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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Might be a mansion, but it is moldy

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Concern about indoor exposure to mold and biological pollutants has been increasing as the public becomes more educated and aware that mold exposure can cause a variety of health effects. Modern building materials and construction techniques may reduce the amount of outside air permeating into a building, to assist in ventilation. As a consequence, resulting in unwanted and unhealthy levels of high moisture trapped within a building. In addition, the use of modern humidifiers, and lack of ventilation in the heating system, kitchens and air conditioners can increase the chances of too much moisture encouraging the growth of harmful biological pollutants. The main preventive action to deter and or control mold growth is moisture control. Solve the moisture problem and you will solve your mold issues. Remember, SERVPRO "Like it never even happened." 

No more mold

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

We got a phone call from a restaurant owner and he said he had a problem with mold. So we went over to look at the problem and discuss what we would do in order to rectify the situation. They agreed and we proceeded with the estimation of the work. As we inspected the property we came across what appeared to be the problem; in the back of the dishwasher we found a slight water leak that through the years formed mold. So after we pulled the dishwasher we found why the water was leaking. It seemed that a water line that feeds the dishwasher got pinned at the end so problem solved. It just shows that when you do your job right the first time things work out. That customer was so happy that he has used SERVPRO for the building exclusively.

Playing with the big boys

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

We got a call to check out a hotel. It is a national chain of upscale hotels. When I met with the chief engineer to look at the affected areas there were 18 rooms that all had mold. We did an estimate for them, they said no it is too high, so having this thought that they were going to say no I countered the proposal and they went for it. So we got a dumpster called and ordered the drywall for the job plus all of the other items. On the day we started to pull the wall apart and completed the job slated for two months in one month the national manager of purchasing was so pleased when he saw the job completed. It just proves that we are SERVPRO. We can be as large as you need us or as small.

A closed up house leads to mold

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

We were called out to estimate a job a few years ago and when we got onsite, the smell was overpowering. It turns out, the house had been closed up for a few months and unbeknownst to anyone, there was a failure that put multiple feet of water in the basement. The stagnant water, being left unmitigated, caused mold to grow throughout the entire house.  All ceilings, doorways, ceiling fans, window frames, banisters, every single surface had mold. And all different types and colors of mold. In our business, we've seen it all and dealt with it all.  You should always hire a professional company when you are dealing with mold to be sure it is remediated properly and to avoid future issues. You can also hire an environmental hygienist to come in and do an air quality test. If you suspect mold, please call your local SERVPRO office and we can send someone out for an estimate. 610-327-9644.

A mid-summer's night

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

As we find ourselves halfway through July, what are some of the things you enjoy about summer? For us, it's standing on the deck at night, breathing in the night air, and watching the firefly's (lightnin' bugs) if you're from SE Pennsylvania. But what about the nights that the humidity is so thick, you can't stand to be outside. Fortunately, most people can regulate the humidity levels inside their homes to make it comfortable. Outside, is a whole different story.  In the picture, you can see where black mold has formed all over the ceiling of a utility shed. This was attached to the back of a home and housed the lawn mower. Thankfully, the homeowner caught this in time and the mold did not spread to the main house. If you find mold anywhere in your home, give us a call! SERVPRO of Pottstown/Soudertown 610-327-9644

Ventilation is key

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Proper ventilation in your home or business is the difference between mold and no mold. We recently did an estimate on a home where the customer had a low profile roof vent installed when he put his new roof on in order to make his home more aesthetically pleasing. Even though he had soffit vents, it still wasn't enough to create the proper vacuum needed to release all of the moisture. Most older homes "breathe" and can get away with having just a few Gable vents and they work well. Todays builders, tend to really make the houses tight so they require a lot more ventilation. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, please call your local SERVPRO franchise and we can come and give you an estimate. 610-327-9644 

Leaky pipes

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

So you head downstairs in the basement to do the worst chore of all time, laundry, and lo and behold you find the floor is wet.  You look around and realize it's coming from upstairs.  Off you go to investigate, and it turns out there is a pipe in the wall in your bathroom that is leaking. The bathroom floor isn't wet, but the wall is. You have no idea how long this has been going on and your on the hunt for a plumber. Once the plumber has come and fixed your leaky pipe, you will need to check to see if you've developed any mold from this unknown leak. The best bet, is to call your local SERVPRO franchise. We can send someone to your home for an inspection and determine if you do have mold and the best way to treat it. 

Winter Storm Riley - the aftermath

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

For those of us in the SE PA region, we are now in the clean up phase from Winter Storm Riley; and we're bracing for a possible 3rd Nor'easter coming Sunday night into Monday.   We're getting multiple phone calls a day from numerous people who are dealing with flooded basements. Most was a scenario that when we lost power, their sump pumps shut off causing the flooding. Some are dealing with trees down that have taken down power lines. Some had trees fall on their homes. At this point, now that the power is back on, we're dealing with mold concerns as well as the standing water. Mold will begin to grow 48-72 hours after exposure. You need to work quickly and thoroughly. We apply anti-microbial agents to the affected areas to attempt to avoid the spread of the mold spores. If you have any of these issues, please call your local SERVPRO Franchise professionals at 610-327-9644 or reach out to us online via www.Facebook.com/SERVPROpottstownsouderton

Does standing water cause mold?

3/5/2018 (Permalink)

Standing water can cause mold if not mitigated within 48 to 72 hours. If you have any type of leak or sump pump failure, standing water can and will begin to cause mold in that timeframe. You will want to contact your insurance company and see what you are covered for. Sump pump failures are generally considered category 2 water which means it's dirty and contains bacteria which could, potentially make you sick if exposed for too long. Most people start to clean up the water as best they can with mops, buckets and wet/dry vacuums. This is a great start but you'll need the professionals to come in and dry out the area, inspect for mold on the baseboards and drywall or cinderblock, and treat with antimicrobial if need be. Please call your local SERVPRO Franchise professionals for a free estimate! 610-327-9644 or connect with us on social media www.Facebook.com/SERVPROpottstownsouderton

Got mold...we can help!

2/23/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have a mold problem?  Mold is a type of fungus that grows in warm and damp environments. The most common places in a home that you would find mold would be the attic, ducts, bathrooms, kitchens and basements. There are different types of mold as well. Outdoor molds help with the decomposition of dead trees, compost piles and leaves. Indoor molds are generally referred to as black mold. This tends to be found in bathrooms and basements; any place that moisture gets trapped.  The best way to avoid it is to use fans and leave windows open while showering when you are able.  With spring right around the corner, be sure to open the windows and air out your home as best you can when the weather permits. if you do find mold, please contact us at 610-327-9644 or reach out to us on facebook at www.facebook.com/SERVPROpottstownsouderton.com

Mold, Is it in your home?

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion. mold can quickly become a huge problem in your home or business. Mold can cause negative health effects and cause damage to your property. Your local SERVPRO Franchise has the training and expertise to inspect, contain, and remediate the mold. Various containment procedures are used to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated areas. Specialized filtration equipment capture microscopic mold spores out the air. SERVPRO techs use powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums. The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies. Removing and disposing of porous materials like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heave mold growth.  If you suspect you have an issue, please contact your local SERVPRO Pottstown/Souderton to evaluate your situation. 610-327-9644

Trappe house "For Sale" and inspector found mold

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

Thanks so much........ You have a great group working with you. The guys that came to our house were very friendly and got the job done so quickly. And, were very sweet to our dog, which makes a great impression. We will definitley recommend SERVPRO to anyone we know.

Does your Pottstown, Collegeville, Phoenixville, Telford, Harleysville home have a mold problem ?

6/21/2016 (Permalink)

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.  Reach out to your local SERVPRO franchise at 610-327-9644 or on at www.facebook.com/SERVPROpottstownsouderton