Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Bathroom Mold: A Growing Concern

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

dark bathroom SERVPRO’s mold remediation specialists will work quickly to get your bathroom back to normal, “Like it never even happened.”

With their ever-present moisture and humidity, it’s easy to see why mold loves bathrooms. Moisture and humidity combine to generate optimal conditions for mold growth. In prime conditions, mold can grow and multiply in less than 24 hours, risking significant damage to the safety of your bathroom. In addition, mold infestations can compromise the health of those living in your home, as mold can trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, taking steps to protect your home’s bathroom against the harmful effects of mold is paramount. Understanding the reasons as to why mold growth occurs in bathrooms is a great first step.

Understanding the Causes of Bathroom Mold Growth

One of the top causes of bathroom mold growth is lacking ventilation. Moisture often lingers after baths and showers, which can lead to mold growth if it isn’t dried quickly. Bath towels, rugs, curtains, and other fabric accessories in the bathroom can be at risk for mold growth if they become due to a bath or shower. Lastly, moisture can accumulate as a result of leaking plumbing, increasing the risk for mold growth.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

While it’s impossible to eliminate moisture completely in your bathroom due to the prevalence of water, there are actions that you can take to protect your bathroom. After a bath or shower, it is beneficial to turn on your fan for at least 30 minutes in order to increase ventilation. Keeping the humidity level inside your home below 45% is also an effective way to make sure that your bathroom doesn’t become too humid. Damp bath towels, rugs, and other fabrics found in your bathroom can facilitate mold growth, so it is helpful to wash them frequently. Leaks stemming from sinks, toilets, or other plumbing contribute to a buildup of water in the bathroom. Check these areas regularly in order to catch a leak before it gets out of hand. To decrease lingering moisture on shower walls, consider using a squeegee after every bath or shower.

What to Do If You Spot Mold Growth

Mold can often go unnoticed due to its habit of thriving in dark, damp, and isolated areas such as in corners or between tiles. If you discover mold growing in your bathroom, it is important to remember the following:

First and foremost, don’t touch the mold. Doing so may trigger allergic reactions and jeopardize your health. Next, refrain from attempting to clean or dry out the mold yourself. While these actions may seem effective, they may actually set the mold spores in motion, sending them to other areas of the bathroom and worsening the problem. Lastly, even though a mold problem can be unnerving, remember to stay calm. SERVPRO has your back with our 24-hour emergency service. Call us today at (412) 672-5400 to schedule your mold inspection and damage assessment. SERVPRO’s mold remediation specialists will work quickly to get your bathroom back to normal, “Like it never even happened.” To learn more about our mold remediation services, visit https://www.SERVPROmetropittsburgheast.com/mold-remediation.

Water Leaks Can Cause Mold 

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

About Mold Growth

A leaky faucet in your home can be very annoying, but it has the potential to be much more than an annoyance. The moisture caused by leaks can make your home into the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold spores are known to cause allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory problems. Mold can grow rapidly if you fail to notice a leak shortly after it starts, especially in humid climates. Knowing the risks that mold presents and quickly fixing your water leaks can help to protect your home from mold growth and protect your health as well.

Mold growth will begin in areas of your home that are wet. The mold spores will land on moist surfaces and then start to germinate. The materials on which mold can grow include:


• Sheetrock

• Tile

• Painted surfaces

• Carpet

• Wood


How Mold Can Affect Your Health

Most types of mold are harmless but can cause problems for individuals with allergies. They can cause symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose or breathing problems. A few types of mold are indeed very toxic, whether or not you have allergies.

Indications of Mold Growth Due To Water Leaks

If you see black and white spots in the area of the leak, this is a sign that you have mold. Kitchens and basements are some of the areas in your home where there is a high risk of mold growth as these areas are prone to leaks. It is therefore, important that you properly maintain your plumbing fixtures.

Preventing Mold Growth After Fixing Leaks

If you discover a water leak, have it fixed as soon as possible to minimize the potential for mold growth. After the leak has been fixed, use a mild detergent to wash the area and then allow it to dry completely. After it has dried, thoroughly wipe the area with bleach to kill any spores present. Boric acid also effective at killing mold spores could be used as a substitute for bleach. Be sure to keep your kids and pets out of the area while handling chemicals. It is always recommended to have a professional do the work.

Get Professional Assistance

If there is a part of your home that is prone to water leaks, contact someone with experience, which includes a plumber. If there are hidden problems that are causing leaks to recur, you may not be able to find them yourself. A licensed plumber who is experienced at finding and fixing leaks will be better able to find and fix the issues. Your plumber will also be able to advise you on how to maintain your plumbing to prevent water leaks and mold growth in the future.

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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.

Importance of Mold Testing

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

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

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling may be unnecessary. However at SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East we find it important to do the mold testing before and after the remediation process.

We do surface sampling to make sure the affected area has been cleaned and remediated properly. We also have the mold tested to see what kind of mold was growing. We do this because there are more dangerous strains of mold than others.

If you’ve already seen outbreaks of mold, you may need to retain the services of a mold remediation specialist. These technicians can help you identify sources of mold that aren’t readily apparent on initial inspection and recommend appropriate cleanup and prevention actions.

Conditions In Metro Pittsburgh East Might Be Right For Mold

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.
      
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.

  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 412-672-5400

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.

  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

  • Contact SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East
    for mold remediation services.

Metro Pittsburgh East Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

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 ofMetro Pittsburgh East 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 Metro Pittsburgh East  specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. It is 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 – 412-672-5400

Does Your Metro Pittsburgh East Home Have A Mold Problem?

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

In Metro Pittsburgh East 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 – 412-672-5400

Christmas Trees and Mold

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

4 Ways To Reduce Christmas Tree Mold Levels

Live Christmas trees may bring more than the fresh pine scent of the holiday season into homes.  With most trees cut in advance of the holidays and stored in a moist environment for fresh keeping, this makes them a likely mold source. 

Here are a few tips to help you cut the Christmas mold level in your home, without giving up the fresh tree:

Limit The Time You Leave Your Tree Up

 The longer the tree is inside of your home, the higher the mold level may be.  If those in your household are prone to mold allergies, but don’t want to give up the fresh Christmas tree, consider putting the tree up Christmas Eve and taking it down on New Year’s Day.  Try to keep a live tree in your home between 4-7 days at maximum.

 Wash Your Tree

Before bringing the freshly cut tree inside of your home, wash it first using the garden hose.  Set the nozzle to a hard-spray level to get into all of those little nooks and crannies of the trunk.  Then, wipe the trunk thoroughly with a solution of warm water and bleach (1 part bleach to 20 parts water).  Let it dry in the sun before bringing it inside of your home.

 Use an Air Purifier

 Run an air purifier in the same room as the fresh tree.  Cleaner air is key during the holidays, and helps to reduce your mold exposure and lessen the effects of your tree allergies.

Go Fake

The best way to avoid the mold infestation is to buy an artificial tree.  Unless you store your artificial tree inside of a sealed plastic bag, it will still need a good shaking outside when it’s brought out of storage each year to relieve it of dust.  Also, store all of your Christmas ornaments and decorations in plastic containers (instead of cardboard ones) to keep the dust off of them.

If you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO! 

Water Leaks Can Cause Mold

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

A leaky faucet in your home can be very annoying, but it has the potential to be much more than an annoyance. The moisture caused by leaks can make your home into the perfect environment for Spring mold growth. Mold spores are known to cause allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory problems. Mold can grow rapidly if you fail to notice a leak shortly after it starts, especially in humid climates. Knowing the risks that mold presents and quickly fixing your water leaks can help to protect your home from mold growth and protect your health as well.


About Mold Growth
Spring mold growth will begin in areas of your home that are wet. The mold spores will land on moist surfaces and then start to germinate. The materials on which mold can grow include:

• Sheetrock
• Tile
• Painted surfaces
• Carpet
• Wood

How Mold Can Affect Your Health
Most types of mold are harmless but can cause problems for individuals with allergies. They can cause symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose or breathing problems. A few types of mold are indeed very toxic, whether or not you have allergies.

Indications of Mold Growth Due to Water Leaks
If you see black and white spots in the area of the leak, this is a sign that you have mold. Kitchens and basements are some of the areas in your home where there is a high risk of mold growth as these areas are prone to leaks. It is therefore important that you properly maintain your plumbing fixtures.

Preventing Mold Growth after Fixing Leaks
If you discover a water leak, have it fixed as soon as possible to minimize the potential for Spring mold growth. After the leak has been fixed, use a mild detergent to wash the area and then allow it to dry completely. After it has dried, thoroughly wipe the area with bleach to kill any spores present. Boric acid also effective at killing mold spores and can be used as a substitute for bleach. Be sure to keep kids and pets out of the area while handling chemicals.

Get Professional Assistance
If there is a part of your home that is prone to water leaks, contact a plumber. If there are hidden problems that are causing leaks to recur, you may not be able to find them yourself. A licensed plumber who is experienced at finding and fixing leaks will be better able to find and fix the issues. Your plumber will also be able to advise you on how to maintain your plumbing to prevent water leaks and mold growth in the future.

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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.

Importance of Mold Testing

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

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 mold infestation.

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling may be unnecessary. However at SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East we find it important to do the mold testing before and after the remediation process. We work with Tricor Inspection to complete the mold testing or sampling process. 

We do surface sampling to make sure the affected area has been cleaned and remediated properly. We also have the mold tested to see what kind of mold was growing. We do this because there are more dangerous strains of mold than others.

If you would like a free mold home inspection today, call us at (412) 672-5400. 

Mold and Your Possessions

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Not all possessions will be able to be restored after dealing with mold damage but here are a few ways to try and save some of your possessions that you can do on your own. 

  1. Air dry them away from other objects. Spread out any papers, stand books on end and fan the pages open. Use clean towels or absorbent paper between layers of cloth or paper. Use a fan, but don't aim the fan directly at objects.
  2. If you don't have time to dry objects quickly, you can freeze books, documents and small textiles, until the area conditions are right. Do not freeze mold photographs. 
  3. Ultraviolet light can be damaging, brief exposure to sunlight can stop mold growth and aid drying. However, exposure should not exceed 30 minutes.
  4. Only clean mold once it is dry and inactive. Gently wipe or brush away mold residue. Do this outdoors if possible and always wear protective clothing and a respirator. 
  5. Avoid using harsh cleaning products like bleach, they can ruin your possessions. Never vacuum fragile objects. If you use a vacuum, do it outside since the exhaust can spread mold spores. 
  6. Make sure the affected area is free of mold before returning your possessions to their rightful place. Reinspect the objects from time to time for any new mold growth. 
  7. Valuable artifacts and photographs should be handled by a professional. 

Need help with mold remediation from your possessions, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East can make it "Like it never even happened."

Microscopic Spores

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread through a home in as little as 72 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 re mediate your mold infestation.

If you think you might have a mold problem call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East (412) 672-5400, we can make it "Like it never even happened."

FACTS about Water Damage

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is always here to help. Here are some frequently asked questions you may have about water damage.

Where does water damage typically come from?

Water can enter in the home or business in a variety of ways. Including through foundation leaks, burst pipes, appliance failures, poor drainage in the home, or from heavy storms. These are troublesome they can produce standing water in the matter of hours.

What are the dangers associated with water damage?

When standing water occurs in the home or business it can quickly soak anything it comes into contact with. If the water contains contaminants all materials may need to be thrown away. This is because of potential growth of bacteria and other diseases. Mold is a huge concern.

How is water damage typically handled by a certified technician?

The first thing a certified technician will do is remove compromised materials. This will typically include the carpet, padding, baseboards, insulation, clothing, upholstery, wood, etc. Then they will dry the wet area with air movement and dehumidifiers. While the home dries is when the technician does inspections for mold and other microbes. 

Causes of Mold

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

After tearing out an old shower, we discovered this mold lurking behind the tile. What's behind your walls? Let us help you protect your home!

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

  • Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.
  • Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.
  • Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.
  • Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.
  • Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.
  • Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.
  • Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult. For professional mold removal, as well as fire and water restoration services, contact the professional experts at SERVPRO today.

What is a Mold Protocol?

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Are you concerned about mold growth in your home or business? Do you have questions about the best way to identify mold? Well look no further! SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East can help you through the process.

Step 1: SERVPRO will do a brief walk through of the property to inspect for possible mold growth. We do this as a courtesy for all of our customers to help you understand what will need to be done to remove any mold

Step 2: If we have a suspicion that mold is present, we will call one of our trusted vendors to do a complete inspection. The vendors we use are licensed to identify types of mold and the amount of mold that is present. Our trusted vendor will put together a full protocol.

Step 3: After receiving the protocol, our team of highly trained experts will begin the process of removing the mold. We will use our years of industry experience and our state of the art equipment to remove all mold that is noted on the protocol.

Step 4: Our trusted vendor partner will do an additional inspection after we finish our work. The experts we partner with will give us the final assurance that all mold is removed. If their test still detects mold, we go back and remove any remaining mold spores that are contaminating the air sample.

Step 5: Our licensed and insured construction crew will fix any parts of the property that were damaged during the mold removal process. Often times protocols require us to remove drywall, flooring, etc, but after our construction crew finishes it will look "Like it never even happened."

If you have any questions about mold removal, mold remediation, or mold detection, please contact the experts at SERVPRO Metro Pittsburgh East at (412) 672-5400. Our opinions, advice, and estimates are ALWAYS free, and we are here to help!