How Can You Limit Your Exposure to Mold?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth

We’re all exposed to mold every day, but living or working in a moldy environment increases the likelihood of developing mold-related symptoms.

If you think a space you frequent is affected, it’s important to limit your exposure.  

Limit exposure you say, how am I to do that when mold is found in every environment?  You may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. With mold in so many places, indoors and out it can be challenging. You can take steps to limit your exposure indoors and make your home or business less mold-friendly. The key is to control the amount of moisture in the air. Mold is most frequently found in bathrooms, kitchens, attics and basements.

 Follow these steps to help limit moisture in these areas:

• Use an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom it will draw moisture up and out
• Quick action can pay off! Fix leaky pipes, faucets or appliances right away
• Lower the humidity in your basement by using a dehumidifier and choosing flooring that doesn’t hold moisture. Be careful what you store there. Mold will grow on old papers bedding and clothes. Use waterproof plastic containers instead of boxes whenever possible. Rake dead leaves from around the foundation of your home. Make sure as much as possible that rainwater drains away from your home. Clear out that drain at the bottom of your basement steps if it clogs water will run right in around the door flooding your basement.
• Check roof gutters for proper drainage so waters isn’t leaking back into your attic area.

 Any and all of these steps will help to prevent mold growth, if you do find you have a mold problem.  Call the experts, at SERVPRO of  Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian at 410-923-6166. We are here to help and will provide you with the expertise that comes with over 40 years of service in the mold remediation industry in Anne Arundel County.  

How Does Mold Effect Indoor Air Quality?

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Air Quality

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian performs mold remediation and restoration services. When we get calls regarding odor, allergies, and respiratory issues, we may recommend Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing. With any health issues, it’s important to contact your physician first. Allergy testing, for example, should reveal specific allergies.

Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a measure of how clean the air is inside the buildings where we live, work, and play. IAQ is affected by many different things:

• a building’s ventilation system (HVAC)
• chemicals or microbes (such as mold) that enter the building
• chemicals like cleaning products and art supplies that are used in the building
• chemicals that are created by activities inside the building

Click here to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality.

If you have concerns about mold or IAQ, contact us or contact Environmental Solutions Inc.

What Happens When Water Sits in the Basement?

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Source of Water Damage

One of the most common calls SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian receives is water damage in the basement of a home. Water always seeks to go from high ground to low ground which is why it usually causes damage in a lower level.

When water damage occurs, mold and/or bacteria can begin to form is as little as 48 hours. Recently, a Davidsonville homeowner contacted SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian because a broken drain pipe seal in their finished basement caused water and mold damage. There was damage in the closet, main living area, walls and vents.

The best thing you can do to protect your property is to determine the source of the water leak. Once the cause has been determined and repaired by a plumber, mitigation can begin.

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to notify them of the issue. They will assist you with submitting a claim.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian works with all insurance providers and we streamline the claim process. When we arrive at your home, we will inspect the damaged area to ensure proper drying and dehumidification, cleaning and repair.

Otherwise, mold and bacteria can begin to grow. If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• 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.

When water damage puts your home at risk, call the water mitigation specialists at SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian.

How to Prevent Mold Growth?

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. The most common cause of mold is water intrusion. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian handles water damages every day and knows prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.

Review these prevention tips our team developed:

Clean and Ventilate Your Bathroom. Mold growing in bathroom tile Mold grows quickly and thrives in warm, moist areas. It’s important to stop mold from spreading before it starts growing on walls and other locations. The best way to avoid mold growth is to keep your home clean and dry.

Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home’s humidity at a home improvement store. Humidity levels change over the course of a day so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.

Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Standing water can grow bacteria and mold in as little as 48 hours. Mold needs moisture to grow and the best way to prevent this from happening is to cut the liquid source from them. As soon as a pipe or roof leaks, wet materials, especially drywall which is high in cellulose, should be removed and replaced.

Got Mold? Call SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian 

Gardening to Prevent Flood Water in Your Home

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Garden

It’s that time of year! Spring is teasing you with warmer temperatures and you are ready to get your hands in the soil and start your Summer garden.  What kind of plants can you use and how can you layout your flowerbeds to prevent water from getting into your home?  Gardening doesn’t have to be all about “curb appeal”, it can also be functional.  Here are a some quick tips to help prevent water from getting into your home.

Create a water garden. A natural-looking water garden should have sloped sides with planting terraces that step down toward the deepest area of the pond. This allows you to plant a diversity of plant material and create different habitats and keeps water drainage to one area.

Plant native.  Using native plants can help prevent soil erosion.  Here are a list of wild flowers you might consider: black-eyed Susan, Foxglove Beardtongue, Cardinal Flower, and Butterfly Weed.  

Use mulch. Covering the bare areas in your lawn or garden with mulch or straw is an effective method for preventing erosion from rain. Mulch spread over the surface of the soil reduces the impact of raindrops striking the soil.  Using mulch in landscaping and on bare spots near your home keeps water away from your foundation.

TIP: Always wear a mask when spreading mulch. It contains mold spores that can irritate your throat, nasal passages, and lungs.

Install rain barrels. Did you know that up to 40% of total water use during the summer can come from watering lawns and gardens? Rain barrels are an effective way to capture rain water to use in lawns and gardens.  Rain barrels can be attached to storm drains to catch runoff from your roof.  The water you collect can then be reused to water your lawn and garden. For more information on rain barrels, contact The Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Grade your yard. To avoid incoming water, the ground should always slope away from your home in all directions surrounding your perimeter. You’ll need to understand the high and low points of your home, and use extra dirt to slope accordingly. Have a plan in place or work with a professional to make sure vents, basement windows, pipes, drains, and other areas aren’t negatively impacted during the grading process. 

The first day of Spring is March 20, 2019. Be ready for April showers by landscaping your lawn to prevent water damage to your home.

Mold Found in Severna Park Home

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold caused by hot water heater

Mold found in Severna Park home basement was caused by a hot water heater leak.  The SERVPRO Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian  team arrived after the homeowner replaced the hot water heater.  However, the area in the basement was still wet despite the homeowner’s efforts to dry it out.  Our team dried the area around the hot water heater as well as the hallway for 3 days and treated it with an anti-microbial.  It was determined that the mold was caused by a pin-hole leak in the hot water heater that occurred months before the actual unit was replaced.

Water heaters that are not cleaned out periodically can build up sediment in the tank. Here are some hot water heater maintenance tips you can use

Salt and other chemicals in the sediment may lead to premature rusting or corrosion inside of a water heater and eventually cause pinhole leaks to form. Once a pinhole leak is opened up, the pressure of the water inside the tank forcing its way through the opening will cause the leak to get larger over time.

The best solution for this problem is to replace the tank with a new unit. A leaking tank is an obvious sign of a water heater needing to be replaced. Normally, replacing a water heater should be done by a professional.

Another tip, to prevent the pink-hole leak is to test the pressure-relief valve located on the top or side of the water heater. Click here to read more tips by The Family Handyman.

Bottom line, mold can grow on almost any surface. Mold likes moisture and heat. This makes the hot water heater and surrounding area the perfect environment for mold. Take some time to maintain your hot water heater.

House Overcome With Mold

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Severe Mold Case

After a long hospital stay, an elderly home owner returned to his home to find it filled with mold.  Unfortunately, there was a water leak in the basement that sat for approximately 2 months.  SERVPRO of Edgewater / Deale-Churchton / Lothian was called to remove the water and mold.

When our SERVPRO of Edgewater / Deale-Churchton / Lothian team first arrived to assess the flooded basement, we provided water removal.  However, removing the water was just the first step.  There entire basement and main level of the house was covered with surface mold. There was mold on the furniture, walls, and ceilings.

In order for the mold remediation to be effective, our team removed all porous materials, including drywall, carpet, flooring, insulation and more.  The first floor contents, including the kitchen cabinets and wall studs, will be treated as well. This process includes pretreating the contents with a hepa vacuum which removes 99.97% of all particulates including mold, sewage, and soot.  Next, the contents are disinfected with an anti-microbial, and then, treated again with the hepa vacuum.

To insure that mold spores are removed from the air, air scrubbers will run for approximately 3 days to clean any mold spores in the air.

This is a severe case of sitting water that resulted in a mold infestation.  If you ever find flood water in your basement or have water damage, it’s important to stop the flow of water and get it removed right away.

How Can I Protect My Property From Mold?

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Home

One of the most frequently asked questions SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian hears from Anne Arundel County homeowners, landlords, and tenants is, “How can I protect my property from mold?” We’ve come up with a top 5 list of mold prevention tips.

Tip 1. Get to Know Your Weaknesses. Look around your home or office and identify areas where moisture comes in or collects. Frequently, we see moisture near/around windows.

Tip 2. Dry Wet Areas Immediately. If you see water collecting in your office or any other rooms, clean it up immediately. After a heavy rainfall, you may find some water in your basement. Dry that water up with towels and call us to make sure we get the area completely dry so mold doesn’t become a problem.

Tip 3. Direct Water Away from Your Home. There are many landscaping tricks you can install to track water away from your home. Installing something as simple as a French drain can reduce the amount of water coming near your house.

Tip 4. Prevent Mold with Proper Ventilation. It may be that your routine activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture areas. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in Maryland), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer.

Tip 5. Clean or Repair Roof Gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

Does Your Home or Business Have a Mold Problem?

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Is this mold or mildew?

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, in Maryland. 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 to minimize the chances of mold growth.

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 – 410-867-3590

Moldy Coffee in Davidsonville?

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Nothing but Anchors a weigh in this coffee. Mold clean up should be left to the professionals.

Have you ever seen mold on your bread, cheese or fruit?  What about your coffee? 

I have never seen mold on my coffee, but there are some articles out there where they speak about mycotoxins (metabolites produced by mold) that can be found in coffee.   There are studies that say many coffee beans are affected and we are all consuming them on a regular basis, other studies rebut that the quantities are so low and within regulation standards. 

One thing I am sure we can all agree on is that if you SEE mold on your bread, cheese or fruit, DO NOT EAT IT.  The second thing we can agree on is that if you SEE or SUSPECT Mold in your home or office calling SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian for remediation is wise!

March can bring MOLD to your Edgewater Home

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen sinks can leak and lead to mold on the covered portions of cabinets and flooring.

Our region is surrounded by beautiful waterways that sometimes creep into our homes or businesses.  These types of water damages (if not dried correctly) and completely can leave moisture behind, allowing mold to grow.  Whether it is water from a sprinkler, refrigerator, sump pump or the local river it is imperative to have it cleaned and dried by professionals. Our qualifications and our equipment can test moisture levels, and confirm dryness which is the key to preventing mold.

Should you find yourself suspecting you have mold because you see it or “smell” it, take caution. Breathing in mold spores may cause irritation.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian at 410.867-3590

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 assume area is dry without having tested by a professional

This time of year rain (or snow) can leave residual moisture which is breading ground for mold.  Keep vigilant to prevent major mold growth.

Old vs. New Homes and Mold in Shady Side

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Preservation is important to our team.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian recently worked with the City of Annapolis and its KEEPING HISTORY ABOVE WATER conference in October and continues to support the City of Annapolis and its Weather It Together initiative.

Part of SERVPRO’s involvement with Weather It Together (and I urge you to visit their website) is because, of course, we love the history and community that is Anne Arundel County but mostly, as a SERVPRO owner, I am keenly aware of preservation and restoration.  After all, our motto is, “Like it never even happened.” ... not tear it down and start over. 

 As we got more involved in the conference, my staff and I learned a few things.  My team researched building materials and recreated structural samples spanning from pre-Civil war to the present day and how they have changed.  A question presented itself.   Why, for example, is mold so much more of a problem now with assumingly better modern-day materials?

In the 1920’s, indoor plumbing was introduced (great source of moisture).  Builders moved from plaster and lath to drywall and from solid lumber to composites.  In the 50’s, along comes air conditioning and the 60’s brought us updated HVAC systems.  Buildings became more comfortable and energy consumption increased and we end up with an energy crisis in the 70’s!  Energy efficiency became a priority and building design changed to reduce energy consumption.  Construction became “tighter” reducing heat flow and air movement and more importantly, reducing drying potential of a commercial building or home.  In the early 80’s, energy efficient structures were being built in quantity and by the late 80’s, health complaints start being connected to tight buildings and interest in mold problems began to grow.

So, for those of you who love vintage and historical properties, commercial or residential, you will be happy to know that older structures typically dry out better with less demolition than modern structures.

Calling SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian when your commercial or residential structure needs attention is your best bet!

Where does mold come from?

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold looks pretty under a microscope, but not in your Deale home.

Molds or fungi are microscopic organisms that can be found just about anywhere and anyone can be exposed to mold almost daily.  Molds are usually not a problem indoors UNLESS mold spores land on damp or wet surfaces and begin to grow.  Elevated moisture/humidity levels create a flourishing breeding ground for molds to produce the allergens and irritants that can make a person sick.  As long as moisture is not present, mold cannot grow.  You must discover the reason for elevated moisture levels (leaking pipe, hot water heater, toilet, etc.).  When water leaks indoors – respond quickly!  If you can dry the affected area within 24-48 hours, in most cases mold will not grow.

If you “SMELL” mold, remember that the mold may be hidden atop ceiling tiles, or by wallpaper or paneling or inside ductwork.  Use caution if you are investigating the “Smell/Odor” yourself as the simple act of pulling away wallpaper can release spores and NEVER turn a fan on to hasten drying as it will most likely blow those pesky spores around, causing more damage.

The area SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian services is surrounded by water!  We’ve remediated hundreds if not thousands of mold projects over our 40 plus years.  Most property managers or homeowners call us frantically when they believe they may have a mold problem but it is not alarming to us as we are educated and trained.  A mold situation is fixable if properly remediated. 

Hiring a Professional for Mold Remediation is Essential

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

We can help with commercial and residential mold in South County.

Once you suspect you have mold you should call the SERVPRO professionals who have a proven process when dealing with mold infestation. Containment is the first step to prevent mold spores from cross contamination into other areas of the home. Air ducts need to be sealed as well since they are pathways to other rooms.  Once sealed off our crews remove all active mold by cleaning the surfaces and using HEPA vacuums to extract the spores.  Industrial sir scrubbers are used to cleanse the air.

Maintaining a low humidity and dry environment is the key to keeping mold growth from forming.  We can show you how to do this using dehumidifiers and air movers.

Our commitment to returning you to a clean and safe home is what drives each step of the process.  If you have any questions about our process or suspect you have mold, call 410.867.3590 today. 

Anne Arundel residents battling dampness and mold – You are not alone!

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

A small drip lead to this mold situation in a local home.

Summer humidity in our area can lead to a constant battle against dampness in your home.  As the peak of summer hits and temperatures in the high nineties and one hundreds, with humidity levels over 80% this is the time to make sure you are on top of the situation.   Failure to control the moisture in your Edgewater, Deal, Churchton or Lothian home can lead to ideal conditions for mold to grow.

 Steps to Control Moisture

1. Air Conditioning the home
2. Dehumidifiers in basements, that are particularly damp
3. Promptly fixing any leaky roofs, windows or pipes
4. Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
5. Ventilating showers, laundry and cooking areas

If you suspect that you have mold SERVPRO of Edgewater, Deale-Churchton, Lothian is available to help remediate, you are not alone!

Call 410.647.8181 to schedule our IICRC Certified technicians.

Learn more about our Mold services HERE

South Anne Arundel County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

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 Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian 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 Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian 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 – 410-867-3590

Does Your South County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/20/2016 (Permalink)

In South County, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 – 410-867-3590