Ways to prevent Mold in your home

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention and Remediation

Mold can appear in many different colors and can look like spots. If you suspect mold is growing in your home, it is a good idea that you contact a professional who can evaluate what type and ensure it is safely removed. 

Below are some tips on how you can prevent Mold Growth in your home. 

1)Fix any leaks in your home's roof, walls, or plumbing so there is no moisture to feed the growth of mold

2)Clean and dry your home very quickly after any type of flooding (within 23- 48 hours) 

3)Utilize mold killing cleaning products for cleaning your bathroom

4)Remove any carpets or upholstery that have been soaked and have not been dried out right away. 

5) Be sure there is proper air flow in your home. Uses exhaust fans and vent outside your home within your kitchen and bathrooms. 

Should you find yourself in question or need removal of mold we are here to help. 

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, & Wyoming County can assist you with the removal. Call us today at 570-714-0090 

Mold Remediation

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Identifying and properly mitigation mold

Understanding the Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our specialist will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO® will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Step 3: Mold Containment

We'll use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. . All fans and heating and cooling systems may be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment allows us to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO® uses antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We also may clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We'll use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We're also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment and other methods.

Step 7: Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City,& Wyoming County is here to help. Call us today at 570-714-0090

Mold Remediation

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation professional help

It is important that you contact a professional if you should see signs of mold in your residential or commercial property. The first step is to determine what kind of mold you are dealing with . Once this determined you can take the proper steps.

Utilizing Chlorine Bleach to stop mold from growing is a Myth. Bleach loses its effectiveness overtime an will evaporate leading you right back to where you started.

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County is here to help with any question you may have or needs regarding mold remediation.

Contact us at 570-714-0090

Mold Remediation Company near Wilkes-Barre

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Did you discover mold in your home or business? We can help.

Mold Remediation Company

Any home or commercial property can quickly become infested with mold if a source of water is present. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48 hours. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.

If You See Signs of Mold,
Call Us Today – (570) 714-0090

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems.

Consider these 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.

What to do if I discovered mold in my home?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Use these tips to avoid mold growing in your home.

In the process of selling a vacant property? Avoiding mold will aid in the quickness of the sale. Since mold loves moisture, it’s important to remove sources of water to prevent it from growing in the building. 

Potential problem areas to address to keep mold at bay include:

• Roof Leaks: Check attic or top floor for roof leaks, and repair any that are found.
• Wall Leaks: Weather strip and caulk leaky windows.
• Window Condensation: Install insulated glass or storm windows to prevent condensation problems.

• Plumbing Leaks: Examine pipes for leaks and insulate if needed.
• Blocked Gutters: Keep gutters and downspouts clean.
• Foundation Leaks: Channel water from downspouts away from house.
• Basement Leaks: Examine basement for leaks and repair if necessary.
• Water Under House: Check crawl space for excess moisture, and apply black plastic to ground to reduce humidity.
• AC Drain Leaks: Be sure HVAC units drain properly and that drains are not clogged.
• Ductwork Condensation: Inspect HVAC ducts for excess moisture. Repair or replace the insulation around them if wet.
• Air Filters: Use a high quality air filter with HVAC units, and change it regularly.
• Bath Vent Fans: Install bathroom fans that are vented to the outside. Run them during—and for 15 minutes after—showers.
• Air Circulation: Open doors and windows during dry weather to increase air circulation.
• Indoor Humidity: Keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent. Check it with a humidity gauge or moisture meter and use a dehumidifier to lower it if necessary.
• Vent Gas Appliances: Make sure gas and kerosene heaters and fireplaces are properly vented to the outside to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.

Use these helpful tips to avoid growing mold in your property. If you find yourself dealing with mold, you can contact us to quickly remediate the problem. 

Preventing Mold in your Back Mountain Home this Summer

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Tips to avoid mold in your Back Mountain home.

Tips to Prevent Mold in your Back Mountain Home this Summer

During the warm months of Summer, mold thrives because most strains of mold need warm temperatures in order to grow. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent mold this summer:

• Use your air conditioner on hot days. Mold grows best at temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep the indoor temperature lower than that if you can.
• Watch for any condensation or moisture in your air ducts. Sometimes using the air conditioner can cause condensation and that moisture provides a place for mold to grow.
• Purchase a hygrometer, an instrument that measures the relative humidity, so you can monitor the humidity in your home. By monitoring the relative humidity in your home, you can take steps when necessary to reduce moisture in order to prevent the growth of mold.
• Mold thrives in moist environments, so it’s best to keep the relative humidity below 50 percent. If any areas of your home have relative humidity higher than that, purchase a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Mold doesn’t grow well in dry environments.
• Close windows when it rains. If windows are open when it rains, dry windowsills, floors or any other surfaces as soon as possible. 
• If it’s a rainy Summer, watch for signs of a leak in your roof. A discolored spot on the ceiling generally means a leak, even if you don’t see water coming through the ceiling. Have any leaks repaired as soon as possible to keep mold from developing.

In addition to the above Summer tips to prevent mold, you should do some basic things all year around, including:

• Repair any leaky pipes or appliances as soon as possible.
• Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors, not into your attic or crawlspace.
• Turn on the exhaust fan or open a bathroom window a couple inches when showering. The steam that fills the bathroom when you shower provides ample moisture for mold.
• Don’t use carpet in bathrooms. It’s hard to dry out carpet thoroughly. It’s much easier to dry linoleum or tile floors if they get wet. You can use throw rugs in bathrooms, which can be machine washed and hung to dry, which prevents them from getting moldy.
• Clean up any spills of water or other liquids immediately.
• Address any mold problems that do occur promptly to prevent the mold from growing and spreading to other areas of the home.
• If you notice a musty smell in the home, you probably have mold somewhere. Mold often grows in hard-to-see places, like under carpet and inside walls. If you smell something musty but can’t find any mold, we recommended having the home tested.

If Mold Develops Despite Your Best Efforts at Prevention

If mold does develop despite your best efforts at prevention, we are always here to help. Our trained professionals can make the mold in your home, "Like it never even happened." - 570-714-0090

Mold in your Kingston Home

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in your residential home

Mold can be a common problem in a household but there are preventative tips you can follow to help avoid this. 

Control the humidity

Mold grows where there’s moisture so keeping the humidity down in your home will prevent moisture from building up and settling on surfaces. A safe level of humidity to shoot for is lower than 50 percent at all times. You can control this by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.

Fix any leaks

Another way water can enter the home is through a leaky roof, window or pipe. Although this dripping may not seem concerning initially,  the build up of water will provide mold with the moisture it needs to grow. Fix these leaks as soon as you notice them.

Clean up after flooding

Whether you’ve been hit hard by a storm and your basement is flooded or a pipe burst in your home, it’s important that you clean and dry the area within 48 hours. Once the majority of the water is gone, wipe down all the surfaces with a cloth and use fans to dry out the area.

Ventilate water prone areas

Make sure the areas where you use water daily have a proper ventilation system. Exhaust fans that vent outside should be used in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. These fans should be turned on whenever you use water for a long period of time, such as taking a shower.

Should you suspect a mold problem despite following these tips, please contact SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County.  Our trained professionals will ensure the mold is removed properly. 

Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-0090

Is it Mold or Mildew?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have mold or mildew in your property?

One of the most important ways one can tell mold from mildew is how each fungus looks. Mildew is typically white, gray or yellow and grows on the surface of moist, warm areas. Its texture is fluffy or powdery. On the other hand, mold tends to be green or black, and it usually grows underneath the surface of anything that has gotten wet. Its texture can be fuzzy or slimy.

Both mold and mildew can grow quickly in warm, moist places. But each type seems to have a preference when it comes to where to start growing. Mildew is often found on items that have damp surfaces, with fabric, paper and leather being some common household items that might end up with mildew after they get wet. Mildew is also sometimes found on the floors, walls or ceilings of areas with lots of humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens or basements. While mildew can also grow on the surface of agriculture — such as potatoes or grapes — mold is most often the type of fungus found on food, such as cheese, bread or meat. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to find mold in indoor or outdoor spaces that have gotten wet, such as sheds, crawl spaces, garages and boats.

However, the effects of mold tend to be more serious. Mold can damage entire structures, including homes and vehicles, so it's very important to prevent or treat mold as soon as possible.

Mold Remediation in Wilkes-Barre

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

We can help mitigate a mold problem in your home or business.

How To Prevent Mold

It is always important to check on locations in your home or business that you are aware could have moisture or dampness. An example would be a basement, crawl space or attic. Water that sits can start producing spores within 24 to 48 hours and it is important to call a professional if you suspect a water or mold problem. Below are a few tips you can use to help prevent mold in your home. 

• Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to help reduce the moisture in your home. Be especially vigilant during hot, humid months.
• Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible.
  
  
• Do what you can to prevent rain water from seeping into your home. Check potential problem areas regularly.
  
  
• Clean the fabrics in your home routinely and keep them dry.
  
  
• Store items in dry, well-ventilated areas.

Don't forget to check these areas within your home and call SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County if you suspect a mold problem. 570-714-0090 

Residential Mold

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold removal in residential home

Following the large amounts of recent rainfall many homeowners are now finding mold.  Mold can grow with 24 hours after it encounters moisture. It may take up to 18-21 days before any mold will be visible. The longer any moisture is left unattended to the higher the chance of mold concerns. 

Mold can be difficult to remove but important to take care of to reduce the risk of health effects. 

Our technicians from our SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County team are trained professionals and can assist you with the removal of mold.

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County were called in to remove mold growing on this residential home's wall. We are here to help. Call us today at 570-714-0900. 

Fall Fire Hazzards

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fall Fire Prevention Tips

Fall Fire Prevention tips to follow

Check detectors 

We will soon be changing our clock and with this can be a reminder to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making this a habit with each time change can save the life of you and your loved ones.

Space Heaters

When using a space heater, be sure there is a minimum of three feet open space around it. Always unplug when not in use. 

Never Park car over pile of leaves 

The heat from a catalytic converter or exhaust system can ignite leaves below.

Planned escape route 

Be sure you and your family have a planned escape route. Be sure to train everyone to stay low to the ground when escaping a fire keeping your head 12-24 above the floor. 

source: https://bcfma.org/

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County are here to help. Call us today at 570-714-0900

Mold In your Pittston home

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in your Pittston City home

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors.  In some cases, it is harmless but not when found inside your home.  

Mold grows in dark and damp places and when it grows can become a hazard to your health.  These spores grow and release into the air where they can be easily inhaled.

Our team at SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming county has the proper gear and follows proper procedures to ensure the safety of you and your home. 

It is extremely important to contain the area in which the mold is found. In addition, proper filtration is key.  We utilize HEPA vacuums to ensure we are getting the traveling spores.

Should you find yourself with suspected mold in your residential home or commercial business please call us so we can help!  We are available 24/7 at 570-714-0900. 

Mold in your Kingston Home

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Got Mold? SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County can help you!

Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

It is very important to identify the water leak or source of moisture to prevent the continued growth of mold. 

Time is of the essence when it comes to mold prevention.  Mold can grow within 24-48hrs. 

SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County is here to help! Our 24/7 on call service can ensure we take care of you timely and mitigate damage.  

See below a testimonial from one of our local customers we were able to assist:

"I had a serious problem with mold in the crawl space under a section of my house. I called SERVPRO of Kingston to inspect the area and contracted with them to remove the damaged insulation and perform mold remediation procedures. Although my problem was not an emergency, the SERVPRO team responded quickly, and, from the moment I called to the end of the project, I was treated with the utmost respect and courtesy, and the work was carried out in a professional and efficient manner. Everyone at SERVPRO of Kingston, from the owner to the office staff and technicians, was personable, helpful, and professional. What a team! I recommend the business most highly and without reservation."

Call us today at 570-214-0090! 

Mold Remediation in Wilkes-Barre

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

If you discover mold in your Wilkes-Barre property, we can help!

As the weather breaks in Wilkes-Barre, our team has noticed a higher call volume for mold remediation. After many experienced water damage this winter from frequent snow storms and ice dams, remaining moisture in a structure can lead to mold. 

Our team is able to dry our structures following water damage to prevent secondary damage, like mold. However if there is mold detected in the home or business, we also can remediate this problem. Below is what a few of our customers are saying about our mold remediation services. 

"I had a serious problem with mold in the crawl space under a section of my house. I called SERVPRO of Kingston to inspect the area and contracted with them to remove the damaged insulation and perform mold remediation procedures. Although my problem was not an emergency, the SERVPRO team responded quickly, and, from the moment I called to the end of the project, I was treated with the utmost respect and courtesy, and the work was carried out in a professional and efficient manner. Everyone at SERVPRO of Kingston, from the owner to the office staff and technicians, was personable, helpful, and professional. What a team! I recommend the business most highly and without reservation." - Ellen, Hunlock Creek

"My husband and I contacted SERVPRO after finding mold underneath flooring that was removed. I have several autoimmune disorders and know how serious mold is, so I knew immediately that I wanted to have this professionally looked at. John and Clint were so amazing! They were very prompt about coming to look at the mold, and their answers to all of my questions put my mind at ease. We are able to have peace of mind knowing that it was taken care of properly! We would highly recommend SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County!" - Bethany, Exeter 

"Can’t say enough good things about John and his crew! I had water damage and mold growing in my ceiling after a leak in my roof. John was immediately out to take a look and had his crew there promptly there after. They did a great job of removing the damaged and moldy material, sprayed and set up HEPA filters to catch any remaining spores. John is especially great because he takes the time to look over the whole situation and get a plan together to that will be best for the unique problems. He explained exactly what he was going to do and what I needed to do after he was finished. I highly recommend these guys and would use the again 100%!" - Jared, Dallas 

If you have questions regarding our mold remediation services, please call us at 570-714-0090. 

Preventing Mold in your Exeter Bathroom

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

How to prevent mold in your Exeter bathroom.

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Way to Handle Mold in your Kingston Home

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

We can help if you suspect a mold problem.

The Correct Way to Handle Kingston Mold Damage

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

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

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

Fix the Source of the Issue 

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

Recognize the Type of Mold 

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

Use the Right Equipment 

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

Think you have a mold problem? 

Give us a call - 570-714-0090

Does your Meshoppen Home have a Mold Problem?

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Got Mold? We can help.

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 –570-714-0090

Exeter Residents - Follow these steps if you suspect mold

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Problem? We can help!

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 Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County 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 Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County 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 – (570) 714-0090

Found Mold in Shavertown Home

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover mold in your Shavertown home, give us a call!

Most people think spring showers bring moisture problems, but it’s in the Fall and Winter that mold tends to become even more of an issue.

In colder weather, warm air from heating systems rises into attics, where it meets under the cold roof, often causing condensation: the perfect home for mold. Mold thrives in moist and warm areas where a food source such as wood is present.

So proper insulation between your attic and living areas is crucial. If you’re not sure your insulation is working properly, you should have it checked.

Most homes have numerous trouble spots for mold and moisture. In homes tightly sealed for winter, warm air can’t easily escape. When windows are sealed tight, condensation tends to collect indoors on windows and even walls, creating an optimal area for mold to grow. In kitchens, steam accumulates from dishwashers. In bathrooms, showers create warm, moist conditions.

Proper Ventilation in these areas of the home are crucial to prevent mold.

Homeowners also need to be aware of mold growth after a winter storm. After a storm, you need to check your home for damage from snow, ice and freezing temperatures to prevent mold from spreading into your home.

Damage can often go unnoticed until the spring thaw, but by then it may be too late because water might have infiltrated the walls of your basement, attic or other areas of your home.

Here’s a checklist to assess key parts of your home:

Roof checklist to prevent mold:

• Check for any loose or missing shingles, which need to be replaced or repaired immediately.
• Inspect for leaks around chimneys, plumbing and attic vents as well as skylights.
• Remove any tree limbs that are near the roof that could potentially break and fall through your roof.
• Examine the attic and crawl space to make sure you have no leaks that could damage the ceilings.

Gutters and downspouts:

• Check to make sure the gutters and downspouts are securely and properly attached to your home.
• Make sure your downspouts are cleared of leaves, branches and any other debris so that water can flow freely.
• Extend downspouts away from your home’s foundation.
• Consider getting a sump pump if you have standing water around your foundation or your crawl space. If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working properly.

Siding, windows and doors:

Look over your siding to make sure nothing has come loose or is damaged.

Make sure your seals are tight on doors and windows. Check the outside caulking for any damage or leakage.

Wipe up any window condensation on inside windows, especially metal windows.

Consider replacing metal window frames and other exterior door edges with vinyl to avoid air and water leakage.

Basement and crawl space:

Check for water seepage and make sure walls and floors are dry in the basement, especially in cracks or joints where the wall and floor meet.

Make sure there is no standing water in the crawl space.

Purchase a dehumidifier to remove moisture from your basement. 

Stay safe this Fall and Winter by following some of these tips for a Mold free home.

Discovered Mold in Attic in Pittston

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover mold in your attic, we can help.

What to do when you discover Mold in your Pittston Home?

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the problem. 

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, so removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. 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 they 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. 
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
• Let your nose lead the way. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Emergency Contact - (570) 714-0090

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

Mold in Wyoming County Basement

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Humidity Causing Mold in Basement

Mold in Basement 

Mold, mildew, and moisture problems are especially prevalent in states with hot, humid summers, such as PA.

High heat (between 77 and 87 degrees), humidity (between 62 and 93 percent), and a food source (organic material) create the ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. That’s why June-August promote mold growth more than any other months. Warm temperatures and high humidity set the stage for mold and mildew.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew

1. Keep Healthy Humidity Levels

Mold and mildew thrive in a humid environment, so it is important to keep your humidity levels down. In areas that are prone to excessive moisture, make sure you ventilate. When using the kitchen, bathroom or basement, turn on the vent fans. If there are no vent fans in these rooms, have them repaired or installed by an electrician. Also, consider having plug-in dehumidifiers.

Attics fans can also help manage moisture and provide ventilation in the home. 

You can also take measures to control the humidity levels in your home with your HVAC system, which may or may not have a humidification system built in. Regardless, running the air conditioner will help dry and circulate the air. A closed up home in the summer without air conditioning and little air movement will create the humid, warm and dark conditions necessary for mold growth.

2. Fresh Air

Open windows help increase the ventilation in your home – and are a good way to lower indoor carbon dioxide levels. If your home has been closed up for several months, carbon dioxide can build up, especially in rooms where people spend the most time. Fresh air will also help dry out damp, musty areas and reduce odors and stuffiness. Every day, open up a window or two for 5-15 minutes to provide some free, natural ventilation to your home.

3. Use Green Cleaning Products

Cleaning products with an overwhelming odor are ironically the biggest sources of (VOCs) in the home. This is especially true of artificial pine and lemon products. When using these cleaners to rid areas of mold and other pollutants, you are essentially trading one contaminant for another. When dealing with mold, give SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County a call and we can help mitigate the problem. 

4. Dry Wet Areas

Although you should avoid toxic cleaners, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t regularly clean the surfaces in your home. Getting into the habit of cleaning and drying the surfaces in your bathroom and other moist areas is a great way to keep your home clean and free of mold and mildew.

Mold can’t grow and thrive without moisture, so it’s important to dry wet areas in your home immediately. A leaky pipe, a damp basement and even a spill on your carpet needs to be dried thoroughly and as quickly as possible (within 24 hours). Also make sure you don’t leave wet clothing or bath towels out for too long. It is very difficult to completely clean material that has been compromised by mold.

Fix any plumbing leaks or water issues to remove the sources of moisture in your home. 

5. Keep Indoor Plants

Introducing some houseplants into your home is a great way to improve your indoor air quality. 

During these hot Summer months, take measures to prevent Mold in your basement. We are always here to help remediate mold should you find it in your home.