Large loss mold

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Louisville was called out to a large warehouse to perform mold remediation on their property. We immediately went onto the property and started the mold remediation process. Our certified technicians take mold jobs very seriously and work very hard to make sure your home or business is safe and clean.

The first step in the remediation process is air filtration, we used equipment to pull all of the microscopic mold spore out of the air. Step two is to removed drywall or subfloors that have extensive damage done to them where they cannot be salvaged. Step three is to wipe down any surface that has been affected by mold with an anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatment that kills mold and keeps mold colonies from forming. Finally after all belongings, contents, and surfaces have been removed and treated for mold the process of restoring all the removed drywall and sub-flooring, making the property look "Like it never even happened."

Does your home or business have mold damage?

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can be caused by issues you might not know exist in your home or business.  HVAC units can cause mold to grow.  Sometimes people think that visible water is the only way you can get mold.  That's not true.  Mold can hide in clothing, behind wall paper, behind drywall or moldings, in crawlspaces, and many more places you might not think of. 

Mold can easily grow on clothes and fabric if you have too much moisture in your home. Clothes made of cotton or other organic materials make great food sources for mold and mildew to live on.

It's best to consult a professional when dealing with mold.  However, if you feel comfortable trying these steps to remove mold from clothing see below.

Tips to keep in mind when removing mold from clothes:

1. It's best to wash your clothes in hot water. Hot water kills mold more effectively than cold water and better removes mold spores and allergens too. Of course make sure you don't use water so hot that it can damage your clothing.
2. When you're washing your clothes with a mold killing solution, it's best to wash them through at least two full cycles. Then after your clothes have been washed hang them on the line in the sun. The heat from the sun and the sun's ultraviolet light help to kill mold.

There are quite a few solutions you can wash moldy clothes in to get rid of the mold. Some good ones include:

• Bleach
• Borax
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Mold killing detergent

For the full article and a step-by-step explanation of the cleaning process, click here.

Mold Damage cleanup

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

After a flood, or other major water damage, mold can become a very real problem. Calling a professional like SERVPRO of South Louisville is so important when dealing with any mold damage. It's always safer to have mold removed from your home or business quickly regardless of the amount you can visibly see. Not taking care of mold damage in a timely manner can cause safety and health issues for your family or customers. With the recent hurricanes in the Carolina's and Florida this is of considerable concern. What wasn't destroyed by wind was greatly effected by the rising water. The high temperatures and wet conditions were a recipe for mold growth. Having a professional like SERVPRO handling the removal provides not only a safe environment, but piece of mind knowing everything will be cleaned up properly. 

Understanding Mold

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. 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. 
• 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.

Time is Important

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Standing water not addressed can lead to serious issues.

Why is the quick response to a water damage so important?  Not only does standing water in your home create an inconvenience in your life.  Not addressing it in quick and efficient manner can lead a much more serious issue.  As water soaks into flooring and drywall.  Mold is given the perfect atmosphere to thrive.  In only a few days mold can take a standard water job and turn it into a much more complicated issue.  It can cause respiratory issues, and extend the time it take to repair.  Most drywall will have to be removed and replaced as opposed to simply dried.  This can turn an inconvenience into an all out nightmare.  Let your local SERVPRO take care of you needs in a quick efficient manner and help put you mind at ease.

Mold Under Your Floors

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

This Crawlspace was covered in Mold until SERVPRO was able to address the situation.

In Kentucky many homes have crawlspaces and basements.  These homes are scattered throughout our neighborhoods and subdivisions, which provide a great place to store Seasonal belongings.  Unfortunately these spaces also create the perfect conditions for mold growth.  Due to the cooler temperatures in these spaces,  warm air that comes in from the outside often cools quickly, causing condensation to cover many of the organic materials in these places.  The combination of moisture and rising temps,  allows mold spores to spread and multiply rapidly.  How does this affect the home owner?  Airflow in a home moves from bottom to top meaning much of the air you breath comes from what is directly under you.  Which means if you have mold in your crawlspace or basement, it is likely affecting the air quality in the living space in your home.  If you have this issue at your home at SERVPRO we can help!!!

Mold causes more damage than you can see.

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in this crawlspace was affecting the overall air quality in this home.

Mold is a hot topic in our industry today, it can affect old and new homes a like and has the ability to spread rapidly.  However, mold effects go well beyond the visual damage that it creates.  Mold has is often the culprit behind health issues with in the home.  Even thought it has a much greater impact on the young and elderly, it also can have health effects to healthy adults.  Mold spreads throughout a home as tiny mold spores get into the air and look for new organic materials within the home.  Once airborne these spores can be breathed in and begin to affect your respiratory system causing severe allergies, or even asthma.  In some extremes cases in can even have negative effects on your brain and neurological system.  Thats why it is important to make sure that steps are taken to address mold in all areas even the ones you cant see in plain site.  SERVPRO has the ability to improve air quality to through duct cleaning as well.  If you are face with a mold situation in your home.  Let the professionals at SERVPRO help make your home as healthy as possible.