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Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Signs of Mold in House

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

A leaking sink creates Mold.

Below are some common signs to watch out for that could indicate you have mold growing in your house.

Smelling a Mold Odor

When you have mold growing hidden away in your house, often a moldy smell might be the only clue that it's there. Don't ignore mold odors if you can't see any mold. You should thoroughly inspect your home or hire a professional to do so. 

Seeing Signs of Mold Growth 

If you can see mold growth, even if it is only small, you should take action immediately. Call us at SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls and we can help. 406-458-6008. 

Signs of Water Problems 

Some signs that you may have a moisture problem include: Water stains or discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings in your house. Another sign of a moisture problem is surface abnormalities like peeling, bubbling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper. If your walls are bowed, bulging or warped it probably means moisture has gotten into them. 

Water Leaks

The above signs of water problems are usually created by leaks. Mold growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then the mold will probably be hidden behind the surface too. 

Past Flooding

If your house has been flooded in the past then it's likely that mold would've started to grow.  Any mold would probably be growing in places where the flood water remained the longest such as in the basement. Floods can often create mold growing out of view behind walls or under floors.

To prevent Mold in your home have all water damages professionally cleaned up. If you have a water damage or suspect Mold is growing in your home call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at 406-458-6008. 

What you need to know about Mold Spores.

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold that was behind a wall.

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 indoor on your son's 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.

Call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls if you need a mold inspection. 406-458-6008

Does Hidden Mold need to be Remediated?

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Windows especially in colder climates can have Mold growth. the hot interior mixed with the freezing exterior creates moisture and mold growth--

Mold Stains and Patches Are Eliminated by SERVPRO

Mold does not need light to grow, just moisture and a surface that provides an organic food source. The wooden structure of your home provides cellulose, a perfect food source. Just a bit of moisture encourages mold spores to grow. SERVPRO assists with mold remediation behind walls, in attics, under flooring, or any other recess or covered place.
 
Your remodeling contractor found mold damage between the walls in your Helena or Great Falls Home during demolition to expand your kitchen. Our trained technicians used the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols to contain and remove the moldy material exposed due to the tear-out activity. The concern you have now is whether the mold extends into areas beyond the square-footage of the new doorway.
 
SERVPRO’s project manager works with your remodeling contractor and your insurance company to determine the extent of the mold remediation necessary. Ignoring potential mold colonies simply because they are unseen is risky for some reasons.
 
*Continued fungal growth threatens the structural integrity of your home as it consumes the wood making up the framework of your dwelling.

*Susceptible individuals may react adversely to mold, evident or hidden, particularly if they have allergies or specific sensitivity to the strains possibly growing inside the walls. Only a healthcare practitioner should advise you on the connection between mold and illness, but professional remediation of all colonies can improve air quality.

*Unchecked mold growth eventually becomes visible, extending through materials like gypsum board, wall paper, and more, spreading spores in all directions. Staining can become unsightly, especially in a newly remodeled kitchen.

*Mold often creates an unpleasant, musty odor that emanates from the cavities it occupies. Elimination of the smell requires remediation of the fungal proliferation.
 
Trust our mold remediation team to contain and remove any additional colonies. SERVPRO follows the best industry practices, using professional antimicrobial products to scrub down areas and HEPA filter-equipped air scrubbers and vacuums to clear the air and surfaces of excessive mold residues.
 
Mold also signals a moisture breach from a leak in your roof, plumbing, appliances, or excessive humidity. The SERVPRO team knows finding, containing and removing almost all of the active mold must be followed by detecting the source of the moisture. Failing to eliminate the water or moisture issue increases the risk of additional microbial infestations in the future. Although mold spores are always present, they pose little danger without water activation.
 
Rely on SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls to remediate mold growth in any area of your home properly. Call (406) 458-6008 to set up an appointment for a consultation with one of our experienced estimators.

Does Your Helena or Great Falls area home Have A Mold Problem?

7/7/2016 (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 – SERVPRO of Helena & Gret Falls-406-458-6008

    Helena and Great Falls Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

    4/28/2016 (Permalink)

    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 Helena & Great Falls 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 Helena & Great Falls 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 – (406) 458-6008