Tips for Dealing with Mold Damage

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

Mold has infiltrated this electrical closet.

SERVPRO® of Mandarin Offers Tips for Dealing with Mold Damage.

Mold is Dangerous!

Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins that have the potential to cause real health problems. Allergic reactions to mold can cause hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes. Mold can also cause attacks among asthma sufferers.

Because of these health risks, it’s important to deal with mold as quickly as possible and to do that you need to know what to do and what NOT to do.

What to Do

Call in the professionals – Mold can spread rapidly throughout your home but dealing with it isn’t a DIY project. A professional mold mitigation company has the know-how and equipment to properly treat and eliminate mold.
Stay out of the area – If you’ve discovered mold in a particular part of the house, keep everyone, including pets, out of the area until the mold is eliminated.
Find the source of the mold and fix it – The key to preventing mold is moisture control. Once the mold is cleaned up, make sure that you’ve fixed whatever caused the moisture, be it a broken pipe, a leaking roof, a faulty toilet, or a dishwasher.
Use a dehumidifier – As stated, moisture control is key. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
Isolate the area – Mold spores can be spread throughout your home via the HVAC system. If at all possible, shut off the system from the mold-affected area.

What Not to Do

Don’t disturb the mold – Trying to remove the mold can cause it to spread. This is a risk to everyone in the household, so wait for the pros.
Try not to sniff the mold – The smell associated with mold is the smell of dampness. Inhaling the mold can be detrimental to your health and the health of others in the house.
Don’t bleach it – Using bleach won’t kill the mold, it will just make it appear to be gone, and the water used to dilute the chlorine can feed the mold.
Don’t paint over it – Contrary to the marketing claims of some paints, paint doesn’t kill mold.
Don’t blow air over the affected area – Using a fan to try to dry out the area can cause the mold to break apart and the fan can spread mold spores to other areas.

Where to Go for Help

The proper elimination of mold requires special techniques, cleaners, and equipment not available to the average homeowner. If you have discovered mold in your house, you need to act quickly by calling SERVPRO of Mandarin. We have been the trusted leader in the restoration industry, and we have the training and expertise to safely remove mold from your home. Our highly trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to quickly respond to your call for help.

For additional information about the services we offer, visit our website or call us at 904-636-0044.

Your Belongings and Mold Damage

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

This photo album was affected by mold in the home.

SERVPRO® of Mandarin advises what to do if you see mold or mildew in your home.

Mold in your home is at best a nuisance and at worst a serious health risk. If you suspect that you have mold in your house, you could look for some of these signs:

Rotten smell
Spots on your clothes or other belongings
Contaminated carpets
Allergy flare-ups
Fungus on the furniture
Warped walls
A musty smell coming from your air conditioning unit

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to turn to a professional mold remediation company. They can identify the source of the mold and remove it or encapsulate it from walls, floors, or other surfaces. When they’re finished, you might not see or smell any more mold on clothing, books, or other contents of your home, but your personal belongings may be contaminated with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are tiny mold spores that can be hazardous to your health and the health of your loved ones so what should you do?

Throwing everything out is one solution, but it’s not very practical, so what DO you do? At the very least, everything should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, but can you clean the mold from your things? The answer to that question is, it depends.

What to Keep and What to Pitch

Non-porous Belongings

In most cases, it’s ok to hang on to most of your non-porous items if they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. This would include items such as glassware, metal furniture, dishes, pots, pans, or anything made of glass. However, some non-porous items should also probably go, not because their surfaces are porous, but because they may have areas or components where mycotoxins can find a hiding place. Examples would be the cooling fan on your laptop or the coils in your refrigerator or laundry equipment.

Porous Items

Cleaning is not able to fully remediate porous items, things such as wood furniture, backpacks, suitcases, upholstered furniture, pillows, stuffed animals, rugs, or anything made of cloth that can’t go into the washing machine. To be on the safe side, you should probably get rid of any porous items you may have. This would include anything made of wood, books, papers, laptop computers, backpacks, suitcases, or more.

Ask the Experts

If you suspect that you have mold in your home, you may still have lingering questions, and the best place to have those questions answered is SERVPRO of Mandarin. SERVPRO of Mandarin has been the trusted leader in the restoration industry. We are experts in repairing water damage for residents in the area of Jacksonville. We have a team of highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding quickly to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency services and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

For additional information about our company, visit our website or call us at 904-636-0044.

Mold In A House You’re Selling Or Buying

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

We Provide Mold Inspection, Removal & Remediation in Mandarin.

Mold Inspection, Removal & Remediation

Why Home Inspections Are Important

What should you do if you suspect there may be mold in your home? Mold can be a serious issue in any home, but it's especially important to be aware of when you're buying or selling. If there is mold in a house you're selling, it could scare off potential buyers, and if there is mold in a house you're buying, it could lead to expensive repairs.

Mold Inspection & Testing

If your home inspection or mold testing reveals mold, mold remediation will be needed, which is the process of removing mold from a house.

As a homeowner, it's important to be aware of the potential for mold growth in your home. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, so it's important to take steps to prevent it from growing. Mold thrives in damp, dark places, so regular inspections of your home's plumbing and HVAC systems are essential.

If you suspect mold, you must take action immediately. Regular inspections and prompt mold removal can help keep your family safe and healthy.

How Mold Affects Buying & Selling a Home

Mold poses a risk to the structural integrity of homes and buildings. If left unchecked, it can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. The presence of mold can hurt the selling price of a home. Buyers are often reluctant to purchase a property that has any type of water damage or mold issue, and lenders may be unwilling to provide financing for such a property. As a result, sellers who have any type of mold growth in their home may find it challenging to find a buyer willing to pay full price for the property.

What The Law Says About Homes With Mold

In the United States, there is no federal law that requires landlords to disclose the presence of mold in their rental properties. However, many state and local laws do require disclosures, and some states have specific laws related to mold. For example, Florida requires landlords to take reasonable steps to prevent mold growth.

If you are renting a property in the state of Florida, ask your landlord about any mold problems before signing the lease. If you discover mold in your rental unit, you should inform your landlord immediately so they can take steps to fix the problem.

Common Places to Find Mold in the Home

One of the most common places you'll find mold is in the bathroom. It often grows on shower curtains, tile, and grout. It can also grow on soap and other toiletries that are left out on wet surfaces. Keep an eye out for any signs of mold growth in your bathroom, and promptly clean up any wet areas.

Another common place for mold growth is in the kitchen. Mold loves dampness and warmth, so it's often found near dishwashers, sinks, and microwaves. It can also grow on food that's been left out, so keep your kitchen clean and dry. Inspect appliances and food storage areas regularly for signs of mold.

Indoor Air Quality

The air quality inside your home can have a significant impact on your health. Dust, mold, pollen, and other airborne contaminants can trigger allergies and respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions like asthma.

Why Call Professionals for Remediation?

Mold is unsightly, but it can also cause a variety of health problems, such as respiratory issues and skin irritation. If you find mold in your home, it's important to take care of the problem right away. Professionals have the training and experience necessary to safely and effectively remove mold, and they can also help to identify the source of the problem so it can be corrected. Calling a professional is the best way to ensure that mold problems are taken care of quickly and thoroughly.

Choose SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra

If you need mold removal services, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced company. At SERVPRO of Mandarin, we have highly trained mold remediation technicians that have the knowledge and equipment necessary to safely remove all traces of mold from your property. Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can remove mold from your home or business.

Preventing Mold after Water Damage

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

If your Northeast Florida home or business has experienced water damage, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for a mold inspection.

Preventing Mold after Water Damage

If you have recently dealt with flooding or another form of water damage at your home or business, there are a number of reasons to take immediate action. You will want to quickly replace damaged materials to make your property as attractive and functional as it was before. One important factor to remember is the potential of all that moisture to create a mold problem, which might not be immediately apparent. Here are a few instructions to help you avoid mold growth after water damage.

Call a Water Cleanup and Restoration Company ASAP

Professional water remediation experts have a variety of special tools and equipment to dry your carpets, walls, furniture, and whatever else as quickly as humanly possible. They also have the experience and expertise to know exactly what to handle now vs later, what can be saved and what will need to be thrown out. All of these benefits can save you a lot of hassle, and doing it yourself might actually be more expensive in the long run, especially if you end up with a serious mold problem weeks or months down the road.

If you must do the job yourself, or if you’re waiting for help to arrive, see the instructions below.

Shut off the Water

It’s good to know how to shut off the water to your home in case there’s a serious leak or a natural disaster. This helps a water damage event from getting worse.

Pick Up Rugs and Personal Items

Anything left in sitting water or on wet surfaces is getting more and more damaged as time goes on and can develop mold quickly, so pick up whatever you can. Hang up rugs. Bag up anything that can be taken somewhere to be cleaned.

Minimize Furniture Damage

Do what you can to help furniture in wet areas. Move items to dry areas, and/or put furniture legs on top of bricks, blocks, etc., to keep them above water.

Dehumidify

Rent or buy a heavy duty dehumidifier to get as much of that moisture out of the air as quickly as you can. Mold is everywhere, but it thrives in excess water in the air and on surfaces. If necessary, get more than one dehumidifier. (Again, a professional water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO, will have this equipment on hand and know how and where to use it for maximum benefit.)

Prevent Future Damage

To prevent mold in the future, stay on top of any sources of excess moisture: leaky pipes, missing shingles, clogged gutters and downspouts, faulty sump pumps, old weather-stripping, etc. Be prepared for storms and flooding. Get a mold inspection if you see any sign of mold.

If your northeast Florida home or business has experienced water damage, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for a mold inspection. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore North Florida home and get everything back to like-new condition. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 638-2495.

Mold Remediation in Jacksonville

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Photo shows dark mold growth splotches on a residential ceiling.

Do you think you have mold? Call SERVPRO of Mandarin and an IICRC mold certified expert can help, 904-636-0044. Photo credit: CDC.gov

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing on the wall's opposite side. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. If the wall remains wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the backside will be worse than on the front. At that point, containing the work space and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.

Mold becomes a problem inside a home or business when there's excessive humidity or moisture for an extended period of time. The problem can originate from sudden water releases, like a burst pipe or large spill that goes untreated, or from a chronic condition, such as a leaking roof or plumbing. Even high humidity or warm, moist air condensing on cool surfaces can trigger mold problems. It's always best to have the mold evaluated and removed by a certified professional.

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

SERVPRO of Mandarin has professional technicians that are IICRC certified and trained in mold remediation and we are a State of Florida licensed mold remediation company. Call us for all your microbial related issues at 904-636-0044.

Mold, Did You Know?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fungi and Mold occur naturally in the environment. Yeast is an example of once such fungi.An edible mushroom is simply a type of Fungi, and lifesaving antibiotics are a product of mold - Penicillin chrysanthemum. The unique flavor of blue, sharp and smelly cheeses is the result of Mold.

Even though some forms of Mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of Mold, and/or simple exposure to Molds and Spores may present health problems for some people.

Intrusion of Water into your home or business can cause Mold growth, but don't worry. SERVPRO of Mandarin is here to help. Call us today if suspect you may have Mold growth in your home or business, 904-636-0044. If you hire us to do the Mold remediation, we will subtract the estimate from your bill!

How to Prevent and Stop Mold Growth

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Indoor mold has the power to damage building materials and finishes. Like weeds, mold spreads, growing on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and tile grout. Fortunately, mold growth can be stopped and SERVPRO of Mandarin can help you determine how to prevent mold growth in the future.

SERVPRO of Mandarin knows how to stop mold growth effectively and how to prevent mold from returning to your home. When you discover mold in your home, don’t hesitate. Contact the mold remediation professionals at SERVPRO of Mandarin; with more than 37 years of experience, we have the expertise to deal with mold safely. You won’t have to worry about the mold spreading to other areas of your home or it affecting your family and pets during the remediation process.

Mold Damage

Mold loves moisture and cannot thrive without it. Mold often develops in areas where there has been water damage from a broken pipe, leaking window or roof, or after a basement flood. Many homes develop mold issues in bathrooms without adequate ventilation and closets that share a wall with those bathrooms. Mold causes the deterioration of ceiling tiles, grout, caulking around tubs and showers and it destroys any type of paperboard quickly.

How to Stop Mold

The key to eradicating mold indoors is to cut off its moisture supply. Mold thrives in moist, humid conditions. Eliminate those conditions and you can stop mold growth and prevent its return. The quick extraction of floodwater is the first step. Whether it’s seepage from foundation cracks, a leaky roof or a broken water line, that standing water needs to be removed quickly.

After any standing water is removed, the drying and dehumidification process can begin. Remember, it’s all about removing moisture, including excess moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers and fans can be a great help during this part of the mold removal process.

Area rugs will need to be removed, cleaned and dried and wall-to-wall carpeting may need professional cleaning to remove all traces of mold and its musty smell. Depending on the situation, furniture, draperies and other upholstered items also will need cleaning. Remove any cardboard boxes that have been contaminated with mold and only transfer their contents to totes after everything has been inspected and treated for mold growth.

In the bathroom: For mold issues in bathrooms, make sure the room has a working exhaust fan (which usually installed in the ceiling near the light fixture). Run the exhaust fan whenever anyone takes a shower or a bath to reduce as much humidity (moisture) from the air. Wipe down bath and shower tiles after use to keep moisture to a minimum and inhibit the growth of mold.

SERVPRO of Mandarin is ready to serve the Jacksonville area 24/7/365. Contact us at 904-636-0044 for all your Microbial, Water, Fire, Smoke damage or other cleaning needs.

What is Mold?

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Microbial growth

What is mold?

Mold is a group of filamentous fungi that are common on food or wet materials. This includes the green Penicillium species that produces penicillin, and fungi that spoil our bread, fruit, cheese and crops. Most of these are Ascomycetes that produce a lot of spores.

The majority of the molds that grow on damp building materials are found in the soil and are adapted to grow on a wide variety of materials. Outdoors, molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. There are thousands of species of mold and they can be any color. Different mold species are adapted to different moisture conditions ranging from very wet to just damp. Many times, mold can be detected by a musty odor. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) under the right conditions. All of us are exposed to a variety of fungal spores daily in the air we breathe, both outdoors and indoor. (American Industrial Hygiene Association definition)

COMMON CAUSES:

flooding from storms or hurricanes that bring in outside elements in from outside.
roof leaks from water traveling through all the drywall and insulation.
leaking pipes, sewer back-ups
damp basements or crawl spaces due to a high water table or poorly managed rainwater drainage

Managing Mold in Your Mandarin Home

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-004 if You Suspect Mold Damage in Your Jacksonville Home.

When there's water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health problems and can significantly damage your property.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-0044. Lisa, Lorie, or Robin will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, personnel, and resources needed.

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure. This helps keep mold spores from spreading and causing secondary damage.

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic, mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Mandarin utilizes powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of harmful mold spores while mold remediation is in progress.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces it is growing on. Anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of porous mold contaminated materials like drywall and flooring may be necessary when mold growth is heavy.

SERVPRO of Mandarin professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning products and techniques to sanitize your belongings.

Depending on the level of mold damage drywall, sub-floors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve repairs such a reconstruction, replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet.

Mold Versus Mildew

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Leave Mold Remediation to the Professionals, 904-636-0044.

While there are many differences between the two fungi, mold and mildew both develop and thrive in moist conditions. A leaking roof, a window that doesn’t seal properly, and a basement with water damage caused by a broken pipe can all lead to the growth of mildew and mold. In order to reduce the risk of health effects and damage to building materials, mildew and mold in the home or a business need immediate mold remediation. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between mold and mildew, and the danger both may present to your home or business.

Mildew vs Mold

Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.

What is mildew? Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:

Drywall
Insulation
Cardboard/paperboard
Wallpaper
Fabric

How is it different from Mold? Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.

Dangers of Mildew and Mold

In a battle between mildew vs mold, which presents more problems and danger? It depends on several factors.

The powdery mildew often found on the leaves of a houseplant, typically poses little danger to you, but it can harm the plant. However, anyone that suffers from mold allergies should avoid touching that mildew. If contact occurs, wash hands thoroughly and never touch your face/eyes/nose after coming in contact with mildew.

The Need for Mold Remediation

Mold and mildew, if ignored, can cause long-term health issues and physical damage to a home or business. Mold found anywhere in a building, such as behind drywall, on insulation, around windows and along basement walls has developed because there is a moisture problem. To avoid further damage, it’s essential to locate and correct the source of the moisture and then remove all traces of mold.

Pro Tip: Slimy mold on decks, fences and siding often can be removed using a pressure washer. Always wear proper safety protection when dealing with mold and working with tools.

Any home or business that’s suffered any type of water damage (from firefighting efforts, roof leak, burst pipe or flood) needs professional assessment quickly. Contact SERVPRO of Mandarin immediately after any water disaster; mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours. Trust our professional technicians for a comprehensive mold remediation plan. Call 904-636-0044.

Mold Facts

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

The Facts about Mold: For Everyone

What is mold?

The term “mold” is a colloquial term for a group of filamentous fungi that are common on food or wet materials. This includes the green Penicillium species that produces penicillin, and fungi that spoil our bread, fruit, cheese and crops. Most of these are Ascomycetes that produce a lot of spores.

The majority of the molds that grow on damp building materials are found in the soil and are adapted to grow on a wide variety of materials. Outdoors, molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. There are thousands of species of mold and they can be any color. Different mold species are adapted to different moisture conditions ranging from very wet to just damp. Many times, mold can be detected by a musty odor. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) under the right conditions. All of us are exposed to a variety of fungal spores daily in the air we breathe, both outdoors and indoors.

How mold gets into a house or building

Mold and fungal spores occur naturally outdoors, where fungi are the earth’s most important recyclers. Indoors, mold needs moisture to grow; it becomes a problem only where there is water damage, elevated and prolonged humidity, or dampness. Common sources of excessive indoor moisture that can lead to mold problems include:

flooding from surface waters (i.e., overflowing rivers) or from severe storms;
roof leaks from damaged or missing roofing materials, ice dams or blocked gutters;
storm-driven rain through window frames, exterior walls or door assemblies;
leaking pipes, sewer back-ups or overflows;
damp basements or crawl spaces due to a high water table or poorly managed rainwater drainage; and
condensation on cold surfaces.

How to prevent mold growth

The key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth is to control excessive moisture and condensation. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is critical. In general, mold will not grow indoors without water, dampness or excessive moisture.

Three main factors contribute to condensation of water on building surfaces:

Relative Humidity: Condensation occurs when the air is saturated with water and it cannot hold any more moisture. For example, steam generated from bathroom showers or from cooking can fill up the air with moisture, which will then condense into drops of water on cooler surfaces, such as mirrors and windows. Where possible, localized sources of humidity, such as clothes dryers, should be directly vented to the outdoors. To lower indoor humidity during warm, humid weather, air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers should be used. In chronically damp areas such as basements or crawlspaces, it is often recommended that dehumidifiers be used to maintain humidity levels below 60 percent.
Temperature: Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes into contact with a cold surface and the moisture condenses into water. This can often be seen on single-pane windows, where water condenses and then runs down, causing the wood frames and sills to rot and the wall under the windows to blister. Condensation can occur on exterior walls, particularly north-facing walls, if they are not properly insulated. Other chronically cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, should be covered with insulation to help prevent condensation.
Poor Ventilation: Indoor humidity can build up if there is not enough ventilation and exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Where there is little or no air movement, such as behind dressers and cabinets, surfaces can remain cooler than surrounding areas, which can lead to increased condensation and mold growth. It is recommended that the area be ventilated and the occupants use exhaust fans (vented to the outdoors) to remove moisture from high-humidity areas, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas. Furniture should be moved slightly away from walls so that air can freely pass behind it. Air should be allowed to circulate between rooms and regularly ventilate to remove humid air. Fans should be used as needed.

Other things that can be done are to clean and repair gutters regularly, make sure the ground slopes down and away from the home’s foundation and keep air conditioner drip pans and drain lines clean. In addition, in air conditioned buildings in hot and humid climates, vinyl wall coverings on the interior sides of exterior walls should not be used, as these materials can trap moisture, resulting in mold growth underneath them.

In the case of floods or leaking pipes, any standing water should be promptly removed and water-damaged materials should either be dried out and cleaned, or removed and replaced. Porous materials that are wet for more than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth and should be discarded. In instances where the water damage is extensive, it is recommended that professional help, such as a commercial restoration company, be consulted. That is where we can help. Call SERVPRO of Mandarin with all of your mold concerns.

Mold Myth Busters

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Microbial growth in a Jacksonville home.

Home and business owners rarely think about mold and/or microbial growth until it affects their health, homes, or businesses. Mold spores are all around us, everywhere, and found in most every home across the world. In the right conditions and without the right treatment, mold can quickly grow into a major problem.

When it comes to mold, misinformation is all too common and it can be costly to homeowners' health and property. That's why the experts at SERVPRO of Mandarin, one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the United States, say it's essential that homeowners know the facts about mold.

As temperatures begin to rise across the country, SERVPRO of Mandarin is alerting consumers about the most common myths that its network of trained professionals encounters when facing water or mold damage.

The thre most commonly reported mold myths are:

False: Bleach or other retail products can kill mold on any surface.

Fact: Most retail products simply discolor mold and are not recommended for use on porous surfaces. In porous and semi- porous materials, such as wood, carpet, ceiling tile or drywall, mold's roots may not come into contact with the cleaning product, meaning it will likely return. This is one reason why experts say removing the mold-affected items is the only way to ensure it is removed from your home.

False: Dead mold can't cause health issues.

Fact: Mold goes dormant until the conditions are favorable for regrowth. Even dormant mold can release spores, allowing it to reproduce and reappear, particularly if the underlying moisture and ventilation issues have not been resolved. Trained professionals can help you identify potentially dangerous mold and ensure affected areas are properly treated.

False: Mold is the only problem associated with water damage.

Fact: When water is present where it should not be, it can quickly cause a host of problems, including structural and cosmetic damage, as well as promote bacterial and viral growth. In addition, mold can begin to appear within 24-48 hours, depending on the nature of the water intrusion. Calling a reputable disaster restoration professional who is skilled in dealing with water- related damages can help you avoid long-term problems and get life back in order again as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Mandarin is trained, equipped and ready to restore homes and businesses before, during and after any mold-related issues. For more expert tips and information about mold prevention and remediation, visit http://www.SERVPROmandarin.com or like us on Facebook. For immediate assistance and clean up, call SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-0044

Managing Mold

2/28/2017 (Permalink)