Mold in Southeast Texas

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Beaumont to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

Does your home have a mold problem?

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold problem in home due to water damage.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (409) 212-1977

Questions to Consider Before Mold Remediation

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be found almost anywhere. It can grow virtually on any substance, providing that moisture is present. Listed below are questions to help determine if remediation services may be needed:

1. Is there an existing moisture problem in the building?
2. Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
3. Is there a hidden source of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
4. Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
5. Are building occupants reporting health problems?
6. Are building materials or furnishing visibly damaged?
7. Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?

If you have answered yes to majority of these questions, contact the SERVPRO of Beaumont today for a mold inspection (409) 212-1977.

Source: www.epa.gov

Mold

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Fungi and mold occur naturally in our environment. In fact, there are over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people. Mold spores can colonize within 72 hours and multiply within just a few hours. Moisture is the foremost factor that causes mold growth. Physically removing the mold contamination is the primary means of remediation.

If you would like more information on mold and mold remediation, contact SERVPRO of Beaumont at (409) 212-1977 today. It’s a dirty job, but your local SERVPRO professionals are here to help when you encounter mold!

How Do I Know If I Have Mold?

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

One of the many questions SERVPRO of Beaumont gets on a regular basis is “How do I know if I have mold?” Mold requires moisture and a food source to grow such as wallpaper, drywall or other organic building materials. In most cases, mold grows from having high humidity in your home or business, a non-ventilated bathroom or a recent water loss. However, if you believe that you do have mold growing in your home or business it is best to have a qualified environmental lab take samples. An environmental lab will be able to explain the testing process and provide results based off of the samples taken from your home. Based off of those results, they provide recommendations on how the mold would need remediation. Then, SERVPRO can take those results and recommendations to properly remediate the home or business of any microbial growth.

Conditions in Southeast Texas Might Be Right for Mold

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

If you suspect mold in your home or business, call us at (409) 212-1977.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Beaumont to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

This wall shows mold growth due to a water loss that was not dried properly.

• Keep humidity levels in your home relatively low–no higher than 50%. Keeping your A/C running or using a dehumidifier will help keep the humidity level low.
• Make sure there is air flow throughout the home. Use exhaust fans that vent outside the home in kitchen and bathroom areas.
• Fix any leaks that may be in the roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have a moisture source to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home fully and as quickly as possible in the event of a water loss or flooding.
• Clean areas with an antimicrobial to prevent any future mold or mildew growth
• Remove or replace carpet and upholstery that have been saturated with water and were not dried properly and/or right away.

Source: www.cdc.gov/mold

If mold causes damage to your home, SERVPRO of Beaumont is only a phone call away!

Mold Remediation

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a storage closet after recent flooding.

Fungi and Mold can naturally occur in our environment. In fact over 100,000 type of fungi have been identified. Moisture is the foremost factor that causes mold growth. It only takes a little bit of excess water or humidity for mold to form in your home or business. After all of the recent flooding throughout Southeast Texas, mold is a huge concern for homeowners and businesses.

If you think you may have a mold problem, contact a SERVPRO Professional and be alert for the following:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity

Mold spores can colonize within 72 hours and multiply within just a few hours. Physically removing mold contamination is the primary means of remediation. In most water damage situations, excessive mold growth is not a problem and we can safely remediate your home or business to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental specialist.

Call SERVPRO of Beaumont with any questions that you may have. We are locally owned and operated, which means when you call us, we can respond quickly with the help that you need. Don’t try to tackle a mold situation yourself. Call the pros at SERVPRO (409) 729-2800.