7 Signs You May Have Mold in Your Home

Name: SERVPRO of Rochester
Address: 2632 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI, 48307
Telephone: (248) 608-2667

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth in basement.

When is it Time to Call in the Professionals?

Since mold isn't always visible or easy to spot, it's important to know what to look out for so you can take care of any issues if you have some — you don't want your health to suffer just because your house looks clean enough. Although toxic mold can bring on the most serious health problems, all mold and mildew can cause health issues — especially for those who suffer from allergies."

1. There's a smell.

One of the first signs will be a musty smell. If you smell mold, it is most likely there and that is a cause to take action.

2. You have a chronic cough.

Toxic black mold can cause respiratory-related health problems. This can lead to a chronic cough, shortness of breath or sinus congestion.

3. You have skin rashes.

Toxic mold can cause itchy and uncomfortable rashes, as many people are actually allergic to mold.

4. You are having trouble focusing.

The presence of toxic mold can affect the brain. This can lead to problems concentrating and even memory loss.

5. You feel fatigued.

Toxic mold can cause chronic fatigue and weakness. This fatigue is most likely to kick in on humid days and you may feel relief around an air conditioner or fresh air.

6. Your walls are discolored.

It can be hard to determine between other causes of discoloration and potential toxic mold, but SERVPRO of Rochester professionals can come out and take a look to determine your issue and the best course of action.

7. You see staining.

Mold is not always obvious and can sometimes look like a typical stain. This is because when mold rubs off on a surface it can leave just spots or patches. Different molds have different growth patterns and some show up more than others. If you are noticing spots, call us to come check it out.

Do You Understand the Mold Remediation Process?

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Test Area

Understanding Mold and Our Remediation Process

Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, so removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. 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 they 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.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
Let your nose lead the way. 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.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

Emergency Contact - (248) 608-2667

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in 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. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been 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. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

Have Mold Related Questions? Call Us Today (248) 608-2667

Basement in Clarkston, MI Affected By Mold

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

The mold in this Clarkston, MI home's basement was caused by a leaking pipe from the floor above. The water drained through the floor and ran down the wall, thus creating the mold growth on the cinder block.

SERVPRO of Rochester technicians were called out to remediate the mold by spraying antimicrobial and cleaning hte cinder block area - as well as removing the affected areas of the flooring.

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation. If you suspect that your Rochester Hills home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Rochester can inspect, assess and remediate your property.

Mold Found in Commercial Building in Southfield, MI

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

After Removing Mold on Carpet and Carpet Pad

A commercial building in Southfield, MI experienced an entire first floor water loss in which the carpeting and carpet pad were affected. Since the loss was undetected over the weekend, mold growth was present.

Our SERVPRO of Rochester technicians had to remove all carpeting and carpet pad and then finish off with anti-microbial to prevent any further growth and remove any health hazard.

Commercial mold remediation presents unique challenges since they are typically larger areas for mold to spread within 24-48 hours. Calling a professional as soon as you notice a water damage is crucial. Being on site as quickly as possible is our top priority to make sure we contain the damage and get your business back to preloss condition.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today (248) 608-2667

Do You Know the Facts About Black Mold?

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Technician spraying chemical to remediate mold.

What Is Black Mold?

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of Rochester immediately.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (248) 608-2667

Preventing Mold

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on drywall.

SERVPRO of Rochester handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly.

If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

The presence of visible mold.
Strong musty orders which may indicate mold is present.
Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Help is Here:

If you think you may have a mold problem call (248) 608-2667, we are at your service 24 hours a day 365 days a year!

The facts about Mold

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on the wall in basement

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Rochester has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of Rochester 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.

If you have any questions about Mold, do not hesitate to Contact Us directly.

Preventing Mold this Winter

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Now that Michigan is on the verge of winter, undetected water damages can easily cause a mold issue in your home or business. This water damage in Oak Park, MI was the result of water damage that was unresolved.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly.

If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be on the alert for:

-The presence of visible mold

-Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present

-Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth

-Excessive humidity

If you think you might have a problem call the SERVPRO Professionals at SERVPRO of Rochester to come to your rescue.

(248) 608-2667

What to do with Mold in your home before help arrives

2/17/2016 (Permalink)

Homeowner in Bloomfield found Mold in his basement on the paneling.