Recent Mold Remediation Posts

SERVPRO® Mold Remediation Service

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

Warning Sign If you see or smell a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Deerfield Beach!

How can I tell if I have a mold problem?

Mold is a natural part of the environment.  Mold reproduces from tiny spores and may start growing inside when these spores land on wet surfaces.  Outdoors it helps nature break down dead organic materials like fallen leaves and dead trees.  Indoor growth can be a problem. 

The first indication of a problem is often when you notice a musty odor.  You may see fuzzy or slimy patches on surfaces.  Reducing moisture is the most effective technique to stop the growth of mold.  If you try to clean up the mold without fixing the water problem, the mold problem will return.    

Call SERVPRO of Deerfield Beach at  954-596-2208
for reliable mold remediation, abatement, & restoration.
 

If you see, smell, or suspect you have mold, call SERVPRO® today.  Mold grows fast and the longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.  Our IICRC certified technicians have the expertise to mitigate mold from your home or business quickly and discreetly.  While every situation is different, in general mold remediation protocols will follow these steps:    

Step 1:  Call SERVPRO of Deerfield Beach:  954-596-2208
Step 2:  Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
Step 3:  Mold Containment
Step 4:  Air Filtration
Step 5:  Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Step 6:  Cleaning Contents and Belongings
Step 7:  Restoration

SERVPRO of Deerfield Beach is locally owned and operated so we are nearby and able to respond immediately when you need us.  We specialize in mold remediation, fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, and more.  We work hard to provide quality remediation and restoration services, so that our customers can safely return to their homes and businesses and get back to normal life!

Signs of Mold Damage in Your Bathroom

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

mold on walls A professional can determine the source of the mold in a safe manner. Therefore, a mold damage restoration specialist should be contacted to assess an

What is Mold?

Mold is fungus that thrives on damp or decaying organic matter. It comes in many varieties, can be found both indoors and outdoors, and can survive in any climate during any time of year. Mold spores are everywhere. Basically, we are constantly exposed to molds.

How Does Mold Grow?

In order to grow indoors, mold needs a source of moisture, a food source, and protection from the sun. Bathrooms provide countless sources of moisture from sink to toilet, pipes in the walls, the windows, through the ceiling, and even in the air. Mold thrives in both wet areas and areas with a high level of water vapor in the air. The elevated humidity levels of bathrooms provide ample moisture for mold to grow.

Mold eats matter having particles that were or are still alive. In a bathroom this includes dirt, cotton, dust, hair, skin cells, wood, paper, and soap. Finally, bathrooms are often windowless or have very small windows, effectively protecting the mold from the sun. In sum, the moisture, food, and protection from the sun are all in ample supply in a bathroom. Thus, bathrooms are at risk when it comes to mold damage.

What are the Signs of Mold Damage?

Mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours of being exposed to damp surfaces. Mold rapidly reproduces and spreads causing mold damage. Often, signs of mold are not obvious. If you see any of the following indications of mold, investigate the issue to prevent further mold damage and the need for intensive mold restoration to your home.

  • Mold has a smell! Trust your senses when looking for mold. Mold will emit an old, musty smell.
  • There is visible water in the bathroom. Check the bathroom for standing or slow-draining water. This type of water can leak into grout and shower tiles. Also, look for areas that are constantly damp or wet.
  • The bathroom always feels moist. If a bathroom always feels damp in the air, even hours after it has been used, it is ripe for mold growth. These areas should receive circulation from a fan or window. Stagnant air allows mold to thrive.
  • Dark spots are present. Dark green or black spots show up where there is mold damage. In the bathroom, you may find these spots in the grout, on the floor, on the ceiling. Since mold ordinarily begins by growing underneath surfaces, visible spots mean you most likely already have mold damage.
  • The bathroom floor feels soft or spongy. Mold and water damage can rot floors. If the floor in your bathroom feels soft or spongy beneath your feet, the subfloor may be rotten due to mold damage.
  • The walls are discolored or warped. Excess bathroom moisture can cause the walls to bubble, warp, and discolor. Any of these signs may indicate mold damage and the need for mold damage restoration.
  • Constant allergies and sneezing. If someone in your home is frequently experiencing allergy-like symptoms no matter the time of year, you may need to inspect for mold. Other symptoms of mold exposure include runny nose, itchy eyes, fatigue, headache, and coughing. Persons with asthma are at particular risk for respiratory issues due to mold.

What Should Be Done Once Mold is Identified?

Mold is particularly likely to multiply in a bathroom because moisture, a food source, and the absence of sunlight are all present in abundance. Cleaning mold can release the mold spores into the air, causing it to grow and spread to other parts of your home. Additionally, mold can be extremely hazardous to your health.

A professional can determine the source of the mold in a safe manner. Therefore, a mold damage restoration specialist should be contacted to assess and remediate the problem. At SERVPRO of Deerfield Beach, we are here for you to tackle any and all mold damage restoration needs. Call us today to learn more!

The Importance of a Mold Inspection Before Buying a Building

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

Close-up Of Person Hand Wearing Gloves Measuring Wetness Of A Moldy Wall Buildings in high-risk areas may have cracks, holes, and other damage that allows water from rain, melting snow, or ice to seep inside and breed mold.

The Importance Of A Mold Inspection Before Purchasing A Home

A mold inspection is a critical step for anyone considering a building purchase in Highland Beach, FL Although this procedure can be expensive, it is necessary to uncover issues that may result from a mold problem.

A lack of visible mold does not mean that it is absent in a building. Although every structure has some mold, its isolation is crucial to containment. Excessive moisture is the primary cause of mold growth, and spores may live in various areas of a commercial building:

  • Spaces behind drywall
  • Areas beneath floorboards
  • HVAC ductwork
  • Pipes and plumbing

Determining the reason for lingering moisture is vital to a successful mold inspection.

Roof Leaks

Buildings in regions prone to severe weather can experience cracks, holes and other damage that allows water from rain and melting snow or ice to seep inside where it can breed mold. A thorough inspection can detect spore colonies in ceilings and walls and may reveal an inadequately maintained roof.

Plumbing Problems

Faulty pipes are a common source of water damage. Sometimes leaks deep within a building's structure go unnoticed until they lead to paint chipping and brown spots on ceilings and walls, visible leaks or buckling floors. Potential building purchasers should consider that structures with extensive and complicated plumbing systems that require repair or replacement may make a purchase cost-prohibitive.

Inadequate Flood Drying

A building located in a flood zone may be particularly vulnerable to a mold problem when cleanup measures are insufficient. Buildings subjected to floods may require a professional flood restoration team to perform water extraction. Without sufficient drying, moisture that remains in the environment can produce mold spores that penetrate the air and quickly migrate to invisible spaces deep within the complex.

An inspection can determine the effects of lingering moisture following a flood and alert potential building buyers about the need for costly mold remediation services.

Part of the mandatory due diligence necessary for anyone contemplating a commercial building acquisition in Deerfield Beach, FL, should include a mold inspection to avoid future problems.