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Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Lakewood Ranch Mold Remediation FAQs

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

Mold that has overtaken a wall Mold on Wall

How do I identify a mold problem?
Check the air and surfaces in the area. If you notice a musty smell, then you have a mold problem. Additionally, different types of molds discolor surfaces with black and/or green specks. Look for mold in bathrooms, windows, crawl spaces, air conditioners, ventilation systems, leaky roofs, attics and basements.


Why have I found mold in several areas?
All fungi, like mold, release spores that travel along air currents. Unless a mold-infested area is sealed off, the spores spread throughout a building. Outdoor mold spores can also cling to the surfaces of people, pets and objects.


Why does mold grow in air ducts?
Poor duct maintenance and moisture from humidity or plumbing, wall or roof leaks give mold spores the perfect dark habitat for growth. The experienced team at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch use time-tested techniques to remove any mold growth and fix the source of the problem.


Can I use bleach to remove mold?
Liquid bleach is the wrong choice for several reasons: Bleach can't successfully penetrate all surfaces -- especially some porous materials -- and since it is wet it will help any missed mold regrow. Worse yet, bleach can hide a deeply rooted mold problem from a mold restoration and remediation firm like SERVPRO®.


Do I need additional testing if I already know that I have mold in my home?
Testing determines the type of mold and the amount of cleaning that must be done to completely restore an area.


Can I use a DIY test kit?
Although DIY kits are inexpensive, they often provide false positive results. They also don't offer the data needed to determine the type of mold or the amount of spores in the air.


How can I remove mold growth and spores from my home?
The best way is to hire a licensed mold remediation firm. Only a qualified and licensed expert, such as SERVPRO, can evaluate the problem and perform the correct tasks to remove mold from the air and surfaces, clean the infested area and safeguard against future growth. Call in a PRO – Call SERVPRO!

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these 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.

What You Need to Understand About Mold Remediation | SERVPRO® of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property is damaged by water, mold growth will be likely to follow. It is fact that mold can begin to grow within 48 hours after moisture exposure.

Knowing the next steps to follow is vital if you are ever faced with a mold issue, which is why we’re providing an overview of mold remediation in this blog.

Why Mold Remediation?

Have you seen the ads for mold remediation and promising mold removal? The fact is the latter of the two is a fallacy.

Removing all mold from a home or business is simply impossible. A qualified restoration company focuses on mold remediation, which has the ultimate goal of bringing mold levels back to normal and natural levels.

Yes, mold spores do occur naturally and appear almost everywhere, both inside and outside, however, they only become an issue if a minor problem is left untreated and, in turn, it becomes a major infestation.

During the mold remediation process, technicians isolate all contaminated areas. Depending on the amount of area where remediation is required, isolation can be done by either closing all doors and windows or completely sealing off all doorways and openings by using a polyethylene sheet. Dust in the contaminated areas will then suppressed through a misting process.

Plastic bags will be used to remove and discard wet and mold-damaged materials and areas exposed to and affected by the mold will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum is sometimes used to aid in the removal of contaminated materials and debris.

The area affected by mold is treated with a biocide and then left overnight to kill the mold spores. The mold remediation crew will return on the following day to encapsulate the affected area and beyond.

Act Quickly If There’s a Mold Problem

If you find that your home or business may have a mold problem, you need to act quickly. Evaluate the size of the problem, and if the area affected by mold is larger than 10 square feet, it is a good idea to call the professionals to handle the problem.

These professionals should be highly trained and certified in the following areas:

  • Applied microbial remediation
  • Water damage restoration
  • Applied structural drying

Some homeowners and business owners may want to try to address some minor mold issues on their own, but it is always wisest to call the professionals for a speedy and thorough resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.

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