Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
Keeping Your Commercial Property Dry and Free of Damage | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan
3/9/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan can help you get dried out quickly.
Water damage is always a threat to your business. Whether you own a small family-owned storefront or run a large warehouse, water damage can make your entire business grind to a halt.
In addition to the frustration that damage can cause, it can also be costly to recover from if the damage is widespread. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is here to help!
Common Locations For Water IssuesYou never want to close your business if you don’t have to for any reason. The lost revenue, wages and expensive repair bill can be detrimental to everyone involved.
One of the best ways to stop a problem before it becomes a large issue is to regularly check these locations throughout your building. Oftentimes, water issues will give off signs of a problem, giving you the time you need to respond quickly:
1. The roof. Your roof is an invaluable part of your business! It offers your business and employees protection from the elements every day. It is important to get on your roof and look for damage on occasion, and especially after a heavy rainstorm, snowstorm or any sort of severe weather. Cracked shingles or a fallen tree can lead to water getting into your attic or top level, which can leak down your walls.
2. Bathrooms. Our sinks and toilets use water constantly, so it should be no surprise that water troubles commonly start in the bathroom. Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to unnecessary water loss and widespread damage. Check the pipes around your fixtures and make sure your caulk lines aren’t old or deteriorating.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. We rely on our large appliances like our boilers and HVAC systems to get us through every day. That is why it is so important to prioritize caring for these systems! A clogged drain, loose pipe connection or a faulty appliance can all lead to a water disaster. Your maintenance team should be performing regular maintenance and cleaning in your utility room often, and any mysterious puddles or drop in water pressure should be investigated right away.
What to Do to Prevent Water DamageThe best offense is a good defense when it comes to water damage! Other than natural disasters, most water damage can be prevented with simple steps and dedication to routine maintenance.
Start by creating a plan for how you will address any routine cleaning and inspections of your building. This can ensure your commercial property runs smoothly every day!
It is also important that you have a plan in place that outlines how to handle an emergency situation. Our team at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan can help you come up with the best comprehensive plan that fits your building’s needs.
Now that your plans are made and you are ready to tackle anything that comes your way, just keep up with your routine inspections! It is also a good idea to make sure all management staff know how to shut off your water valves in an emergency. If you do suffer water damage, just remember that SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan can be there fast and we will help you fully recover in no time.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
6 Helpful Tips to Prevent Mold from Forming in Your Home
4/8/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan provides top-quality mold remediation services. Call us for a quote today!
Your home is your refuge & mold can throw a monkey wrench into the peace and relaxation your home brings.
Mold can grow and thrive in places where you least expect it. Some signs of mold are visible, but others are not. Not only is it an eyesore, but also a health hazard. As a result, it's crucial to prevent mold from your home at all costs.
In this article, we list down easy ways to prevent the formation of mold in your home. Read on below to get started.
#1 - Identify Mold Hotspots
It's difficult to prevent mold from your home if you don't know where it's coming from. Before you start taking proactive measures to prevent mold, you need to know where it hides out.
Here are some areas in your home where mold can thrive:
Behind your walls
Behind your dishwasher
Under the sink
The corners of your bathroom
Pots and pans in low cabinets
Ceilings
Basements
If you want to prevent mold from your home, you should regularly check these spots.
#2 - Dry Any Wet Area in Your Home
Even if you're not seeing any signs of mold in your home, you should always keep it dry. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold. For this reason, you should regularly dry up wet areas in your home.
The best way to dry up wet areas is by using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will absorb excess moisture in the air. In addition, this device also cleans the air in your home and purifies it.
#3 - Ensure Your Home Has Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation ensures that the air in your home is well-circulated. It helps to promote the flow of fresh air. This is important because mold thrives in stagnant areas.
Make sure you don't put anything blocking the airflow of your vents. If you want to prevent mold from your home, you should also ensure that your doors and windows are open at least once a week. Additionally, you should also replace your furnace filters regularly. This will help your furnace and air conditioner to circulate air in your home.
#4 - Install Mold-Resistant Products
Your home has a lot of products that are prone to mold. To prevent mold from your home, you should buy products made of mold-resistant material. For example, you can replace your shower curtain after a month of use. Additionally, you should replace these products regularly to ensure that they‘re in good condition.
#5 - Clean or Repair Your Roof Gutters
If your roof gutters are leaking, water will collect in them. Water accumulation in your gutters can then become a breeding ground for mold.
The best way to prevent mold from your gutters is by using a gutter guard. This tool will prevent water from building up in your gutter. It also ensures a proper flow of water in your gutter.
#6 - Keep Your Carpets Clean
Carpets are one of the most common sources of mold in the home. To prevent mold from your carpets, you should regularly clean and vacuum them at least once a week. After vacuuming, you should use a carpet shampooer to clean your carpets.
Conclusion
Mold is a natural phenomenon. However, it can cause so many health problems. Many people don't realize that it's essential to prevent mold from your home until they experience it. With the tips above, you can prevent mold growth in your home.
What's The Difference Between Mold and Mildew
5/29/2021 (Permalink)
Mold damage may be a significant concern for many homeowners, but that concern can lead to paranoia and assumptions. Not every fungus is mold, and not every fungal problem requires professional remediation. Mildew is a common occurrence in homes, and it does share a similar appearance and development cycle to mold. However, it is not as difficult to eliminate, and it doesn’t require the efforts of mold remediation professionals. Therefore, to reduce the risk of calling in an expert for something that can be handled by a DIYer and a readily available chemical cleaner, it is beneficial to know the differences between mold and mildew.
1. Penetration and Spread
Mildew growth may be described as a surface issue because the fungus does not tend to penetrate deep into the surface. Additionally, this fungus is often isolated, meaning that it does not spread easily. Mold, however, penetrates deep into surfaces and by the time it is visible, it has likely colonized in other hidden areas. Also, mold spores spread easily and quickly, meaning that a home may have a colony in two separate areas.
2. Color and Texture
Mold damage is often fluffy and thick in an array of colors, such as black, green or yellow. Mildew is likely flat with a powdery or chalky appearance, and it usually shows up in either grays or whites.
3. Testing and Remediation
While mildew can be handled on your own, if you suspect you have a mold growth problem, then contact a mold remediation specialist in Your area as soon as possible. These professionals will come out and test your property to assess the damage and plan for removal.
Mildew and Mold damage may appear to be similar, but while they are both a fungal issue, they are significantly different in aggression, color and texture. A remediation specialist is likely your best option when it comes to mold assessment and removal.
Hidden Mold?
5/19/2021 (Permalink)
Mold can begin to form in your house if there is a leaky pipe, window condensation or recent flooding. These conditions along with a humidity level between 30% - 50% makes for the prefect atmosphere for mold to grow.
Some people have mold and they aren’t even aware. This person had a previous water damage that they didn’t know about and when Hurricane Irma hit and the water came into their home SERVPRO of East Louisville was there to help them repair the damage. As They were pulling up the hardwood floor, we found Black Mold under the subfloor.
The odor was so bad that other apartment owners were coming into the hallway to ask them what the smell was. SERVPRO was able to remove the affected floor, dry and treat the floor to prevent mold from continuing to grow, as well as remove the terrible odor. This is something that we all need to keep in mind because you never know what is growing in your home.
We are bringing Duct Cleaning to their attention because mold can, and does, grow in your air ducts. As winter approaches and you turn on your furnace, this makes a breeding ground for mold which can cause numerous health effects.
If you want to ensure a healthy home this Summer season, reach out to SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan at (307) 288-1559 about scheduling a Duct Cleaning for your home.
The Different Types of Mold That We Classify
5/13/2021 (Permalink)
Mold is never any fun.
There are three different types of mold that can be found in homes. They are broken down into different classes based on their level of health effects.
- Hazard Class A - Molds classified as Class A, such as Aspergillus, can be the most hazardous types. It is critical to remove this classification of mold from the home immediately in order to eliminate the dangers.
- Hazard Class B - This classification (which includes Penicillium) is less hazardous than Class A mold. This group can cause allergic reactions, especially with prolonged exposure.
- Hazard Class C - The types of mold in this group (such as Chaetomium) are not known for causing health effects but it can cause structural damage if left untouched.
If mold is present in the home, then it is important to have it removed as soon as possible to eliminate possible risks and further damage. The professionals at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan will be able to efficiently remove the mold infestation from the property. Give us a call @ 307-288-1559 !
How Do You Know If You Have Mold?
5/4/2021 (Permalink)
Mold can quickly grow with only a slight rise in humidity. Many homeowners find themselves struggling to combat the smells and odors mold produces on an ongoing basis. This will never win the battle against mold. The spores can remain dormant for extended periods of time; mold is a tough enemy to conquer.
Another reason mold is so difficult to eliminate is because the spores are so tiny, they can become airborne, and then settle almost anywhere. They are carried by air currents, insects, and even on your pet's fur. In Wyoming, mold damage can take place in any home or office. The effects can range from discoloration of walls and ceilings, ruining of books and papers, (including important documents, items printed on low-acid paper, and photographs), and causing carpets and other textiles to smell musty.
Understanding Mold is the First Step in Eliminating It
Mold is not a virus or bacteria, but it is still a pathogen that can cause adverse health effects. This is because it can be breathed in, encounter your skin through different ways, such as wearing clothing that contains mold, or from sitting on upholstered furniture that is saturated with mold. Mold is not only what you can see visibly, but also the spores that are released into the air. This is what can cause the musty odor many people associate with mold growth.
If any spores are left behind after cleaning, it is only a matter of time before it will begin to grow and spread through your home or business again. Not only must any excess humidity be removed, and things aired out, all possible areas that may contain spores need to be professionally cleaned. SERVPRO professionals are technicians and specialized cleaning crews who have had extensive training in the clean-up and elimination of mold and its spores. Having IICRC training and certification prepares us for heavy mold infestations that can ruin many of your belongings.
SERVPRO is Here to Help
5/4/2021 (Permalink)
Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
So what is the difference between mold removal and remediation
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
Mold spore that are microscopic by character exist everywhere in the world. Removing all mold spores from in a business or home is impossible. Restoration companies that specialize in the science behind mold and mold growth. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to average, natural levels. Every mold event is different and needs a specialized solution
To understand how to get rid of mold we must understand what can cause mold spores to spread to alarming rates. When moisture forms it creates the perfect environment to rapidly reproduce mold spores. While some mold may smell musty and strong scent, it can also be a faint smell. Keeping your indoor humidity below 45% can help reduce the chance of mold growth.
Once SERVPRO is contacted we will come and asses the damage and setup our various containment prevention practices. Then we can begin filtering through the air with our HEPA vacuums and “Air Scrubbers,” so we are able to prevent the spread of more mold spores spreading. Depending on the level of mold damage items may need to be removed or thrown away or damaged building materials such as, drywall, subflooring, or carpet.
Different Types of Mold
2/25/2021 (Permalink)
There are three different classes of mold. Mold found in homes can be broken down into different classes based on their level of health effects.
- Hazard Class A - Molds classified as Class A are the most hazardous types. These molds can directly affect health. It is critical to remove this classification of mold from the home immediately in order to eliminate the dangers.
- Hazard Class B - This classification is less hazardous than Class A molds, but can still affect people's health. This group can cause health effects.
- Hazard Class C - The types of mold in this group are not known for causing health effects but it can cause structural damage if left untouched.
If mold is present in the home then it is important to have it removed as soon as possible to eliminate possible health effects and further damages. The professionals at SERVPRO of Rapid City will be able to efficiently remove the mold infestation from the property. Give us a call @ 307-228-1559!
SEVRPRO of Gillette, Sheridan: mold myths
1/6/2021 (Permalink)
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, 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 Gillette, Sheridan is alerting consumers about the most common myths that its network of trained professionals encounters when facing water or mold damage.
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.
The three 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 Gillette, Sheridan 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 SERVPROGilletteSheridan.com For immediate assistance and clean up.
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