Mold Prevention and Awareness with SERVPRO

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is more than just an eyesore—it's a potential health hazard that can cause serious damage to your property. At SERVPRO of Potomac, we're committed to helping you stay informed and protected.

Mold thrives in damp, humid environments, making it essential to address any moisture issues in your home or business promptly. Leaky roofs, plumbing problems, or poor ventilation can all contribute to mold growth. The key to preventing mold is controlling moisture. If you notice any signs of water damage, act quickly to dry the area and make necessary repairs.

Regular inspections can help you catch mold early before it becomes a bigger problem. If you do discover mold, it’s important to address it right away. DIY solutions may not be enough, and improper handling can actually spread the mold further. That's where professional help comes in.

At SERVPRO of Potomac, our team is trained to safely and effectively remove mold, ensuring your property is clean and healthy. Don’t wait until mold becomes a serious issue—contact us at the first sign of trouble, and we’ll help you take care of it.

Keep your home or business mold-free with proactive care and professional support. Mold prevention starts with moisture control, and we're here to assist every step of the way.

Managing Mold in Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Call The Team In Green!

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring certified professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Every mold situation is different, but the mold remediation process is the same. Water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. The following steps are an overview of SERVPRO’s mold removal process. 

Inspection and Damage Assessment 

Your property will be carefully inspected by one of our SERVPRO team of professionals for signs of mold using technology designed to detect hidden water sources.

Mold containment

Our team will follow various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration Equipment

SERVPRO certified professionals utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress. The specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air.

Removing mold and cleaning contents

Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments eliminate mold colonies to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested materials, like drywall and flooring , may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth in your home or business. In addition, our SERVPRO certified professionals use different cleaning techniques to sanitize your belongings, including furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items. 

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall painting and installing new carpet. The restoration stage can also until major repairs such as reconstruction of various rooms and areas in your home or business.

At SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring we are the go to mold remediation experts. Call us at 301-530-7400 if you suspect mold damage in your home or business. 

Odor Removal & Deodorization

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contact any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.

victim to Mold Infestation!

11/7/2018 (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

Does your Home have Black Mold

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

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

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

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by visiting our page

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO immediately. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 301-588-2240

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent

Here what you need to know about mold

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Here what you need to know about mold

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all molds 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 molds, 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.

Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

In Bethesda/Potomac mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 – 301-530-7400

CAUSES OF MOLD

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Common Source of excessive mold-causing moisture

Flooding from storms coming from outside

Sump pump overflow

Roof leaks from damaged roofs, ice dams or blocked gutters

Rain from storms through window frames, exterior walls, or doors

Leaking pipes, sewer back-ups or overflows

Damp basements due to high water table or badly managed water drainage

Condensation on cold surfaces

Mold needs these 3 main things to thrive and stay alive.

High humidity

Warm or temperate Temperature

Poor ventilation

Mold is easier to prevent than it is to clean so keeping a watch on common sources of mold and maintaining a dry, ventilated home and drying homes from water damage within 24 hours of the incidence is the best way to prevent mold from happening in the first place. If you have a mold problem and you would like information about how to get it professionally cleaned, please call us and we will direct you on the companies that we use to test for mold.

SERVPRO of Bethesda/ Potomac 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.

Mold Prevention & Mitigation: For Your Health

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. An Institute of Medicine study found excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, potentially causing a public health problem. The EPA advised that the potential health concerns from molds are an important reason to prevent moisture problems leading to mold growth. Possible health effects include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat, or inflammation of the sinuses. 

Take Precautions:

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac's Professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, be alert for:

·         The presence of visible mold.

·         Strong musty odors, which may indicate mold is present. 

·         Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth. 

·         Excessive humidity.

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

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac cares about proper restoration of your structure and, in most water-damage situations, can safely restore your building to preloss condition.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions to Alleviate Spring Allergies

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

- Have your home checked annually by a certified HVAC technician. An HVAC tech knows exactly what to look for.

-Even when it is nice outside, opening windows and doors brings allergens and dust into the home.

-Having your air ducts cleaned is important due to the dust and dirt that build up there. Some things are oblivious to the naked eye but can cause health problems.

-Check seals around windows and doors as one missing seal can be the reason that pollen, dust and other debris enter the home.

-Change air filters every 30 days especially during the months where the air conditioner is used more often.

-Clean hardwood floors, carpet, door mats regularly to avoid dust collection, debris build up.

All of these things listed can lead to more serious health problems if not maintained. In people with severe allergy problems you find that something's  may need to be cleaned even more. 

The Most Common Types of Mold

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

The most common types of mold include aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold).

Aspergillus is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems. Cladosporium is typically a black or green "pepper like" substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces and fiberglass air ducts. While this mold is nontoxic to humans, it can trigger common allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, rashes and a sore throat.

Mildew vs Mold: Do You Know The Difference

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to mildew vs. mold, homeowners often have trouble identifying the differences between these two fungi. Knowing their different characteristics will help you when preparing for the battle against these household culprits.

Mold and mildew are both members of the fungi kingdom.

Mildew is a common gray and white fungus that’s often powdery in appearance. In homes, mildew will grow on damp materials like paper, leather and fabrics in addition to walls and other wet surfaces. Because of this, mildew is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. In addition to identifying mildew by its fuzzy appearance, you can also point it out before actually seeing it. Mildew usually gives off a musty smell that indicates an infestation is nearby.

Unlike mildew, certain types of toxic molds can result in serious health problems for you and your family. Black mold can lead to serious respiratory complications, which may result in long-term health issues and even death in some cases. If you believe you may have a serious black mold infestation in your home, call a mold removal service to properly remove the infested area.

Areas in your house that mold can hide from you

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can occur anywhere in a home but mainly is concentrated to areas where moisture is present. These moisture areas are common to the bathroom and basements. Mold can cause respiratory problems and should be removed if found as soon as possible. Most restoration companies only do mold inspections if the mold is visible, an industrial hygienist would come in and search for traces of mold that are not visible.

One of the first places mold can collect and you may not think to check is under the refrigerator. Under the fridge tends to collect moisture and dirt which can cause a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Another place is the AC unit. AC units are known to collect debris, dust and moisture from the air, which can lead to mold spores.

Mold can even grow in or around a washing machine or its parts. Moisture and lint can cause a presence of mold spores.

Other area in the house include anywhere moisture and dirt may form such as window corners.