Mold Myths and Facts: What You Need to Know

12/12/2024 (Permalink)

When mold starts to spread in your property, it’s natural to have questions: How did it get there? Will it affect my health? How do I remove it? SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan, and South Ulster Counties is here to clear up common misconceptions and provide the facts about mold.

Common Myths About Mold

Myth 1: There are only a few types of mold.
Fact: There are over 100,000 types and species of mold. Common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.

Myth 2: Mold only grows on surfaces directly affected by water.
Fact: Mold spores often spread through HVAC systems, thriving in environments with moisture and humidity. Mold growth is commonly caused by plumbing leaks, water damage, or flooding in crawlspaces and basements. To prevent mold, it’s essential to address the source of moisture.

Myth 3: Black mold is more dangerous than other types of mold.
Fact: Black mold is not inherently more dangerous than other molds. In fact, "black mold" is often dark green rather than black. All molds should be treated with caution and properly remediated.

Myth 4: Exposure to mold causes skin rashes.
Fact: According to the CDC, mold exposure does not directly cause skin rashes.

Myth 5: Cleaning mold off the surface is enough.
Fact: Surface cleaning is often insufficient, especially for porous materials like ceilings, tiles, carpets, wood, paper, and drywall. Mold can become dormant and reactive, with spores replicating every 24 hours. Proper remediation requires addressing both surface and hidden mold.

Myth 6: Mold is always visible.
Fact: Mold can grow beneath surfaces and remain undetected. A musty odor is often the first sign of hidden mold.

Trust SERVPRO for Comprehensive Mold Remediation

The best fact of all is that SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan, and South Ulster Counties is here to help. Our trained professionals are available 24/7 to locate moisture sources, eliminate mold, and clean both visible and hidden mold.

We’re committed to making it “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today or visit our website for expert mold remediation services.

Mold Removal or Remediation?

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today!

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO  Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

• Step 1: Call SERVPRO
• Step 2: Have one of our highly trained estimators come out for and inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Call your local NYS licensed Mold Assessor and get a protocol for remediation.
• Step 4: Mold Containment
• Step 5: Air Filtration
• Step 6: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 7: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 8: Restoration

Do You Know How to Prevent Mold in Your Home?

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Does your home have mold?

Unless you are attempting to make blue cheese or penicillin mold is not something that you want to be messing with or run across in your home or business. Mold can grow anywhere with a lot of moisture present, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes as well as paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can be a difficult and costly problem to fix, but it also can produce harmful allergens and irritants that can compromise your health.

According to the Mother Nature Network here are nine ways to prevent moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them.
2. Dry wet areas immediately.
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products.
5. Monitor humidity indoors.
6. Direct water away from your home.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters.
8. Improve air flow in your home.
9. Keep mold off household plants.

How to Prevent Mold in the Attic

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have mold in your attic?

We’ve had a pretty rainy and hot summer here in Henry & Spalding counties. Those are some ideal conditions where mold thrives, since it requires moisture and high temperatures to spread throughout our homes. If you can see something resembling mold…it is probably mold.

Prevention and maintenance is key to keep your attic mold free. Call a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and check for leaks. A small leak over a long period of time can cause extensive damage in your home.  

Inspect your attic regularly and make sure vents are not blocked by boxes, crates, critters, or insulation. If your HVAC system is in your attic, check to see if there are any leaks or excessive moisture around the unit (pay close attention to the condensate pan and drain line.) Make sure ducts from the kitchen or bathrooms run to the exterior of your home and not just the attic.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties.

What does mold need to grow?  In order for mold to grow, it needs oxygen, moisture, warmth and food.  The ideal spot for mold to grow would be a warm place (somewhere between 77 and 86 degrees), with a high amount of humidity or moisture, and organic matter, like cotton, paper or wood for the mold to feed upon.  This makes our bathrooms an ideal spot for mold growth.  Our bathrooms tend to be warm, they contain things like towels, toilet paper, and woodwork for the mold to feed upon, and they often have high levels of relative humidity from running water and steam from hot showers.  So what can you do to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom?  

First make sure that your bathroom is properly ventilated. Poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of bathroom mold.  Without proper ventilation, steam/moisture in the air from hot showers and running water, settles on bathroom surfaces and makes a perfect environment for mold growth.  Every bathroom should have a clean and properly functioning ventilation fan permanently mounted in the ceiling and it should be turned on every time someone showers.  They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.  A properly installed and functioning, ventilation fan in your bathroom's ceiling will help move the air out of your bathroom and clear the humidity caused by hot showers and other running water.  It is important however to ensure that your ventilation fan has been properly installed and is venting the moist bathroom air outside of your home versus into your attic or some other room.  If it improperly vents into another area of your home, you are simply transferring your problem from one location to another. If your bathroom does not have a ventilation fan, instead of showering with the bathroom door closed, as most of us do, an alternative until a ventilation fan can be installed, would be to leave the bathroom door open while showering.  This will allow the steam/humidity to dissipate over a larger area reducing its impact.  Another alternative during warm weather months, or in warm climates, would be to open a bathroom window while showering or even putting a box fan in the window with the air blowing out of the bathroom versus in.  And of course, abstaining from very long, hot showers is always recommended when trying to prevent mold.   

Regularly cleaning your bathroom by wiping down all surfaces at least once a week will also help keep mold in check.  And when it comes to cleaning/preventing mold, wiping is always the best approach.  Molds are fungi that reproduce by releasing spores into the air.  Spraying bleach on mold may look like an easy fix.  When you spray bleach on mold it looks like it almost instantly disappears.  Unfortunately, when you spray bleach on mold, you are releasing the mold spores into the air.  Think of it like a mature dandelion that you have just gently blown upon and released the seeds floating into the air on their white dried flowers.  The mold spores that you have just released by spraying bleach upon them, float through the air and settle onto new surfaces, where they can begin to grow again if the conditions are right.  Wiping with soap and water, or another cleaner, and then throwing away any rags that may contain beginning mold spores is your best bet.

Also when it comes to mold in bathrooms, consider that caulk and grout are there to block or keep out water and moisture.  If you have missing or broken caulk or grout, water and moisture can get behind the tiles and mold can form behind the tiles where it's impossible for you to see or clean. It's important to regularly replace and/or maintain your bathroom caulk and grout.

Lastly, painting your bathroom with a mold resistant paint and/or primer will help you battle mold in your bathroom.  As indicated earlier, mold needs a food source of organic matter.  Drywall paper can be a source of food for mold.  Using a mold-resistant paint on bathroom walls can help stop mold before it starts by sealing off access to a food source.   

Mold

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold

When it comes to mold, all homes and businesses are susceptible. Typically, it colonizes when an unsuspecting water source forms, often in the way of a leaky roof, burst plumbing, or other. Since it can take as little as 48 hours to spread and create allergens and other harmful agents that can cause health problems, you want the problem handled fast and efficiently. 

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and may be accompanied by a variety of poor health symptoms. If you are noticing signs that your home or business has a mold issue, call in the professionals to inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Understanding Mold

The microscopic spores that mold is made up of can be found almost everywhere indoors and outdoors. Despite what some companies advertise, it is impossible to remove all mold completely from a home or business. To understand this better, take into consideration the following facts about mold: 

• Mold is made up of microscopic spores that float in the air. This allows them to enter your home via windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

What is Black Mold?

Stachybotrys chart arum is the type of mold most often referred to as black, or toxic, mold. There has been a lot in the news recently warning about the dangers of black mold that have been alarming and confusing.

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure.

Why Choose the SERVPRO Professionals of Orange County? 

Our professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact them. A fast response lessens the damage and consequently reduces the overall costs of mold removal.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration. It is the cornerstone of our business. Our team has the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation, using advanced Mold Remediation Techniques and equipment for successful mold removal.

Colorful Mold

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

No, that is not a floral design on the lamp shade. That is different types of mold growth.

Did you know that the famous Black Mold may not be the dangerous type of mold? 

Mold can be several different colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Mold is defined as a fungus that grows on organic materials. These materials can be Sheetrock paper, dirt, cardboard, etc. The mold can appear on other items but there is probably something organic on top of the item that it is growing on. 

Many news outlets have made "Black Mold" the worst kind of mold but in fact it does not have to be. Pink colored mold that you see in the photo may be worse than black mold. One kind of mold can be presented in 4 different colors in one home. 

If you believe you may have mold in your home you should call a licensed Certified Industrial Hygienist to test the area. 

SERVPRO is an approved Mold Remediation contractor in New York State. We are always here to help.

Mold Remediation in Bathroom

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties we take pride in the long list of services that we provide. We are willing to help anyone that needs our help as a means of alleviating the stress they are going through.  As we have said time and time again mold is among the list of problems you do not know you have until it is brought up to your attention. Mold reproduces in dark areas usually exposed to some kind of water or dampness. No one wants mold in their life so it’s our job to make it so you’d never know the mold was there to begin with. You can see in the picture on the left that the ceiling has spots of darker coloring. This is primarily where the mold was reproducing. Our crew went in with the proper SERVPRO tools needed for mold remediation and made it “Like it never even happened.”

Unknown Water Damage Turned Mold

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold found behind furniture after water heater burst.

Sometimes you may have water damage in a basement that you do not go into very often. Make it a point, set an alarm, to check your basement once a week. In the photo, this is a basement that does not get checked very often. The only way the homeowner found out something was wrong was when there water stopped getting hot during the day. When he entered his basement he noticed that the water heater had a slow leak that finally broke causing a large amount of water throughout the finished basement. After they called SERVPRO, we inspected the basement thoroughly to make sure we had a full understanding of what needed to be done. SERVPRO is fully licensed in New York State to handle all Mold Remediation Projects from start to finish.

Second Homes Not Visited Often Turns to Mold

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold across the entire ceiling of this mountain home after visitors where not there for four weeks.

Many people in New York State have secondary homes in the mountains that only have visitors during the summer or parts of the winter for winter sports. Secondary homes should always have someone checking on the house at least once a week for the entire time that there are no visitors to the home. This will help avoid a situation like in the photo of this blog. This is a ceiling inside a beautiful mountain home that had sudden roof leaks after a large wind storm. When the homeowner arrived back at the home after four weeks away, there was a substantial amount of mold throughout the entire home. Since this was found in the summer, the humidity in New York caused the mold growth process to speed up and caused the whole home to be affected. We were able to start the project quickly and get the homeowners back into their gorgeous mountain home for the summer.

Dandelions and Mold

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is like Dandelions

Did you really think Dandelions and Mold had a lot in common? Believe it now, they really do. SERVPRO tries to educate their customers about mold and how it spreads easily. Think back when you were a child, you were walking home from the school bus, picked up the one Dandelion in the lawn and blew all the little seeds flew all over the grass. The next day, you start walking back from the bus; there is magically thousands of Dandelions now throughout the grass. Mold is like Dandelions; once you put air onto mold it will start to spread. This is why at SERVPRO we do not ever spray mold or Hepa Vacuum quickly. This will push the mold spores throughout the home or office and cause mold to spread to unaffected areas. If you find mold in your home or office, consider calling the professionals at SERVPRO first and they will help you through the process.

After The Storm Is Over-Mold Remediation In Orange County, NY

2/10/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold? SERVPRO of Orange County can help!

Information on Mold Remediation in Orange County

Mold growth can begin anywhere from 2-3 days after a storm causes water damage.  The mold is a harmful issue, and it can negatively affect your health, house, and the contents within your home.  As the length of exposure to storm water damage increases, the chance for air spores that spread mold also escalates. Mold remediation becomes more challenging as the signs of mold growth that include musty odors, and discolored surfaces, become more apparent.

Act Fast

Our highly trained mold removal technicians use the latest technology and tools to quickly address your mold problem in a manner that effectively removes mold colonies. Unlike DIY techniques, our SERVPRO professional service does not carry the risk of improperly removing mold, in this way, expediting a more rapid return to a healthy home environment.  We are also trained and licensed to handle lead, asbestos and other dangerous materials that may show up during the mold removal process.

We are available 24 per day. Before your appointment, be sure to:

• Inventory damaged and missing goods for your insurance claim.
• Throw away all sealed and unsealed food and beverage contacted by storm flood waters. 
• Open windows and doors.
• Refrain from using electrical devices until it is safe.
• Remove standing water when possible.
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to ventilate your home; SERVPRO can perform this task upon arrival.

Our mold remediation technician will also determine if any contents in your home are salvageable.  Porous items that are wet for over 48 hours and cannot be completely dried and cleaned must be disposed of.

This list includes carpet, carpet padding, ceiling tiles, clothing, drywall, floor tiles, insulation, leather goods, paper, upholstery, wallpaper and wood items.

When our mold remediation expert arrives, he will:

• Apply biocides.
• Decide whether or not you can stay in your house during the mold remediation process.
• Determine if additional ventilation and containment is needed.
• Look for mold in the HVAC system and biological hazards in the home.
• Test for any additional mold after the mold remediation process.
• Use quick structural drying techniques.

Here are some more helpful links on mold:

EPA Mold Guide

IICRC 5 Principles to Mold Remediation

After The Storm Is Over-Mold Remediation In Orange County, NY

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold? SERVPRO of Orange County can help!

Information on Mold Remediation in Orange County

Mold growth can begin anywhere from 2-3 days after a storm causes water damage.  The mold is a harmful issue, and it can negatively affect your health, house, and the contents within your home.  As the length of exposure to storm water damage increases, the chance for air spores that spread mold also escalates. Mold remediation becomes more challenging as the signs of mold growth that include musty odors, and discolored surfaces, become more apparent.

Act Fast

Our highly trained mold removal technicians use the latest technology and tools to quickly address your mold problem in a manner that effectively removes mold colonies. Unlike DIY techniques, our SERVPRO professional service does not carry the risk of improperly removing mold, in this way, expediting a more rapid return to a healthy home environment.  We are also trained and licensed to handle lead, asbestos and other dangerous materials that may show up during the mold removal process.

We are available 24 per day. Before your appointment, be sure to:

• Inventory damaged and missing goods for your insurance claim.
• Throw away all sealed and unsealed food and beverage contacted by storm flood waters. 
• Open windows and doors.
• Refrain from using electrical devices until it is safe.
• Remove standing water when possible.
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to ventilate your home; SERVPRO can perform this task upon arrival.

Our mold remediation technician will also determine if any contents in your home are salvageable.  Porous items that are wet for over 48 hours and cannot be completely dried and cleaned must be disposed of.

This list includes carpet, carpet padding, ceiling tiles, clothing, drywall, floor tiles, insulation, leather goods, paper, upholstery, wallpaper and wood items.

When our mold remediation expert arrives, he will:

• Apply biocides.
• Decide whether or not you can stay in your house during the mold remediation process.
• Determine if additional ventilation and containment is needed.
• Look for mold in the HVAC system and biological hazards in the home.
• Test for any additional mold after the mold remediation process.
• Use quick structural drying techniques.

Here are some more helpful links on mold:

EPA Mold Guide

IICRC 5 Principles to Mold Remediation

The Various Scenarios of Mold Remediation

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Got mold? Call SERVPRO of Orange County?

Protecting your home from the ravages of mold can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for or don't know you have it. However, it's a process that every homeowner should consider in order to protect the structural integrity of their home as well as the health and wellness of their family.

The Four W's of Mold...

The process of determining if you have mold, and if so, what type begins with 5 questions that cover a number of considerations. It's a given that mold only grows in damp conditions. As a result, you must ask yourself if you or a neighbor has a water leak? Mold only takes a few days to form in moist situations. Even if you don't have a leak, your neighbor's leak could become a true bone of contention for you if you live in an apartment or duplex.

What Where and When...

Obviously, if you can visibly see mold you know you have a problem that needs resolving. Determining what type of mold you have becomes the obvious next step. Additionally, if you have water that pools against the exterior of your house when it rains, the moisture will affect not only exterior walls but the interior walls as well. It's just a question of "when."

Other Indicators...

In addition to visibly seeing mold, a musty moldy smell is a good indication that your dwelling has a mold issue. If the atmosphere in your home is humid, and your windows sweat revealing condensation, these are conditions that are ripe for developing a problem with mold if you don't already have one. Flair ups with allergies and illness in your pets are also strong indicators of a mold problem. Mold is a serious issue that can impact not only the infrastructure of your house but the health of your family members. Even if you plan on moving it's a good idea to have your new home tested for the presence of mold as a safety measure.

Having your home tested for mold is a good investment to protect the health and the integrity of both your family and your homes structure. After all, an ounce of prevention is always worth a ton of cure.

The Various Scenarios of Mold Remediation

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold? Call SERVPRO of Orange County!

Protecting your home from the ravages of mold can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for or don't know you have it. However, it's a process that every homeowner should consider in order to protect the structural integrity of their home as well as the health and wellness of their family.

The Four W's of Mold...

The process of determining if you have mold, and if so, what type begins with 5 questions that cover a number of considerations. It's a given that mold only grows in damp conditions. As a result, you must ask yourself if you or a neighbor has a water leak? Mold only takes a few days to form in moist situations. Even if you don't have a leak, your neighbor's leak could become a true bone of contention for you if you live in an apartment or duplex.

What Where and When...

Obviously, if you can visibly see mold you know you have a problem that needs resolving. Determining what type of mold you have becomes the obvious next step. Additionally, if you have water that pools against the exterior of your house when it rains, the moisture will affect not only exterior walls but the interior walls as well. It's just a question of "when."

Other Indicators...

In addition to visibly seeing mold, a musty moldy smell is a good indication that your dwelling has a mold issue. If the atmosphere in your home is humid, and your windows sweat revealing condensation, these are conditions that are ripe for developing a problem with mold if you don't already have one. Flair ups with allergies and illness in your pets are also strong indicators of a mold problem. Mold is a serious issue that can impact not only the infrastructure of your house but the health of your family members. Even if you plan on moving it's a good idea to have your new home tested for the presence of mold as a safety measure.

Having your home tested for mold is a good investment to protect the health and the integrity of both your family and your homes structure. After all, an ounce of prevention is always worth a ton of cure.

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

There are thousands of types of molds!

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, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties  can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment to have your mold problem seem “Like it never even happened.”

Residents of Walden - We Are Here For Your Mold Remediation Needs

7/28/2016 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is tricky - you should always call a trained professional rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.

Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.  Because of this, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible.  Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is wrong.

So what is mold remediation compared to mold removal?

As stated previously, complete mold removal is impossible.  Mold remediation is the act of stopping the moisture source causing the mold to grow, containing the current colony growing and using antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and prevent new colonies from forming.  

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth.  SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home and business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.  The following are SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties steps we take to make the mold damage seem “Like it never even happened.”

Step 1: Emergency Contact (845) 342-3333  

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us.  Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold.  We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

There are a various amount of techniques our professionals use to contain and prevent the spread of mold.  We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the process.  All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air.  We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.  

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears.  In order to remediate heavy mold growth, it may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials.  Some examples of porous materials that might be infested are drywall and carpeting.   

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Items such as your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing and other restorable items affected by mold will be cleaned.  We’re trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment and we will have your belongings back to normal in no time.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting and installing no carpets.  Depending on the damage, however, restoration may require major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.  This step will get your home or business back to normal.

Is Mold Wreaking Havoc On Your Life?  

Our trained professionals here at SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties are here to help with all of your mold remediation needs 24/7.  We can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.  For more details, please call us at 845-342-3333 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthorangecounty.com.

Solving Mold Mysteries: Fact and Fiction

6/23/2016 (Permalink)

Looking to get rid of mold in your home? Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties today!

When mold begins to spread in your property you may have tons of questions.  How did it get there? Will it affect my health?  How should I go about removing it?

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and South Ulster Counties is here to share some facts and fiction about mold.

Fiction: There are only a few types of mold.

Fact:  There are more than 100,000 types and species in mold in total.  Common types of home and office mold species are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Alternaria.

Fiction: Mold will grow on surfaces directly affected by water.

Fact:  Mold spores often occur with the HVAC systems of buildings and homes.  Molds have an ideal environment: moisture and humidity. When you see mold you have to stop the source of the water that is causing the moist and humid environment the mold is growing on.  Common moisture briefs include plumbing leaks, water loss and flooding into crawlspaces and basements.   

Fiction: Black mold is considered extremely dangerous compared to other molds.

Fact: Black mold is not considered any more dangerous than any other molds.  In fact, black mold is often not even black at all.  Typically molds classified as black mold are dark green.

Fiction:  Exposure to mold can cause skin rashes.

Fact:  The CDC reported that exposure to molds do not contribute to rashes.

Fiction: Cleaning mold off the surface is enough.

Fact:  Mold can become latent and reactive at any given point.  Tiny mold spores typically replicate every 24 hours, thus often growing back.  For porous materials such as ceilings, tiles, carpeting, wood, paper and drywall, surface cleaning is often not enough.  

Fiction: Mold is always visible.

Fact: Mold can hide beneath surfaces.  The best way to detect mold is to rely on smell.  A musty odor indicates mold is present.

The best fact of them all is that SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and South Ulster counties is available 24/7 for all of your mold remediation needs.  From locating the source of the moisture leak, to cleaning above and below the surface, SERVPRO will make it “Like it never even happened.”  Visit us at www.SERVPROnorthorangecounty.com or call 845-342-3333.