Mold Removal & Remediation

4/25/2024 (Permalink)

Mold Removal and Remediation Mold can grow anywhere. Trust SERVPRO® for reliable mold remediation, abatement, and restoration.

What is Mold? Mold occurs in many types and all of them require moisture to grow. Excessive water or moisture encourages mold to grow. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth often occurs, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.”

The Mold Remediation Process Significant mold growth can happen in just 24 to 72 hours (about 3 days) and mold can literally grow anywhere and on anything if there is enough moisture. This includes wood, paper, carpet, and even food. If you suspect you have mold in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO for information about our mold remediation services. Our technicians will thoroughly assess and inspect your property for visible mold signs. They use various techniques to detect the presence of mold and possible hidden water sources. If mold is found, SERVPRO works with you through the cleanup, repair, and remediation process with as little disruption as possible.

It's all around us! What is Mold?

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

WHAT IS MOLD?

First, it’s important to understand what mold is not. It’s not something that can be completely removed from your living space because it’s part of nature. Mold is present everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, and can enter your home in many ways: through doors, windows, HVAC systems-even on your pet, or your clothing. Once these microscopic spores are exposed to moisture, they thrive and can grow into a real problem in a few short days. You may start to notice a strong, musty odor, and that’s the time to act. Before mold remediation can begin, you need to find and repair the water source of the mold, otherwise, it could return. You can help control the growth of mold indoors by keeping the humidity in the 30%-50% range.

WHAT TO DO? Attempt to determine the water source and take appropriate action to stop the source to prevent further mold problems Restrict access to the area with mold for pets, kids, and yourself. W

WHAT NOT TO DO Don’t touch or disturb the mold. Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.

Call SERVPRO of Paducah & Mayfield @ 270-443-4555 to get professional advice anytime you suspect mold in your home or business.

Mold Prevention Tips

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is a common household problem, developing in warm, damp environments. Mold can be colored green, purple, white, and orange. While mold plays an important role outside in the environment, breaking down dead plants, mold is unwelcome in homes.

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.  

Showers and bathrooms are a common location for mold to grow, but it is possible for mold to grow anywhere in a home. Mold can come inside a home from an outside growth through inadequately sealed windows or doors. Mold spores cannot be eliminated entirely, but they will not grow if the environment is dry and well ventilated. Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Using air conditioners during humid seasons and exhaust fans in kitchen can help prevent mold from growing.

Other areas to monitor moisture to prevent mold growth: exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build, air conditioner drip pans, check for leaks around refrigerator, ensure crawl spaces are well ventilated, and check for leaks around a tub.

These are a few simple tips for making sure mold is not growing in your home. If you do discover a mold growth, SERVPRO of Paducah provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties.  If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Paducah Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

How to Protect your Home From Mold

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you think you have a mold or mildew problem in your home, it is crucial to call out a professional as soon as possible. Mold spores are dangerous and can pose a health risk to anyone that may be living in a house with mold, including pets. These safety risks may be amplified if a person has asthma or another medical condition, so mold is not something you should mess around with. If there is any sort of indication that you may have mildew or mold, call SERVPRO of Paducah today.

One of the biggest problems when it comes to mold is water. Water and moisture create the perfect environment for mold to thrive in, so you may have more than a single problem on your hands. A home may have a leak in the roof, causing water to drop down into the attic of the home. This can easily cause mold, while the residents of the home may be completely unaware that there is a problem developing. You may also have a crawl space under your house where water can end up collecting. Pooling water in a crawlspace is extremely common in areas that get a lot of rain each year. However, not too many people even notice there is water collecting under their home, as it truly is out of sight. Stagnant water can create mold under your home, as it really is a perfect combination for mold to grow. Mold thrives in the dark, but also needs moisture and warmth. Any areas of your home that are dark and damp can become a problem given the right conditions and enough time.

Mold waits for nothing and will continue to grow until you take care of the problem, which can end up posing a huge health risk. Even if you don’t think you have a mold or mildew problem, it is a great idea to be safe and have someone evaluate your house every few years. Call SERVPRO of Paducah today to schedule your mold inspection.

Mold Mitigation Services for Paducah and Mayfield, Kentucky

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found and contained behind a bar mirror.

Mold can sneak up in unlikely places, but SERVPRO of Paducah is here to help provide a solution to your properties mold damage needs. 

There are many different factors that can cause mold growth in your home or business. SERVPRO of Paducah is here to help you find out your mold problems: 

The presence of visible mold. 

• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present. 
• Any evidence of past moisture issues. 
• Excessive humidity, especially during summer months.

If we find mold in your home or business, we can bring our team of highly trained mold remediation specialists. We will help eliminate mold and a potentially dangerous situation. We follow industry regulation to remove mold and reduce the risk of future mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your Paducah, Kentucky or Mayfield, Kentucky home, call us today at (270) 443-4555!

Two Reasons to Address Mold in Your Paducah Home Immediately

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in basement stairwell.

The presence of mold leaves behind an unmistakable musty odor. Although this fungus can develop inside a house when it is simply a little too humid, it is more likely to develop after flood water damages the premises. When that flooding is accompanied by sewage loss, the contaminants only exacerbate the problem. Homeowners in Paducah, KY should try to prevent mold growth entirely. However, if mold does develop, then you need to address it right away before a bad stench turns into something much worse. 

1. Structural Damage

Mold is particularly destructive to certain materials, including gypsum board, plaster and wood. Over time, these materials may weaken and change color. You may not even see the damage if the item is painted, but the paint merely hides the mildew. The only way to ensure your home remains structurally sound is to remove all presence of mold. Certain structures may need to be replaced entirely to make sure your house is safe to live in. 

2. Rapid Growth

Mold growth can get out of hand in just 24 hours. It can spread exponentially when exposed to the right conditions. Leaks, condensation and high humidity can accelerate the growth process, causing the mold to overtake entire sections of walls and flooring. Over time, this can lead to toxic black mold. 

An even more dangerous aspect is that visible mold is only half the story. If you see mold, then there is a very high likelihood there is even more growing out of sight. You need someone to come out to your place immediately to ensure your house remains mold-free.

When bringing in a professional team in Paducah, KY to address mold in your home, it is vital that every sign of it is removed. This includes the mold you see on the wall as well as spores that have entered the air. Without addressing the problem comprehensively, the mold growth will simply resume, sometimes in less than a day. Visit http://www.SERVPROpaducah.com/ for more information on storm damage.

Controlling Mold in Your Paducah, Kentucky Home or Business

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a sneaky threat that can lurk in unsuspecting places, such as this attic.

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

www.cdc.gov

How To Tell Mold From Mildew: 3 Key Identifiers

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found lurking in two-by-fours behind drywall.

Battling mold and mildew in your Paducah, KY home can be a year-round housecleaning challenge. From preventing costly mold damage to scrubbing away mildew in the shower, fighting household fungi can take time and a considerable amount of elbow grease. However, trying to clean up mold on your own may cause the further spread of spores and increase the risk of a severe infestation. Knowing how to tell the difference between mold and mildew can help you save time, money and let you know whether you need the services of a certified mold remediation and removal company. 

1. Texture 

Although mold and mildew are both part of the fungi family, they have different textures that are usually visible to the naked eye. Mildew growth is typically thin and slimy, while mold is usually fuzzy or wooly. You can perform a quick test by adding a few drops of bleach to the suspect area, as mildew grows lighter on contact while mold retains its color. 

2. Color

You may be able to tell mold from mildew by the color of the growth. Mildew is usually grey or light yellow as it spreads, while mold growth comes in a variety of colors, from green to white to black. If you suspect what you see is black mold, it is a good idea to avoid touching the area and call in mold damage specialists to treat the problem instead, as this type of fungus can be aggressive and will likely need professional intervention. 

3. Growth Pattern

While both mold and mildew have a few similar qualities, the way each grows and spreads can help you tell them apart. Mildew is a surface fungus that can be wiped away easily, as it develops in flat, thin patches. Mold spores, however, penetrate the surface of any material they attach to and grow into wide patches that can be difficult to remove. 

It can be difficult to tell mold from mildew when you encounter either in your Paducah, KY home. However, knowing the characteristics of each can help you prevent mold damage and keep your home clean and sanitary.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROpaducah.com/.

Conditions In Paducah Might Be Right For Mold

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paducah knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Paducah to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 270-443-4555.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Paducah for mold remediation services.

MOLD: The Silent Threat

12/26/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in Attic Due to Roof Leak

There are over 100,000 forms of fungi that can turn into mold. Mold in large amounts has the potential to cause health issues or even worse. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface in 24 to 48 hours. When water gets into a part of your home or business, getting the water out before mold has time to form is crucial. Mold reproduces by spores that can travel through the air, allowing mold to spread rapidly.

If your home has water damage due to:

• flooding
• sewage back-up
• plumbing or roof leaks
• damp basement or crawl space
• overflows from sinks or bathtubs
• high humidity (from steam cooking, dryer vents, humidifiers)

...mildew and mold will likely develop within 24 to 48 hours (though it may not always be noticeable!)

If you think you may have a mold problem due to one of these issues, call SERVPRO of Paducah at 270-443-4555 today!

McCracken and Calloway County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Paducah for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Paducah specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (270)443-4555

Does Your McCracken or Calloway County Home Have A Mold Problem?

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (270) 443-4555

Check out our Mold Remediation services here.