Mold in the winter months

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Excessive indoor moisture can be caused by a number of issues; water damage, plumbing leaks, leaky roofs, high indoor humidity, and condensation are potential concerns.

Condensation on and around windows is normal and may seem harmless, but it is one of the biggest moisture culprits when it’s cold outside but warm inside—as is typically the case during the winter months.

Window condensation occurs when moisture in the warm air inside your home liquefies upon contact with glass or other surfaces that are drastically cooler due to freezing outdoor temperatures. High humidity contributes to this process because there is excess moisture in the air.

While minor condensation doesn’t usually lead to problems, it is important to dry window surfaces regularly to keep condensation from accumulating and being absorbed by the wood and drywall around the windows. Mold feeds on such organic materials and can develop in as little as 24 hours. 

How to Get Rid of Mold

There is no reason to treat winter mold any differently from mold that appears at any other point in the year. 

If you discover evidence of mold in your home call:

SERVPRO of Bloomington / Gibson City / S. McLean County  309-827-7500

5 LEADING CAUSES OF MOLD GROWTH

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know the proper Mold Clean up method?

5 LEADING CAUSES OF MOLD GROWTH

There is a large number of problems associated with mold exposure. To ensure your family remains safe, you need to get your home professionally inspected and remediated if necessary. Here are five mistakes that can lead to mold growth.

FAILING TO FIX SMALL LEAKS

Some homeowners tend to ignore smaller leaks. However, even just a small drip behind under a sink can quietly cause your water bill to climb and fungus to grow. When it comes to repairing plumbing leaks, the best approach is to avoid procrastinating. Always fix the leak before repairing/remediating the damage. Further moisture could be trapped in newly repaired finishings.

NEVER OPENING YOUR WINDOWS LEADS TO TROUBLE

People tend to keep their windows shut throughout the year. They go from heat to air without a fresh breeze in the home. Although technology has advanced over the years, cracking your windows is still among the best ways to ventilate your home. To deter mold spores from developing, you need to increase circulation and exchange air. Even during the winter, it’s important to allow fresh air to come inside. Throw those windows open on a nice day-let it in.

TOO MUCH MOISTURE IN THE BATHROOM

Your bathroom is a breeding ground for mold and mildew-eww. This is why you must keep moisture to a minimum and keep it clean. After stepping out of the shower, be sure to hang up your damp towels and regularly clean your mats. Airing out the bathroom is just as important. To be on the safe side, allow the ventilation fan to circulate for at least 20 minutes after adding moisture to the air with a shower. Be on the lookout for drips and leaks!

NEGLECTING SPILLS

It’s a fact that clean homes are less likely to experience mold problems. Carpet spills can definitely foster the growth of fungi. Liquids can take a lot longer to dry than you may think. Make it a point to wipe up spills as soon as possible. If you have a little extra money, invest in a vapor steam cleaner for sanitizing your carpets. You won’t have to worry about any damp residue being left behind.

NOT PROPERLY DRYING A MOISTURE AFFECTED AREA

The dishwasher flooded and water-filled your kitchen. You cleaned it up and fixed the dishwater issue-no problem? Possibly. If the flooring has not be allowed to properly dry with proper circulation-mold will begin to grow in areas you may not see. In these cases, it can never hurt to have the area inspected after you have repaired the issue and cleaned up the mess. This could avoid a larger issue down the road.

Bottom line is that if you encounter mold growth, it’s best not to try and remove it on your own. Mold remediation is technical, complicated, and dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac is here for your Mold needs. Our staff is trained on exactly how to fix your mold issue and get your home back to the safe space you need.

Call us today at 309-827-7500 or visit our website at www.SERVPRObloomingtonpontiac.com.

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Mold in the Food-service industry

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

How will you fix a mold problem

If you are an owner or operator of a restaurant, then you are more than likely aware that inspectors will be regularly visiting the establishment. Of course, they look for the typical things (temperature of prep items, walk-ins, etc). They also review for things like dust where it shouldn’t be, dates on the fire extinguishers, smoke detector batteries, observe employees…..and a big one-MOLD.

One thing that shows increasingly on the public radar and therefore on the radar of restaurant inspectors around the United States is the pervasive problem of mold. Now mold is always a very unwelcome visitor and can especially troublesome for food service establishments. The largest problem is that mold is typically very difficult to remove and sometimes difficult to locate. At the same time, it is also considered to be very dangerous.

If you have seen signs of mold in your restaurant or in an adjacent structure, or you merely suspect that there might be a mold issue based on the smell of a particular area, don’t panic. Be ready to take immediate action to remediate the problem as quickly as possible.

In a situation like this time is true of the essence. You need to recruit the services of an expert in mold control or mold remediation. Ready with their tools and experience, most mold problems can be managed and eliminated in a manageable way. Afterward, the mold remediation expert can also help you understand the things you can do to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.

How does this happen? The microscopic spores move easily through the air that passes from the outside world or from another established mold outbreak. When they do land on something that is moist and in relatively low light with warmth, it gives them the chance to bloom. This process tends to go unchecked in areas that are relatively undisturbed. In the time it can allow a minor mold invasion to grow into a major problem. Unfortunately, restaurants tend to have a lot of damp and relatively untouched areas. These areas are especially in places like under the sink, behind the refrigerator, or even above ceiling tiles.

If you do find an area of mold, it’s best left to a mold control expert. If an inspector finds an area of mold they might not be satisfied with you attempting to clean it yourself. Some inspectors will even require documentation from a qualified mold remediation expert before clearing the issue and allowing you to open/reopen your restaurant.

Contact SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac for all your Mold questions and/or needs. We are ready 24/7/365 at 309-827-7500.

What Causes Window Mold?

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

How far will the Mold go and what does it do to you?

What Causes Window Mold?

Mold is something, especially as homeowners-we expect to deal with at some point or another. When we deal with our basements or bathrooms, we very often do not think of windows as areas of mold growth. However, window mold can become a large problem for many homeowners. Mold can not only damage wooden window sills but it can pose serious health effects.

Although mold does not typically grow on glass, it can be commonly found between the window panes, along wooden window sills, frames, and along window tracks.

Mold growth in these areas is a result of not dusting windows on a regular basis- along with moisture buildup from humid or wet weather. Dust buildup can quickly block the ventilation of windows, and create an ideal environment for mold growth within your home.

How Can I Prevent Window Mold?

The best way to prevent mold growth along your windows is to make sure the area is clean and dry. Dust around your windows regularly to prevent any buildup. Make sure that your windows are properly sealed and insulated to prevent excess moisture from getting inside and creating the environment best suited for mold growth.

Reducing the level of humidity in your home can also be helpful. Keeping your home cool and the summer with fans or an air conditioner, and using a dehumidifier.

What Should I Do If I Discover Window Mold?

In mild cases, small amounts of window mold can be removed using household detergent.

You can apply it to the problem area. Then scrub it with a brush. You can also use a small amount of bleach to get rid of the mold.

**Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear, including a face mask and rubber gloves, as black mold can be dangerous.**

However, if you find there is a large amount of mold, or it is in areas that are difficult to remove, it is best to contact a professional mold remediation company.

They can remove mold effectively to prevent damage to your windows or health effects.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac is here for your Mold Remediation needs. Call our trained and experience team to guide you through the process and provide an estimate on your project.

Mold can be scary-don't Panic

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

We can have whatever equipment your home needs!

What to do when you suspect Mold?

Mold is scary.

Mold can do a lot of damage in a very little area.

Don’t let it scare you too much. Know what to do and how to keep your family safe. Mold can make you and your family ill, it looks gross, it can weaken structure and disrupt the sale of a home.

If you think you may have mold, what do you do? Where do you start? Who do you call (if you need to)?

Start with testing. Start with know what you have, where you have it and educate yourself on what to do. No homeowner wants to hear that they have to test for mold. These tests can get expensive and we all hear the worst-case scenarios. If it turns out mold has developed-first you need to find the reason. Do you have a slow leak? Was it a large spill that just wasn’t cleaned up correctly? Is there a lack of venting in an area that needs more?

Mold removal. Makes your home look like a hazmat scene and can turn everything upside down. Typically, to clean mold you have to go down to the basics-that could be gutting a room…. or two…. or more-Ouch!

However-If taken care of early, cost could be very minimal. If you suspect an issue, it would be worth it to hire an inspection company. Keep in mind-It can get to the several hundred-dollar range. If you want to start small-you could buy a home mold testing kit ($10-50$)-but let the buyer beware, these kits have a reputation for being unreliable. This could be a soft start.

When you confirm that you do have mold, don’t panic. This may or may not be a major problem. Assess the situation and seek the advice of professionals. Smaller areas and issues, you may be able to do the work yourself. Always seek consultation of a professional before you attempt it all yourself.  Be sure to research how to properly take care of your mold issue.  

Avoid Scams. Just like any home cleaning, repair, etc- situations-there are those there to take advantage of the situations. Having different professionals and checking references/reviews will help get you on the right track. This can also help you to watch for price gouging. Price gouging happens more than anyone really realizes. An accurate Mold estimate can be difficult because there are so many variables, but having 2 or more can help give you an idea of where you should be. Make sure the company is licensed for these services as well.

The largest way to prevent a major issue is to stay aware. Check your pipes, check your vents, make sure things like your washing machine, dishwasher, tub/shower, etc. are draining correctly. Be on top of certain things around your home: Caulk around fixtures, clean your gutters, Caulk around your windows, Take care of roof leaks, check basements/crawlspaces/attics.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Mold can be fixed. Take care in taking care of your home!

Mold in Winter

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Excessive indoor moisture can be caused by a number of issues; water damage, plumbing leaks, leaky roofs, high indoor humidity, and condensation are potential concerns.

Condensation on and around windows, in particular, is normal and may seem harmless, but it is one of the biggest moisture culprits when it’s cold outside but warm inside—as is typically the case during winter.

Window condensation occurs when moisture in the warm air inside your home liquefies upon contact with glass or other surfaces that are drastically cooler due to freezing outdoor temperatures. High humidity contributes to this process because there is excess moisture in the air.

While minor condensation doesn’t usually lead to problems, it is important to dry window surfaces regularly to keep condensation from accumulating and being absorbed by the wood and drywall around the windows. Mold feeds on such organic materials and can develop in as little as 24 hours. 

How to Get Rid of Mold

There is no reason to treat winter mold any differently from mold that appears at any other point in the year. 

If you discover evidence of mold in your home call:

SERVPRO of Bloomington / Gibson City / S. McLean County  309-827-7500

Does Your Central Illinois Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

In Central Illinois, 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 SERVPRO of Bloomington / Gibson City / S. McLean County Today 309-827-7500

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

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 [[Franchise Name]] 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 Bloomington/Gibson City/S. McLean County 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  309-827-7500

Visit our Mold Remediation and Restoration page here