Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
Winter Mold Prevention: Safeguarding Your Mississippi Home During the Cold Months | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale
9/11/2024 (Permalink)
Prevent mold this winter with proper maintenance, and call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale for expert mold prevention or remediation.
Winter in Mississippi, while milder than in northern states, can still pose significant challenges for homeowners, particularly when it comes to mold prevention. The colder months bring increased humidity indoors as homes are sealed tight to keep out the chill. This combination of warmth and moisture can create an ideal environment for mold growth.
Understanding how to prevent mold during the winter season is essential to maintaining a healthy home and avoiding costly damage. Here’s what you need to know to keep mold at bay during the winter months.
Managing Indoor Humidity Levels
One of the primary contributors to mold growth in winter is high indoor humidity. When homes are tightly sealed to conserve heat, moisture from everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and even breathing can become trapped indoors. This increased moisture can lead to condensation on surfaces, which provides the perfect breeding ground for mold.
To manage indoor humidity, use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Ensure that your home is well-ventilated by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider opening windows occasionally to allow fresh air to circulate, especially when weather conditions permit. By controlling humidity, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of mold formation.
Insulating and Ventilating Your Home
Proper insulation and ventilation play crucial roles in preventing mold growth during the winter. Insulating pipes and other areas prone to freezing can help prevent condensation from forming on these surfaces, which can lead to mold if not addressed. Additionally, ensure that your attic and crawl spaces are adequately ventilated.
Poor ventilation in these areas can trap moisture and create an environment where mold thrives. Use insulation and ventilation strategies to maintain a balanced temperature and humidity level throughout your home. Regularly check these areas for signs of moisture or mold and address any issues promptly to prevent mold growth.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Routine maintenance and inspections are essential for mold prevention. During the winter, it’s important to inspect your home for any signs of water damage or leaks, which can contribute to mold growth. Check for any leaks in your roof, windows, and plumbing, and address them immediately to prevent moisture from accumulating. Also, clean and maintain your home’s heating system, including changing air filters regularly, as dirty filters can contribute to poor air quality and increased moisture.
Additionally, inspect your home’s exterior for any potential issues, such as damaged siding or clogged gutters, that could allow water to seep into your home. Taking a proactive approach to home maintenance can help you catch and address potential mold issues before they become major problems.
By managing indoor humidity, ensuring proper insulation and ventilation, and conducting regular maintenance, you can effectively reduce the risk of mold growth in your Mississippi home during the winter months.
If you suspect that mold has already taken hold or need assistance with mold prevention strategies, SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is Here to Help®.
Understanding Mold Infestations and What to Do First | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
Mold infestations can seriously impact your families health. SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is here to restore your home when you find mold.
No one ever thinks that suffering a mold infestation will ever happen to them. After all, mold only grows in dirty houses, right? Of course not! Mold is everywhere all the time, and it can grow in any house across the Oxford community if the conditions are right.
Knowing what to do to prevent mold infestations is one thing, but learning how to properly and safely respond to them entirely another thing. We explain more about mold infestations and how to keep yourself safe below, so check it out to learn more.
Where Mold Grows
Mold spores are microscopic and can be found floating inside and outside your home. They are virtually everywhere! They can easily float into and out of your home through open windows or through air vents.
While it is common to have mold spores anywhere in your home, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will suffer from a mold infestation. Mold needs a dark and damp environment in order to take hold and grow, which is why some of the most common locations for mold are in your attic, crawl space, basement and even in the corners of your bathroom. Once a few spores find the right environment, they can settle in and start to grow.
Signs of an Infestation
One of the troublesome things about mold is that it can grow silently and without much warning. Since mold colonies often grow in places that don’t experience high traffic, these colonies can be left to grow for a long time before being discovered. Once the infestation gets large enough, it can start to bubble paint, discolor walls and give off a musty or earthy scent.
If you notice any of these signs pop up around your home, you can certainly do a visual inspection, but use extreme caution if you go digging around in your attic or basement. Some types of mold can be hazardous to breathe in so you don’t want to disturb the spores. The best thing you can do is to step back and call us right away.
Our mold mitigation team can take care of you right away! Our team has the proper tools and restoration gear to stay safe while we work, and we have the training to make sure we tackle the entire colony with confidence.
We will prioritize containing the area, which means we will shut vents and turn off your HVAC system to temporarily stop the flow of air. Now that your space is secure, we will get to work on cleaning up the area and work on sanitizing mold infested materials.
Restoring Your Home
If your mold infestation has been left to grow for a while, you could also be looking at serious structural problems in the aftermath of our mitigation strategies. Since mold is moist, that lingering moisture will slowly degrade your home and eat away at wood beams, walls and other structural supports.
Our goal is to tackle each concern completely and handle your entire renovation to make sure your home is safe and structurally sound once more.
Mold infestations should always be handled by a team of professionals. Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale today.
Steps to Mold Remediation
11/5/2018 (Permalink)
Mold in an Oxford, MS residence that was caused by unattended moisture.
Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. There are healthy levels of mold and dangerous levels of mold. One thing mold needs to grow is moisture and darkness. That is why it’s important to remove moisture from any leaks from a damaged roof, flood, or something as simple as a washing machine overflowing. Just because the water has been extracted doesn’t mean there is no danger of mold. After water damage one should clean up and dry out the affected area within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If you see signs of mold in your home, here are some steps to get you back to normal.
1. Emergency Contact (662) 281-1881
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assesment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. We are proud to be an active member of the Oxford community and want to pitch in and help make our community the best it can be.
The importance of maintaining your second home
10/12/2018 (Permalink)
Leather chair covered with microbial growth
Many people have homes they live in permanently and home that they vacation in or visit infrequently. What most people with second homes don’t know is the importance of running your HVAC while the home is not occupied, especially in warmer weather. Microbial growth occurs in dark damp spaces so when the humidity is higher spores grow rapidly. Running your HVAC and keeping the home cool can reduce the risks for microbial growth. Recently we were called out to a home in Oxford, that was used as a gameday weekend home. The owners had not visited the home since the previous fall and it was closed without adequate air flow for a very long time. This allowed spores to cover the structure and contents. Because the homeowner called SERVPRO we were able to do a complete mold remediation by cleaning all contents and structure.
If you see signs of microbial growth, SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale can perform the necessary tasks to help you.
How To Keep Mold Out Of Your Storage Unit
10/3/2018 (Permalink)
After picture of a leather chair a customer received from storage that had microbial growth on it.
Most people move several times over their life. Some moves may be near and into similar sized homes. However, some cases may require you to use storage if the move is a great distance or into a smaller space. One thing you may not think of protecting your stored items from is mold. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using storage facilities especially if your storage unit is not climate controlled to ensure your items are safe.
- Before placing items in the unit check the floors, ceilings and walls for signs of mold, this could also be a smell in the unit.
- Look for standing water or possible signs of previous leaks.
- Ask if the unit is well ventilated, discuss with owners or consider adding a dehumidifier to your unit.
- Look out for standing water in this area. During storms, your unit could develop a leak due to roofing or wall damage. Alert the storage company and managers immediately or contact a contractor or building expert to help with repairs on your own property.
These are just some tips to keep in mind. If you feel like your items may have microbial growth on them from storage, please contact us at 662-281-1881 for an estimate of cleaning.
Why Mold On Cheese Isn't A Bad Thing
8/31/2018 (Permalink)
As a general rule of thumb, mold on your food is not a good sign. On fresh foods mold is an indicator that they may no longer be fresh. Not only does mold on our food make it look unappetizing but also can change the texture and smell the food gives off.
Cheese is one food that mold isn’t necessarily a bad thing. According to the Mayo Clinic, harmful bacteria can grow along with mold on foods. However, mold can’t generally penetrate that far into hard and semi soft cheese. So, when eating Cheddar, Colby, Swiss for example you can cut away the molded parts and eat the rest.
This leads us to blue cheese and why in this case it’s okay to eat. While there are dangerous molds that produce mycotoxins as well as aflatoxins, that can affect our respiratory systems. However, these are not the types of molds used for cheese. Blue molds that are used for cheeses cannot produce these toxins in cheese.
Why Should You Have The Quality Of The Air In Your Home Tested
8/28/2018 (Permalink)
Suspected microbial growth on a chair in an Oxford, MS residence that lead to an air quality test.
It is very possible that at some point you may find something inside your home you suspect is mold. The question is what do you do next? Many people assume just because it may be black and mold that it is “black mold” or what is formally called Stachybotrys.
In such an instance where you fear you may in fact have a microbial growth issue, you could in fact need an air quality test performed. The main thing to keep in mind is that mold is present everywhere indoors as well as outdoors. Because of this it is important that you keep those levels in check; the spore count inside your home should be less than what is found outside your home.
Once the test is performed in your home pay special attention to the levels and see if there are any areas inside your home that are higher than what was found outside. If this is the case then we suggest calling a certified remediation company like SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale to devise a plan of action. Our team can work with you to come up with strategy to get the levels in your home back down to a safe count.
How To Keep Your Produce Fresh
7/27/2018 (Permalink)
Summertime is a great time of year to get fresh, in season fruits and vegetables. Whether you have your own garden, go to the local farmers market, or your neighborhood grocery store finding ways to keep you produce fresh longer is always helpful. Not only does it allow you to be less wasteful but gives you a longer timeline to enjoy your fruits and vegetables.
Here are some tips to help keep your produce fresh longer:
- Keep potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in a cool, dry place, but not in the fridge. The cold will ruin their flavor.
- Store salad greens and fresh herbs in bags filled with air and sealed tightly.
- Produce such as carrots, lettuce, and broccoli start to spoil as soon as they're picked, so place these in separate plastic baggies in the crisper in your fridge.
- Avoid washing berries until right before you're ready to eat them. Wetness encourages mold growth.
- Buy only what you need. Go to the market more frequently, or if that's not possible, plan out your meals ahead of time so you only buy what you know you'll use.
Lowering Your Electric Bills Could Cause Mold
7/12/2018 (Permalink)
If you suspect microbial growth, SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is trained and ready to help remediate that issue. Give us a call at 662-281
In the south, especially in the summer months our AC seems to never stop working. Many homeowners try to combat the higher electricity bills by cutting off their AC when they aren’t home or using it. This can cause other issues one of which is mold because an enclosed dark and damp environment is a perfect situation for mold spores to grow.
In these warmer months, a closed house with the air-conditioning turned off will have higher humidity levels than an air-conditioned home. These side effects are even more pronounced when the home is vacant because a vacant home receives little to no sunlight through closed shades and no air movement with the fan off and doors staying closed.
To reduce these potential for mold in your home keep your air-conditioning unit set around 75 degrees with the fan on. This will keep an air flow in your home as well as keep humidity levels down.
If you suspect microbial growth, SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is trained and ready to help remediate that issue. Give us a call at 662-281-1881.
These 3 Signs Could Mean Mold In Your Home or Business
6/21/2018 (Permalink)
Signs of microbial growth found in an Oxford, MS apartment.
There’s a four-letter word every homeowner and/or business owner hates to hear—mold. Not only is it something that most people are terrified of, it also can cause damage but also be a health hazard. Keep in mind not all everything that appears to be mold, is in fact actually mold. Here are three warning signs of microbial growth that you should pay attention to:
- Water spots are a potential sign of microbial growth. These can be found in numerous places in your home or business. Pay attention to around your air vents, behind sinks, ceilings and walls. If you find a place that has suspected moisture make sure you act quickly. Using someone with proper training such as SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is always a good option.
- Discoloration is another sign. If there is a spot that is an off color from the rest of the wall or ceiling or floor that is possibly yellow/green/black that is sign of microbial growth.
- Smell is the third sign. Microbial growth can cause a bad smell and depending on the type of microbial growth and how far it’s reached the smell can be strong or faint. Any odd smell in your home or business should be properly investigated.
Even though microbial growth is the last thing a home or business owner wants to hear, it should not be ignored. If you suspect any of these warning signs call 662-281-1881 and SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale can help. Not only do we have trained staff we also have the proper equipment and products to use in mold remediation.
Is There Mold Behind Your Wallpaper?
5/3/2018 (Permalink)
Wallpaper after hotel suffered fire and water damage.
Wallpaper is common in many homes and businesses. It’s a pretty easy and inexpensive way to update or change a space. One concern with wallpaper, especially in bathrooms would be the potential for microbial growth behind the paper. A bathroom is the most common place for this occurrence because of the amount of moisture in this room from things such as daily showering. The glue also attracts dust which is an organic material that is a favorite of mold.
For the most part people who discover microbial growth behind their wallpaper never suspect it. If and when you discover microbial growth the Environmental Protection Agency even suggest using an expert mold remediation company. This is where SERVPRO of Oxford / Batesville / Clarksdale is ready to help. Our franchise is has employees that are certified IICRC AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician). By choosing a professional to help you can rest easy that the correct protocol is taken and risk for further growth or exposure are diminished.
If you have had suspect microbial growth, give us a call at 662-281-1881!
Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold
3/7/2018 (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 Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale 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 – 662-281-1881
Conditions in Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale Might Be Right For Mold
2/7/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale knows what to do if mold grows in your home.
It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.
If the right conditions exist, mold will grow. Those conditions include:
- Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.
- Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
- Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.
Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.
If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.
If you suspect mold, call us today at 662-281-1881
What to Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
- Contact SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale for mold remediation services.
Where Is Mold Hiding In Your Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale Home?
11/6/2017 (Permalink)
Microbial growth from a hot water heater leak in an Oxford home.
Microbial growth needs heat, moisture and darkness to thrive so there are many places in your home where it can hide. It’s in these areas where significant damage can happen because it can go unseen for substantial amounts of time. Basements, bathrooms, under appliances and under your home are top places to be sure check regularly.
Basements
Finished and unfinished basements alike are susceptible to microbial growth. Make sure you have good ventilation as well as keep it dry. If your basement smells musty you may have growth that is being spread throughout your home through the air ducts.
Crawl Spaces
Vapor barriers keep ground moisture from coming onto the joists of the home is crucial to keep microbial out. In addition to a vapor barrier, ventilation under your home can help flow out any moisture that may come under your home.
Bathrooms
Just like under your home ventilation is key in your bathroom. Turning on your fan in your bathroom especially during hot showers can help alleviate steam from adding moisture onto your ceiling that could lead to microbial growth. Also watch for leaky toilets or sinks. These small leaks can lead to larger issues such as mold under your sink or behind your toilet.
Appliances
Some refrigerators have drip pans where water can collect or water leaks from the line of your ice maker. Checking these lines and cleaning coils regularly can help these issues or catch them before they turn into something bigger. Also remember hot water heaters and washing machines also can leak as well as steam from dryer vent. It’s important to be aware of these areas and check and clean them on a regular basis.
If you suspect microbial growth in any of these areas around your home don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale at 662-281-1881. Our certified team is “Ready For Whatever Happens”.
How To Keep Mold Away From Your Pumpkins
10/13/2017 (Permalink)
Our SERVPRO pumpkin
Fall brings cooler weather and with it many traditions. One of which is pumpkin carving. Whether you are making a work of art, just having fun, or both you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste.
Here are some tips to keep your pumpkin around through the end of October.
- After your pumpkin has been carved, rinse it out with water to get rid of excess strings and gunk.
- Take a large bucket or tub and fill it with one gallon of water.
- Stir three teaspoons of an anti-microbial such as concrobium into the water.
- Dunk in the pumpkin. Be sure to hold it down as it will try to float. The entire pumpkin should sit in the solution for two minutes. You might want to wear gloves, too. Remove from the solution and let the pumpkin air dry.
How Mold Can Spread
7/28/2017 (Permalink)
Our production crew onsite at a commercial HVAC
Mold can be found almost anywhere, especially if you look hard enough. Most types of mold are present in nature so as long as your spore count is less inside than outside you are at a safe level inside your home or business. Mold starts out as a spore mass in the air and remains there until they settle on a surface. This surface needs to be organic and only needs two days and the warmer temperature to grow.
Controlling the humidity in your home or business will help with growth prevention. This means taking the time and money to maintain your HVAC and air ducts. HVACs that are not performing at optimum capacity can keep the air feeling warm and damp and increase spores and/or create the right temperature for them to settle and grow.
This commercial space had an HVAC that working at half its power and created the perfect scenario for mold growth. Not only were we able to clean the HVAC but wipe down the area with anti-microbial to kill any spores as well as purify the air.
Our SERVPRO of Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale team is equipped with IICRC Mold Remediation. This ensures the job is handled properly and every option is used to remediate as well as prevent the reoccurrence.
Why Bleach Doesn't Kill Mold
7/13/2017 (Permalink)
We build containment to protect your business as we begin the mold removal process.
Bleach has always been a staple cleaning agent that can do wonders on stains and killing germs. One common misconception about bleach is that it should be used to remove mold.
Why You Don’t Want To Use Bleach To Kill Mold
- It promotes mold growth on porous surfaces because bleach is made up of about 90% water
- It only removes the color, leaving the roots that will continue to grow
- The EPA and OSHA both advise against using bleach
- Bleach can also be harmful for surfaces. (It will weaken wood and corrode metal)
- Bleach is harmful to your skin, lungs, and eyes
- Mixing Bleach with other cleaners (acids) increases its corrosive nature
- Bleach loses its sanitizing agent when it’s mixed with an organic material
In every mold remediation job we encounter, we follow the IICRC recommended protocol for safe mold removal. This ensures the killing of the mold you see and can’t see.
Finding mold in your home or business can be scary, if you have questions about mold in the Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale area call SERVPRO at 662-281-1881
Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold
6/22/2017 (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 Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale 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 Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale 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 – 662-281-1881
Does Your Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale Home Have A Mold Problem?
5/4/2017 (Permalink)
In Oxford, Batesville, Clarksdale, 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 Us Today – 662-281-1881
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