Large loss mold

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Louisville was called out to a large warehouse to perform mold remediation on their property. We immediately went onto the property and started the mold remediation process. Our certified technicians take mold jobs very seriously and work very hard to make sure your home or business is safe and clean.

The first step in the remediation process is air filtration, we used equipment to pull all of the microscopic mold spore out of the air. Step two is to removed drywall or subfloors that have extensive damage done to them where they cannot be salvaged. Step three is to wipe down any surface that has been affected by mold with an anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatment that kills mold and keeps mold colonies from forming. Finally after all belongings, contents, and surfaces have been removed and treated for mold the process of restoring all the removed drywall and sub-flooring, making the property look "Like it never even happened."

Does your home or business have mold damage?

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can be caused by issues you might not know exist in your home or business.  HVAC units can cause mold to grow.  Sometimes people think that visible water is the only way you can get mold.  That's not true.  Mold can hide in clothing, behind wall paper, behind drywall or moldings, in crawlspaces, and many more places you might not think of. 

Mold can easily grow on clothes and fabric if you have too much moisture in your home. Clothes made of cotton or other organic materials make great food sources for mold and mildew to live on.

It's best to consult a professional when dealing with mold.  However, if you feel comfortable trying these steps to remove mold from clothing see below.

Tips to keep in mind when removing mold from clothes:

1. It's best to wash your clothes in hot water. Hot water kills mold more effectively than cold water and better removes mold spores and allergens too. Of course make sure you don't use water so hot that it can damage your clothing.
2. When you're washing your clothes with a mold killing solution, it's best to wash them through at least two full cycles. Then after your clothes have been washed hang them on the line in the sun. The heat from the sun and the sun's ultraviolet light help to kill mold.

There are quite a few solutions you can wash moldy clothes in to get rid of the mold. Some good ones include:

• Bleach
• Borax
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Mold killing detergent

For the full article and a step-by-step explanation of the cleaning process, click here.

Understanding Mold

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

A lot of people may not realize that mold is a common problem in homes and businesses developing in warm, damp environments.  Showers and bathrooms are common areas for mold to grow, however mold can grow in any location of the home or business.

SERVPRO was called out to a business that was reporting some breathing issues in the summer of 2018. Unfortunately, SERVPRO was able to positively conclude that there was mold located in the business through a series of air quality tests and spot checks. Our crews showed up and began working to remove and clean up any and all effected areas.  Once removal and proper cleaning had been completed our crews began the next step of sealing the walls and surfaces that had been effected and painted where needed. 

If You See Signs of Mold, 
Call Us Today – (502) 897-3608

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the 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.

Mold Damage cleanup

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

After a flood, or other major water damage, mold can become a very real problem. Calling a professional like SERVPRO of East Louisville is so important when dealing with any mold damage. It's always safer to have mold removed from your home or business quickly regardless of the amount you can visibly see. Not taking care of mold damage in a timely manner can cause safety and health issues for your family or customers. With the recent hurricanes in the Carolina's and Florida this is of considerable concern. What wasn't destroyed by wind was greatly effected by the rising water. The high temperatures and wet conditions were a recipe for mold growth. Having a professional like SERVPRO handling the removal provides not only a safe environment, but piece of mind knowing everything will be cleaned up properly. 

Mold damage can be sneaky!

10/7/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can begin to form in your house if there is a leaky pipe, window condensation or recent flooding. These conditions along with a humidity level between 30% - 50% makes for the prefect atmosphere for mold to grow.

Some people have mold and they aren’t even aware.  Such as this picture of a job we did after hurricane Irma in an apartment building.  This person had a previous water damage that they didn’t know about and when Hurricane Irma hit and the water came into their home SERVPRO of East Louisville was there to help them repair the damage.  As we were pulling up the hardwood floor, we found Black Mold under the subfloor.

The odor was so bad that other apartment owners were coming into the hallway to ask us what the smell was.  SERVPRO was able to remove the effected floor, dry and treat the floor to prevent mold from continuing to grow, as well as remove the terrible odor.  This is something that we all need to keep in mind because you never know what is growing in your home.

During the month of October, SERVPRO is speaking to our customers about preparing for the winter season.  We are bringing Duct Cleaning to their attention because mold can, and does, grow in your air ducts.  As winter approaches and you turn on your furnace, this makes a breeding ground for mold which can cause numerous health issues.

If you want to ensure a healthy home this winter season, reach out to SERVPRO of East Louisville at 502-897-3608 about scheduling a Duct Cleaning for your home.

SERVPRO Has the Certifications to Deal With Mold Damage

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly grow with only a slight rise in humidity. Many homeowners find themselves struggling to combat the smells and odors mold produces on an ongoing basis. This will never win the battle against mold. The spores can remain dormant for extended periods of time; mold is a tough enemy to conquer. 

Another reason mold is so difficult to eliminate is because the spores are so tiny, they can become airborne, and then settle almost anywhere. They are carried by air currents, insects, and even on your pet's fur. In Halcyon, mold damage can take place in any home or office. The effects can range from discoloration of walls and ceilings, ruining of books and papers, (including important documents, items printed on low-acid paper, and photographs), and also causing carpets and other textiles to smell musty. 

Understanding Mold is the First Step in Eliminating It 

Mold is not a virus or bacteria, but it is still a pathogen that can cause adverse health effects. This is because it can be breathed in, come in contact with your skin through different ways, such as wearing clothing that contains mold, or from sitting on upholstered furniture that is saturated with mold. Mold is not only what you can see visibly, but also the spores that are released into the air. This is what can cause the musty odor many people associate with mold growth. 

If any spores are left behind after cleaning, it is only a matter of time before it will begin to grow and spread through your home or business again. Not only must any excess humidity be removed and things aired out, all possible areas that may contain spores need to be professionally cleaned. SERVPRO professionals are technicians and specialized cleaning crews who have had extensive training in the clean-up and elimination of mold and its spores. Having IICRC training and certification prepares us for heavy mold infestations that can ruin many of your belongings. 

If You See Signs of Mold, 
Call Us Today – (502) 897-3608

Mold cleanup and restoration

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

We Are Experienced in Eliminating Mold Growth, as well as Cleaning and Refurbishing Many Different Materials 

Painting after cleaning is one way to eliminate mold's hold over your home. Other ways include using special cleaners and detergents that are designed to deodorize your home's textiles and carpets. These not only keep the smell away, but they also eliminate mold's foothold, preventing it from recurring. If mold has been affecting the enjoyment of your home or business, make a call to us at SERVPRO of East Louisville at (502) 897-3608, and we'll have your home or office smelling clean and fresh again.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

SERVPRO Answers the Call for Mold Remediation

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Once you become aware that mold is growing in your Louisville, KY home, removing the fungus should be your biggest priority.  Mold remediation specialists state that mold can put your health at risk while also compromising the structural integrity of your property. Mold removal is not a DIY project. Rule of thumb is if there is about 10 square feet or more of mold growth, don't attempt mold remediation on your own. Play it safe and hire a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO.

Mold is a fungus that grows throughout nature. In the event that your house becomes moist and wet, conducive conditions are now in place for mold proliferation. The airborne spores that are naturally in your home will develop into strings of colonies that bloom into large areas of mold patches. Mold can show up in the form of black spots, blue, green, white or even red staining on porous surfaces. Discoloration on your walls and ceilings also present other problems.

Another danger of mold on your property is the threat of health hazards. Mold can cause allergic reactions and also precipitate unwanted symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes, and sneezing. Additionally, mold can cause respiratory issues and lung complications. Mold can leave an unpleasant odor as it permeates through walls, flooring and HVAC ductwork throughout your home. This musty odor is endemic to outbursts of mold growth. Masking the odor does not solve the underlying problem. Identifying and eliminating odors are for the technically trained experts.

The Importance Of Hiring Professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO

Although some homeowners are inclined to attempt the mold removal process on their own, this strategy is not advisable. Once you go beyond fungi on the bathroom tiles or a small patch under the kitchen sink, it is time to consider seriously professional assistance. Professional mold remediation experts will use specialized equipment that demands expert handling for mold containment, air filtration, and cleaning. They will also identify and eliminate most present mold to ensure that your home is restored to its original safe, sanitary condition.

Mold Damage

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

The Ohio Valley has a change of seasons that brings many different forms of weather. In February of this year Louisville had a very wet couple of weeks which resulted in a historic flooding situation of the Ohio River.

Some homes and businesses attempted to do the dryout on their own. The hot summer months that followed are causing SERVPRO to receive a high amount of microbial growth in places that were not dried out properly after the floods in February.

Last week we received a call from a customer that had gotten my name from one of our State Farm Agents and wanted us to look at an issue on an interior wall in his condo that had received a small amount of flooding in February. He took care of the flood damage himself and was unsuccessful in drying out the structure completely.  Due to this moisture left behind there was a large amount of mold growth on both sides of the wall that had formed rather quickly. We stepped in and resolved the issue quickly, "Like it never even happened."

If you suffer a water loss it's best to consult a professional so you don't have to worry about mold growing in your home or business.

Where to Test for Black Mold

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO of East Louisville was approached by a young lady who was renting an apartment for the first time. The excitement of moving into her own place quickly turned to concern when she realized a musty odor coming from her downstairs bathroom.  To compound the problem she began to have symptoms: coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.  SERVPRO recommended having an Indoor Environmental Professional come out and do an indoor air quality test.  Here are some tips we recommend for people in the market to buy or lease a home or apartment.

Where to Test for Black Mold

Testing for mold is essential, and you should have a dwelling inspected for black mold before you buy it or sign a lease. If you suspect there may be black mold in your home, or you have never had your home tested, contact SERVPRO of East Louisville for professional mold remediation services in Southwest Jefferson County. While many aspects of home-ownership can be handled in a D.I.Y. fashion, black mold is not something to be messed around with.

Carpet

Black mold loves to live on the carpet. Dust collects in carpet fibers and those same fibers trap the humidity and dampness that enables mold to grow. Carpets in below-ground levels are especially susceptible to mold as there is more humidity there.

Carpet mold is often not visible from the surface, except in severe cases, which makes testing for it necessary even if you don't see any evidence.

Air Conditioning and Heating Vents

Air conditioning and heating vents actually create ideal conditions for black mold to grow. Dual-purpose vents that both heat and cool your house raise that risk as they are in constant use.

When you have mold in your air vents, those spores are being circulated throughout your home. The sooner you can perform mold remediation procedures, the better. SERVPRO of East Louisville has a 24-hour mold emergency service hotline to quickly begin the process of cleaning your air vents.

Drywall

Mold is unfortunately common in drywall, as it traps humidity. This is especially common as the seasons change from winter into spring. Because of the nature of it, mold in drywall is rarely visible except in severe cases. For this reason, it's imperative to have a potential home be tested for mold in the walls before you sign a lease or put down a deposit.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth is a very common problem in our area. Mold spores are virtually everywhere and can enter your home or business in a variety of ways, including an open door or window, or even a pet that has been outside. Mold can cause health effects and should be addressed if you have any feeling there could be a problem.

According to the CDC, mold will grow indoors when there is a lot of moisture present. For example, leaky roofs windows or pipes that have not been repaired, or an area that has flooded and has not properly cleaned and dried. Mold grows well on a variety of materials and surface, including carpet, insulation, wallpaper, upholstery and wood. Leaving mold untreated may cause damage to your home, and may lead to health problems.

If you see mold in your home or business, or suspect that an odor may be attributed to undetected mold, SERVPRO of East Louisville can help. Our technicians are trained to effectively remove mold and sanitize your home or business for a safer, healthier environment.

If You See Signs of Mold, 
Call Us Today – (502) 897-3608

Dangers of Hidden Mold

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

Black mold found under subfloor after Hurricane Irma

The recent hurricanes in Florida has brought mold to our attention.  Mold can begin to form in your house if there is a leaky pipe, window condensation or recent flooding. These conditions along with a humidity level between 30% - 50% makes for the prefect atmosphere for mold to grow.

Some people have mold and they aren’t even aware.  Such as this picture of a job we did after hurricane Irma in an apartment building.  This person had a previous water damage that they didn’t know about and when Hurricane Irma hit and the water came into their home SERVPRO of East Louisville was there to help them repair the damage.  As we were pulling up the hardwood floor, we found Black Mold under the subfloor.    

The odor was so bad that other apartment owners were coming into the hallway to ask us what the smell was.  SERVPRO was able to remove the effected floor, dry and treat the floor to prevent mold from continuing to grow, as well as remove the terrible odor.  This is something that we all need to keep in mind because you never know what is growing in your home.

During the month of October, SERVPRO is speaking to our customers about preparing for the winter season.  We are bringing Duct Cleaning to their attention because mold can, and does, grow in your air ducts.  As winter approaches and you turn on your furnace, this makes a breeding ground for mold which can cause numerous health issues.

If you want to ensure a healthy home this winter season, reach out to SERVPRO of East Louisville at (502) 897-3608 about scheduling a Duct Cleaning for your home.

Mold is part of our everyday life...it is everywhere

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is part of our everyday life...it is everywhere, even in the air we breathe.  When mold gets into your home or workplace, then it can become an issue. That's when you need to call the mold specialists at SERVPRO of East Louisville.

Early detection of mold can be the difference between a small problem or a much bigger one that will require help from the professionals at SERVPRO.  When left unchecked it can make air quality really bad in the home or workplace.

Recently SERVPRO of East Louisville had a client named Brenda who called us  concerned about an odor coming from her cellar.  She had just purchased the home and noticed a musty odor coming from the over 100 year old cellar.  Upon inspection she had growth in an area on what appeared to be rodent bait that was placed there by the previous owner. We explained that some rubber gloves, a mask, and a plastic bag was all that was needed to remove the issue.  She was extremely relieved and was very proactive and jumped on the cleanup immediately.

Brenda was very appreciative that SERVPRO drove out to her house to give her our professional opinion.  This allowed her the chance to do the cleanup on her own instead of being charged for something that was unnecessary

About a week later we received a thank you card from Brenda, along with some homemade cookies.  Looks like we made another friend, and more importantly a client for life.

Water and Mold Damage Restoration Specialists Release Report on How To Prevent Mold Growth

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Louisville has released a report on the six steps to help prevent the growth of mold after water damage has occurred after serving local clients with their water and mold damage needs. 

14,000 people daily are affected by water damage. It is important to know how to eliminate conditions in which mold may grow and infest the home to help prevent the growth of molds.

All homeowners who have recently experienced water damage should be concerned about mold, as it can grow rapidly. Worse yet, it doesn’t take much water for it grow and it can be much deadlier than expected. The sooner an infestation is taken care of, the better.

Here are six tips to help reduce the likelihood of mold growth:

Remove the water as quickly as possible.

Use a wet or dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible. This limits the possibility for the mold to grow.

Use fans to dry the floors and carpets faster.

It may take several days for fans to completely dry water damage. Leave them on constantly for at least a few weeks to help circulate cool and fresh air as well as speed up the drying process. 

Dehumidify the affected room.

Mold grows in moist, warm and dark areas. Dehumidifying the room helps cool the air and limit mold and mildew growth. Any equipment you can use to dry the air and ground will be useful in mold prevention.

Steam-clean your carpet.

Steam-clean any and all carpets to properly sanitize and wipe out any spores which may have started growing. Any water-damaged carpet padding may need to be replaced, but is still much cheaper than having to entirely re-carpet the house. 

Sanitize walls and baseboards.

Anything that has been touched by storm water should immediately be sanitized. Clean any hardwood floors, walls, or other surfaces with soap, water, chlorine, and bleach to minimize mold growth. 

Lastly, check affected furniture for any signs of mold growth that may have begun

Check all furniture for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage may hide itself under carpets or rugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the home.

Even following the above steps, it is likely that a mold infestation may still be present in the home. If any visible signs of mold are noticed, then an infestation/colonization has occurred. For any extensive mold damage situations, it is best to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO of East Louisville.

Water damage and mold remediation solutions

SERVPRO is the leading company in fire damage, and mold remediation areas. They are constantly investing in the latest training for mold remediation so that they can meet any customer service needs to quickly and professionally make it “Like it never happened.” When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of East Louisville at (502) 897-3608.

The Importance of Mold Remediation for Your Home in East Louisville

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Hidden Mold

In Louisville, SERVPRO Answers the Call for Mold Remediation

Once you become aware that mold is growing in your Sequoyah Hills home, removing the fungus should be your biggest priority.  Mold remediation specialists state that mold can put your health at risk while also compromising the structural integrity of your property. Mold removal is not a DIY project. Rule of thumb is if there is about 10 square feet or more of mold growth, don't attempt mold remediation on your own. Play it safe and hire a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO.

Mold is a fungus that grows throughout nature. In the event that your house becomes moist and wet, conducive conditions are now in place for mold proliferation. The airborne spores that are naturally in your home will develop into strings of colonies that bloom into large areas of mold patches. Mold can show up in the form of black spots, blue, green, white or even red staining on porous surfaces. Discoloration on your walls and ceilings also present other problems.

Another danger of mold on your property is the threat of health hazards. Mold can cause allergic reactions and also precipitate unwanted symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes, and sneezing. Additionally, mold can cause respiratory issues and lung complications. Mold can leave an unpleasant odor as it permeates through walls, flooring and HVAC ductwork throughout your home. This musty odor is endemic to outbursts of mold growth. Masking the odor does not solve the underlying problem. Identifying and eliminating odors are for the technically trained experts.

The Importance Of Hiring Professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO

Although some homeowners are inclined to attempt the mold removal process on their own, this strategy is not advisable. Once you go beyond fungi on the bathroom tiles or a small patch under the kitchen sink, it is time to consider seriously professional assistance. Professional mold remediation experts will use specialized equipment that demands expert handling for mold containment, air filtration, and cleaning. They will also identify and eliminate most present mold to ensure that your home is restored to its original safe, sanitary condition.

Call SERVPRO of East Louisville Today

When you realize that mold has invaded your home in Louisville, it is important that you take action immediately. When it's time to call the right company to remedy unwanted mold, SERVPRO of East Louisville is the company to trust. With over 1,650 franchises and over 57 years of industry experience, our IICRC-certified technicians possess the expertise and training necessary to optimize the mold removal process for you.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in Louisville too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Louisville. Call us for help. (502) 897-3608.

Does your East Louisville Home Have a Mold Problem?

9/8/2016 (Permalink)

Got mold?

Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation in East Louisville educes 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 – (502) 897-3608

We are proud to be an active member of this community. SERVPRO of East Louisville is locally owned and operated, so we’re already nearby and ready to help East Louisville residents and business owners with any size mold contamination.

Mold Damage Shouldn't be Left to Ruin Your Home's Interior

7/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has the Certifications to Deal With Mold Damage

Mold can quickly grow with only a slight rise in humidity. Many homeowners find themselves struggling to combat the smells and odors mold produces on an ongoing basis. This will never win the battle against mold. The spores can remain dormant for extended periods of time; mold is a tough enemy to conquer. 

Another reason mold is so difficult to eliminate is because the spores are so tiny, they can become airborne, and then settle almost anywhere. They are carried by air currents, insects, and even on your pet's fur. In Halcyon, mold damage can take place in any home or office. The effects can range from discoloration of walls and ceilings, ruining of books and papers, (including important documents, items printed on low-acid paper, and photographs), and also causing carpets and other textiles to smell musty. 

Understanding Mold is the First Step in Eliminating It 

Mold is not a virus or bacteria, but it is still a pathogen that can cause adverse health effects. This is because it can be breathed in, come in contact with your skin through different ways, such as wearing clothing that contains mold, or from sitting on upholstered furniture that is saturated with mold. Mold is not only what you can see visibly, but also the spores that are released into the air. This is what can cause the musty odor many people associate with mold growth. 

If any spores are left behind after cleaning, it is only a matter of time before it will begin to grow and spread through your home or business again. Not only must any excess humidity be removed and things aired out, all possible areas that may contain spores need to be professionally cleaned. SERVPRO professionals are technicians and specialized cleaning crews who have had extensive training in the clean-up and elimination of mold and its spores. Having IICRC training and certification prepares us for heavy mold infestations that can ruin many of your belongings. 

We Are Experienced in Eliminating Mold Growth, as well as Cleaning and Refurbishing Many Different Materials 

Painting after cleaning is one way to eliminate mold's hold over your home. Other ways include using special cleaners and detergents that are designed to deodorize your home's textiles and carpets. These not only keep the smell away, but they also eliminate mold's foothold, preventing it from recurring. If mold has been affecting the enjoyment of your home or business, make a call to us at SERVPRO of East Louisville at (502) 897-3608, and we'll have your home or office smelling clean and fresh again.