Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts
What are Mold Remediation Services?
1/27/2021 (Permalink)
Got mold? We are here to help.
What Are Mold Remediation Services?
Mold growth is one of the most challenging situations to experience as a property owner/homeowner. Even when the infestation is not related to black mold, it can still pose considerable risks to structure and fixtures alike.
That’s why all property experts recommend that you call for mold remediation services at the first sign of a mold infestation. This ensures that you don’t have to bear significant financial losses. Instead, you can resolve the issue before it grows to highly problematic levels.
Mold is essentially fungi that grow naturally through moisture and humidity. But even when the fungus is not being visible or causing problems such as musty smells or respiratory issues, it exists at non-threatening levels across our environment as a natural organism.
That’s why many mold removal experts prefer to use the technical term of remediation services, which bring existing mold spores to their natural levels after removing the excess infestation and addressing the underlying cause. As a result, you get rid of your mold problem while ensuring that it doesn’t spring back.
But exactly how does this removal or remediation work for mold? How much does it cost? Most importantly, why exactly do you need to remove mold in the first place? To help you answer all of these questions, here’s a lowdown on these services and all they can do for your property.
Mold Remediation Average Cost
Removing mold infestation through thorough cleaning processes, reverting the fungi to harmless levels via targeted ventilation, and addressing the root cause with detailed approaches can be quite an intricate procedure. In addition to using specialized products and industrial equipment, it also calls for detecting moisture, humidity, or unaddressed damage to the property.
That’s why the overall procedure comes at a higher cost than standard cleaning services. This is especially true when you are dealing with excessive mold growth that is hard to remove and remediate.
Like many other processes related to specific areas of a property, mold removal or remediation costs are also dependent on the size of the area being worked upon. For instance, if the mold growth has enveloped your whole basement, it would cost you more to get rid of it compared to addressing mold growth that’s limited to your kitchen cupboards.
But apart from the size of the area, the amount of mold infestation in a specific site also directly relates to the cost. The correlation is simple to comprehend. Remember that the more mold you have on a surface, the more time it takes to remove it through targeted processes.
Due to these reasons, you should keep in mind that mold remediation costs vary on a case to case basis. Specific mold removal fees that once applied for a particular home in your neighborhood may not work in your case, and vice versa. That’s why it’s critical that you obtain detailed inspections from mold removal and remediation professionals in your area to receive a personalized quote.
In addition to creating a variety of health effects, mold growth can also cause serious property damage. Besides creating a rotten smell and unsightly mold spores, they can also cause the affected building to be inhabitable. When left untreated, mold can grow to the point where it costs a fortune to remediate and make the structure safe for use again.
With many years of experience in mold removal and remediation, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston offers targeted solutions to fit the needs of your property.
To see how our solutions can help, don’t hesitate to contact us for a quote today. We will be here to discuss your concerns and deploy our services for you as swiftly as possible.
Got Mold? Professional Remediation Can Help!
3/12/2019 (Permalink)
This mold grew over some time due to a small leak left undetected around the windows of this Goose Creek SC home. We were happy to help!
It takes no more than 48 hours after water damage occurs in a home or commercial property for mold to begin to grow. Especially in our warm and humid Charleston, SC climate.
That is why if you are faced with water damage and a resultant mold issue, knowing your next steps is very important.
Why Mold Remediation?
We’re sure you’ve seen those ads about mold remediation and mold removal, but the second of these two is false. Removing all mold from a home or business is simply not achievable. A qualified restoration company will, however, focus on mold remediation, setting the achievable goal of bringing mold levels back to a normal and natural level.
It is true that mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both inside and outside. These mold spores only become an issue when a minor problem is left untreated, which allows the problem to turn into a major problem.
The mold remediation process involves technicians isolating the contaminated areas and remove and discard the wet and mold-damaged materials. Any areas that have been exposed to or affected by mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. In some cases, a HEPA vacuum may be brought in aid in the removal of contamination and debris.
Then the mold-affected area is treated with a biocide and left overnight to kill and destroy the mold spores.
What to Do With a Mold Problem
If there is a good chance your home or business may have encountered a mold problem, you’ll want to act quickly. Evaluate the size of the problem, and if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet, it is best to bring in the professionals.
Be sure that the professionals you bring in are highly trained and certified in the following areas:
- Applied microbial remediation
- Water damage restoration
- Applied structural drying
Sometimes, some minor mold issues can be successfully resolved by a homeowner or a business owner on their own, but it is always in your best interest to talk to the professionals to ensure the quickest resolution to the problem.
At SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.
Does your home have a mold problem??
2/27/2019 (Permalink)
We were happy to help remediate the mold issue in this Moncks Corner, SC home!
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. Especially in Charleston, SC! This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic 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. They can quickly grow into colonies that may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed.
- 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 – (843) 552-1226
Crazy Charleston Weather!
3/9/2018 (Permalink)
Ready for Spring, Charleston?
Charleston weather has been unpredictable at best in 2018! From flooding rain, inches of snow, crazy winds, and those glorious 80 degree days, it is no wonder that so many are struggling allergies, high energy bills, and mold/mildew popping up in new places. Condensation around windows, rains revealing leaks, moisture left behind by issues caused by days of freezing; all have the potential to mix with the infamous South Carolina humidity and temperature swings to cause microbial growth issues.
If you are noticing a new odor or musty smell or find new spots of growth in your attic during a fit of Spring Cleaning, don’t hesitate to call! We are always here to help. We will provide and assessment of exactly what you have going on, our recommendations on how to move forward, and an estimated cost to remediate.
We are here for you 24/7, Charleston! (843) 553-1226 or contact us through our Contact Us page on our website.
Product Spotlight: Sporicidin
2/19/2018 (Permalink)
Only the best products for our clients. Check out one of or favorites, Sporicidin.
Sporicidin is the most widely used antimicrobial and disinfectant product at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston. It is an EPA registered disinfectant for hard surfaces, and cleaner and deodorizer for porous surfaces. The active ingredients phenol and sodium phenate are also FDA approved for use in over-the counter medicines such as throat sprays. Effective against a wide range of pathogens, Sporicidin also provides residual bacteriostatic activity for up to six months.*
Sporicidin is effective against a number of molds and other organisms. Included are the following:*
- Aspergillus brasiliensis (formerly calls Aspergillus niger)
- Acinetobacter baumanniiPenicillium variabile
- Feline calcivirus (surrogate for Norovirus)
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Tuberculosis)
- Streptococcus salivarius
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Salmonella enterica
- Salmonella choleraesuis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Herpes Simplex Types 1/F & 2/G
- HIV-a (AIDS Virus)
- Polio Virus Type 1
- Influenza A virus (H1N1 Pandemic Flu)
- Vaccinia Virus
- Parainfluenza type 3 virus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Human Coronavirus (Infections Bronchitis Virus)
- Methicillin Resistant
- Vancomycin Resistant
- Enterococcus faecium
Please feel free to contact of office at (843) 552-1226 if you’d like additional information about disinfecting high risk surfaces in your home or office. We can also be reach via our Contact Us page on our website.
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*Information obtained directly from the Product Application Sheet provided by SERVPRO Corporate.
Does Your Charleston Area Home Have A Mold Problem?
5/1/2017 (Permalink)
We were happy to help remediate the mold in this Moncks Corner, SC home.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. Especially in Charleston, SC! This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic 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. They can quickly grow into colonies that may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed.
- 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 – (843) 552-1226
Mold: Potential Health Risks
10/2/2013 (Permalink)
Do you have visible mold in your home? It could be affecting your health.
Mold is a term used to describe a type of fungus that is an often fuzzy-looking growth that appears on the surface of organic materials in damp conditions, both outdoors and indoors. Molds may be gray, black, green, yellow, orange or various other colors, and may have a velvety or wooly texture.
Like other fungi, molds produce tiny spores in order to reproduce. Mold spores continually waft through the air, both indoors and out-of-doors. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin to grow. Indoors, molds can grow on wood, paper, fabrics, carpet, foods and other organic materials.
Molds are a natural part of the environment, but human health problems may result when people are exposed to large amounts of mold, particularly indoors. Inhaling excessive quantities of airborne mold particles or spores may adversely affect your health.
Potential Health Effects of Indoor Mold:
- Allergic Illness - When mold cells are inhaled and land in the respiratory tract, the body's immune system's response to those invading cells can cause allergic illness. The immune system tries to destroy the mold as it would an agent, like a flu virus, that might cause infection. In a relatively small portion of the population (about 10 percent of people in the U.S.), the immune system overreacts and causes the allergic response that results in symptoms such as runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing. Most of us know this allergic illness as "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis."
- Asthma - Asthma is a lung disease in which the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs can partially close, causing breathing difficulties ranging from mild (such as a dry cough) to life-threatening (inability to breathe). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 12 adults and one in 11 children in the United States has asthma. More than half of asthmatics have respiratory allergies, often to mold. Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive asthmatics.
- Respiratory Infection - Some mold species can cause respiratory infection when the live mold invades the tissues of the lungs or respiratory tract. This is not a significant risk for healthy people, but can be dangerous for individuals with severely weakened immune systems.
- Toxic Effects - Very large doses of certain molds, whether inhaled or ingested, can result in poisoning caused by mycotoxins in the mold cells. One particular type of mold that has been highlighted in the media is Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), commonly referred to as "black mold". Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials with high cellulose content (drywall, wood, paper, ceiling tiles) that are chronically wet or moist. It is one of several molds that can produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions.
The health effects of breathing mycotoxins are not well understood, but we do know that most molds can present the health risks mentioned above. Therefore, any mold growth in a building should be cleaned up, regardless of the type of mold.
If you feel you are experiencing a mold problem in your home or office. Don’t delay getting it corrected. SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is happy to assist you in creating a healthier, mold free environment for you and your family or employees. Contact us at (843) 747-8750 or via our Web Contact Page.
Sources for this post and additional information on the effects of mold on your health:
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