Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Is it Mildew or is it Mold?

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo we get numerous calls a week on people thinking they have mold. We always ask has there been a leak in the home?

We try to educate our customer. To have mold, you have to have moisture. If you have had a leak in the home or office in Vicksburg, and haven't had it fixed, you may have mold. 

SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can actually come into your home and do remediation on any wet material that you may have. What you need to remember is that mold is everywhere in the environment. We at SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo can help you eliminate any mold you may have in your home or commercial building. 

The crews at SERVPRO of Vicksburg have years of experience in microbial activity and we are here to help. Give us a call at 601-634-0909.

Prevent mold in Closet Areas

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

In many older homes your closet could be affected by moisture and a smelly odor. It is very important you deal with moisture issues in a closet to prevent microbial growth and mildew. Here are a few tips on how you could prevent this issue from happening.

  • Always let any damp material to dry completely before putting them away.
  • Make sure clothes or any other items stored away are cleaned because soiled items can be the breeding ground for microbial growth. 
  • Try not to pack your closets to tight with items so you can allow air flow. 
  • Store shoe boxes on wire shelves instead of the floor so you do not trap moisture under the boxes.

Hopefully these few tips can help you prevent microbial growth, if you have any questions or concerns contact SERVPRO Of Vicksburg 601-634-0909. 

Tips to Prevent Mold Growth

11/11/2018 (Permalink)

NO home or business owner likes to see Mold growth in their building or residence. There are several ways to prevent mold growth in your home or business. Here are some tips to help you:

  1. Control your indoor climate
  2. Keep a eye out for standing water
  3. Do not leave wet clothing around for more then two days.
  4. If the moisture becomes to much in your home, add a dehumidifier. 
  5. Check for drainage problems around the home.
  6. Eliminate clutter in and outside of the home.
  7. Properly size your air conditioner unit to the size of your home.
  8. An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of the moisture in your home.
  9. Always check your air conditioning unit before turning it on for the season.
  10. Call a professional if you believe you may have any mold problem.

If you suspect you have mold growth in your home or business call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909and let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Does Your Warren County home have Mold??

10/1/2018 (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 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 you think 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. Call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909

What is secondary damage after a water damage??

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo strives to prevent secondary damage every time we complete a water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home PLEASE call SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909. 

What causes Microbial Growth??

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Why does mold grow?

 Any discussion about mold cleanup should start with understanding why mold begins to grow in the first place. Customers with a mold damage problem are always surprised to learn that toxic mold spores are present not just in their home, but every home, and in fact almost every environment. It’s a naturally occurring element and in low levels is completely safe to humans and pets and your home in general. So when does it become a problem? When too much moisture is introduced in the organic surfaces mold feeds on to grow. Things like drywall, insulation, wood, cabinets, etc. become mold’s food source when mixed with water and the right temperature. While there are many strains of toxic mold, most thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’ll notice, the average temperature in home’s ideal to our own comfort sits squarely within that range. So when it comes to mold growth, 2 things are always present: the right temperature and food. It’s when you introduce that 3rd element, water, that problems can quickly grow out of hand! 

Mold In Your Home? Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals take the problem off your hands!

Crawlspace Mold??

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Over the last few years I have received many calls from homeowners about mold underneath their house or in the crawlspace. This only occurs in a home that is built on a conventional foundation. Sometimes their floors inside have began to buckle but they have not had a water damage or leak. As our summers in Mississippi have grown hotter and more humid the problem has gotten worse. 

Mold or fungi have to have moisture and a food source to grow. Of the two, moisture is the easiest to control since it can feed on any organic material. If you haven't had a leak or drainage problem that is causing excess moisture underneath your home the most probable source of moisture is from condensation. 

Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler material like the floor boards of your home. Many homeowners are having problems with this now for the first time in forty years. Many of them have recently installed new storm windows or a new more efficient Air conditioner system or re-insulated their home. The point is that combined with the hotter more humid summers and the people keeping their homes cooler creates an environment conducive to condensation in their crawlspace. 

One of the ways to you can help prevent condensation in your crawlspace is to increase the amount of ventilation under your house and install some fans to keep the air circulating. This will encourage more evaporation and help to keep your floor joist and sub-floor dry. Wood can only support microbial growth at 16% moisture content or above. If you can keep your crawlspace dry you shouldn't have any problem with mold or fungi growing in this area. 

If you notice any potential mold or fungi growth contact SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals ease your mind. 

Helpful Tips To Prevent Mold Growth

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

To prevent excessive moisture that can lead to mold growth try these helpful tips:

  • Install exhaust fans in bathroom and kitchen,use them while showering and cooking.
  • Don't use carpet in bathrooms or kitchens
  • If you have rugs in the bathroom make sure you hang them up to dry after they get damp.
  • Clean up water spills promptly
  • Routinely check under sinks, behind toilets and around appliances for any unnoticed leaks.
  • Install dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity.
  • Make sure your drain gutters are properly draining water away from your home. 
  • Use climate control in areas with high humidity to keep the humidity down.

If your home or business shows any signs of mold call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it look "Like it never even happened." 

Facts About Mold

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that mold needs 3 key factors to grow 1)In order for mold to grow it needs food for example cardboard, leather and upholstery just to name a few.

2) The ideal temperature is a key factor for mold growth.

3) Mold also needs moisture to grow. 

If these 3 factors are present mold will start growing within 24-48 hours!! If mold is left untreated it will continue to grow and cause havoc. Mold growth is the key sign of an unnoticed moisture problem, and failing to address the situation will allow the mold to continue to grow. Mold can leave a home with a "musty" odor. These areas are just a few ideas of  where you are most likely to find mold growth:bathroom and kitchen sinks, leaks behind appliances, window sills and basements. If you suspect mold growth in your home or business call the professionals at SERVPRO Of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals handle the problem for you!!

Do you know where mold grows?

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is not a very friendly word any home or business owner wants to hear and can be dangerous to your health! Mold can grow on any material as long as moisture and oxygen are present. If mold is left alone it can cause damage to the structure of a home and your belongings. These are some places to keep an eye on in your home or business for mold growth:

* Basements that have been flooded 

* Under kitchen sinks 

* Underneath/Behind refrigerators

* Bathroom showers and sinks 

* Air Conditioner units

* Around windows that leak

* Attics and crawlspace

If you suspect your home or business has a mold problem contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let our trained professionals rid the problem for you. Our technicians are highly trained and use the most up to date equipment to rid the mold. Let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Ways to Prevent Mold Growth.

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of VIcksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 for all of your Mold concerns.

NO home or business owner likes to see Mold growth. There are several ways to prevent mold growth in your home or business. Here are some tips to help you:

  1. Control your indoor climate
  2. Keep a eye out for standing water
  3. Do not leave wet clothing around for more then two days.
  4. If the moisture becomes to much in your home, add a dehumidifier. 
  5. Check for drainage problems around the home.
  6. Eliminate clutter in and outside of the home.
  7. Properly size your air conditioner unit to the size of your home.
  8. An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of the moisture in your home.
  9. Always check your air conditioning unit before turning it on for the season.
  10. Call a professional if you believe you may have any mold problem.

If you suspect you have mold growth in your home or business call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909 and let us make it "Like it never even happened".

Does Bleach Kill Mold?

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

We've all been there.......as a homeowner or business owner, we spot something that needs to be fixed, and the first thing that comes to mind is doing it ourselves.  We want to save money, and join the latest DIY phase.  But sometimes DIY is the worse thing we can do.  Lack of training and knowledge can lead to further damage, or recurring damage. 

In the case of mold, the first thing that most people think of is to use Bleach.  And to an untrained professional, that can seem like the most reasonable action to take. 

But here are three reasons why Bleach is not the most effective choice to rid your home of mold:

BLEACH LOSES ITS EFFECTIVENESS OVER TIME.

Chlorine bleach rapidly looses its effectiveness. If you leave a glass of chlorinated water out on the counter for a few days, the chlorine will evaporate. This happens within the container as well. This evaporation process indicates that it will be hard to ascertain the true potency of your chlorine bleach solution, as the chlorine can escape through plastic. It may have been sitting at the store, or in your home for some time, diminishing the ability to perform.

BLEACH DOES NOT KILL MOLD ON POROUS SURFACES, AND CAN ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD GROWTH.

Chlorine bleach can only kill surface mold. Because mold can grow deep roots within porous surfaces such as wood and drywall, bleach will not assist you in exterminating mold. The chlorine cannot penetrate to destroy the growth at its roots; it remains on the surface while the water component of the bleach reaches further, which can feed the mold growth.

BLEACH IS TOXIC.

Chlorine bleach produces fumes that pollute the air and can become harmful to humans and pets. Chlorine bleach also generates a by-product called dioxin, which is linked to cancer. Use over time builds up these pollutants in the environment.

If you notice mold growth in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo (601)634-0909 and let our team of trained technicians take care of your problem. 

Why Does Mold Grow?

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo 601-634-0909

Why does mold grow?

 Any discussion about mold cleanup should start with understanding why mold begins to grow in the first place. Customers with a mold damage problem are always surprised to learn that toxic mold spores are present not just in their home, but every home, and in fact almost every environment. It’s a naturally occurring element and in low levels is completely safe to humans and pets and your home in general. So when does it become a problem? When too much moisture is introduced in the organic surfaces mold feeds on to grow. Things like drywall, insulation, wood, cabinets, etc. become mold’s food source when mixed with water and the right temperature. While there are many strains of toxic mold, most thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’ll notice, the average temperature in home’s ideal to our own comfort sits squarely within that range. So when it comes to mold growth, 2 things are always present: the right temperature and food. It’s when you introduce that 3rd element, water, that problems can quickly grow out of hand! 

Mold In Your Home? Call SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo at 601-634-0909.

Do you have Mold in Your Crawlspace?

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

Over the last few years I have received many calls from homeowners about mold underneath their house or in the crawlspace. This only occurs in a home that is built on a conventional foundation. Sometimes their floors inside have began to buckle but they have not had a water damage or leak. As our summers in Mississippi have grown hotter and more humid the problem has gotten worse. 

Mold or fungi have to have moisture and a food source to grow. Of the two, moisture is the easiest to control since it can feed on any organic material. If you haven't had a leak or drainage problem that is causing excess moisture underneath your home the most probable source of moisture is from condensation. 

Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler material like the floor boards of your home. Many homeowners are having problems with this now for the first time in forty years. Many of them have recently installed new storm windows or a new more efficient Air conditioner system or re-insulated their home. The point is that combined with the hotter more humid summers and the people keeping their homes cooler creates an environment conducive to condensation in their crawlspace. 

One of the ways to you can help prevent condensation in your crawlspace is to increase the amount of ventilation under your house and install some fans to keep the air circulating. This will encourage more evaporation and help to keep your floor joist and sub-floor dry. Wood can only support microbial growth at 16% moisture content or above. If you can keep your crawlspace dry you shouldn't have any problem with mold or fungi growing there.

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/27/2017 (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 Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 Vicksburg & Yazoo 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 – 601-634-0909

Does Your Warren County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/3/2016 (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 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 – (601)634-0909