Mold After a Hurricane

10/7/2018 (Permalink)

Many SERVPRO crews flocked to North Carolina following Hurricane Florence to assist with the cleanup, including our own SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals. Getting back to “normal” is a long process, especially for those who had their homes destroyed by flood waters. Unfortunately, this lengthy cleanup is often exacerbated by mold.

Mold requires a warm, moist environment to grow. The flood waters produced by hurricanes along with the high temperatures of hurricane season (June-November) provide the perfect climate for mold. Hurricane Florence produced an unprecedented amount of rainfall – damaging hundreds of thousands of homes. On top of dealing with water damage these home owners may also have to be concerned about hazardous mold growth.

If you ever experience a flood in your home, there are some steps you can take to protect both yourself and your home from mold.

• Protect your mouth and nose with a N-95 respirator.
• Wear gloves to tear out any drywall.
• Use eye protection.
• Open as many doors and windows as possible to encourage air flow before SERVPRO professionals can get to the scene.
• Do not paint or caulk over any visible mold, it only hides the issue from view.
• Throw away any items that cannot be saved.

The key to preventing mold from growing in your home is removing the moisture. SERVPRO crews will work as fast as possible to begin the drying process, and are prepared to handle any mold that may arise. If you experience a water damage in your house call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime at 214-522-3000.

Preventing Mold - Controlling Humidity, Temperature, and Ventilation

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

The key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth is to control excessive moisture and condensation. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is critical. In general, mold will not grow indoors without water, dampness or excessive moisture.

Three main factors contribute to condensation of water on building surfaces:

• Relative Humidity: Condensation occurs when the air is saturated with water and it cannot hold any more moisture. For example, steam generated from bathroom showers or from cooking can fill up the air with moisture, which will then condense into drops of water on cooler surfaces, such as mirrors and windows. Where possible, localized sources of humidity, such as clothes dryers, should be directly vented to the outdoors. To lower indoor humidity during warm, humid weather, air conditioners should be used.
• Temperature: Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes into contact with a cold surface and the moisture condenses into water. This can often be seen on single-pane windows, where water condenses and then runs down, causing the wood frames and sills to rot and the wall under the windows to blister.
• Poor Ventilation: Indoor humidity can build up if there is not enough ventilation and exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Where there is little or no air movement, such as behind dressers and cabinets, surfaces can remain cooler than surrounding areas, which can lead to increased condensation and mold growth. It is recommended that the area is ventilated and the occupants use exhaust fans (vented to the outdoors) to remove moisture from high-humidity areas, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Furniture should be moved slightly away from walls so that air can freely pass behind it. Air should be allowed to circulate between rooms and regularly ventilate to remove humid air. Fans should be used as needed.

Other things that can be done are to clean and repair gutters regularly, make sure the ground slopes down and away from the home’s foundation and keep air conditioner drip pans and drain lines clean. In addition, in air conditioned buildings in hot and humid climates, vinyl wall coverings on the interior sides of exterior walls should not be used, as these materials can trap moisture, resulting in mold growth underneath them.

In the case of floods or leaking pipes, any standing water should be promptly removed and water-damaged materials should either be dried out and cleaned, or removed and replaced. Porous materials that are wet for more than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth and should be discarded. In instances where the water damage is extensive, it is recommended that you call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-733-3193, so that we may assist you in preventing growth after a water damage, or remove the mold if it is already an issue.

Mold Mitigation Services

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can help provide a solution to your property’s mold damage needs.

Buildings with excessive moisture can be breeding grounds for mold growth. If your facility has experienced an ongoing moisture problem due to water intrusion, long-standing leaks, roof damage or from poor humidity control, it is important to be alert to the following factors:

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problem that might indicate previous mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

Should mold be found within the facility, mold removal and remediation can help eliminate a potentially dangerous situation. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will arrive on-site alert for any visible signs of mold. Following industry standards for mold remediation, they will work to remove visible mold and reduce the potential for future mold growth.

Mold, Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals also offer fast, reliable mold, biohazard, and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to property handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safely equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO of Park Cities can help with the following issues:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Removal and disposal of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs
  • Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such a methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residue throughout a structure. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
• Crime Scene Residues
  • From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residue, our technicians can clean and restore your property and contents.
• Arson and Vandalism
  • We are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

State and local regulations vary. Contact us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000, today for 24-hour emergency services.

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

Call SERVPRO of Park Cities

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000. One of our representatives will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view. 

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be places 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

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Park Cities technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Park Cities cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be 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. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.