Preventing Mold Growth: Tips from SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® team member cleaning ceiling tiles

Mold is not only unsightly but can also pose health risks to you and your family. Preventing mold growth in your home is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Ascension Parish to keep mold from forming in your house:

1. Control Moisture Levels: Mold thrives in damp environments, so controlling moisture levels in your home is key to preventing mold growth. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture buildup, fix leaks promptly, and address any water damage immediately.

2. Keep Indoor Humidity in Check: High indoor humidity can create ideal conditions for mold growth. Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup like basements and bathrooms.

3. Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for reducing moisture in your home. Ensure that your home is adequately ventilated by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and installing vents in areas like attics and crawl spaces.

4. Monitor and Maintain Your HVAC System: Your HVAC system can contribute to mold growth if not properly maintained. Regularly inspect and clean your HVAC system, including air ducts and filters, to prevent mold spores from circulating throughout your home.

5. Use Mold-Resistant Products: When remodeling or renovating your home, consider using mold-resistant building materials such as mold-resistant drywall, paint, and insulation. These products can help prevent mold growth in areas prone to moisture.

6. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean: Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water buildup around your home's foundation, increasing the risk of mold growth indoors. Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage away from your home.

7. Remove Clutter and Maintain Cleanliness: Clutter can trap moisture and provide a breeding ground for mold. Keep your home clutter-free and maintain cleanliness by regularly vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces to prevent mold growth.

8. Address Water Intrusion Promptly: If you experience water intrusion from leaks, flooding, or plumbing issues, address the problem immediately. Thoroughly dry affected areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth and consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Ascension Parish for thorough cleanup and drying.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of mold growth in your home and create a healthier living environment for you and your family. If you suspect mold growth or need assistance with mold remediation, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Ascension Parish. Our team has the expertise and equipment to handle mold remediation safely and effectively, restoring your home to a clean and healthy condition.

For more information Click Here

Mold 101

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Don\t let mold invade your home or business call today 225-663-8877

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all molds from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all molds, 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 a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• 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.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today 225-663-8877

Does Your Ascension Home Have a Mold Problem?

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Call today for your mold damage 225-663-8877

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. 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 a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• 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.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today 225-663-8877

Mold in Heating Ducts

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold In Heating Ducts

Mold in heating ducts is a serious problem. Of course, household mold is never a good thing, no matter where in the home it's found. Exposure to mold has been linked to health effects and it can literally eat away at some building materials, including wood. There are a few reasons mold in heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts is particularly problematic, though. We'll tell you why it's such a bad thing and what to do if you think you may have mold in your heating ducts.

You Can't See It

Mold can grow unseen in heating ducts for a long time before you ever realize it's there. Even if you suspect you have mold in your home and look for it, you might miss mold in your heating ducts. It can be hard to see even if you try to look in your heating ducts, since only a small portion of the duct work in your home can be seen without special equipment. Even if you can't see it, though, mold in your heating ducts can grow and spread and make you sick.

It Can Easily Spread Throughout The House

Most strains of mold grow and spread easily. The duct work that runs through your house provides a pathway for mold to move easily from room to room, throughout the whole house. Turning on the heat helps mold move through the duct work even faster, as the forced air carries the mold spores effortlessly along. Even worse, when the heat is turned on, the air blowing through the vents carries mold spores into every room. In no time at all, you could have mold throughout the entire house.

Mold In Heating Ducts Is Difficult To Remove

It's one thing to clean mold off shower stalls or to remove moldy carpet from a room. It is another thing to remove mold in heating ducts. While mold can be removed from nonporous surfaces like metal or fiberglass heating ducts, it's difficult to reach the ducts in order to clean them.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends calling in a professional if you need to have mold removed from your heating ducts and we definitely agree. Special equipment is needed for the job, including manual or mechanical brushes, blowguns or air skippers that drive mold particles and other debris toward a collection device, a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to remove potentially harmful mold and other contaminants from the heating ducts, and negative air pressure devices that create negative pressure within the duct work so that mold spores are unable to drift into other areas during the mold removal process. The job must also be done carefully in order to avoid inadvertently damaging the duct work in the process.

Look for a professional that is certified by, or at least adheres to the standards established by, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. If you have fiberglass ducts or fiberglass liners in your ducts, look for a professional that also is familiar with and follows the cleaning procedures established by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. Many techniques commonly used to clean heating ducts can damage fiberglass, so it is important to choose a professional with the skills and experience needed to properly clean fiberglass ducts.

Until you can get a professional to look at your heating ducts, don't turn on the heat! 

Making Sure Mold In Heating Ducts Has Been Removed Completely

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests having your home tested for mold after mold remediation has been completed and we think that is especially important after having mold removed from your heating ducts. You want to make sure no mold remains in the duct work because if even a little bit of mold remains, it can grow and spread throughout the home again. Make sure you find a professional mold tester that adheres to the standards established by professional organizations like the American Industrial Hygiene Association or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 

Note that you want to hire a professional mold tester who is not affiliated in any way with any company or professional performing mold remediation in your home or cleaning the heating ducts in your home. You want someone completely independent and objective.

Inspecting For Mold

Having your heating ducts cleaned may not be enough to ensure your home is free of potentially hazardous mold. Since mold spreads easily, especially through heating ducts, we recommend checking the rest of your home for mold. A professional mold tester can test the rest of your home or you can schedule a free inspection by a mold removal specialist. If any additional mold is found, the mold removal professional will provide a written estimate for the work and answer any questions you may have.

For more information give us a call at (225)-753-3434

Understanding the Mold Remediation Process

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Problem? Call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish 225-753-3434.

MOLD REMEDIATION

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:

1. Emergency Contact - (225) 753-3434

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

About SERVPRO of Ascension Parish

SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

How To Kill Mold In Carpet

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Carpet

How To Kill Mold In Carpet

It is nearly impossible to kill mold in carpets. Unfortunately, mold gets into the carpet fibers and even if it looks as if you've removed the mold, it is very likely small amounts remain.

You're probably aware of the many health risks associated with mold in the home and it is important to remove mold thoroughly from all household materials. We'll tell you what to do if you've got moldy carpet in your home so that you can protect your health and the health of your family.

Why Can't You Kill Carpet Mold?

There are numerous products available that kill mold, but none are very effective when used in an attempt to kill mold in carpet. Why not? Well, carpet, like all types of fabric, is made of tiny fibers twisted together to make thread and then woven together to create a type of fabric. While there are many different styles of carpet, all are made from fibers spun into thread, which is then woven into carpet.

When fibers are twisted and woven together, tiny spaces are left between the fibers. Microscopic mold spores can get into those spaces and it is virtually impossible to remove them. If you scrub the moldy carpet, you may not be able to see any more mold, but tiny amounts will still remain.

What Happens When Mold In Carpet Is Not Completely Removed?

Most strains of mold grow pretty quickly and also spread easily, so if even small traces of mold remain in the carpet, you may find yourself dealing with a serious mold problem again in the future. Mold may begin to grow beneath the carpet and can ruin your floorboards. It can also spread to other areas of the home. If it enters your heating and air conditioning ducts, it will quickly spread throughout the entire house as soon as you turn on your heat or air conditioning.

Of course, the continued presence of even small amounts of mold in your carpet will continue to pose a health risk. The longer you are exposed to mold, the greater the risk to your health.

If You Can't Kill Mold In Carpet, How Do You Deal With It?

Since you cannot kill carpet mold completely, you need to remove mold carpet and replace it. It's the only way to make sure your home is free of potentially harmful mold.

Moldy carpet must be removed carefully, though, to avoid spreading mold spores throughout the room.  

First the work area should be prepared by taping heavy plastic over heating and air conditioning vents and any open doorways. This prevents mold spores from drifting into other rooms or entering your HVAC system.

Then the carpet should be pulled up carefully and sealed in heavy plastic bags before it is carried out of the house. The padding beneath the carpet will most likely need to be removed as well. If the floorboards beneath the carpet and padding are moldy, they will also need to be removed and replaced.

Pulling up moldy carpet sends hundreds of thousands of microscopic mold spores flying into the air, where they are easily inhaled. Cutting into moldy floorboards in order to remove and replace them has the same effect. This exposure to mold can cause all sorts of health problems. In fact, it is recommended that if your health is compromised in any way, you avoid removing moldy carpet or handling other aspects of mold removal on your own. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  recommends checking with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about whether or not it is safe for you to remove mold on your own.

Appropriate safety gear must be worn while removing moldy carpet, including disposable gloves, hair covers, shoe covers, and an N-95 face mask. Long pants and long sleeves should be worn and clothing should be laundered in hot water as soon as the mold removal work is completed.

For Help Dealing With Moldy Carpet

As you can see, since you can't kill mold in carpet and instead must remove and replace it, dealing with moldy carpet is a pretty big job. The job is made even bigger and further complicated if you must remove and replace floorboards. If you need help with the job, or if your doctor recommends you not handle moldy carpet yourself due to health concerns.

For more information give us a call at (225)-753-3434

What Causes Mold In The Home

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

What Causes Mold In The Home

The short answer to the question of what causes mold is moisture. Mold cannot grow without moisture, although some types of mold need more moisture than others. Most types of mold also grow best in warm environments, although some types grow fairly well in cool places, as well.

Microscopic mold spores are all around us, both indoors and out. Mold spores can remain viable for a very long time in cool dry places; then, when water is introduced, mold begins to grow. 

Mold typically grows quickly and spreads easily. Mold grows as mold spores reproduce and it spreads as the tiny, lightweight mold spores float on the air or are carried from place to place by people or animals.

Causes of household mold usually involve water or moisture in areas of the home that should be dry. For instance, a small leak under the kitchen sink can provide the necessary moisture for mold to begin to grow. Mold can then spread from beneath the sink to other areas of the kitchen, and from there, to other areas of the home.

What Causes Mold?

Excessive moisture often leads to mold. Excessive moisture in a home may be due to a number of factors, including:

• A leak in the roof
• A leaky pipe or a broken pipe
• Leaks under sinks or behind toilets
• Leaky hoses on washing machines or dish washers
• Poor ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens
• Poorly-ventilated attics
• Overflowing sinks, tubs or toilets
• Poor drainage in the land around a home
• Lack of insulation, leading to condensation inside the home
• Missing grout between shower tiles

Preventing What Causes Mold

To prevent excessive moisture that can lead to the development of mold, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends taking these steps.

• Install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and use them when showering and cooking.
• Don’t use carpet in bathrooms or kitchens.
• If you have throw rugs in your bathroom, hang them up to dry whenever they get damp.
• Clean up water spills promptly.
• If you notice stains of walls or ceilings, or other signs of water leaks, address the issue promptly.
• Check periodically for leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances like washing machines and dish washers. Address any leaks promptly.
• Make sure rain gutters drain water away from the house.
• Land around the house should also slope away from the house so that water drains away from the building.
• Use large sheets of plastic to cover dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from the ground from entering your home.
• Use mold-resistant paint in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Use other mold-resistant, water-resistant materials, like stainless steel fixtures, waterproof wallboard, tile, stone and deep-sealed concrete, in areas with high humidity.
• Install dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity.
• Use air conditioners or fans in hot weather to keep the humidity down. Don’t use fans in areas where mold is growing, though, because that can spread mold spores and make the problem worse. Don’t run your air conditioner if there is mold in your air conditioning ducts, either, because that will spread mold to other areas of the home.

Finding The Causes Of Household Mold

If you have mold in your home, it’s important not only to remove the mold but to determine the cause of the mold and fix that problem. Otherwise, mold can quickly return after you clean it up.

You’ll need to inspect your home thoroughly in order to find all sources of mold. Don’t assume there is only one source of excess moisture. Check all possible sources, including under sinks, behind toilets, around tops, under and behind dish washers and washing machines, around windows, in basements and crawlspaces, and in attics.

If you’re not sure what led to the growth of mold in your home, a mold remediation professional can assist you in figuring it out and advise you about how to correct the problem.

For more information give us a call at (225)-753-3434

Understanding the Mold Remediation Process in Ascension Parish

6/9/2017 (Permalink)

This bathroom in Ascension Parish shows visible signs of mold.

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:

1. Emergency Contact - (225)663-8877

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

About SERVPRO of Ascension Parish

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Have signs of Mold? Call us today - (225)663-8877

Mold Facts: Ascension Parish

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Mold Remediation in Ascension Parish.

Mold and fungi naturally occur in our environment, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all molds from a home or business. 

When water intrudes into your property, like roof leak or leaking water line, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. 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 a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• 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.
• These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to test and inspect the building for mold growth.

Our team of highly trained professionals understand mold and mold growth. Call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish to safely restore your building to preloss condition.

If you think you may have a mold problem, Call 225-663-8877.

Ascension Parish Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge 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.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish specializes in mold cleanup and restoration; in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 225-663-8877