Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Most Common Types of Mold Found in a Home

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is a common household problem that can thrive in various environments, particularly those with moisture and organic matter. While mold comes in many forms, some types are more prevalent in homes than others. Understanding the most common types of mold found in a home can help homeowners identify and address mold issues effectively. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most common types of mold found in homes.

1. Cladosporium

Cladosporium is one of the most common types of indoor mold and can be found on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and carpets. It typically appears as black or green spots and thrives in areas with high humidity or moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. While Cladosporium is not typically toxic, prolonged exposure may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

2. Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a genus of mold that includes various species commonly found indoors. It can grow on organic materials such as wood, paper, and textiles and may appear as fuzzy white, yellow, green, or black growth. Aspergillus mold can produce mycotoxins that pose risk.

  1. Penicillium

Penicillium is a common indoor mold that can grow on surfaces such as wallpaper, carpet, and upholstery. It typically appears as blue or green fuzzy patches and thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas. While some species of Penicillium are used to produce antibiotics, others can produce mycotoxins that may cause issues.

  1. Alternaria

Alternaria is a type of mold commonly found in damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It can appear as dark green or black spots and may grow on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and window sills. Alternaria mold can produce allergens that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

5. Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, is a type of mold often associated with water-damaged materials such as drywall, wood, and ceiling tiles. It typically appears as slimy black growth and thrives in areas with excessive moisture and poor ventilation.

  1. Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium is a type of mold commonly found on wooden surfaces, painted walls, and wallpaper in damp environments. It typically appears as pink, brown, or black spots and may cause discoloration and staining on surfaces. While Aureobasidium mold is not typically toxic, it can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

While mold comes in many forms, these are some of the most common types found in homes. SERVPRO of Lewiston-Auburn can help identify the type of mold present in your home is essential for effective remediation and prevention. If you suspect mold growth in your home, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. With proper moisture control, ventilation, and regular maintenance, homeowners can reduce the risk of mold growth and create a healthy indoor environment for themselves and their families.

What to do when you find mold

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Moldy window due to poor ventilation in the residence

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 Lewiston/Auburn for mold remediation services at 207-783-2500

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 Lewiston/Auburn 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 – 207-783-2500

Mold Problem?

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all molds 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 molds, 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 – 207-783-2500

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

1/31/2018 (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 – (207) 783-2500

What is Black Mold??

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

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.

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 of Lewiston Auburn at 207-783-2500.

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 207-783-2500

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

When there’s a water intrusion like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn

The mold cleanup and restoration begins when you call SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn. One of our experienced staff will ask you a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. Call SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn today to understand mold, mold growth, and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

OH NO, MOLD?? Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold In Your Home or Business

2/2/2017 (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 Lewiston Auburn 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 Lewiston Auburn 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 – 207-783-2500

Does your home have a mold problem?

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Body:


Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all molds 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 molds, 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 – 207-783-2500