Unexpected places to find mold

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is a very complicated organism. Most people think that mold is only present when areas are damp and dark. Under the sink or in the basement may seem like the only areas of risk. Although it is common in areas such as the basement and crawlspaces, it can also be lurking elsewhere, and always needs immediate attention.

Consider these tips to spot some of the other areas where mold may be lurking.

Common Areas for Mold Growth and Development

Mold occurs in areas that offer the sources of fuel it needs. This is typically areas where there is some moisture and warmth. Here are some areas where you may find it that should be examined on a routine basis.

• Windowsills – Be sure to look around the edges of the window and the glass itself. It commonly builds up in areas exposed to the outdoors but can be in the framing around the window, too.
• Refrigerator drip pans – There’s a small drip pan located under your refrigerator. Be sure to check for this. Pull it out and empty it routinely.
• Attics – It can be hard to pinpoint mold in the attic, but look for sources of moisture, such as a leak or an area where condensation is built up.
• Front-loading washing machines – This has become a common problem because the doors tend to remain closed, making it hard for these surfaces to dry out.
• Chimneys – Typically due to leaks, it is always a good idea to inspect your chimney for signs of mold damage.
• Air conditioners – Your air conditioner can be at risk both in the outdoor condensers and the indoor units.
• Carpets – Carpeting in damp areas can trap in moisture, making it hard for you to see it. However, this creates the ideal place for mold to grow.
• Under the sink – Look under each one of your sinks. Look for areas of discoloration on the cabinetry and the wall.

There are a few other surprising areas where mold can be lurking. Check inside your toothbrush holder. Look at your children’s toys and in their toy boxes (a stray juice cup is all it takes to make this happen!). Look at the bases of potted plants. And check your dishes, especially if you have not used them in a while.

Do You Have Mold? Let Our Team Clean It Up

Mold is highly dangerous, even if it looks easy enough to clean up. It’s best to allow a professional handle it in order to minimize the risk of it becoming airborne. If you find mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO® of Vigo County at 812-242-9611 for fast, reliable help.

Does your Vigo,Clay, Sullivan, Parke, or Vermillion County home have a mold problem?

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

In Vigo, Sullivan, Clay, Parke, and Vermillion counties mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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

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

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

CALL SERVPRO OF VIGO TODAY: 812-242-9611

Unexpected Places to Find Mold In Your Home

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is a very complicated organism. Most people think that mold is only present when areas are damp and dark. Under the sink or in the basement may seem like the only areas of risk. Although it is common in areas such as the basement and crawlspaces, it can also be lurking elsewhere, and always needs immediate attention.

Consider these tips to spot some of the other areas where mold may be lurking.

Common Areas for Mold Growth and Development

Mold occurs in areas that offer the sources of fuel it needs. This is typically areas where there is some moisture and warmth. Here are some areas where you may find it that should be examined on a routine basis.

• Window sills – Be sure to look around the edges of the window and the glass itself. It commonly builds up in areas exposed to the outdoors but can be in the framing around the window, too.
• Refrigerator drip pans – There’s a small drip pan located under your refrigerator. Be sure to check for this. Pull it out and empty it routinely.
• Attics – It can be hard to pinpoint mold in the attic, but look for sources of moisture, such as a leak or an area where condensation is built up.
• Front-loading washing machines – This has become a common problem because the doors tend to remain closed, making it hard for these surfaces to dry out.
• Chimneys – Typically due to leaks, it is always a good idea to inspect your chimney for signs of mold damage.
• Air conditioners – Your air conditioner can be at risk both in the outdoor condensers and the indoor units.
• Carpets – Carpeting in damp areas can trap in moisture, making it hard for you to see it. However, this creates the ideal place for mold to grow.
• Under the sink – Look under each one of your sinks. Look for areas of discoloration on the cabinetry and the wall.

There are a few other surprising areas where mold can be lurking. Check inside your toothbrush holder. Look at your children’s toys and in their toy boxes (a stray juice cup is all it takes to make this happen!). Look at the bases of potted plants. And, check your dishes, especially if you have not used them in a while.

Do You Have Mold? Let Our Team Clean It Up

Mold is highly dangerous, even if it looks easy enough to clean up. It’s best to allow a professional handle it in order to minimize the risk of it becoming airborne. If you find mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Vigo County at 812-242-9611 for fast, reliable help.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is on the horizon. It’s time to think about warm weather and outdoor fun, but also the increased risk of humidity and moisture build-up in your home. Excess indoor humidity can support mold growth and mildew spreading. It can also increase pest infestations and weaken your home’s structural integrity over time. Your goal should be to reduce and control humidity.

How to Tackle Humidity

When it comes to humidity, it’s ideal to keep the level between 30 and 50 percent. This provides enough to ensure personal comfort but doesn’t encourage mold growth. Humidity levels at this range can also benefit air quality and energy efficiency. Use these tips to help you control the amount of humidity present in your home.

1. Set your fan to automatic. Your HVAC system is ready to help you. By setting it to automatic, it turns on as soon as the temperatures rise out of the desired zone.
2. Add a dehumidifier to your home. A dehumidifier can be an affordable way to control particularly worrisome areas, such as basements, by pulling out excess moisture from the air.
3. Vent spaces properly. You should have an exhaust hood in the kitchen and vents in the bathrooms. This helps to pull out the moisture in those areas efficiently.
4. Pinpoint air leaks around your home. This is usually a problem around doors and windows, allowing air to enter and reducing efficiency.
5. Use houseplants in your home. They help to absorb extra moisture in the air. They can also help to improve overall air quality.
6. Place firewood outside of the home. This helps minimize any type of infestation and moisture buildup.
7. Cook with some focus on humidity. If you are boiling something, cover it to limit the amount of moisture that escapes into the area.
8. Improve circulation around the home by leaving doors open.
9. Keep wet clothing out of the home. If you have items like towels that are wet, be sure to wash them as soon as possible.

Let Us Help You Clean Away the Mold

When your home has been exposed to humidity for any given time, there’s the risk that mold and mildew are present. Allow our team at SERVPRO of Vigo County & Clay, Parke, Sullivan, & Vermillion Counties  to come to inspect and clean this away. Contact us today for a cleaning appointment.

Does Your Humidifier Cause Mold?

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

In many parts of the country, the cold winter months can remove moisture from the air, both outdoors and in our heated homes. This can lead to dry, and uncomfortably itchy skin as well as irritated nasal passages. Many homeowners find relief using a humidifier to add moisture back into their home air. But the use of portable humidifiers, which are prone to mold growth, always begs the question: are they helping or hurting your health?

One of the biggest concerns about indoor air quality in recent years, has linked mold, indoor humidity and chronic sinusitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, 96 percent of chronic sinusitis can be traced to a mold allergy. In previous years, it was thought humidity levels of 50 percent were ideal for sinus health, but that ratio has now been lowered to between 35 and 45 percent.

Another practice that is thankfully on the wane, is the practice of having cool-mist humidifiers in the rooms where children sleep. Increasing moisture to rooms of the very young carry the risk of generating high microbial and mold counts, which can cause several health issues, including asthma.

5 Humidifier Mistakes to Avoid

In an effort to relieve your dryness symptoms, you may cause greater health issues through the use of a humidifier. Here are some mistakes you want to avoid:

1. Ignoring the humidity level achieved
2. Allowing humidity to climb too high
3. Not cleaning the humidifier properly or frequently enough
4. Using tap water instead of recommended distilled, demineralized or purified water
5. Letting water stand too long before changing it and cleaning machine

Breeding Grounds

Humidifiers are essentially breeding grounds for bacterial and fungi. According to the EPA, microorganisms often grow in humidifiers that are equipped with tanks of standing water. When the water becomes contaminated, it then creates a toxic mist that gets sprayed around the room. Breathing in this dirty air can cause a number of health problems, including:

• Lung problems
• Lung infections
• Risk of asthma
• Sinusitis
• Allergies

The use of humidifiers is banned in hospitals because of the tendency to spread infections.

Mold Growth

It doesn’t take much for mold to begin growing. A home with humidity levels of 50 percent encourages mold growth. And humidifier use can quickly elevate moisture levels above that rate. Too much moisture in the air can set the perfect stage for fungus growth in your home’s carpets and walls.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We specialize in water damage and mold-damage restoration. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Why does mold grow on a water damage?

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold restoration in Vigo County

Mold will grow where there is water present. In this case it was from a leaking shower. The mold showed up and the homeowner was very worried.

A leaking shower caused this bathroom and bedroom to be completely restored. After finding out their shower was leaking behind the wall and there was visible growth the homeowner was devastated and did not think her home of 45 years could be restored.

Removing Mold and Restoring Homes

We removed all the moldy materials from the home and replaced the damaged parts with new materials.

At the end of the restoration the homeowner stated:"I am so glad I had SERVPRO of Vigo County come out and get things taken care of. They were all a very friendly bunch of hardworking guys."

Tips and Tricks for Preventing Mold Growth

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

If you’re looking to protect your business in Terre Haute, IN, one of the best things you can do is take preventative steps. Even before the building incurs any sort of water damage, there are various things you can do to keep mold out before it has a chance to wreak havoc on your building. Here are three main steps to take:

1. Repair and Clean Gutters.

Clogged gutters are common culprits of mold growth. Leaves and other debris can block the water flow and cause it to spill over the sides. It can then stream onto the building below and in through foundation cracks, causing water damage. Once moisture leaks into the building, mold can develop over the next 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the number of trees near the building, you may want to clean your building’s gutters several times a year.

2. Watch the Indoor Humidity.

Another mold prevention technique is to keep the humidity inside the building low. Ideally, the humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent. To measure the humidity, you may want to invest in an inexpensive humidity meter. If your business uses appliances that produce moisture, such as stoves and clothes dryers, make sure to vent them to the outside if possible. If your building has a high humidity level, you can also use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to bring that level down. If your business involves stoves or dishwashers, you can use exhaust fans or open windows.

3. Prevent Condensation.

Buildup of condensation on windows can be a trigger for mold growth. Window condensation is a sign that your building is not properly ventilated. If you notice your windows sweating, quickly dry the surface to prevent water damage to the surrounding area. A simple trick to combat this is to just open the windows a little. If you can’t do this, turn on a fan or increase the air temperature.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to mold growth. Use these tips to keep any fungus from forming inside your commercial building.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

What Does It Mean for a Company To Be Certified in Mold Cleanup?

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

What Does It Mean for a Company To Be Certified in Mold Cleanup?

When you have a mold problem in your Terre Haute, IN, home, you need to act quickly. If you don't already have a residential mold remediation team, you need to find a reliable company. As you search for a professional, you may find that some companies are certified mold cleaners while others aren't. Is this certification simply justification for a company to charge you more money? Actually, working with a certified mold remediation crew can be a big benefit for you.

Expert Knowledge

A mold certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Cleaning means the professionals have proven knowledge of mold remediation and cleanup. The crew would have passed a test proving they understand mold cleanup, which encompasses the following:

• How to contain a colony
• How to meet legal requirements
• How to use safety gear to reduce contamination
• How to find hidden mold growth

When you work with a certified team, you can feel confident that they will know how to get the job done correctly.

Insurance-Provider Approved

Not only can you feel confident working with a company that has certified mold knowledge, but your insurance provider may also feel better about the situation. Depending on your policy, some of the mold damage remediation may be covered by your insurance. This means you need to follow the stringent guidelines set up by the provider to ensure the work can be reimbursed. Insurance providers prefer working with companies that are certified in mold cleanup because they know the right steps are being taken to address the fungus growth.

State Approved

Some companies in this industry may work without a proper state license. This may allow them to charge less money for the remediation, but it also means you may be legally and financially liable should anything go wrong. In order to become certified, a company has to be properly licensed.

Going through the cleanup process after discovering fungus growth can be hard. When you work with a certified mold expert, however, you can feel confident that you're getting sound advice and service.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Crucial Personal Protection Gear for Mold Cleanup

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to the cleanup of mold, you want to be sure that everyone involved in cleaning has the proper protective gear to wear. This is important because mold spores are easy to spread around or inhale. If you are dealing with mold growth at your commercial facility, make sure that you listen to the instructions of your Terre Haute, IN, remediation professionals and that any workers have access to what they need to do the job efficiently.

There are a handful of things that the experts use to protect themselves as they gear up for cleaning:

• Eye protection
• Nose and mouth protection
• Skin protection

Protecting the Eyes

One of the most important things to keep safe during cleanup is the eyes. In some cases, a respirator will be sufficient for this. However, if workers are not using a full-face version, they should have goggles. Mold can make eyes itchy and red, so make sure they are safe while cleaning. Goggles can also keep out any chemicals from cleaning products.

Protecting of the Nose and Mouth

Having proper protection for the mouth and nose is also critical. That means a respirator. An N-95 mask will keep out most particles and ensure workers' safety during cleaning. However, an N-99 mask is an even better option, if available. Reusable and disposable masks are available for purchase.

Protecting the Skin

There are a few different things needed to protect skin from mold. Disposable gloves fitted to the workers' hands are important. Hair covers and shoe covers may also be used. A disposable Tyvek suit will take care of the rest. If you are in the area yourself, make sure you wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and immediately wash the clothes after leaving the cleaning area.

Professional mold remediation experts know the proper equipment needed to protect themselves from this fungus. Make sure to listen to their recommendations and provide what is needed for your own workers to keep everyone safe as your facility is cleaned.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

Signs of Mold in Your Home

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about their home being infested by mold, but it does happen. Whether you discover the mold yourself or get the dreaded news from an indoor environmental specialist in Terre Haute, IN, who has performed a mold test, you will want to have the mold removed. How do you know you have mold, though?

Trust Your Senses

You may know that your home has mold by relying on your senses of smell and sight. If there is a musty odor in a particular area in your home that you cannot seem to overcome, it is likely that there is mold growth in the area. If you see something dark growing in a place it does not belong, such as on a wall or on your carpet, you may have a mold problem. An indoor environmental specialist can help you remediate anything that resembles the following:

• Dark, fuzzy patches
• Black stains in a damp area
• Black, white, green, brown or orange flakes

Follow the Moisture

Since mold needs a wet environment to thrive, any place in your home that experiences water damage is potentially at risk for mold growth. Mold can hide under floorboards and inside walls. Whether the excess moisture comes from something as simple as an overflowed toilet or as extensive as flooding from a storm, water damage can appear as warped, buckling surfaces, and these damaged areas are a breeding ground for mold. You might also notice discoloration on the walls, which can be a sign of a nasty mold problem behind them.

There are many ways to know that you have a mold problem that needs to be eradicated. An indoor environmental specialist in Terre Haute, can help you uncover the problems you cannot see or smell yourself. The sooner you find mold, the less it will spread and the sooner you can get rid of it.

For more information, visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com.

Vigo County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today SERVPRO of Vigo County – (812) 242-9611

Have Mold? Call SERVPRO of Vigo County

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Vigo County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Vigo County (812) 242-9611

Vigo County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

1/31/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vigo County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Vigo County & CPSV specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (812) 242-9611

Does your Vigo,Clay, Sullivan, Parke, or Vermillion County home have a mold problem?

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

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

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

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

CALL SERVPRO OF VIGO TODAY: 812-242-9611