Safeguarding Homes in Albuquerque: A Comprehensive Guide to Handling Mold Issues

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Welcome to SERVPRO©, your trusted partner in maintaining a healthy home environment! Nestled in the vibrant city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the discovery of mold in your residence can be a cause for concern. Mold not only impacts the visual appeal of your home but also poses health risks and potential structural damage. In this blog, we'll walk you through the essential steps to address mold and highlight why relying on SERVPRO's© expertise is crucial for effective mold remediation in Albuquerque.

Section 1: Identifying Mold Start by familiarizing yourself with the signs of mold growth in your Albuquerque home. Mold can take on various colors and textures, such as black spots, green patches, or fuzzy growth on surfaces. Musty odors and increased allergy symptoms among household members can also signal a potential mold issue.

Section 2: Immediate Actions to Take:

Isolate the Area: Contain the spread of mold spores by closing doors and windows. If feasible, seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting. Turn Off HVAC Systems: Prevent the circulation of mold spores throughout your home by turning off heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Handle with Care: Minimize disturbing the mold to reduce the release of spores into the air. Section 3: Why Professional Assistance is Essential:

Health Risks: Mold exposure can lead to various health problems, especially for those with respiratory conditions or allergies. Professional remediation ensures the safe and thorough removal of mold, minimizing health risks. Comprehensive Inspection: SERVPRO's© skilled technicians conduct a detailed inspection to identify the extent of mold growth, hidden mold, and potential moisture sources contributing to mold development. Effective Remediation Techniques: Our team utilizes advanced equipment and industry-approved techniques for mold remediation, ensuring a comprehensive and lasting solution. Preventing Future Growth: SERVPRO© not only eliminates existing mold but also addresses the root cause, implementing measures to prevent future mold growth. Section 4: The SERVPRO© Advantage:

Local Expertise: As a trusted SERVPRO© franchise in Albuquerque, we understand the unique challenges posed by the local climate and environmental conditions. 24/7 Emergency Response: Mold problems can arise at any time. Our team is available 24/7 to respond promptly to emergencies, preventing further damage to your home. IICRC-Certified Technicians: Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ensuring industry-leading expertise in mold remediation. Conclusion: Discovering mold in your Albuquerque home can be unsettling, but with timely and professional intervention, you can protect your property and the health of your loved ones. SERVPRO© is your local partner in effective mold remediation, offering unparalleled expertise and a commitment to restoring your home to a safe and healthy condition. Don't let mold compromise your living space – reach out to SERVPRO© for reliable and comprehensive mold remediation services tailored to the unique needs of Albuquerque.

What to know when dealing with mold issues

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

You cannot clean up mold on your own. The EPA’s recommendation to clean up a moldy area of up to 9 square feet is to wipe it with a cloth dampened with a diluted bleach solution.

The EPA and California Department of Public Health always recommend mold consultants. They do not. In fact, minor mold situations, they say, can be handled by the resident or with janitorial staff.

Mold consultants are licensed. Mold inspectors or consultants are not licensed by the government, but instead hold credentials and memberships in trade organizations.

Mold cannot be caused by the resident. Mold accumulation can often be caused or worsened by a failing to properly ventilate a residence. Mold can build up in stuffy bathrooms or any area where the environment is humid, warm and poorly ventilated.

Insurance never covers mold. Partially true: Property insurance policies do not normally cover mold, fungus or dry rot. If a water damage incident occurs, and the damage is not discovered and ventilated soon, mold can result (and dry rot). The property insurance will normally refuse to cover the cost of mold remediation, but will still typically cover the rest of the repairs. However, if the property owner is sued because of water damage including mold, the liability part of the policy ordinarily will defend the claim.

Let the emergency contractor do everything. Because of the panic associated with mold, the normal reaction is to call emergency services contractors. Such contractors are more expensive, because of their readiness to respond almost immediately at any hour. Stopping water leakage and drying the space might require an emergency contractor. However, sometimes a plumber might be enough.

Keep demolishing walls until you find no mold. Panicked residents often ask a landlord or HOA to open walls to look for mold. However, this is almost always a waste of money. Allow demolition only of what is immediately necessary, and then seek bids for the non-emergency work.

Mold damage situations must cost at least $10,000 per occurrence. The cost of repairing water damage skyrockets due to unnecessary tests, delays in responding to the leakage (the most common cause of mold buildup), excessive demolition and using emergency contractors for everything, and foregoing competitive bids for repairs. Be more deliberate, and save money.

Get Rid of Mold

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

Take things that were wet for 2 or more days outside. Things that stayed wet for 2 days have mold growing on them even if you can’t see it. Take out stuff made of cloth, unless you can wash them in hot water. Also take out stuff that can’t be cleaned easily (like leather, paper, wood, and carpet). Use bleach to clean mold off hard things (like floors, stoves, sinks, certain toys, counter tops, flatware, plates, and tools). Follow these steps: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and N-95 mask. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach. Mix no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Wash the item with the bleach and water mixture. If the surface of the item is rough, scrub the surface with a stiff brush. Rinse the item with clean water. Dry the item or leave it out to dry.

Mold Remediation and Restoring

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.  

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration Franchise Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,650 Franchises

If You See Signs of Mold, Call 505-828-3567

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
• 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.

Common Mold Misconceptions

With sensational news stories and misleading advertising, you can easily understand why so many people are misinformed about indoor mold. Learn the facts about mold and the mold remediation process.

Why Choose a SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration Franchise Professional?

They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact them. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

They’re Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

They specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

They Use Advanced Mold Remediation Techniques and Equipment

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration Franchise Professionals use advanced equipment to detect the source of water feeding the mold. Next, they isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

Control Mold When Using Air Conditioning

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Exposure to mold in a home can be hazardous, leading to any number of adverse health effects, including respiratory distress. Certain strains of mold may release mycotoxins, which can cause bleeding in the lungs and pneumonia.

Mold can grow in any dark and damp spot, which makes air conditioning units prime locations for mold proliferation. Mold spores can be circulated through a home via a central air conditioning system or window air conditioning unit. Mold spores in the air are very easy to inhale, especially for young children and elderly people.

Air conditioners also are susceptible to mold growth. Preventing mold from becoming a problem means being in tune to indicators that mold may be present, and then taking the necessary actions to eradicate that mold and preventing future growth.

Visible mold or a musty smell when operating the air conditioner are prime indicators of a problem. If anyone suspects mold has infiltrated their air conditioning system, consider these tips.

Keep equipment clean – Routinely clean dirt and debris out of air conditioning ducts and equipment. Pay special attention to organic matter, such as dirt that may come in from outdoors.

Eliminate water sources – Standing water presents an ideal breeding ground for mold. If there is excess water present in or around the system, have the AC unit serviced.

Change the filter – Many manufacturers recommend change an HVAC filters and window unit filters once every three months at a minimum. This can prevent mold growth and reduce allergens like dust and dirt that circulate through the air.

Clean up the mold – Homeowners may be able to clean up a minor mold problem, but larger issues are best left to a professional. Exposure to mold can put a person and the entire household at risk, especially if mold spores are disrupted. Air conditioning repair companies and mold-removal specialists are better equipped to clean and contain mold. If a homeowner cleans a window unit, they should make sure that all components are completely dry before reassembling the parts. Damp conditions can lead to more mold.

Air conditioning can be a life-saver during the summer. But men and women must make sure mold doesn’t become a problem while their AC systems are in use.

Refrigerator Leak Mold Remediation

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Refrigerator Leak Mold Remediation: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

                Mold Remediation: Has your refrigerator been on the fritz and leaking? Who knows how long it’s been dripping for? When you pull the fridge back; have you found an infestation of mold and now require remediation? As disheartening as this can be, fortunately there is a solution and the professionals of SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque are here to be of service.

                The first thing that should be done for any mold remediation is to locate the source of the water and turn it off, if possible. The second thing to do is to call us: 505-828-3567. We provide free estimates for insured customers within the Albuquerque area and work directly with the insurance company and adjuster to help streamline the process for you. Our goal is to help as quickly as possible to get the mold remediation back to “Like it never even happened.” ®

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque has been locally owned for over 20 years and we have some of the latest and greatest technologies/methods for mold restoration for your property. Some of these include:

• Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment
• Water Extraction Equipment
• Drying Equipment
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

                 We are a licensed GB-98 contractor and are a one-stop-shop for your complete mold remediation. If there is a leaky pipe that is the cause of the mold. We will not only fix the pipe but we will also repair the wall/site back to its original condition. This eliminates the needs for hiring multiple contractors.

                 If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free reaching out to us. 505-828-3567

Mold Removal Experts: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Removal Experts: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

Mold Removal Experts: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

                As the monsoon season approaches, it will be extra important to stay on a vigilant watch for water damage and subsequently – mold. Spores and mold take time and ideal environments for it to take hold. They need water, a food source and ideal warm temperatures. Once these three criteria are met, mold can grow at an exponential rate.

Is Black Mold the only mold that I need to worry about?

                The answer to this question is NO. Black mold can be more aggressive and irritable/harmful than green and white mold but all mold can have a negative impact on our health. The key is to isolate the infestation and remove its food source. This may require the removal and restoration of the site but specialized treatments done by the professionals at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque can be applied to remediate the site.

What are some tips on what to do once mold is discovered?

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

Call the specialist of SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque for any further questions on mold removal.

We have been serving the greater Albuquerque areas for over 20 years and are a GB-98 contractor and are a one-stop-shop for any mold removal and remediation. For your convenience, we work directly with most insurance companies so that you won’t have to hassle with them and offer free estimates for insured customers within the Albuquerque area.

Call Now: 505-828-3567

Positives of Mold

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

Blue Cheese is just one of the multiple, positive uses of mold.

When most people think about mold they tend to only think of the negative side of mold.  Such as their spoiled bread from a week ago, or those leftovers in the fridge that are starting to smell.  Us at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque mostly deal with mold growth within homes.  Although none of these types of mold are beneficial, it doesn’t mean that mold can’t be used positively.

Today we are going to highlight some of the more beneficial uses and forms of mold.  Learning to understand the positive effects of mold can lead to a more balanced and appreciative opinion on the greater impact mold plays in our lives.

Mold in Food:

Cheese – White molds on the rinds of Brie and Camembert cheese contribute to their smooth creamy texture and unique aroma. Blue molds create striking veins in blue cheeses like Stilton and contribute a peppery taste and distinct aroma.

Soy Foods – Fermented soy sauce, miso and tempeh owe much of their desirable taste and texture to mold fermentation.

Molds in Medicine:

Antibiotics and other drugs – Penicillin and other essential antibiotics were developed from molds, as were some other medications/

Molds in Manufacturing:

Enzymes – Molds are used industrially to produce enzymes that are used in the production of other products. For example, mold can be used to make the enzyme rennet that curds milk for cheese production.

Molds in the Environment:

Decay – Molds play a key role in the breakdown of organic materials and recycle nutrients back through our ecosystem.

If you learned something please share this post.  Otherwise, we hope the next time you are dealing with the negative side effects of mold you can think about all of the positive ways it affects our lives.

Why Commercial Business Should Take Mold Remediation Seriously

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

What Kills the Mold?

There are thousands of species of fungi and mold that are in existence in commercial establishments. They are present in almost any environment, but warm and damp settings boost their growth. If you are aware of the main source of mold growth in your business property, and if you think it is not yet largely spread, cleaning the area and fixing the problem by means of mold remediation usually do the trick.

There are several cases in which it is really difficult to find the origin of the infestation, even though the awful odor of the mold cannot be ignored. The mold growth may likely have spread to a vast area in the office building, which makes it extremely difficult for someone to locate it without having professional assistance.

What Kills the Mold?

You can find lots of professional service providers that are qualified enough to give an effective mold remediation to this particular problem. However, because a mold infestation is a serious matter, it is advisable to do an in depth research and go for an agency whose work speaks for the credibility of the company.

Generally, mold infestations are formed on the moist parts of the buildings, particularly during the rainy seasons. This mold growth is commonly found on the flooring, basement, drywall, bathroom tiles, and many others. These grubby patches can make your commercial business look dirty, and it can also make a person at risk of health problems.

Certain mold species give off biologically active compounds known as mycotoxins, and being exposed to these chemical substances can easily make you susceptible to various diseases. Aside from causing various health issues, these kinds of infestations can seriously damage the structure of the building, if left without treatment for a long period of time.

Extent of Infestation

You can get rid of minor mold infestations by using a mold killer and a scrub brush, which can be purchased from retail stores. Keep in mind though that you need to hire the experts to get rid of major mold infestation in vast locations. Also, the severity of the infestation is a major factor that determines the cost of the mold remediation.

If your office building is infested with mold, follow some tried-and-tested treatment methods for the removal of mold, or simply call the professionals to do the mold remediation. Ultimately, take the precautionary measures so that you can prevent such a problem in the future.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2881943#ixzz44Jzo9mJN

DIY Mold Remediation

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation

In the right environment and conditions, the mold will develop on wood surfaces, garments, drywall, inside air channels, on deck, and roofs. Much of the time, the mold develops in territories that are clammy and sodden and require an ideal temperature, and additionally oxygen. The restroom is the place a ton of dampness is regularly found. On the off chance that you have an unventilated restroom, it is recommended to leave open windows and entryways after every shower. By lessening the stickiness in the home and keeping up a level of 50 percent or lower, will forestall organism development. Washing the shower window much of the time keeps the development of mold, yet in the event that conceivable, put resources into a mold safe shower shade. Evacuate toys, void cleanser jugs and other shower things and keep them perfect and dry.

Mold Prevention

To confine the development of mold, the home must have satisfactory ventilation and consideration ought to be given to any harmed funnels, window seals, and surface waste around the home. Unfinished cellar territories are infamous for organism development, this is on account of they are normally sodden and go unattended considering the region is for the most part utilized for capacity. Assessing under the sink or any funneling for breaks can avert over the top dampness in your home. Although entering a flooded room because of a leak in the washing machine is not pleasant, the clean-up process to prevent mildew can be even more frustrating.

Mold Removal

Normal items have been effective in evacuating growths, for example, refined vinegar, Tea Tree Oil, and cleanser and-water. Obviously, there are a few business items available. Despite the procedure picked, cautious consideration ought to be given to the headings to appropriately blend the arrangements. Moreover, you will need cleaning materials, for example, cleaning fabrics, basins, gloves, garbage sacks and receptacles. Despite the fact that ventilation is unequivocally proposed, you ought to abstain from utilizing a fan, so that the mold spores are not released into the air and blown to different territories of the home, expanding wellbeing dangers.

When in doubt call SERVPRO of Northeast Albuquerque at 505-828-3567. Well sort it out, “Like it never even happened."

Sources:

http://blackmold.awardspace.com/where-mold-grow.html

http://www.survivingmold.com/mold-symptoms/common-mold-sickness-misdiagnoses-is-this-really-my-illness-1

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/promotion/public-publique/home-maison/mould-moisissure-eng.php

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/bathrooms/bathroom-mold/

http://www.medicinenet.com/mold_exposure/article.htm

Mold Removal and what NOT to do

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a worrisome sight for any homeowner as once it has invaded your house it can be problematic to remove.  For mold to grow inside your home the right moisture and temperature levels need to exist.  It is best to be proactive instead of reactive when combating mold.  When mold begins to grow, it can cause health effects as well as property damage to your home. Many homeowners who find mold inside their house turn to the internet and end up using the wrong chemicals to remove the present fungus. That is why this article seeks to inform people about some common mistakes homeowners use in their fight against the resilient fungus, therefore it’ll allow you to avoid making the same mistakes.

Neglecting Or Failing To Notice Mold Growth

If you notice any of the following signs of mold growth in your home, you may be in need of mold remediation.  Ignoring them or failing to notice will only make the problem worse.

• People in your family begin to show signs of new, mold related health problems make sure to explore the possibility of mold growth in your house.
• Don’t ignore even the smallest amount of mold spotted.
• A sudden strong musty odor in your house can be an effect of mold growth.
• Any porous materials, such as drywall and wooden objects, with water stains could be hiding mold underneath the surface.

Neglecting Or Failing To Fix Maintenance Issues

Mold needs a moisture source to come to life.  The most sure fire way to prevent mold growth is to control the moisture levels inside your home.  All of the following problems should be taken care of, otherwise continued exposure to moisture can cause the mold to spread.

• Leaks in the roof, plumbing, or sewer line.
• Humidity level of 60 percent or higher.
• Wet or damp basements, cabinets (near sink), crawlspaces, and attics,

Failing To Notice Non-Visible Mold Growth

Not all mold growth in a home is visible, mold can easily grow within walls, ceilings, floors, basements, attics, and within air ducts among other hidden places.  If you have noticed some typical signs of mold growth but have not seen any visible growth, you may need to hire a mold removal service to check these hidden spots because it can be dangerous to assume that no visible mold means no mold at all.

Assuming Lack Of Moisture Means No Mold Growth

Mold needs moisture in order to spread and grow; if mold growth is not removed but the moisture is this doesn’t mean the mold will disappear.  Mold spores can remain dormant even if they aren’t spreading.  This type of mold can still cause musky odors and negative health effects. If you’ve seen mold but there is no moisture source, take care of the problem before it has the chance to spread.

Treating Mold Growth With Bleach

Many homeowners assume that bleach is the best method of household mold removal but bleach is not strong enough to effectively kill mold.  Bleach also only attacks the mold that is on the surface not the rest of the mold that is hiding inside and underneath porous materials.  Your best option is to hire a mold removal service to completely remove all mold growth.

Mold Removal Cost

The ultimate cost of mold remediation services will depend on the extent of the mold growth in your home as it can range anywhere from $500 to upwards of $30,000.  Mold remediation often involves repair of the affected surfaces as well as removal of the mold itself so it is possible that even small jobs can cost up to about $1000.  It is important to contact a professional for mold removal immediately because the longer you wait to take action, to more the mold can spread which will make the remediation process even more expensive.

When you inspect your home for mold, make sure to take these tips into account so that you do not make one of these common mistakes which can lead to a bigger problem.  If you do discover mold growing anywhere in your home, contact a professional for mold remediation services to have the problem eliminated.

Correcting Myths About Mold

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Learn mold remediation facts from common myths

Many people think they know about mold, but if their information is wrong, it can be dangerous. Here are five common beliefs about mold, and information about their accuracy.

• All mold is bad. There are several beneficial kinds of mold. Some varieties of cheese, like Stilton and Roquefort, are made using a special strain of mold. Penicillin comes from the Penicillium strain. Mold helps break down organic materials during the composting process, turning leaves and kitchen scraps into highly fertile growing material.
• Bleach kills mold. Bleach only kills the live mold growth, not the spores themselves. The water from cleaning can provide the perfect environment to allow new mold to grow even faster.
• There should never be any mold inside the home. Mold spores occur naturally in the air and even with the most sophisticated filters, they are almost impossible to remove completely. They only cause problems when they combine with a source of food and moisture and begin growing.
• It’s ok to ignore small mold outbreaks. You should never ignore any signs of mold. It will only grow larger, damaging your home and its contents and causing sinus and respiratory problems. The more it spreads, the more expensive it will be to clean and restore, especially if it gets into walls and the HVAC system.
• You can always clean mold yourself. You can clean smaller infestations of 10 square feet or less on your own using a mix of household detergent and water. Don’t use UV light or high heat drying, which may make the mold grow faster. If the infestation is larger than 10 square feet, or you have allergies, call a professional

If you find mold in your home or business in Albuquerque, NM that’s more than you can handle, call the professionals at SERVPRO Of NE Albuquerque Restoration. Our certified technicians use the best mold remediation methods in the industry. Proper mold removal will save you money by getting the job done right the first time.

Sourced from: http://restorationmasterfinder.com/restoration/mold-myths-busted/

Two Important Reasons to do a Mold Inspection

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

Don't wait until it's too late, get your home inspected for mold damage.

Mold is found just about everywhere, but when it is found in your home it can be a major problem. Mold can occur in a house because of flooding. Flooding can be caused by a broken water pipe or hose, or it can be caused by torrential rain, such as a hurricane or tropical storm.

Flooding is not the only cause of mold. One of the most common places homeowners find mold is in the basement. The reason for this is because basements are usually dark and damp, the perfect environment for mold to grow in. If the mold finds plenty of cellulose to feed upon along with moisture, it will grow, and can grow so much that it invades other parts of your home. Therefore getting a mold inspection can be important to either finding mold, or giving you peace of mind.

Reason One – Health

There are over 100,000 different types of known mold.  Due to the sheer amount of possibilities mold can cause different issues for different people.  This is why it's recommended to get your house examined by a professional.  Don't take the risk of spreading the spores throughout your house by trying a DIY method.  Instead contact the trained technicians at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration.

Reason Two – Damage to Your Home

Mold can spread through your home very fast. Unfortunately, most people don’t see the mold as it grows because it often grows behind walls where it isn’t visible. By the time the mold has spread through the inside of a wall to the outside, the damage it has caused can be too excessive to be repaired. Dry rot can cause damage to the integrity of your home’s frame.

Mold inspections are the easiest way to find out if there is mold in your home, and if there is, where the mold is located. After you have a mold inspection done the inspector will discuss the results with you. The best case scenario is that you don’t have mold, or the mold is minor. If, however, you find that you have a lot of mold in your house the inspector can be a great resource for learning about who you can turn to for getting rid of the mold, as well as repairing the damage caused by mold. If you ever suspect that you may have mold, contact a SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration right away so that you can deal with the problem before it gets worse.

Call Today (505)-828-3567

Sourced: http://blog.action1restoration.net/mold-services/two-important-reasons-mold-inspection/

Got Mold in Albuquerque? Better Call SERVPRO Albuquerque Restoration

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Mold thrives under the right conditions.

Mold remediation is one of our primary areas of expertise here at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration. We have the training and experience to contain the infestation, scrub health-threatening spores out of the air, remove the contaminated materials, and help prevent future microbial growth.

A Moldy Situation

Imagine you were cleaning out a storage closet at work, and you found mold growing on the back wall. Most likely this year, an ice dam supplied the water that created an ideal situation for microbes to grow in this closet. Once you identified and resolved the source of the leak, you would still want to contact a professional to mitigate the mold and ensure healthy air for your employees and customers to breathe.

Containing the Infestation

When SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration franchise professionals begin a mold job, our first concern is to contain the mold infestation. The mold you can see is only a small part of the danger posed to building occupants. Mold reproduces by releasing invisible spores into the air. These spores pose the real hazard for those who breathe the air in the infested building. Therefore, we begin by preventing air from the contaminated area traveling to other parts of the building.

Scrubbing Mold Out of the Air

Each job is unique in its challenges and solutions. However, in most cases, a SERVPRO Albuquerque Restoration mold mitigation team will set up a containment barrier and create a “negative air” situation inside the infested area. A “negative air” situation is essentially a vacuum that ensures air only flows into and not out of the contained area while the air scrubbers filter the spores and other contaminants from the air.

Removing Contaminated Materials

Organic materials like drywall, carpeting, and ceiling tiles must be removed and discarded once they become contaminated with mold. This is why we encourage people to contact us immediately after a water loss to dry all the materials before microbial growth begins. Blowing a fan across moldy materials hoping to dry them and save them spreads mold spores in the air and increases the health risk to building occupants.  

Inhibiting Future Growth

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration franchise professionals can never promise to prevent all future mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere in the atmosphere, and they take root and thrive whenever they find the perfect mix of moisture, food (organic materials) and temperature. However, our team does have several products that discourage microbial growth. Once your moldy materials have been removed and the air has been scrubbed to reduce the concentration of spores, we can apply one of these anti-microbial agents to help protect your building’s structural elements.

Call SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration for Mold ASAP

When you see mold, remember you cannot see the biggest threat that mold presents. Contact our SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Restoration mold remediation team at 505-828-3567 for a free estimate and good advice about protecting yourself and other building occupants until the mold is removed and the air is clean again. 

Mold Removal And Money Saving Tips

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Mold

No one likes an unwelcome guest in their home. We’re not only talking about your crazy relatives, but that pesky mold that seems to find every crevice of your humble abode. Seeing your walls, molding and shower tiles start hosting this guest can be traumatizing to any homeowner. Not only is it physically unattractive it can also cause serious health issues, depending on the degree of mold. Use these mold removal tips to help you and your walls breathe a little easier while keeping your wallet full this spring.

Mold Removal – Money Saving Tips

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

If you are about to sell your house or apartment and you have mold to deal with, you’d better count on professional mold removal to make your home as appealing as possible to a potential buyer.

Removing Mold From Your Home

You can save a lot of time and money on mold removal if you hire professionals to cope with the situation. Also, as mold is dangerous for health, it is a good idea to consider hiring a mold removal company.

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

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

• Replace drywall and shower tile: $100 – $200 per wall

• Doctor visits to the allergist and medicine: $100+

• Replacing an HVAC system: $2,500 – $7,000

Occasionally, mold can be found in the bathroom, in a windowsill, shower curtain or on the walls. This mold can be wiped off the surface with a damp cloth and cleanser (such as Windex or bathroom cleaner). It forms as a result of having excess moisture in cool places. Preventing mold growth requires controlling the moisture source. This may be as simple as using a dehumidifier or fixing a simple leak. If the mold issue has started to grow beyond solving with household cleaners, then it is time to bring in a professional.

Our mold cleaning services include drying the moldy surfaces and disinfecting damaged areas. The technicians then dispose contaminated materials in sealed bags as part of the mold and mildew remediation (removal). Proper disposal of contaminated materials is an important part of mold damage restoration in order to prevent releasing mold particles into the air.

Mold Removal – Money Saving Tips

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Mold Removal Tips

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How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost

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How Professional Mold Removal Protects Your Health

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Mold grows in your home or workplace for a variety of reasons. It thrives in damp spaces, so bathrooms, basements, and other spaces with elevated humidity levels provide breeding grounds for it to develop and expand. It also penetrates, moving beyond the visible surfaces and extending into porous materials like wood and concrete. And when mold develops, many people develop health issues as a result.

Wiping down surfaces removes the appearance of mold, but even when you use bleach, it might not eliminate the threat, and may even make it worse. Professional Mold Removal Service goes beyond cosmetic fixes and takes the problem out of your home. As a result, it can have tremendous protective impact on your health, and that of your family or your employees.

Protects Your Respiratory System

The most common health concerns mold creates come to respiratory health. In homes and other buildings where mold is present, people report symptoms similar to what seasonal allergies produce: stuffy or runny noses, shortness of breath, wheezing, and eye and skin irritation. These usually are not life threatening, but can certainly be nuisances for anyone occupying that building. Further, it tends to weaken the immune system and leave people vulnerable to other illnesses. In the home, it means you and your family may be less active and spend more time sick. At work, it leads to absenteeism and more sick days for your work force.

When you wipe away mold that gathers on the surfaces of your space, it may look better. In reality, though, you simply remove visual evidence of mold that continues to infiltrate that space—both underneath the surfaces and in the air. Unfortunately, this means it moves more quickly and directly into the respiratory system, creating more problems than it solves for you and those around you.

Professional mold removal includes not only removing the visible mold on walls, counters, and wood, but filtering it out of the air and removing it from, or extracting, woodwork and other materials with mold expanding inside. The work is detailed and intense; it requires a systematic approach of testing, analysis, removal, and re-testing. But when the work is done, the space is clean and clear of mold. The symptoms you and your family or team have experienced clear up,and you all breathe freely again.

Helps Prevent Infections

For some individuals, the health concerns move beyond basic respiratory issues. If mold remains in your home or work space, some people develop lung infections and other more serious conditions. This particularly affects younger children and older adults, but can hit others as well. The symptoms tend initially to be similar to the allergy-like symptoms described above,but can become more intense over time. The longer the mold persists in your space, the more severe infections and other illnesses can become.

Again, it comes back to the condition of the air you are breathing. The presence of mold on the surface itself is not what creates health problems. Rather, when people inhale the spores in the air, the mold moves inside the lungs and can produce infections and illnesses in otherwise healthy people. Mold looks unsightly on the walls and woodwork, and can create structural problems when you allow it to grow there. But it is the invisible side of the problem that can give problems to your health.

This is why your mold removal work should be best left to professionals. If it were as simple as disinfecting every place that you see it growing, anyone with protective gear would be able to take care of the job themselves. M Builders goes to the heart of the problem by detecting mold spores moving through the air and growing beyond where the visible signs lie. We then use air
filtration equipment to remove those spores from the air and clean it up for you. Hiding the problem is counterproductive; we get rid of it for you.

Helps Prevent Recurrences

Of course, you need more than the removal of mold in the moment. The problem with this kind of infiltration in your space is that it tends to come back. When you clear the air and the surfaces on which mold has been growing, you take care of it for the moment. If you stop there,though, the respiratory symptoms you and your family or employees have developed will barely have time to clear up before they start coming back again. The cycle of mold recurrences can be very difficult to escape when you try to go it alone.

Professional mold removal focuses on more than just the present. We go deeper,testing and taking care of the problem as far into your woodwork and structure in your building as needed. Some kinds of surfaces, especially steel and other metals, prevent mold from sinking in deep. Others, though, like wood and concrete, can be compromised and require removal and replacement to eliminate mold from your home or workplace. We identify the extent of the problem and the work required to resolve it, and develop a plan with you to take care of it all.

In addition, we can recommend and take steps to change the conditions that allowed the mold to grow. Damp spaces and materials foster mold growth; thus, using different materials as replacements and using dehumidifying equipment can help prevent its return. You don’t just want to reset to your starting point. Rather, you should strive to improve the space so you can truly prevent the problem from returning.

Mold removal requires a diligent, careful process to do more than get rid of the appearance or even the current presence in the air of mold spores. When you go it alone, you might get your space looking better, or even feeling better. But unless you fully eliminate mold from the space and take steps to keep it out, the improvement will be temporary. Count on us for Professional Mold Removal Service that keeps you and your family or work force healthy.

5 Signs You May Have Mold in the Home

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Most people know that mold in the home can present problems for the health of you and your family. But not everyone knows what to look for. After all, mold in your basement doesn’t always present itself as obviously as green growing on an old loaf of bread. Still, if you wait for more visible signs, you risk deeper, more significant structural damage in your home, resulting in greater removal and restoration costs. More importantly, it allows threats to your respiratory health to grow and fester for longer. If you notice any of these signs of trouble, it may be time to reach out for professional Mold Removal Services.

1. Discoloration on Your Walls

One early sign of mold is discoloration on your walls. This, by itself, may or may not signal that mold is present; other staining on your walls can come from fading paint, water spots, or rubbing against the surface. You can determine whether the discoloration comes from mold in a few ways. The most obvious is textural: if the spot is soft, fuzzy, or fibrous, it has a greater chance of being mold growth. Another comes from where the discoloration occurs. Mold tends to grow more in cool, damp places. A basement and/or near a water heater or water line is the most obvious example.

Finally, if you cannot tell, you can test the sample. Home tests are available, or a professional mold removal service can inspect and test the spots, and the area in general, for the presence of mold. In either case, you want to find out quickly before mold has a chance to spread further into your living environment.

2. Musty Smells

Often, even before you can see mold emerging, you notice a stale, musty smell lingering in the air. It may be subtle at first, but it provides an important signal for potential mold growth in your space. What’s more, because mold spores spread in the air, it can also start clinging to your clothing and other fabrics in the area. One way of figuring out whether that scent comes from mold is to keep track of whether the scent stays away after you address it. Air freshener should help remove the scent from the air, and washing your clothing, shower curtain, or other materials should get rid of it there. If the smell keeps returning, there is a good chance you do have a mold problem. On the other hand, you want to be careful about letting airborne spores spread through your home. Having the air tested can be an important safety precaution to prevent it from advancing into other areas.

3. Cold or Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergies are common, and can present themselves in any family.But some of the same symptoms—runny noses, scratchy throats, headaches, and the like—can be signs of mold present in the air in your home.If the symptoms linger longer than normal, or if they come up in times of the year you would not expect, you may want to look into it. Most of the time these symptoms do not become larger health problems, but the symptoms can be frustrating and prevent you or your family from feeling or working your best. And if anyone in the home suffers from asthma, mold spores can exacerbate the problem and bring on shortness of breath and even full-fledged asthma attacks. If you start to see symptoms or breathing difficulties develop in yourself or your family members, have a professional test the areas potentially affected.

4. Soft, Soggy, or Damp Materials

Because mold grows better in cool, damp places, you find a softer, damper feel to materials that it has infiltrated. If you touch cardboard or wood and find it squishy or softer than you would expect those materials to be, there is a good chance that mold has worked its way in. This kind of damage can be troubling in two ways. First, the more mold works into the materials, the weaker those materials become. Deep mold damage can disrupt the structural integrity of your home. Similar to termite damage, mold seeping into your woodwork can create problems that remain invisible until too much has been done to remedy it. Second, when mold works into porous structural parts, it can be difficult or impossible to remediate in a way that allows you to save those elements rather than replacing them. Merely cleaning these surfaces with antibacterial cleaning materials will not remove the problem; you need to work with a professional mold removal service to truly get rid of this level of mold in your home.

5. You See It!

Sometimes you can see mold growing and do not need to do any kind of analysis or deeper investigation. If you see black and white specks on the wall or ceiling, or gathered around appliances that run water, you have mold. It may also appear just as a black or white or orange mass of crystalline structure gathered in those places. If you look with a magnifying glass, you will usually see spores or fibers present on the substance. This is clear evidence of mold present in your home, and something you need to address right away before it can spread.

Get Rid of Indoor Mold

If you see any of these signs of mold invading your home, trying to take care of it on your own is usually a mistake. Wiping surfaces by itself might remove the mold from those surfaces, but it has the side effect of pushing mold into the air where it can do more damage if inhaled. And for all of that, the mold will likely return to the surface you wiped down to begin with! We take a thorough, professional approach to removing mold from the surfaces, structures, and air in your home. When you think mold may be present in your home,Contact Us for all of your professional mold removal needs.

How to Prevent Mold

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we perform mold removal services as well and as thoroughly as any other on the market. You can count on us to restore your space and help return you and your family or your employees to better health. But there are many steps you can take to protect your property from mold, either before you ever need us or to make sure you don’t need us again. Mold flourishes in certain conditions, so the more you do to avoid letting those conditions develop, the less likely you are to deal with mold growth on your property. If you take these steps and follow through on them, you can remain mold-free for years to come.

Control Humidity Levels

The most important thing you can do to prevent mold growth in your home or office is to keep moisture levels low. Every kind of mold requires moisture for it to grow; cool, damp spaces give it the environment it needs to develop and then to expand. So the more you can do to lower moisture levels in your building, the less likely it is that mold becomes a problem for you.

One step you can take is to use a dehumidifier, particularly for your basement. Because cooler, denser air settles at lower levels, the basement becomes the place where moist air settles in your home. Focusing efforts to remove some of that moisture from the air there can go a long way toward preventing the insidious creep of mold into the lower level of your structure. Control the humidity levels there, and you are much less likely to see mold grow.

Besides the dehumidifier, you can take other steps to keep the basement dry. Sealing the walls, floor, and ceiling can prevent moisture from slipping in from the outside. All too often, tiny structural cracks can lead to mold development inside your home or office. To stop it, you should check your walls regularly, and treat them on a regular schedule as well. Even with the dry air we normally see in the Albuquerque area, you can have moisture creep in from time to time, and create the conditions to let mold grow. Take proactive steps to prevent this, and keep the mold out.

Condensation and Leaks

Moisture doesn’t just come into your home through the walls, or even just in the basement. Condensation often occurs around the pipes and water heater in your home. The temperature differences between water in the pipes and the air outside them makes this inevitable when the pipes are not insulated properly. Sometimes this results in visible water droplets on and around the pipes, and others it manifests as damp walls in the area. In either case, it can create the conditions that lead to mold growth in your home.

Beyond condensation, pipes wear down over time, and leaks can appear—small at first, but enough to introduce water to your walls, ceiling, and floor. Because this often occurs in hidden areas and spaces, you may never realize what has happened until mold starts to grow. The result is a spread into your living and working spaces that affects the health of everyone there. It may appear at the corners of your house, behind appliances, or even inside the walls.

Proper insulation should be your first preventative step in avoiding these issues. Check the walls around your pipes and appliances for any sign of dampness on the material. If you do find any, the area will need to be dried and cleaned, and then the pipes checked to ensure that, whether the cause is a leak or condensation, you can fix it before mold has a chance to emerge. And if mold already has surfaced, catching it early minimizes the remediation work that may be required to restore the building to a healthy, mold-free environment.

Cleaning and Ventilation

Finally, mold can develop in your ventilation system in your home or workplace. The spores that cycle through your home get trapped in the vents or your filters. This affects the quality of the air circulating throughout your home or workplace. If you or others in the space have cold or allergy symptoms, this can often be an unseen cause. Filtration can catch some of it, but even then, you are left with an inefficient HVAC system and air less clean and healthy than it should be.

Some people believe mold in ventilation systems is unavoidable. While it can be difficult to prevent it entirely, there are steps you can take. Having them cleaned and dried regularly helps, as does using a dehumidifier attached to your system. Using fungicides regularly when you clean can also do a great deal to prevent problems. By taking proactive maintenance steps, you can do a great deal to prevent problems from arising and keep your home or office mold-free for longer.

When It Is Already There

Unfortunately, mold does sometimes enter your home or work space, no matter how diligent you may be. A flood or a burst pipe can bring it on quickly, or a hidden leak or condensation issue can fester unnoticed until mold spreads out into view. At this point, you may be tempted to attack the visual problem and wipe away the black or discolored spots that appear on your walls. When you do so, you find all too quickly that the mold comes back, and that any sudden allergy symptoms or asthma attacks linger even after the appearance of mold is gone.

Our New Mexico Mold Removal service gives you a better way. We are trained and certified in getting rid of not just the appearance, but the existence of mold in your home or workplace. We attack the problem directly, on surfaces, in structures, and in the air, clearing it all of the mold spores that, even when you can’t see them, create the problem you are experiencing. You should do all you can to prevent the growth of mold in your home, but when it does appear, contact us. We will get you breathing freely again.

The Other Places Mold Grows

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Mold is relentless and, to make matters even worse, this enemy of the average homeowner starts off microscopic and can grow almost anywhere. These organisms don’t discriminate either—they live inside or (preferably) outside and they are even part of something as common as the dust on your furniture.

Maybe you’ve stopped reading this blog to get up and check the basement for this intruder that can cause health concerns over the long run? Even if you’re looking for those tell tale black blotches on the wall down there you might not be getting to all of the problem. The truth is, mold creeps and hides in places you might not have thought of. Mounting an attack that will beat this invader back is about much more than just opening a window downstairs and hoping for the best.

We know how to fight back against mold. We offer professional services to put your mind at ease including Assessment and Repair and Filtration and Removal because we’ve been in business long enough we know where to look and just what to do to in those other places mold grows like:

The Kitchen

If you hadn’t thought about it before, you might be cringing a little now to think there’s mold growing on something else beside that loaf of bread that’s been sitting in the cupboard for weeks. Still, there’s mold in the kitchen and with a little detective work you can expose it. Here’s what you need to do:

• Sniff the air because the enemy smells. The scientific explanation is that mold produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) but all you really need to know is it stinks. It has a musty air to it that you really can’t mistake for anything else.
• Corner the problem. Mold likes to attach itself to corners and places where you’ll have a hard time finding it like the tops of kitchen cupboards and the corners of walls. You might even encounter Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold near any of the sinks in your kitchen due to faulty plumbing or moisture.
• Mold can hide in ventilation systems and that includes the range hood over your stove. Even if you can’t see any of this fungus growing there, using the sniff test is a great way to catch the culprit.

Here’s just some of the molds that we’ve found hitching a ride in the kitchens of some of our clients.

• Cladosporium cladosporioides, Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This version can cause allergic reactions if you’re exposed to it over a long period of time. That’s why we offer a certification on all of the work we do for you.
• Ulocladium botrytis. You might want to write this one down because even though it’s not known to cause any health problems, it can result in economic damage on the inside of your house.

Check Those Carpets!

If might seem shocking at first, but when you stop and think about it , there shouldn’t really be any surprise when you read there could be mold found in your carpets. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean mold isn’t growing in your home and the carpets are a favorite habitat.

Any carpet that’s been damaged from a flood should be disposed of as a preventative measure and it’s good to remember that any carpeting that’s below grade level where there’s a lot of humidity is also at risk.

Aspergillus versicolor is just one of the nasty sounding varieties you might find in this floor covering. This is considered a class A hazard because it can pose risks to your health. If you think you might have this or one of the other common mold intruders growing under your feet, you can get in touch with us right away for our assessment and containment services.

Our complete testing of your home includes air quality and containment of any affected services. We don’t want any mold to spread around your house so we act quickly to contain any sources including your carpets.

Like Looking Out The Window? Keep An Eye Out For Aureobasidium Pullulans!

Mold is a sneaky invader that likes to hide in places where you least expect and that’s why you need to check your window frames for Aureobasidium Pullulans and a variety of other species of mold like Cladosporium Sphaerospermum. Here’s a few things you’ll need to look at to keep one step ahead of this potential problem.

• Searching the windowsills is a great place to start. Mold needs organic matter to grow and it can start on either aluminium or wooden windowsills. Once the dust settles on either type, mold starts to grow.
• Keep an eye on the glass panes in your windows too. Although mold doesn’t usually grow on glass, moisture can get trapped between the panes and dust can accumulate on the inside creating the environment it needs to get started.
• Frame the problem up properly. Mold can even hide in those hard to reach places like the corners where the window frame meets the glass. If you see the glass fogging up with condensation in the winter or when the windows are otherwise closed, you need to look in the hiding spots for the tell tale black spots.

We’ve been in the business of looking after all of your mold concerns for years now. We take a personal interest in making sure you home is a healthy and happy place that’s completely free of this problem.

Remember, your health and satisfaction are our top priorities and you can get in touch with us at 505-828-3567 and one of our professionals will start looking into any mold issues you’re having.

We are affordable and, perhaps best of all, licensed, bonded and insured so you know that you’ll get the best service from each and every one of our expert technicians.

Why is mold growing in my home?

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Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

What is mold?

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• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

What are the main ways to control moisture in your home?

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• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

• Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid  climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
• Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.

Moisture On Windows

Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.

Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor humidity levels.

Outdoor Recommended Indoor Temperature Relative Humidity

+20^o F.35%+10^o F.30%0^o F.25%-10^o F.20%-20^o F.15%

Source:  Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (www.aham.org).

What are the basic mold cleanup steps?

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1. The key to mold control is moisture control.
2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
3. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.  Dry all items completely.
4. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.  Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
    
5. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
    
6. Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.  Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting.  Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
    
7. If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.  Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books.  Be sure to ask for and check references.  Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

Should I use bleach to clean up mold?

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1. The key to mold control is moisture control.
2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
3. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.  Dry all items completely.
4. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.  Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
    
5. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
    
6. Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.  Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting.  Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
    
7. If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.  Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books.  Be sure to ask for and check references.  Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

Should I use bleach?

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

Is sampling/testing for mold necessary?

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In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.  Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards.  Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.  Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing  mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results.  Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Hidden Mold

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth.  For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper.  If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

How do I get rid of mold?

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 It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust.  The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.  Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.  If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.  If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Read more about mold at www.epa.gov/mold

1. The key to mold control is moisture control.
2. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptlyand fix the water problem.
3. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

How can I tell if I have a mold problem?

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Answer from www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust.  The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.  Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.  If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.  If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Mold Testing or Sampling

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing?

Mold Cleanup in your home

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow theMold Cleanup Tips and Techniques. However:

• If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.

• If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.

• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building.

• If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.*

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Tips and Techniques

• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.

• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

• Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

• Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. See discussions:
  • What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas
  • Hidden Mold

• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

• If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.*

Floods and Flooding

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

To learn more about flood clean up and indoor air quality, visit: Flood Cleanup and Effects on Indoor Air Quality.

Ten things you should know about mold.

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
   • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
   • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
   • Increasing ventilation
   • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.