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.