Why Did I Get Mold Damage in My Home?

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

In Your Property, SERVPRO Remediates Mold Damage

Homes of all shapes, sizes, and locations share some common enemies, one of the chief ones being mold infestation. Mold spores are naturally occurring almost everywhere on Earth, but given the right conditions for growth, can multiply exponentially and cause major problems for your home. Some types of mold may even cause health effects. Here are some of the conditions and causes for a mold infestation in your home.
 
Damp or Wet Fabric and Wood
Mold damage in Harrison typically needs two things to get pressing: wet conditions and an organic food source. Both of these are often found in homes, where outside water can seep in, or a leak can cause wooden floors, walls, and structural elements to soak up water. Additionally, fabrics such as carpets, drapes, and shower curtains are also commonly affected. An important step we take in halting any mold colony's growth and preventing future ones from forming is dehumidification, whereby we take almost all the moisture out of a room and its air. We reduce the RH, relative humidity.
 
Dark, Warm Areas
Some types of mold can only grow in dark areas, and preferably in warm places. Unfortunately, residences also commonly provide this environment, and many mold colonies end up growing behind walls or in attics and basements. These are some of the first places we check for moisture and mold when responding to any call to a home, via moisture sensors, hygrometers, and infrared devices.
 
Spoiled and Forgotten Food
Spoiled food almost always grows mold at some point; most people know that. However, if not disposed of, this food can be a catalyst for future growth elsewhere in the home. Once matured, mold colonies release large amounts of spores which travel across a home through the air, and these may take up residence in another room or the ducts. This is one reason why we offer mold remediation rather than removal: it is impossible to rid a home of mold spores entirely, due to there being so many and their tiny size. Once again, they are naturally occurring, and so will be found in your home regardless.
 
Expert in mold remediation and cleanup, SERVPRO of Chattanooga is a tried and true solution to any mold problem, large or small. With proper accreditation, certification, and training for all of our crew members, we feel confident we can tackle your residential mold problem. Call us today at (423) 326-1406 for 24/7 emergency service.

How To Remove Mold Odor From Your Home

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold behind baseboards in a Chattanooga, TN home

Mold can be a serious problem for any Chattanooga, TN, homeowner, especially when it comes to getting rid of the odor once the mold has been removed – a side effect of the mycotoxin it contains. If you are experiencing this issue in the aftermath of a flood or other moisture damage, then you know moldy smells can be quite unpleasant. However, there are a few ways you can handle the odor until a mold cleanup and remediation company can be called in to help with the problem.

Learn About Mold

Learning about your enemy can help you destroy it. One fact that may help you is to understand that the musty smell that mold emits is due to the mycotoxin it releases as it eats and grows. The more mold that is present, the stronger the odor is likely to be. Black mold can smell particularly strong, and you may even catch the smell before you see any visual signs.

Reduce Indoor Moisture

Moisture can be a major contributor to mold growth and high humidity can cause it to grow on a variety of surfaces, such as:

• Paper
• Wood
• Drywall

Reducing indoor moisture with fans and by opening windows may help stunt mold growth and reduce the odor. It is important to remember, however, that this is probably a temporary fix and that the air might still need to be cleaned commercially.

Have an Expert Come In

Professional mold removal technicians have machines available that clean the air instead of simply masking it with air fresheners. Air filtration devices and ozone machines can destroy molecules in the air that cause the musty odor and leave any room smelling fresh. This type of mold remediation can ensure that the smell will not return once the process is complete.

Mold mycotoxin can cause strong, unpleasant odors to linger in your Chattanooga, TN, home after a flood or other problem that caused fungus growth. Knowing how to handle these smells can help expedite the cleanup process and leave your home smelling pleasant once more.

Chattanooga Mold Damage - Everything You Need to Know about Mold: 17 Tips and Facts

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

1. Mold is alive. It's a microorganism in the fungus family.
2. Most information available about so-called "Black Mold" isn't accurate.
3. Mold has over 100,000 different species, and you can find it in just about any size and color imaginable. Without a microscope, the naked human eye can't tell whether a mold is toxic or safe.
4. Even though there are so many different types of mold in existence, you don't need to know what kind of mold is in your home in order for you to kill or eliminate it. All molds respond to the same methods of treatment to prevent mold damage in Chattanooga. As an organism that's alive, it needs a source of food and a source of moisture in order to live. You can eradicate mold by taking away its water or food source. For most people, taking away the food source is difficult because mold uses wood and other materials commonly found in buildings as a food source. Eliminating the water source is much easier.
5. According to the E.P.A., we spend about 10 percent of our time outdoors breathing fresh air and the other 90 percent indoors. Eliminating indoor mold can improve overall health as well as prevent mold damage.
6. The term "Black Mold" commonly means any type of mold that produces toxins. Certain molds, like Stachbotrys, are black and produce mycotoxins. Still, mold removal should be a priority for most individuals, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors.
7. Although mold isn't something humans want to grow in their homes, it is natural and has other purposes that can be useful. It helps any organic matter that has died to decompose, and it is also helpful to humans in cheese-making and in the creation of antibiotics.
8. Molds create and release microscopic spores through the air that will grow on another surface in order for the mold to reproduce.
9. Molds have the ability to grow on just about any surface, which includes drywall, metal, plastic, wood and glass. It can grow on nonporous surfaces as long as it has something to feed on, such as water and dust.
10. Humans can breathe in mold spores, and they can also ingest or touch foods and other items that may have mold on them. Colonies of mold have the ability to form and grow in under 48 hours.
11. The U.S. government has no guidelines on what does or doesn't constitute excessive or unsafe mold levels. However, if you can see or smell mold in your environment, chances are it's removal is needed.
12. Mold in your home can scare off potential buyers if you're trying to sell your home in addition to causing mold damage that can be expensive to repair.
13. According to studies, somewhere between 50 to 65% of households have a problem with mold.
14. With every breath, you breathe in small amounts of mold. Only sterilized rooms like those in hospitals have no mold whatsoever. Even after mold removal services, a home may still have small percentages of mold.
15. Although some individuals may not feel affected by mold, others may have allergies.
16. A number of insurance policies for homeowners won't cover mold damage or claims related to mold in the home.
17. In addition to mold, other factors that can impact the quality of your air at home include asbestos, chimney and fireplace debris, radon, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke and lead.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga is locally owned and operated and serves Chattanooga and surrounding locations.

If you need a mold removal company IICRC Certified Firm give us a call at (423) 326-1406 Or visit our website at: http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com/

Mold Remediation for a Home in Chattanooga

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration of the Hot Seat

For a Home in Chattanooga, Mold Remediation by SERVPRO

While residential property owners in Chattanooga should be aware of conditions that could impact their home, learning about a mold infestation is particularly important. By getting a clear understanding of what mold is and how to prevent it, you can preclude your property from being subjected to structural damage and health hazards with mold remediation from SERVPRO. Learn more about mold and how to keep  your property safe by reviewing this short outline:

Mold: A Brief Overview

Mold is a fungus. Positive factors for mold growth are moist, wet environments, a food source of cellulose or other organics, and poor ventilation. Homeowners who suffer water damage often find that mold starts to proliferate in their residential property. If mold growth is not identified and treated, it can cause a wide range of health problems. Some of these health problems include memory loss, respiratory distress, pulmonary hemorrhage, and asthma exasperation. Additionally, mold can adversely impact your indoor air quality giving off a musty odor and cause discoloration of walls, ceilings, and furniture.

Why You Should Hire A Professional Mold Remediation Specialist

Often, homeowners are interested in completing the mold removal process on their own. However, completing a do-it-yourself project in this instance is not very advisable.  A small patch or a bit of mold on tile grout can be cleaned and controlled by a homeowner. Most homeowners do not possess the specialized equipment and safety gear and clothing required to execute the mold remediation process. Additionally, hiring a team of professional remediation specialists from SERVPRO can shorten significantly the unhealthy home air quality. Finally, most homeowners do not possess the knowledge and experience necessary to complete the mold removal process safely. When done incorrectly, DIY projects can cause you to spread the mold infestation in previously uncontaminated living areas thereby increasing susceptibility to health risks, structural damage, and costs.

Benefits Of Securing a Professional Mold Remediation Service

• Assessing the dangers of the existing mold
• Locating the source of the problem
•Containing affected regions of the home to prevent mold spore proliferation, including HVAC ductwork
• Eliminating the mold colonies, reducing mold spores to normal levels
•Cleaning, drying and disinfecting all surfaces affected by mold
.Deodorizing the musty odor with ULV foggers

Call SERVPRO Now

As an IICRC-certified company, the SERVPRO professionals are experts in Applied Microbial Remediation. Additionally, we are highly skilled in working directly with industrial hygienists, insurance adjusters, and residential property owners in Chattanooga to offer full-service mold remediation assistance.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is locally owned and operated. When you have a mold or water damage issue, we’re already nearby and ready to help. Call us. (423) 326-1406

Great Ideas for Getting Rid of Mold Odor

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

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

Mold odor is one of the worst smells imaginable. It’s at once musty and wet, sour and dry, and it can prompt the urge to sneeze or be ill. The dank, terrible smell is clinging and pervasive, and once it’s soaked into something it seems impossible to get rid of. It’s even worse when that odor gets into your hair, skin, and clothing, following you everywhere. This musty odor is caused by mycotoxin, but no matter the cause it’s important to evict mold from your Chattanooga, TN home.

Just Covering the Smell Isn’t Enough

It can be tempting to try to cover the smell with air fresheners, candles, and scented cleansers. All this does is mask the smell; it doesn’t get rid of the source. As long as you still have mold, you’re just creating a worse odor when the mycotoxin stench mixes cloyingly with the scented candles and air fresheners.

Instead, to eliminate the smell, you can use these solutions:

• Baking soda, one of the best household remedies for stenches
• Vinegar, another natural home remedy that kills mold and gets rid of smells
• Borax, a chemical cleanser and antifungal that destroys mold spores
• HEPA air filters, which not only eliminate the odors but help to remove some of the mold spores from the air

Mold Elimination Is Your Best Option

Believe it or not, there are likely millions of mold spores floating around you right now. If any one of them takes root, you could have a spreading mold problem. Your best bet to get rid of the mycotoxin stench is to get rid of the source. Professional mold remediation can kill mold odors at the source and remove much of the mold saturating your home in both spore and fungal form. Otherwise, while you may eliminate the odors, you haven’t gotten rid of the source — and as soon as the mold comes back, so will the smell. Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com/ for more information on mold. 

4 Ways To Prevent Mold in Your Vacant Rental Property

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

During summer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for mold.

In an ideal world, your rental property always has tenants. In the real world, however, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes a property will remain vacant for weeks or even months, and an empty property is at risk for developing mold growth. In general, this fungus is relatively harmless unless it grows indoors, where it creates an unpleasant environment. Follow these mold prevention tips now so that you don’t end up paying more for a mitigation specialist in Chattanooga, TN, to perform a cleanup later.

1. Turn off the water and drain the lines.

If you expect a property to be vacant for any length of time, turn off your water using the main shut-off valve and open all the taps to allow water to drain out of the plumbing lines. Especially in the winter months when pipes can freeze and burst, turning off the water eliminates the possibility of plumbing leaks that can cause water damage. Preventing moisture from collecting anywhere is the number one key to mold prevention.

2. Do repairs first.

Before you close the property, have your contractor check for roof and outer wall leaks, clean the gutters and make sure your sump pump is in good condition. Minor repairs can turn into expensive problems later if rainwater is leaking into your building, creating the moist conditions that mold loves.

3. Leave the heat on low...

You may want to save money by shutting off utilities while the building is vacant. However, the money you may save pales in comparison to the cost of paying a mold mitigation specialist in Chattanooga, TN, to restore your property. During cool weather, keeping the heat on low keeps the house from becoming too damp and encouraging mold spores to settle and grow.

4. ... or leave the A/C running.

During summer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for mold. However, keeping the air conditioner running pulls moisture from the air, keeping your property’s environment cool and dry. When new tenants arrive, there won’t be any musty odors or mold problems to contend with. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com/. 

3 Actions You Can Take To Control Mold in Your Home

3/24/2018 (Permalink)

This Chattanooga home had mold behind their baseboards thinking that their home was dry.

Flooding, leaking pipes and other water damage in your Chattanooga, TN home can cause mold to grow where you may not notice. When mold is allowed to spread, it can cause significant damage to your home's wood, insulation and other building materials as well as cause a damp, unpleasant smell that may eventually permeate every room. However, there are several actions you can take to control this unwelcome intruder.

1. Have Your Plumbing Inspected

One common thing that causes mold to grow is leaky plumbing. When pipes leak in crawl spaces, under kitchen cabinets or in your basement, this can create prime conditions for mold growth. Having your pipes inspected, repaired or replaced can prevent moisture issues that invite mold to develop. Consider replacing old toilets with failing wax seals, as those failing seals can cause constant moisture at the base of the unit and encourage mold to grow.

2. Control Drainage Around Your Home

If your home suffers from poor drainage, it may be creating ideal conditions for mold to spread. Clogged gutters, leaky downspouts and rapid soil erosion may all cause water damage, especially if your basement is prone to flooding. Upgrading your drainage system and creating an erosion barrier around the perimeter of your home can prevent water from entering and contributing to the spread of mold.

3. Call for Mold Remediation

Contacting a water cleanup and mold remediation company can help you with mold prevention by having mold experts check your home for its presence. Mold often grows where you might not see it right away, so calling in professional mold technicians can ensure that it is eradicated no matter where it hides. Mold remediation can be especially important if your home recently suffered water damage, as mold can grow in affected areas as soon as 24 hours after the incident took place.

Mold can spread quickly inside your Chattanooga, TN home, especially after flooding that causes water damage. Knowing how to keep it under control and preventing the damage it causes can help you protect your home and avoid costly repairs. Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com for more information on mold. 

What All Business Owners Should Know About Mold

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

If you have recently had flooding in your business, you may worry about the mold growth that follows. Even after the water damage has subsided, the worry continues. With a basic understanding of mold and how it spreads through high humidity, you can feel confident in choosing a mold remediation specialist in Chattanooga, TN.

There are a few frequently asked questions about mold:

• What causes it?
• How dangerous is it?
• Can I handle it myself?
• How can I stop it?

If you, like other business owners, have these questions, you can find answers here.

What Causes Mold?

It’s a misconception to think that mold just shows up right after a flood. The truth is that mold is around us almost everywhere we go. However, these spores are usually too small to see and don’t cause trouble.

However, when the humidity level rises above 45 percent in an area, mold can grow and spread. That’s when you get the mold growth with which you may be more familiar. High humidity and water damage are two of the primary ways mold infiltrates a business.

How Dangerous Is It?

There is plenty of debate about the health effects of mold. In addition to any of those, mold can create a foul smell that drives customers away. If left alone long enough, it can even cause structural damage. That’s why it’s better to take care of the problem as soon as you detect mold.

Can You Handle It Yourself?

This problem is better left to the professionals. Much like you would not trust someone less experienced in running your business, you should trust a professional restoration crew in Chattanooga, TN to get rid of your mold problem.

How Can You Stop It?

The moment water builds up in your business, it’s time to spring into action. First, call a professional mold growth remediation specialist. Then, make sure to follow any instructions the professional gives while you wait. If the water is safe, you may start cleaning it up. However, you may need to leave black water alone.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com for more information on mold.

Mold Damage Shouldn't Be Long Term Problem

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Shouldn't Be Long Term Problem

Battling mold could take forever if the correct steps aren't utilized. Anyone who has dealt with mold removal might remember it can and will return if not addressed correctly the first time. Remediation of the mildew, fungus and black mold the first time around can save a home or business owner tons of time and money. It's nothing that should drag on forever. The solution is as simple as allowing a highly trained expert to diagnose the issue and remove the threat at the source.

Mold growth shouldn't have to be anything longer than a short term problem. In fact, mold removal in the right hands isn't a long term issue. Experts who know the gravity of the situation can carefully secure any mold damage and provide remediation for mold in home or commercial mold damage victims.

What happens when a mold damage professional looks at a dwelling? A restoration company can assess the situation. They can properly diagnose the type of mold that has surfaced.

Is it black mold? Could it possibly lead to dry rot? Does the smelly odor need deodorization or will it go away alone? These are questions the general public doesn't typically have answers to. These are questions a professional restoration company can usually answer within their first assessment of seeing the mold growth.

Sometimes mold growth isn't even visible. Mold growth behind wall is a completely different beast to tackle. It might just leave an obnoxious smelly odor for residents to deal with. A true professional needs to be consulted to find the mold growth behind wall.

Mold damage in home or commercial mold damage can be tricky if left alone and untreated. It can also be tricky if it's treated without care or knowledge. Mold growth can spread. The spores can move from one piece of wood to another. This condition could lead to dry rot. Dry rot occurs when the wood that supports the home or business starts to decay because of the extensive mold damage. This dry rot damage could lead to a potential rebuild of the dwelling in question.

A restoration company can dig to find the root of the issue. Unlike general consumers, a professional can figure out what started the problem. They can identify the type of mold so the source is contained. Was it a leaky pipe within the interior of the home? Is the air condition leaking? Is excessive humidity and moisture leading to black mold? Does the shower need to be revamped? Is there enough proper ventilation in certain areas of the home? These could all be present whether it's mold growth behind wall, visible fungus or mildew.

Mold in home or commercial mold damage may seem like a quick fix at the first sight. The fungus and mildew though should provide valuable hints to an expert on how to contain the spread of the spores and how to keep it from occurring over and over again.

The remediation provided for a specialist could be the difference between mold continuing to spread deeper into the wood structures. It could also also be the difference between eradicating the fungus, mildew and smelly odor once and for all.

Mitigation is the lessening of the damage seen with mold. That involves things like deodorization to remove the funky aroma. The smelly odor isn't something customers want to endure during a commercial mold damage scenario. It's also nothing a mold in home customer wants to take to bed with them, either. Deodorization is the icing on the cake to returning things back to normalcy. That's why mitigation by a professional is crucial in the early stages. It's not just the appearance of mold that can wreak havoc.

Why doesn't everyone utilize a restoration company for mitigation and remediation? Mold in home and commercial mold damage victims often wait or don't believe the mold damage is that bad. Mold removal might seem like an easy task or something consumers can look up with "how to" videos. Maybe mold growth behind wall isn't visible and they don't realize the mold growth even exists or is even spreading. The mitigation, when handled by a professional, can bring a building completely back to where it was before the mold occurred.

Black mold and many other types of mold can be removed at the source of the problem instead of just where it has populated. Deodorization can also help with the mold removal to alleviate the awful smell associated with the spores. A professional can at least assess the mold. This way the damage can be located and controlled. The source of the problem can be fixed. The long term spread of mold can be corralled. Ultimately, that's what most home and business owners hope to achieve.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com for more information on mold.

Engage the Experts for a Professional Mold Removal Process

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

Engage the Experts for a Professional Mold Removal Process

Mold is part of the natural co-existence in the environment and can thrive indoors and outdoors. In fact, it's not a problem until it starts growing indoors as that results in mold damage. Mold growth can take place on any organic substance as long as it has moisture and oxygen. As such, homeowners are likely to find mold on wood, carpets, and food. Big mold infestations occur where the sources of moisture remain undiscovered. Additionally, the mildew is evident in darkened grout lines in the shower, decks, and drywall. Dry rot and smelly odor also indicate mold growth behind wall. With the increasing awareness about the health and other effects of indoor exposure to mildew, homeowners seek various mold remediation and mitigation techniques. The next discussion highlights steps a restoration and a commercial mold damage removal company follows:

Assess the Extent of Mold Growth and its Cause

Mildew is the most visible mold species that starts off as tiny dark spots that sprout to large colonies. It is the result of mold growth behind wall or the dry rot on moist deck boards and painted siding. Most people mistake it for a dirty surface. During mold inspection, the commercial mold damage professional identifies the source of dampness that is causing mold in home. He also assesses the extent of growth, damage, manifestations of invisible mold, unusual smelly odor, and mitigation procedures to prevent reoccurrence. This way, he develops a work plan for the mold removal process.

Determine the Type of Mold Infestation

The restoration company professional then collects samples of the fungus and performs air quality tests, which he sends to an accredited laboratory to determine its species. There are different types of mold; Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and the Stachybotrysatra that is also known as the black mold (the most dangerous kind). The Aspergillus fungus is the most common mold in home as it is found in air conditioning systems and foods. Cladosporium is the mold growth behind wall, toilets and fiberglass air ducts, and the dry rot on wooden surfaces. The Stachybotrys chart arum occurs as a black slimy substance and is the most toxic kind. A report provided by the laboratory identifies the type of mold and helps the professional determine a cost-effective technique to resolve the mildew problem.


Scope of Mold Damage

The expert determines the extent of mold growth, mold damage, the sources, the appropriate remediation process, and safety protocols required for a successful mold removal.

Decontamination and Containment of Mold Damage

The restoration company professional closes off the area and monitors it regularly to avoid cross contamination of the fungus to other rooms of the home. Experts estimate a replication of the spores from 10-100 times during the remediation process.

The Mold Removal Process

Once the containment area is set up and the necessary negative pressure level achieved, the removal process begins. All damaged surfaces like the drywall, carpet, or other porous materials are removed and disposed of. Semi-porous and non-porous materials can be cleaned up and disinfected. Mold growth behind wall and surfaces that have dry rot or black mold are sealed with plastic sheathing before removal to avoid cross contamination.

Deodorization

Black mold contamination creates a smelly odor. Commercial mold damage removal professionals use carbon filters to assist in deodorization during the remediation process. They may also use specialized cleaning solutions and air cleaners in the deodorization procedure to ensure there is no reoccurrence of smelly odor in the future.

Cleaning and Vacuuming

Unlike DIY removal and mitigation projects that advocate for the use of bleach for black mold removal, commercial mold damage techniques involve the use of anti-microbial treatments on hard areas and HEPA vacuuming on porous materials. The restoration company experts then perform deodorization and air purification to rid of mold spores and mycotoxins, using accredited DOP tested HEPA air cleaning equipment. No traces of black mold can be found after such procedures.

Post Mold Remediation Process

A mold restoration company conducts a post remediation check to ensure there is no mold in home and recommend appropriate mold mitigation procedures. The environment has natural fungus that may invade a residential property and cause mold growth. A clearance investigation involves a visual inspection using specialized equipment, full range surface sampling, and air quality checks.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeastchattanooga.com for more information on mold.

Mold Remediation for Your Ooltewah Property

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation and Cleanup in Ooltewah Gets Done by SERVPRO

Rely on SERVPRO to Secure Mold Infested Homes and Businesses

Many American citizens encounter mold on a daily basis. Have you ever noticed several black spots on a window sill? What about green spots on a piece of bread? You probably have, but these are only innocuous instances of the growth of mold. However, what happens when the growth of mold invades your house and the resulting mold damage threatens the safety of the structure? A house infested by mold growth may become uninhabitable.

Mold damage in Ooltewah, even when it does not lead to health effects, can bring heavy losses in property damage. The proliferation of mold in a structure should be remediated at all costs. This mold process starts with the physical removal of visible patches.

Removing Mold in Your House
Mold and mildew are forms of fungi that occur naturally in the environment growing from tiny particles called spores. These spores can get into our houses in the air, and once inside, all that is needed is a little moisture to trigger growth. Mold removal and remediation can be an intricate process, depending on where on your house the fungus has grown. From identifying the mold growth to deodorization to remove the musty odor, the entire process can be complicated. The general mold removal process involves the following:

Locating the mold/mildew. Before you start the mold removal process — commercial or residential — the first step is to locate other growth of fungi to make sure that the remediation is done once and MOST of the molds are vanquished. Total elimination of mold and spores from a structure is not possible. Mold can grow on various surfaces including carpet, drywall backing, insulation, cellulose building elements like studs and rafters.

Assemble necessary supplies for mitigation and prepare the work area. Some people use bleach for mold remediation but typically fail since this is not a wise application of this disinfectant. Hire a professionally competent company like SERVPRO that has specially trained applied microbial remediation technicians.
Commercial mold damage in some porous material is impossible to remove; the option to non-salvageable building elements is to discard them. Protocols using plastic garbage bags to prevent the spreading of fungi particles and spores is the preferred method of disposal.

Mold remediation is not a task to be undertaken by the non-professional as suggested by the EPA for affected areas approaching ten square feet. That is a three by three-foot area, pretty small.

Mold growth in residential and commercial settings is very common. For application of antimicrobial and antifungal agents, call in the experts, SERVPRO of East Chattanooga at (423) 326-1406.

Get Mold Damage in Your Chattanooga Area Home Under Control Today

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Our technicians use equipment that quickly gives them an accurate picture of the extent of the mold infestation so they can rapidly remediate.

SERVPRO's Quick Response can Immediately Contain a Mold Infestation

There is an extreme overabundance of information concerning mold available online these days. You may notice terms such as Mold Removal, Mold Testing or Analysis, while others attempt to scare you with terms like Black Mold. A lot of this information leads you in the wrong direction.
 
If you experience mold damage in your Chattanooga area home, you should seek professional assistance. A quality mold remediation company provides you with the services you need to help get things under control quickly and efficiently, without offering services you simply do not need.
 
Avoid getting caught up with a company that makes you wait for 24 to 72-hours for test results from a lab before proceeding with their services. Waiting gives mold a chance to spread even further, causing more damage, and leads to additional costs.
 
Purchasing a home test kit, waiting for results, or going with a company that tries to tell you that they can totally eliminate or remove the problem from your home can lead to even more problems than what you have now. Any company that claims their services can totally eliminate mold issues in your home is simply lying to you.
 
Mold is a natural part of our ecosystem, consisting of microbes that play a major role in recycling decaying organic materials within our environment. These fungi exist everywhere, within the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, the water that we drink.  
 
There is no way for us to eliminate them from our environment, although it is possible for us to control the amount of exposure we experience within our indoor living environments. SERVPRO’s mold remediation services help us accomplish this goal.
 
Regardless of how much mold or the type of mold present in your home, professional remediation services, like those offered by SERVPRO are your best bet for getting the help you need. We provide you with technicians that have several years experience and help get things under control fast, while also helping you prevent future contamination.  
 
SERVPRO technicians use physical removal methods to mitigate mold damage found on your property, locating the water source causing the issue and removing excessive moisture quickly. Our technicians are available 24-7 through our emergency response system, giving you the help you need immediately.
 
Call SERVPRO of East Chattanooga today to obtain the services you need to get mold damage in your home under control quickly and efficiently, with limited interruptions to your normal routine. (423) 326-1406

Help! There's Mold in My Home

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Help! There's Mold in My Home

Someone living in Bradley County, TN may find it quite difficult to avoid mold or mildew because the weather in the area is so unpredictable. There is no way for the family to anticipate when a fungus or other microbial growth will form in the home, and they need remediation services as soon as possible. This article explains how someone may have a mold cleanup crew come to their home at any time, and they may address problems in their Cleveland, Tennessee home.

#1: How Does It Grow?

Mildew, fungus and microbial growths will build in the home because of the weather and factors inside the house. Standing water is very good at creating a new growth, and the growth will continue to build until it has taken over the house. The water must be cleaned up, and the homeowner must ensure they have the environmental hygienist tell them what the status of their house is. An inspection will lead to a free estimate, and the estimate will help the homeowner understand what must be repaired.

#2: How Does Remediation Work?

The mold cleanup service moves quickly once the company starts, and they will work on multiple parts of the house until they believe it has been cleaned properly. The process will scrub every wall, check under every floorboard and ensure that every part of the house has been inspected. They will make note of all the problems they have found in the house, and they will show the results to their client before any work is approved.

#3: How Does The Environmental Hygienist Respond To Emergencies?

There are quite a few emergencies that may occur when a growth is found in the home that may seem menacing. The mold will grow until it has been remedied, and it may be toxic to the family. The hygienist will use specialty hazmat suits to check the house, and they will have an assessment of the situation completed for their client. The emergency care may be done right away, and the crew will move much faster than normal to ensure the client is given the best care possible.

#4: How Long Do Standard Services Last?

Standard services from the company in Bradley County TN or Cleveland, Tennessee will last for several hours while the work is completed and checked by a foreman. The person on the site who ensures all the work has been done properly. The work in the house has been checked numerous times before the company leaves, and they will offer certification the work has been completed.

#5: The Company Offers Fair Prices

Anyone who does work on the home must do so at a fair price, and they will find it quite simple to offer a free estimate that shows how much it will cost to do everything that must be done. The work that is done on the home must be managed in a way that is easy for the homeowner to understand, and they must feel as though they have been given a way to ensure their safety in the future.

#6: Tips For The Future

There are many small things the homeowner may do when they are trying to keep their home clean. The house will be much cleaner when the homeowners knows how to check for mold, and they may take steps to help the house stay dry. They wish to install a dehumidifier that will help suck moisture out of the house, and they will find it simple to close in the house to keep more moisture out. Moisture that sits in the house or seeps in will cause many problems for the family, and the family will find it difficult to clean the growths alone. Everyone who sees something untoward in their house must have it removed before it becomes a much larger problem.

The house is quite difficult to keep clean when it has not been visited by a professional who works in mitigation. They will bring all the equipment that is needed to clean everything, and they will show their customers a number of ways that they may care for their home. The house will remain clean and dry because of work that was done by the mitigation company, and they will come out to the house with a fair pricing plan for each customer. Everyone who has been hit by this problem will smell it in the air, and they need to know that they have chosen wisely once the crew arrives. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/ for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Mold Damage can Affect Your Chattanooga Home in Hidden Areas

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Remediation is an excellent way to protect your home from increased mold damage.

Mold May be Hiding in Your Chattanooga House 

There are several different areas in your home that are inaccessible to you and others without dismantling part of your home's structure. Being inaccessible to you, strong air currents, and sunlight work together to make these great places for mold to grow in. Incredibly tiny, mold spores can still enter these enclosed areas by being carried around on air currents in your home. These concealed places can become infested very quickly once mold has started to grow within them.

When your home in Chattanooga has mold damage in one of these hidden places, you might still get a whiff of mold's distinctive smell occasionally. Some molds never produce a scent at all, so a lack of one does not necessarily mean your home does not have a mold problem. As much as you search your home for signs of mold, if it has grown inside one of these areas, you may never find it.

SERVPRO technicians can help locate mold in hidden and inaccessible areas in your home. Trained according to IICRC standards, we are also experienced with the equipment needed to track down higher-than-normal levels of moisture in your home. Common areas where mold can hide are under vanities, toilets, tubs, and shower stalls, inside walls behind or below plumbing lines, and in the floor near exterior doors and windows.

Using hygrometers to detect increased levels of moisture and humidity in the air, we can locate areas that are more prone to allow mold to grow. Moisture meters can show us exactly which hard surfaces in those areas contain elevated amounts of moisture. Borescopes are used to view the interiors of spaces which could not be seen otherwise.

While mold in these hidden locations may seem out of the way and only a nuisance, mold can travel to other sites in your home on those same air currents when new mold spores are released into the air. Remediation is an excellent way to protect your home from increased mold damage. Having excess mold removed from hidden locations can also protect your family from the many possible health effects mold might cause.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

To find hidden mold and protect your family and home, call us, SERVPRO of East Chattanooga. We are always ready to take your call at (423) 326-1406. 

Mold Damage in Ooltewah Develops from Three Factors

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in Ooltewah from Moisture Ruining Wallpaper

Understanding How Mold Grows Helps Grapple with these Fungi

Many homeowners and renters are embarrassed to ask for help when it comes to a mold problem. They mistakenly believe that mold happens because they have kept a dirty house. This is completely untrue. Mold is present in every structure, and most cases are inert and harmless.

SERVPRO knows that mold damage has nothing to do with ground-in-dirt or a sink full of dishes that sits for a day or two. It happens in an Ooltewah home (or anywhere else for that matter) when three factors match up: Moisture, temperature, and food source.
Excess moisture can be a leak from a kitchen sink that pools in the back of a cabinet or it can be high humidity after several days of rain in a room that was closed off from the rest of the house. In both cases, the additional moisture allows dormant mold spores to expand. These expansion structures, called hyphae, grow across surfaces and even grow into material that could serve as a food source. An example is the hyphae growing on the cardboard backing of a sheet of drywall. It can penetrate the gypsum center and continue to grow on the opposite surface.

The temperature range where most molds grow is between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Although some species can grow at freezing point or as high as 122 degrees, they are not common in the United States.

Mold feeds on organic materials and homes are rich in them. The paper in drywall is exceptionally vulnerable to mold, but the wood in framing, walls, and floors is also at risk. The wool, cotton, and rayon in carpets, curtains, and drapes are also a buffet if wet spores settle on their surfaces. In some of the previous cases, the spores will feed up debris (yes, dirt) on a surface like rayon that is essentially non-organic.

The quickest way to break up mold growth is to reduce the moisture levels. If there are pools of water, our technicians remove them using a series of pumps and vacuums out of our equipment inventory. Water that is trapped in carpets and floors is removed using extraction tools that draw it out but do not damage the fibers and backing. In areas where the humidity level is too high (over 12 percent), technicians deploy dehumidifiers and exhaust fans to draw it back down to a normal level. Air scrubbers are set, and containment areas established, when the danger of mold spore circulation is a possibility.

SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is ready to use this equipment and more to stop mold growth and then remove it from your home. Since every franchise is locally owned, this is not just another task to accomplish; it is helping our neighbors return to a normal life "Like it never even happened."  Call us at (423) 326-1406 today if you need our assistance.

Mold Damage Occurs in Collegedale

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERPRO Safely Remediates Mold Problems in Your Collegedale Home

Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Remediation for Your Home

One of the hidden results of flooding in a home is mold. Although the floors and carpets may be dry or even replaced, there is still the possibility that mold may have found an area where a few spores were able to expand and grow.

Your home here in Collegedale may have developed mold damage in these hidden or out of the way areas such as basements, laundry rooms and behind walls. These areas may not have been dried out properly after a flood, or the mold could have developed when a leak from the roof or is simply not caught due to it being in an attic or a leaky pipe has created the perfect environment behind a laundry room wall. SERVPRO has the experience, training, and equipment to handle all of these possibilities.

If you have no obvious problem now but are still worried about a previous incident (especially if you detect a musty odor), call us to perform an inspection. Our SERVPRO inspectors will use state of the industry testing equipment to determine if you have a growing mold colony or if there is an area that might just need to be properly dried.

When it is only drying that is required, our restoration team will place fans and dehumidifiers in the affected areas to return the moisture content of the surrounding air to standard. If needed, technicians will drill holes through trim or drywall to help air flow and speed up the process. Lowering the moisture content will prevent mold from growing and also stop mold growth that is already present.

If mold growth is discovered, technicians will determine how far it has developed and then isolate the affected area. They will then use the anti-fungal cleaners in our chemical inventory to destroy the spores. The next step they'll take is to use anti-microbial disinfectants to remove pathogens that may be present. If the mold is behind a wall, the restoration team will use the same techniques for drying to deploy anti-fungal foggers to destroy the spores.

In case the growth is discovered in your home's HVAC system, the team will seal it off and then scrub the ductwork using anti-fungal foggers to destroy every possible spore that we can. Specialized fans will be placed at the vents to remove all loose spores and dispose of it outside.  Air scrubbers and HEPA filtered vacuums are part of our arsenal to combat mold proliferation. The team will also replace all air filters and clean every vent cover thoroughly.

If you believe that you may have a mold problem, call us today at (423) 326-1406. SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is here to help get you back into your home.

Mold Damage Prevention In Ooltewah

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Preventative Measures Mitigate Mold Growth in Ooltewah

SERVPRO Suggests Preventions Keep Mold Damage in Check

Mold exists naturally, in our air, the surrounding atmosphere and practically anywhere else that you can imagine. The problem isn't that mold spores exist; it's that if left unmitigated, allergenic molds develop that may cause health effects that strike our young and elderly family members the most.
 
There are professionals at your disposal in Ooltewah who specialize in mold damage remediation and restoration to your property. We want to assist you with the issues that are plaguing your home, call our professionally trained staff today.
 
SERVPRO staff can answer your questions regarding suspicious black spots, stains, rotted wood or drywall and even have the answers to assist with water leaks or subsequent damage caused by a flood. We want to educate you about the actual effects of the existence of mold in your home.
 
Technicians at SERVPRO highly recommend maintaining low humidity levels in every area of your home. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers offer assistance in achieving a consistent healthy 30% to 50% humidity. You would also benefit from improving the ventilation of your crawl spaces and storage areas. Reduce the risks of accumulating condensation on windows, pipes, and exterior walls by installing the proper insulation.
 
SERVPRO staff also suggest doing regular visual checks throughout your home where you may find leaky pipes and other areas that may be prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and even basements. You can prevent moisture and excess water from entering your basement and crawl spaces by performing low-cost maintenance tasks to repair holes and cracks in your walls or foundation while using exterior landscaping techniques to direct water away from your home.
 
Keep your gutters and drain pipes free of clutter so that they don't get clogged causing water to overflow into areas that are unprotected. You would also benefit from replacing old worn out plastic hoses with higher-quality steel hose options that will last longer and perform better.
 
When the first signs of mold issues present themselves, make a call to expertly trained professionals that can assist you. SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is ready to provide you with the assistance that you need, call now. (423) 326-1406

Contact A Professional Restoration Company About Mold Damage

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Although steps can be taken to prevent mold in the first place, sometimes mold still grows.

Mold Damage And Remediation

Talk about mold has risen over the last few years, with many homeowners being fearful of this sometimes toxic problem. Although steps can be taken to prevent mold in the first place, sometimes mold still grows. Many times it is due to a catastrophic event like outside flooding coming into your home or an appliance malfunctioning.

Assessing mold damage in Ooltewah involves more work than just finding what is visibly growing on your walls or in a corner. Mold can be invisible as well, growing behind walls or around what you can’t see. That is why you need professionals such as SERVPRO who have the equipment and experience to find this hidden mold. You also need to realize first that mold is a moisture or water problem.

Before remediation begins, you should take pictures and document all of the damage for insurance purposes. If you call us at SERVPRO, we will come over to your home and assess the damage first and then go over a plan of remediation with you, and make sure that you understand everything before we begin any work. The amount of contamination will be calculated as well so that the approach to removal can be determined. There are guidelines for cleaning up mold contamination safety and thoroughly that our trained technicians will follow. Cleaning the contamination will always include cleaning up any existing mold while avoiding exposure to the homeowners and the professionals doing the job. It will also include preventing any new growth by addressing the original source of the moisture.

Once the mold has been removed, it will then be time to determine whether the cleanup efforts were successful. Some guidelines that can be followed will include making sure the moisture problem is fixed. This will include checking the home shortly after remediation to make sure there are no more signs of recurring water damage. Your home should also be checked for no signs of visible mold or mold damaged materials, or even moldy odors.

An immediate remediation plan is essential when you have mold, as it can spread and grow quickly, and could cause adverse health effects to you and your family. If you see any mold or suspect you have a mold problem in your home, contact us right away at SERVPRO of East Chattanooga. We will quickly work with you to come up with a plan of remediation when you contact us at (423) 326-1406.

Why Did I Get Mold Damage In my Home?

7/26/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Harrison Gets Professional Help from SERVPRO

In Your Property, SERVPRO Remediates Mold Damage

Homes of all shapes, sizes, and locations share some common enemies, one of the chief ones being mold infestation. Mold spores are naturally occurring almost everywhere on Earth, but given the right conditions for growth, can multiply exponentially and cause major problems for your home. Some types of mold may even cause health effects. Here are some of the conditions and causes for a mold infestation in your home.
 
Damp or Wet Fabric and Wood
Mold damage in Harrison typically needs two things to get pressing: wet conditions and an organic food source. Both of these are often found in homes, where outside water can seep in, or a leak can cause wooden floors, walls, and structural elements to soak up water. Additionally, fabrics such as carpets, drapes, and shower curtains are also commonly affected. An important step we take in halting any mold colony's growth and preventing future ones from forming is dehumidification, whereby we take almost all the moisture out of a room and its air. We reduce the RH, relative humidity.
 
Dark, Warm Areas
Some types of mold can only grow in dark areas, and preferably in warm places. Unfortunately, residences also commonly provide this environment, and many mold colonies end up growing behind walls or in attics and basements. These are some of the first places we check for moisture and mold when responding to any call to a home, via moisture sensors, hygrometers, and infrared devices.
 
Spoiled and Forgotten Food
Spoiled food almost always grows mold at some point; most people know that. However, if not disposed of, this food can be a catalyst for future growth elsewhere in the home. Once matured, mold colonies release large amounts of spores which travel across a home through the air, and these may take up residence in another room or the ducts. This is one reason why we offer mold remediation rather than removal: it is impossible to rid a home of mold spores entirely, due to there being so many and their tiny size. Once again, they are naturally occurring, and so will be found in your home regardless.
 
Expert in mold remediation and cleanup, SERVPRO of East Chattanooga is a tried and true solution to any mold problem, large or small. With proper accreditation, certification, and training for all of our crew members, we feel confident we can tackle your residential mold problem. Call us today at (423) 326-1406 for 24/7 emergency service.

Mold Damage and Why

6/26/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Excess Moisture Can Cause Mold Damage in Your Decatur Bathroom.

SERVPRO Can Remediate Your Mold Infestation

Mold damage is something that many business and homeowners fear, but don’t necessarily know a lot about. There are some things about mold that you should learn when you own property so that you can try and prevent it, or know how to deal with it if it does occur. 

Mold can cause adverse health effects.
The best way to control mold inside your Decatur structure is to control the moisture level, as there is no practical way to eliminate all mold totally.
If mold is a problem in your school or home, it needs to be cleaned up quickly, and the moisture source has to be eliminated.
If you have a leak or a water problem, this needs to be fixed to stop mold growth.
Lower the indoor humidity to around thirty to sixty percent to lessen the chance of mold growth by venting dryers, bathrooms and other sources that generate moisture to the outside; use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, increase ventilation and use exhaust fans whenever you cook, clean or wash dishes.
Add insulation to prevent condensation on cold surfaces such as piping, windows, the roof, exterior walls, and floors.
Wherever there is persistent moisture, do not install carpeting, such as by classroom sinks, drinking fountains or concrete floors with frequent condensation or leaks.
Allow professionals such as our team at SERVPRO to clean and remediate any mold when you do have a problem, as we will have the proper personal protection equipment (PPE), cleaners and machines to find the fungi and get rid of it for you.

How Does Mold Grow?
Mold needs specific elements to grow, develop and thrive like any other living organism. The components include of course moisture, mold spores and the right temperatures and carbon atoms (organic food supply) that are used by these fungi to feed on. When everything is plentiful in a certain location, it makes just the right environment for the growth of mold.

To further avoid the proliferation of mold in your structure, consider these elements:
Mold Spores
These are invisible to the naked eye. They have the ability to attach themselves to just about any solid object and are carried through the air. They especially thrive on damp surfaces or porous items.
Temperatures
Mold doesn’t like one particular climate. Instead, it prefers temperatures that are similar to the human body, and can grow in both cold and hot areas. Moist and humid areas, however, are the most prone to the growth of mold.
Moisture
Mold will seek moisture out of any kind whether it is from leaky pipes or climate conditions. Also, areas which trap condensation or water vapor are ideal for mold growth.
Feeding Agent
Most living things release carbon atoms. If the first three requirements are met, then mold will use just about any organism that contains carbon as a source of food.

If you suspect that you have mold growth, contact us right away at SERVPRO of East Chattanooga by calling (423) 326-1406 any time of day or night, any day of the year. We will come and inspect your property so that we can work out a plan of mold remediation for you.

Chattanooga Mold Remediation and Restoration Terms

3/12/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation By SERVPRO Mitigates Damage and Boosts Safety

SERVPRO Explains Terms of Mold, Fire, and Water Damage to a Chattanooga Property

When it comes to Chattanooga mold remediation, you are likely to hear many terms that you find unfamiliar. To make a stressful experience much easier to handle here is a look at the most common restoration terms you need to know. Directly below, you’ll find terms related to the insurance process in general, and mold remediation provided by SERVPRO.

Air mover: Used to combat water damage, this is an industrial strength fan that dries out wet items that can be salvaged (saved).

Antimicrobial agents: Cleaning products that are applied to items to remove any microorganisms and keep them from coming back.

Containment area: A term used during mold removal projects to identify a spot that contains mold spores and mold colonies. It is often blocked off by a plastic, poly barrier.

Dehumidifier: A machine that pulls water vapor from the air to return moisture levels inside the home to acceptable conditions,

Demolition: Process that involves removing and safely discarding all wet carpet, drywall, building materials, and installations.

Drying: Refers to a period (usually 48-72 hours) during when air movers and humidifiers are placed within the structure to remove any moisture from structural materials and the air after actual water removal.

Extraction: Refers to the first step of water damage restoration during which excess water is removed using pumping equipment.

Hygroscopic: A material that can absorb and retain air vapor or moisture from the air.

Moisture Meter: A tool that detects moisture trapped in materials or walls and helps identify the water intrusion source.

Mold testing: A process that uses air and surface samples to determine the amount and species of mold found in structures. This is not necessary when an apparent mold damage site is visible.

Mycotoxin: Most often referred to as mold, this is a toxic secondary metabolite that is produced by organisms in the fungi kingdom.

Psychrometry: A term used to denote the measure of relative humidity (RH) content in the air; evaluated using a psychrometer.

Thermal imaging camera: A tool used to identify points of water by detecting changes in temperature.
 
Common Insurance Terms Used During the Restoration Process 
Agent: The insurance company representative who clarifies the policy and works with contractors throughout the restoration process.
Adjuster: The person who advocates for the policyholder (most likely, you) while appraising and negotiating an insurance claim.
Claim: What is filed when the policyholder is attempting to recoup money from the insurance company for damages and repairs.
Inspector: Individual responsible for determining how severe the situation is and offering suggestions regarding what should and should not be done; this person does not work for the individuals making the repairs.

SERVPRO can assist with the claim as we are ranked at the top of the water, fire, and mold remediation services by most insurance companies. If your Chattanooga property sustains mold damage, call us for quick remediation. Our IICRC trained technicians can restore your home to a safe environment for you and your family to enjoy. "Like it never even happened."

We’re Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

SERVPRO of East Chattanooga has a team of trained mold damage specialists who get started quickly to get your home or business back to normal, with specific training and certifications to handle your restoration needs. Whether in Chattanooga, Ooltewah, or Collegedale, we respond 24/7 to your needs. (423) 326-1406