Realtors Worst Nightmare

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

We receive numerous calls this time of year from people who are trying to sell their house but need to have mold remediation done before the interested buyer will sign the contract.

Here are some things you need to know when it comes to mold remediation on the house you are trying to sell:

• Address the Source - If the mold is coming from a leaking hot water heater, no matter how many times we come out to remediate the mold, if the leaking hot water heater does not get fixed, the mold will keep returning.
• Depending on the severity of the mold that is present, it may be necessary to have an Industrial Hygienist come in to test for the types of mold present as well as how high of a count of mold spores are present. Our general rule of thumb is if you have a span of more than 10 square feet of mold, you probably need to have mold testing done.  Having this information will allow us  to take the necessary steps to get your home back to preloss condition.  The final step is to have the Industrial Hygienist come back out and test again to ensure that we have brought the mold spore count back down to an acceptable level. 
• We do not test for mold. As a professional mold remediation company, it would present a conflict of interest if we were also the Industrial Hygienist that came in behind ourselves to test the site and claim it as being cleared.  We want to avoid any appearance of false test results to clear our own work.

Taking the points listed above into consideration, please be sure to allow for enough time for each step as well as the Mold Remediation Process.

Learn more about mold and what you can do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damages tips.

Mold Prevention

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

There is no practical way to eliminate all of the molds and mold spores in the indoor environment.  But there are ways to help control moisture and mold growth in your home.  Here is a partial list:

Stop the water

• Fix leaks in pipes, and any damp areas around tubs and sinks.
• Rebuild, or retrofit with water-resistant building materials.
• Prevent seepage of water from outside by have the ground around the house slope away and gutters drain away.  
• Cover dirt crawlspaces with plastic to prevent moisture from coming from the ground.

Keep it clean

• Clean fabrics often and keep them dry.  Soil promotes mildew growth.  Keep clean fabric items in a well-ventilated area.
• Have air ducts cleaned if you suspect mold exists on the duct's inside surface, or if duct insulation has been wet.

Keep it dry

• In hot weather, reduce moisture by using dehumidifiers, fans, air conditioners, and open windows.  Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist.
• Keep humidity below 40%.
• Choose carpets of man-made fibers for moisture-prone areas.
• Reduce condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.

Disinfect it

• Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mechanical rooms need to be routinely checked for moldy odors and disinfect often with a 10% solution of bleach or a commercial disinfectant

What To Expect From Professional Mold Remediation

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold outbreaks are a cause for concern but can be well-managed if trained and experienced technicians handle the abatement. Our IICRC trained employees have a solid mastery of the proper protocols for mitigating mold.

Mold damage in Athens, GA does not need to create panic in your household. Understanding what services a reliable mold remediation company delivers is essential to a homeowner trying to be responsible and proactive when faced with active mold growth. A reputable remediator never promises to make a dwelling mold-free or guarantees that the services and treatments provided prevent mold from recurring for a specified period. We instead offer a proven process that deals with a current infestation efficiently and lays out a practical approach that when followed minimizes the risk of future mold growth.
 
SERVPRO employs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol to remediate mold colonies. Our employees can locate and contain the areas where the mold grows. Containing is a precise concept that has at its heart the prevention of permitting moldy material from migrating throughout the living spaces during remediation. We accomplish this by using physical barriers such as heavy-duty plastic sheeting and by taking advantage of our technologically advanced equipment like air scrubbers. These cutting-edge machines use negative air pressure to confine most mold particles within the working area, filtering the air exhausted to the outdoors.
 
SERVPRO employees wear personal protective gear while working in the containment spaces. We evaluate whether the mold lives on a non-porous surface that can be scrubbed clean and disinfected, or if the mycelium invades the interior of the object affected. If the fungi are found beneath the surface, the contaminated materials must be removed and bagged with the mold before proper disposal per local hazardous waste rules. After removing the moldy materials, we use vacuums with HEPA filters to eliminate every particle of mold in the containment area and apply professional-grade antimicrobials to inhibit future growth.
 
After the containment area returns to its former use, SERVPRO concentrates on the only truly effective strategy to help prevent mold from returning. We seek and find the source of moisture that activated the mold spores always in your home. Then we work closely with you to eliminate the water from intruding again. It might be a plumbing job, a regrading of the ground around your home, unclogging gutters, or recalibrating AC or dehumidifiers, among many other possibilities, which stems the flow or condensation of moisture. Control the moisture, and you gain control over the mold.
 
Mold remediation is a process that begins and ends with minimizing moisture. SERVPRO of Stockton has decades of experience in managing mold behind its current practices. Call (706)549-3366 to schedule an appointment to get you some answers to your mold questions.

Selling A Home & Mold Remediation

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

We receive numerous calls this time of year from people who are trying to sell their house but need to have mold remediation done before the interested buyer will sign the contract.

Here are some things you need to know when it comes to mold remediation on the house you are trying to sell:

• Address the Source - If the mold is coming from a leaking hot water heater, no matter how many times we come out to remediate the mold, if the leaking hot water heater does not get fixed, the mold will keep returning.
• Depending on the severity of the mold that is present, it may be necessary to have an Industrial Hygienist come in to test for the types of mold present as well as how high of a count of mold spores are present. Our general rule of thumb is if you have a span of more than 10 square feet of mold, you probably need to have mold testing done.  Having this information will allow us  to take the necessary steps to get your home back to preloss condition.  The final step is to have the Industrial Hygienist come back out and test again to ensure that we have brought the mold spore count back down to an acceptable level. 
• We do not test for mold. As a professional mold remediation company, it would present a conflict of interest if we were also the Industrial Hygienist that came in behind ourselves to test the site and claim it as being cleared.  We want to avoid any appearance of false test results to clear our own work.

Taking the points listed above into consideration, please be sure to allow for enough time for each step as well as the Mold Remediation Process.

Learn more about mold and what you can do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damages tips.

Keeping An Eye Out for Mold

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day. In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health effects.

Where Do Molds Grow?

Your walls, floors, appliances, carpet, or furniture – they can all provide the food mold needs to grow. But the thing all molds need most is moisture, so you're most likely to see mold in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces. And it can affect a wide range of people from the young to the old; here are some of the people it can affect:

• People with allergies and asthma,
• Infants and children
• The elderly
• People whose immune systems are compromised due to HIV infection, cancer, liver disease, or chemotherapy
• People with chronic lung disease

Here are few tips from SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson to help prevent and control mold:

• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
• Keep indoor humidity below 60% if possible. You can measure relative humidity with a hygrometer, an inexpensive instrument available at many hardware stores.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean. Make sure drain lines are free of obstructions and flow properly.
• Keep the house warm in cool weather. As the temperature goes down, the air is less able to hold moisture and it condenses on cold surfaces, which can encourage mold growth.
• Dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

SERVPRO Offers Ways to Effectively Remediate Mold Damage in Your Athens Home

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

How well is your family prepared to deal with mold damage? We all know that disasters do not plan, but we can make emergency plans today to protect us from possible health effects and reduce unnecessary damage when such incidents come knocking. The recent devastating wildfires and hurricanes reminded our country of the benefits of preparing to face disasters, and it is easy to understand why this September is a National Preparedness Month. We hope all residents of Athens can find useful information in this article to up their preparedness skills.

After addressing the safety concerns of the building, our SERVPRO technicians perform a site-assessment to come up with an effective and safe work plan during mold damage remediation in Athens. During this step, we determine the degree of the mold and moisture problem. We watch out of discolored surfaces, fuzzy growth on furnishing and items, and musty odor. Mold tends to grow in hidden areas, so, we check behind the wallpaper, insulation, wallboard, as well as carpet backing and padding.

Exposure to the mold spores can cause health effects, and it is essential to use the appropriate personal protective equipment. To protect our feet, we use work boots that are waterproof. Safety glasses with a full-face shield, waterproof gloves, disposable earplugs, and disposable coveralls are some of the PPE that we use. Where necessary, we decontaminated some of the contaminated PPE at the end of the remediation process.

We can also assess the contaminated items and determine what is salvageable and what is not. We discard porous contents such as papers, rugs, carpeting and padding, upholstery and textiles that have significant mold contamination. Removal and disposal of contaminated porous building components such as insulation, ceilings, plaster walls, floor sills, and non-structural wood studs may be necessary.

After cleaning surfaces and restorable items, we apply disinfectants to lower chances of mold problem reoccurring. We have also to dry the structure to address the existing mold growth conditions. We can set up space heaters and perform dehumidification to speed up the drying process.

Can Mold Grow in Dry Climates?

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is a natural spore that breaks down dead trees and leaves. Most people know that black mold thrives in moist environments. That is why mold is commonly found in wet, rainy areas.

You might think that you don’t have to worry about mold growth. Even though you may not deal with huge rainstorms or hurricanes, you still could end up with excess mold in your commercial building. That is because mold can develop in indoor wet areas such as:

• Air conditioners
• Hot water heaters
• Leaky sinks
• Showers
  
  

Don't Get Caught Unprepared

People in wet climates are accustomed to looking for black mold. Yet those in dry environments do not usually regularly check their roofs, air conditioning units, or windows for mold spores. They may not even think about mold until it becomes a visible problem with a nasty odor. By that time, you will probably need extensive mold cleanup in your building.
So even if you live in a dry city, you keep an eye out for puddles or leaks and take care of them as soon as possible. Don’t forget to look for ponds of water on the roof.
Similarly, you need to make sure that the roof has proper shingles and shields. Poor installation of these features can cause leaks and subsequent mold growth.

Act Quickly

Warm climates are especially susceptible to monsoons and humidity. This combination creates a breeding ground for mold, especially if your building develops a leak. Mold can start to grow just one to two days after the leak develops.
Since mold is found naturally in the environment, it is impossible to eliminate these spores from your Athens, GA building entirely. However, you do want to limit the amount of black mold in your commercial space. Professional mold remediation specialists can help your building get back to its normal mold level.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 706-549-3366

Do this if you notice mold in your home

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can be a stressful situation. We want to make sure you know what to do and how to handle it. First things first, call SERVPRO of Athens!

If you discover mold or any kind of microbial growth growing in your home, it is important to get a hygienist to test the substance. Once the growth is determined, the proper recommendations can be written for how to remove and treat. It is very important to make sure each step is taken into account. This way the job can be completed and not have to be redone for a second time. 

Signs of Mold? Call Today – (706) 549-3366

Do you think you have mold in your attic?

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve had pretty rainy and hot days here in Athens. Those are some ideal conditions where mold thrives, since it requires moisture and high temperatures to spread throughout our homes. If you can see something resembling mold…it is probably mold.

Prevention and maintenance is key to keep your attic mold free. Call a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and check for leaks. A small leak over a long period of time can cause extensive damage in your home.  

Inspect your attic regularly and make sure vents are not blocked by boxes, crates, critters, or insulation. If your HVAC system is in your attic, check to see if there are any leaks or excessive moisture around the unit (pay close attention to the condensate pan and drain line.) Make sure ducts from the kitchen or bathrooms run to the exterior of your home and not just the attic.

Call Us Today (706) 549-3366

What you should know about mold in air ducts

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Always be aware that mold can grow in the air ducts in a building. This can allow the mold to spread and cause extensive damage to your home or business. 

How Does Mold Grow in Ducts?

While thinking of common places mold grows, ducts are at the bottom of the list. The following factors make mold likely to grow in ducts:

• Poor air circulation
• Organic material that mold needs to grow, such as dust and dirt, collects in ducts
• Problems such as water leaks can easily go unnoticed in ducts, making it easier for mold to grow and spread in these areas

What Are the Signs?

Black mold is the most common mold to grow in ducts. Signs that your building may have this type of mold growth in ducts can include:

• An unpleasant, musty odor 
• Discoloration on walls or ceilings that are located near the ducts
• Visible signs of mold elsewhere in a property, which can indicate that there may be a widespread mold issue in areas that are less visible

How Is Mold Removed From Ducts?

Removing mold from ducts is often done by mold remediation, our techs are experts who know how to ensure the spores don’t spread. Our professionals will make sure the ducts and the areas surrounding the ducts are contained. Items that are covered in mold will be removed from the location and determined if they will replaced or restored. The use of high-powered air filters can also help by remove the harmful spores.

Mold can grow in a variety of places in your business or residential, and having a thorough understanding of mold can be helpful. By understanding how black mold grows in air ducts, the signs of growth and how it is removed can be helpful steps toward having clean ducts.

Mold and your home

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can be found both inside and outside of your residence. It can enter your home through doorways, vents, AC units, and windows. The mold in the air outside can attach itself to your bags, shoes, pets, and clothing and be brought indoors.
Mold typically grows in places with a heavy presence of moisture, such as leaks in windows, roofs, or pipes. It tends to grow well on cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood products, and even your common paper products. It can also grow in dust, paint, wallpaper, drywall, carpet, upholstery, and insulation.
If you discover any sign of mold in your home you need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem. Mold can actually be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, bleach solution, or even soap and water.
Mold growth, typically looks like spots, can be many different colors, and smell musty. If you are able to see or smell it then a health risk may be present. No matter the type of mold, you should remove it. The best thing to do is remove the mold and work to prevent it from growing and coming back.
If you do choose a bleach solution to clean up your mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

SERVPRO of Athens is ready to assist with any mold related questions or problems.  Call today!  706-549-3366

Mold Prevention Tips

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

There are many ways you can prevent the occurrence and growth of mold.

• Keep humidity levels no higher than 50& all day. The lower the level the better. Using an AC or dehumidifier will help you keep that level low. Keep in mind though you’ll need to check those levels throughout the day as the moisture in the air and temperature change.
• Add mold inhibitors to your paint before painting.
• If you notice a leak, get it fixed as quickly as possible in the roof, walls, or plumbing. Doing this will impede the growth of mold due to keeping the moisture down.
• Ventilation – Use exhaust fans that vent outside in your bathroom and kitchen. Also make sure that your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Clean bathrooms and other high moisture rooms with mold killing products
• Remove or replace any carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and not dried promptly.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –706-549-3366

Does Your Athens, Georgia Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/8/2019 (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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –706-549-3366

How Does Mold Affect Your Health?

7/17/2018 (Permalink)

According to the EPA, molds have the potential to cause health problems if mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds produce allergens and irritants, which can cause allergic reactions if an individual inhales or touches mold or mold spores. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can especially trigger asthma attacks, so it's important that people with asthma avoid exposure to mold. 

Since mold can adversely affect your health, and therefore interrupt your daily life, it's important to remediate the mold in your home or business as quickly as possible. Luckily, SERVPRO of Athens is here to help. 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 Athens at (706) 549-3366 for mold remediation services. 

To learn more about the effects of mold on your health, please visit https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-health.

Athens Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/2/2018 (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 Athens 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 Athens 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 remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 706-549-3366

Duct Cleaning

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

It’s “Thyme” to Clean Your Ducts!

According to the EPA, the air inside your home may be 10 times dirtier than outside air. Dirty duct work is a major part of that problem. The EPA recommends that you should consider cleaning your air ducts if: 

• There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system
• Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects)
• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Our superior cleaning system, in combination with Benefect can help you breathe easier this spring. Benefect uses the essential oil of the thyme plant as our Active Ingredient, not a synthetic chemical substitute. Using real, food grade ingredients makes Benefect products a sustainable option for disinfecting and cleaning. 

The process we use for cleaning your system are as follows: 

• Set up and operate a 3-stage vacuum and filter system to remove and filter debris from the ductwork
• Access all return ducts, agitate to remove settled soils, vacuum and clean with compressed air.
• Access all supply ducts, agitate to remove settled soils, vacuum and clean with compressed air.
• Remove, clean, and reinstall air registers
• Repair all HVAC access points to original condition using professional repair techniques.
• Re-inspect HVAC system to certify level of cleanliness

Call SERVPRO of Athens at (706) 549-3366 today to schedule your duct cleaning! 

Conditions In Athens Might Be Right For Mold

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Athens to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (706) 549-3366

What to Do:

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

Mold in Athens, Georgia

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can spread a home in as little as 48 hours!

Mold remediation has increased throughout Georgia. Energy-efficient buildings, faulty construction, increased plumbing, and public awareness are all reasons of why mold has threatened properties.

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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Athens 706-549-3366

Mold Remediation Standard

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Athens technicians can assist you with mold remediation.  Our technicians follow the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard.  There are five principles to this standard:

• Principle 1- Provide for Health and Safety.  We protect the health of our technicians and the occupants of the structure. 
• Principle 2- Document Conditions and Processes.  SERVPRO of Athens documents and records all services that are completed including monitoring of any equipment placed.
• Principle 3- Control the Mold Contaminant at its Source.  Our technicians use specialty equipment and containment to keep the mold from contaminating other areas of the structure.
• Principle 4- Remove Contamination.  If the mold has grown beyond normal levels it may be necessary to remove the contamination completely by physically removing the contaminated surfaces, vacuuming excessive spores into HEPA filters, and/or wiping soiled surfaces with detergent cleaning products.
• Principle 5- Correct the Moisture Problem.  Stop the source of moisture that contributed to the mold growth.  If a building continues to have moisture problems, even the best cleanup efforts will not stop the mold from returning.

SERVPRO of Athens professionals communicate with your adjuster and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) professionals.  The IAQ will perform initial testing and clearance testing in order to make sure the mold has been restored to a safe level.

SERVPRO of Athens is ready to assist with any mold related questions or problems.  Call today!  706-549-3366