Mold Removal and Remediation

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Mold remediation technician performing detailed and controlled cleaning process.

Once you’ve identified mold within your home or business, the next step is to ensure its effective removal from the property. Considering the potential property damage and health issues that mold can cause, it’s important for you to make sure this mold is removed from the property as quickly as possible. Removing mold safely requires expertise. Despite some resources suggesting a simple spray and wipe, it is a detailed and controlled cleaning process. Here’s SERVPRO of Vero Beach’s guide to how to remediate mold.

How Does A SERVPRO of Vero Beach Mold Removal Specialist Remediate Mold?
Professional mold remediation is often a necessity in the event that mold is encountered in a property, requiring specialist equipment and expertise. The remediation of mold is a complex process and involves much more than just a simple wipe-clean of the affected surfaces. This, and the potential health hazards and risk of recurring issues, means that most mold damage scenarios are often best treated by mold remediation professionals.
If you call on a SERVPRO of Vero Beach mold remediation team to assist in your property, these are some of the steps that may be taken to treat the problem:
1.Fix Any Moisture Problems First
If you suspect that your mold problem has been started by a leak or other water problem, ensure that you fix this first. Mold requires moisture to grow, if your home or business still has a water ingress problem, it’ll make it very difficult to remove the mold problem. If your mold issues are occurring in a naturally damp environment, such as a shower room, extra ventilation may be necessary.
2. Isolate Areas of Mold
To avoid any cross-contamination, areas of mold must be isolated from other areas before demolition, cleaning, or drying can begin. Any airflow across affected moldy surfaces can spread mold spores around the building and spread contamination.
3. Throw Out Absorbent Materials
Certain items that have been affected by mold, particularly porous items, will need to be removed completely. These can either be sent for specialized cleaning or thrown away. For example, items such as carpets or furniture have fibers in which mold can remain even if you feel you’ve cleaned them thoroughly. This means they may need to be thrown out to stop the problem from reoccurring.
4. Clean Away the Mold
Once highly affected porous materials, such as gypsum board, have been removed, any remaining materials like plywood subfloors and Douglas fir framing can then be cleaned. All visible traces of mold will be removed before an antimicrobial or biocide spray is used to clean the surfaces during a wet wipe. You may have heard of "mold removal spray" products; however, these are not known to remove mold and only assist in cleaning after removal. Mold removal isn’t a job that should be taken lightly, and it requires a great level of care. SERVPRO of Vero Beach mold remediation specialist teams always wear protective clothing, that can be laundered or discarded after use. They also use gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask in order to avoid inhaling mold spores and encountering any health problems.

Call SERVPRO of Vero Beach for Mold Remediation in your home or business. 

Tips on Mold Damage in your Home or Business

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Mold spores on the wall due to a small pinhole leak in the bathroom pipes.

Mold, a common issue, can silently invade your residence or building and wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home or business. Understanding the nature of mold, its causes, and signs on when to call SERVPRO of Vero Beach are essential for effective mold remediation.

Understanding Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments. It reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air, which can settle and grow on various surfaces. Mold is commonly found in areas with excessive moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and areas affected by water damage.

Causes of Mold Growth
Mold requires three main factors to grow: moisture, a food source, and the right temperature. Common causes of mold growth include:

Water damage: Leaks, floods, or excessive moisture due to plumbing issues or roof leaks can create an ideal environment for mold to thrive.

Poor ventilation: Insufficient airflow and inadequate ventilation in areas prone to moisture can contribute to mold growth.

High humidity: Areas with high humidity levels provide an environment where mold can flourish. This is particularly true in Florida with warm temperatures and humid conditions.

Identifying Mold Damage
Early detection of mold damage is crucial for effective elimination. Look out for the following signs of mold growth:

Visible mold: Black, green, or white patches of mold on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces suggest an active mold infestation.

Musty odor: A persistent musty smell is often an indication of hidden mold growth.

Water stains: Discoloration or water stains on walls or ceilings may indicate an underlying moisture problem and potential mold growth.

Identify and address the source of moisture: Identify and fix any water leaks, plumbing issues, or sources of excessive humidity to eliminate the conditions that promote mold growth.

Preventing Mold Damage
Prevention is key to avoiding mold damage in your home. Implement these preventive measures to create an unfriendly environment for mold growth:

Control humidity levels: Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to maintain humidity levels. On average, Florida homes should maintain indoor humidity levels between 45% and 55%

Improve ventilation: Ensure proper airflow and ventilation in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows periodically when needed.

Regularly inspect and maintain: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address any water leaks, plumbing issues, or areas of excess moisture promptly.

Properly ventilate appliances: Ensure appliances such as dryers and stoves are vented outside the home to prevent moisture buildup.

Mold damage is a serious issue that requires understanding, proactive measures, and swift action. Early detection and addressing moisture issues are essential in controlling mold growth. Regular maintenance and proper ventilation will help create a healthy, mold-free living environment for your home or business. Our team at SERVPRO of Vero Beach is licensed, highly trained, and fully equipped with the experience and equipment necessary to remediate your property’s mold damage.

Call us today if you suspect your home or business has been affected by mold.

Mold in Florida: Why is it so bad?

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

This is mold found covering the wall in the bathroom of someone's vacation home.

Why is mold so bad in Florida?

Many property owners in Indian River County are surprised when they discover mold in their home or business, but mold thrives in our beautiful state. Tourists aren’t the only ones who love the weather here! The humidity and high levels of moisture make Florida the perfect place for mold to thrive. Molds are fungi and do occur in our environment naturally, but an increased amount of spores can cause immense damage to your home or business and can cause health effects. With many people having vacation homes here in Indian River County, properties go untouched and water damage and moisture go unnoticed which can lead to a surprise mold infestation when you return for the summer.

As we enter the rainy season here in Florida, we must be aware of the moisture and humidity levels within our properties and make sure to take care of any leaks or damage before it's too late. Our team at SERVPRO of Vero Beach is highly trained and fully equipped with the experience and equipment necessary to remediate your property’s mold damage. Call us today if you suspect your home or business has been affected by mold!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

How Florida's Mold Laws Protect You

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Here you can see a mold colony that has grown on the wall behind a leaking water heater.

As of July 11, 2011, Florida law prohibits mold remediation companies to also conduct mold assessments.  

First, let us establish the difference. A mold assessment is a process of collecting samples and identifying the severity (if any) and type of mold that exists. The mold assessor with then come up with a custom protocol for remediating the mold based on the test results. Mold remediation is the actual removal of mold as outlined in the protocol provided by the mold assessor. The reason the “Florida State Mold Law” legislative was established was to protect the consumer from a conflict of interest that may occur when the same company both assesses and remediates the mold damage.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach is a mold remediation company that is fully licensed and insured. We have a reputation that far exceeds our competitors. If you have mold damage on your Indian River County property call our office at 772-770-0501. We are here to help!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Interesting Mold Statistics You Should Know

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Here is an example of a hidden mold colony under the carpet pad.

Below are some statistics on mold according to Real Time Labs

• At least 45 million buildings in the United States have unhealthy levels of mold. Your home or office might be the cause of your health problems – mold can remain hidden behind walls, in the ceiling, and under carpets for years.

• On average, professional mold remediation costs $500 to $6,000 – but the price can soar into the tens of thousands if the problem is severe. Mold removal is difficult and expensive because of is volatile nature.

• Each year mold destroys more wood than all the fires and termites combined. Mold moves slow, but it still destroys more raw material than fires and termites every year.

• Any kind of water damage (flood, pipe burst, leakage) can facilitate the growth of a mold in as soon as 24-48 hours. Mold grows quickly in wet environments so it is important to clean up standing water and prevent it from growing or spreading ASAP.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Why Using Bleach on Mold in Your Indian River County Property is a Bad Idea

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Here you can see the mold growing on a piece of dry wall that our technicians replaced.

When people find mold growth on their property, the first thought that comes to mind is to reach for the bottle of bleach. However, it is a very common misconception that bleach “kills” mold.

According to the EPA: “Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.” This is because when mold grows on a porous surface its roots spread deep into the material in an attempt to access more nutrients. Applying bleach would simply change the color of the surface mold, giving the appearance that it has vanished while the roots remain. Over time the mold will regain its color and grow back, often worse than before bleach was applied.

If you believe you have mold in your home it is always recommended you call a licensed and insured mold remediation expert, such as SERVPRO of Vero Beach. We are Indian River County’s leading mold expert. Call our office at 772-770-0501 to schedule your consultation!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Combating Mold in Your Vero Beach Shower

5/16/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your shower giving you grief? Call our office to find out how we can help!

Mold thrives in moist and confined spaces. While many do not realize it, mold is actually present both indoors and outdoors all of the time. When a mold spore is exposed to water, a colony can quickly grow. Most homeowners can attest, one of the most common places they find mold is the shower. From the shower ceiling to the shower floor, a quick look around your bathroom area is likely to reveal some mildew issues. Things like pipe leaks and poor ventilation can cause bathroom mold to grow. Prevention is, of course, the most efficient method. Some things you can do to prevent or slow the growth of mold in your shower are:

• Turn your bathroom fan on during and for a few minutes after you shower to help ventilate moisture buildup.
• Replace your shower curtain frequently.
• Wash your rugs in the bathroom often.
• Clean your shower often.

Unfortunately, there are many times when mold has been left too long. If the mold in your bathroom seems outside of the scope of the above suggestions, you will likely need professional help. At SERVPRO of Vero Beach, our highly-trained mold remediation specialists are here to restore your bathroom quickly, efficiently, and with the utmost professionalism. Don’t let mold ruin your beautiful bathroom, contact us today to learn more!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Mold vs. Mildew

5/16/2020 (Permalink)

Here’s a quick reference guide to distinguish the difference between mold and mildew.

It’s easy for people to mix up mold with mildew, considering both are fungi known for thriving in warm moist areas. There are some distinct differences between the two. Mildew is typically white, gray, black, brown or yellow. Its texture tends to be fluffy or powdery. Mold, on the other hand, tends to be white, black, yellow, green, or pink. Its texture can be fuzzy or slimy. Property owners must understand the dangers of mildew and mold. Since mold and mildew can spread their spores when being contacted, property owners must consider hiring professional mold restoration contractors to handle the remediation process. Once mold and mildew are found, you can contact SERVPRO of Vero Beach at 772-770-0501 to schedule an appointment for safe, healthy remediation.

 SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Found Mold In Your Vero Beach Property?

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your property can seem overwhelming. Don’t fret, we are here to help walk you through the mitigation process from beginning to end.

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

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Vero Beach 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 suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Vero Beach has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. We will make it "Like it never even happened."

 SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

What Is Mold Testing and How Is It Performed?

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Mold testing is a critical part of mold mitigation. Confirming the presence and type of mold is the starting point of the whole process.

In the state of Florida, before any mold mitigation can begin, the law requires that the property be tested by a third-party company for mold. The results of this test will determine if mold exists and identify the type of mold. Most mold testing involves taking a sample of either the air or a surface.

• Air samples
  • The most common method is called a “spore trap sample”. Spore traps work by having a known volume of air pass a sticky surface in the sampling device collecting particles including mold spores.

• Surface samples
  • Bulk samples-A piece of the sampled area is physically removed.
  • Swab samples-A cotton swab is rubbed across the area being sampled, often a measured area.
  • Tape samples-A piece of clear tape is pressed against and removed from the area being sampled, presumably picking up and removing part of any mold that was present on the surface.

If you suspect mold in your property, give us call at 772-770-0501. We’d love to set an appointment to have our licensed mold assesor check out your property. We are here to help!

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Got Mold in Your Attic?

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

If left for too long, the mold can begin to corrode the wood and compromise it’s integrity.

It’s that time of year again to start spring cleaning! Picture this, you’re feeling motivated enough to start spring cleaning. You purge this and donate that. Then, it comes time to store away all your winter décor and less used items. So, you climb up into the attic and you notice black stuff growing on the roof sheathing in your attic. Well, there is a good chance it’s mold. Moisture is always the cause of mold growth. Moisture can enter the attic via:

• Roof leaks
• Dryer ducts
• Attic bypasses
• Bathroom & kitchen exhaust fans

If you have found mold in your attic please give us a call at 772-770-0501, so we can take a look and create a plan to remediate and help prevent any future problems.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

What Sets Apart a Professional Mold Remediation Company from the Rest?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Air scrubbers are used to help improve air quality after mold has been remediated.

Mold is not necessarily the most complex to remediate. However, it is very reactive and does require thorough knowledge and proper practice to avoid turning a straight forward mitigation into a much larger problem. Here is a list of some things you can expect from a professional mold remediation company:

• They will use a third-party company to test for the type and amount of mold in your home. The company conducting the testing will create a protocol specific to what is found in your home for the mitigation company to follow. They will then preform a post-test to ensure the mold has been properly remediated.
• They will seal off the work area so that mold spores do not become dispersed into other areas of the property. This is also referred to as “containment”.
• They will wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when dealing with mold. This can range from high filtration masks, gloves or even a full protective suit.
• They will use professional equipment. This is usually the most notable difference between a professional company and those posing as mold professionals due to the costly nature of the equipment.

If you have any questions or feel you may have mold in your home or property please call our office at, 772-770-0501. We would love to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Fun Facts About Mold

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

To book an appointment for a mold assessment and remediations call 772-770-0501.

There are a lot of negative connotations when you hear the word “mold” and for good reason. It can destroy your properties and belongings along with your health if not remediated quickly and properly. However, today, we would like to keep it light and go over some fun facts about mold.

• There are over 10,000 different species of mold.
• The mold Penicillium gives blue cheese its spots/veins.
• The antibiotic Penicillin is also derived from Penicillium.
• Christmas Tree allergies are caused by mold commonly found on the tree.
• Mold will grow on wood, fabrics, even some metals but won’t go near a Happy Meal.
• Mold has been used as a weapon in biological warfare.
• Mildew and Mold are from the same class, fungi.
• It takes mold only 2 days to start growing after water damage.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

772-770-0501

Why Bleach Can Make Your Mold Worse

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold spores are very complex and volatile, this is why you should always turn to a licensed mold remediation specialist.

One of the biggest misconceptions with regards to mold is that bleach “kills” mold. Often, a mold problem becomes perpetuated by the use of bleach. Chlorine bleach loses effectiveness very quickly because of how quickly chlorine evaporates leaving behind the water used by manufacturers to dilute the chemical to legal concentrations for household use. This means, when you spray/wipe bleach onto a surface (especially a porous one) that is growing mold, it will remove the very superficial layer of mold but feed the deeper roots of the spore with the water that is left behind when the chlorine evaporates-thus causing the mold to grow and spread, eventually returning back to the surface. If you should ever encounter mold growth in your home please give us a call at 772-770-0501. We will assess the damage and follow a very specific protocol to ensure the mold is eradicated completely and properly the first time.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach

www.SERVPROverobeach.com

Vero Beach Mold Facts

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Let the professionals restore your property to beautiful conditions

If you are in your home and see visible mold, do not touch or move it. If you disturb it, spores can easily spread throughout your home. Below, we have  provided general facts about mold-

Areas with High Mold Exposure in Indian River County:

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Construction areas
• Flower shops

Common Indoor Mold:

• Cladosporium- Olive-green to brown or black in color. Most commonly found on living or dead plant material
• Penicillium- Major importance in food and drug production, used as an antibiotic
• Alternaria- Known as a common allergy to humans causing hay fever or hypersensitivity reactions
• Aspergillus- Found indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe it in regularly without getting sick

Prevent Mold Growth:

• Keep humidity levels as low as possible
• Fix any and all leaks
• Clean bathrooms with products that kill mold
• After a flood, clean up and dry everything immediately

If you see signs of mold in your Vero Beach home,

Call Us Today! (772) 770-0501

Mold Threat is No Joke

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Visible mold found in the closet of a local Vero Beach home.

The threat from mold growth is multiple. There is the visual infestation that covers ceilings, walls, and other structural property. If the visible signs go unchecked, the mold grows into drywall, wood beams and other parts of the home. In addition to physical damage, there are the health effects that mold can have on some people. Each of these threats requires remediation to remove them; this may involve cleaning only, but cases that went unnoticed for an extended period require removal and replacement of damaged property.

Testing for mold at the first suspicion is the best way to go. 
We have some of the best training and the latest equipment in the restoration industry, but it is our reputation that matters the most. If we uncover mold, and before we start the remediation process, we recommend that you hire a third party to perform the same tests. The second round of testing provides you with peace of mind by removing any potential conflict of interest. 

Hope you never need any of this, but if you do, call us at (772)770-0501.

Closet Containing Mold Growth

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found in a closet.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach handles mold. Our office is licensed to perform mold inspections and has developed a protocol that includes the following: 

We perform a visual inspection that includes photo documentation of all mold growth. If the visual inspection uncovers mold growth, no further testing is needed. If the fungi are present, they need removal and remediation. Air and surface samples from every room in the house or apartment along with a laboratory report to explain the findings, only if needed. After completion, one of our inspectors sits down with each customer to explain not just the results, but every step we took during the inspection. 

Also, we provide an estimate of what steps we take to treat and remove the mold along with how much each task costs. If we do not find mold, our inspector gives the homeowner a report that states the house or apartment was tested and found to have no excess mold that poses a threat. 

Understanding Mold

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Rampant mold growth grows and spreads quickly.

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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.

Do NOT Disturb!

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Visible mold found in a house in Vero Beach.

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 Vero Beach 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 Vero Beach 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 – 772-770-0501

Mold and Leaks

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Slow roof leak led to mold growth.

We hear about mold all the time on the news, on buildings (got mold?) and after all the major flooding incidents.  You might be wondering if it really matters to you.  The answer is YES! 

Mold or fungi are microscopic organisms that can be found just about anywhere and everyone is exposed to natural mold daily. Molds are usually not a problem indoors unless mold spores land on damp or wet surfaces and begin to grow.

Your home, office and schools all have water sources that can create extra moisture and allow mold to grow.  Dishwashers, refrigerators, leaking water pipes, hot water heaters, toilets, sprinkler systems,  can all be quick or slow culprits that create an environment ripe for mold growth.  Checking your appliances and potential water sources regularly can help find moisture situations before they get out of control. 

This kitchen sink is a perfect example of a slow leak that allowed for mold growth all the way under the flooring and down to a basement wall.  If you suspect water damage, it is best to call a local professional who can mitigate to prevent this situation from happening to your Vero Beach home.

(772)770-0501

Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Visible Mold Found In A Closet.

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial or residential property. Mold infestations can be caused but not limited to minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call  SERVPRO of Vero Beach, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Mold and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Mold and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today – (772)770-0501

Quick Acting Technicians Can Find Mold Growth Efficiently

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold that had grown in a home that was boarded up tight.

A busy lifestyle distracts you from subtle signs that mold may be taking hold in one or more areas of your home. You may first notice a darkening of the wood under a cabinet or a musty smell in the bathroom. Small leaks add up to a growing problem. Eventually contacting a mold remediation company is your next step.
 When you see pictures in the media of mold colonies, they cover whole walls and hang down from ceilings. Typically the storyline concerns the aftermath of a major flooding event or a post-storm scenario. The more common manifestation of mold problems may not be so dramatic, but the concerns you have are just as real. We handle mold abatement whether it involves large area or one or multiple smaller spaces you desire professional assistance to solve.
 
Although a homeowner might attempt to eliminate mold growth with do-it-yourself strategies, there are many ways successful mold remediation is out of the reach of all but professionals. SERVPRO technicians spend hours learning about the lifecycle of molds and the challenges posed when remediating outbreaks. They practice careful containment and thorough removal, all the while pondering the source of the moisture that fueled the initial growth, and how to eliminate it.
 
First, our crews suit up in personal protective gear to ensure that no moldy debris irritates skin or interferes with breathing. Then they use proven methods to contain the moldy areas with plastic sheeting or an efficient high-tech negative pressure air scrubber. This type of equipment and setup makes the remediation proceed much faster and more safely, but is costly and difficult to replicate with supplies from the local hardware store.
 
Next SERVPRO technicians determine whether the mold can be cleaned off the surface without leaving a residue. Training and experience help us identify mold that has infiltrated a surface with a root-like system called hyphae, indicating it must be removed as well.
 
We then apply a professional antimicrobial matched to destroy further growth.  A homeowner might try a bleach mixture without realizing it does not penetrate far enough, and be fooled temporarily into believing it worked because it lightens the stain. Bleach is more than 90 percent water, more so when diluted, and can feed the mold it is supposed to kill making home remedies ineffective or counterproductive.
 
The key to a successful SERVPRO remediation is to eliminate the moisture that activated the mold spores. Our workers have vast experience in finding and stemming water incursions. Mold has a tough time regenerating if wetness dries completely.

Call SERVPRO VERO BEACH today for any concerns you may have TODAY.  (772)770-0501.

Does Your House Have A Mold Problem?

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing on the bottom of a shoe in a closet.

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 at SERVPRO VERO BEACH can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.  (772)770-0501.

Mold Has A Shoe Fettish

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Growth On Leather Loafers

Mold loves all type of shoes.  No shoe is safe when it comes to mold. Because of its porous nature, shoes tend to be targeted immediately when mold starts growing in a home.  The tenant came home from a vacation to a house full of mold growth.  He smelled it before he saw it.  The musky smell made him start investigating a little more closely and in his closet he saw it over everything; his clothes, his hangers, and his beloved leather loafers.  Unfortunately, the mold didn't stop there.  It ended up spreading to his furniture, mattresses, and walls.  We are happy to report, SERVPRO of Vero Beach were able to remove and clean the majority of his clothes and household items, but his beloved loafers took one last ride to the nearest landfill.  

Why Mold Removal May Not Be an Ideal DIY Project

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Vero Beach Mold Removal

There are over 1,000 types mold found in Indian River County. Did you know mold will eat just about anything? This includes metals, concrete, fabric and wood. 

Don't Let Mold Take Over Your Indian River County Home

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

When you discover mold in your Indian River home, call SERVPRO of Vero Beach!

Mold Remediation And Restoration

Ask owners about protecting their home, and you hear about hurricanes, fires, home invasion, and flooding. If they mention mold at all, it is almost as an afterthought. Since the costs to restore or repair homes from mold are in the millions each year, the mold should be higher on the list than keeping the neighborhood dogs off the front lawn.

Stopping mold damage in Indian River County is not a simple process, but SERVPRO has decades of experience in getting the job done, no matter how far mold spores have grown through and sometimes into a home. To understand how pervasive a mold infestation can be and how difficult it is to get rid of one, it is helpful to know how they grow and spread.

Mold spores are smaller than the smallest seed. A group of thousands is just slightly larger than each dot on a pair of dice. They stay dormant until something disturbs them. The cause can be a breeze or a hard shake of some type. The spores which break away remain dormant unless they encounter enough moisture to cause them to expand.

Once they begin to expand, the spores send out hyphae. These structures grow across and into surfaces, looking for food and additional moisture. Favorite food sources are building materials such as ceiling tiles and drywall. They also feed and grow rapidly on carpet fibers like cotton, wool, and rayon. The temperature ranges most molds expand under is from 68 to 86 degrees, but some grow in temperatures as high as 122 degrees.

The way we stop mold growth is to eliminate one of those factors, moisture, food, or temperature. Removing every food source is impossible and permanently lowering or raising the temperature is simply too expensive. We use pumps and smaller extractors to remove standing water and then test the surrounding air and material for excess moisture.

After testing we set up dehumidifiers and air movers to lower moisture. The dehumidifiers draw water directly out of the air; up to a rate of 30 gallons per day depending on the device we use and the humidity level. Our air movers force warm, dry air over the surface of the affected structural material and other property.

Restoration is not a quick set of procedures, but SERVPRO of Vero Beach understands that the first step to returning your home to a normal condition is to understand the situation and then act quickly. Call us today at (772) 770-0501 to set up an inspection.

Does Your Vero Beach Home have A Mold Problem?

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

In Vero Beach, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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.