Summer Mold: Here's What to Know

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Since mold thrives in environments that are warm and moist, many surfaces can be subject to mold growth during the summer.

Now that summer is finally within reach, it is important that we understand that during the summer, mold growth is highly likely. Why might this be? The answer lies in weather changes. As a result of rising temperatures, humidity increases, which causes moisture accumulation on surfaces. Since mold thrives in environments that are warm and moist, practically any surface can be subject to mold growth during the summer. Today’s blog will acquaint you with three common varieties of household molds and share different ways in which we here at SERVPRO approach mold remediation.

Categories of Mold

Alternaria, Stachybotrys (black mold), and Cladosporium are three varieties of mold most commonly found in homes. Alternaria is an allergenic mold that may grow in showers, bathtubs, leaking sinks, and other water damaged and damp areas unless preventative measures are taken. Stachybotrys, better known by its nickname, “black mold,” is usually dark or black in color. Like Alternaria, it is commonly found in damp areas. During the summer, a popular Stachybotrys growth location is the space surrounding ventilation systems, like HVAC units or air conditioners, if they leak. Cladosporium can be seen if you have indoor plants during the summer months, as it can be found on decaying plant surfaces and is usually blue or green to brown or black in color.

How We Care for Mold & Our 5 Principles of Mold Remediation

Our principles and procedures here at SERVPRO are guided by industry leaders, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification’s S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. There are three condition levels for mold remediation, according to the IICRC, which include: 1) Normal Fungal Ecology, 2) Settled Spores, and 3) Actual Growth. Our top priority is containment when handling mold, as we do everything possible to prevent the mold from spreading. Therefore, we put to use technology such as negative air chambers and physical barriers to isolate the affected area, which keep mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. We ensure success through our 5 principles of mold remediation, which are as follows: 

1. Safety and Health
2. Documentation
3. Control Contaminants
4. Remove the Contamination
5. Correct the Moisture Problem

We also employ the assistance of an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP), who will conduct the final clearance testing to guarantee that the moisture problem has been corrected.

Call SERVPRO for Mold Remediation Services This Summer

If your residential or commercial property experiences mold growth this summer, know that SERVPRO is always standing by, ready to help. You can learn more about SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s professional mold remediation services by visiting our web pages dedicated to mold-related topics, including Commercial Mold Remediation and our trusted Mold Restoration Process. You can also call your local SERVPRO Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East at (717) 510-6779. Let us help make it “Like it never even happened” if you experience a mold emergency, with our reliable mold remediation services.