What to know about MOLD

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Black mold on drywall

    MOLD IS A FUNGUS

-Like any fungus, mold sprouts from spores. Those spores are usually free floating in your environment at all times, and only need a catalyst to grow into an active fungus infestation.  That catalyst is water in any form, whether it be a puddle or humidity in the air.

MOLD GROWS ON ORGANIC SURFACES

-That can include food and plant matter, but you would be surprised what else is considered "organic".  That includes the drywall of your walls and ceilings, as well as furniture upholstery and wooden floorboards.

MOLD DOSEN'T ALWAYS START OFF BLACK

-Black mold can start off as green, gray, white or yellow before darkening through states to brown and then black.

If you suspect you have a mold issue, contact SERVPRO of Warren County 270-796-8080

Information on Mold

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Black Mold growing on drywall

    MOLD IS A FUNGUS

-Like any fungus, mold sprouts from spores. Those spores are usually free floating in your environment at all times, and only need a catalyst to grow into an active fungus infestation.  That catalyst is water in any form, whether it be a puddle or humidity in the air.

MOLD GROWS ON ORGANIC SURFACES

-That can include food and plant matter, but you would be surprised what else is considered "organic".  That includes the drywall of your walls and ceilings, as well as furniture upholstery and wooden floorboards.

MOLD DOSEN'T ALWAYS START OFF BLACK

-Black mold can start off as green, gray, white or yellow before darkening through states to brown and then black.

If you suspect you have a mold issue, contact SERVPRO of Warren County 270-796-8080

What causes Mold?

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Growth on Kitchen Cabinets due to prolonged moisture

Several Factors can cause Mold to grow in your home:

• Mold spores
• A food source 
• Darkness 
• The correct temperature
• Oxygen
• Moisture (eg water leaks, humidity)
• Time (most molds can begin to grow in 24-48 hours if the conditions are right)

Moisture is really the key cause of mold growth since the other conditions on the list are always going to be present in homes.

So, essentially, the difference between whether mold grows in your home or not comes down to whether you have a moisture problem., and most moisture issues are controllable. 

Bathrooms: Using the exhaust fan in the bathroom and laundry room can help by venting the humid air outside. 

Leaky Pipes: Even the smallest of leaks can create the worst of mold problems. Regularly check inside of cabinets and vanities and correct any potential leaks. 

Leaking Roofs: Water will take the path of least resistance. Since most roofs are angled, check the entire attic space if you suspect you have a roof leak. Even though the attic is not livable space, the mold spores could spread and cause growth in other parts of the house. 

The are several other factors that cause mold to grow, but preventative maintenance will greatly reduce the possibility. 

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Warren County has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Perpetual Mold: Ending the Cycle Once and For All

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in floor on a Smiths, KY kitchen

Perpetual Mold

Most people are automatically alarmed when they hear the phrase black mold. However, when dealing with other types of mold, they may be nonchalant about the removal process, foregoing safety measures and buying the most readily available cleaners. Then, they are surprised when the mold returns and keep coming back no matter how hard they scrub or which chemical cleaner they use. There is a good reason for this perpetual cycle, and that is that surface cleaning is only half the battle.

1. Getting to the Underlying Issue

Mold cleanup is thorough and deep. While you may only see the mold on the surface of your walls, it is likely deep within the wall cavity. Therefore, to truly eliminate a mold infestation, you have to get below the surface, exterminating the infestation where it began.

2. Removing All Signs

Black mold, or any mold for that matter, spreads quickly, and its spores can allow it to hop from one location to the next, traveling on air currents and through vents. The ability for mold to travel means that it is necessary to remove all signs, and while it is unlikely to remove every spore in a home, eliminating the source of the infestation is a great place to start.

3. Controlling the Atmosphere

As previously mentioned, mold spores travel on air currents, meaning that it is necessary to restrict that movement when trying to remediate an infestation. This control is difficult and time-consuming, as rooms must be quarantined from each other and ventilation limited and controlled. Also, movement in a room must be limited and slow.

4. Calling for Inspections

Mold remediation is best performed by a disaster restoration specialist in the Smiths, KY, area. These companies are certified and experienced in mold removal, and they will not work on your house until they test for species and understand the right path forward.

While toxic black mold is dangerous, many mold varieties may produce adverse health effects. Therefore, before diving into DIY remediation, think about the chances of perpetual mold, and how a specialist may be your best choice.

3 Essential Tips for Dealing With Mold Damage

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in Bowling Green, KY home

Dealing With Mold Damage

Once black mold begins to take root inside your home in Bowling Green, KY it can move through and infect your indoor spaces in less than 48 hours. Left unchecked, this variety of fungus can cause cosmetic damage and unpleasant odors and even degrade your home’s structural integrity over time. Your strategy to put this destruction in check and reclaim your house relies mostly on a residential restoration company that will quickly respond to your call, then work rapidly to evacuate excess moisture and restore your home. Until they arrive, there are some critical steps you can take to help stop its spread.

1. Power Down HVAC Equipment and Fans

Black mold multiplies through releasing spores into the air. Since your heating and cooling systems are designed to move air through your home, shutting them off can mitigate your mold and moisture problems. Leave this equipment off until you’re given the all-clear to turn it back on by your water damage and restoration professional. 

2. Turn Off the Water

Overabundant moisture causes residential and commercial indoor mold growth. Keeping your water on simply adds to the problem by worsening leaks and saturating already damp areas. A water shutoff will also reduce your chances of shocking hazards due to exposed wiring near excess water.

3. Do Not Attempt Mold Cleanup Yourself

Black mold looks unsightly, and you may be tempted to douse it in bleach or try drying things out yourself. This isn’t a wise idea, as you could aggravate its spread as well as endanger your health and that of others in your home. After all, that’s why you called your mold and water removal experts. 

Although you may feel as if you’re helpless when water damage hits, you can take a few small steps to mitigate mold growth inside your home in Bowling Green, KY. Ceasing the use of your HVAC systems, cutting off your water and avoiding your own cleanup attempts will help stop black mold from spreading. These tips also help restoration professionals do their job and get your life back on track. Visit http://www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com for more information on mold.

Top Reasons Homeowners Insurance Won’t Pay for Your Mold

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in Plano, KY

You’ve kept your home in tip top condition but mold has still reared its ugly head. Fungus happens to even the most meticulous of homeowners, but fortunately you have mold coverage, right? This is an assumption that many Plano, KY, homeowners have learned is incorrect only after being saddled with major bills. The truth is, with little exception, most homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover fungus growth. Here are a couple of the top reasons why.

How Costly is Mold Removal?

Getting rid of mold is no small task, and that’s one reason insurance companies are reticent to cover it. Repairs can run up to $6,000 and then some. That estimate includes things like:

• Inspections
  
• Air quality tests
  
• Remediation
  
• Restoration
  
  

If you’re expecting your homeowner’s insurance to pay for all of this, think again. Here’s why.

It’s Not a “Covered” Peril

On average, a homeowner’s policy pays for fungus growth damage caused by a “covered peril.” Such perils are events that are already covered in the policy, and typically include fire, lightning and vandalism – unlikely causes of mold!

You Caused the Damage

If mold resulted from something you did, your policy won’t cover it. Leaving around wet towels and other materials, resulting in a mold infestation is one example. Another is if a preventable water leak or other maintenance failures led mold to flourish.

It’s Flood-Related

A natural disaster like a flood might seem like a covered peril, and such events can indeed be covered, just not by a standard policy. Flood damage is typically covered by a flood policy separate and apart from typical homeowner’s insurance. That damage can include mold.

Knowing what your homeowner’s insurance will and won’t cover when it comes to fungus growth is key to being prepared. Speak to an insurance expert about mold insurance and mold remediation to learn how to get the protection you deserve.

3 Mold Remediation Techniques Used By Professionals

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Bowling Green,KY

3 Ways of Keeping your Home Safe and Sanitary

Black mold might seem like a difficult problem to conquer. It spreads quickly and often accompanies an unpleasant smell. Home restoration experts have effective techniques to eliminate the problem, however. Here are three ways professionals in Bowling Green, KY are keeping homes safe and sanitary. 

1. Water Extraction

Since mold thrives in areas of high moisture, it is often a symptom of an underlying moisture problem. Flooding, leaks or high humidity can cause water to stagnate in drains, behind walls or under carpeting. Professionals use fans, vacuums and heating techniques to dry the wet area and prevent mold spores from growing and disseminating. In severe cases, a tear out of your flooring or drywall might be necessary. 

2.Removal and Cleaning of Damaged Materials

Thorough mold cleanup involves removing all wet materials in the contaminated area such as upholstery, curtains or rugs and drying them. If they are unsalvageable, they should be put in thick plastic bags that are tightly knotted and disposed of in a dumpster. Hard surfaces can be scrubbed with wire brushes, wiped with a damp cloth and disinfected with a detergent solution. 

3. Isolating the Contaminated Area

To prevent mold from spreading, professionals isolate the affected area as much as possible. They close windows and doors, use polyethylene sheeting to cover openings and seal seams with duct tape. Black mold can easily enter a HVAC system and contaminate several rooms. Proper mold remediation should also include wearing protective gloves and clothing to avoid getting sick. 

Black mold can affect any home in Bowling Green, KY. It is known as one of the most unsightly varieties of mold. Calling a home restoration company as soon as you spot this substance is the best way to get your residence back to top condition. Professionals can extract moisture, clean your possessions and prevent further pollution to win the battle against mold for good. 

Mold in the rafters

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Warren County Kentucky Attic is no match for our crew.

The attic of this rental home in Warren County Kentucky had some mold growth due to high humidity and a small water leak. The leak was fixed, however, the owner wanted to take care of the mold for the tenant's health and safety. 

SERVPRO of Warren County was able to pull out and replace the molded insulation as well as sand and clean the rafters and joists to remove any signs of mold growth. When that was completed, they sprayed the area with an antimicrobial as a precaution and sealed the affected areas with an antimicrobial paint that will help prevent any future growth of mold.   

No matter how big or small our crew is always ready to help with your water, fire and mold cleanup needs.

The Residential Rainbow of Mold

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on laundry room in a Bowling Green, KY home

Surprisingly, mold comes in an array of colors and hues. When you find green, blue or black mold at your home in Bowling Green, KY, an image of a rainbow, however, is the furthest thought from your mind. What do the colors mean? Why is it growing in your home?

Colors of Mold

There are a variety of colors, but any mold that is visible to the eye (or noticed by the nose) is in need of mold remediation. Common household colors include:

• Frequently known as black mold, the color of this sort may appear more greenish-black. Paper, dust, lint and drywall are popular breeding grounds for this type of mold.
• Green, brown and gray molds are usually found on walls, carpeting or insulation.
• White, green and blue molds regularly live on walls and food.

Causes of Mold Growth

Regardless of the color, all molds flourish in the same environment:

• Microscopic mold spores are always present in the air, but it takes certain environmental conditions for them to grow and spread.
• Areas that are constantly warm and damp are perfect for spores to attach and cultivate.
• In your home, persistent moisture from water damage, flooding or extreme humidity can cause mold to reproduce.

When a spore lands on a moist surface in Bowling Green, KY, mold grows and spreads. Outside, this helps to break down organic materials. Inside, it destroys your walls, ceilings and insulation. Irrespective of the color or surface, if mold is present in your house it must be remediated. Mold remediation specialists are trained to handle all varieties including black mold. Mold cleanup typically includes assessment, containment, air filtration and content restoration. After the air is filtered, it is normal for some spores to remain as mold is a naturally occurring element. However once the source of the continued moisture is resolved, the spores no longer have the proper environment to grow.

How To Tell Mold From Mildew: 3 Key Identifiers

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

Battling mold and mildew in your Bowling Green, KY, home can be a year-round housecleaning challenge. From preventing costly mold damage to scrubbing away mildew in the shower, fighting household fungi can take time and a considerable amount of elbow grease. However, trying to clean up mold on your own may cause the further spread of spores and increase the risk of a severe infestation. Knowing how to tell the difference between mold and mildew can help you save time, money and let you know whether you need the services of a certified mold remediation and removal company.

1. Texture

Although mold and mildew are both part of the fungi family, they have different textures that are usually visible to the naked eye. Mildew growth is typically thin and slimy, while mold is usually fuzzy or wooly. You can perform a quick test by adding a few drops of bleach to the suspect area, as mildew grows lighter on contact while mold retains its color.

2. Color

You may be able to tell mold from mildew by the color of the growth. Mildew is usually grey or light yellow as it spreads, while mold growth comes in a variety of colors, from green to white to black. If you suspect what you see is black mold, it is a good idea to avoid touching the area and call in mold damage specialists to treat the problem instead, as this type of fungus can be aggressive and will likely need professional intervention.

3. Growth Pattern

While both mold and mildew have a few similar qualities, the way each grows and spreads can help you tell them apart. Mildew is a surface fungus that can be wiped away easily, as it develops in flat, thin patches. Mold spores, however, penetrate the surface of any material they attach to and grow into wide patches that can be difficult to remove.

It can be difficult to tell mold from mildew when you encounter either in your Bowling Green, KY, home. However, knowing the characteristics of each can help you prevent mold damage and keep your home clean and sanitary.

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

Take Care of Water Damage To Prevent Mold

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a preventable problem for most homeowners in Bowling Green, KY. Like most fungi, mold thrives in damp, dark environments, so mold prevention begins with monitoring your home for dampness and water damage. If you notice signs of excessive moisture around your house, don’t wait to take action. Bring in a professional to repair any leaks and to mitigate damage to building materials before mold has the chance to grow. Here are some of the most common signs and sources of excess moisture in your home.

Signs of Water Damage

Some signs of water damage are obvious, but if you have a leak inside the wall or floor, you may not notice right away. Here are some things to look out for:

• Water stains on walls or ceilings
• Bubbling or blistering of paint or wallpaper
• Sagging floor around fixtures or appliances
• Warping or cracking of wood or laminate floors
• Rusted hot water heater or pipes
• Excessive condensation on pipes or windows
• Damp insulation in the attic
• Damp concrete walls in the basement
• A musty smell (if mold growth has already begun)

Sources of Moisture

Leaks are one of the most common causes of unwanted water in the home. These can be due to places in the roof or around windows and doors that let rainwater in or damaged pipes in your walls. If the land slopes down toward your home, it can increase the chances of water seepage in your basement. Gutters on your roof that are clogged or not draining away from your house can also cause problems. In Bowling Green, KY, some homes may be at risk for flooding. If your home floods, you’ll want to bring in a restoration specialist to dry and restore the damaged areas as soon as possible, before mold growth begins.

The most effective mold prevention is making sure you tackle moisture as soon as you notice it. Keeping an eye out for potential leaks and seepage and addressing them right away helps keep your home dry and mold-free.

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

How To Avoid Mold Growth in Your Restaurant

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

No business wants to deal with mold growth. However, it can be particularly disastrous for a restaurant in Bowling Green, KY. A place that serves food will need to shut down temporarily until the mold problem is addressed. Whether the culprit is water damage or high humidity, the people who operate the establishment need to remain proactive to avoid mold development in the future.

1. Keep Humidity Level Below 40 Percent

A lot of humidity can build up in a restaurant. Ideally, you want to keep the overall humidity level under 40 percent. You can accomplish this by installing dehumidifiers in key areas, such as the bathroom, kitchen and basement.

2. Clean Appliances Regularly

Someone should be in charge of cleaning all the appliances, silverware and countertops frequently. The fridge should be cleaned once a month. You also want to ensure you clean off all mops, sponges and towels regularly. If they begin to smell musty, then you know mold growth is beginning.

3. Inspect All Food Before Using

Whether you purchase your ingredients from a local supermarket or receive them from an interstate truck, you want to inspect everything before using it. Make sure your chefs are trained to spot mold. This is particularly important when dealing with dairy.

4. Have Professional Inspections

It is much more preferable to spend money on preventive actions than risk your restaurant closing down. Hire a mold remediation team once every so often to come out and make sure there is no mold whatsoever in your building. Even if there is no mold, the team can tell you if there are any risk factors in place that could eventually lead to mold.

You do not want to risk the well-being of your restaurant just because someone forgot to clean the kitchen a few times. Make sure everyone who works for you is invested in preventing rapid mold growth.

For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com.

What Is Mold? An Overview

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

What Is Mold? An Overview

Black mold has long been regarded as the bane of property owners, and with good reason. Mold cleanup is a chore that no one wants to deal with, but of course it must be handled properly for the health of those who occupy the property. A moisture problem in the space doesn’t have to equal a mold problem though, if you understand how mold works.

Time and Space

Mold growth is fast in the right conditions. It only takes 48-72 hours for mold to become a serious problem in a damp and warm space. Standing water isn’t a requirement; mold can flourish in any indoor space with higher-than-usual humidity. For best prevention, keep your indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Signs of Mold Growth

Unseen dangers are often the worst kind. Even if you don’t see evidence of black mold on your walls, floors, or ceilings, you may smell it if it is present. Mold generally gives off a thick, musty odor that is fairly recognizable to most. If you smell mold but you can’t see it, you may have colonies hidden
behind drywall or under carpeting.

Tips To Handle It

There are a few things you should do immediately upon suspicion of a problem, along with a few things you should not do:

Stay out of any area where you see or smell mold. Mold can travel easily through the air and even hitch a ride on your clothing. Leave the mold cleanup to a professional who is trained in handling it.
Reduce the airflow in your space by turning off the HVAC system and fans. Keeping the mold stationary will help to mitigate the problem.
Don’t attempt to dry out the area on your own. Specialized equipment will alleviate a moisture problem more quickly and safely than you can yourself. Avoid blowing air across any surfaces that you suspect may contain mold.
Avoid touching the mold with anything, even disinfectants. Mold should be handled by a professional in order to eliminate the chance of spreading it further.
Don’t delay in calling a qualified professional to handle the problem.

Be sure you approach any mold cleanup with the proper care to avoid causing further damage. Visit http://www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com for more information on mold.

Moldy Lake Home

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

The walls and floor in this Lake Home are covered in mold due to high humidity. The home has been sitting empty for several months and the temperature wasn't controlled, therefore, mold has begun to take over. If let unchecked it only takes 72 hours for mold to begin to grow and it will quickly take over. SERVPRO of Warren County was able to clean up, sand and seal the walls in order to rid the homeowners of this nasty fungus! Of course there were cabinets and some flooring that had to be pulled out and replaced, but the foundation was still good and the home was able to be put back "Like it  never even happened." 

This family will be able to make future memories in their Lake home thanks to team SERVPRO.

Mold under Wall Paper!!!

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

The wall in this Warren County bedroom had mold growth beneath the Wallpaper. The homeowner was remodeling the room for their newest family member when they found the nasty invader lurking on the wall. SERVPRO of Warren County was on the scene as soon as possible to get started on the task at hand. We were able to finish stripping the paper off the wall, sand the wall down to remove the mold and then seal it with an antimicrobial paint in order to prevent future mold growth. We were then able to help them get the room turned into a beautiful paradise for their new baby boy!! We turned a troubling situation into a very happy ending and left another SERVPRO customer feeling "Like it never even happened."

Mold in Bowling Green Home

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Bowling Green Kentucky Mold

The door in this Bowling Green, KY home is covered in mold due to high humidity after a water heater busted. It only takes 3 days for mold to begin to grow and it can be a major concern for people with respiratory or allergy issues. SERVPRO of Warren County was on the job and ready to fight those mold spores within hours of the call. The flooring and walls of the Laundry Room were also affected and we had to cut out drywall and tear out flooring to get to the source. We were able to get everything wiped down and sprayed an antimicrobial to help prevent future regrowth. After setting negative air machines for a couple of days were were able to get rid of the musty odor and had the home looking good as new.

Water Damage leads to Mold growth

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Living Room Mold

This Living Room in Warren County, KY suffered damage from a water loss that was left too long and mold began to grow beneath the wood flooring. If water is left at the right temperature for a few days it will cause mold to start growing and will continue to grow at a rapid pace. SERVPRO of Warren County has the right tools to tell where water has been saturated through to the subfloor. We had to pull up the hard wood in order to get to the underlayment where the mold was working its wicked magic. We were able to remove the mold with light sanding and then set equipment to ensure everything was properly dried before spraying an anitmicrobial that will help prevent future mold growth. 

In your time of need we are always here to help!

Moldy Crawlspace in Bowling Green, KY

4/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in Crawlspace of Bowling Green, KY home.

Humidity caused mold on the joists of this crawlspace in Warren County Kentucky. The insulation was starting to sag and you can see the spots growing on the wood in the photo. Mold can cause health issues for some people as well as being annoying and smelly.

Our highly trained crew was able to come in and tear out the moldy insulation and replace it as well as sand and clean off the moldy beams. Drying equipment helped to get the temperature at a good level for us to kill the existing mold and then we were able to spray and paint the beams with antimicrobial to help prevent any future mold growth. At the end of the day we had a very satisfied customer!