Mold Testing Vs Visual Inspection

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

When you are inquiring about mold related services SERVPRO of Chambersburg will take time to ask the correct questions about your concerns and provide recommendations.

Option 1: At SERVPRO of Chambersburg we provide visual mold inspection and estimate based on our training and experience. This can be a limited inspection without completed a pre and post air testing evaluation by and independent indoor environmental hygienist. We will need to visit the home for approximately a 1-hour estimate to thoroughly investigate those areas of concerns. The technicians will ask question about the home’s history including past water damages no matter how small. They collect photos of the areas while also taking measurements of the space to bring that information back to the office to write a detail and itemized estimate. Usually, the estimate is provided by email for the customer review in about 72 hours from the inspection. There may be a fee for this inspection/estimate.

Option 2: As mentioned above the most detailed way to identify all the areas in the home needing remediation for mold is by hiring an independent indoor environmental hygienist for testing. This company doing the testing should not be also preforming the remediation of the mold to be ethical correct as the testing can be manipulated to have a financial gain for the interested party. This testing can identify what the eye cannot see and will help the SERVPRO technicians capture all the areas in the home needing remediation during the onsite inspection. An additional benefit to testing can also validate the cost needed for remediation. SERVPRO of Chambersburg can provide a reference for a local air quality test.

The other importance prior to starting the work of a mold remediation ensuring the source of the moisture has been corrected. Failure to fix the source can cause the mold to regrow or the remediation not be effective.

Why You Should NEVER Use Bleach On Mold

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold that was left untreated for a long period of time.

Majority of homeowner think they should clean up mold with bleach. Cleaning the are with bleach is the worst thing to do in regards to mold clean up. Bleach is mostly made up of water, and water encourages mold growth. After applying bleach to mold it may look like the area is now clean and the mold is gone but the bleach is only taking away the color of the mold. Bleach only removes the appearance of mold. Bleach is for any material that is hard or a non-porous surface, however mold grows on porous materials as well such as drywall, wood, soft goods, furniture and carpet. When bleach is applied to the affected areas the bleach is easily absorbed into the porous materials which in other words is just creating a breeding site for the mold. This results with microbial growth to increase rapidly. If you believe there is mold growing in your home please reach out to us and we can give you tips on how properly take care of it we can also come out to your home for an inspection and put together and estimate to take care of the mold.  Call us at 717-261-0310.

Home Inspection Found Mold, Now what?

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

This unoccupied home with a water leak developed mold in a closet.

Most home buyers are getting a home inspection when purchasing a home today. The home inspection is a very detailed process where normally the home inspector is onsite for several hours looking everything over from the roof to the basement. The reports can be 10-60 pages long and normally includes photos and areas of concern or recommended areas needing improvements. When the home inspector suspects mold, they will normally mention something along the lines of “have inspected by a professional mold company.”

When those statements come up on the property’s report, call SERVPRO of Chambersburg to understand the options in the beginning of the estimate and remediation process. Each bank will also have their requirements of how the problem needs to be corrected based on the loan. Some will require another inspection to ensure the work has been done or some will need proof of services.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg highly recommends having air testing done prior and after a remediation. Some restoration companies will understand the seller is under pressure to have the services for the success of their sale and escalate the cost of remediation without proof. This is how the air test by a third party can ensure remediation is only being performed in the areas needed.

Don’t let the word mold on a home inspection report scare you away, SERVPRO of Chambersburg is experienced in delivering exceptional results for a reasonable price.

Black Mold, Green Mold , Musty Smell.. What's that mean?

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Some of the devices used during a remediation.

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. To establish a baseline testing will need to be performed in the areas of concern.  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.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. Learn more about our mold remediation process.

1. Emergency Contact - (717) 261-0310
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

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.

Mold prevention tips for your chambersburg home.

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in the corner of a laundry room.

It can be extremely costly and hazardous to your health, if it’s growing in your home. We want to share some information with you on how to prevent mold growth in your home. Mold can grow anywhere, with that being said there is no way to completely remove mold. Once mold spores have been disturbed, they travel through the air contaminating other areas.  Do not worry, we are here to help should you discover a mold problem. We have a mold specialist on staff to address your mold issues and determine a remediation plan that works the best for you. Here are some tips to help prevent mold in your home:

1. Identify and fix any problem areas in your home. You can’t mold proof your home, you can make it resistant though.  Anywhere moisture is present, mold can grow. If you notice any condensation, water staining on your walls or ceilings, or leaky pipes you need to get it fixed as fast as possible. Sometimes there is moisture or water in areas that you are unaware of, mold can spread very quickly in these conditions.
2. Dry any wet areas immediately. If your carpet is wet, make sure your carpet is thoroughly dried. Mold can develop quickly on your carpet and padding and will need to be removed if this happens.
3. Prevent as much moisture as possible by using proper ventilation. Your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room are high moisture areas. Make sure to vent your appliances that can cause moisture. Use dehumidifiers as needed.
4. Equip your home with mold resistant products. There are now drywall and paint products that are manufactured with mold inhibitors.
5. Inspect your gutters. Clean them out regularly and repair them if need be.
6. “Bleaching” mold is not an effective way to get rid of mold, it does just that “bleaches” it. To effectively get rid of mold and mold growth you must use an antimicrobial.
7. Having a vapor barrier in your crawl space will prevent moisture and keep mold growth to a slight minimum. If a little mold growth does occur the vapor barrier will also protect your family from the harmful fumes that come from mold.

Need to know about mold

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Mold behind paneling in basement.

-Mold has existed since ancient times.

-The human species has always lived in the presence of mold.

-There are over 100,000+ species of mold identified. The unique flavor of bleu cheese is produced by mold.

-We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives. Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles.

-Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful to health.

-While the types and concentrations of fungi existing in the environment vary from one geographic region to another, the most common types are as follows: Aspergillus (most common), alternaria, bipolaris, Chaetomium, fusarium, penicillin, and paecilomyes.

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

• Water, moisture or high humidity
• Food (any organic substance)
• The right temperature (generally 68*F-86*F, but some can grow in 30*F or colder)
• Lack of ventilation
• Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immune-suppressed people.
• Some molds can produce toxins if the environment conditions are right.

Oh no, I have mold now what?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Be informed about mold remediation.

If you suspect you may have mold in your home or you are certain that you have mold in an area that is larger than ten square feet, you should absolutely be seeking a professional hygienist to perform mold testing. Many of our initial conversations with clients consist of explaining the mold remediation process and guiding them towards taking the correct actions. In this article, we will explain what it means to have mold testing done in your home, why it is important, and what you can do to get the process going correctly.

Does SERVPRO Test for Mold?

Most of our callers assume that testing for mold and removing it are the same service.

We place this process of having an independent testing company is in the best ethical interest for businesses and homeowners. The separate processes ensures that you, as the homeowner, are safe from conducting business with any company that may wish to perform testing on your property, inflate estimates for remediation, and overcharge you for services performed.

If SERVPRO Can’t Test, Who Can?

The decision of who to call to schedule mold testing services is entirely up to you unless your insurance company specifies otherwise. While SERVPRO of Chambersburg does not provide this service, we understand how confusing the search for a trustworthy mold inspection company can be, which is why we provide our callers with recommendations for mold testers that have proven to be efficient and thorough.

What Should I Expect from The Mold Tester’s I Choose?

Multiple Tests

Solid mold testing companies in Chambersburg and the surrounding areas will perform more than one test in your home. Taking surface samples from your home can determine the type of mold you are dealing with, however, doing this type of testing alone is insufficient in determining the extent to which your home is affected or the actions that must be completed to successfully remediate and ensure the problem is gone.

Air quality samples should also be taken from multiple areas throughout your home. Mold is a living organism that releases spores that become airborne and can travel throughout hour home and ventilation, affecting other areas as well. Air quality tests will determine how much of your home is affected and to what extent.

Comprehensive Reports and Protocols

A professional mold assessor will provide you with the full details of your testing results and their findings. You should expect a report that contains a variety of information such as the type of mold species that was found, how many areas are affected, and which areas contain the highest concentration of spores.

Will SERVPRO Remediate Without Testing?

SERVPRO of Chambersburg will remediate without testing but a waiver will be signed acknowledging the limitation of the services that can not be identify without testing.

How to Get Mold Testing Started

Once again, finding your own mold testing company is your choice. Be sure to do as much research into the company you choose as possible and remember the key points made in this article. If you need assistance, direction, or recommendations for trustworthy mold inspection companies, call our office at (717)-261-0310 and we will be more than happy to assist you!

Benifts of Mold Testing and who to choose!

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold on drywall, behind paneling.

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling may be unnecessary. However at SERVPRO of Chambersburg we find it important to do the mold testing before and after the remediation process by an independent company. 

Why have testing? You want to identify what types of mold is present, the spore count and accurately determine what areas need testing. Determining the areas of the home needing testing is important as though the mold can be visible in the basement level of the property you want to insure it's not air bore in the main level so when the remediation process is complete no areas are left unaddressed. 

After the remediation has been complete how do you know if it's safe? Testing after the remediation is recommended. 

If a testing result is positive after a remediation, what does that mean? Various different kinds of mold can be more difficult to remove and though the remediation company completed plan a but turn out it was no invasive enough to attach the mold and maybe additional steps may need completed for a successful remediation.

Why have an independent company test? Testing can be manipulated for the benefit of the remediation company. Test may be conducted longer or short there that typical environment to give the ideal results. Testing should always be completed by a company who does not have a financial benefit on the results such as a remediation company. 

Call into SERVPRO of Chambersburg to give an individually recommendation of plan of action and the contact information to the independent testing company in the area. 

Is your homes at risk for mold in Chambersburg?

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

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

If you suspect mold, call us today at 717-261-0310

What to Do:

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

Got Mold?

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Caused after a Sewage Damage.

A lot of home or business owners will encounter mold growth in their property at some point. Mold is in our natural environment. The problem lies when the mold growth reaches an unsafe level. There are some things a home or business owner can do to prevent mold growth.

One way to prevent growth would be dehumidification. Removing moisture from the structure is key to preventing mold growth. There are different options available for dehumidifier systems. There is a system that can be hooked into a central climate control system. There are also dehumidifiers that can be bought and placed in areas where humidity and moisture is an issue. Dehumidifiers come with 2 options. One dehumidifier has a holding tank that needs to be emptied when it becomes full. The second kind has a drain hose that can be placed directly into an available drain. It is important to know the square footage of the space you are using the dehumidifier in and be sure the dehumidifier you are using is large enough to successfully remove moisture from that area.

A second way is controlling the climate in the home or business. Turning off an air conditioning unit can cause a spike in humidity levels in the structure. If the levels reach a high enough level they can assist in the growth of mold.

A third way in preventing mold growth is to ensure proper insulation is used in the structure. A simple vapor barrier can assist in stopping a condensation problem from becoming a mold growth issue.

Four, ensure there is no standing water within the property. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold to grow. Standing water can be present from things like a foundation leak or a empty property that has sustained a water intrusion.

A fifth way to prevent mold from developing is to be aware of the design of your property. It is important to be sure roofs are sealed, windows do not have any leaks, proper insulation is used, etc…

Lastly, it is very important to maintain your property. Check each area of the property on a regular basis, especially areas that are not seen daily, weekly, etc… Some examples of areas not seen often are empty properties, basements, crawl spaces, attics, closets, etc…

Mold can continue to grow in the right circumstances and can cause major damage to a structure. If mold growth gets severe enough it can affect the structural integrity of the home or business. Mold has also been linked with certain health issues. Therefore it is important to do what is possible to prevent its growth.

Mold Prevention that Work

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Sewage Damage sat for days causing Mold

Although there are a variety of challenges that residential and commercial property owners can experience, the presence of mold is particularly problematic. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that mold can cause health problems and decrease the structural integrity of one’s property. There are ways to prevent the growth of mold, but your best course of action is hiring a professional mold remediation company. Try implementing some or all of the following six mold prevention tips:

1. Invest In A Dehumidification System.

One of the best ways to prevent the growth and proliferation of mold is to invest in an air conditioner that features a dehumidification system. These systems are effective in removing moisture from your property. Once the moisture is removed, the mold is deprived of one of the vital nutrients that help it grow.

2. Be Cautious When Turning The AC Off.

Make sure that you are cautious when you turn off your air conditioner. In climates that are humid, a long-standing period of inactivity can enable humidity levels to become dangerously high. If the humidity level becomes extremely high, it creates the moist environment necessary for mold to grow and thrive.

3. Use Insulation.

Another strategy you can use to prevent mold is the use of insulation. By installing insulation as well as vapor barriers, you can prevent condensation from accumulating on objects like plumbing fixtures, beams, and water pipes.

4. Avoid Standing Water.

Stagnant water can become a breeding area for mold. Since this is the case, make sure that you keep your tubs, showers, sinks and all other wet regions of your property free of standing water.

5. Review Your Applications.

Another strategy for mold prevention is application review. Make sure that all of your construction, design, and architectural applications are effective in preventing water from coming in contact with the interior of your property and goods. Specific regions of concern include poorly designed balconies, pitched roofs, improperly installed flashing, doors, windows, thin stucco, and vapor barriers.

6. Maintain Structure Regularly.

One final way to help prevent mold growth is to ensure that the integrity of your building envelope is maintained. You can achieve this objective by investing in regular roof flashing, caulking, sealing, and inspections of the exterior.

Conclusion

Mold can be a severe problem for residential and commercial property owners to handle. However, using the prevention tips and tricks outlined above can help you keep your property mold-free. In the event that mold growth does transpire, call a professional restoration company. They have extensive experience in the mold remediation field and can assist with your mold restoration needs.

Prevent Mold in your bathroom with these tips

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Ahhhh a hot, steamy shower feels good to achy muscles, washing away your cares for a while. And while you’re relaxing and opening your pores in your skin the humidity level in your bathroom is rising, which can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew.

Preventing Mold with a Bathroom Exhaust Fan.
Many people think that the exhaust fan in the bath room is there to remove away unpleasant odors. While they can help with that, these fans actually serve a much larger purpose. Bathroom exhaust fans draw the moisture-laden air that fills the room after a steamy shower or hot bath out of the bath room, bringing the room’s humidity down to a healthier level. This is a vital step in preventing mold growth and averting mold damage.

Your bathroom is an ideal location for mold because it thrives in a humid environment. One way to ensure that if comes on each time you enter the bath is to have an electrician hard wire the fan to the light switch. But for more efficient way of controlling humidity invest in a humidity sensor.

Most people turn the fan on when they enter their bathroom to shower and turn it off when they leave. Unfortunately, this does not always give the exhaust fan enough time to evacuate the steam and humidity. Ideally, the fan needs to run until the moisture level in the bathroom is back to normal. You could just leave the fan running and come back later to turn it off, but you run the risk of forgetting it. This wastes energy and can shorten the lifespan of the exhaust fan. Instead, consider installing a humidity sensor. The sensor will automatically cut the fan off when the correct humidity level is restored. It is an easy way to prevent mold damage.

Dealing With Mold
If you find that you have a mold issue in your bathroom, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Disturbing the mold may facilitate its spread and contaminate other areas of your home or business that can be prevented. Spreading and cross contaminating your home or business could end up costing more money in the long run. Instead, turn to the professionals at SERVPRO of Chambersburg. Our technicians have the training, specialized equipment, and protective gear to address mold damage. They can inspect the area, identify the source of moisture, contain the mold, remove it, properly cleanse your belongings and restore your home or business to a healthy environment.

Mold Myths & Facts by SERVPRO of Chambersburg

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Mold on Ceiling tiles in Basement in Waynesboro PA

At SERVPRO of Chambersburg we currently get a lot of calls regarding mold in property’s. Most of the time it’s in an un-used part of the home like a basement or attic.

Some customers try to handle the project themselves and find that the mold comes back a few weeks later. Here are some myths & facts about mold and the dangers. Although if you think you have mold, you should contact SERVPRO of Chambersburg to discuss the plans of actions.

MYTH NO. 1 BLEACH KILLS MOLD?

Liquid bleach is a solution of chlorine in water, usually 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, thus 94 percent water. Smearing bleach on mold may appear to kill it, but the effect is superficial and very temporary. Once the chlorine is gone - and it evaporates rapidly - what's left is all that water, feeding the mold.

There are many chemicals that kill mold. They're called biocides. That means they kill life. (Bio = life + cide = kill.)

MYTH No. 2   'Toxic' Mold is the only dangerous type of mold.

"Toxic" mold or "black" mold is often touted by the hucksters in the mold industry as being the one that makes people sick, the one you must eliminate. This is pure scare tactic. 

Yes, there are some strains of mold that seem to be more toxic than others. But there is no such thing as good mold, or even tolerable mold, unless you like stinky cheese. Mold in your home is a problem, because it signifies a moisture problem. Moisture inside your home enables mold growth, and it can also lead to rot, threatening the structure itself.

On top of that, any mold problem that's allowed to continue often will pave the way for the dreaded "black mold." The most infamous "black mold," stachybotrys chartarum, is what's known as a tertiary mold. It's very slow to develop and usually follows earlier mold growths, actually feeding off the previous mold colony.

MYTH No. 3, Homeowners can property remediate mold themselves?

Homeowners are not trained or knowledgeable about mold enough to properly remediate the damages, most times homeowners cause more damage when they don’t hire a professional. Most of the errors are in the contamination process. Not using vapor barriers or the proper equipment to clean the air during removal stages. When it’s not properly sectioned off, they can cross contaminate mold threw other area of the home that previously did not have mold spores.

Fact No. 1 :  Mold is everywhere and mold problems exist indoors in every climate.

Mold is, literally, everywhere on the planet, in every climate. A house in the Mojave Desert can have a mold problem as easily as one in Florida or New Orleans. 

Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, food, and the right temperature. Moisture can collect in walls, attics and crawl spaces in the driest of climates with a little help, such as a roof or siding leak, plumbing flaw, and pressure differentials created by air conditioning, or even a poorly vented bathroom.

Food for mold is pretty much everything we build with and everything we own. Mold loves household dust... even in the kitchen sink. And the warmth mold needs is the same temperature range humans prefer.

Bottom line: Every home has mold but not every home has a mold problem. If you think you might have a mold problem, don't ignore it. Get help.

Fact No. 2 Home inspectors don't know mold.
 
Home inspectors - the ones who check out a house prior to sale - are generally ignorant about mold. Many inspectors will see mold and ignore it because there's no rot or obvious moisture. Others may not see it at all.

If you think you have mold in your property, call a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Chambersburg. 

The Correct Way to Handle Chambersburg Mold Damage

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in a Kitchen Cabinet

The Correct Way to Handle Chambersburg Mold Damage

In Chambersburg, mold damage is a common problem. It affects all kinds of homes and businesses. It is not something to be scared of because it happens to almost everybody, at some time in their lives. However, it does need to be treated with caution. Mold damage, though common, can be both expensive and can cause health effects. 

This is why the only effective solution for dealing with chronic mold damage in Chambersburg is to call in the experts. Qualified mold damage restoration teams have the necessary skills and expertise to make sure that all of the damaged areas of a property are safely removed. If you do not seek professional advice, you risk the problem becoming a recurring one. 

This guide to the importance of professional mold damage restoration will help you get to grips with the best possible solution. 

Fix the Source of the Issue 

While homeowners can go some way to removing the superficial signs of mold damage in Chambersburg (the visible marks and blemishes), it is much more difficult to pinpoint the cause. And this is vital if the problem is to be eradicated for good. Mold damage restoration experts are trained to look for patterns and uncover the source of the destruction. More often than not, the mold is being caused by an unidentified leak within the building or humidity issues.  

Recognize the Type of Mold 

It is a common misunderstanding to assume that all mold is the same. In fact, there are more than 10,000 different varieties. As they all require a slightly different approach, identification is key to tackling mold damage in Chambersburg. Nobody expects you to be able to distinguish between the characteristics of a thousand mold samples, so take the job to somebody is specially trained for it. 

Use the Right Equipment 

Another important benefit of using a professional mold damage restoration service is access to specialist equipment. You might have a basic dehumidifier in your home or workplace, but this won’t be strong enough to tackle a serious problem. You need heavy duty dryers, blowers, and EPA approved chemicals. If there is evidence of high level mold in the building – which causes negative health effects – protective clothing is needed to ensure safety. 

Are you helping Mold Grow in your home?

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Inspect your windows for Mold if you typically have condensation.

What is HEPA and why is it important?

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

HEPA Vacuum

You have probably heard the term HEPA in commercials for vacuums, but what does it mean?  The definition of HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air.

What that means is that air that is passed through a HEPA filter will have 99.7% of particles in the air that are .3 microns or larger.    To help put that in perspective the diameter of a human hair is between 50 and 75 microns.  So as you can see a HEPA filter is capable of removing very small, invisible to the naked eye, particles from the air. Those particles could include but are not limited to dust, pollen, mold spores, soot or ash.

HEPA Vacuums

 HEPA Vacumms are used in applications where critical HEPA filtration is required such as asbestos, lead or mold mitigation and cleanup.

Air Scrubber 

Air scrubbers are disigned for restoration, abatement, and remediation. Used for cleaning and controlling air quailty and creating nagative pressure in a work area. 

How it works: air enters the unit and passes through three- stage filtration captureing smoke, fumes, mold spores, dust and particulates. Cleans air is returned to the enviorment. When large areas are to be cleaned, multiple units can be strategically placed for optium cleaning. 

Using a HEPA filtered air scrubber or vacuum can help remove these small particles from the air leaving the air we breathe cleaner and remove odors.

SERVPRO of Chambersburg 717-261-0310

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Mold accumulation on basement ceiling tiles.

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:

What Not to Do:

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Chambersburg 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 SERVPRO OF CHAMBERSBURG Today – (717-261-0310)

Chambersburg Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

4/6/2016 (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 Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg  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 – SERVPRO of Chambersburg 

Prevent Bathroom Mold by Making Sense of Humidity

2/2/2016 (Permalink)

A hot, steamy shower soothes achy muscles, washes away grime and just plain feels delightful. It also raises the humidity level in your bathroom, which can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew.

Preventing Mold With a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Many people mistakenly believe that the exhaust fan in the lavatory is there to whisk away unpleasant odors. While they can help with that, these fans actually serve a much larger purpose. Bathroom exhaust fans draw the moisture-laden air that fills the room after a steamy shower or hot bath out of the lavatory, bringing the room’s humidity down to a healthier level. This is a vital step in preventingmold growth and averting mold damage.

Why a Humidity Sensor Can Help
Is your exhaust fan up to the challenge? The answer may depend on how you use it. Most people turn the fan on when they enter their bathroom to shower and turn it off when they leave. Unfortunately, this does not always give the exhaust fan enough time to evacuate the steam and humidity. Ideally, the fan needs to run until it the moisture level in the bathroom is back to normal. You could just leave the fan running and come back later to turn it off, but you run the risk of forgetting it. This wastes energy and can shorten the lifespan of the exhaust fan. Instead, consider installing a humidity sensor. The sensor will automatically cut the fan off when the correct humidity level is restored. It is an easy way to preventmold damage.

Dealing With Mold
If you find that you have a mold issue in your bathroom, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Disturbing the mold may facilitate its spread. Instead, turn to the experts. Technicians have the training, specialized equipment, and protective gear to address mold damage. They can inspect the area, identify the source of moisture, contain the mold, remove it, properly cleanse your belongings and restore a healthy environment.

Increase in Mold in area

10/9/2015 (Permalink)

Mold in a crawl space

SERVPRO of Chambersburg has been receiving a large amount of calls in regards to mold. The cause of most homeowners mold is a water damage that was not professioal dryout out. SERVPRO professionals have specialized training and tools to insure the home is properly dry after a water damage. 

Homeowners can reduce there risk of having a mold problem by having a professional remediation company like, SERVPRO perform the services. 

Unoccupied Home With Mold

3/23/2015 (Permalink)

Large growth of mold in basement

This home in Chambersburg PA was effected by a large growth of mold. The home was unoccupied for several months and without a controlled climate causing moisture to build up and cause mold growth in the lower level of the home as shown in the photos. 

SERVPRO of Chambersburg hired an indoor environmental specialist to conduct air quality sample in all areas of the home. The result were positive for mold in the basement and the main level. 

SERVPRO was able to complete the mold remediation and had the air quailty re-tested and the results were negitive. 

An unnoticed water loss turn into a Mold Remediation

4/30/2013 (Permalink)

The unnoticed water loss caused mold to grow in all areas of the basement

While a homeowner was away on a business trip their hot water heater broke. When SERVPRO of Chambersburg arrived on site there were several inches of water on the whole level of the basement. It was estimated that the water heated broke three weeks prior to the arrival of SERVPRO. The unnoticed water loss caused mold to grow in all areas of the basement. SERVPRO of Chambersburg completed the mitigation and repairs for the homeowner.