Know the Signs of Mold

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Spores

SERVPRO of Derry/Londonderry offers testing, remediation and clean-up of mold for both commercial and residential properties. The Fall season provides dampness and lots of organic matter, both great sources for mold growth, especially in areas that aren't temperature controlled.

Know the signs:

1. Musty smell/odor.

2. Spots of varying colors on any surface.

What mold needs:

1. Moisture.

2. Food.

3. Warmth.

4. Oxygen.

Growth period:

1. Within 24-48 hours after a flood or water intrusion.

Prevention/Tips:

1. Control humidity levels.

2. Fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes.

3. Ventilate shower, laundry and cooking areas.

4. Thoroughly clean and dry after flooding.

The Center for Disease Control is a great resource for mold related topics. https://lnkd.in/ePNZ9QB

SERVPRO Helps Prevent Mold Damage To Carpets

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Moisture left in Carpets can result in Mold Growth

Mold spores are tenacious and can quickly grow and spread throughout your home. However, if mold has not already set in, it is possible to prevent it taking hold by ensuring it does not have the right environment in which to grow. A wet carpet is an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Flood damage, a burst pipe, or even a leaking appliance in your home are all causes of potential water leakage onto your carpet. The result is a damp environment, which mold spores love. 

Swift action is necessary to prevent mold damage to the carpets in your home.  In fact, it can begin to grow within 24 hours of water damage and become a colony in 48 to 72 hours. The longer water is present, the greater the risk of increased fungal growth. As well as having potential health effects, mold is simply not something you want to grow in your carpet and may even lead to a costly carpet replacement. That is why SERVPRO recommends calling on our experts the moment you notice water damage to any of your floor coverings. 
 
The key to preventing mold growth in water damaged carpets is to get the carpet dried out as quickly as possible. The first step is extracting the water by using truck mounted and freestanding pumps. Our IICRC-certified experts understand that careful handling is vital when removing water from carpets. Carpets can come with a primary and secondary backing. Over zealous extraction techniques or pulling of the carpet during extraction can cause separation of these two layers, leading to bubbling and irreparable carpet damage. 
 
Most carpet comes with padding on its underside. In most cases, our experts recommend the padding is taken away and replaced. Drying with the padding in place takes longer and thus makes the drying slower and more expensive with an increased risk of mold growth. It is often cheaper to replace the padding and focus on drying the carpet. SERVPRO teams carefully remove padding to leave the carpet intact. Of course, the degree of wetness and the amount of the fungal growth dictate if tossing is required.
 
After water extraction and pad removal are complete, our technicians calculate the correct number and position of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the carpet. Downdraft air movers pull warm air down and spread it across the carpet in a broad pattern which makes them ideal for larger areas. Meantime, centrifugal air movers direct air over the carpet surface to encourage rapid evaporation of moisture. Our aim is swift and thorough drying to leave your carpet "Like it never even happened." 
 
If you are concerned about potential mold growth in your carpet, call SERVPRO of Derry Londonderry at (603) 432-3221 today for assistance.

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

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.