Have You Seen This Mold?

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Cool items in nature that are the color black: flowers, bats, volcanic rock; uncool items in nature that are the color black: mold. Mold grows in many shapes, colors, sizes and in some of the most inconvenient and unsightly places. Black mold specifically can easily take over and claim your environment as its own.

Mold has a very versatile way of traveling, spores can be carried into your home by opening a door or window to let a cool breeze in or you could even carry them in on your clothes or shoes. Fido the dog or Mittens the cat may even carry those pesky spores in with their fur or paws after time spent out in the yard. In any case, if or when you find yourself dealing with the unfortunate mold visitor, SERVPRO® of Licking County has your back. Our mold remediation service not only includes a visit from our specially trained heroes but also an in depth inspection of your house and belongings and a thorough cleaning of the infected areas.

Important tips to remember if you find or suspect mold in your home or office: Keep yourself and family members out of the affected areas, turn off your HVAC systems and fans and then give SERVPRO® of Licking County a call so that we may assess the situation for you. Actions to not take: Do Not touch or disturb the mold, blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth, attempt to dry the area yourself and Do Not spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. Once our heroes arrive on the scene they will know exactly what to do to remedy the situation to keep you and your family safe.

Don’t let mold of any color, shape or size rule your household or run your business; call SERVPRO® today at (740) 587-0938.

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

11/2/2020 (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 Licking 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 Licking 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 remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 740-587-0938

Does Your Licking County Home Have A Mold Problem?

10/1/2020 (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: 740-587-0938

Indoor Mold Growth

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let it grow!

Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your home or business has recently had water damage, it is important to remove any excess water and dry the structure in a timely manner.

Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is crucial to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage issues.

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professionals evaluate the quality of the air inside a structure. Some specialize and are skilled in testing buildings for the presence of molds. Using various testing devices, these professionals collect air and surface samples to compare the indoor mold spore count to the outdoor environment. If you have concerns about mold, SERVPRO of Licking County can assist you in locating a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional.

If mold has impacted your home or business, please call SERVPRO of Licking County at 740-587-0938. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.

Identifying Mold

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

Common Types of Mold

Mold is a fungus that can be found almost anywhere, indoor and outdoor.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors but the most common types of mold include:

• Acremonium - Toxigenic mold type that evolves in its appearance over time. Typically grows in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans and window sealants.
• Alternaria - Most common form of allergenic mold. Typically grows wherever dampness occurs (showers, bathtubs & below leaking sinks.)
• Aspergillus -  Common mold found in American households. There are over 185 species of aspergillus mold, it can appear in many different colors.
• Aureobasidium - An allergenic mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces.

• Chaetomium - A mold commonly found in water-damaged homes and buildings. Has a cotton-like texture and usually changes colors over time.

• Cladosporium - An allergenic mold type. Can grow in both warm and cold conditions. Often found thriving in indoor materials such as fabrics, upholsteries and carpets.
• Fusarium - capable of growing and spreading even at colder temperatures. Allergenic and a toxigenic type of mold that grows in homes with water damage.
• Mucor - Allergenic form of mold that usually grows in thick patches. Often grows near air conditioning, HVAC systems and ducting due to moisture from condensation.
• Penicillin - Allergenic form of mold that is easily recognizable by its characteristic blue or green colored surface with a velvety texture. Often found in water-damaged homes and buildings.
• Stachybotrys - Also known as the nefarious “black mold.” It is a toxigenic type of mold that can also cause allergic reactions. Thrives in damp, wet areas with high humidity levels that maintain these environmental conditions for weeks.
• Trichoderma - Allergenic mold type that is generally white in color with green patches. Commonly grows in the home on wet surfaces and moist areas.
• Ulocladium - Thrives in wetness and water and is usually black in color. Can be found in kitchens, bathrooms and basements as well as around windows with high condensation levels.

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. If you find mold in your home or business call SERVPRO of Licking County at 740-587-0938.  We have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

What is Black Mold?

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Licking County has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Licking 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.

Have a Mold Problem? 
Call SERVPRO of Licking County Today –740-587-0938.