Should You Get Your Jefferson City Home Tested or Sampled for Mold?

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson City for mold mitigation

When is time to get a sample for mold? If visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.

Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results.

Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing?

Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

Understanding Mold

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

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

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 - (573) 635-5883
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

What is Performed with a Mold Remediation Protocol

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson City - Here to help you with your mold remediation process- 573-635-5883

SERVPRO of Jefferson City will do a brief walk through of your home or business to inspect for possible mold growth. This is done to help you understand what will need to be done to remove any mold

If we suspect mold is present, we will contact a local trusted vendor to do a complete inspection. The vendor we use is licensed to identify types of mold and the amount of mold that is present.  Our vendor will put together a full protocol which involves the following:

Interview – Review and discussion with the home or business owner of the property of current conditions which has led to the claim.

Site Assessment – A physical site assessment of the Property in the area(s) of concern to: visually assess the damage(s), retrieve temperature and RH readings, take air and direct samples for mold (if applicable), and gather room dimension to create room/floor drawings to identify the location(s) of concern.

• Air Sampling – The purpose of non-viable spore trap air sampling is to provide an approximation of the airborne microbial (fungal) spore concentrations. A minimum of one control sample is typically taken outside the most common used entrance into the building, then one or more air samples are collected in the areas of concern within the building. Elevated airborne spore concentrations may indicate an indoor microbial reservoir(s), or that cleaning of personal effects or the HVAC system(s), is a necessary component of a microbial remediation plan.
• Direct sampling – The purpose of direct sampling is to identify the type and concentration of microbial spores present on affected materials identified with suspect visible microbial growth. The sampling results are also used for reference for source contamination when air samples are taken.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips https://www.SERVPROjeffersoncity.com

Identifying Mold In Your Home or Business

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson City Understands Mold

1. Look for black, clustered growths, especially in warm, moist rooms.  Pay attention to whether you start coughing, sneezing, or wheezing when you enter the room – even if you don’t see mold, the spores or mycotoxins can still cause symptoms.

2. Look for causes of mold growth, such as a leak, lack of ventilation, or old food, papers, or wood.

3. Resolve any issues causing mold growth. Throw away anything affected by mold or contributing to mold growth.

Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property.  Your SERVPRO of Jefferson City Professionals handle damages every day.  We have the training, protective gear and specialized equipment necessary to remediate mold in your home or business. 

If you see signs of mold in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Jefferson City at 573-635-5883.

Managing Mold In Your Home Or Business

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Managing Mold in Your Home or Business

Here are the do’s and don’ts for keeping mold from growing indoors.

Do’s

• Clean and vacuum your home or business regularly
• Leave doors and windows open for ventilation when you bath, shower, or do other activities that can increase moisture.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor relative humidity below 50 percent.
• Use an indoor air purifier with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration or install an appropriate high-efficiency filter in your furnace or ventilation system.
• Keep your rain gutters clean and make sure water drainage is not blocked.

Don’ts

• Don’t leave old books, newspapers or wood sitting unused for long periods.
• Don’t’ put carpet in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
• Don’t ignore leaks from pipes or groundwater – fix them as soon as possible.

Your local SERVPRO of Jefferson City understands mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.  Give us a call at 573-635-5883.

How It Works:  The Mold Mitigation and Remediation Process

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Specialized equipment is used during mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Jefferson City has the training, protective gear and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

GIVE US A CALL - The moment you suspect water intrusion call us 573-635-5883.  Our office staff will ask you a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

THE INSPECTION AND DAMAGE ASESSMENT - Our crew will arrive at your property prepared to inspect for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. 

MOLD CONTAINMENT - Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated are.

AIR FILTRATION – Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. 

REMOVING MOLD & MOLD-INFESTED MATERIALS – The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears.  Special treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming

CLEANING CONTENTS & BELONGINGS – SERVPRO will clean your furniture, curtains, decorative items, and other restorable items affected by mold.

RESTORATION – Restoration repairs range from minor repairs to major repairs, depending on the level of mold damage.

SERVPRO of Jefferson City understands mold and mold growth and we have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.  Remember to call the cleanup team that is “Faster To Any Size Disaster” at 573-635-5883.

Mold Growth - Proper Defense is Vital

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

This picture depicts damage that could have been prevented.

Prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions.  Regular inspection for plumbing leaks could have prevented this homeowner's disaster.  SERVPRO of Jefferson City was called to assist the homeowner with the mitigation.  Most water damage, no matter how small, have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.  Our crew had the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur.  The proper equipment made a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during this water loss. SERVPRO of Jefferson City uses moisture sensor to detect water in the baseboards and walls; moisture meters to determine the moisture content, and thermohygrometers to measure the temperature and relative humidity.

Does Your Jefferson City, Missouri Area Home Have A Mold Problem?

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Jefferson City, Missouri, 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 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 – 1-800-SERVPRO

Jefferson City area Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If you Suspect Mold

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home. This picture depicts a mold containment procedure.

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  Jefferson City 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 JeffersonCity 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 – 573-635-5883

Sample Blog 3 below

Highly trained to help with your Mold Remediation!

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Visible Mold

SERVPRO of Jefferson City is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Jefferson City

SERVPRO of Jefferson City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Is mold covered on your insurance?

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

visible mold in a structure

With all of the attention on black mold and it's potential to be toxic to the health, many homeowner's don't want to take a chance when they spot mold. Luckily, not every mold job that we look at is in fact black mold.

There are several cases in which there is a mold infestation in the home that requires our services. It can be surprising to some homeowners to discover that their insurance policy does not cover mold. 

Call your insurance agent if the language of the policy is confusing and you are unsure. Some policies contain clauses that exclude mold.  Some will cover mold removal only under certain circumstances.  Typically, if your policy does not include mold remediation it can be added onto the policy. It's a smart preventative measure that can save you thousands in the future.  

Mold Facts

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

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 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 at SERVPRO of Jefferson City!

Respirator FIT for Safety

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

This example shows FIT testing for multiple types of respirators. Safety First!

Here at SERVPRO of Jefferson City, many of the situations we come into contact with can be hazardous to the health. We take safety very seriously, and train our employees to properly handle each situation according to OSHA and IICRC standards for our industry.  PPE (Personal Protective Equipment ) is used for each job, and in some cases,  this includes the use of a respirator.  There are multiple types of respirators, depending on the circumstances of the job and the potential hazard.  Examples of situations requiring the use of a respirator may include Mold remediation, smoke and heavy soot, Thermal fogging, and sewage clean up, among others.  Respirators must be checked regularly to ensure a proper fit.   Here you can see one of our technicians being fitted for respirators.  Continuous training and safety testing is just one of the ways our team is working to not only keep us safe, but to ensure we can always be there for you.