Does Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage that goes unaddressed can lead to a much bigger and more costly problem!

When Insurance Will and Won’t Cover Mold Remediation

One of the unwelcome consequences of water damage, dampness or humidity is mold overgrowth. People who are sensitive to mold experience wide-ranging health problems including wheezing, nasal stuffiness, coughing, throat irritation, skin and eye irritation. Those who are allergic to mold can experience severe reactions. Mold can worsen the health condition of those who are immune-compromised or have chronic lung/respiratory illnesses. The costs of mold-related diseases are as high as $22.4 billion annually in the U.S. alone as per the Journal of Environmental and Public Health.

Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally and is not visible to the naked eye. Reproducing with the help of spores, mold can infiltrate buildings easily. Mold insurance is an absolute must for homeowners given the high cost of repair and maintenance of buildings that have been damaged by mold.

What does insurance cover mold remediation?

Homeowners insurance typically covers mold damage only when a "covered peril" causes it. The “covered perils” for which mold remediation is covered by insurance companies include:

• Fire
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Malicious mischief
• Lightning
• Damage due to vehicles
• Falling objects
• Weight of snow, ice, or sleet
• Frozen pipes
• Accidental water overflow from heating, plumbing, sprinkler systems, air conditioners, and household appliances

When does insurance not cover mold remediation?

Home insurance policies do not cover mold remediation if it resulted from preventable causes such as flood, water damage, or high humidity. Homeowners are expected to take preventive measures to avoid mold damage that includes professional cleaning, drying, and regular maintenance.

Standard homeowners’ policies will not provide mold remediation cover for “maintenance” problems such as repeated water leaks, continuous water seepage, humidity problems, and ongoing issues related to condensation, landscaping or drainage. Most homeowners’ policies also do not cover flood damage which is usually provided as a separate add-on.

Addressing water damage at it's onset with the help of professionals at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley/Lutherville is the ideal way to prevent the costly expense of mold remediation.

Most Effective Ways to Remove Black Mold From the Shower

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage developed in this Cockeysville, MD bathroom

If you’ve ever stepped into a dirty shower, you know how unpleasant the experience can be. If you’ve seen shower mold in your Cockeysville,MD, bathroom, you don’t want to waste any time cleaning it up. These unsightly spots can be embarrassing and disgusting. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can get rid of this mold once and for all and reclaim a clean shower.

Call a Professional

If you don’t want to deal with black mold on your own, you can call a trained professional to take care of it. You’ll have to pay for quality work, but you can have confidence the expert will do thorough work. Here are some advantages to calling the pros:

• They have experience cleaning up shower mold.
• They have the right equipment and cleaning materials.
• They can work quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda can be exceptionally useful for many household needs. If you’ve got moldy shower walls or floors, you can put baking soda to use and watch it do its amazing work. Baking soda won’t leave harmful fumes, and it’s easy and cheap to purchase. Just combine a cup of this with a teaspoon of liquid soap, along with enough water to make the mixture into a paste. You can even add some oils such as lavender or peppermint if you want to leave a pleasant smell behind. Take this solution and scrub out the mold.

Try Bleach

You can use bleach for much more than whitening your clothes. If you fill a spray bottle with half-bleach, half-water, you may be amazed with the results. Spray the cleaner on, let it sit for a minute and then scrub it off with a brush.

You shouldn’t have to contend with shower mold in your bathroom. These household remedies and professional services can take of this annoyance in a hurry.

A Claim Against Mold

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Bathroom Mold Damage

Mold can grow in any climate, even in Towson, MD. It takes only 48 hours for growth to take root, beginning life unseen and unknown. By the time the fungus is detected, it may have already affected the structure and employees of the business. Because mold damage requires professional expertise and equipment to eradicate it properly, fiscally responsible business owners should look to commercial insurance coverage for assistance.

Covering Mold or Fungus

Whether purchasing a new policy or reviewing an existing one, it is important to note that mold insurance may never be mentioned. Instead, many companies refer only to fungus, broadening the scope to address additional concerns that fall under that category. The following issues are often covered under Limited Fungus Coverage:

• Mold
• Mildew
• Released spores
• Emitted toxins

Getting to the Root of the Policy

It is a good practice for business owners to be personally familiar with the company’s commercial insurance coverage, taking time to sit down with an agent to get a clear understanding of what situations are included. Not every occurrence is honored by the insurance company. Instead, there may be exceptions, which can vary from state to state. Therefore, it is essential to make sure the rules of Towson, MD, meet the needs of the business.

Proactively Ensuring Success

Having a full understanding of the insurance policy helps a business properly execute mold damage remediation, and it also creates an opportunity to explore proactive plans. Long-term leaks that cause fungi to grow are often not covered, so establishing routine maintenance and inspections could save thousands of dollars. It is also common for insurance policies to have a cap on how much will be paid to cover damages. Knowing this dollar limit can help a business budget for extra costs that may arise.

Good policies and good coverage are always desirable. In addition, awareness and aggressive measures make any commercial insurance policy stronger and more effective.

For more on Towson click here. 

Fun Mold Experiment

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

You can contact SERVPRO of Hunt Valley/Lutherville to get an estimate for mold remediation in your home: (410) 229-0012

Mold can easily grow within 24 to 48 hours after a water damage occurs. It begins to colonize in 1 to 12 days! SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville decided to put this to the test...

The photos on the left represent the control group. The pieces of drywall pictured encountered zero excess moisture.

The photos in the center mimic a water damage that occurs during the winter months and goes undiscovered until the spring when weather warms up and mold spores reach their "happy" place (70+ degrees). These pieces of drywall were submerged in water for ten minutes then placed in Ziploc bags to observe.

The column of pictures on the right represents a DIY water mitigation job. This happens more than you would think. A homeowner dries and cleans the water damage on their own without the help of a professional. Approaching a water damage this way often leads to the structure not being fully dried and susceptible to mold growth. These pieces of drywall were submerged in water for 30 seconds and then placed in the Ziploc bags for observation.

The results are right on. Mold growth was seen a mere 7 days after encountering moisture... and after 4 weeks?!? No thank you! It's of utmost importance to have water mitigated correctly after a loss. But, if it's not, we are here for you as well. Mold mitigation just happens to be one of SERVPRO of Hunt Valley/ Lutherville specialties. 

How To Deal with House Mold

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Take precautions in your home to keep mold and mildew from growing

How To Deal with House Mold

Many types of mold growth can occur in your home in Towson, MD, and most mold problems can be traced back to water damage. Any time there is high humidity in your home, you raise your risk of having a serious mold problem develop. Most issues with mold must be handled by a mold remediation specialist so that the problem does not spread or return after cleanup.

Types of Indoor Mold

Almost any type of mold can grow indoors, but some are more common than others. The molds that grow most often in homes are the ones that are particularly attracted to surfaces found therein:

• Penicillium – wallpaper, air ducts and mattresses
• Cladosporium – carpets and fabrics
• Alternaria – showers and leaky sinks
• Aspergillus – hard surfaces
• Stachybotrys – wood and drywall

If you see mold growth or smell its telltale musk, it is better to contact a mold remediation specialist to see what kind of mold it is rather than try to figure it out yourself. Professional experts are better equipped to solve the problem and avoid further growth.

Controlling Humidity

Other than taking care of water damage as soon as it occurs, you can help prevent mold problems by lowering the high humidity in your home. A dehumidifier keeps the air from dampening surfaces and making them more prone to a mold infestation. Running your air conditioner regularly helps keep air flowing throughout your HVAC system, reducing the likelihood of moisture buildup. Keeping outside humidity out of your home by having holes, cracks and air leaks repaired can bring your indoor humidity level to the 30-60 percent range where it needs to be.

No matter what type of mold may grow home, any type is unwelcome. You can take precautions against mold growth by limiting your home’s moisture levels, both on surfaces and in the air. If a mold problem does occur, make sure you have it handled by the experts as soon as possible.

For more on Towson click here.

3 Mold Containment Methods To Keep Your Employees Safe During Remediation

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your Employees safe during Mold Remediation

Finding mold in your Towson North, MD, commercial building can be troubling for you as a business owner, especially when it comes to the well-being of your employees. While your first instinct might be to try and eradicate any fungi on your own, mold removal is best left to experts who have the knowledge and equipment to handle the job correctly. However, there are a few containment methods you can use that may keep your employees safe until help arrives.

1. Evacuate Affected Spaces

Once mold is discovered, it is a good idea to evacuate the area. Mold growth can be affected by employee or operational activity, which can send spores into the air and allow them to settle in other areas to grow anew. Evacuating and sealing off the area until mold mitigation and restoration specialists arrive can lower the risk of additional contamination.

2. Shut Off Ventilation Systems

If your building has suffered water damage and you have a black mold problem, temporarily shutting off your ventilation and air conditioning system can prevent the spread of spores to other areas. Moist air ducts can encourage fungi growth where you cannot see it, so shutting them down until they can be cleaned and sanitized can keep mold from spreading to other parts of your building.

3. Allow Specialists To Work Unfettered

Restricting access to affected spaces so your restoration techs can focus on mold removal may help them resolve the issue faster. Do not allow employees to enter rooms where mitigation is being performed, as negative air pressure chambers may be in use to kill mold spores in the air. Move operations from the area to another floor to give your techs plenty of room to work.

Mold removal at your Towson North, MD, business may take up to a week to complete. However, taking steps to protect your employees during mitigation and restoration can lower their risk of exposure to mold and allow your techs to work more efficiently.

Click here for more on Towson North.

Air Duct Cleaning

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

WHY CLEAN AIR DUCTS?

by NADCA (North American Duct Cleaning Association)

SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville have been members since 2015

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning: pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, cigarette or cigar smoke, water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system, and home renovation or remodeling projects.

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS

Applying industry knowledge to a real life situation

Before a couple moved into their newly purchased home, they had mold mitigation services preformed before closing. After 5 years they were afraid that the mold had come back because of ongoing sickness in the family. SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville came out and informed them that it was, in fact, not mold but a vent cleaning problem. After cleaning out the ducts in their home, the family felt much better and the constant sickness subsided. They stated that they could tell a difference instantly.

An Introduction to Black Mold

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Black Mold Remediation

With so many news stories about black mold, you may be worried about whether you have mold growing in your home. Before you panic or spend a large sum of money for a mold test in Hampton, MD, here are the things you need to know about mold and the signs that you may have it in your house.

What Is It?

Mold is a type of fungus, distantly related to the mushrooms you put in your salad and the yeast used to brew beer and make bread. While much attention has been given to Stachybotrys Chartarum, a species of black mold that is particularly toxic, there are actually many species of mold that appear black. Other species may appear as green, brown, white or even pink.

Mold reproduces by releasing spores, which are carried on the breeze new locations. If the spores land in a moist, dark, warm environment, they will flourish and grow into a large colony. This is what you see on your bathroom tile.

What Makes It Grow in Your Home?

Moisture is the number-one factor that determines where mold grows. If you have any areas in your house that are always damp, then you have prime real estate for mold. The most common causes of excess moisture in houses are:

• Leaks in the roof or around windows and doors
• Broken water supply lines
• Broken water pipes
• Leaking bathtubs or showers
• High humidity
• Condensation
• Flooding

If you don’t have a problem with excess moisture in your home, you likely don’t need to worry about mold.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best way to prevent mold from growing is to prevent moisture build-up. Keep your home in good repair, do regular maintenance on your plumbing and keep rooms well ventilated. If you live in an area where humidity is an issue, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep indoor humidity below 50 percent - 60 percent. If you do notice black mold in your home, don’t attempt to do a mold cleanup on your own. A professional mold remediation service in Hampton, MD, can return your home to a healthy state.

Visit us at http://www.SERVPROhuntvalleylutherville.com for more information. 

Mold Can Spread Quickly, So What Can You Do To Stop It From Wreaking Havoc?

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores are extremely lightweight, and they can easily spread from one room to the next with a single puff of air. Black mold can wreak havoc on the structure of a building, which is why immediate and professional mold cleanup should be your number one priority upon the discovery of the fungus. While you’re waiting for a professional to arrive, there are a few things you can do to keep the mold from spreading:

• Identify and address moisture issues, as any moisture problem can lead to mold growth in as little as 24 hours.
• Prevent moisture buildup with proper ventilation.
• Turn off your HVAC system until a Gravestone, Maryland, mold remediation expert has eradicated the issue.
• Monitor your building’s humidity level (ideally, it should be between 30 and 60 percent).
• Improve airflow in your building, as when temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good airflow, that moisture will attach itself to your walls, ceilings, floors and furniture.

The Mold Remediation Process

You should never attempt to clean up black mold yourself, for two reasons:

1) This mold is extremely toxic.
2) Only a professional can tell just how bad the problem is and understand what measures are necessary to not just clean the mold, but kill it.

The team you hire will be well equipped to deal with the issue safely and effectively. They may begin by identifying any moisture buildup and drying those areas out. Some situations may require a vet vacuum, which is designed to suck up standing water. They may also seal off any doorways or air ducts that lead from room to room. If the mold hasn’t already spread, it will later, which can increase the cost and length of the mold cleanup process. Finally, the team will clean and disinfect any contaminated areas and possibly apply an EPA-recommended mold inhibitor to prevent future infestations.

If your building has black mold, don’t try and attempt the cleanup process on your own. Reach out to your Gravestone, Maryland, mold remediation team for help today.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for your mold remediation emergencies. 

Mold and Deodorization - Trust the Experts.

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Many people assume that mold is not a natural occurrence, but it does grow everywhere and even in your home. Your home shouldn't grow fungus but if it has a water damage then it will have the opportunity to root itself. Mold is fungus that requires a wet environment to grow. One way to notice if you have mold is if you smell a smelly odor with musty scents, it might be mold. This smelly odor is one of the most common indicators mold is growing behind walls.

Deodorization techniques might work for a while, but every deodorization technique someone tries will fail. This is why a restoration company should come in and handle the deodorization process when there is a smelly odor from mold. Remediation, mitigation, and the use of proper deodorization techniques are often the only way to help mold damage. Whether it's a smelly odor bothering homeowners or a business owner who suspects black mold is a problem, calling the professionals is the answer to any mold issue. DIY techniques are a terrible idea, and they only serve to make the situation that much worse.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Answers to All Your Questions About Mold

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Answers to All Your Questions About Mold

Mold growth is not a popular topic, generally, but it’s something every property owner and even every renter ought to know about. A lot of factors contribute to the growth and spread of mold - things like high humidity and previous water damage. Knowing the risk factors can help you identify a problem in the early stages, when it is still easy and inexpensive to fix.

Facts About Mold

Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours, given the right conditions. A warm, wet climate is all that is really required.
Often, mold growth is accompanied by a strong, pungent odor that is fairly easy to recognize. Even if you can’t see it, mold hidden by carpeting or drywall might be evident due to the smell.
Mold isn’t always preceded by a flood; it can grow and thrive in indoor spaces with high humidity. For best prevention, keep humidity below 45 percent.
Water-damaged materials are a prime location for mold colonies. If the materials are not properly dehumidified promptly, mold can set in on the inside. Porous materials should always either be professionally treated or replaced after flood conditions.

Mold remediation by a professional is the best solution for dealing with mold in your space. A qualified contractor can use a specialized process to return mold levels in your space to a normal and safe status in order to maintain your property. They’ll employ the use of pumps and dehumidifiers to remove all excess moisture and negate the possibility of water damage. They’ll test your air quality and advise you on high humidity and how to correct it going forward. The restoration of your property will follow, with removal and replacement of all materials permanently altered by flooding or leaky or busted pipes.

Don’t let mold growth flourish in your space; learn to recognize the risks and the signs of present danger before you have a problem.
Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on mold.

Why DIY Mold Removal is A Terrible Idea

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Why DIY Mold Removal is A Terrible Idea

A professional restoration company is in business to help home and business owners when mold in the home and commercial mold damage occur. Whether there’s been a flood or someone’s building experienced a burst or leaking pipe, mold removal is mandatory. DIY mold removal is the worst thing anyone can attempt to get rid of mold growth, and it’s not something any restoration company recommends when someone finds mold in the home or commercial mold damage.

Mold growth happens fast, and it spreads even faster. Sometimes mold growth is obvious, and sometimes people realize months later they’re dealing with mold growth behind walls due to improperly cleaned water damage or even a small leak in a pipe. Whatever the cause, it’s unwise to assume mold, fungus, or mildew of any sort is problematic in any capacity. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage must not be ignored, and no one should ever attempt DIY mold removal.

What Happens When People DIY Mold Removal?

When someone finds mold in the home or commercial mold damage, they might be tempted to assume they can handle the mold damage on their own. Mold removal is not meant to be done by anyone but a restoration company with the proper equipment, remediation, and mitigation skills. When people attempt to remove mold growth at home or work without help, they risk making the mold damage worse.

Sometimes mold is black mold that causes additional problems. Sometimes home and business owners have no idea which black mold is more dangerous than others, and sometimes black mold is harmless. Some people mistake mildew or fungus as something other than mold, and sometimes they don’t know that mold growth behind the walls is also occurring.

When they try to clean up mold on their own, they disturb the spores and cause them to spread faster. If their air conditioning unit or heating unit is left on, the spores travel even faster through a building and cause further mold damage. If there is water damage due to flooding or a leaking pipe, home or business owners might not properly clean it up the way a restoration company can with their own mitigation and remediation knowledge. This makes mold growth behind walls worse.

The Signs of Mold Growth

Mold growth behind walls is one of the most common problems in homes and offices. When people find mold in the home or commercial mold damage, it’s often mold growth behind walls that causes the biggest issues. Dry rot is one sign of this kind of mold. When dry rot appears in a home or office, it signals there could be too much moisture. Most people view dry rot as a problem, but they don’t view dry rot as the appropriate kind of problem. Another problem is any mildew or fungus around a home or office. It requires remediation and mitigation to handle this problem.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on mold.

Professional Mold Remediation Techniques

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

Professional Mold Remediation Techniques

Mold damage usually results from warm, wet, dark and humid conditions. In case you have water lying on surfaces in your house, expect to see some mold damage after some time. It is especially common to find mold growth behind walls because of the darkness present in such sections. You will first spot the fungus as black mold spots on the wall. The smelly odor will also alert you to the presence of fungi. Restoration company personnel can spot mold growth long before dry rot occurs as they are better trained and have access to better tools that also help with deodorization. Mold removal and mitigation are quite complicated processes. Deodorization after commercial mold damage is also a challenge.

Once you note black mold in home environments, you should quickly get rid of water around the house. You can use vacuums to dry the water completely and also fix water leaks in the house as these will make the black mold problem recur in the future. Professionals from the restoration company can detect the source of water leaks using advanced equipment and then work to separate the mold in home from other surfaces by applying negative pressure.

The pressure will slow down the dry rot and mold growth behind wall. This will allow effective mold removal. It is not advisable to use fans or air conditioners since they will spread the fungus spores and lead to faster growth of mildew.

Mold removal can be done by scrubbing with anti-fungal and antimicrobial detergents and deodorization. Water is used to make a less concentrated mold growth removal solution with these products. Once you are done scrubbing the fungi off the surface, it is important to dry the area. This technique will usually work for fungi that grow on hard surfaces. You can employ this method to mitigate home or commercial mold damage.

Lots of other natural and safe products can be used in the place of detergents for mold remediation. Tea tree oil is one common natural fungicide that has been used in professional mold removal. This method might cost you a lot more money but has been discovered to be more effective than common detergents and toxic chemicals. Besides helping with fungi mitigation, tea tree oil also helps to prevent mold growth behind wall and other surfaces.

Commercial mold damage on carpets or similar materials is quite difficult to mitigate. You might have to simply dispose of the entire material. The mildew usually grows between the crevices, and this makes it very hard to control. If you leave these materials in the house, the mold will spread faster, and deodorizing will be very difficult. The smelly odor of black mold will linger in your house for much longer. There is also a greater risk of dry rot.

It is important to note that painting will not help with commercial mold damage mitigation. The paint will eventually peel off, and you will still have to deal with the dry rot. If you need to repaint a surface with mold growth behind wall, be sure to get rid of the fungus first. Painting can be part of the restoration process, and should only be done once the fungus has been eliminated. Call the restoration company in case you have trouble mitigating mildew.

Conclusion

Mold damage is a problem that affects all home and business owners. If water spills or leaks over the floor, fungus will grow in just a short period. Mitigation of home or commercial mold damage is quite a challenge, and that is why you need to take advantage of professional mold remediation companies. Besides getting rid of the fungus, the restoration company will also help with deodorization and offer recommendations on how to prevent future mold growth.
Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on mold.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Mold Removal Company

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

Reasons to Hire a Professional Mold Removal Company

Finding mold damage at home or in the office is stressful for many. It means paying for professional mold removal companies to come out and handle the problem, and it means learning as much as possible about mold damage and mold removal as possible. Finding mold in the home or commercial mold damage certainly changes the face of anyone’s day, but it’s not a problem anyone can ignore. Mold damage spreads quickly and efficiently. It takes less than two days for mold to spread rapidly, and that causes more expensive and much larger problems.

Calling for professional mold removal, remediation, and mitigation is necessary when mold in the home or commercial mold damage is discovered. Handling the job without the help of professional mold removal and remediation is dangerous, and it’s not recommended. There are benefits to calling professional mold removal companies, and remediation and mitigation are just two of the primary benefits.

To Save Money

When mold in the home or commercial mold damage is a problem, many people believe they can handle the issue on their own. They can’t. They want to because it’s cheaper than calling for professional remediation and mitigation, but it’s only cheaper right now. Those who aren’t trained in mold removal might not handle the situation accordingly, and they can make the mold damage grow. This means it’s going to be more expensive in the future to fix the problem that could have been easily handled right away by a pro.

To Do the Job Correctly

No one likes a job that’s not well done, especially when the consequences mean paying more money and potentially re-building areas of a home or office. Commercial mold damage and mold in the home must be removed correctly the first time to prevent it from coming back or spreading. When it’s not handled correctly the first time, it comes back a second time. It could continue to grow where it’s not visible, which means it might cause massive damage to a home or office.

To Use Professional Equipment

Professionals have the right equipment and the right knowledge to do this job correctly. This equipment is designed to reach places not typically reachable. It’s designed to locate mold at the source, to find where mildew might be growing, to locate any other fungus, and to get rid of it. It’s not easy to find fungus, mildew, or mold when it’s not in plain sight, but this equipment makes the job much simpler and much more successful.

To Learn

Professional remediation and mitigation is designed to educate. It helps people learn the most common signs of mildew and mold damage. The most common is a smelly odor. It might come from the walls, from a room, or be slightly noticeable in the air throughout a building. Many use deodorization to make this smelly odor go away, but the deodorization only works for a short period of time. It’s not a bad idea to use deodorization to make a home or office smell much better, but a smelly odor must be removed rather than remedied. Deodorization helps temporarily, but remediation is needed to get rid of a smelly odor associated with mold damage and mildew.

Mold is a fungus, and no one wants to find fungus at home or work. It needs professional help, and there is no getting around it. People should never try to remove mold on their own without a professional. It’s best to handle something that’s potentially hazardous with help from those who know what they are doing, what they are working with, and what they must do to handle the situation correctly the first. There are plenty of DIY projects available for home and business owners, but this is not one of them. Call for professional help now to guarantee success.
Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on mold damage.

After 48 Hours: Dealing With Serious Mold Damage In Hampton Homes

3/2/2017 (Permalink)

The forty-eight-hour window is crucial for repairs.

Dealing With Severe Mold Damage After 48 Hours

When it comes to residential water damage, there is a clear deadline which all technicians must follow. The forty-eight-hour window is crucial for repairs. Up until this point, almost all flood affected materials can be dried and restored to their original condition.

After this point, repairs are still possible, but they are tough, and the outcome is not certain. Part of the reason for this is because two days is all that’s needed for flooding to turn into mold in Hampton homes. At SERVPRO, we are trained to handle these severe cases and can use a variety of strategies to neutralize mold spores and prevent them from spreading. Keep reading to find out what happens to household materials after the window has passed and mold is developing.

Carpeting
Heavily affected areas of carpet are heard to clean. Usually, it is more economical to remove them and find a replacement. We can help you to do this, as we have a wealth of industry contacts. Unless you would prefer to arrange your own replacement, our technicians are happy to source and install new carpeting. Replacement flooring is installed only after the subflooring is completely dry. It requires the use of high-powered fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to draw water vapor out of materials. Concrete and cinder block surfaces respond very well to dehumidification and water extraction using motorized pumps.

Wallboard
Wallboard which is not dry within 48 hours (after the initial incident) requires removal. However, it is rare for the whole wall to need disposal. The SERVPRO technicians measure twelve inches above the water line and take away all material beneath this boundary. It leaves a hole which is helpful for drying. Fans are either pointed up into the cavity or placed inside it to deal with wet conditions between the boards. New wallboard only gets installed once the restoration experts have tested the moisture levels and found them to be safe and suitable.

SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville specializes in fast, effective mold damage repairs. Our remediation strategies are designed to protect your home from further damage and mold breakouts. Call us 24/7 on (410) 229-0012 for a professional restoration service.

Protecting Your Health Around Mold in Timonium

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Recommends Professional Clean Up of a Mold Infestation in Timonium

SERVPRO Tip:  Call US for All Mold Remediation Treatments

Mold can seem almost benign due to its slow rate of visible damage and sluggish spreading but make no mistake; it can pose a health hazard to you once it has taken hold. SERVPRO technicians take entire courses on mold safety. There are many species of fungi that can create widely varied situations and problems depending on a high number of factors. If you have uncovered mold in your home, protecting your health and safety becomes a concern, and should top your list of priorities. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you live and work in your home during the remediation service. SERVPRO stance is that mold does cause health effects, we do not diagnose, but we do remediate.

You May Want to Wear a Mask
Timonium mold damage has a potential to cause respiratory health issues, in particular for individuals with weakened immune systems or asthma. SERVPRO technicians have access to industrial-grade protective masks and even suits when needed, and you should, at the very least, try to protect your mouth and sinuses with a mask when working near mold damage. For those with asthma or respiratory issues, the urgency of this precaution is even higher. We firmly recommend that you do not grapple with this problem. Our main advice is to call us to tackle your mold problem. Be safe, not sorry.
 
Hands Off
Some types of mold can produce toxic or infectious byproducts, making the act of touching mold with your bare hands potentially dangerous. In general, you should never touch visible mold growth, as doing so can not only hurt you but also spread the mold to other surfaces. If you touch mold by accident, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching other surfaces.
 
Be Mindful of Other Dangers
Many mold damage cases come with additional problems, whether you are aware of them or not. That patch of mold could be the result of a five-year-old water pipe leak, and in addition to allowing mold growth, it may have already long weakened the surrounding structure. Being aware of structural issues and other types of damage could save you money while protecting your home investment.
 
SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville is ready 24/7 to respond to local disasters and home damages. Just give us a call at (410) 229-0012.

Air Conditioner Based Mold Damage In Timonium

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Mold spreads quickly. Call SERVPRO to assess the situation.

Mold Appears in Unsuspecting Places

After the long, hot and humid summer fall has not provided much of a respite. Many homeowners, perhaps including you, continue to run their air conditioners to cool and dehumidify the air as we await the crisp, cool air of autumn that seems to be delayed indefinitely. Unfortunately, air conditioners that are overdue for a thorough cleaning can become the home for significant mold growth within the unit itself as well as the drains and ductwork. You may be noticing a damp, musty odor in your home for which you cannot find the source. If this describes your situation contact SERVPRO for an inspection and consultation before the moldy smell gets completely out of control and the potential for microbial growth possibly contributes to health concerns for your family.

Air conditioners, whether free standing window units or central HVAC systems, naturally deal with water and moisture in their operation. One of the ways that air conditioners cools your home’s interior is to remove moisture from the air, effectively dehumidifying it. Less humid air feels cooler, allowing perspiration to evaporate from your skin more easily, creating a cooling sensation. As the higher humidity air blows over the air conditioner coils water condenses. A well-maintained air conditioner drains the water collected efficiently. Poorly maintained or dirty air conditioners may become plugged, creating areas where water collects. When water collects spores feed, resulting in mold damage in Timonium.

SERVPRO technicians can evaluate whether your hard-working air conditioner is actually contributing to a mold problem in your home. Rather than reducing the humidity it may be encouraging the microbial growth that is affecting your indoor air quality in a negative way. Cleaning of your central air conditioning’s ductwork may be precisely the solution to mold overgrowth in your home. Even if the mold is inside the system, invisible to the naked eye, it can still be damaging your air quality. If drains are obstructed it is just a matter of time before the water leaks through, damaging walls, ceilings or floors as it also spreads the mold.

Make it a point to schedule an appointment to have your air conditioning system inspected as a source of mold damage by the expert staff at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville. Our operators are waiting for your call at (410) 229-0012 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will dispatch trained technicians at your convenience.

Mold Damage Experts

8/21/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Attaches to Porous Surfaces and Spreads Quickly

SERVPRO is Trained in the Latest Effective Methods to Remediate Mold

Molds are natural fungi that are found both indoors and outdoors. These fungi grow exponentially without a clear picture of how many species there are. Molds grow best in damp, warm and humid conditions. The fungi spread and reproduce through spores. Mold spores thrive on moisture and within 48 hours, they can quickly spread through a home or business. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies, which can produce allergens and irritants.
 
If you suspect mold damage in Timonium, whether seen or unseen, we can inspect and assess your property with advanced equipment and expertise to remediate your mold problem. “Stachybotrys chartarum” is a mold type, often called “black mold.” You must treat any type of mold with caution. The question is – can you handle mold removal yourself? There are special precautions to take and special circumstances.
 
Mold remediation includes a DIY cleaning only if mold is covering a small area or if mold is on a non-porous surface like glass, tubs, tiles or sink. Make sure that you don't have any health issues before you come in contact with the mold. If mold is growing on carpets, then you can clean it, if you have the proper techniques and equipment. If not, then quickly remove the carpeting. Aside from these tips, if the opposite is true of these events, then you definitely need a professional to keep your home or office healthy.
 
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only professional technicians should be used if mold covers a large area, such as larger than three feet by three feet. Also, only use a professional if mold is a secondary damage after any type of water damage, especially a storm flooding, where the water can be contaminated. Whether at home or in a business, there can be mold in your HVAC system which must be addressed by mold remediation experts.
 
We at SERVPRO understand mold growth and how it can spread. We don't use fans or heating/cooling systems, which actually spread the spores. Our advanced mold remediation process includes a thorough inspection and assessment solution. Our professionals use various state-of-the-art containment procedures to prevent mold from spreading. We also use specialized filtration equipment, antifungal and antimicrobial treatments, a variety of cleaning techniques to disinfect and clean your belongings.
 
As water and mold professionals of SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville, we have the experience, the expertise, and advanced IICRC training. We are locally and owned and operated. We live and work within the Baltimore County community and are ready to help you with your mold damaged property. Call us at (410) 229-0012 to learn the facts about mold and to dispel any misconceptions. Let us give you peace of mind and a healthier indoor breathing environment.