Mold & Mildew: What's The Difference?

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

The thought of finding mold in your home or business can be quite frightening, especially when you’re unsure how to get rid of it. Mildew and molds are fungi - simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. This will make it difficult to be able to get rid of it on your own.

Mildew (which is mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths (also known as "colonies") can start growing on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air.

 Mold can digest organic material, eventually destroying the material that they are growing on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health effects if left untreated.

If you or someone you know has discovered growth in their home or business, give us a call! We are always here to help. 

Mold In HVAC System

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

How Is Mold Removed From Ducts?

Removing mold from HVAC systems should be done by licensed mold remediation experts who know how to clean the mold clean the mold from the system in a way to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas. In order to prevent the spores from spreading, our professional technicians will contain the surrounding areas around the registers. Items that are covered in mold will be removed from the structure to be either replaced or restored. Air scrubbers will be utilized to clean the air during the HVAC system cleaning. For more information on our air scrubbers and how they work, refer to our blog post on air scrubbers.

Duct lines are good breeding grounds for mold spores. It is dark, isolated and can be humid if the system is not running correctly and there can be dirt, dust, and debris that can speed up mold growth. It is important to have your System professionally cleaned every couple of years. 

Give us a call today if you believe that mold could potentially be growing in your home or business! We are always here to help. 

Managing Mold In Your Property

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

When there’s water coming in from a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause many different health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property.  SERVPRO of Cullman/Blount Counties has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.  

Call the Green Team 

The mold cleanup and restoration process in your home or business begins when you call us. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.  

Inspection and Damage Assessment 

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold and water can hide in plain sight.

Containment  

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

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. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Restoration 

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have to be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. We understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.