The Invisible Danger

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

1 mold spore is 1200x smaller than the tip of a ball point pen

SERVPRO of East Greenville County is constantly fielding calls from those with mold questions about how dangerous is the mold they are seeing. Honestly any visible mold can be harmful to certain demographic especially  to those with underlying health issues.

The larger danger with mold is the ones you cant see. Its an easier process to remove the visible mold that we can see.  Tracking a microscopic sized organism can be a very delicate situation. That's why here at SERVPRO of East Greenville County we are investing in the technology to trap and remove those invisible dangers that could be trapped in your air. With highly specialized equipment SERVPRO of East Greenville County is able to remove unseeable spores from the surfaces as well. 

So next visible mold is present call SERVPRO of East Greenville County to help remove the visible mold spores and the invisible mold spores as well. 

Periodic Duct Cleaning Helps Prevent Mold in Your Home

12/26/2021 (Permalink)

If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

One of the most important benefits of duct cleaning involves improving the quality of indoor air. By making certain only clean, fresh air circulates through your home, you'll not only increase everyone's comfort, but also their safety!

WHY MOLD GROWTH INDOOR IS: A PROBLEM

Circulating mold spores in the air sometimes land on damp surfaces in a home and sprout. Upholstery, carpeting, and even wet drywall provide fertile habitats for mold growth. These tiny organisms can cause property damage.

WHY MOLDS INDOORS POSE A DANGER

Inhaling musty, stale air causes great discomfort. In some cases, it may even cause health effects.

Obtaining periodic duct cleaning helps ensure a central air/central heat system recirculates clean air through the premises. You'll gain greater peace of mind knowing your home provides a welcoming haven for your family and visitors.

PREVENT MOLD IN YOUR HOME TODAY

Indoor air quality impacts comfort. Requesting periodic duct cleaning helps prevent mold growth in your home and helps keep you and your family comfortable and safe!

Black Mold and 5 Steps to Prevent It In Your Basement

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (864) 292-3495

Have you ever found yourself sneezing or coughing when you enter your basement? Do you notice black spots growing in your basement? Your home could be experiencing a black mold problem that you need to address immediately.

If your house starts to get infected by black mold, you need to act as early as possible. For black mold in the basement, here are the things you can do:

5 Steps to Removing Your Basement’s Black Mold

Step 1: Protect Yourself

Wear a face mask and gloves to make sure that the black mold spores will not get to you.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

You need to remove as much humidity as you can. If it is warm outside, consider opening up some windows to increase air circulation. If you have an exhaust fan installed in your basement, run it to blow out moisture outside the window.

Step 3: Check the Molds

Inspect the black mold to check whether it is moist or dusty. If the growth is dusty, you need to dampen it more. To deal with this, you need to spray a light mist of water onto the mold. However, make sure not to oversaturate it.

Step 4: Start the Brushing and Disposing

Combine dish soap and water, and scrub the black mold with a bristle brush. After you finish scrubbing, wipe it clean with a rag dampened with the water and bleach solution.

Dispose of your brush and rags after usage. You can wash all molded articles in your basement using a bleach-saturated laundry detergent.

Step 5: Prevention

You need to ensure that you will end your moisture problem for good. Check your plumbing for leaks and drains. Then, start sealing your walls and sub-floors with a primer that has moisture-repelling properties.

Conclusion

If you spot black mold in your home, do not wait for it to worsen. Contact us for professional mold damage removal and remediation services in Greenville, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas.

Mold Cleanup After A Disaster

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Greenville knows that disaster can strike at any time. We want to remind you of a few simple tips that can help make things easier!

Was your home flooded? The cleanup process after a disaster is crucial to prevent mold growth. The most important step is to dry and remove any water-damaged items. Most of the time, this requires help from experienced and qualified professionals; SERVPRO of East Greenville County specializes in water-damaged restoration and will be happy to help you, so give us a call! In case you have to deal with the damage yourself, here is how you can safely do it:

1. Wear protective equipment while you are working, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.
2. Start by drying water-damaged items and remove everything that couldn’t be completely dried. Remove water from floors and carpets by using a wet vacuum. The quicker you do the drying process the better, try to get it done within 24 to 48 hours if you can.
3. Having good ventilation and letting air flow to all areas is important for a more efficient cleanup process, open all doors and windows while you are working.
4. Protect yourself and your family. After you are done, shower and change your clothes. This is to prevent carrying mold or other substances back with you.

Cleaning up after a flood and dealing with mold can be a difficult task that requires experience, and SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here to help!

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Basement

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.

Have you seen mold in the basement of your Greenville, SC property? If you have, the quicker you clean it up the better. Due to its potential to accumulate excess moisture, your basement is one of the places where mold is highly likely to grow. However, if it is not detected on time, it can quickly spread and become a major issue. Before this happens, there are some preventive steps you could take:

Repair leaks and cracks

Water damage will lead to mold growth, so checking for leaks or cracks and repairing them is one of the first steps to prevent mold growth. Avoid wall leaks and leaky pipes by regularly making a quick inspection of your basement. If you see any leaks or cracks, fix them as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

Waterproof from the outside

Protecting your home from the outside will prevent damage on the inside. Use water damage prevention techniques such as French drain systems and grading systems to keep water away from your foundation; this will help decrease the humidity in your basement. Also, keep your gutters clean to prevent them from clogging and leading to water overflow.

SERVPRO of East Greenville County specializes in mold cleanup and remediation. If you need professional assistance to clean up a mold problem in your basement, call us today, we will be happy to help you.

SOURCES

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-prevent-mold-in-basements/

Why Do I have Mold in my Greenville, SC Home?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a mold issue or have questions regarding mold, call SERVPRO of East Greenville County today! We're Here to Help.

Mold is a fact of life and can be found everywhere.  Mold requires several conditions before it can grow. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores: the spores are invisible to the naked eye and are able to float through indoor and outdoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when spores land on moist surfaces and find food. “Food” means virtually any organic substance, such as wood, paper, carpet, human food, and insulation.” If you discover a mold issue in your home, you have a moisture problem.

Here are a few ways moisture may be causing problems:

• Humidity – Hot humid summer heat and rainy weather can both cause mold issues.
• Roof Leaks – Check your attic several times a year to ensure your roof is in good condition.
• Plumbing Problems – Common plumbing problems that go unnoticed can cause mold. Ice maker hoses, leaking pipes, toilet seats, etc.  Check these areas often and correct any issues immediately.
• Foundation Problems – The soil around your home should always be sloped away to prevent water from entering your basement.
• Flooding – If your home is affected by heavy rains, call a professional to properly assess the situation.
• Poor Ventilation – Enclosed spaces in your home can be areas of poor ventilation. Make sure to create air circulation in these areas.

If you have a mold issue or have questions regarding mold in your home call SERVPRO of East Greenville County and we can have an estimator come and scope the project for you!  We’re Here to Help.

Crawlspace Concerns? Who to call?

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let this be you. Inspect your crawlspace and contact our team at SERVPRO of East Greenville Co. if you need need help.

One of SERVPRO of East Greenville County specialties is water mitigation, and often times we discover a secondary issue while helping home or business owners recover from a water damage event: Mold. In the majority of those instances we are able to be proactive and resolve the mold situation before it can become a major problem. But, there are a few occasions where mold growth can become an enormous problem, and if the source of loss for the water damage is a hot water heater that is located in an unconditioned crawlspace, the chances of a major mold issue increase drastically.

Unconditioned crawlspaces are ideal locations for microbial growth. They are dark, damp, and rarely disturbed. Combine those favorable conditions with even a small, unnoticeable leak from a hot water heater and mold can grow and spread quickly in the crawlspace and may impact other parts of your home. If your hot water heater malfunctions causing a leak it may spray hot water onto the insulation or parts of HVAC unit and insulated duct lines in your crawlspace.  Many times, this goes unnoticed until a homeowner begins to notice damage on the interior of the home like warped or buckling flooring. Unfortunately, by the time damage is noticed on the interior of the home there is likely significant damage and probable mold growth in the crawlspace as well.  It is important to inspect your crawlspace periodically to prevent major damage from occurring.   

Should you notice a leak in your crawlspace and have concerns about any damage it may have caused, contact our team at SERVPRO of East Greenville County.  We can schedule a crawlspace inspection to assess any damage and provide you with a plan for remediation.

Don't Ignore Hanging Insulation

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Hanging insulation can be both a symptom of one problem or the beginning of another. And it is best to act if you spot it quickly.

While at first glance you would think the big issue is the wet subfloor. (And you’d be right) But, it is the thing that may not stand out to you that can lead to the next giant issue. Although it is only in the top left corner of this photograph, the hanging insulation is the real star. Yes, the subfloor is soaking wet, and if you were to spot this underneath your home, you would be swift to take action. But if you see insulation hanging in some spots of the crawlspace, you may not give it a second glance. Hanging insulation could be a symptom of water damage, but it has the potential to cause microbial growth under your home without you ever having any water damage. If the hanging insulation reaches the ground, it can wick up natural groundwater from rain, and over time that can saturate that piece of insulation and possibly spread to other materials that it touches. Unconditioned crawlspaces can be ideal locations for mold to grow, they are dark, probably humid, and most people never go into the crawlspace unless they have to. The moral of this story is that if you or a service provider see hanging insulation, it may be best to contact a professional like SERVPRO of East Greenville County to inspect your property and prevent issues before they start.

Reducing the Likelihood of Mold in your Greenville, SC Home: Crawl Space Water Heaters

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Discharge from water heaters can cause insulation to sag and can become a source of microbial growth.

You needed extra storage room in your home, so you relocated your water heater to the crawlspace. Great, you now have a larger pantry or hall closet, plus you do not have to worry about your floor if the water heater leaks. However, you may have set up a much larger issue down the road. Now, this isn’t intended to frighten anyone or convince them to reconsider any form of home renovation, but instead, bring awareness to on how to help prevent costly damage to your home.

One of SERVPRO of East Greenville County specialties is water mitigation, and often we discover a secondary issue while helping home or business owners recover from a water damage event: Mold. In the majority of those instances, we are able to be proactive and resolve the mold situation before it can become a huge problem. But, there are a few occasions where mold and microbial growth can become an enormous problem, and if the source of loss for water damage is a water heater that is located in an unconditioned crawlspace, the chances of a major mold issue increase drastically.

Unconditioned crawlspaces are ideal locations for microbial growth. They are dark, damp, and rarely disturbed. Combine those favorable conditions with even a small, unnoticeable leak from a water heater and mold can grow and spread quickly in the crawlspace and may impact other parts of your home. If your water heater has a major issue, it may spray hot water onto insulation or parts of HVAC units and other areas that may be overlooked by a hot water service technician, and that could be enough to initiate microbial growth. Contacting SERVPRO of East Greenville County for a crawlspace inspection after your water heater has been serviced or replaced is a great way to being proactive in preventing or removing a mold issue. Our expert technicians can review your crawlspace and develop customized solutions to fit your home’s needs, not just sell you an expensive “fix-all.”

Preventing mold or discovering it in early stages can reduce the risk to your home or business and significantly reduce the cost of repairs and lost time.

Yes. There is such a Thing as Good Mold. Part 2

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Many cheese caves in the US are converted tunnels from the prohibition era or underground storage units used before the invention of refrigerators.

As a company that specializes in Mold Mitigation, SERVPRO of East Greenville has a numerous amount of information about mold. Specifically harmful or “Black” mold and a large amount of this information can be unnerving. So in an effort to be fair and balanced, we would like to share some information about some “good” types of mold.

Part 2: Cheese Caves

Blue Cheese can be a delicious additive to salads, steaks & burgers, or make a great dip. But blue cheese is also made from a mold, in fact, is from the same strain of mold as penicillin. And blue cheese isn’t the only form of edible mold.

Gourmet “cheese hounds” and other foodies enjoy some of the more eccentric cheeses, and more producers are working to accommodate their taste. “Cheese Caves” are facilities where certain types of cheese are stored in controlled environments that are perfectly maintained to encourage certain types of mold in and around the cheese. Sections of these facilities are calibrated to certain temperatures and moisture levels to cultivate and create ecosystems of mold, and many of the facilities have “cave systems” dedicated to multiple types of cheese and each one has its own environmental calibration.

The cheeses produced from cheese caves can be very expensive and if you are looking to try some don’t D.I.Y. it and take a bite from some cheddar with grey mold lurking in the back of the refrigerator, there is a local cheese cave in Charleston, SC.

While many of us at SERVPRO of East Greenville County are not sure if we have ever had cheese cultivated in cheese cave, we do love blue cheese dressing with our wings. So add another mold to the good guys’ list.

Yes. There is such a Thing as Good Mold Part 3

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

A surface sample from the International Space Station. The Microbiome is monitored often to protect their health and safety. (NASA)

As a company that specializes in Mold Mitigation, SERVPRO of East Greenville has a numerous amount of information about mold. Specifically harmful or “Black” mold and a large amount of this information can be unnerving. So in an effort to be fair and balanced, we would like to share some information about some “good” types of mold.

And the finale is a doozy.

Part 3: Space Fungus (Yeast)

During the research for this series of articles, I noticed a pattern: most of the discoveries for beneficial uses of mold came from accidents. And this one is only slightly different.

In 1997 an astronaut discovered several “bowling-ball to beach-ball” size floating globs of stagnant water on the Russian Space Station, Mir. Each of these globs was occupied with dozens of species of bacteria and fungi. The fungi on the space station were able to grow so much because of dead skin cells being shed by the astronauts free-floating throughout were easily reached by the spores that were also able to float about without gravity freely.

Several years of research produced some fantastic results. Scientists had known that yeasts have a higher radiation resistance than other living organisms. The cell structure of the yeast didn’t break down as quickly as that of humans, and it allowed the proteins in the DNA to repair the cells before significant damage could be caused. Scientists can use this to try to develop medication or supplements to treat radiation sickness or bring long-distance space travel closer to reality. For much more detailed information about fungi in space check out ScienceLine.org.

If yeasts can help us get closer to reaching the stars, then it belongs right up there with Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell as heroes.

Yes. There is such a Thing as Good Mold

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

It’s hard to believe that the same mold that is growing on this bread is responsible for saving millions of lives.

As a company that specializes in Mold Mitigation, SERVPRO of East Greenville has a numerous amount of information about mold. Specifically, harmful or “Black” mold and a large amount of this information can be unnerving. So in an effort to be fair and balanced, we would like to share some information about some “good” types of mold.

Part 1: Penicillin

Unless you are allergic to antibiotics (or are a bacteria culture), Penicillin is your friend. Alexander Fleming is credited with discovering that penicillin can kill disease-causing colonies of bacteria in 1929. But it was not until WWII when penicillin became massed produced to help treat injured troops and get sick troops back into action sooner. Andre Moyer was granted the patent to mass-produce penicillin in 1948, and after that, a variety of antibiotics were developed. From there “synthetic,” or antibiotics made without penicillin, were designed for those that are allergic to penicillin and its derivatives.  

It is possible that millions of lives have been saved thanks to this strain of mold. And that puts it on our good side for sure.

The Impact Mold Can Have On Our Health

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Painted over mold in a Greer, SC home. Make sure to properly clean and remove mold and not attempt to cover it up.

As a property owner, it can be easy to only focus on the damage and cost that mold can cause. But is vital to take in to account the impacts mold can have on the health of those that spend time inside of homes, businesses, and facilities that are affected. Mold can cause various health problems for people and pets if they come in contact or breathe in spores.

Allergic reactions can occur in individuals such as sneezing, runny nose or irritations such as red eyes or skin rashes. These reactions can be immediate or delayed and vary in severity.

Individuals with asthma have even more risk of having an asthma attack in areas where mold spores are present. The inhaled spores can trigger intense attacks that may require medical attention.

Allergic reactions and asthma are only two of the potential health problems that can be associated with mold and microbial growth. And why it is essential to take swift and proper action if there is a suspected mold problem. For more information about mold visit the EPA.gov website.

A Cautionary Tale About Mold in Greer, SC

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

A tiny amount of moisture almost became a giant problem for a church in Greer, SC.

It’s Not the Heat; It’s the Humidity

You heard the phrase a thousand times, and if you live in the south, you know that it is true. But humidity is not just the cause of frizzy hair or glasses of lemonade to sweat like they are the ones mowing the lawn, humidity can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

Checking for leaks and getting them repaired ASAP is a great start but dripping pipes or holes in the roof are not the only ways that microbial growth can develop in you Greer home, business, or facility. Sometimes the issue can start where there has never been any running water, and these tiny surprises can become gigantic problems if overlooked.

Recently SERVPRO of East Greenville County was called to a local church to perform mold mitigations services. The source of the mold was not from heavy rain or a busted water main, but it was from one damp box. The church had a new section added a few years ago, and during the preparation, one of the unused classrooms was turned into what was supposed to be a temporary storage room. More contents were added to the room over time, and the short-term fix became the long-term solution.

During last year’s hail storm, the activity center’s roof was damaged and rain leaked into the facility. The contents of the impacted office in the building were packed into storage boxes and deposited in the trusty storage room. But, the wet contents of the boxes soaked through to the packaging, and as the boxes sat in the dark storage room for months, mold began to grow. The mold spread beyond the container and the items within to the nearby boxes and the walls it touched. Fortunately, the youth group volunteered to clean out the storage room, so the microbial growth had not spread too far. SERVPRO of East Greenville County was able to remove the impacted section of the wall and encapsulated the part of the structure behind the affected area, then performed a detailed cleaning of the entire room after the contents had been disposed of.

Although there was never any standing or running water in the storage room, conditions were right for mold to develop and grow in only a short time. Remember to periodically check in on the areas of your property that you don’t often visit to make sure that you do not have a potential mold problem.

Conditions In Greenville Might Be Right For Mold

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Greenville County knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

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 liquid 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 East Greenville County to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to remediate mold in your home or business effectively.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (864) 292-3495

What to Do:

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

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

10/28/2016 (Permalink)

Please call SERVPRO before your problem gets this bad.

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 1-864-292-3495

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.

Call SERVPRO of East Greenville County

864-292-3495