How to look for signs you have mold in your MA home.

9/28/2023 (Permalink)

If your home recently had water damage, and you didn’t have your water damage issue fixed, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. When mold is formed it will not only affect your home but also your health. You may be wondering how you can tell if you have mold on your walls, ceiling, floor, or wood. Here are a few ways you can figure out if you have mold in your home:

1. Smelling a mold odor
2. Condensation
   moisture build-up will be on glass, windows, or pipes.
3. Health symptoms
   some types of mold are toxic and cause more serious symptoms
4. Spotting and fur on walls
5. Old water damage/leakage

When to call for mold removal in MA

If the mold has been discovered in your home, call your local SERVPRO®. At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, you can view our website for mold removal services.

5 things to know about mold

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Here are 5 things you should know about mold: 

1: Eliminating "all" mold

There is actually no way to eliminate all mold in your environment. Mold spores are a natural occurrence and they can not be removed. The only time they are not good is when they're introduced to a moist, dark environment such as a basement or attic, for example. 

2: Sources of moisture 

It's important that you fix all leaks as soon as you spot them to prevent and reduce the possibility of mold growth. 

3: Reduce and monitor indoor humidity

If you keep your indoor humidity at around 30-60% you can decrease the potential of mold growth. 

• Have vents in your bathrooms and exhaust fans in your kitchens
• Use dehumidifiers when necessary 

4: Cleaning up spills and leaks 

Clean up and dry any spills or leaks right away to prevent mold growth. 

5: Carpeting 

If there is an area of your home that's prone to excessive moisture, it's best not to install carpeting there, it can be a host for mold growth. 

I have ceiling mold in my home office | Rehoboth.

1/26/2021 (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.

At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, 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 The Attleboros. (508) 223-0505 and we work along with insurance companies such as Metlife, Farmers, Mass Fair Plan, and many more.

What you should know about mold | Dighton, MA

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Dighton, Massachusetts, do you know??

Mold can be really good around the environment outside of your home, but not really good inside. It can cause damage to your homes structure, as well as health effects to you and your family if not taken care of. 

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency , these are things you should know about mold 

1: Eliminating "all" mold

There is actually no way to eliminate all mold in your environment. Mold spores are a natural occurrence and they can not be removed. The only time they are not good is when they're introduced to a moist, dark environment such as a basement or attic, for example. 

2: Sources of moisture 

It's important that you fix all leaks as soon as you spot them to prevent and reduce the possibility of mold growth. 

3: Reduce and monitor indoor humidity

If you keep your indoor humidity at around 30-60% you can decrease the potential of mold growth. 

• Have vents in your bathrooms and exhaust fans in your kitchens
• Use dehumidifiers when necessary 

4: Cleaning up spills and leaks 

Clean up and dry any spills or leaks right away to prevent mold growth. 

5: Carpeting 

If there is an area of your home that's prone to excessive moisture, it's best not to install carpeting there, it can be a host for mold growth. 

Mold remediation 

When you call SERVPRO of the Attleboros at 508-223-0505 for any mold remediation, you will be dealing with highly trained technicians and the latest equipment and techniques in the business!! 

Mold in your Seekonk air ducts

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Moisture build up in your Attleboro home or business air ducts can eventually cause some problems such as mold and mildew. 

There are a few common causes of water and moisture in air ducts. 

Moisture can be a sign of low duct temperature. 

During the winter months, unused AC ducts in unheated areas can begin to build up moisture. The same thing can happen during the summer months when cold air is passing through a duct in a room that is not air conditioned.    

Preventing Moisture in Air Ducts 

Keep an eye out for any sources of moisture that could cause the problem. Some sources could be a leaking pipe, furnace venting system, bathroom and kitchen cooking vents. 

Ensure that all of these things are free of any leaks! 

A leak in any of these could cause the problem of moisture in the air ducts. And if not addressed quickly, could cause more problems. 

Use a dehumidifier 

You can run a dehumidifier in the room or area where your duct is collecting moisture/water. The dehumidifier will reduce any moisture in the air and help to prevent condensation 

Insulate the ducts 

Insulating the air ducts can prevent them from getting too cool and condensing the air inside. 

Insulating the area

If the ducts collecting moisture are in an attic, adding insulation to the attic can help prevent moisture from forming in the air ducts. 

Seal off vents in the winter/summer

Sealing off A/C ducts in the winter and supply and return vents in the winter can prevent moisture from building up! 

Don't forget to un-seal them when it's time to use them! 

Mold in the air ducts 

If the mold issue is not too overwhelming, you may choose the DIY route to clean it out. 

It is recommended that you contact a professional mold remediation company for the remediation services when mold spreads over 10 sq feet. 

However, if you do decide to go the DIY route, be sure you are cautious. 

Method 1:

1 Tbsp mild soap 

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup water 

Method 2:

1 part bleach 

16 parts water 

Either method you choose, be sure to wear proper protection such as gloves, mask, and eye protection. 

1: Turn off the HVAC unit 

2: Scrub the moldy areas with a brush or rag 

Then use a mold growth inhibitor to prevent mold from coming back. 

This probably sounds a bit time consuming, a lot of work, and may put your health at risk. 

When you call SERVPRO of the Attleboros for mold remediation, we will handle it all:

- Containment

- Air Filtration

- Remediation

- Cleaning

- and Restoration

Let us help you clean up. Give us a call at (508) 223-0505 for all your mold remediation needs!! 

Norton Mass Spring brings along an unwanted visitor

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

While spring brings some things we love like flowers and warmer weather, it can also bring an unwanted visitor....

M O L D

Mold needs just the right humidity, moisture, and temperature levels to form those black or green spots we see... those are called colonies 

Mold can be introduced into your home or business through doors, open windows, even on your clothes. Mold exists everywhere! 

Mold can grow on wood, carpet, clothing, insulation, walls...any type of organic material. If your moisture or mold issue isn't addressed by a professional in a timely manner, it can lead to some costly repairs, poor indoor air quality, and sometimes health effects. 

To avoid mold growth and the effects of it, you can:

- Address any water leaks as soon as you spot them 

- If you see any moisture or condensation building up around windows and on walls, dry the area immediately. 

- When anything is spilled, clean it up right away, mold can form in as little as 48 hours!

- Indoor humidity should be between 30-50%

Humidity and outdoor temperature 

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% 

Do not attempt to remove or clean any mold by yourself. It can disturb the spores and they will go into the air, making it unsafe for you to breathe in. It can make the problem worse if you don't know what you're doing...not that we don't have faith in some DIY projects, some things are just best left to professionals.

We are highly trained in the proper techniques and procedures of mold remediation

How do WE handle mold?

Our technicians are highly trained in the proper techniques for different kinds of mold. We can remediate safely and effectively so you can get back to business as usual! 

Each situation is unique and may have their own challenges, we can handle it all!

If you encounter any mold in your home or business this spring season, give us a call at (508) 223-0505. We'll make it "Like it never even happened."  

Click here to read more about our mold remediation process.

Mold in your Blackstone, MA Business

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can take as little as 48 hours to begin its growth. It thrives on any source of moisture.

Mold can't grow without a source of water or moisture. Sources of water and  moisture can come from leaky roofs, cooking, condensation, flood, spills and more. 

To prevent any mold growth in your Blackstone business:

- Fix any water leaks

- Keep room temperatures warm and well insulated

- Clean wet or damp areas or materials immediately. If you leave them, mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours. 

It is best to hire a professional to hire the mold remediation. If you try to remove or clean the area yourself, it could ultimately result in secondary damage if it's extreme enough. 

If you see, smell, or suspect mold in your Blackstone, Massachusetts business, call SERVPRO of the Attleboros at (508) 223-0505. We're highly trained mold remediation specialists!

Check out last week's Homeowner Tip of the Week

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Mold Damaged Belongings - Assonet

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Don't try to restore yourself, let professionals do it.

Most times when personal belongings are damaged by mold, they will just get thrown away and replaced. At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we believe in “restoring” rather than “replacing”

There are specific techniques for mold cleaning and recovery for:

• Clothing
• Paintings
• Other possessions

Trying to remove mold and its odors from these yourself could cause further damage. Instead, contact a clothing restoration professional for their service.

Restoring paintings:

Professionals will first, determine the type of paint and materials on the surface. Oils, water colors, and acrylics require different treatments for a successful cleaning. Each piece of the painting (canvas, wood, frame) will be treated individually as well

See here for more information from MOMA

Clothing:

Fabrics are like a breeding ground for mold to spread. One reason is because fabric absorbs moisture. Mold remediation professionals use multiple techniques to save your clothing. These can include: dry cleaning, or special detergents. If you have a very sentimental piece of clothing, such as a wedding dress or tuxedo, that has been damaged by mold, contact a professional such as http://thedrycleanerbyval.com/services/

Contact us at (508) 223-0505 when you see any signs of mold in your home. We will assess the damage, contain the mold, remove, clean, and restore. We’re here 24 hours 7 days a week so give us a call ASAP! See our website for more mold remediation information.

Mold Remediation Products & Their Uses for Your Attleboro Business

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Mold remediation cleaning products.

An North Attleboro resident or business-owner might ask,

1. What exactly does SERVPRO of the Attleboros USE for mold remediation?
2. How do we get arrest mold growth in your home or commercial building?
3. Why are SERVPRO of The Attleboros Mold Remediation services better than the competition?

Key Mold Cleaning Products:

CONCROBIUM® MOLD CONTROL

This odorless, EPA-registered product is cool because once applied to the affected area, it acts as a shield to encapsulate and destroy the mold spores. This anti-microbial barrier protects surrounding unaffected areas and effectively arrests mold growth in your business. This can be used for mold remediation, odors, pre-treatment of lumber. This product covers 1400 square feet and is eco-friendly and not hazardous.

Shelf-Life = 2 years

SPORICIDIN® ENZYME MOLD STAIN CLEANER

This product is not a disinfectant and it’s purpose is for pre-treatment before the actual disinfection process. Sporicidin ingredients consist of various enzymes: protease, amylase, and lipase. Protease is an enzyme which breaks down protein, Amylase breaks down starch. Sporicidin also includes surfactants, which remove oils and chemicals.

Similar to how pancreatic enzymes breaks down our food during digestion, these chemicals break down the bacteria and dirt for easier removal. Makes blood and other dried organic matter easier to re-mediate. This product works well with smoke, sewage residue, blood/bodily fluid stains, pet stains and odors, and some chemical residues. This is a safe yet powerful combination which easily treats areas without repeated scrubbing.

The best part is that this is environmentally friendly and not hazardous for the people in your home or employees of your North Attleboro small business. Sporicidin is part of EPA’s Safer Choice environmentally friendly cleaning products program.

CONCROBIUM® MOLD STAIN REMOVER

This product has a shelf life of 2 years and its primary is to remove 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.

SPORICIDIN® MRC - 80 (CLEAR)

This odorless product acts as a microbial coat to prevent future mold growth in your home or business. This protective shield will penetrate even porous materials like wood and protect them from future damage. Mold literally cannot grow on this shield. This will keep your property safe from fungal, microbial, and bacterial growth In your walls, ceilings, and floors. It adheres to any surface of your home. 

Shelf-Life = 3 years and covers 1,000 feet in area per gallon

If you have any questions on our mold remediation services, or you spot mold growth, please give SERVPRO of The Attleboros a call at 508-223-0505. 

Mold & Mildew in Your Attleboro Home

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth can occur anywhere in your home that is unclean, warm, and moist.

In addition to water and fire mitigation for your residence or commercial property, we also mitigate microbial growth in your North Attleboro property. Mold growth can substantiate after any-size water damage, so it is important to be on the lookout for signs of mold after moisture is present in your home or business. 

Basically, mildew is a type of mold. Mildew is a surface mold that won't damage the structure of the property, whereas other types cause the surface to decay. Black mold is hazardous to health and must be removed when found so that it does not grow through the whole business, endangering customers and putting your business at risk. Summer is a busy time for Attleboro residents, and it's humid and hot. Don't let mold growth stifle you. Call SERVPRO of The Attleboros any time and any day 508-223-0505. 

For more information, visit the Family Handyman. https://www.familyhandyman.com/cleaning/mold-and-mildew/how-to-remove-mold/

Summer's Coming (and So Is Mold)!

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Image made with Canva Photo Editor

After rain and storms, your residence or commercial property can get flooded and as a result, mold can become a huge issue due to its quick spreading and its love for wet, moist environments.

SERVPRO of The Attleboros is a leader in mold remediation. We understand what exactly mold is and both the effective and ineffective ways of treating it. 

Key Facts:

• The longer you wait to call a professional, the worse the damage will be
• Water is highly absorbent, even in places you might not normally think of - like wooden floors or ceilings - be aware that mold can grow in those places
• Mold spores are microscopic, so they're not visible to the naked eye
• Black mold is especially toxic and harmful to health
• Mold produces a pungent odor especially in highly concentrated areas
• It only takes 48-72 hours for mold to grow significantly
• We abide by the standards and regulations of The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
• Mold remediation and mold removal are not synonymous - it is impossible to remove all mold because mold exists everywhere - however we'll make your residence/commercial property safe and habitable

Call SERVPRO of The Attleboros 24/7 at 508-223-0505 for Applied Microbial Remediation or other water damage and mold remediation services. Our team of technicians are trained in restoration where mold is present.

For more information, check out our  informative Mold Remediation page on our official website.

Spring Tips

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

As the snow finally melts in Massachusetts, homeowners everywhere are dealing with more leaks, flooding and related problems in their home(s). With water damage, mold can follow. Fortunately, you can prevent the spread of mold this spring. These five simple and practical tips from SERVPRO of The Attleboros will help you control moisture, properly ventilate your home, thoroughly clean, and ultimately, prevent mold from growing inside of your home. 

Reposition Your Downspouts

Make sure your downspouts are positioned away from your home. This will ensure water drains away from the house preventing debris, soil, and stone buildup. Repositioning the downspouts will help ensure the interior of your home remains nice and dry and, as a result, free of fungal growth. 

Use a Dehumidifier 

Many homes have a closed-loop ventilation system, which essentially recirculates the same air indoors. To purify the air and prevent indoor air contaminants from collecting, consider using a dehumidifier. Your basement, for example, is a great place to install a dehumidifier, because basements are generally damp. The dehumidifier will help keep the relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent hereby preventing black mold growth.

Check Your Attic 

Inspect your crawl space, your attic or any room you tend to overlook or think little about. Because you do not spend a great deal of time in these rooms, you will neither consider nor suspect mold growth. The longer mold grows, the greater its damage. Not only will the cost to remediate the problem increase, but your health may worsen because of ongoing mold exposure. So, it is crucial you detect mold in its earliest stages. Inspecting the rooms you do not usually will help you do just that. 

Repair All Leaks 

If the wintry weather has damaged your home's foundation or roofing, leaving cracks of any size, water can easily enter. When you have moisture, the right temperature, and a food source (think drywall), mold can grow within just 24 to 48 hours. Act fast and fix leaking pipes, deteriorating window sills and frames, and even a cracked chimney or foundation. Inspect areas of your home where there's more plumbing and potential for leaks: in the basement and underneath the bathroom and kitchen sinks. Unfortunately, you cannot always see a leaking pipe. In many cases, it's either behind a wall or underneath a floorboard. For assurance and peace of mind, consider calling SERVPRO of The Attleboros for a professional assessment. 

Frequently Clean

Spring is the perfect time to clean your carpets; furniture; kitchen crevices; bathroom grout; and all of the dark, damp corners of your home. Cleaning each of these will help you keep tabs on problem areas. You are more likely to locate water damage and prevent mold if you are cleaning on a regular basis.

Always control moisture, keep sufficient airflow and clean your home often. If you see signs of mold following your spring cleaning, contact SERVPRO of The Attleboros to professionally clean, dry and disinfect the area. Mold in your home due to winter conditions is an unfortunate situation, but SERVPRO of The Attleboros will happily clean up any damage and make it look, "Like it never even happened." 

For additional tips, use this checklist to get your home spring-ready.

Mold Safety Tips

1/23/2019 (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 of The Attleboros 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 The Attleboros 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 at (508) 223-0505!

Mold Remediation in Somerset, MA

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

Should mold be found within a facility, mold mitigation and remediation can help eliminate a potentially dangerous situation. 

SERVPRO of The Attleboros will arrive on-site alert for any visible signs of mold. Following industry standards for mold remediation, we will work to remove visible mold and reduce the potential for future growth. 

Specific tasks to include: 

• Work planning with industrial hygienist to develop cost-effective removal protocol. 
• Containment - to eliminate the potential for cross-contamination. 
• Air Flow Management - to eliminate the potential for cross-contamination and to provide data that will support the effectiveness of containment (through continuous pressure-differential monitoring). 
• Selective Demolition - to remove impacted building materials. 
• Detailed Cleaning - to remove contamination through HEPA vacuuming, scrubbing, and appropriate cleaning. 
• Ice or Soda Blasting - to provide thorough and economical cleaning of building materials when there are large areas impacted. 
• HVAC Cleaning - to remove contamination from these systems. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a SERVPRO of the Attleboros representative, please call us at (508) 223-0505 or visit our website. 

Facebook

Twitter

Mold Problem?

7/17/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
• Mold spores are microscopic and float around 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 at (508) 223-0505!

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Who in Seekonk, Massachusetts Wants to Learn About Mold?

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

To most people who are not scientists, mold is simply a dark and nasty, black substance that seems to come out of thin air and makes your bathroom nearly impossible to clean. Generally, mold does not seem like a very interesting topic or even a welcoming subject to study. However, the art of mold cleaning may require a little testing to see just what you are up against. A certified industrial hygienist actually takes an interest in mold and is dealt with the job of determining just what kind it is. If you have any concerns or questions about a mold "invasion," you can contact a mold remediation specialist!

"Mold Removal" vs. "Mold Remediation"

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, removing all mold from a home or business area is simply not possible. Did you know? Some restoration businesses advertise complete“mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a lie.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Signs of Mold?

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 and have the potential to cause other health effects.
• 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

For more information, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (508) 223-0505!

Common Mold Issues

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Any home or commercial business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.  

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

SERVPRO of The Attleboros:

• 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry 

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
• 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.

Common Mold Misconceptions

With sensational news stories and misleading advertising, you can easily understand why so many people are misinformed about indoor mold. Learn the facts about mold and the mold remediation process.