Mold Damage FAQ's

Did you know that there are different types of mold? There are all kinds of fungus’s that are be created by mold spores that are in dark, damp, low circulation areas. Since molds are fungi, they don’t care if they are indoors or outdoors. Indoor molds vary and include varieties such as aspergillus, alternaria, cladosporium, penicillium and Stachybotrys chartarum. With the exception of Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as “black mold”), indoor molds can range in color from white to white-green, gray-green, green and shades of brown. All indoor molds, including both white and black molds, do present a health risk and should be removed from the home. So don’t think that just because it’s a color of mold that it is OK to leave it alone!

Did you know that white mold is often considered mildew? Although mildew is typically powdery and is easily spread, it is often the start of mold! Black mold is often referred to as toxic mold however the term “Toxic Mold” is inaccurate according to the CDC. The CDC states, “While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous.”

So remember all molds including both white and black and every color in between should be considered a health risk and should be inspected and treated by a professional! A team like Service Master by Glenn’s can quickly assess the situation, identify the mold type and engage in a plan of action on how to quickly and effectively remove the mold from the premise’s. If it is ignored, it will continue to spread and cause damage though out the home or business.

If you suspect water damage in your house, please call us to come out and inspect and assess the situation. Your family’s health could depend on it!

Most of have seen mold first hand. We have seen it, maybe touched it and know what it is. You typically see it in your shower around the kitchen sink, left a loaf of bread out too long or maybe some food that has gotten forgotten in the back of the refrigerator. However, some mold is used for good though, penicillin is an example of this. But, what facts do you know about mold? Service Master by Glenn’s has put together a list of 21 interesting fun facts about mold.

1. The number 1 ingredient for mold growth is moisture. Outdoors it can grow on soil, decaying materials or even on live vegetation if conditions are right. Indoors, the top places are in the bathroom, basement or even the drywall if water damage is present.
2. Mildew is technically mold. However, this is the early stages of mold and is typically white and powdery and is easily spreadable!
3. There are four common types of indoor mold: alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium.
4. Mold can be found in multiple colors ranging from white, green brown, gray or even black!
5. Most mold is spread by spores which act as seeds that can easily be spread if disturbed.
6. Some types of mold spores do contain toxins. This is why it should only be removed by a professional.
7. There are many types of reactions to mold. Some of these reactions can include, but are not limited to, headache, fever, cough, wheezing and flu-like symptoms. It can trigger asthma attacks as well!
8. The “toxic mold” commonly referred to as “black mold” is actually greenish-black and is typically found where heavy water damage is present and is highly recommended to be removed by a professional at Service Master by Glenn’s
9. Mold on shower walls and doors can be safely removed by a home owner using bleach ,but make sure to use this in a well ventilated area so you do not become sick from the fumes.
10. Running a bathroom fan can help remove and reduce moisture in a bathroom and reduce the chances of developing mold in that area. Remember, air ventilation will help reduce the chances of mold growth!
11. A musty or damp smell is not natural. It is most likely due to water damage or a water source in an area with poor ventilation.
12. If you do have a musty or damp smell it is important to determine the location of this to quickly remove it
13. Mold growth found in homes, the CDC does not recommend testing
14. Keep humidity levels below 45% in a home which will inhibit mold growth.
15. Condensation on windows, walls or other hard surfaces is a sign that there is high humidity in a home which increases the chances of mold growth
16. After water damage mold growth can grow as quickly as 24-48 hrs!
17. Mildew is early stages of mold and likes to grow on surfaces that are very pouris such as cardboard, clothing books etc. make sure to store these in areas that are sealed tightly or well ventilated away from moisture
18. Mildew can easily be brushed off fabrics around the home and easily spread and transferred to other areas of the house.
19. After a home flood, mold can grow virtually anywhere. Behind drywall, insulation, carpet or padding even though the HVAC system!
20. Adding mold inhibitors to paint can reduce the chances of mold growth
21. Service Master by Glenn’s is highly trained in removing mold, mildew and cleanup of any water damage situation!

If you have any questions on your water damaged property, give us a call and we will be happy to help

The CDC states “No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more.” How do you know which types of mold are harmful to you?

There are generally two types of mold considered “toxigenic molds” or toxic mold.

• Stachybotrys chartarum (a.k.a “black mold”). This type of mold is greenish-black in color and requires a moist environment to grow. This type of mold is mostly commonly found flood-damaged buildings, structures or homes. This type of mold is actually one of the more rare types of mold found.
• Aspergillis. This type of mold is less toxic than black mold but is more commonly found. This type of mold also occurs most often in water-logged areas such as water damaged building, structures or homes.

Mold generally is harmless and exists in every environment. All of these different types of molds affect people in a variety of ways, however. Read our blog post on the symptoms you can look for that might indicate mold exposure.

If you find mold growing in  your commercial building or your home, call the mold remediation experts here at ServiceMaster By Glenn’s!

While living here in Vero Beach, Florida you may have noticed that now that we are at the end of August, the rainy season has been slowing down and coming to an end. Anytime we receive a lot of rain there is always a chance for leaks to occur and that increases the chances of mold growing.  If you had a leak in your house or office, would you know the symptoms or signs of mold?

We have outlined a check list of the most common symptoms of mold exposure can include:

1. Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose
2. Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes
3. Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, chest tightness
4. Cough
5. Throat irritation
6. Skin irritation, such as a rash
7. Headache from sinus pressure
8. Sneezing / Sneezing fits

If you notice that before you arrive at your home or office that you do not have any mold symptoms, then after a period of time you develop these symptoms it may be a good time to give Service Master by Glenn’s a call for an inspection on whether mold is present.

Remember, if you determine the source of the mold it can be dangerous situation if it is not mitigated properly. Mold spores can spread to other areas of the structure, causing you to become ill. If you try to remove mold yourself and do not do it properly, mold can come back if the area is not properly cleaned up! We have highly trained professionals that know how to test and what to look for in these situations as well as proven professional methods to remove mold, mildew, standing water and damaged materials safely. Remember, you and your family’s safety is our top priority!

When mold is detected it is important to react quickly in the event of a water loss to prevent the spread of mold, or remediate it.  Mold Remediation involves identifying and eliminating the source of the water and implementing rapid drying processes so mold growth can be curtailed.  The most effective drying techniques involve the use of sensitive tools to measure and record the temperature, humidity and moisture content of the structure and contents of the structure.  ServiceMaster by Glenn’s professionally trained technicians use the latest mold remediation, water damage restoration and drying techniques to deliver quality results here in Vero Beach.

Did you know you can use heat seeking infrared cameras to detect mold? ServiceMaster By Glenn’s uses infrared cameras in their arsenal of tools to detect and identify mold damage.

How do infrared cameras detect mold?

It’s actually a pretty simple concept… things that are hot emit heat, things that are cool emit significantly less heat. When you have water intrusion or water damage in your home or business, we can use an infrared camera to identify wet or “cooler” areas of your home or business. Most of the time, we can identify sources of water intrusion or water damage before the symptoms of mold or water damage appear to the naked eye.

Is it fail-safe?

Infrared cameras allow us to identify problem areas. Once we identify these problem areas of potential water damage or water intrusion in your home, we can then further investigate the area to see what’s causing that area of your home or business to be coming up as “cool” or wet.

How do I even know if I have a mold problem?

We here at ServiceMaster by Glenn’s can provide a infrared camera scan of your home to help you identify if you have a mold damage, water damage or water intrusion problem in your home or business. Most of the time, mold detection is obvious by a musty odor or if you see signs of water damage in drywall or your ceiling. We can use the infrared camera to help determine the extent of the damage before we start the work of repairing the damage.

Interested in an infrared scan of your home or business to detect possible mold or water damage? Call ServiceMaster By Glenn’s today at 772-567-4435 to schedule your mold detection infrared camera scan today.

We have all encountered mold at one time or another.  Possibly in the shower, or on a piece of bread or cheese.  There are many different species of mold, but all molds share some common characteristics which can aid in proper mold detection.

• Molds thrive in moist and humid environments
• Molds require an organic food source, one common food source is cellulose, which is found in building materials such as wood and drywall.
• Molds are spread by microscopic airborne particles called “spores.”

Mold spores are most present in the outdoors all around us.  However, mold growth can become a problem.  Mold spreads rapidly and produces an unpleasant musty odor.  If mold is allowed to grow unchecked it can cause discoloration and structural damage to building materials.  Significant amounts of mold can impact air quality and be difficult and costly to remove.  Mold contamination is a concern for homeowners, property managers, insurance providers and restoration companies such as ServiceMaster by Glenn’s, thus why proper mold detection is key.

Often times in here in Vero Beach, we blame employee absences on the latest flu bug that is going around. Have you taken a minute to inspect your office environment to consider there might be another reason why your employees are sick?

This might be more prevalent in the winter months when we might get the occasional cold spell here that makes you or your employees spend more time inside.

How to Tell the Difference Between the Flu and Mold Allergies

The flu presents itself with the following symptoms:

• watery eyes
• runny nose
• dry cough
• high fever
• body aches
• headache
• sore throat

Mold allergies present themselves with the following symptoms:

• constant ichy/watery eyes
• runny nose
• frequent sneezing
• cough from the runny nose

If you smell an odor, if you notice small patches of what looks like soot or dirt, clusters of black spots or even a white growth- then you have mold in your office. For more information, read our previous blog post on mold detection in your home or business. Mold is something you want to act on quickly since mold growth can grow very quickly and usually a small outward sign indicates a larger mold colony below.

Contact us at ServiceMaster by Glenn’s to have a complimentary mold inspection to determine if there might be mold growth in your business or work space.

Do you know what to do to prevent mold growth in your commercial building or business? Follow these tips to keep mold from growing in your facility:

• Be proactive about fixing leaky pipes or other plumbing problems. Leaking water = mold in your drywall, flooring or ceiling.
• Keep an eye out for condensation or wet spots around the building. Fix them as soon as possible.
• Don’t allow condensation to cause mold. You can prevent condensation by increasing the surface temperature, make sure the area that is developing condensation is well insulated. You can also prevent condensation by decreasing surface temperature by increasing the ventilation or having a dehumidifier.
• Make sure to keep your air conditioning units well ventilated. Make sure there is proper air flow in the AC system with no obstructions and HVAC drip pans clean.
• If you have appliances that have vents on them,  make sure the air is piped to the outside to avoid prevent humid, moist air from creating mold.
• Make sure to maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, by having the AC system running regularly.
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.

If you do detect mold in porous surfaces, make sure to call the mold damage restoration experts here at ServiceMaster By Glenn’s at 772-567-4435!

When you hear of mold typically you think of showers, walls, and other common locations though out the house. But did you know that your attic is often forgotten place as a source of mold? Typically when a roof leak happens it goes though the attic and then runs into insulation and then down the walls causing a path of destruction as the water flows to the lowest point. However, since the attic is a place where there is little air movement, high temperatures during the day / low temperatures at night creating condensation and an ample source of water in the event of a roof leak, this is a prime location for mold to begin to grow out of control very quickly!

Here at Service Master by Glen’s we are highly trained and know what to look for in searching for mold and where the source of the problem is coming from.

Mold remediation process

After the roof leak has been fixed or the attic ventilation system repaired, we can then begin the process of mold remediation. If the attic space is used as storage, items must be removed and all boxes and their contents inspected for the possibility of mold. Anything that is contaminated must be cleaned or thrown away.

Next, the area needs to be sealed off for cleaning. Cleaning includes disinfecting moldy areas, dehumidifiers, and thorough drying of spaces to deter any further mold growth. In some extreme cases a mold-inhibiting solution may be sprayed onto attic sheathing to prohibit any additional mold development.

However, before you attempt to tackle attic mold on your own, talk to the professionals at ServiceMaster By Glenn’s for any questions about mold in your attic!

With today’s housing market, flipping houses is hotter than ever! However, do you know the state of the house before the house was flipped? Did it have any damage before the flip? How did it become a flip that required it to be gutted and completely renovated? Most of the time it is because the house was outdated and needed a modern face lift to become more valuable. However sometimes this a flip can be due to water damage or mold.

Buying or selling a house with mold can pose a variety of challenges. First challenge is to make sure that the issue has been fixed, pipes have been fixed, water damage wont happen in the future etc. Second challenge is to make sure that this was properly taken care of and all mold has been removed properly and doesn’t have a chance to begin to spread again.

The mold remediation professionals at ServiceMaster by Glenn’s have a few essential tips for both the buyer and seller of a home that has or has had mold in the past.  Mold is a health risk to people but young children, elderly and anybody who suffers from allergies or repertory conditions.  Mold is known to cause:

• Itchy watery eyes and throat irritation
• Stuffy or Runny nose and nose bleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches

Whether you are buying or selling a home with mold it’s best to contact the professionals at Service Master by Glenn’s. We know the signs of mold and how to quickly and safely remove mold by industry standards.

This question has to be answered by this: it depends on the location. Mold or mildew in your bathroom is a relatively easy fix IF it is on a non-porous surface. When we say “non-porous surface” basically surfaces like tile, stone countertops, marble showers… places where water cannot soak in through the surface. If you have mold or mildew in your shower or tile or countertops- scrub mold off with detergent and water and dry completely. This is being said with a caveat… if you notice the mold goes into the wall or is coming from the ceiling , looks to be more damage than simply sitting on the surface or is an area that is recurrently moldy- you want to make sure to call mold remediation specialists like ServiceMaster By Glenn’s.

If the mold or mildew is growing on porous surfaces, like wood, drywall, furniture, carpet (basically surfaces that absorb water), then you will most likely need to remove those surfaces. When it comes to mold removal on porous surfaces, we highly recommend you contacting mold remediation specialists, like ServiceMaster By Glenn’s, to make sure the mold growth has not spread.

Whatever you do, do not try to paint or caulk or “quick fix” a mold problem.This actually will make the issue worse, as the mold can continue to grow and spread even with paint or caulk on them. Paint applied over moldy surfaces generally peels, so it is a quick fix that will not last.

If you ever have a question about mold remediation or mold damage removal, feel free to contact us to come out and inspect the area in question.

If you have noticed mold growth in your carpet flooring, you need to make sure you get rid of it as soon as possible. Leaving mold be can expose you to mold spores that may cause negative mold symptoms for you or your family.

How to Remove Mold From Carpet:

1. Locate the source that is causing the mold. It does no good to fix a problem that will just come back. What is causing the mold on your carpet in the first place? Consider whether there is a water leak or non-ventilated environment which is causing the mold growth in the first place. You want to fix that before you try to fix the mold so you can stop the problem at its source.
2. The area needs to be sealed. This is where the mold damage experts come into play. If you do not properly seal up the area you are removing the mold in, you will actually cause mold spores to spread throughout your home or business and make the problem worse.Make sure you call mold damage experts (like ServiceMaster By Glenn’s) to properly handle the mold removal.
3. You might need to remove the carpet. If the damage is bad enough or if the mold has spread enough, the carpet might need to be removed up to 5 feet from the last visible trace of mold damage. We here at ServiceMaster by Glenn’s pride ourselves on doing remediation of mold or water damage- which means we try to fix the problem without having to replace the carpet first. This is another reason you want to call mold damage experts… they can save you the money of replacing flooring by using their state-of-the-art equipment.
4. After the mold has been removed, properly clean the carpet. Mold damage experts use special cleaners to remove mold that 1) remove mold spores and 2) prevent mold growth. Using household cleaners to try to remove mold can actually spread the mold around and make the problem worse. The biggest thing you want to make sure is that cleaner that is used encapsulates the mold by creating a clear barrier that starves it of the necessary oxygen it needs. mold damage experts like ServiceMaster By Glenn’s know the right cleaners to use to get the job done right the first time.
5. Use an air heppa filter. This is where the state-of-the-art equipment really comes into play. Noone can perfectly remove mold from a room without SOME mold spores getting free into the air. It is very important that your mold remediation specialist uses the correct state-of-the-art air filter to get every possible mold spore out of the air. If not, then those mold spores will settle elsewhere and start growing a mold problem somewhere else in your home or business. Residential air Heppa filters, like the ones you would buy at Home Depot, are not advanced enough for this process.

So you have detected mold in your home or business, now it’s time to test it to see if it is toxic mold or just a benign mold. What is involved in toxic mold testing?

• Use your nose. Toxic mold will reveal itself you to immediately by smell. The odor permeates through the house or building and you will definitely be able to smell it.
• Find out where it is. If you smell mold in your home or building, starting looking around to determine where it might be so you can better direct the mold remediation professionals as to where it is. Common areas mold grow are:
  • In your carpet. Look under carpet pads and underneath carpets or rugs
  • Behind wallpaper or draperies
  • Inside or outside pipes
  • Inside or outside ductwork
  • Inside your ceiling, like above ceiling tiles
  •  
• Once you find mold, schedule a mold inspection. Mold, toxic or non-toxic, can cause reactions in people. It is important to get any type of mold that you detect checked out to make sure you keep your employees, family and yourself healthy,

We’ve all been there… you’re cleaning your house or garage and find the dreaded sign of mold. The first thing we want to do is break out our household cleaner, bleach or even chlorine to get rid it and out of your sight forever. But what is the correct thing to do?

1. It depends on the surface. If you are cleaning your bathroom, tubs, glass or other non-porous surface, bleach or chlorine can be used to remove the mold. If you are cleaning porous surfaces such as wood or drywall however, the actual ionic structure of chlorine prevents it from penetrating the surface and it actually just sits there.
2. Chlorine is 99% water and water helps mold grow. If you try to apply bleach to a porous surface and leave it sit there, you will actually notice a few days that the mold growth is worse. This is due to the fact that the water in the chlorine or bleach feeds the mold and helps it grow.

For further proof, read this quote from The Clorox Company, maker of Ultra Clorox® Regular Bleach: “…3/4 cup of Clorox liquid bleach per gallon of water will be effective on hard, non-porous surfaces against… Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Athlete’s Foot Fungus)”.

The company itself states that bleach is best used on non-porous surfaces. If you detect mold in porous surfaces such as wood or drywall – call the ServiceMaster By Glenns mold remediation experts

Mold growth is discrete and can appear in different areas inside or out of a home or business. Remember, mold is a fungus caused by certain elements present in any area.  The elements perfect for mold to begin growing are damp, dark and warm.  Reproduction occurs rapidly and very often without any warning.  Most usually Mold will be a problem before it is detected.

Keith Grella, Owner of ServiceMaster by Glenn’s, is one of the few certified Mold Assessor and Remediation experts in the State of Florida.  ServiceMaster by Glenn’s will come to your business or home and perform a mold test.  We are able to locate the source of the mold, the type of mold and the general area of where the moisture has accumulated or the area where the mold has entered the dwelling.

A few simple things you can do to prevent mold growth in your home:

• Control moisture in the air by keeping your thermostat between 77 and 79 degrees.
• Humidity levels should be below 60% (ideally, it should be 30-50%).
• Clean your home regularly.
• Remove food stains from furniture as quickly as possible.
• Cleans showers and tubs weekly.
• Use fans to circulate the air.
• Keep closet doors open to circulate air throughout.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots.
• Fix moisture problem areas as soon as possible, within 48 hours.
• Fix leaky plumbing.
• Perform regular hearting and air conditioning (HVAC) inspections and maintenance.
• Provide drainage for foundations.