The Importance of Mold Remediation After Water Damage

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can be overwhelming for homeowners and businesses, but the risks don’t stop once the water is removed. Lingering moisture creates the perfect environment for mold growth, a serious consequence that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

When water infiltrates a property, whether from a flood, leak, or burst pipe, it can saturate walls, floors, and other materials, making hidden areas damp. If this moisture isn’t thoroughly removed, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours.

Why Fast Action is Essential

Mold doesn’t stop on its own. Left untreated, it can spread extensively, making removal more challenging and costly over time. Addressing mold immediately after water damage is critical to prevent it from taking root and causing further harm.

SERVPRO’s Professional Mold Remediation Process

SERVPRO’s Team Paparone offers professional mold remediation services to ensure safe and effective mold removal. Our certified technicians follow a comprehensive process that includes:

1. Inspection and Assessment – We conduct a detailed inspection to identify mold-prone areas.
2. Containment – To prevent spread, we isolate mold-affected areas with containment barriers.
3. Air Filtration – We use high-efficiency air filters to remove mold spores from the air.
4. Removing Mold-Infested Materials – We safely dispose of contaminated materials.
5. Cleaning and Sanitizing – Using specialized equipment, we clean and disinfect to remove residual mold.
6. Restoration – Finally, we restore affected areas to their original condition.

Why Trust SERVPRO Team Paparone

Mold remediation requires specialized equipment and expertise—this is not a DIY job. With SERVPRO, you can trust our trained professionals to remove mold safely and effectively, restoring your property to a safe and healthy environment.

7 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Before and after a house in Willingboro, NJ was damaged by mold

Believe it or not, mold is everywhere - inside and outside. It is tough to avoid mold but there are ways to prevent mold from growing. Response time to water damage is crucial; if not, you have a new tenant: mold.

Here are seven reasons to hire SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly for your mold remediation needs.

1. EMERGENCY CONTACT
The stress level is heightened when mold is discovered and that’s why our team begins the process for you immediately during the first phone call. Our front office will ask a series of questions to decide next steps in the process.

2. INSPECTION AND MOLD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
After we gather as much information as possible, our estimators will come out to assess the damage. We use advanced technology to help detect the severity of the damage and if there are any other hidden water damage. Our cleanup team is then contacted to schedule to come out as quickly as we can.

3. MOLD CONTAINMENT
Once our tech’s get out there, their first priority is to prevent the spread of mold by containing the damage to one area. They create a tented contrapment to dry out as much of the area as possible. They set up air movers, dehumidifiers, and cooling systems to dry out the water damage. This process could take up to 3 or more days to complete.

4. AIR FILTRATION
Serpvro of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly uses equipment to help capture microscopic spores out of the air. Powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums are brought in to prevent the spread of the spores.

5. REMOVING MOLD AND MOLD-INFESTED MATERIALS
This is where the demo comes into play. The demo of the affected area depends on the severity of the damage and the type of surface that is damaged. Our professionals are responsible for disposing of mold infested materials or cleaning them if considered salvageable.

6. CLEANING CONTENTS AND BELONGINGS
If it is determined that materials can be salvageable, our team will clean furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, etc. No job is too big or too small for our team!

7. RESTORATION
The last step but most important is the restoration process. Depending on the level of mold damage, dry wall, subfloors and other building materials may be removed. This could involve minor repairs or extensive reconstruction.

SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly takes pride in making this process as stress free as possible for our customers. Mold may not be visible to the naked eye, so if you suspect mold in your home, inside or outside, call us today for an estimate!

Black and Toxic Molds

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Black and Toxic

Here at SERVPRO of Burlington Township / Mount Holly we want you to learn about common misconceptions about mold. The term "black" mold is misleading at best. First, while the terms "toxic" and "black" mold are commonly used interchangeably, only one is recognized as black mold by most professionals: Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called Stachybotrys atra. Other common indoor toxic molds include - but are not limited to - Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Furthermore, Stachybotrys isn't actually black, but a greenish-black color instead. Finally, with more than 100,000 known types of mold, many of them are black. Unless they are Stachybotrys, however, they aren't "black" mold and may not even be toxic.

Mycotoxins

Another misleading term is "toxic." As the Centers for Disease Control explains, the mold itself isn't actually poisonous. Some molds are, instead, "toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins)." These chemical compounds sometimes attach to mold spores - reproductive seeds - and drift away in search of a new home. When they are inhaled, they may cause health effects. Fortunately, mold generally only releases spores when it is disturbed, such as by the breeze of a closing door or the vibration of a pounding hammer. In addition, the mold doesn't release mycotoxins constantly, so even if spores are released, toxins may not. However, any mold is never healthy in a home - much less Stachybotrys - especially for individuals with lung problems, compromised immune systems or simply allergies to mold.

How to handle common molds that survive in your home

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

There are many different types of mold. A common one that can be growing inside your home is known as Botrytis mold, also known as gray mold. It can be found almost anywhere that plants are being grown including inside your home. It can spread easily through wind and water, and grow on a variety of surfaces. It first appears as a white fuzzy color rapidly turning to gray, and sometimes even brown. Like most molds Botrytis thrives in moisture and attacks the weak part of a plant and spreads to the healthy areas. Some frequent household foods that are affected are strawberries, grapes, lettuce, onions, and cabbage. Botrytis mold is highly allergenic. Because of all these issue, it is very important for this mold to be removed right away. At first sight any infected plant must be removed and disposed of to stop any further growth. To make sure your home is completely mold free contacting SERVPRO of Burlington Township/Mount Holly is a smart decision. Our experts will run mold tests and make sure that all mold growth is found and removed properly. Leaving your home mold free and a safe environment to live in.

Tips for handling Mold in the Winter

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

During the winter homes do not get any circulation of fresh air or drying out. That is how most homeowners prevent their homes from coming moldy. However, there are many different ways to prevent mold from forming in your home in the winter. Here are six ways to prevent winter mold.

1. Increase air circulation and reduce humidity                                      

One cheap and simple step to reduce moisture is to use fans and open windows. By increasing the air circulation in rooms, cold air is less likely to condense in nooks and crannies.

2. Keep an eye out for leaks that can let excess moisture

Watch for leaks in common areas such as windows, exterior-to-interior doorways, and the surrounding areas by swamp coolers and skylights.

3. Repair Any Leaky Area Immediately

Mold and mildew can grow at a rapid pace. The longer you leave a leak unattended, the more likely you are to experience mold and the damage that comes with it.

4. Limit the Possible Areas Where Mold and Mildew Can Grow

Since fungi thrive on quick-to-decompose items such as books, piles of loose papers, or boxes of clothing, use strategy when storing these items.

5. Take Care to Keep Entryway Flooring Dry During Wet Weather

In rooms where moisture is a problem, area rugs and other washable floor surfaces are preferred over wall-to-wall carpet, if possible.

6. Use Exhaust Fans in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Boiling water and taking steamy showers provide your home’s environment with plenty of moisture. Make sure not to slack when it comes to turning on exhaust fans, including the one in your oven’s hood, which can help reduce condensation formation.

SERVPRO Burlington/Mt. Holly wants to make sure all homeowners are preventing mold growth in their homes for the winter.   

Facts for dealing with Mold when it gets cold

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Winter is approaching.... SERVPRO of Burlington Township/Mt. Holly is here with some tips and helpful hints on keeping mold away during the cold winter months. 

1. Make sure there is good air circulation. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when showering, cooking, and washing the dishes.

2. Prevent mold and water damage by turning off the water flow to broken appliances and pipes.

3. Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. If you find your basement is wet or has water leaking into it, inspect the outside drainage systems.

4. Spread moisture-barrier materials in crawl spaces over the soil. Heavy roofing paper or plastic film made of polyethylene can be used for this. Make sure there is good ventilation in the crawl space and, if possible, do not enclose it. One may need to use a fan to blow out humid air from under the building.

5. One can get rid of humidity or dampness within a building by heating it for a short time. After heating, open up the doors and windows, or use an exhaust fan, to let out the air that is moist.

6. Hire a professional roofing contractor to cover a damaged roof with a tarp or tent. This will help protect the building from the elements.

7. If there are freezing temperatures, take measures to insulate pipes inside and out to ensure they will not crack and/or burst.

8. Make sure all the seals on the windows and doors are not compromised and in good-working condition.

9. Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

10. Make sure the ground around your building slopes away from the foundation so water does not collect around or enter in to it.

11. Act quickly if you see condensation on windows, pipes, or walls inside a building. Dry out the area and determine if the source of the condensation is from a leak or the result of high humidity.

Identifying Botrytis Mold & Handling It

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Botrytis Mold Growth on a Strawberry.

There are many different types of mold.  A common one that can be growing inside your home is known as Botrytis mold, also known as gray mold.  It can be found almost anywhere that plants are being grown including inside your home. It can spread easily through wind and water, and grow on a variety of surfaces.  It first appears as a white fuzzy color rapidly turning to gray, and sometimes even brown.  Like most molds Botrytis thrives in moisture and attacks the weak part of a plant and spreads to the healthy areas.  Some frequent household foods that are affected are strawberries, grapes, lettuce, onions, and cabbage.  Botrytis mold is highly allergenic.  Because of all these issue, it is very important for this mold to be removed right away.  At first sight any infected plant must be removed and disposed of to stop any further growth. To make sure your home is completely mold free contacting SERVPRO of Burlington Township/Mount Holly is a smart decision.  Our experts will run mold tests and make sure that all mold growth is found and removed properly. Leaving your home mold free and a safe environment to live in.

Dealing with Mold after Flooding or Heavy Rain

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

This is the result of not acting quickly when flood damage affected this basement.

After a flood or even just a heavy rain mold can always become an issue!  If you ever find yourself dealing with a water damage that could become mold issue contact SERVPRO of Burlington Township/Mount Holly.  Responding quickly is the first action to take.  The quicker we can get out there the less damage will occur and more time and money will be saved.  Also it lowers the chance of mold spores spreading throughout the flooded area.  The first action SERVPRO will take is make sure there is good ventilation in the building so that air can circulate.  Water extraction is the next step, making sure to remove as much standing water as possible.  Any items that may have already been affected by mold will be disposed in a sealed back to prevent any spreading.  Affected items that must be kept will be cleaned properly by the experts of SERVPRO of Burlington Township/Mount Holly.  The two main keys to mold prevention is 1. Keeping everything clean and 2. Keeping everything as dry as possible. Following these steps as well as keeping the number for SERVPRO of Burlington Township/Mount Holly handy will be great steps in preventing mold.  We can always ensure your home is safe,dry, and mold free!

6 Ways to Prevent Mold in the Winter

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Basement mold that occurred during winter.

During the winter homes do not get any circulation of fresh air or drying out. That is how most homeowners prevent their homes from coming moldy. However, there are many different ways to prevent mold from forming in your home in the winter. Here are six ways to prevent winter mold.

1. Increase air circulation and reduce humidity                                      

One cheap and simple step to reduce moisture is to use fans and open windows. By increasing the air circulation in rooms, cold air is less likely to condense in nooks and crannies.

2. Keep an eye out for leaks that can let excess moisture

Watch for leaks in common areas such as windows, exterior-to-interior doorways, and the surrounding areas by swamp coolers and skylights.

3. Repair Any Leaky Area Immediately

Mold and mildew can grow at a rapid pace. The longer you leave a leak unattended, the more likely you are to experience mold and the damage that comes with it.

4. Limit the Possible Areas Where Mold and Mildew Can Grow

Since fungi thrive on quick-to-decompose items such as books, piles of loose papers, or boxes of clothing, use strategy when storing these items.

5. Take Care to Keep Entryway Flooring Dry During Wet Weather

In rooms where moisture is a problem, area rugs and other washable floor surfaces are preferred over wall-to-wall carpet, if possible.

6. Use Exhaust Fans in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Boiling water and taking steamy showers provide your home’s environment with plenty of moisture. Make sure not to slack when it comes to turning on exhaust fans, including the one in your oven’s hood, which can help reduce condensation formation.

SERVPRO Burlington/Mt. Holly wants to make sure all homeowners are preventing mold growth in their homes for the winter.   

Mold Remediation vs. Mold Removal

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

Drywall covered in mold.

Many people believe that mold remediation and mold removal mean the same thing however, they are different. Mold remediation is the removal and treatment of the mold, so mold does not regrow in the area. Mold removal is just the removal of mold. Mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours once water gets into your property. Mold spores flourish wherever there is moisture. These spores can rapidly grow into colonies when exposed to water. Sources of moisture or water must therefore be addressed before mold remediation can start, or else the mold may return. Mold remediation is something that SERVPRO Burlington/Mt. Holly specialists in. When SERVPRO Burlington/Mt. Holly goes out to a mold job, we want to make sure that all the mold is removed and treated properly so it doesn't come back. 

Humidity Causes Mold

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

A basement with mold on the walls.

9/6/2018

With another heat wave coming to an end. It raises concern about the mold that is forming in buildings. If the weather's been very humid for a few days in a row you might notice mold starting to grow indoors. Also, if you live where humidity in the air is naturally high, like by the coast or another large body of water, then mold growth indoors can also be a recurring problem. When these damages happen SERVPRO will step in and solve the problem. SERVPRO will get the job done so it looks like it never happened. SERVPRO will also get the job done in a timely manor, so everyone can get back to their daily activities. Here are some tips of areas to find humidity and mold and signs to look for if you have mold.

Location of humidity and mold

• Basement
• Crawl Space

Symptoms of humidity and mold

• A musty odor in your home, basement or crawl space
• Visible mold growth
• Allergy symptoms
• Increase in small insects within your home
• Visible condensation
• Peeling wallpaper and or paint

Air Quality and Mold

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Here in New Jersey SERVPRO of Burlington Township / Mount Holly wants you to receive updates on the outdoor air quality so you know whether to group your errands together, consider carpooling or stay inside so you don’t risk agitating your allergies. No matter the overall exterior air quality, you should also take steps to make sure the air you’re breathing inside your home is clean and clear. Learn why it’s so important that you have nothing but the freshest air inside your residence.Your Home’s Air Quality Is Likely Worse Than Exterior AirOfficial organizations have reported that residential air is commonly anywhere from two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This is because there are several products, materials and activities that compromise your home’s air quality. It’s also not unusual to hear of a home that’s 100 times more polluted than outside air, which is likely if you have mold anywhere inside your residence.You Spend a Lot of Time Inside Your HomePeople spend a lot of time inside their homes, and that can be hazardous to your health if your indoor air quality is compromised. Those exposed to harmful chemicals are often exposed to them while in the comfort of their own homes, but there’s really nothing too comfortable about poor indoor air quality. Even if you’re hardly ever at home, it’s still in your best interest to focus on having high quality indoor air for your health and peace of mind.More Children Are Diagnosed With Severe Asthma and Allergies.If you have children, it’s especially vital you do everything you can to make the air inside your home as fresh and clean as possible. This is because the number of children with severe instances of asthma and allergies is on the rise, mainly because of poor indoor air quality. Not only can this potentially compromise your child’s quality of life, but it also results in increased medical costs that result from addressing asthma and allergies through trips to the doctor and medication.Poor Air Quality Can Result in Lung Cancer and Heart Common Causes of Indoor Air Pollution now that you know a bit more about why it’s so essential you pay close attention to the condition of your home’s air, it’s time to learn a bit more about the sources of pollution. Such sources include:

Building materials, such as carpet, insulation, cabinetry and products made from pressed wood

Wood stoves, gas, oil, kerosene and other sources of combustion

Viruses, mold, pet dander and dust mites

Cleaning supplies, personal care products and pastes

Pesticides, radon, pollen and outdoor air pollution that trickles inside your homeSteps You Can TakeJust as there are several sources of indoor air pollution, there are several methods of boosting your indoor air quality. One of the best things you can do for your home and yourself is to invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which goes a long way in sucking up a number of allergens and toxins while making your home look cleaner and more inviting.When you’re done vacuuming, you should be sure to mop up anything the vacuum might have left behind. For the best results, invest in a microfiber mop designed to pick up more dust and dirt than standard mops.Work with professionals to determine just how good your indoor air quality is and what else you can do to improve it. You might be surprised at just how much better life is when you can breathe free and easy.

Watch The Mold

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

New Jersey homes are known for their ability to withstand the harsh environments that come through the fall and winter every year. What you may not understand, is that a compromised roof could allow moisture to seep into the attic space from snow or ice on the shingles that have not melted away. When this new moisture is allowed to continue unchecked in your attic space, mold can find plenty of places to grow.Since mold damage to your New Jersey residence typically happens involving organic materials, you should appreciate the options available in your attic right now. Most construction uses plywood backing against the joists of your roof, and all of these components provide the right base for a mold colony to successfully feed and grow. It is a good idea to get in the habit of periodically checking up in your attic area for the presence or signs of molding, especially if you are not one to typically go into this area of your house.While you should be able to smell the overwhelming musty scent of a thriving colony, sometimes this can be difficult to do if you have a decent ventilation system in place. Visual inspections can also be misleading at times, as newly forming colonies are not often overly noticeable to the naked eye.Our SERVPRO of Burlington Township / Mount Holly technicians can provide inspections of your attic space to provide assurances that fungus is not currently present and that the conditions of your attic are not likely to create these organisms in the future. If something is found, our technicians begin their remediation work right away.The process is all about preventing the spread of the fungus by neutralizing its spores in the air. The neutralization procedure uses a negative air chamber. Once these spores have been contained, thoroughly cleaning the area is the next step. This process changes based on the type of mold and how deeply it is rooted, but all of the colonies get removed at this time.

Mold Remediation

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation. If you suspect that your Stowe home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Burlington Township / Mount Holly can inspect, assess and perform remediation of your property.

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these 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.

Mold From Heat

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

When temperatures have started to heat up, which means your home is at a greater risk for mold growth. Mold spores can grow in temperatures ranging from 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature range for mold growth is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a common temperature range in our area.

As the winter weather falls further into the rear-view, it is time to be even more cautious of any possible moisture or water damage on your property. In order to reproduce, mold spores require moist or damp areas. Excess moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are prime areas for mold to grow. Also be on the lookout for flooding, leaky pipes/windows/roof, etc., and call a professional right away should any of these problems occur. 

SERVPRO of Burlington Township / Mount Holly  has highly trained and experienced crew members ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold Problem?

1/2/2018 (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. You can call SERVPRO of Burlington Township / Mount Holly to come to the rescue!