Tips for Dealing with Mold Damage

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra Offers Tips for Dealing with Mold Damage.

Mold is Dangerous!

Molds have the potential to cause real health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Allergic reactions to mold can cause hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes. Mold can also cause attacks among asthma sufferers.

Because of these health risks, it’s important to deal with mold as quickly as possible and to do that you need to know what to do and what NOT to do. 

What to Do

• Call in the professionals – Mold can spread rapidly throughout your home but dealing with it isn’t a DIY project. A professional mold mitigation company has the know-how and equipment to properly treat and eliminate mold.
• Stay out of the area – If you’ve discovered mold in a particular part of the house, keep everyone, including pets, out of the area until the mold is eliminated.
• Find the source of the mold and fix it – The key to preventing mold is moisture control. Once the mold is cleaned up, make sure that you’ve fixed whatever caused the moisture, be it a broken pipe, a leaking roof, a faulty toilet, or a dishwasher.
• Use a dehumidifier – As stated, moisture control is key. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
• Isolate the area – Mold spores can be spread throughout your home via the HVAC system. If at all possible, shut off the system from the mold-affected area.

What Not to Do

• Don’t disturb the mold – Trying to remove the mold can cause it to spread. This is a risk to everyone in the household, so wait for the pros.
• Try not to sniff the mold – The smell associated with mold is the smell of dampness. Inhaling the mold can be detrimental to your health and the health of others in the house.
• Don’t bleach it – Using bleach won’t kill the mold, it will just make it appear to be gone, and the water used to dilute the chlorine can feed the mold.
• Don’t paint over it – Contrary to the marketing claims of some paints, paint doesn’t kill mold.
• Don’t blow air over the affected area – Using a fan to try to dry out the area can cause the mold to break apart and the fan can spread mold spores to other areas.

Where to Go for Help

As stated above, mold remediation is not a DIY job. The proper elimination of mold requires special techniques, cleaners, and equipment not available to the average homeowner. If you have discovered mold in your house, you need to act quickly by calling SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra. For over 40 years, SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra has been the trusted leader in the restoration industry, and we have the training and expertise to safely remove mold from your home. Our highly trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to quickly respond to your call for help.    

For additional information about the services we offer, visit our website or call us at 904-246-6118.

Your Belongings and Mold Damage

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra advises what to do if you see mold or mildew in your home.

Mold in your home is at best a nuisance and at worst a serious health risk. If you suspect that you have mold in your house, you could look for some of these signs:

• Rotten smell
• Spots on your clothes or other belongings
• Contaminated carpets
• Allergy flare-ups
• Fungus on the furniture
• Warped walls
• A musty smell coming from your air conditioning unit

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to turn to a professional mold remediation company. They can identify the source of the mold and remove it or encapsulate it from walls, floors, or other surfaces. When they’re finished, you might not see or smell any more mold on clothing, books, or other contents of your home, but your personal belongings may be contaminated with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are tiny mold spores that can be hazardous to your health and the health of your loved ones so what should you do?

Throwing everything out is one solution, but it’s not very practical, so what DO you do? At the very least, everything should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, but can you clean the mold from your things?  The answer to that question is, it depends.

What to Keep and What to Pitch

Non-porous Belongings

In most cases, it’s ok to hang on to most of your non-porous items if they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. This would include items such as glassware, metal furniture, dishes, pots, pans, or anything made of glass. However, some non-porous items should also probably go, not because their surfaces are porous, but because they may have areas or components where mycotoxins can find a hiding place. Examples would be the cooling fan on your laptop or the coils in your refrigerator or laundry equipment.

Porous Items

Cleaning is not able to fully remediate porous items, things such as wood furniture, backpacks, suitcases, upholstered furniture, pillows, stuffed animals, rugs, or anything made of cloth that can’t go into the washing machine. To be on the safe side, you should probably get rid of any porous items you may have. This would include anything made of wood, books, papers, laptop computers, backpacks, suitcases, or more.

Ask the Experts

If you suspect that you have mold in your home, you may still have lingering questions, and the best place to have those questions answered is SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra. For over 40 years, SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra has been the trusted leader in the restoration industry. We are experts in repairing water damage for residents in the area of Jacksonville and the St Johns County beaches. We have a team of highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding quickly to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency services and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

For additional information about our company, visit our website or call us at 904-246-6118.

Mold Inspection, Removal & Remediation

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you are looking for a mold inspection and remediation company, call the experts at SERVPRO today and schedule an appointment!

Why Home Inspections Are Important

Mold can be a serious issue in any home, but it's especially important to be aware of when you're buying or selling. If there is mold in a house you're selling, it could scare off potential buyers, and if there is mold in a house you're buying, it could lead to expensive repairs. What should you do if you suspect there may be mold in your home?

Mold Inspection & Testing

If your home inspection or mold testing reveals mold, mold remediation will be needed, which is the process of removing mold from a house.

As a homeowner, it's important to be aware of the potential for mold growth in your home. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, so it's important to take steps to prevent it from growing. Mold thrives in damp, dark places, so regular inspections of your home's plumbing and HVAC systems are essential.

If you suspect mold, you must take action immediately. Regular inspections and prompt mold removal can help keep your family safe and healthy.

How Mold Affects Buying & Selling a Home

Mold poses a risk to the structural integrity of homes and buildings. If left unchecked, it can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. The presence of mold can hurt the selling price of a home. Buyers are often reluctant to purchase a property that has any type of water damage or mold issue, and lenders may be unwilling to provide financing for such a property. As a result, sellers who have any type of mold growth in their home may find it challenging to find a buyer willing to pay full price for the property.

What The Law Says About Homes With Mold

In the United States, there is no federal law that requires landlords to disclose the presence of mold in their rental properties. However, many state and local laws do require disclosures, and some states have specific laws related to mold. For example, Florida requires landlords to take reasonable steps to prevent mold growth.

If you are renting a property in the state of Florida, ask your landlord about any mold problems before signing the lease. If you discover mold in your rental unit, you should inform your landlord immediately so they can take steps to fix the problem.

Common Places to Find Mold in the Home

One of the most common places you'll find mold is in the bathroom. It often grows on shower curtains, tile, and grout. It can also grow on soap and other toiletries that are left out on wet surfaces. Keep an eye out for any signs of mold growth in your bathroom, and promptly clean up any wet areas.

Another common place for mold growth is in the kitchen. Mold loves dampness and warmth, so it's often found near dishwashers, sinks, and microwaves. It can also grow on food that's been left out, so keep your kitchen clean and dry. Inspect appliances and food storage areas regularly for signs of mold.

Indoor Air Quality

The air quality inside your home can have a significant impact on your health. Dust, mold, pollen, and other airborne contaminants can trigger allergies and respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions like asthma.

Why Call Professionals for Remediation?

Mold is unsightly, but it can also cause a variety of health problems, such as respiratory issues and skin irritation. If you find mold in your home, it's important to take care of the problem right away. Professionals have the training and experience necessary to safely and effectively remove mold, and they can also help to identify the source of the problem so it can be corrected. Calling a professional is the best way to ensure that mold problems are taken care of quickly and thoroughly.

Choose SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra

If you need mold removal services, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced company. SERVPRO of Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra has been providing quality mold removal services for more than 40 years. We have the knowledge and equipment necessary to safely remove all traces of mold from your property. Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can remove mold from your home or business.

Mold Vs. Mildew

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Call the mold experts at SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra, and we'll subtract to cost of your estimate from your final bill, 904-246-6118.

While there are many differences between the two fungi, mold and mildew both develop and thrive in moist conditions. A leaking roof, a window that doesn’t seal properly, and water damage caused by a broken pipe can all lead to the growth of mold and mildew. In order to reduce the risk of health effects and damage to building materials, mildew and mold in the home or business needs immediate mold remediation.

Mildew vs Mold

Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.

What is mildew? Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Cardboard/paperboard
• Wallpaper
• Fabric

How is it different from Mold? Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.

Pro Tip: Slimy mold on decks, fences and siding often can be removed using a pressure washer. Always wear proper safety protection when dealing with mold and working with tools.

Dangers of Mildew and Mold

In a battle between mildew vs mold, which presents more problems and danger? It depends on several factors.

The powdery mildew often found on the leaves of a houseplant, typically poses little danger to you, but it can harm the plant. However, anyone that suffers from mold allergies should avoid touching that mildew. If contact occurs, wash hands thoroughly and never touch your face/eyes/nose after coming in contact with mildew.

The Need for Mold Remediation

Mold and mildew, if ignored, can cause long-term health issues and physical damage to a home or business. Mold found anywhere in a building, such as behind drywall, on insulation, around windows and along basement walls has developed because there is a moisture problem. To avoid further damage, it’s essential to locate and correct the source of the moisture and then remove all traces of mold.

Any home or business that’s suffered any type of water damage (from firefighting efforts, roof leak, burst pipe or flood) needs professional assessment quickly. Contact SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra immediately after any water disaster; mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours. Trust our professional technicians for a comprehensive mold remediation plan. Call 904-246-6118.

Black Mold Myths

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Mildew and moisture affects the ceiling of a bank in East Jacksonville.

There are many myths associated with "black mold" If you have ever been in a damp, musty basement, chances are you were exposed to elevated levels of mold. Many of us have seen that little line of greenish black coating near a bathroom tub or window. In case you haven’t guessed it yet, that’s more than likely mold.

Most everyone these days has heard that exposure to mold is dangerous. We hear news reports every now and then, that toxic black mold is deadly. But just what is toxic black mold?

The term “Toxic Black Mold” has absolutely no scientific validation. It is a term made up by the media. Unfortunately, much like a video that goes viral, the term has resonated with both private companies that use it to exemplify potential dangers, and public officials, who seek to regulate the industry.

The (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) CDC state that the term “Toxic Mold” is not accurate. While some molds can produce toxins, (specifically mycotoxins; mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by micro fungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals) the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous.

Mold can come in many colors. Black mold is most often associated with the mold species Stachybotrys chartarum (due to its greenish black coloring). Stachybotrys is often referred to as “toxic black mold” by the media. 

Don't panic if you see mold. Call SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra (904) 246-6118.

Mold Remediation, Simple Steps to Follow

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

A roof leak from a storm caused water damage and subsequent mold growth in this residential garage.

Understanding the basic concepts of mold remediation and mold removal is not difficult, and is essential if you want to hire the highest quality professional. While learning and understanding the basic concepts of mold remediation and mold removal is easy, doing the actual work in the proper way as described below can however be a challenge.

Mold remediation and mold removal explained:

• If you already see mold, you usually do NOT need to spend money on pretesting as we discuss here. Plain and simple: You need to remove it. All mold must be removed and done the same way (as described in the next bullet point), regardless of the type of mold testing identifies. If a so-called 'mold professional' insists that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on pre testing when mold is already visible, our advice is to be very wary because its a waste of money, except in the rarest of circumstances.
• These are the five basic principles of all successful mold removal and mold remediation projects:

  1. Safety – Protect all workers and occupants.
  2. Assessment – Make a preliminary assessment, an assessment during mold remediation and an assessment after mold remediation.
  3. Contamination Control – Prevent cross-contamination and the spread of mold from contaminated areas to areas absent of or with less contamination.
  4. Source Removal – Physically remove the mold at its source.
  5. Moisture Removal – Eliminate the moisture problem that caused the mold outbreak.

  Calling SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Verda is the next step (904) 246-6118.

Mold Remediation Help in Jacksonville

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation Should Be Handled by the Professionals. Call SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra for a quote, 904-246-6118.

Mold becomes a problem inside a home or business when there's excessive humidity or moisture present. It doesn't have to be present for an extended period of time. It can take just a few days for microbial growth to form. The problem can originate from a sudden water release, like a burst pipe or large spill that goes untreated, or from a chronic condition, such as a leaking roof or plumbing. Even high humidity or warm, moist air condensing on cool surfaces can trigger mold problems. It's always best to have the mold evaluated by a state licensed Industrial Hygienist and removed by a state certified professional.

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing behind the wall as well. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the environment on the outside, and could create a perfect haven for microbial growth. If the wall remain wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the back of the drywall could be worse than what you can see on the front. At that point, containing the work space and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify moisture sources
• Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
• Contain damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to preloss condition

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra has professional technicians that are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified and trained in mold remediation procedures. We are also a State of Florida licensed mold remediation company. Call us for all your microbial related issues at 904-246-6118.

Mold... Did You Know?

4/14/2018 (Permalink)

A Water Damage Due to a Roofing Leak Caused Mold in the Attic Above the Ceiling of this Residential Garage. Call the Beaches SERVPRO, 904-246-6118.

Fungi and mold occur naturally in the outside environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Fungi can be very useful. Yeast is an example of once such fungi. The unique flavor of blue cheeses is the result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving antibiotics are a product of mold -Penicillin chrysogenum.

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, and/or simple exposure to molds may present health problems for some people.

Intrusion of water into your home or business can cause mold growth, but don't worry, SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra is here to help. Call us today if you suspect you may have mold growth in your home or business, 904-246-6118. If you hire us to do the mold remediation, we will subtract the estimate cost from your bill!

Managing Mold in You Beaches Home

4/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Discovered Behind Base Trim After Water Intrusion Wasn't Dealt with Professionally.

When there's water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health problems and can significantly damage your property.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra at 904-246-6118. Lisa, Lorie, or Robin will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, personnel, and resources needed.

Your property with be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. 

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure. This hel;ps keep mold spores from spreading and causing secondary damage.

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic ,mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra utilizes powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of harmful mold spores while mold remediation is in progress.

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces it is growing on. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of porous mold contaminated materials like drywall and flooring, may be necessary when mold growth is heavy.

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning products and techniques to sanitize your belongings.

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials  may be removed. Restoration may involve repairs such as reconstruction, replacing drywall, painting, installing new carpet.

How to Prevent and Stop Mold Growth, Jacksonville Beach

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Growth on a Wall and Ceiling Due to Access Moisture in the Home, SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra, 904-246-6118.

Indoor mold has the power to damage building materials and finishes. Like weeds, mold spreads, growing on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and tile grout. Fortunately, mold growth can be stopped and SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra can help you determine how to prevent mold growth in the future.

Mold Damage

Mold loves moisture and cannot thrive without it. Mold often develops in areas where there has been water damage from a broken pipe, leaking window or roof, or after a basement flood. Many homes develop mold issues in bathrooms without adequate ventilation and closets that share a wall with those bathrooms. Mold causes the deterioration of ceiling tiles, grout, caulking around tubs and showers and it destroys any type of paperboard quickly.

How to Stop Mold

The key to eradicating mold indoors is to cut off its moisture supply. Mold thrives in moist, humid conditions. Eliminate those conditions and you can stop mold growth and prevent its return. Quick extraction of flood water is the first step. Whether it’s seepage from foundation cracks, a leaky roof or a broken water line, that standing water needs to be removed quickly.

After any standing water is removed, the drying and de-humidification process can begin. Remember, it’s all about removing moisture, including excess moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers and fans can be a great help during this part of the mold removal process.

Area rugs will need to be removed, cleaned and dried and wall-to-wall carpeting may need professional cleaning to remove all traces of mold and its musty smell. Depending on the situation, furniture, draperies and other upholstered items also will need cleaning. Remove any cardboard boxes that have been contaminated with mold and only transfer their contents to totes after everything has been inspected and treated for mold growth.

In the bathroom: For mold issues in bathrooms, make sure the room has a working exhaust fan (which usually installed in the ceiling near the light fixture). Run the exhaust fan whenever anyone takes a shower or a bath to reduce as much humidity (moisture) from the air. Wipe down bath and shower tiles after use to keep moisture to a minimum and inhibit the growth of mold.

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra knows how to stop mold growth effectively and how to prevent mold from returning to your home. When you discover mold in your home, don’t hesitate. Contact the mold remediation professionals at SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra; with more than 35 years of experience, we have the expertise to deal with mold safely. You won’t have to worry about the mold spreading to other areas of your home or it affecting your family and pets during the remediation process.

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra is ready to serve the Jacksonville area 24/7/365. Contact us at 904-246-6118 for all your microbial, water, fire, smoke damage or other cleaning needs.

Mold Myth Busters

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Mold On Residential Ceiling After Water Intrusion

5/25/2016

When it comes to mold, misinformation is all too common and it can be costly to homeowners' health and property. That's why the experts at, SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra, one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the United States, say it's essential that homeowners know the facts about mold.

As temperatures begin to rise across the country, SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra is alerting consumers about the most common myths that its network of trained professionals encounters when facing water or mold damage.

Home and business owners rarely think about mold and/or microbial growth until it affects their health, homes, or businesses.  Mold spores are all around us, everywhere, and found in most every home across the world.  In the right conditions and without the right treatment, mold can quickly grow into a major problem.

The three most commonly reported mold myths are:

1.    False: Bleach or other retail products can kill mold on any surface.
Fact: Most retail products simply discolor mold and are not recommended for use on porous surfaces. In porous and semi- porous materials, such as wood, carpet, ceiling tile or drywall, mold's roots may not come into contact with the cleaning product, meaning it will likely return. This is one reason why experts say removing the mold-affected items is the only way to ensure it is removed from your home.

2.    False: Dead mold can't cause health issues.
Fact: Mold goes dormant until the conditions are favorable for regrowth. Even dormant mold can release spores, allowing it to reproduce and reappear, particularly if the underlying moisture and ventilation issues have not been resolved. Trained professionals can help you identify potentially dangerous mold and ensure affected areas are properly treated.

3.    False: Mold is the only problem associated with water damage.
Fact: When water is present where it should not be, it can quickly cause a host of problems, including structural and cosmetic damage, as well as promote bacterial and viral growth. In addition, mold can begin to appear within 24-48 hours, depending on the nature of the water intrusion. Calling a reputable disaster restoration professional who is skilled in dealing with water- related damages can help you avoid long-term problems and get life back in order again as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra is trained, equipped and ready to restore homes and businesses before, during and after any mold-related issues. For more expert tips and information about mold prevention and remediation, visit http://www.SERVPROthebeachespontevedra.com/ or like us on Facebook. For immediate assistance and clean up, call SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra at 904-246-6118.