Mildew Vs Mold

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The difference in color of Mildew and mold is mildew is white, where mold can be one many color, red, green, blue, orange or black, depending on the species. Mildew usually stays on the surface of the material on which it grows, removing it can be simple if the surface can be scrubbed with a cleaning solution in a well-ventilated area. Mildew can be thought of as annoying and as an indication that there is too much moisture in the area. On the other hand, mold infiltrates surfaces that have been exposed to humidity or water. It is best to allow professionals at SERVPRO of Brickell to step in and make an assessment. The first step is to identify the source of moisture and address it. Materials like wallpaper and drywall are likely to require replacement. Once the mold growth has been removed, there are products on the market that inhibit regrowth. Keeping a home as dry as possible can prevent mold and mildew growth.

Different Types of Mold

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are three different classes of mold. Mold found in homes can be broken down into different classes based on their level of health risks.

Hazard Class A - Class A molds are classified as the most hazardous types. These molds can directly impact health. It is critical to remove this type of mold from the home immediately in order to eliminate the dangers it brings up.

Hazard Class B – Class B is less hazardous than Class A molds but, can still affect people's health. This group can cause allergic reactions, especially with prolonged exposure.

Hazard Class C - The types of mold in this group are not known for causing health risks but it can cause structural damage to your home if left untouched.

If mold is present in your home, then it is important to have it removed as soon as possible to eliminate any possible health risks and further damages. The professionals at SERVPRO of Brickell will be able to efficiently remove the mold infestation from the property.

Places Mold Grows

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that when a home suffers any type of water damage, mold can arise within 48-72 hours throughout the home?  Removing all mold in a home is impossible as they are microscopic spores living both inside and outside. Unfortunately, mold spores produce a variety of irritants and allergens, making them potential health problems. As such, removing as much mold as possible is important for any homeowner, particularly for South Florida homeowners.

The following are some of the most common places for home mold growth:

1. Bathrooms and showers
2. HVAC system drain pans
3. Underneath kitchen sinks
4. Areas surrounding refrigerators
5. Carpets
6. Crawlspaces
7. Ceiling tiles
8. Surrounding air conditioning units
9. Stacks of paper/newspapers/cardboard boxes/etc. that are dampened or wet
10. Areas surrounding any kind of cooling or heating appliances

Identifying Mold Growth

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

There are over 100, 000 species of mold which exist in both the outside and indoor environments. For mold damage to occur, organic materials and moisture must be present - that is why they commonly grow on wet ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard, carpeting, paint, wallpaper, and fabrics. Mold can also grow on dirty and moist surfaces such as ceramic tiles, fiberglass insulation, and concrete. We are going to look at some of the facts that we consider during the remediation of your Miami property.

When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your Miami property to perform mold damage remediation, we perform an evaluation and determine whether the site is safe to enter. We can also set up barriers using plastic sheeting to separate clean areas from the contaminated areas. To avoid the trip, fall, and slip hazard while at the site, we might provide portable lighting.

To visually identify the mold, we watch out for discoloration on walls, staining, musty odor, and leathery growth on building materials. In most cases, mold grows on hidden areas, so, we check behind the insulation, wallboard, wallpaper, carpet backing, and padding. We can also use moisture meters to measure moisture levels of materials such as wallboard, brick, plaster, carpet, and concrete. It is because mold grows typically on surfaces with moisture accumulation.

SERVPRO of Brickell is an industry leader in mold remediation and cleanup. Call SERVPRO at (305) 643-0710 when you need professional help from our highly trained and experienced technicians.

Mold Remediation Process

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Emergency Contact - (305) 643-0710

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

Is Mold Dangerous

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on the interior of a wall in a clients home.

No matter what you do, you cannot outrun mold. Mold has been on our planet for millions of years. Usually growing in moist locations. You must be thinking: “How dangerous is this stuff and what steps do I take to remove it?”

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that has over 100,000 different strains in different colors (black, green, orange, and white. Mold reproduces spores which are tiny and float through the air on their way to your house. Searching for dark, moist, and warm places, once they find a spot they will grow and form a visible colony. Mold cannot grow without moisture, so try to keep your home warm and dry.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Mold doesn’t usually affect healthy adults, but scientist have uncovered that some people are more susceptible to illnesses caused by the mold. These illnesses involve the throat, eyes, and respiratory system. With this discovery, we still know very little about all the mold strains, so they must all be treated as toxic. Proper tools and equipment will have to be used to insure that the mold will be removed. Therefore, if you do find mold in your home call the professionals over at SERVPRO of Brickell.