5 Reasons Modern Buildings Have more Mold Issues

Name: SERVPRO of Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties
Address: 731 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY, 40504
Telephone: (859) 746-3400

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

This customer suffered heavy mold damage on their drywall. We made it "Like it never even happened."

Mold is an organism that appears naturally outdoors and indoors. Many property owners worry about it growing in their homes and commercial buildings. While mold can cause a significant amount of property damage, it still needs a specific type of atmosphere to grow. That’s why roof leaks, pipe leaks, or faulty window seals are so problematic. They create the perfect breeding grounds for fungi.

Here at SERVPRO we make it a point to learn something new every day. During our research, we found an interesting statistic that we'd like to share. Mold damage wasn’t as prevalent in residential and commercial buildings 100 years ago as it is today. We did more research and sussed out the top five reasons modern properties are more likely to experience mold damage than older homes and commercial buildings.

Time

According to The Collection Plan in 2018, the average house took about 7 months from the beginning of construction to the end. These construction goals still hold true today. Shorter construction times aren’t inherently bad. Technological advancements have allowed us to finish construction projects must faster. There is also a higher demand for more houses now than there was in the 1920s. The consumer plays a role too. As a society, we expect faster build times.

The issues that cause mold damage happens when builders shorten the construction time by cutting corners. Builders may use unskilled laborers. They might use less material where more is required to get the job done right. They might not have the architect oversee the project to ensure the house is being built correctly. Keep in mind this isn’t the case for all builders. It is, however, more common now than it used to be.

Materials

The types of materials have changed as well. Now builders use Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and particleboard. Materials like this are more porous than the timber used 100 years ago. Modern building supplies hold on to moisture longer. It leaves your house susceptible to possible mold damage if the humidity gets too high.

HVAC system

100 years ago, central heating and air conditioning was an expensive luxury few could afford. They were also too large for residential homes. According to Energy.gov, they weren’t widely available for residential properties until the early 1930s. It wasn’t until the 70s that forced-air HVAC systems were installed on newly built properties.

HVAC systems create condensation. Ideally, it drips into a condensation pan. However, clogs happen and, condensation pans can potentially overflow. Additionally, condensation can build up in the ducts. When left untreated ducts, and vents are the perfect breeding ground for mold. That is why cleaning your ducts is so important. It can clean out the mold and therefore improve the overall air quality.

Architecture

Houses come in all shapes and sizes. Did you know that those shapes and sizes are usually designed for a specific climate? Flat roofs are intended for dryer climates like Arizona. Whereas Capecods and Ranch style homes are ideal for rainier parts of the world. When a property is built based on design trends instead of practicality, roofing leaks and clogged gutters are more likely to occur. If the subsequent water damage is not treated, it can cause mold.

Lower Tolerance

According to Diane Hoffmaster, a microbiologist, and writer of the blog Turning The Clock Back, American culture has a decreasing tolerance to dirt. Cleanliness is seen as a moral value. Therefore if mold is present in or on the property we fear being shunned by the community.

The aforementioned factors may have a relatively low impact on the number of mold damages we see today. Could it just be that 100 years ago, property owners didn’t worry as much about mold damage? If only walls could talk! If you’d like to talk to us about mold damage on your property call us today at (513) 541-3200 to schedule a free estimate.

Do's and Dont's of Mold Damage

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Every mold situation is different and requires a unique solution. However, the general rules as to what to do and what not to do if you find or suspect there is mold in your home are basically the same. Mold spreads quickly and can cause health effects and damage to your home.

If you find visible mold or suspect there is mold in your home…

DO stay out of the affected areas!

DO turn off the HVAC system and fans!

DO contact SERVPRO for mold remediation services!

DON’T touch or disturb the mold!

DON’T blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth!

DON’T spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold!

The SERVPRO technicians are experts in mold and mold growth. They have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your property. So if you suspect you have a mold issue in your home, give us a call today!

Mold Remediation by SERVPRO Boone County

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold problem can arise and spread quickly throughout the home. The SERVPRO of Boone County technicians are professionals in the mold remediation process and have been trained to properly resolve mold infestation. Special equipment and processes are used to handle the problem.

The Process:

Contact SERVPRO of Boone County at (859)746-3400: Upon receiving your call, we will collect information from you to determine what is needed to handle your project.
Inspection and Assessment: Our technicians will inspect the property using professional detection equipment to determine mold and moisture levels.
Mold Containment: Our technicians will use different containment procedures to prevent the mold from spreading.
Air Filtration: Specialized equipment is used to capture mold spores from the air and prevent the mold from spreading during the remediation process.
Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials: In some instances, it is necessary to remove mold-infested materials, like drywall or flooring, from the home. Anti-microbial agents are used to eliminate and prevent mold growth
Cleaning Contents and Belongings: Our technicians thoroughly clean and sanitize the contents in the home affected by mold.
Restoration: The structure and contents of the home may require repairs to return the property to preloss condition.

Mold damage is better dealt with by professionals that have the training and expertise to effectively handle the situation. If you suspect you have mold in your home or property, take the first step in the remediation process by giving us a call today!

SERVPRO of Boone County (859)746-3400

New Home Exterior Paint Has Functional Benefits

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Are you looking for ways to update the look of your home and gain functional benefits as well? Painting your home’s exterior might be something to seriously consider.

Functional Benefits of Fresh Exterior Paint

Protection against the elements: Rain, wind, snow, and intense sunlight can all be harsh on a home. Paint acts like a protective shield to the exterior surfaces and can even increase the life span of siding.
Maintains structural integrity: Unprotected wood is susceptible to water damage which can lead to mold and mildew which in turn, can break down the structural integrity of the home.
Better curb appeal: A home with a fresh coat of exterior paint can be attractive to a potential buyer. If a buyer likes the outside, there is a better chance he will like the inside.
Identification of insect damage and prevention of termite damage: The painting process can uncover insect damage and infestations can be stopped.

Not only is fresh exterior paint one of the most cost-effective home projects, it makes a home more pleasing aesthetically and offers these functional benefits as well.

Holiday Wishes from SERVPRO of Boone County!

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

During the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those that have helped make our accomplishments a reality. We understand that our success in the mold, water, and fire damage restoration industry would not be possible without teamwork. Our dedicated colleagues in the restoration industry, our great team of committed employees, and our trusting customers are all a crucial part of our successes. We truly appreciate the efforts of all those that we work with on a daily basis to help our customers in their times of need. We would like to take this time to say thank you for your continued loyalty and consideration throughout this past year. We sincerely wish that you find peace, joy, hope, and happiness today and in the new year ahead!

Merry Christmas from your friends at SERVPRO of Boone County!!

Signs There May Be Mold Hiding in Your Home

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in a home isn’t always clearly visible to the eye or easy to find. But there are some warning signs to look out for that may indicate there is mold growth present.

Musty Odor

A musty smell that is constantly present is an indicator that mold may be growing somewhere in the home. Mold can grow behind walls and under flooring and it is important to locate the source of the odor in order to prevent further spreading.

Water and Moisture Issues

Mold thrives in moist areas. If you have ever had any issues with water damage like flooding basements, leaky pipes, or condensation, it is possible that mold has started to develop. Discoloration or water stains on ceilings, walls, and floors are all signs of water issues and potential mold growth.

Allergy Symptoms

Some people have allergies to mold. If you are allergic to mold and notice that your allergies flare up when you are home and you feel better when you are away, this may be a sign that there is hidden mold in your home.

It is very important to address mold issues quickly because if not resolved, it can spread throughout a property very fast. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Boone County can inspect, assess and remediate your property. 859-746-3400

Mold Remediation by SERVPRO of Boone County

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold problem can arise and spread quickly throughout the home. The SERVPRO of Boone County technicians are professionals in the mold remediation process and have been trained to properly resolve mold infestation. Special equipment and processes are used to handle the problem.

The Process:

Contact SERVPRO of Boone County at (859)746-3400: Upon receiving your call, we will collect information from you to determine what is needed to handle your project.
Inspection and Assessment: Our technicians will inspect the property using professional detection equipment to determine mold and moisture levels.
Mold Containment: Our technicians will use different containment procedures to prevent the mold from spreading.
Air Filtration: Specialized equipment is used to capture mold spores from the air and prevent the mold from spreading during the remediation process.
Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials: In some instances, it is necessary to remove mold-infested materials, like drywall or flooring, from the home. Anti-microbial agents are used to eliminate and prevent mold growth
Cleaning Contents and Belongings: Our technicians thoroughly clean and sanitize the contents in the home affected by mold.
Restoration: The structure and contents of the home may require repairs to return the property to preloss condition.

Mold damage is better dealt with by professionals that have the training and expertise to effectively handle the situation. If you suspect you have mold in your home or property, take the first step in the remediation process by giving us a call today!

SERVPRO of Boone County (859)746-3400

Mold Comes in a Rainbow of Different Colors

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

When many people think of mold, they think of it as being black in color. But mold actually comes in a variety of different colors including white, green, yellow and even pink!

While many fear that black mold is toxic, white mold does not usually cause the same concerns. It can be found on about any type of surface. Attics, basement walls and exposed dirt in crawlspaces are all common areas where white mold can be found. It also can appear on food as it is going bad.

Green mold is very common and prefers cool to moderate environments. Due to this, it is commonly found on rotting refrigerated foods and breads.

Yellow mold can be very bright in color and is usually easy to spot. According to moldguide.net, this variety of mold can be dangerous. It should not be touched or inhaled and it should be removed as soon as possible.

Pink mold often develops on shower floors and the bottom of shower curtains because it thrives in moisture-rich environments. It is difficult to completely prevent pink mold in the bathroom and usually requires continual maintenance to control the issue.

Although mold comes in a variety of colors, all thrive in similar, moist environments. To control or prevent mold, be sure to ventilate damp areas and monitor pipes and other areas susceptible to leaking! If you suspect a mold issue at your property, call SERVPRO of Boone County. We are experts in mold testing and remediation!

(859) 746-3400

Take Precautions When Handling Mold Cleanup

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Have you found mold in your home? The SERVPRO of Boone County technicians are highly trained mold remediation specialists and it’s always best to let the professionals do the work. But what if you want to attempt to safely clean the moldy areas yourself? What should you wear?

It is important to avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers safety guidelines to handling mold in your home. In order to limit exposure to airborne mold, they recommend wearing an N-95 respirator during the cleaning process, which can be found at many hardware stores.

The EPA also suggests wearing long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm. It is important to avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.

And finally, goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. It is important to prevent getting mold or mold spores from getting into your eyes.

While some minor surface mold issues can be handled effectively by the homeowner, it is best to have professional help with larger mold infestations. SERVPRO of Boone County has the specialized mold remediation equipment and the highly trained mold remediation technicians necessary to handle any size mold infestation. If you find a mold situation that is too much to handle on your own, contact us today!

SERVPRO of Boone County (859)746-3400

Continuing Education Courses at SERVPRO of Boone County

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

At times throughout the year, SERVPRO of Boone County offers Continuing Education courses. The courses are usually held at our Northwest Cincinnati location at 2115 Schappelle Lane, Forest Park, Ohio 45240.

Offered courses are both credit and non-credit courses and they are available to insurance agents, insurance adjusters and real estate professionals. The courses are designed to provide those in attendance with valuable information to allow them to better service their clients.

Some of the common course topics include fire damage restoration, understanding mold in the restoration industry, water damage restoration, biohazard cleanup, and ethics.

These Continuing Education Courses are offered periodically throughout the year. To find out more about upcoming Continuing Education courses or to register for an upcoming class, contact SERVPRO of Boone County at (859) 746-3400. Also, be sure to follow our social media accounts to stay up to date on future course dates!

Merry Christmas from SERVPRO of Boone County

12/25/2017 (Permalink)

The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for those that make our success possible and to offer our very best wishes for a prosperous future. We know that our accomplishments and achievements in the mold, water and fire damage restoration industry would not be possible without our hard working employees, dedicated colleagues in the restoration industry, and our trusting customers. We truly appreciate the efforts of all those that we work with day in and day out to help our customers in need. So we would like to say thank you for your continued loyalty and goodwill throughout the year. And our sincere wish is that you find peace, joy, hope and happiness today and in the new year ahead!

Merry Christmas!

SERVPRO of Boone County

What to do if you find mold...

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Every mold situation is different and requires a unique solution. However, the general rules as to what to do and what not to do if you find or suspect there is mold in your home are basically the same. Mold spreads quickly and can cause health effects and damage to your home.

If you find visible mold or suspect there is mold in your home…

DO stay out of the affected areas!

DO turn off the HVAC system and fans!

DO contact SERVPRO of Boone County at (859)746-3400 for mold remediation services!

DON’T touch or disturb the mold!

DON’T blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth!

DON’T spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold!

The SERVPRO of Boone County technicians are experts in mold and mold growth. They have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your property. So if you suspect you have a mold issue in your home, give us a call today! (859)746-3400

Mold or Mildew? Can you tell the difference?

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold and mildew, many often wonder, “What is the difference?” HGTV.com compares mold and mildew to siblings, stating that they have a few matching characteristics but they also have some striking differences.

As for similarities, they both strive in warm, moist areas and they both are able to grow on a multitude of surfaces. They are also both two types of fungi that no one is ever happy to find in their home!

Differences between mold and mildew can be seen in their appearance. Mold is usually fuzzy in appearance and can be various different colors, but it is most often black or green. Mildew, on the other hand, usually grows in a flat pattern and may appear powdery. It is usually white or gray in color. One interesting difference between mildew and mold is that there is no use for mildew. On the contrary, some molds are actually used in food production. For example, Penicillium is used in the production of cheese.

While mold and mildew definitely have differences, the methods to prevent mold and mildew in the home are very much the same. All areas of the home need to be kept dry and moisture-free. Humidity levels inside the home should be checked and controlled. Any leaks need to be repaired quickly and HVAC systems should be inspected regularly.

SERVPRO of Boone County specializes in mold testing and remediation. If you suspect mold is an issue in your home, give us a call today! (859)746-3400

Be Aware of These Signs of Mold

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors and grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can cause health effects in people with mold sensitivity.

When water invades your property, mold growth can begin in as little as 48 hours. Moldpedia.com lists many signs that there may be mold in your home:

Smelling a Mold Odor
Seeing Signs of Mold Growth
Signs of Water Problems
Water Leaks
Past Flooding
Condensation

If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home or business, stay out of the affected area, turn off the HVAC system and fans, and contact SERVPRO of Boone County for mold remediation services. The SERVPRO of Boone County technicians have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation effectively and in a timely manner.

Have You Found Mold in Your Home?

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus that thrives in warm, damp and humid areas. It lives both indoors and outdoors and can spread quickly through a property.

Where does mold hide?

Mold thrives in moist areas. It can most commonly be found in places like showers and tubs, leaky sinks or pipes and basement walls or crawlspaces. But sometimes it hides in places you might never suspect! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, or the underside of carpets and pads. Other possible hidden locations include areas inside walls around leaking pipes, the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks).

Mold Cleanup

If you discover mold in your home and need professional service, SERVPRO of Boone County has the specialized mold remediation equipment and the highly trained mold remediation technicians necessary to handle any size mold infestation. We proudly serve Florence, Kentucky and other surrounding communities with our professional mold remediation services.

Cleaning Surface Mold

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a problem that many homeowners face and it is aggravating! Almost every home gets some form of mold at one time or another. Outside, mold turns up as dark spots on siding and it darkens wooden decks. On the inside, it blackens the grout lines in showers and discolors drywall.

Minor surface mold infestations, like those found on the grout lines in tiled showers, can be easily removed with regular household cleaning products. According to familyhandyman.com, with a mixture of ½ cup bleach, 1 quart water and a little detergent, these surface molds can be easily scrubbed away. The bleach in the mixture kills the mold and the detergent helps lift it off the surface so it can be rinsed away and won’t return as fast. As an alternative to the mixture, mildew cleaners can be purchased at local stores. If the mold doesn’t disappear after light scrubbing, reapply the cleaner, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then lightly scrub again. As a preventative measure, it is a good idea to seal the clean surfaces with a grout sealer when they are dry.

Even for simple cleaning, it is always important to protect yourself from contact with mold and bleach by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves and goggles.

While minor surface mold can most of the time be taken care of by homeowners, larger mold infestations can be much harder to handle. SERVPRO of Boone County has the specialized mold remediation equipment and the highly trained mold remediation technicians necessary to handle any size mold infestation.

Happy Memorial Day & Happy Grilling from SERVPRO of Boone County!

5/29/2017 (Permalink)

Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. SERVPRO of Boone County would like to first take this opportunity to remember and pay tribute to those that so unselfishly gave their lives to provide us with the freedom we enjoy.

Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. And with the summer season, comes family picnics and outdoor grilling. When raising the lid to your grill this season, you may be surprised at what you find hiding inside…MOLD!

Mold thrives in a moist environment with poor air circulation. And a covered grill is just that! If you find mold growing in your grill this spring, grillbilliesbarbecue.com offers several tips to remove the mold and prepare your grill for the grilling season.

How to Remove and Clean Mold from Your Grill:

Throw away any charcoal and other materials leftover in the grill.

Fire the grill up as hot as possible to burn off all grease and mold. (If you attempt to scrape it off or power wash it first you may inhale mold spores.)

Let the grill cool and then scrape and scrub every surface with a brush or a pressure washer. Don’t forget to include the drip pan and grates.

Wash everything down with soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Fire the grill up once again to burn off any mold, grease, and soap residue.

*NOTE: If you have a ceramic grill, DO NOT use degreaser or a pressure washer to clean. For ceramic, only use a plastic scraper and start a hot fire.

So as we enter the summer grilling season, be sure to inspect your grill for mold and take the necessary steps to clean it! Happy Memorial Day and Happy Grilling!

Moisture Control - The Key to Mold Prevention

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

Most homeowners have concerns about mold and how to prevent it. Mold can grow anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and if not treated promptly, can spread very quickly. It is best to prevent mold before it ever becomes a problem.

Tips to Prevent Mold

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. The Mother Nature Network suggests several ways for homeowners to curb moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it:

Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. Areas such as wet basements, water stained ceilings, or windows with condensation are examples of potential problem areas. Correcting these issues can prevent mold before it becomes a problem.
Dry wet areas immediately. Mold needs moisture to grow. Don’t leave wet areas in your home. Remove wet carpets and furniture if they can’t be dried completely. Don’t leave wet items lying around the house. Always dry the walls and floors after showers or spills.
Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. Make sure your home isn’t holding moisture inside by opening a winder or running an exhaust fan while cooking or showering.
Equip your home with mold-resistant products. If building a new home or renovating your current home, always use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paint.
Monitor humidity indoors. Measure humidity in your home with a moisture meter and keep the indoor humidity levels between recommended levels.
Direct water away from your home. Make sure the ground around your home is sloped so that water runs away from the home.
Clean or repair roof gutters. Leaky roofs lead to moisture in the home.
Improve air flow in your home. Increase air circulation in your home by opening doors between rooms and moving furniture away from walls. Let fresh air into your home.
Keep mold off house plants. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold. Find ways to prevent mold from growing on your house plants.

If after following these tips you still find that you have a mold infestation in your Erlanger, Kentucky home, SERVPRO of Boone County has the specialized mold remediation equipment and the highly trained mold remediation technicians necessary to handle any size mold infestation. We proudly serve Erlanger, Florence, Hebron, Burlington, and other surrounding Kentucky communities with our professional mold remediation services.

MOLDS - Did you know...?

5/6/2016 (Permalink)