How Do I Know if it's Mold?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Many times at SERVPRO we receive calls from concerned home or business owners asking how can they be sure a spot or growth is or is not mold.

At SERVPRO we are always here to help. We are happy to set up an appointment with you to come and look at your situation and if needed, arrange for a test to determine mold presence and type. Once that is done, we can help with a plan to remediate that mold for you.

Mold can have many different looks and it is important to let a professional come determine the situation. Quick response can save you money and time on the treatment.

Call us today and we will be happy to come look.

We are always here to help and look forward to serving you.

SERVPRO of Christian Todd Logan and Simpson Counties.

271-885-8811

#teammoody #mold #fastertoanysizedisaster #heretohelp #SERVPRO

Is it Mold?

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling the moisture indoors.

There are many ways to help control the moisture.

SERVPRO wants you to have these easy tips!

1. Fix any leaks or seepage. This could be as simple as rerouting gutters or landscaping.

2. Place a vapor barrier over dirt in crawl space.

3. Use exhaust fans in kitchen and bath when steam is present.

4. Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.

5. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in hot, humid climates.

These simple steps can save you great concern and cost later on.  Your house is your largest investment so make sure you protect it!

If you do suspect mold, call SERVPRO today!  We are here to help!

SERVPRO CTLS

270-885-8811

#teammoody #heretohelp #mold 

How to tell if there is mold in your home

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Example of mold growing in basement

Mold can be a common issue in homes, and while it may not always be dangerous, it can cause structural damage to your home. If you suspect mold the best thing to do is to address the issue as quickly as you can.  Here are some signs that you have might have a mold problem.

Mold Spores

Once you see mold, you already have a big problem on your hands.  The spores you see are just the "tip of the iceberg". Simply scrubbing with soap won't get rid of the mold. If you see visible mold, reach out to a mitigation company as soon as possible.

Musty or Damp Smell

If you notice a moldy or musty smell, it might be an indicator of a mold problem. 

History of Flooding

Past flooding could lead to future mold problems. Mold can be a long term problem after the flooding takes places. If you know your home has flooded in the past, you might want to have your home checked for mold, even if you didn't see any immediately after the flooding

If you have notice any of these signs contact SERVPRO of Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson Counties at 270-885-8811!! We are your local mold mitigation experts and are available 24/7 to help!  

How To Save Money During a Mold Cleanup

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Finding a large mold issue in your home or commercial property can be a financial crisis, unless you hire an outside cleaning service like SERVPRO. It is recommended to call a professional if the mold has grown in an area larger than 10 feet of space or if it has affected your HVAC system. Calling on us to tackle the problem quickly can help save you thousands of dollars. 

Money Saved by Using a Professional Mold Removal Service: $8,750 – $57,000+

• Roof shingles replacement (without a warranty): $6,000 – $50,000 (depending on roof)

• Drywall replacement: $100 – $200 per wall

• Seeing an Allergist/Prescriptions: $100+

• HVAC system replacement: $2,500 – $7,000

Hiring a professional increases your chances of the mold not returning and costing more money as it has time to grow and destroy more of your home. Finding the source of moisture should be the first step to preventing microbial growth, so make sure you are using dehumidifiers and fixing any water leaks present. Call SERVPRO of Christian, Todd, Logan, and Simpson Counties today!

Insurance Claims and Mold: Avoiding Claims Through Prevention

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking hot water heater caused mold to grow under the several layers of flooring

Insurance Claims and Mold

Fungus growth can occur relatively quickly, but most insurers do not provide mold coverage. Granted, mold can be covered under certain perils, but when occurring over prolonged periods, it is likely not covered. Therefore, to avoid claims and denials, it becomes about mold prevention and control, and there are a few ways to do that.

1. Consider Safety

First and foremost, if you already have a mold issue, call for help. Remediation specialists are qualified to handle mold infestations and will ensure that you and your property are safe. While there are certain instances where a DIY path is possible, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Fix Leaks

Fungus growth requires moisture to develop. Therefore, one of the easiest forms of prevention is to have a plumbing inspection and fix any leaks. Additionally, inspect your roof and window and door seals, fixing any issues that are visible.

3. Control Humidity Levels

Beyond eliminating leaks, you can invest in dehumidifiers for heavy moisture areas in your home. For instance, basements and attics are notorious for mold growth and development. You may also want to inspect your bathroom fan and kitchen and laundry exhaust units to ensure that the ventilation in your home is working properly.

4. Call for Assistance

While mold insurance coverage may not be as inclusive and expansive as you’d like, prevention can help you secure your property. However, if you have any questions about prevention or are in need of an inspection, you can call a mold remediation specialist in the Franklin, KY, area to assist you.

Fungus growth, though common, is not often covered under most insurance policies. Therefore, it is up to property owners to use preventative measures to protect their homes. By fixing leaks and controlling humidity levels, homeowners do a great deal to stave off the threat of mold growth.

4 Signs of Mold

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Leaky window causes mold growth in Hopkinsville, KY

Mold can start growing easier than you might think. Spores are constantly in the air, waiting for the right environment in which to grow. If you suspect you have a black mold problem, call a specialist in mold remediation in Hopkinsville, KY as soon as possible.

Signs Your Home May Be Contaminated

Not all of these signs are unique to mold. But, if you do notice one or more of these things, consider having your home tested. 

Musty Smell – If you notice an odd musty smell, you may have a problem. Try to find the source of any strange odors. Sometimes, the culprit is moldy food that fell behind a cabinet or a forgotten gym bag. Other times, the mold is growing unsuspected in a damp corner of your home.

Moisture – If an area of your home stays unusually wet, you could have the perfect environment for the growth of black mold. Basements and bathrooms are known culprits. It doesn’t take long for mold to grow. Try to keep these problem areas clean and well ventilated.

Growths – If you notice anything black, blue, green, white or yellow on any surface, no matter how small, you may have mold. Identifying the source of mold can help you eliminate it. If you see mold, try to determine the cause. If you have a moisture problem, removing the mold will only be a temporary fix. 

Food spoils quickly – If you encounter a constant issue of fresh fruits spoiling on the counter within a couple of days, you might have a mold issue. Occasional food spoilage is more likely due to less than fresh food, but food regularly getting moldy one to two days after purchase is a bad sign.

These are all signs your home may need a mold cleanup. Black mold specialists can come to your home and run tests to make sure you don’t have a problem. If you do have fungus growing in your home, it is wise to take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem. Visit http://www.SERVPROchristiantoddlogansimpsoncounties.com for more information on mold.

3 Ways To Banish Shower Mold

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage on walls of a shower

Black mold anywhere in your home is a drag. But shower mold is particularly troublesome - after all, it’s where you go to get clean. Yet this perpetually moist environment is one of the most common places for mold to grow. There are ways to prevent mold if you don’t have it in your Oak Grove, KY, home, and kill it if you do.

Why Do I have mold?

It’s easy to think you did something wrong to have a mold problem. The fact is, it’s impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in our environment. These organisms love moist, dark areas like:

• Garages
  
• Attics
  
• Crawl spaces
  
• Beneath sinks
  
  

And of course, your shower. Fortunately, you have options.

Dry It Out

Mold loves wet areas, so one of the easiest ways to prevent it is to keep things dry. Invest in a bathroom fan to remove damp air following showers. Hang towels and clothes to dry, since piles of wet fabric offer a perfect place for mold to take hold.

Replace Grout

Grout, the white stuff in between your tiles, is a common location for bathroom mold.
You can try bleach-based cleaners, but those don’t penetrate porous surfaces like grout. If your grout is covered in slimy shower mold, it’s best to find a contractor to replace your grout and start fresh.

Re-caulk

Caulk is the flexible, silicon-based material that seals up your shower. It’s also another favorite place for mold to grow, as it tends to absorb water and never fully dry out. If mold is at home on your caulk, it’s easy enough to remove and replace with a trip to the hardware store and a little elbow grease.

Your shower should be a clean, comfortable place. If mold is threatening that, take charge! Use these tips or call a mold remediator to learn more about ways you can keep your shower fungus-free.

An Overview on Mold

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

AC leak causes mold behind drywall in Hopkinsville,KY

3 Top Questions Asked About Mold

Most people know a lot about black mold. They know how to identify it by sight and smell. When it comes to taking care of your home, you have to be aware of potential causes in order to prevent a large-scale mold cleanup. If you need to learn more about it, here are three top questions asked about mold.

1. How Does Mold Develop?

For most residential buildings, mold develops when there is a moisture problem. This can be from the high humidity of the air outside, or it can be from leaking pipes or flooding. Wooden furniture, walls, paper and any organic material can provide food for black mold and other molds. In a warm, wet environment, mold thrives.?

2. How Can Mold Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent mold is to keep the environment difficult for it to thrive. Often, after a flood or in the case of burst pipes, mold is a common problem during the cleanup. If you want to protect your Hopkinsville, KY home from the buildup of mold, it’s important to ensure that you don’t have any leaking pipes or other sources of moisture. Use fans to prevent bathrooms and similar areas in your home from continuously being damp. Consider installing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels down. Since mold spores can travel via air, you can also use an air filter to help cut down on spores.

3. How Can Mold Be Tested?

Your first lines of defense against mold are your eyes. Most of the time, people see mold first and know then to deal with it. On rarer instances, however, you may not be able to see the mold. If you think that you might have a mold problem, you can look into a professional service that can perform a mold test.

Does Mold Ever Go Away?

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Moldy bedroom in Hopkinsville, KY

The rotting forest is not likely your preferred home fragrance in [City, State]. There probably isn’t even a scented candle for that smell anyway; however, when black mold is present, the earthy, decaying odor persists. Does mold cleanup completely get rid of the problem?

Mold in the Environment

Mold is a natural part of the environment. Outdoors, mold is not the enemy:

• In a forest, organic matter litters the woodland floor. Mold assists in breaking down the matter and benefits the environment.
• Mold is everywhere in the form of microscopic spores in the air. It cannot completely be removed, as it is part of nature. Spores take hold and grow rapidly when exposed to humid conditions.

Mold in Your Home

Although mold may be helpful in a forest, it certainly is not welcome in your home:

• Even though mold is unwanted, it is impossible to remove all spores from the air inside of your house. It is considered remediated when the level of mold reaches an acceptable level.
• Immediately address any visible mold in your house. If you smell a musty odor, it is possible that the mold is hidden in walls, floors or insulation and requires mold cleanup. Without remediation, it continues to quickly spread throughout the house causing significant damage.
• Mold remediation specialists are trained in proper inspection and safety procedures. They use specialized equipment to remove any black mold, discard infected materials, contain the area and filter the air. Remaining structures and contents are cleaned and restored.
• Resolve the source of the water problem because without moisture, a normal level of spores in the air should not pose a serious threat to you or your home.

All types of mold, including black mold, are a part of the natural environment in [City, State]. However, the benefits of mold growth outdoors are not needed, nor welcomed, in your home. Mold remediation contains and rids your home of active mold growth while returning the air to a pleasant odor.

Help! Mold Keeps Growing in My Home

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold seems to be everywhere, and often it is because fungus has been around for millions of years. Learning to adapt as it evolved, mold became adept at attaching itself to almost anything organic. The only other thing required for the fungus to grow and reproduce is moisture. Sending out seeds that are almost invisible, the tiny pods float through around through the air until they land upon an organic item. This can include the inside of your house in Hopkinsville, KY, where they can quickly spread mold damage around your home.

Controlling Mold

Within your home you can begin to control mold by taking the following steps:

• Ventilate the bathrooms, laundry areas, and kitchen.
• Control humidity levels within your home.
• Fix leaks as soon as you find them.
• Investigate signs of water damage on ceilings or walls.
• Remove damp towels and rugs with mildew growth from bathrooms.
• Clean moisture from skylight walls or ventilate often.

Acting before the mold materializes is often not enough to keep it from growing. Therefore, when mold damage appears, cleaning the fungus and eliminating the reason the mold originally grew can often fix the problem. Scrubbing hard surfaces with cleaners may sound like a good idea, but the mold may be in a reproductive stage. Touching the bulbous spore heads can spread the seeds into the air, letting them blow throughout the room or building. Contacting a mold remediation expert to assess the situation may save you time, money, and additional mold growth.

Preventing Mold

Mold needs moisture to grow, so one of the first steps you can take in mold prevention is lowering your humidity levels to 50 percent or less. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners can often keep levels within this spectrum, but as seasons change, so can the need to check humidity levels within your home.

Mold damage can be a common problem in areas with high humidity. Remove the humidity, and you can prevent the fungus growth. You may not be able to control mold within your home completely, but you can arrest its development.

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

Hidden Mold: 5 Places To Find It in Commercial Buildings

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Like a machete-wielding madman in a scary movie, you know building mold is there, but you just don’t know where it’s hiding. Mold growth is real, and gone unchecked, it can cause problems. Although mold can thrive in any damp atmosphere, it often hides in places you’d never think of and is probably lurking in many commercial buildings in Franklin, KY.

1. Carpet

Carpet in buildings takes a beating and rarely gets the TLC home carpets receive. When the dirt makes its way to the underlying pad and subfloor, high humidity and spills can spark mold growth you’ll never see unless the carpet is removed. Areas close to sinks are often more susceptible to water damage and the formation of hidden mold.

2. Paper

You’d think mold on paper would be easy to spot, but not if it’s inside a box or file cabinet. Business records are frequently stored in these containers and stowed away in closets or basements. Even if the containers are sturdy and well sealed, high humidity can seep in and cause mold. If the boxes are victims of flooding or leaks, the chance for mold increases.

3. Ductwork

During cool weather, the air is damp, and when it hits the air ducts, it can promote mold development. If the ducts have even the most minute cracks, there’s a good chance that moisture will leach into the duct linings, where more mold grows. Faulty insulation can also cause mold to grow on the outside of the duct pipes.

4. HVAC Drain Pans

As long as an HVAC system is working properly, it normally doesn’t get much attention. There’s a pan under the cooling coils that catches the condensation of the system. If the drainage system malfunctions or the drains become blocked, that moisture can soak ductwork, and hidden mold may start to grow on and around the pipes and in the drain pan.

5. Ceiling Tiles

Ever notice those unsightly stains around the heating and air conditioning vents in acoustic ceilings? They develop when moisture and water are sucked up by the porous ceiling tiles, and dirt accumulates in the dampness, causing discoloration. Mold is often hiding on the other side of that acoustical material.

If you believe mold growth is skulking in a commercial building in Franklin, KY,
contact a professional mold remediation company. It can help you make a plan to address the problem.

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

When a Mold Problem Becomes an Emergency

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

While mold thrives in almost any environment, there is one place where it has no invitation: your home. Finding traces of mold growth in your own living space is no exciting discovery; depending on the extent of the growth, it could take extensive time to address. Black mold, for instance, can take special gear and products, while a minor mold problem could call for more regular cleaning. Regardless of the type, there are some actions you can keep in mind regarding mold in your home.

Spotting the Problem

As many homeowners understand, there can be a major difference between a dripping faucet and a leaky roof. If mold has become an increasingly prominent issue in your home, an inspection may be the next step. Mold cleanup often involves the scrutinizing of all possible areas where moisture could get in.

Identifying the Mold

Wherever it thrives, watching a small world of fungi form on your own turf can be frustrating. However, by observing the mold itself, you may be better equipped to inform a professional about the exact problem at hand. Common molds include alternaria, mucor and stachybotrys (or black mold), all of which be found in various parts of the home.

Tackling the Growth

A moisture problem is no rare occurrence with most properties. Indoors, professionals may need to deep clean an entire area to completely clear the mold growth; affected areas containing materials such as carpeting may need to be replaced. Professionals may also turn off HVAC and water systems when cleaning mold from a home, since these can speed up the spreading of spores.

Mold can be a true pest, so keeping it outside the home is the ideal goal for most homeowners in Franklin, KY. After all, mold can offer many benefits, but none of them belong on your bathroom wall. Although black mold and other forms of fungi may seem overwhelming to get around, spotting growth and addressing it quickly can keep your home in tip-top shape.

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

4 Most Common Places Mold Can Be Found in Your Commercial Building

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Eventually, you may discover an undeniable mildew smell in your building in Hopkinsville, KY. You may even see visible mold growing on the drywall. You will need to hire professionals to conduct mold testing to see how far the damage has spread. The experts will test every room of the building, but there are certain areas that will receive special consideration due to the high likelihood they will have mold.

1. Bathrooms

Mold tends to grow in areas with high humidity. Therefore, a bathroom definitely qualifies. It is beneficial for commercial property owners to install dehumidifiers in all of the building’s bathrooms to decrease the chances of mold growing.

2. Air Conditioners or Water Heaters

These structures are prone to developing leaks, which is why you may notice a mildew smell any time you walk past them. It is critical to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them. Not only will fixing them prevent mold, but it will ensure you get the most out of your appliance.

3. Carpeting

You need to be extremely cautious if something spills onto the building’s carpet. It is perhaps for this reason many places have tile or hardwood. Carpet is exceptionally good at absorbing various materials, including water and dirt.

4. Basement

You may not visit the building’s basement all too often, so mold can grow out of control right under your nose. Being subterranean, the basement will likely have a higher humidity level than other rooms, and it will often be damper. Additionally, the basement is more prone to flooding than other rooms due to its lower level.

Do not allow a mold problem to escalate out of control. As soon as you notice a mildew smell in the vicinity, contact a professional team to see how bad the damage has become. Afterward, you will be confident no room in your building has fungus growth.

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

Leak causes mold growth in Christian County

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

The wall in the Living Room of this  Simpson County home was starting to mold due to a leak in the water line from the kitchen. The flooring and drywall as well as the studs in the wall were showing mold growth and had to be taken care of. Our SERVPRO of Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson  Counties crew was able to cut out the affected flooring and drywall and sand down the studs to get rid of the mold. With that complete we were able to seal all the wood with antimicrobial paint and seal it all of until the new drywall could be put in place. The customer has a young child and was very grateful to have the fungus taken care of.

Mold in Todd County

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

The wall in this 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 Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson Counties 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.

Moldy Baby Nursery

7/24/2017 (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, Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson Counties 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."

Moldy Lake Home

7/24/2017 (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, Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson Counties 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 in Repo Home

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

The walls and flooring in this Kentucky home suffered damage from a water loss that was left too long and mold began to grow beneath the wood flooring and up the walls . 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 Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson Counties has the right tools to tell where water has been saturated through to the subfloor. 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 Floor

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

The living room in this Simpson County home 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 Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson counties 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!