Conditions in Williamsburg Could Be Right for Mold

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of moisture before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, New Kent to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 804-966-1400 or toll free 800-889-5002

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO® for mold remediation services. 

Is Your Attic Properly Ventilated?

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

As a home owner weather seems to be the biggest enemy. That is why it is important to make sure that your home can withstand the elements in order to prevent any damage. Your attic similar to most parts of your home is at risk of unpredictable water damage. Paying attention to if your attic is properly ventilated  may protect your home from damage.

1. The eaves and roof. If you do not see any vents on the eaves or the roof of your attic you may need to consider adding them. This is to promote proper insulation which prevents mold from growing.
2. Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during winter. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and attic vents.
3. Touch your ceiling on a sunny day. If it is hot then your attic has been turned into a solar oven and you may need to consider better insulation as well.

Unproperly ventilated attics can result in mold growth. If you believe that your home may have mold give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Have You Checked There? Three Hidden Places Where Mold Grows!

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is a disaster. Unseen mold can be even worse. These three places are often forgotten about, but are very common for mold growth in homes.

Underneath or behind refrigerators.

Most people do not think about their fridge as anything more than a place to store food. This goes to show that it is very unlikely that anyone is checking behind or even under there refrigerator for anything. Here at SERVPRO® we get several calls a week regarding water lines to refrigerators that burst. Sometimes these calls are regarding huge amounts of water coming out, but there is still a percentage that face smaller leaks. These smaller leaks can go undetected for days if not weeks. That constant moisture is a breading ground for mold.

Household plants.

Overwatering indoor plants is a huge cause of mold growth. Not all household plant pots have the proper drainage that is important to keep that plant healthy.

Window Air Conditioner Units.

As the weather in Virginia decides that it is ready to transition into the cold, many residents in New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck beginning to take their air conditioning units out of there windows to put into storage. There may be a horrid surprise waiting. Air conditions can grab moisture from the air and trap it until it possibly grows into mold that may be seen around ducts and drain pans and potentially on coils.

If you see any visible or suspect any mold in your home give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call 804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002 Schedule your mold estimate today!

Crawlspace Encapsulation Homeowner Tips

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Various homes in the New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck area have crawlspaces. It is likely that most people are not regularly inspecting these areas.  However, the occasional visit may reveal one of SERVPRO®’s constant foes, mold. Mold can cause health effects. It is important to consider how the ventilation in your home is contributing to moisture in your crawlspace. We have been getting more and more calls every day about mold losses which is why it is important to stay aware of what could be lurking around right under your feet.

Being proactive is a great way to avoid the stress that is caused by discovering mold in an unlikely place. There are two very popular methods to protect the crawlspace from moisture: a vapor barrier or closing the vents and having them sealed shut. While these two methods may seem slightly similar as they both are a form of encapsulation, they are wildly different from one another.

Crawlspace sealing, while more inexpensive,  does not compare to installing a vapor barrier. Sealing off the vents in a crawl space will prevent the moisture from entering through the vents; nevertheless it does not account for the moisture that seeps in through the walls of the crawl space.

However, a vapor barrier prevents wall, floor, roof and ceiling assemblies from getting wet due to moisture. Just like in the name, vapor barriers act as a barrier, whereas crawlspace sealing does not. Despite how simple it may seem, you should allow a professional to install your vapor barrier for maximum accuracy. Improper instillation can result in moisture finding its way in and resulting in mold being very close behind. That’s why you should leave it to us!

If you are experiencing any mold in your crawlspace or are looking to get a vapor barrier installed, give us a call and set up your appointment today!

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg and Northern Neck

804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Mold Reactions

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

The thought of mold is terrifying for some. It is commonly believed that mold can cause health effects. There are various strains, colors, textures, and growth rates making it difficult for the untrained to handle properly. At SERVPRO® we have professionals that draw up the best plan of action to take care of any microbial growth in your home or business.

Our estimators do a detailed inspection of the issue and situation. They take multiple factors into account when creating a plan for remediation and mitigation of your home or business. SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northen Neck understands that all mold situations are not created equally. This understanding is the driving force behind our designated estimators job to survey and create a scope before proceeding with work immediately. 

Do you believe that you may have mold in your home or business? Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call 804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Mold In Basements

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Mold in basements is a call our SERVPRO® office gets just about every day. This is due to the fact that many basements are not built out correctly meaning there can be moisture present. Or another common problem is moisture seeps into the basement from sources like gutters, drainpipes, faulty foundations, leaking pipes, and the list goes on. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained to spot the source of a water leak especially in the cases related to mold. When our professionals spot the mold they then draw up a detailed plan to rid the area of mold and correct the issue causing mold to grow in the first place.

Mold is also common in structures that have suffered water damages and were not dried out properly after the loss. So make sure you call SERVPRO for your water damage.

804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Mold Estimates

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Mold Estimate

When you contact our franchise about mold we usually start with an estimate. This means we schedule for a certain day and an estimator will come out to your building or home to see where you think there is mold. The estimator always tries to identify what is causing the mold to form if there appears to be any.

Some causes of mold can be high humidity, moisture in the walls, leaking pipes, or etc. We trust our highly certified estimators to make the call on where the mold is coming from, as he has been with the company for over 15 years. This means our estimators have taken and will continue to take classes related to mold in order to keep their certifications valid.

Once our estimator comes out and finds the source of the mold growth and has an idea of what is happening in the space, he'll come back to the office to form an estimate for the property owner. This estimate details line item by line item what our SERVPRO® will do to rid the property of mold. The total cost for job is also then disclosed to the paying party.

After the estimate is reviewed and approved for work our technicians are scheduled. During the mold remediation process the property owner is updated regularly to make sure that they don't have any questions.

Let SERVPRO help you today with a detailed estimate so the mold looks "Like it never even happened."

Call Us Today at 804-966-1400 or toll free @ 800-889-5002!

Can Mold Grow On Any Surface?

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Yes! If the conditions are right mold can grow on any surface.

How to know if you have mold in your home

Smell-

If mold is present you can often smell it, if the smell is worse in a certain room then mold growth is present.

If you only smell mold when you use your HVAC unit then the mold source could be inside of the vents, ducts, or the unit itself.

Mold growth in your home may cause some  issues. 

Places to look in your home for mold

• Laundry Room
• Window Seals
• Refrigerator drain pans
• Chimneys
• Basements
• Attics
• Bathrooms
• Dishes
• Under Carpets
• Toothbrush holder
• Potted Plants
• Outdoor/Indoor rugs/mats

If you suspect there is mold in your home but are unable to locate it, have SERVPRO® inspect your home. Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, & Northern Neck today at 804-966-1400 or toll free 800-889-5002!

New Kent Residents: Follow These Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

6/24/2024 (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® 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 New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck 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 – 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1- 800-889-5002

When in doubt stay out and call SERVPRO we care and are here to help