Mold Madness: Why Spring and Summer are Mold's Favorite Seasons (and How SERVPRO® Saves the Day!)

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

But fear not, intrepid homeowners and mold-hating heroes – because where there's mold, there's SERVPRO!

Hey there, mold-fighting warriors and seasonal sleuths! Today, we're peeling back the curtain on a topic that's as sneaky as it is slimy: mold. Yep, that fuzzy, funky fungus that seems to pop up everywhere from your shower curtain to that forgotten sandwich at the back of the fridge. But here's the twist – did you know that mold has a favorite time of year? That's right, folks – spring and summer aren't just for beach trips and BBQs. They're also prime time for mold to throw its own party. But fear not, because where there's mold, there's SERVPRO® – ready to crash the party and save the day!

So, why are spring and summer mold's favorite seasons? Well, grab your detective hats and magnifying glasses, because we're about to uncover the mystery:

1. Moisture Mania: Ah, spring showers and summer storms – they're like music to mold's ears (if mold had ears, that is). With increased humidity and moisture levels in the air, these seasons provide the perfect breeding ground for mold to thrive. Add in some damp basements, leaky roofs, or pesky plumbing problems, and you've got a recipe for mold mayhem.

2. Warm Weather Wonderland: Mold isn't just a fan of moisture – it's also a sucker for warmth. And what better time to cozy up than during the balmy days of spring and summer? With temperatures rising, indoor spaces can become like tropical paradises for mold, encouraging rapid growth and spread.

3. Vacation Vibes: While you're off soaking up the sun on vacation, mold is having its own little staycation – right in your home. That's right, folks – leaving your house unattended for extended periods during spring and summer can create the perfect opportunity for mold to make itself at home. After all, who needs a key when you can just sneak in through that cracked window or leaky pipe?

But fear not, intrepid homeowners and mold-hating heroes – because where there's mold, there's SERVPRO. With our team of certified technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, we'll kick mold to the curb faster than you can say "summer breeze." Here's how we do it:

1. Rapid Response: When it comes to mold, time is of the essence. That's why we're always on call, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. With our speedy service and round-the-clock availability, you can bet we'll be there faster than you can say "mold be gone!"

2. Expert Expertise: Dealing with mold is no picnic – but luckily, we're experts in the field. Our certified technicians have the knowledge, skills, and experience to tackle even the toughest mold infestations. From black mold to green mold and everything in between, we've seen it all – and we know exactly how to handle it.

3. Cutting-Edge Equipment: Say goodbye to scrub brushes and bleach – with SERVPRO, we've got the tools to get the job done right. From industrial-strength cleaners to high-tech air scrubbers, we've got everything we need to banish mold from your home for good.

So there you have it, folks – the lowdown on why spring and summer are mold's favorite seasons, and how SERVPRO is here to save the day. Whether you're facing a minor mold problem or a major mold meltdown, you can trust us to tackle the issue with speed, expertise, and a healthy dose of quirkiness. After all, where there's mold, there's SERVPRO – ready to turn the tide and restore your home to its mold-free glory. 

SERVPRO's Drying Processes for Malden Residents

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Growth of mold has begun in this Malden closet.

SERVPRO's dryout process can mitigate the threat of mold by quickly and efficiently removing excess moisture from a building or property after water damage has occurred in the Malden and Melrose area. Moisture is one of the primary factors that contribute to mold growth, and mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours after water damage has occurred.

The dryout process involves using industrial-grade equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers to remove moisture from the affected area. The process typically includes the following steps:

1. Assessment: SERVPRO professionals will assess the extent of the water damage to determine the appropriate course of action.

2. Water Removal: Any standing water will be removed using specialized equipment.

3. Drying: Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers will be used to remove any remaining moisture from the affected area.

4. Monitoring: SERVPRO professionals will regularly monitor the drying process to ensure that all moisture has been removed.

By removing excess moisture from the affected area, the dryout process can prevent mold from growing and spreading. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, and by removing the excess moisture, the conditions necessary for mold growth are no longer present.

In addition to preventing mold growth, the dryout process can also help prevent other issues associated with water damage, such as structural damage, foul odors, and electrical hazards. Overall, the dryout process is a crucial step in mitigating the threat of mold after water damage has occurred.

How A/C Can Prevent Mold Growth in Humid Climates

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

HOW A/C CAN PREVENT MOLD GROWTH IN HUMID CLIMATES

The temperature in your home can affect you and your family’s comfort level tremendously, especially if you live in states with hot, humid summers like Massachusetts where we’ve been experiencing heat and humidity for most of July and August.  However, living in such climates could have other consequences for your home and family, as humidity can contribute to mold growth. Fortunately, your air conditioner can prevent the growth of this fungus, while also keeping you cool.

HOW TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD GROWTH

Mold needs certain conditions to grow, and unfortunately for those who live in hot and humid places like Massachusetts in the summer, the heat plus the humidity create a moist environment where mold and dust mites thrive. While the various types of mold have different optimum conditions for growth many kinds of mold will grow well when conditions are between 60F and 80F - the same temperature range we’re often comfortable in. Combine these temperatures with excessive moisture and you could have a mold problem in your home.

HOW AIR CONDITIONING CAN PREVENT MOLD GROWTH

Your air conditioner can control the temperature and humidity in your home, which can prevent mold growth. During the hot, humid summer months, set your air conditioner to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity in your house should not exceed 50 percent. While most modern air conditioners dehumidify as they cool, they do not independently control both temperature and humidity, so you may want to purchase a stand-alone dehumidifier for when conditions are especially humid.

Other tips for using your air conditioner to prevent mold include setting your air conditioners fan mode to auto because setting it to “on” can cause moisture produced during the air conditioning process to be blown back into your home.

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.

Signs of Mold? Call Today

781-665-6396

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, 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, 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. To Learn more about our mold remediation process:

1. Emergency Contact 781-665-6396
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Can Mold be Completely Removed?

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Found in Basement

Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. 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.

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 Malden/Melrose 781-665-6396

Mold in Basement

6/7/2018 (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 

SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose

781-665-6396

Some Basic Mold Information

6/4/2018 (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 or Have Questions Regrading Mold, Please Give Us a Call @ SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose

781-665-6396.

If You Suspect Mold in Your Home

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

If Your Suspect Mold in Your Home

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Medford/Everett has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem?
Call Us Today 781-665-6396

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

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of West Atlanta / Downtown 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.

Mold Remediation Services

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem call, SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose We have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

781-665-6396

What is Black Mold?

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

What Is Black Mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

Please refer to our Mold Damage Tips to learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives. 

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional immediately.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose 781-665-6396

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, 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, 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 toxins harmful to humans and pets.
• 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 that odor 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 You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose 781-665-6396

Mold in Basement

8/9/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in Basement

Title: Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

Category: Mold Damage

Photo Caption: Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Body:

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 Malden/Melrose

781-665-6396