Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Secondary Damage Can Occur After Water Damage in Your Johnson County Home or Business

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

How to avoid mold as secondary damage

Did you know that secondary damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building? 

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Indianapolis South strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Indianapolis South is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster. "Like it never even happened."

https://www.SERVPROindianapolissouth.com/

SERVPRO of Indianapolis South

317-784-3008

How To Stop Black Mold in Its Tracks

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Whiteland, IN.

When mold strikes, the last thing you want to do is spread it throughout your Whiteland, IN home. Even though mold loves moisture and typically festers in wet, warm areas, spores from spreading mold can easily travel from one room to another via air movement. There are certain places and things in your home that should be frequently checked and thoroughly cleaned to keep mold at bay. These include the following:

  • Moldings around windows and doors
  • Musty basements
  • Humidifiers
  • Bathroom tiles
  • Surfaces surrounding air conditioners
  • Refrigerator door seals
  • Shower stalls and curtains

Taking care of moisture issues is one of the best ways to prevent mold from starting and growing. If you’re past the prevention stage, it is vital that you stop spreading mold at the first sign of a problem with professional mold remediation.

Leave Black Mold to the Professionals

While DIY may be the way to go with some home projects, getting rid of a mold infestation isn’t one of them. Trying to take care of such a tricky substance by yourself often does more harm than good since the spores that move through the air are virtually undetectable by the naked eye. Mold remediation companies are thoroughly trained to prevent the spreading of black mold. They have both the tools and the skills to get your home back to normal from start to finish. Some of these steps include the following:

  • Performing initial inspections
  • Filtering the air in your home
  • Containing the mold
  • Removing damaged and diseased materials
  • Repairing and restoring your home to its original condition

Because mold spores move quickly through the air and multiply on almost any surface they land on, it’s important that you squash the spreading mold in your Whiteland, IN, home quickly and meticulously. Don’t let the thought of mold stop you in your tracks. With mold remediation, you can have your home and peace of mind back in no time. 

Call us at: SERVPRO of Indianapolis South 317-784-3008

Mold vs Mildew in your Southport, IN home

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold vs Mildew: What is the Difference?

When it comes to mold and mildew many often wonder, “What is the difference?” HGTV.com compares mold and mildew to siblings, stating that they have a few matching characteristics but they also have some striking differences.

As for similarities, they both strive in warm, moist areas and they both are able to grow on a multitude of surfaces. They are also both two types of fungi that no one is ever happy to find in their home!

Differences between mold and mildew can be seen in their appearance. Mold is usually fuzzy in appearance and can be various different colors, but it is most often black or green. Mildew, on the other hand, usually grows in a flat pattern and may appear powdery. It is usually white or gray in color. One interesting difference between mildew and mold is that there is no use for mildew. On the contrary, some molds are actually used in food production. For example, Penicillium is used in the production of cheese.

While mold and mildew definitely have differences, the methods to prevent mold and mildew in the home are very much the same. All areas of the home need to be kept dry and moisture-free. Humidity levels inside the home should be checked and controlled. Any leaks need to be repaired quickly and HVAC systems should be inspected regularly.

SERVPRO of Indianapolis South specializes in mold testing and remediation. If you suspect mold is an issue in your home, give us a call today!

Let SERVPRO of Indianapolis South make it “Like it never even happened.”

CALL us at SERVPRO of Indianapolis South 317-784-3008

Proper Ventilation Minimizes Risk of Mold Damage In Trafalgar, IN

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Tips to Keep Your Home Safe from Mold Damage

There are many possible causes of mold growth in the attic, including moisture seepage, condensation, poor insulation, and of course, poor attic ventilation. Many homeowners in Trafalgar, IN do not realize that the attic is not just a random part of the building construction, but a significant feature of a home. From this end, proper attic ventilation is important for a healthy home.

Keeping temperatures stable can go a long way towards preventing mold damage to your Trafalgar, IN home.  At SERVPRO of Indianapolis South, we have a team of IICRC-certified mold remediation experts who can help remedy the situation. The attic works as a buffer between the roof and the other rooms in your home, causing it to experience frequent temperature changes that lead to excessive heat and condensation. Both of these factors promote mold growth.

A good way to ensure proper attic ventilation and reduce the risk of mold damage is creating better airflow within the attic, which in turn efficiently removes moisture and excessive heat. Our SERVPRO of Indianapolis South technicians normally turns to dehumidifiers and other drying equipment for this purpose. After installing proper insulation, you need to ensure that all your vents are working properly. This step involves a number of considerations.

For starters, all the vents should be exactly the same to ensure a balanced air intake and better airflow through the attic. As a result, this eliminates any hot, static air that may contribute to mold growth and, consequently, mold damage. Secondly, you need to place the vents away from the sides of the house as much as possible. This step helps prevent the temperature of the walls from affecting the air entering the attic.

SERVPRO of Indianapolis South mold remediation experts can advise you on how to create enough space for proper air circulation in the attic. Typically, this involves leaving about 1 to 2 inches of space between the insulation and the roof sheathing. It is also recommendable to add pressure to the attic by increasing ventilation at the eaves and decreasing it at the ridge. This pressurization prevents the air inside the house from penetrating into the attic.

Let SERVPRO of Indianapolis South make it “Like it never even happened.”

CALL us at SERVPRO of Indianapolis South 317-784-3008

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control

  • When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
  • Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
  • Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
  • Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
  • Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
  • If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

  • Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
  • Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
  • Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation

  • Reduce the humidity.
  • Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
  • Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
  • Increase air temperature.

Call SERVPRO of Indianapolis South

317-784-3008

Posted by EPA at https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home

Conditions in Greenwood Might Be Right For Mold

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis South knows what to do if mold grows in your home

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Indianapolis South to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at

317-784-3008

Whiteland & Franklin Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold

2/1/2018 (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 Indianapolis South 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 Indianapolis South 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 – SERVPRO of Indianapolis South

317-784-3008

Does Your Beech Grove Home Have a Mold Problem?

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

In Beech Grove, 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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today 

SERVPRO of Indianapolis South 

317-784-3008