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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Different colors of mold to clean

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is a growth of fungal hyphae that occurs in moist warm conditions, mostly grows on food or other organic materials, and can grow after untreated water damage. Just like how there are different kinds of mold there are also different colors of mold as well. Mold can be in six different types of color:

  1. Black Mold
  2. White Mold
  3. Yellow Mold
  4. Green Mold
  5. Orange Mold
  6. Brown Mold

Say you have mold in your house and you don’t know the type, you can describe the color of the mold instead.

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 234-3399

  • We are fast to any size disaster

We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for mold emergencies.

  • We are mold restoration specialists

Our teams have advanced training and expertise.

I have ceiling mold in my home office | Jefferson, MA

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is a growth of fungal hyphae that occurs in moist warm conditions, mostly grows on food or other organic materials, and can grow after untreated water damage. After the water has affected the ceiling, if you didn’t fix the water damage, mold can start growing.

If you start to notice black, grey, or green fuzzy spots it is best to call to get it inspected and removed. If untreated, mold can spread quickly throughout the house. You may not notice mold growing at first but mold has a smelly odor that comes from it.

SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the house. If you have spotted signs of mold growing on your ceiling. Be sure to call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. (508) 234-3399 and we work along with insurance companies such as Metlife, Farmers, Mass Fair Plan, and many more.

Massachusetts Different colors of mold, need to be cleaned

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Mold needs to be cleaned

Mold is a growth of fungal hyphae that occurs in moist warm conditions, mostly grows on food or other organic materials, and can grow after untreated water damage. Just like how there are different kinds of mold there are also different colors of mold as well. Mold can be in six different types of color:

  1. Black Mold
  2. White Mold
  3. Yellow Mold
  4. Green Mold
  5. Orange Mold
  6. Brown Mold

Say you have mold in your house and you don’t know the type, you can describe the color of the mold instead. This will help if you want to have mold removal. Mold can be caused by water damage or flooded basements, we are here 24/7.

go to page: https://www.SERVPROsouthernworcestercounty.com/mold-remediation

We are here to help............. Auburn Mass Webster Mass Dudley Mass

Norwich Ct Putnam Ct Milford Mass

Bellingham Mass Hopedale Mass

Natural ways to prevent mold in your Webster, MA house.

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can grow 24 to 48 hours after there have been signs of water damage. To ensure you don’t have mold or let mold start growing. Here are 5 tips you can prevent mold from growing.

  1. Vinegar
  2. Tea Tree oil and water solution
  3. Baking soda and water solution
  4. Lemon Juice
  5. Hydrogen Peroxide

If mold has developed remember to search up SERVPRO near me or contact us directly at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County (508) 234-3399.

Preventing mold in your unoccupied Hopedale, MA property

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Preventing mold at your Hopedale property Call us at any signs of mold, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

No matter why your Hopedale, MA property is unoccupied, properties left unoccupied can pose challenges for you in the future or new tenants. Mold damage is anything but uncommon in vacant properties. Especially if it's damp. 

At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we see this all the time! Whether you're renting to new tenants, or selling the property all together, mold is no fun and needs to be taken care of before anyone else moves in or uses the property. 

While your property is vacant, and you're checking up only once or a few times a week, water can leak, pipes can burst etc... causing you to have a not so fun time next time you check up. 

Air circulation (or lack of) 

When your Hopedale property is left empty, the windows and doors are closed all the time. This makes it very hard for the air to circulate as it normally would. During the summer this is especially concerning, due to heat and humidity getting trapped inside the home with nowhere to go. Mold loves heat and moisture, so that is just a recipe for growth. If you can, head over to the property multiple times a week during the summer to air it out, open some windows, turn on a fan or two just to get the air moving!

Debris, food, and organic materials. 

Mold also thrives on organic material such as 

  • Cotton 
  • Wood
  • Food 
  • Other fabrics 

If any old food, old carpeting etc is left in the property, this is a breeding ground for mold spores, which eventually turn into those black or fuzzy green spots we often see here in our work at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. 

When you call us at 508-234-3399, we'll help restore your property! When it comes to vacant properties, it's generally an easier job since nobody is living there, little to no no furniture, documents, artwork... 

If you stop by your vacant rental property or commercial space and notice mold, give us a call at 508-234-3399, we're here to help!! 

How SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County Handles Mold

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

How common is mold??

Mold is actually VERY common! Mold spores are present everywhere, inside and outside. 

Mold will form those spots we can actually see because when the humidity, moisture, and temperature are all just right, the spores will form into colonies. AKA those black or green spots we see on ceilings, walls, floors etc.

Mold can intrude onto your home through windows, vents, HVAC systems, clothes, shoes and even pets! 

Humidity

To prevent mold from being a nuisance in your home or business you can:

- Control humidity levels 

- Clean and dry after any flooding, major spills, or other liquid related issues

- Fix leaking roofs, pipes, and windows

- Properly ventilate cooking, showering, and washing areas 

The ideal indoor humidity should be between 30% and 50% 

A hygrometer measures temperature and relative humidity.   

Humidity & outdoor temperature cheat chart:

Outdoor temp over 50° - indoor humidity shouldn't exceed 50%

Outdoor temp over 20° - indoor humidity shouldn't exceed 40%

Outdoor temp between  10° and 20° - indoor humidity shouldn't exceed 35%

Remediation Process

At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we're trained to handle every type of unique mold situation we may encounter!

We'll start with an assessment of the property and detect any mold and any hidden sources of moisture. 

Before we begin the remediation process, we will contain the area(s) to prevent the spread of any airborne spores throughout the home or building. 

Each type of mold and situation is different, so this will help to determine what process and treatments we will use. 

Antifungal and antibacterial treatments will be applied to eliminate any mold and future mold from growing. At this time we will also begin to clean / disinfect your furniture, clothes, and any other items that may have been affected by mold exposure. 

Contact us today if you've encountered mold in your home or business! We can handle it all! (508) 234-3399 

Condensation in your Holland, MA Home

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you see that your windows are "sweating" (or have condensation) it's usually a result of high humidity. It cam appear on the inside or outside of the windows, no matter if its summer, spring, winter, or fall. 

If you are noticing condensation often it should alert concern since high indoor humidity can have some negative effects. 

In the summer, the condensation will usually appear on the outside, which is just because the window is cooler than the outside due to AC, this won't have an effect on your home. 

In the winter, or cooler months, the condensation will appear on the inside due to the hot/muggy indoor condition and cool outdoor conditions. 

The best way to reduce condensation on your windows is to lower the indoor humidity. To accomplish this you can:

- Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fams

- Run a dehumidifier. 

Mold

Mold loves moisture and humidity. If there is an increased level of humidity and warmth in your home, mold is more likely to develop, especially in corners, windows, and ceilings. 

If you experience mold growth in your Cherry Valley, MA home, contact SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County right away! (508) 234-3399, living in an environment with mold is not a healthy one. We'll get the job done quick and you'll be on your happy, healthy way.

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Black Mold in your Blackstone home or business

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

mold in a home or commercial property Mold from a home in Southern Worcester County

What is black mold?

Black mold AKA Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxic type of mold, often found in homes and businesses. Black mold is often black or dark green colored. Black mold often produces allergens into the air. If you are not sure if the mold you're seeing is black mold or another kind, do not touch or disturb the mold. 

If you are seeing signs of mold in your home or business give us a call at 508-234-3399!

Mold Facts:

- Mold is present mostly everywhere, inside and out!

- Mold produces spores, which are teeny tiny structures that are like seeds, used for reproduction.

-Mold spores LOVE moisture, so when exposed to moisture and water, they can quickly grow into colonies

- When the spores grow into colonies they then can produce allergens and irritants. 

-Mold spores can enter through AC systems, windows, doors, they can even attach to your clothing or animals.

Removal vs. Remediation 

Remediation does not = removal. It is quite near impossible to get rid of all mold. As we said above, it exists almost everywhere, even outdoors. 

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we understand mold and have the expertise to remediate the mold in your Blackstone home or business. 

Mold Remediation Process

1. Call us at 508-234-3399

2. We will inspect and assess the damage done by the mold

3. Mold containment

4. Air filtration 

5. Removing mold infested materials, as well as mold itself

6. Cleaning belongings and contents of the home/ business. 

If you have any questions about mold or need services, give us a call 24/7 at 508-234-3399 or visit us at https://www.SERVPROsouthernworcestercounty.com/mold-remediation 

https://yourmoldsolutions.com/blog/mold-prevention-black-colored-black-toxic/ 

Dangers of DIY Mold Removal

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

mold spores with caption "Mold Remediation" Leave the mold remediation up to us!

At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we perform mold remediation services in both residential and commercial settings. Recently we had a lovely customers send us her positive testimonial to show how satisfied she was with the mold remediation work performed. She has explained that she tried to remove it herself, but to no avail.

That's where we come in. Many people want to take matters into their own hands, but it is best to leave it to the restoration professionals who deal with mold on a daily basis. A professional must be certified to deal with mold and must wear protective suits. Mold is no joke, so leave it to SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, serving Southbridge, Northbridge, Whitinsville, Webster, Uxbridge, Oxford, Sturbridge, and surrounding communities. 

Visit our official website, where you'll find all the information you need! If you have any questions, please call us at 508-234-3399 any time!

Mold Remediation Services

Mold Remediation Products for Your Auburn Business

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation products for cleaning your Uxbridge or Dudley home.

Summers in Southern Worcester County communities like Whitinsville can rain substantially, storms/hurricanes may pass through, it's very hot, and there could be high-humidity levels. This is a mold spores dream! Mold substantiates in this climate so it is important to keep your business clean and be on the lookout for signs of microbial growth.

SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County is proactive with mold situations since it only takes 48 hours for mold to spread significantly throughout your home or business.  

CONCROBIUM® MOLD CONTROL

This product is odorless and is cool because once applied to the affected area of microbial growth, it acts as a shield to encapsulate and destroy the spores. This anti-microbial barrier effectively arrests mold growth in your home or business.

Shelf life = 2 years

Uses: mold remediation, odors, pre-treatment of building materials

SPORICIDIN® ENZYME MOLD STAIN CLEANER

This product is not a disinfectant and only used as a pre-measure. Sporidicin ingredients consist of 3 enzymes and surfactants- protease, amylase, and lipase. Protease is an enzyme which breaks down protein, Amylase breaks down starch into sugar, and surfactants that decrease surface tension. This product works well with smoke, sewage, blood stains, pet stains, odors, and other chemicals. You do not have to scrub this product, which takes away some work for us Massachusetts folks because who wants to spend time scrubbing? Being non-hazardous and eco-friendly, Sporicidin is part of EPA’s Safer Choice environmentally friendly cleaning products program.

shelf life - 4 years

Covers up to 400 square feet

CONCROBIUM® MOLD STAIN REMOVER

 This products primary purpose is mold removal. This removes mold quickly and efficiently. This product is simple to use because no scrubbing is required – instead it can be applied and left to dry. You can wipe off the excess product or you can use a HEPA vacuum and voila! Your mold issue is resolved by SERVPRO. It covers 300-400ft in area.

shelf life - 2 years

SPORICIDIN® MRC - 80 (CLEAR)

Once applied, it takes the form of a protective shield which will penetrate porous materials and restore/ maintain their integrity. Once applied it adheres to any surface.

When your Auburn or Uxbridge, Massachusetts home or business is in need of mold remediation services, give us a call at 508-223-0505 or visit our website.

Mold vs Mildew in Your Uxbridge Commercial Building

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Differences between mold and mildew.

Uxbridge, MA is an area where flooding and storm damage is common, since Massachusetts is a coastal state. Mold and mildew are both fungi that thrive in moist, warm environments, so a flooded home in July is a spores dream. Mold and mildew can both be found anywhere both inside and outside. More specifically, they can be found after water or storm damage in your Uxbridge or Northbridge residence/ commercial property

It's important to keep your area clean and inspect it regularly to keep employees, customers, and other personnel safe and not as risk for diseases.

Key Differences 

Mold - Black, yellow, blue or green in color. Mold is sometimes fuzzy or even slimy. Black mold poses a serious risk to our health if inhaled (especially for children and the elderly), and specialized cleaning products and equipment are necessary to halt substantiating growth. 

Mildew - Powdery and lighter in color - usually white or grey. This is a result of fungal growth but can be arrested with common cleaning products from the store and a good scrubbing brush.

Read more on SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County's!

Experiencing mold damage and need mold remediation services? Call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at 508-234-3399.

Does Your Northbridge, MA Property Have Mold?

3/15/2019 (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 Northbridge, MA 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 at (508) 234-3399!

What to Expect - Mold Remediation

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Have you recently experienced water damage, potentially promoting the growth of mold? When you realize that visible mold is in your home or building it may be time to seek the help of a professional. Not all molds that exist in homes are toxic, but it is always safe to hire a certified mold hygienist who can help you determine exactly what kind of mold you are dealing with and how to remedy the moisture and/or mold problem.

There are several steps you need to take before you can get mold remediated. Let SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County walk you through what to expect during a mold inspection.

Find an Industrial Hygienist

The first step is to contact a local, reliable industrial hygienist who can come to your home and do a mold inspection. The hygienist will determine if it is mold, what type and will provide recommendations on how to remediate.

The Hygienist Arrives

When the hygienist arrives at your property they will do a visual inspection, surface sampling, and air sampling in order to determine the source and the type of mold that is present in the building or home. They will check the property and look for any signs of water damage, water intrusion, possible faucet or pipe leaks, and any other signs of moisture. They will also test the temperature and the humidity on the property.

Air samples are collected & sent to the lab

The mold inspector will gather air samples both indoors and outdoors. These air samples are then sent to a specialized lab, where they will produce a report of the findings.

Findings Shared

Typically a mold inspection can last about an hour or so. Your report will be given to you within 2-4 business days. When the hygienist receives the lab report, they will share the results with you and discuss the findings. If mold is determined to be present in the home, you will need to undertake some form of mold remediation.

Your mold remediation will be unique to your circumstance(s), and will largely be determined by the results of the sample tests completed by your mold inspector. These factors include the toxicity of the tested mold, as well as the size of the affected area.

Contact SERVPRO

Once the mold has been tested, send your results to the experts at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. We will work with you and your insurance company if you have filed a claim to schedule an appointment. For a stress free remediation process, give us a call at (508) 234-3399 or visit our site to learn about our mold inspection or other home inspection services.

Auburn, MA: How to Spot Mold in Your Office

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth in commercial buildings is a serious issue. While the cleanup and repair costs can be tremendous, the cost and inconvenience of potentially having to move out of the building for a period of time can be far greater. Even in instances of mold smell, most encounters with mold are after it’s had the opportunity to grow and become visible. However, there are ways you can spot mold growth before it gets out of hand.

A Strange Smell

Although mold can grow in your walls for a while before you see it, there are instances when the mold smell is obvious before the stains show up. For example, if you notice a persistent, rotting or fungus smell in a particular section of your office, then the culprit is likely mold.

Moisture Exposure

If your building was affected by any of the flooding in Massachusetts then it’s likely to experience mold growth. In this case, even before you smell anything, mold may start to gain traction in the affected areas. Similarly, if there’s a leak in an area of your building, then mold can certainly begin to take form.

Light Discoloration

Before your walls turn totally green or black, you may notice some slight darkening initially. This is also a possible sign of possible mold growth that should be investigated further.

In either of these cases, you should not attempt to determine the severity or clean up the mold yourself as it may not be limited to what you see. You should contact a mold cleanup specialist who can properly identify the entirety of the growth. Even if the mold can’t be seen or the mildew smell isn’t present, the specialist can use an infrared thermal camera to detect the presence and level of moisture in your walls. With this information, the specialist can make a proper recommendation for safe cleanup.

Mold smell in commercial buildings should not be taken lightly. Overlooking it or using traditional cleanup measures may lead to bigger problems down the line. It’s best to contact a specialist early on who can complete a thorough assessment and recommend a safe solution. 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at (508) 234-3399!

What is "Black Mold?"

4/12/2018 (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 SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at (508) 234-3399 or visit our Facebook page!

www.facebook.com/SERVPROswc/

Have Mold in Your Auburn, MA Home?

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know? If there is moisture anywhere in your home, you MAY have mold. The invisible spores spread rapidly and before you know it, your walls, ceilings and even furniture could be covered in patches of mold.

If you have leaky pipes or have recently dealt with a water damage, your risk of mold is even higher. Trying to manage it yourself or ignoring the problem could result in damage to your property. The quicker you get rid of it, the less havoc it can wreak on your life.

Fixing Mold Problems

It is important to hire a professional service. At SERVPRO, we clean up the causes of the mold by analyzing the damage and cleaning the affected area thoroughly. Calling us quickly is crucial as mold can spread.

If you suffer from water damage and need cleanup & restoration, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at (508) 234-3399 or visit our Facebook page!

Does Your Commercial Building Have Mold?

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Have you noticed any water damage to your property? Although mold exists naturally everywhere indoors and outdoors, if you have suffered a water damage and leave the area untreated for as long as 48-72 hours, the potential health side effects from the spread of mold can be very dangerous to your health. Here are just a few signs that a mold infestation may be present within your workplace:

  • Musky smells
  • Allergic reactions while in the workplace
  • High humidity levels above 45%
  • Condensation on windows or pipes
  • Poor ventilation
  • Flooding
  • Dust
  • Water leaks
  • Rust

Although these are just a few examples, a good rule of thumb is to never look past any warning sign of mold. Don’t take it upon yourself to try and remediate the situation, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County! We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate the problem to its preloss condition.

For more information, call us at (508) 234-3399 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROsouthernworcestercounty.com/mold-remediation.

Commercial Mold Remediation

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property.

Did you know? Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. If you suspect that your property has a mold damage, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County immediately!

Step 1: Emergency Contact (508) 234-3399

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our franchise Call Center. Our representative(s) will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO of Southern Worcester Franchise Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. To detect whether or not mold is present, various technologies are implemented by our certified professionals.

Step 3: Mold Containment

We use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. Our professional(s) may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of Southern Worcester Franchise Professionals use anti fungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County Franchise Professionals evaluate your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other items to determine if they can be cleaned.

www.facebook.com/SERVPROswc

Mold Control

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

Exposure to mold in school settings where not only children will be vulnerable to the possible health effects, but educators as well is a very common issue nowadays. To ensure that your school and children will be safe, SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County can be your first line of defense to mitigate and make the problem, “Like it never even happened.”

Before any course of action can be done, there are few things to first understand about mold.

First, mold(s) can be found almost anywhere in the environments, both externally and internally. Any substance is susceptible to the growth of mold through both the combination of moisture and oxygen. It is also important to note that it is seemingly impossible to get rid of ALL mold and mold spores in an indoor environment. These spores can begin growth in as little as two days after settling in a dark, damp area inside of a school building.

Since these spores are so microscopic and cannot be seen without some sort of magnification, it is essential that you pay attention to all of the warning signs that mold is growing inside of your building.

One of the most common ways to spot mold is simply by the green-black appearance in an area that seems to just keep getting bigger and bigger. Secondly, there will usually be a damp, musky smell that may make breathing and sitting in the classroom intolerable.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup.”

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we understand that many of the school buildings that exist today are a few decades old and may have some of these ventilation deficiencies. If you suspect mold may growing in one of your districts school’s, please do not hesitate to contact us at (508) 234-3399 or visit our website.