Mold Knowledge

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

After a hurricane, flood or other major storm, “green” products can be difficult to find. Bleach and dish detergent might be the only things available in your area. Bleach and dish detergent, common household items, can be used to clean mold in your home after a storm. The steps to take to clean up mold will depend on how much water damage your home suffered. If you have questions about this you can contact SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahleuqah at 918-913-4490.

Major League Mold

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

A major mold infestation can ruin your home—and your health! The first step in mold remediation is learning how to remove mold and perform black mold removal. 

Mold is a major-league nuisance. It blackens the grout lines in your shower, discolors drywall, shows up as black spots on siding, darkens decks, and grows on and rots damp wood everywhere. Even worse, it can be bad for your health. Mold releases microscopic spores that cause allergic reactions, runny noses and sneezing, as well as irritating, even injurious, odors.

Almost every home gets mold infestations. The trick is to mold remediation is to get to them before they get big and harm both you and your home.

A few types of mold are highly toxic. If you have an allergic reaction to mold or a heavy infestation inside your home, call SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah for support in your mold remediation process.

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

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

Where Mold Lives

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Porous wooden floor not coated affected by mold.

Any porous material such as carpets/padding, ceiling tiles, insulation, wallboards, upholstered furniture and bedding that contain more than a small area of mold should usually be removed from any contaminated area and discarded.

Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold and hire a professional mold remediation service.

If you have any questions or want a free consultation please feel free to call SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties  at 918-913-4490.

Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Molded areas must be cleaned an dried effectively to mitigate its return to the affected area.

Sometimes dehumidifiers and air scrubbers as well as containments are necessary to clean an area without affecting other areas. 

Cross Contamination

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

New insulation to be installed before completed remediation in designated room. Contaminated insulation to be discarded due to cross contamination.

Cross contamination is the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, with harmful effect. It is the inadvertent transference of bacteria or other contaminants from one surface, substance, etc., to another especially because of unsanitary handling procedures. When proper precautions are not taken, usually due to lack of experience and/or information on the cleaning of microbials or molds, cross contamination occurs. Most molds and microbials are airborne and transfer very easily. Be sure to hire a professional if the area is larger than a 10"x10" area or if the situation persists after a proper environmental cleaning. Other factors may need to considered that the inexperienced person may not be aware of. For questions and a free consultation please call SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties and Tahlequah at 918-913-4490.

Steps for Mold Remediation

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold above a shower in a residence

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

• Step 1: Emergency Contact 918-913-4490
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

Mold Knowledge

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on a floor board after a hot water tank leaked through the wall.

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

After a hurricane, flood or other major storm, “green” products can be difficult to find. Bleach and dish detergent might be the only things available in your area. Bleach and dish detergent, common household items, can be used to clean mold in your home after a storm. The steps to take to clean up mold will depend on how much water damage your home suffered. If you have questions about this you can contact us at 918-913-4490.

Major-League Mold

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

A window seal with mold from moisture.

A major mold infestation can ruin your home—and your health! The first step in mold remediation is learning how to remove mold and perform black mold removal. 

Mold is a major-league nuisance. It blackens the grout lines in your shower, discolors drywall, shows up as black spots on siding, darkens decks, and grows on and rots damp wood everywhere. Even worse, it can be bad for your health. Mold releases microscopic spores that cause allergic reactions, runny noses and sneezing, as well as irritating, even injurious, odors.

Almost every home gets mold infestations. The trick is to mold remediation is to get to them before they get big and harm both you and your home.

A few types of mold are highly toxic. If you have an allergic reaction to mold or a heavy infestation inside your home, call SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah for support in your mold remediation process.

It Never Dies

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Production Crew Managers, Taylor Ferguson creating a containment and Jon Rogers dressed out in affected room.

Have you ever wondered why and how mold decided to live there?

Then you “clean” for it to return again and again?

If you are unsure of what you are seeing is mold, you can call us for a consultation. We will come and inspect. Once mold is visible to you, it is time to call us and begin the remediation process.

Upon consultation, we can generally identify possible sources within the residence or property that is enabling the mold’s growth and habitat. It is imperative that proper precautions are taken when dealing with airborne microbials such as mold. Containments, air scrubbers, Tyvek suits and booties, and dehumidifiers are necessary when removing mold from a property.

Mold is a living thing that never dies, it can only be removed.

Under some circumstances there may be certain insurance coverages available. We can assist you with your claim and directly advocate for you with your insurance company on your behalf. If you haven’t filed a claim we can also advise you more thoroughly on the matter at no cost. We will advise you in your best interest not ours.