Microbial Growth? Not Anymore!

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling mold to be cut out and removed.

Do you have a finished or unfinished basement that you tend to avoid?

Checking areas of your house such as basements or attics periodically will help you catch small leaks before they become long term damage. Busy schedules or maybe even problems with getting into these areas can cause homeowners to practice “out of sight out of mind.”

If you have a leak, even a small one, that goes unnoticed for any period of time, you could potentially have a big problem with the optimal conditions. Basements and attics are usually uncontrolled atmospheres which can leave conditions optimal for microbial growth. If you use these areas for storage, it is not just the structure of your home that is potentially a food source for spores, but your belongings could suffer damage. Call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa at 205.553.8377 to help clean any microbial growth safely and thoroughly.

Microbial Growth Inside Your Home

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Carpet fungi growing from a slow water leak, over time.

Most organic life naturally grows outdoors. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa has come across fungi growth indoors when a water leak has gone unnoticed. The most common we have seen at SERVPRO Tuscaloosa is a slow leak in the walls. It may be behind furniture or not affected the drywall and only soaked into the carpet and padding. Depending on the portion of the carpet and the access for cleaning, the water saturation could go unnoticed. Fungi will not always grow out of saturated carpeting, but if the conditions are right it can be a possibility.  This is much easier to remediate the fungi, but you must remove all your carpeting and find that leak! Call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa at 205.553.8377 to start your remediation process. We are faster to any kind of disaster.

Return of the Crawlspace Mold

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

When you find mold in your home crawlspace, the first thing you should do is figure out where the water source is coming from. Mold/Microbial Growth will grow in an uncontrolled environment that has extra moisture levels. If the source is not stopped, then the removal of the mold will be futile. The microbial growth will likely return. 

If the damage is less than 100 sq ft, it might be something that a homeowner could handle. However, if anything is over that or the loss is a particularly "hairy" case, hire a professional mold/ microbial growth remediation company to get your crawlspace back in shape. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa has tackled many crawlspaces that have suffered from microbial growth both commercially and residentially. Call us today to assist with the proper cleaning and drying method of your crawlspace. 205-553-8377

A Remedy for Microbial Growth

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have a finished or unfinished basement that you avoid? Checking areas of your house such as basements or attics periodically will help you catch small leaks before they become long term damage. Busy schedules or maybe even problems with getting into these areas can cause homeowners to practice “out of sight out of mind.”If you have a leak, even a small one, that goes unnoticed for any period of time, you could potentially have a big problem with the optimal conditions. Basements and attics are usually uncontrolled atmospheres which can leave conditions optimal for microbial growth. If you use these areas for storage, it is not just the structure of your home that is potentially a food source for spores, but your belongings could suffer damage. Call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North to help clean any microbial growth safely and thoroughly.

When Mushrooms Grow Indoors

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Most organic life naturally grows outdoors. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa has come across fungi growth indoors when a water leak has gone unnoticed. The most common we have seen at SERVPRO Tuscaloosa North is a slow leak in the walls. It may be behind furniture or not affected the drywall and only soaked into the carpet and padding. Depending on the portion of carpet and the access for cleaning, the water saturation could go unnoticed. Fungi will not always grow out of saturated carpeting, but if the conditions are right it can be a possibility.  This is much easier to remediate the fungi, but you must remove all your carpeting and find that leak! Call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North to start your remediation process. We are faster to any kind of disaster.

Crawlspace Mold

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

When you find mold in your Northport home crawlspace, the first thing you should do is figure out where the water source is coming from. Mold will grow in an uncontrolled environment that has extra moisture levels. If the source is not stopped, then removal of the mold will be futile. The mold will likely return. 

If the damage is less than 100 sq ft, it might be something that a homeowner could handle. However, if anything is over that or the loss is a particularly "hairy" case, hire a professional mold remediation company to get your crawlspace back in shape. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North has tackled many crawlspaces that have suffered from mold both commercially and residentially. Call us today to assist with the proper cleaning and drying method of your crawlspace. 205-339-5022

Long Term Leaks

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

There are times your Northport home can be "sick" and as a homeowner, not know until it has caused significant internal damage. 

A slow leak in a pipe behind cabinets can stay hidden for months or longer depending on how your home is set up. This leak behind the cabinets will slowly affect materials in the walls. Causing the perfect environment and food source for microbial growth within the walls and on the backs of cabinets. 

As a homeowner or homebuyer, this can be missed even in a home inspection. Until the cabinets are being redone or the water source causes so much water that the flooring begins to be affected by the slow saturation of materials from the water source. 

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North can clean for immediate water damages and the secondary damages caused by slow leaks. 

Hoarding and Mold

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

While hoarding or "abnormal collecting of items and trash" is more common than any of us know, abandoned rentals and homes we come across often in Tuscaloosa. These forgotten residences tend to have abnormal amounts of debris and personal items left behind. 

"Hoarding is a behavior where people or animals accumulate food or other items." Wikipedia

In the collection of these items (paper wrappings from food, shopping etc) the build-up can attract "friends" such as bugs, rodents, and other vermin. In return, their food and wastes are also collected in the process. This collection of items will provide a food source for mold growth as well. A building's environment is not controlled, the perfect conditions can be generated to allow excessive mold spores in the air and create growth on one of the many surfaces in these homes. SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North has the experience in both dealing with the sensitivities of a hoarding family member and mold remediation. Call us for all your remediation needs. 

Wood Fungus vs Wood Mold in a Crawlspace

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North comes across instances where a substance is found in the crawlspace and the big question is always is it a fungus or is it mold.

"Fungus is the cause of dry rot, which is one of the most serious defects that wood can develop. The fungus grows by consuming wood fiber, and the wood becomes soft and punky. " Homeguide Source

"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." CDC Source

Ceiling Mold

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Sometimes a roof leak can be small and cause damage over time. Others can cause such a downpour that the ceiling falls in. In this picture, you can see where water damage caused the ceiling to cave and wet insulation to fall through. This also caused microbial growth to begin on the beams in the attic. You can see where the crew treated and sealed the spot where the growth was heaviest. It was left unattended too long by the homeowner thinking that it was superficial damages.  Since the damage came through the attic, SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North crews contained the area to prevent heating and cooling escaping into the attic. In the end, the secondary damage due to microbial growth was minimal and contained to just one small room. 

Mold from Appliance Leaks

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold once baseboard was removed behind a fridge.

Behind your washer, dryer or refrigerator can lurk many things, in particular, is microbial growth. Behind this fridge, there was a small unknown leak. The growth took over behind the baseboards for quite some time. It was finally noticed after they homeowner noticed the baseboards started warping that were not behind the fridge. In the above image, you can see the damage looks scary but was very minimal in the long run. The affected sheetrock and the baseboards were cut out once the fridge had been removed. The exposed studs and flooring were cleaned and treated with an anti microbial chemical before the everything was replaced. If you find heavy growth in your home, call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North. We are always "Here to Help".

Laundry Room Mold

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth near the dryer vent

Behind appliances can lurk many things, one in particular is microbial growth. Behind washer and dryer, there was a small unknown leak. Until the homeowners decided to replace the old appliances, they had no idea that there was anything wrong in the laundry closet. The growth took over behind the baseboards for quite some time. When the washer and dryer were removed, there was standing water in the floor, but the baseboards were obviously damaged long term.  Above you can see the damage looks scary, but was very minimal in the long run. The affected sheetrock and the baseboards were cut out standing water was removed and the entire area was given a good cleaning with an antimicrobial. Then the homeowners had the small tear out and everything replaced. If you find heavy growth in your home, from an unknown leak or a hidden area call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North. 

Mold in Storage

1/25/2018 (Permalink)

Tuscaloosa can experience microbial growth, or mold, year round with Alabama's unpredictable weather and rather warm winters. 

SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North has seen many different growth situations. If your health is a concern with this invasive growth, we always advise you speak with an Environmental Hygienist who will usually do a clearance test after mold remediation. Common factors that are found to create the optimal environment for growth is a food source such as paint, glue, paper etc, moisture, warm and dark areas. It is common to find growth in your ductwork or corners of your basement. If your home has not properly been remediated following water invasion, the risk of growth is more likely. If you are a property owner and see microbial growth in your home, call 205-339-5022 to find out how SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North can help you. 

Tuscaloosa Basement Mold

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

North Tuscaloosa Basement Mold 2017

In those hidden spaces of your home, you will sometimes find things you do not want to see. This home had a slow  leak that they were unaware of. This slow leak did turn in to a big water damage over time; however, in that time prior, the slow leak created the perfect environment for some unwanted house guests. Microbial growth is common in the south with the combination of high humidity levels and warm damp nooks and crannies of homes. These are not the house guests you want for Christmas! The past two years, Alabama has had some unseasonably warm "winter" weather. Take time to walk through and look in those areas you are not in daily to make sure that you are not suffering from a slow leak. Where there is water, there is the potential for a way! Call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa North today to get started on your mold remediation. 205-339-5022

Mold Inspection vs. Mold Remediation

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Visible growth in a Tuscaloosa home/building

A mold inspection for testing is performed by a licensed and insured state qualified personnel that is trained and qualified to perform the proper air and surface testing for microbial growth (or mold.)

A remediation company performs the removal of the damaged areas and uses the proper chemicals to prevent further growth and disinfect cleanable surfaces.

SERVPRO ® of Tuscaloosa is a Mold Remediation company. Our field team representatives are trained in finding the sources of the moisture and remediating the issue. We are not licensed to perform mold testing, inspection or written protocols.

-Mold inspections look for evidence of past and or current growth that may indicate a problem.

-Mold inspections look for visible, inside walls, crawlspaces and are able to get surface lab testing.

-Mold inspections will be able to lab test for the type of growth is in the home/building.

-Mold inspections are a subset of Indoor Air Quality investigations. They can do air quality tests to determine what irritants are present in the air.

-Mold inspections will generate a protocol report which you can present to a remediation company to follow in your home/building.

If microbial growth becomes to much for you to deal with in your home/ office, call SERVPRO® of Tuscaloosa to help with the remediation process.

205-339-5022

Conditions for Household Mold

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing on ceiling and walls

Mold begins as an airborne spore mass. Mold is microscopic with many smaller spores, so when something causes these spores to stir up, these thousands of smaller spores are set free. The spores will remain airborne until they settle onto a surface. These spores need an organic material, or food source, water, as little as two days time, and temperatures between 32 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit to grow.

Organic matter can be, paint, paper, insulation, natural fibers, plants, potting soil, caulk and many more items. Controlling the humidity in your home, will help with mold growth prevention. This is why SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa sends its employee's to WRT training for water damage restoration. The SERVPRO crew team will make sure the conditions in your home are correct to dry out the area after the damage and prevent mold from the beginning.

For all your Mold Remediation needs

Call

              205-339-5022

Visible Mold Tuscaloosa

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in the Water Heater closet Tuscaloosa Alabama

What you can do until help arrives:

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 Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 205-339-5022

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• 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 a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Microbial Growth in Your Tuscaloosa Home

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold or Microbial Growth in walls

Microbial growth in your Tuscaloosa home is nothing fun to deal with. You may have had a toilet overflow and thought you cleaned all the water up quickly, but without SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa to check the moisture levels in walls, flooring, and cabinetry you may have missed moisture. These conditions create a feeding ground for microbial growth or mold. You may not see it visible at first, but notice an odd odor. By the time you notice the growth, many things may no longer be able to be restored, but must be replaced. Causing more headache and more money! SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa takes the precautions of testing surrounding areas for moisture in any water damage. Even before equipment is removed, your Tuscaloosa crew member will measure the levels of moisture to make sure the drying goal has been met. He/ She will even pretreat the area to prevent possible microbial growth! SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa wants to ensure that your home is taken care of during any size disaster. Call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa today for a mold estimate or to help remove mold from your Tuscaloosa County home!

205-339-5022

Mold in Tuscaloosa

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

Tuscaloosa black mold

Once you become aware that mold is growing in your Tuscaloosa home, removing the microbial growth should be your biggest priority. Extensive mold removal is not a DIY project. Rule of thumb is if there is about 10 square feet or more of mold growth, don't attempt mold remediation on your own. Play it safe and hire a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa.

Mold is a fast growing fungi that feeds off moisture and in the humid south, it can spread rapidly. In the event of an appliance flood or mass amounts of moisture in your home, the proper mitigation of that excessive moisture is necessary or conditions will be in place for microbial creation. The airborne spores can develop into strings of colonies that bloom into large areas of mold patches. Mold can show up in the form of black spots, blue, green, white or even red staining on porous surfaces. Discoloration on your walls and ceilings will also present other problems.

Mold can leave an unpleasant odor as it permeates through walls, flooring and HVAC ductwork throughout your home. This musty odor may start out very faint and can become more apparent as the growth intensifies. Attempting to mask the odor does not solve the underlying problem.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional like SERVPRO

Sometimes as homeowners, we are inclined to attempt the mold removal process ourselves, this strategy is not always advisable. SERVPRO's cleaning crew goes through an extensive amount of training and professional licensing to learn how to properly clean, remove, and if possible restore your home. Once you go beyond fungi on the bathroom tiles or a small patch under the kitchen sink, it is time to consider seriously professional assistance. SERVPRO mold remediation experts will use specialized equipment that demands expert handling for mold containment, air filtration, and cleaning. They will also identify and eliminate most present mold to ensure that your home is restored to its original condition. 

Call 205-339-5022 We are always here to help.

Dos and Don'ts of Mold

12/7/2016 (Permalink)

Surface Mold in Tuscaloosa AL

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Surface mold can seem like an easy cleanup, but there is more to neutralizing microbial growth than just wiping down surfaces or spraying it with bleach! In this Tuscaloosa humidity microbial growth can happen in as little as 24 hours. Be sure to contact SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa if you find surface mold in your home or your office. We will be there quickly with the proper equipment and materials to make sure that we get your surfaces free of mold and any unhealthy levels of airborne spores.