How To Identify Black Mold

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

La Marque, TX home covered with mold

Many homeowners have heard tales of the horrors of mold, but few may have actually encountered it. When you suspect that your home in La Marque,TX, has a mold problem, you need to conduct a mold inspection. While it may be prudent to have this examination done by a professional, you may be able to tell if you have black mold just by observation. Here are a few tips on where to look and how to recognize it.

Where You Find It

Mold loves moisture and pulpy surfaces. Those two factors give you ample places to start your search:

• Carpet
• Ceiling tiles
• Wood paneling or furniture
• Dry wall

A mold problem is especially likely if any of these surfaces are in contact with a lot of water. If you know that a portion of your home experienced water damage, conducting a mold inspection in those areas is a good idea. If you smell a musty odor and cannot locate its source, you may have to hire an environmental hygienist to test for hidden mold.

What It Looks Like

There are many species of mold, but relatively few of them are often present in homes. Mold comes in a variety of shapes, colors, textures and sizes. The strain commonly referred to as black mold is called Stachybotrys Atra. It is typically black with either dark green or gray tints. It is also slimy and less airborne than other species. What it lacks in air travel, however, it makes up for in lateral moves. This type of mold is often found in large patches on walls, and it can grow rapidly. The sooner you identify the mold, the sooner you can get the problem taken care of, and the more likely you are not to let the problem get worse.

Finding mold is only the first step. If you discover that you have house mold during a mold inspection, you need to hire remediation experts to resolve the problem.

What To Do When Cherished Possessions Are Covered in Mold

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage can affect the structure of your Clear Lake, TX, home as well as your belongings.

Mold damage can affect the structure of your Clear Lake, TX, home as well as your belongings. Many furnishings and items have to be thrown away during the mold cleaning process to ensure you don't reintroduce spores into your home. As you assess the damage done to your home, you can work with your residential mold remediation team to figure out exactly what you should do with your belongings affected by the growth.

Consider the Object

Before you can decide what needs to be done, you need to consider the object in question. Ask yourself these questions about each item you come across:

• Would it be easy to clean?
• Is the material porous?
• Does the item have sentimental value?
• What is the monetary worth of the item?

The way you answer these questions can help you figure out your next move.

Throw Away

Anything that is porous and easy to replace should be thrown away instead of cleaned. Mold cleaning is very effective, but some of the spores may remain even after a thorough disinfecting. Some objects could even be further damaged by a cleaning.

Repair

In some cases, you may be able to get your cherished items repaired by a professional service. If your belongings are easy to clean, non-porous, sentimental or expensive, you may want to try to fix up the object. As you get ready to get something cleaned that has been damaged by mold, you need to use the right service. If you want to fix up a computer or electronic device, you need to find someone who specializes in that area. If you want to repair a painting, you need to work with a team that knows how to remove mold damage from artwork.

There are many steps to mold cleaning. When it comes to your objects, you may have to throw away a lot, but you may be able to find a way to keep meaningful items. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com/. 

The Return of the Mold: Conditions That Lead to Recurring Fungal Issues

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

If your commercial property in Clear Lake, TX, experiences a mold growth problem, you might consider cleaning it yourself and calling it a day. What happens when the mold returns, though? Several conditions can lead to a recurring mold problem in the same place, and remediation is likely to require certified technicians with the necessary training to resolve the problem thoroughly.

Humidity

Excessive indoor moisture is the main culprit that contributes to the growth of mold. Many things can increase the humidity level of your building:

• Cracks in walls that let outside moisture in
• Poor insulation 
• Condensation on pipes or other surfaces
• Improper ventilation

If you see condensation, clean it up immediately. Adding storm windows and doors not only improves your energy efficiency, it can also lower indoor humidity levels. Regular maintenance and use of HVAC systems can help air to circulate better and keep more moisture out of the air.

Hyphae

During the inspection step of the mold remediation process, technicians may notice large concentrations of hyphae. While hyphae may not be so alarming in outdoor air samples, their presence in indoor samples indicate that there is a mold growth problem somewhere in the building. A group of hyphae, called a mycelium, is the way fungus feeds off an organic nutrient source. Even if mold is removed once, a collection of hyphae speeds up the process of regrowth, making cleanup efforts seem to have been in vain.

Water Damage

Another reason mold becomes a recurring problem is an unresolved water damage issue. If a leak or a flood has damaged elements of the building’s structure, and that damage has not been dealt with, mold is just going to keep coming back. The only way to prevent mold from returning is to eliminate the water damage.

If a test of your commercial building in Clear Lake, TX, reveals that there is mold growth somewhere, don’t panic. Resolve the moisture issues caused by high humidity and water, and you are on the road to mold remediation. For more information about mold remediation, visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com/.

What To Expect From the Mold Remediation Process

3/25/2018 (Permalink)

The air conditioning of this business in Houston, TX stopped working and humidity built up in the bathroom.

Discovering black mold in one’s home can be disheartening. Mold growth, if not dealt with quickly and efficiently, can be extremely detrimental to the overall structure of a home. For this reason, if you discover mold in your home, don’t take any chances and reach out to your Clear Lake, TX mold remediation team right away. The local experts can guide you through the process and make it as hassle free as possible.

The Mold Cleanup Process

If you have mold growth in your home, you may want to know what the remediation process entails. A typical fungi remediation consists of:

• Containment
• Tearing out of contaminated materials
• Cleaning and disinfecting affected areas
• Drying of wet materials
• Restoration

Black mold spores spread easily, so before your remediation team begins tearing out or cleaning up any contaminated materials, it will close off the affected area from the rest of your home. This will ensure that any spores that are let loose do not go beyond the polluted area.

Once the affected area is closed off, your team will begin removed damaged materials and items. Some items may be salvageable, but any drywall or insulation that has mold will need to be tossed in the trash and replaced with new materials. Those items that are salvageable will be placed in a safe area where they can dry out.

Next, your team will clean and disinfect any salvageable materials and furnishings. The Clear Lake, TX mold cleanup team uses commercial strength products designed to target spores, kill mold and prevent future outbreaks.

Finally, once all materials have been dried and cleaned, your team will begin the restoration process. This may involve installing new drywall, replacing bad insulation, ripping out and replacing damaged flooring, etc. Once the restoration efforts are complete, you can rest assured that your home is mold-free.

Black mold can be detrimental to your home’s foundation and structure, which is why you should not try to remediate the growth on your own. If you discover mold in your home, work with a mold remediation team that can eradicate the problem quickly and effectively. Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on mold. 

How Does Ice Damming Lead to Mold?

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Ice damming is a problem in climates that receive a lot of snow. If the attic of a structure is not property ventilated and the gutters are clogged, ice and snow on the roof will melt, run down and refreeze around the edges of the roof. Over time, this backed-up frozen and refrozen precipitation or ice dam can cause leaks through shingles that trickle behind the walls of a structure. These leaks can cause water damage and promote the growth of black mold.

Here are three ways to prevent ice damming:

1. Adequately ventilate attic space.

Roof eave ventilation prevents ice dams from forming. Ventilation should flow from the underside of the eave through the attic and out near the top of the roof. The attic should remain cold and insulated from heat in the interior of the structure.
2. Clear the gutters. Snow and ice should slide off of the roof rather than accumulating and refreezing around the edges. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and result in gutter and roof damage from the added weight.
3. Make sure that the roof is watertight and in good condition. The roof should be in a condition to withstand winter precipitation without admitting water into the structure.

If a structure in Clear Lake, TX, has already experienced leaks as a result of ice damming, contact a service that specializes in mold testing and cleanup as soon as possible. Leaks caused by ice damming can result in water damage and the formation of mold on drywall, masonry and in wall cavities. Mold can start to form between walls in as little as 24 hours.

Ice damming is a common cause of hidden black mold, as these leaks occur behind walls. Mold cleanup specialists can address extensive water damage and eliminate the risk of mold growth following a leak resulting from an ice dam.

For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com.

Water Damage and Mold FAQs

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Mold FAQs

Mold growth usually occurs in moist areas with high humidity, and it is important you address any water damage issues immediately. Since mold spores exist practically everywhere, high-moisture areas are likely to grow mold easily and with impudence. Here are some FAQs about damage caused by water and mold growth.

Where Does Moisture in the Home Typically Come From?

There are many ways water can enter the home: foundation leaks, water pipe leaks, poor drainage around the home, etc. Floods, sewage backups and appliance valve failures can cause particular trouble because they may result in significant water inside the home.

What Dangers Are Associated With Damage From Water?

When water pools in a home, building materials act as a wick and soak up some of the water. If the water is contaminated, everything the water comes in contact with will need to be restored. Contaminated water may contain a variety of microbes, including viruses and bacteria.

Mold growth is another concern. If left unchecked, it can quickly spread by releasing spores into the air. The mold starts in wet areas but can end up contaminating dry areas of the home as well. The longer moisture is allowed to sit in the home, the more problems it is likely to cause.

How Is Damage Handled by Professionals?

Professionals in Clear Lake, Texas will start by removing any standing water. They will then take care of any compromised material. Once the area is free of water and materials, the space will be dried out and disinfected, which may take several days.

The home will be thoroughly inspected for the presence of mold. If it is found, mold remediation processes will be used to remove the mold and disinfect the area. If larger colonies are found, technicians may need to contain the area and physically remove any moldy materials.

Dealing with damage from water and mold is a frustrating process. Hire professionals in water damage and mold remediation to ensure the job is done properly. Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on mold.

The Original Recycler - Mold

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

The Original Recycler - Mold

We can probably assume that most people in the Dickson, Texas know mold when they see it making a home in their basement, shower, bathrooms and other places in your home, condo, or the apartment you rent.

Mold and Mildew love places that are moist. Yep, this unique fungus plays a starring role in the ecological balance. The rain and cold temperatures that visit this area are usually from Thanksgiving to baseball season. This is also about the time that moisture enters the scene (think humidity) which is a joyful occurrence for fungus to make a visit in the damp areas of your home or business in the Dickson area.

That said, if you have started wiping windows that are foggy, best you start looking around your property and locate the places where extra moisture is coming from and check for the cause of the mildew.

Where Is It Hiding?

No place is off limits to mold. It's an air conditioning unit, duct work or even in walls of your home. Once they reach their destination, they can quickly grow into a visible colony.

The Cause of Mold is Moisture

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

When you do find the mildew growing in the house, you need to find the cause. For instance, if you have a leaking roof, ensure that it is also repaired. At times, it may be because of a leak in the pipes embedded in the walls. Take time and investigate. Most fungus develops due to high humidity levels. 

If you find mold in your home call SERVPRO of Clear Lake to remediate the mold before it spreads to other areas of the home.

After the mildew has been removed from the home. You should take measures that keep the home free of an infestation. No more leaks from pipes or roofs will assure that there will be no more mold growth. Visithttp://www.SERVPROclearlake.com/mold-remediation if you suspect mold in your property.

Understanding the mold that is in your home.

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Understanding the mold that is in your home.

Mold is a common place organism that is plays a great role in the ecosystem. They are the original recyclers feeding off any organic matter, such as dead leaves or paper. Mold begins to grow from a single spore that is microscopic. You cannot see mold spores but they are everywhere. One mold spore can grow into a large colony that will release thousands of new tiny spores.

Mold is also common place in your home as settled spores, meaning that spores are settled on any surface. Just like pollen the mold travels on the wind and can never be rid of entirely in a home or building. Any time you step outside you will start to accumulate mold spores, pollen, and pollutants. The crux is when settled spores are introduced to water. Once the spore has moisture it will start to grow into a colony. It is for this reason that mitigating water damage from a broken pipe or water heater is important. If the water is removed quickly then the mold will not have time to grow.

Why You Need Professional Mold Remediation Services

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Why You Need Professional Mold Remediation Services

Microscopic mold spores float throughout the air virtually everywhere outside, and it is nearly impossible to eradicate. They can get into your home or office through your HVAC system, windows, doors, clothing and pets. These moisture-loving spores quickly develop colonies when they find a steady water supply.

Although most people are familiar with the dangers of black or toxic mold, the truth is that all types of mold can cause irritation and allergies. Homes and other structures often contain a variety of molds. Not all of them are visible, but a dank, musty, smelly odor is a strong indication that you have a problem.

Black mold and mildew often begin in hard-to-reach places such as crawl spaces, ventilation ducts and behind tiles and paneling. Signs that you have mold in your home and mold growth behind the walls can include:

Warped walls or flooring
Cracks in the grout
Stains on the floor, ceiling or drywall
Soft spots and dry rot on the floor
Visible fungus or mildew
Blistering paint
A musty or smelly odor


Mold damage can occur in both new construction and occupied structures.

To get rid of mold, you need the help of a professional mold restoration company. While every mold problem can be unique, the remediation process tends to be similar. To determine the best way to proceed with the mold remediation process, the property must be inspected and the mold damage must be assessed for visible mold growth, mold growth behind the wall, dry rot and a bad or smelly odor. Each area of mildew and mold damage must be identified and documented to create an appropriate remediation and mitigation strategies. Further testing can be necessary especially black mold is present. If a large amount of mold growth is present, it can be toxic even if it is not black mold, and disturbing any mold can release spores into the air, creating a potentially hazardous situation for the building inhabitants.

For this reason, DIY mold remediation is not recommended whether in homes or in cases of commercial mold damage. Expert mold removal experts know the best mitigation strategies and can prevent excessive exposure during and after cleanup and perform proper cleaning and deodorization for your health and well-being. If you have commercial mold damage or mold in your home, you need professional mold restoration company services.

Several steps are involved in professional mold removal, including:

Eliminating the moisture problem
Isolating the contamination
Suppressing the mold spores and dust
Removing all items that have suffered dry rot and mold damage and securing them according to regulations
Cleaning all non-porous surfaces and affected areas
Performing a visual test for fungus, including mold growth behind the walls
Drying the area completely using dehumidifiers and fans as necessary and using appropriate deodorization as needed
Replacing items that were ruined by mold growth, fungus and dry rot as needed



Some people are more sensitive to mold and mildew than others, but all molds can provoke a reaction that ranges from nasal congestion and itching eyes to skin rashes and wheezing. Those who have chronic exposure or pre-existing conditions can develop mold infections in their lungs or suffer more severe reactions, such as fever or shortness of breath.

If you have mold growth, you might consider remediation, mitigation and mold removal on your own, but this can be dangerous and leave you and your home vulnerable to re-contamination. Deodorization is only a temporary fix for the smelly odor, which will keep returning until you get to the root of the problem. Any attempt at DIY mold removal can disrupt the spores, which spread quickly, and without fast action, they will spread throughout a building. At that point, deodorization is the least of your worries. Your entire structure will major remediation by a professional restoration company to control the severity of the commercial mold damage or mold in a home.

We perform complete and thorough black mold removal and mitigation to protect your property and your health. Our comprehensive moisture management strategy is designed to stamp out mold right at its source, and we then perform immediate and thorough cleanup strategies to eliminate affected property and prevent the spread of mold growth behind the wall. Whether you have commercial mold damage or mold in your home, you need the help of a high-quality professional restoration company that can eliminate the black mold and fungus problem and will make your property whole again.
Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on mold.

Why Professional Mold Removal is Important

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Why Professional Mold Removal is Important

Mold removal is required when anyone finds mold in the home or commercial mold damage. The first thing many homeowners and business owners think is they can handle the removal of mold on their own with very little problem. It seems like it’s as easy to clean as a little bit of mildew in the bathroom, but this fungus is much more dangerous than a bit of mildew in the bathroom at work or home. Mold in the home and commercial mold damage aren’t minor issues for long. If there is even the smallest bit of moisture in the home or office, it’s going to grow and spread wildly. Mold in the home can cause much bigger issues if it’s not properly handled right away, and the same goes for commercial mold damage.

What happens when a person finds mold in the home? The first thing they should do upon locating commercial mold damage or mold at home is call a professional mold removal service. Remediation and mitigation are necessary. This is going to allow the home or business owner a chance to have all the mold removed so there is not a trace of this fungus left. Then the mold removal company talks to the owners about mitigation, learning to recognize the signs of mold and learning to prevent mold from occurring again.

How to Prevent Mold

Preventing mold damage is the best way to fight it. Mildew and fungus growing in a home is never a good sign, but no one takes it seriously until the problem grows so bad it ends up costing thousands of dollars in repairs, removal fees, and even rebuilding certain areas of a home or office. It all begins with the control of moisture and humidity.

No home or office should ever allow humidity levels to exceed 40 percent. This is the magic number where mold begins to find itself a home, and all it takes is a little moisture. Most of the time it comes from a small leak. This leak might come from a small drainage issue in the shower, a lack of proper sealant around a toilet, or even from a pipe with a small leak inside a wall. The point is anywhere water is entering the home must be fixed, handled, and cared for right away.

How to Recognize the Signs of Mold

If someone sees mildew at home, it’s probably a good indication mold has the power to grow. A smelly odor is another indication there might be mold issues. This is probably the biggest telltale sign of mold in the walls when a person notices a smelly odor and works to find a method of deodorization that works to get rid of it. A smelly odor like this won’t go away, but it might be masked with deodorization. Deodorization isn’t a bad thing if you don’t like the smell of must and other dampness, but no one can use deodorization alone to fight mold.

The signs of mold are obvious when people finally realize what to look for, but it’s not going to prove easy to get rid of with the help of a professional. This smelly odor could mean mold damage is evident, and mold damage is already a problem before it spreads.

Fighting mold damage requires the help of a professional mold removal company with expert work in the remediation and mitigation process. Remediation and mitigation are required to fight the problem completely. It’s a mistake to assume mitigation and remediation are not needed when fungus is present in the home. Mold must be removed as soon as it’s located to ensure it hasn’t enough time to spread. It might already be too late to prevent the spread of mold, but it’s never too late to get rid of it all and know it’s gone for good.
Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

The Causes Of Mold And How To Get Rid Of It

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

The Causes Of Mold And How To Get Rid Of It

The sight of mold and mildew are never a welcome sight for any home or business owner. This fungus is often fast growing and causes damage to the material it is growing on. In addition to damaging a building's structure, mold can also cause health problems in those with prolonged exposure. For these reasons, it is important to understand what causes the growth and development of this fungus and how to get rid of it once it is discovered.

Mold is a constant factor in our environment and it produces countless spores that are carried on the wind. When these spores land on an area that has what it needs to thrive, it begins to grow. If left alone long enough, this fungus can cover large areas that require mold mitigation and remediation by specialists experienced in mold removal. The most common causes of mold in home damage and commercial mold damage are listed below:

Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Leaking plumbing pipes are one of the most common sources of mold damage. The biggest reason for this mold in home damage and commercial mold damage is due to the location of these pipes. They are typically hidden underneath counters, basements and underneath buildings, making this fungus and mold damage hard to spot. In many cases, building owners begin searching for the cause of a smelly odor that they feel needs deodorization. They are often shocked to discover they are in need of mitigation and remediation to prevent further mold in home or commercial mold damage. Regular plumbing inspections can reduce mold damage because the problem is detected earlier and prompt mold removal can be done before structural damage occurs.

High Humidity

The presence of high indoor humidity can also promote mildew and mold growth. People who live in coastal towns or near large bodies of water may find mold to be a persistent problem requiring mold remediation and mitigation. Those who use clothes dryers indoors may also see mildew and other fungal growth because these appliance raise humidity levels indoors. Many people find that running humidifiers keeps humidity levels at acceptable levels and cuts down on smelly odors needing deodorization. Experts recommend keeping humidity levels below 55 percent indoors to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Improper Ventilation

Poor or improperly ventilated buildings are at an increased risk of mold growth. When moisture is not being directed out of buildings, it creates pockets of dampness that provide the perfect place for mold spores to grow.

Condensation

Condensation provides a steady source of dampness that often leads to fungal growth causing commercial mold damage as well as mold in home damage. Homes and buildings in cooler climates often have excess condensation due to cold pipes. In these instances, mold damage can often be found on carpet, walls and underneath wallpaper.

Flooding After A Storm Or Water Leak

Flooding after natural disasters or water leaks increases the risk of fungal growth requiring mold removal. Because it takes a long time for flooded buildings to dry out completely, fungal spores have plenty of time to grow. If the power is off after a flood, mold may grow at a faster rate due to warm temperatures and high humidity. Flooding also causes smelly odors that require deodorization to eliminate.

How To Get Rid Of Mold

Once mold takes hold and grows on a surface, extensive damage may occur making mitigation and remediation necessary to prevent mold in home damage or commercial mold damage. Not only will mold removal save the building's structure, but it also removes smelly odors after deodorization. Early detection and prompt removal is the best way to avoid extensive damage. Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Clear Lake Home Health: Identifying Mold in Your Home

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

While mold is pervasive in nature, it is indoors that it can present the greatest challenges.

Homes and commercial properties throughout the Houston area have mold, and many homeowners and property managers don’t even realize it. Because of our climate, and the recent storms and widespread flood damage in the Clear Lake and surrounding communities, extensive mold is to be expected. Unfortunately, mold thrives in areas like ours where humidity remains high throughout the year, and temperatures are warm. While mold is pervasive in nature, it is indoors that it can present the greatest challenges.

While adverse health effects are possible due to mold, mold can also damage the physical structure of buildings, and personal items. It is important to treat mold at the first signs, as it can spread rapidly throughout the property. Mold spores are carried through the air, and if you have an infestation in a lower level bathroom, do not be surprised if you start to smell mildew and see signs of mold in other areas in the house. There is a chance that your air conditioning system, and your duct work may be harboring mold spores and spreading them every time the HVAC unit is turned on. This type of spread may require professional mold remediation to remedy the problem.

SERVPRO of Clear Lake does recommend that homeowners do thorough evaluations of their property, at least quarterly, and after every incident where water damages your Clear Lake home. Mold can start to develop within 48 hours, and the sooner you catch it, and begin the remediation process, the better. With all of this said, here are the top ways you can identify mold growth in your home.

1.      A Pervasive Smell of Mildew. Mildew and mold have a distinctive odor. If you find that odor in your home, chances are you have mildew and mold growth. In the same vein, if your property is musty, or smells damp, mold or mildew growth may be just around the corner. If there is no visible sign, but the smell remains after a thorough cleaning with bleach and water, it is time to call in the professionals. The technicians from Clear Lake SERVPRO have the advanced training, tools, and chemicals necessary to begin the remediation process immediately.

2.      Black, Gray, or Greenish Growth on Drywall. Often mistaken as simple water damage, mold can start to grow quickly. This is particularly true in cases where roofs leak for long periods, and water drips into the insulation and then weeps into the ceiling. Water stains may appear goldish brown at first, but can quickly morph into black, gray, or greenish mold. Insulation, drywall, and even some structural supports may have to be replaced. At a minimum, these items will need to be scrubbed, disinfected, and treated with a mold growth inhibitor prior to rebuilding.

3.      Mold Growth in Grout. Bathrooms are the most common places of the home for mold to grow. It can be easily spotted here in the grout, in floor/wall joints, under cabinets, and on shower curtains. As mentioned above, mold spores spread through the air, and so in order to avoid mold growth in other areas of the home, it is vital that the mold is handled quickly and effectively.

4.      White, Gray, Black, or Greenish Growth in Basements. The dampness of basements, often caused by improper landscaping and weeping foundations, partner with the warmth generated by water heaters to create the ideal haven for mold to grow. If you spot any growth in your basement, and it is partnered with a musty or mildew smell, call professional mold remediation specialists to help remove it.

While it is possible to DIY a flood cleanup, it is not recommended. The same can be said for mold remediation. It takes proper clothing and protective gear, harsh chemicals, dehumidifying equipment, and significant blocks of time to remove mold from your home. While small outbreaks are common in bathrooms, basements, attics, and even in kitchen cabinetry, larger scaled mold infestations require an aggressive approach that the vast majority of homeowners simply are not prepared to handle. Call your locally owned and operated Clear Lake SERVPRO. We are available 24 hours a day, whenever disaster strikes.

About The Clear Lake SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Clear Lake is Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewage backups, floods, fires, mold remediation, and other events happen. In addition to The Woodlands-Conroe, we also proudly serve surrounding communities.

Clear Lake Home Safety: Act Fast to Clean Up Mold Safely After a Storm

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

48 hours after water damage, mold starts to develop.

The greater Houston area is known for its challenging weather. In recent months, we have seen our share of devastating weather events, including significant widespread flooding. What many people don’t realize is that in as little as 48 hours after water damage,  mold starts to develop. Left unchecked, mold can spread quickly throughout a property, leading to a large-scale mold infestation. That is why it is imperative that storm and flood damage cleanup begin as quickly as possible.

First, it is important to be able to recognize and identify mold in your home. If you see or smell any of the signs of mold, the quicker you begin the cleaning and disinfecting process, the better. Mold is airborne, which means its spores travel freely through the air. So when you run the air conditioner, use a fan, turn on exhaust fans, or even just open the windows for a fresh breeze, mold is on the move and potentially spreading to other areas of your home.

While it is common for mold to be present in bathrooms and other warm damp areas of the home here in the Houston area, mold is often found in other areas of the home as well, after water damage, a fire, or a flood. Since mold has potential effects on your family’s health, you will want to deal with it without delay. Once mold is identified, you will need appropriate protective gear, cleansing agents, and tools. Any area that has visible mold will need to be scrubbed with a water and bleach solution, rinsed, and dried thoroughly before moving onto the next area.

If you have a widespread mold infestation, it is highly recommended that you turn off your HVAC and not operate any fans until the mold remediation process is complete. It is best to start in one area of the home and only move to the next after all steps are complete. To prevent airborne mold from moving back in, seal off completed rooms, including all vents to the HVAC and the door jambs,.

If a musty or mildew smell remains after the entire property has been carefully cleaned and dried, chances are mold is growing behind the walls or ceiling, in the air ducts or flooring, or perhaps even in furniture and other personal belongings. The Houston SERVPRO team often sees this type of extensive mold infestation in homes and businesses where original flood damage was not properly remediated.

Frequently, property owners rush the cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and dehumidifying process, causing mold to develop behind walls, under cabinets, and in carpets. While the goal is to always get back into your home as quickly as possible after a natural disaster strikes, please realize that doing so may result in greater damage down the road. SERVPRO of Clear Lake is available whenever disaster strikes, regardless of how big or small the problem. Allow us to start the water damage cleanup and restoration process immediately to help prevent serious mold infestations in the future.

About The Clear Lake SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Clear Lake is Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewage backups, floods, fires, mold infestations, and other events happen. In addition to Clear Lake, we also proudly serve surrounding communities.