodology. They will then spotlight the compromised territory, using obstructions and a negative air pressure chamber—containing the mold so they can get to work cleaning and reestablishing your home.

The experts at SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury are thoroughly prepared for remediation, ensuring that the revamping of your home or business is finished quickly and effectively.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury offers rapid response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it is not yet an emergency you can call to schedule a thorough exam of your home or business.

Is Black Mold Really Dangerous?

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have a mold problem in your home or business? Contact SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury today!

We’ve all been there. You go into your basement or your bathroom and there, on the wall, you see it: black mold. You panic, because you’ve heard horror stories for years about the dangers of black mold, but is there really any truth to the hype?

In truth, the term “toxic black mold” is a misnomer with no scientific validation at all. In fact, the term “toxic mold” is also inaccurate. According to the CDC, “the term ‘toxic mold’ is not accurate. While some molds can produce toxins, specifically mycotoxins, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous”.

So what kinds of mycotoxins can black mold produce? The trichothecene types below are found in toxic black mold:

• Cyclosporin
• Roridin E
• Satratoxin F, G and H (the most abundant type of trichothecene)
• Sporidesmin G
• Stachybotryolactone
• Trichoverrol
• Trichoverrin
• Verrucarin J

Molds come in a rainbow of colors but it is the black mold species Stachybotrys chartarum that has been falsely dubbed “toxic black mold”. In reality, mold is everywhere in our environment, it’s the dosage that makes the poison.

There is no argument that excessive exposure to almost any type of mold can cause adverse health effects, no matter what the color.

In addition, mold growth can also damage buildings—weakening structure and causing unpleasant odors, as well as causing ugly staining. Cleaning mold is often exactly what causes it to spread; the process dislodges mold spores and allows them to travel into new areas of the environment.

To avoid this it’s best to call a professional when you suspect you have a mold issue in your home or business. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has years of experience in mold removal and remediation and can ensure that any damage caused by mold is repaired properly, and completely. With SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury it’ll be "Like it never even happened."

The Real Truth About Mold Removal And Mold Remediation

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Contact the experts at SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury to remove your mold quickly and professionally.

Many contractors and even mold removal companies will try to confuse you as to the difference between mold removal and mold remediation. Some will try to tell you that for a small mold issue, you can get mold removal, but for a larger more dangerous issue, you’ll need a more complicated, and expensive, mold remediation. Out of fear, many will choose to go with remediation and spend the extra money. That makes sense, mold can be extremely dangerous, causing severe illness and other problems, but the fact is that mold removal and mold remediation are interchangeable terms that mean the same thing!

Mold is endemic in our environment, meaning you can find it almost everywhere that water and oxygen are present. While some mold, such as the mildew in your shower (when in small quantities,) are considered “cosmetic mold” and can be simply sprayed with bleach, other types of mold (and even mildew when it spreads,) can become dangerous and toxic.

Certified Mold Specialists 

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has certified mold remediation technicians that can not only help to identify and properly remove the mold in your home, but they will also locate the source, and eradicate the cause of your mold issues.

When you find mold in your home, make sure that your mold professional can explain the mold remediation process in simple terms. Many small mold issues should not be expensive to handle. Moldy drywall is one example. If the affected area is small, it should not be a tremendously expensive fix. The most important issue with small drywall fixes happens once the damaged section is removed. It is imperative to ensure that spores are not spread further, so great care must be taken with the disposal of affected areas. If the technicians you hire use extremely technical terms to frighten you into tremendously expensive treatment options, be wary.

When you call SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, we will carefully inspect your property to ensure that not only are all mold issues are addressed, but also that we locate the source of the issue, and eradicate it. If we do find an issue that needs to be addressed, we will use specialized filtration equipment to capture microscopic mold spores that may be in the air and to prevent them from spreading during removal.

In addition to mold removal, we also specialize in cleaning your belongings and ensuring that they are sanitized and safe to use. Should major restoration need to be done, we can also handle reconstruction and finishing to ensure that you are back to normal as quickly, and cleanly, as possible.

Mold doesn’t have to be scary, so don’t let an unqualified contractor or “specialist” make it into a nightmare.

Common Places for Mold To Grow

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in many places.

When we think of mold problems we equate it to damp basements and black gross mold growing on drywall; but mold is insidious and can grow in places where you least expect it. Mold is fast growing, can pop up within 24 hours of being exposed to moisture, and spreads quickly.

Here are some common places where mold forms that you might not be aware of:

Under Your Refrigerator

The spaces behind and under your fridge rarely see the light of day, which make them a perfect breeding ground for mold. Clean all water lines and drip pans and ensure they are not leaking; even a small leak can lead to a huge mold problem. Take the extra time to check and clean behind and underneath your refrigerator.

Chimneys

Your chimney can easily become a breeding ground for mold. Brick crevices collect water, dirt, and other organic debris. Rusted chimney caps and faulty flashing let in rain and snow, encouraging mold to grow. Replace rusted caps and fix flashing. Call a licensed mold removal specialist to remove the mold in your chimneys. To prevent mold, get your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year.

Front-Loading Washing Machines

Front-loading washing machines are great, but can be a hotspot for mold growth. The gasket around the door on front-loading washing machines often stays wet because the door is usually closed when not in use. Add some lint to the moisture and mold happily munches and multiplies. Wipe the gasket and glass dry before you shut the door. If you spot mold, run a hot water wash with some chlorine bleach (no clothes), which will kill the fungi. Even if you have a top-load washer make sure to regularly check behind and underneath your washer and dryer to make sure there are no leaks or source of moisture. Clean out vents and lint traps to prevent mold havens, as well as fire hazards.

Window Sashes and Seals

Condensation from windows provides the moisture mold loves, and the dirt and dust that collect provide the perfect place for the mold to settle. After heavy rains open windows and wipe moisture from the bottoms of sashes and windowsills. Replace any broken seals and if you notice any water has leaked into the wood and walls call a professional to see if the problem has caused mold.

Air Conditioners

Air conditioning units trap dust and pollen (a good meal for mold) and grab moisture from the air. If you don’t run your AC unit at least every 24 hours in warm weather humidity in your house climbs, giving mold the opportunity to grow in AC ducts, drain pans, and on coils. Drip pans and drainage hoses on window units can leak causing mold to grow into the windowsill and dry wall. If mold grows in your central air conditioning unit you’ll have to hire a mold remediation pro to clean out the system.

If you suspect you may have mold contact the experts at SERVPRO of Old Bridge / Cranbury

Mold Remediation

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can not only destroy the quality of life in your home it can destroy the value of your home as well.

Mold grows in dark damp areas of your home like behind walls and under floors and by the time you finally see visual signs of mold it is already a much bigger problem.

The most common mold that causes the most problems for homeowners is black mold. Black mold tends to have a strong, musty smell, and of course it displays a trademark black color. It can cause health problems and decrease the value of your home. It is imperative that you contact a mold remediation specialist at the first sign of a mold problem.

If you believe you have black mold growth in an area of your home after these initial inspections, you should contact a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO of Old Bridge Cranbury

Call SERVPRO of Old Bridge/ Cranbury at (732) 253-4914