Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Does Your Southern Maryland Home Have A Mold Problem?

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

MOLD In Southern Maryland, 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 – 301-862-9500 or 410-535-4733

Why dirt Crawl Spaces are bad for your home

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Crawl Space, Some insulation Damp Crawl Space.

Having a dirt crawl space below your home is essentially exposed earth which can lead to many problems such as mold and air quality issues. The exposed earth is naturally damp and can also retain moisture from groundwater seeps, leaks, and block walls which damp air can travel through. As damp soil dries below the house the water vapor moves upward onto exposed wood, which then creates mold. Now you have moldy environment below your home.  The air in your crawlspace can travel through your home one of two ways. The first is called the stack effect. As warm air rises in your home it needs to be replaced. Air from the crawlspace is drawn upward throughout the next level of our home to replace that air. The other way is through your duct work. Ducts are held together by screws and they are crimped which do not provide an air tight seal. This allows for air from your crawlspace to enter and travel through the rest of your home.

We have solutions for these problems when they occur. The first task we tackle is to stop the groundwater leakage. We do this by creating a slight ditch in your crawlspace and installing a sump pump at the low point with a drainage ditch. We install a sump pump liner to keep mud and other debris away from the sump pump to prevent clogging. The next step is addressing the mold, we will have our team come in inspect the crawlspace and the identify the areas which are affected and determine which method of cleaning for mold necessary. This can range from treating the area with an EPA registered disinfectant, Soda blasting, and or hepa vacuuming. Now, we create conditioned area by sealing the vents and installing a thick plastic linear ranging from 10 to 20 mil to prevent minor rips and tears. On top of that we install a dehumidifier to create permanent controlled environment below your home. If you find these problems within your crawl space, give SERVPRO of St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties a call today to have us come out and inspect your crawl space and see what can do for you.

Huntington Home Humidity Solutions

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

mold cells tan & green Avoid Humidity!

Humidity can be very uncomfortable, leaving everything feeling damp and moist and when it comes to your home humidity is one of the last thing people want to feel when they walk in. Humidity can create many problems within your home, one being mold. 

According to Energy Star, the ideal humidity that you want to have present within your home is 30-50 percent. If you are able to keep your home in between those percentages you may see a variety of positive effects on your home, such as, improve personal comfort, prevent moisture damage on home's wood, paint, and siding, increase indoor air quality and more.

According to State Farm, here are some ways that you can help reduce and control the humidity levels within your home.

  • Set the fan to automatic
  • Invest in a unit with a variable-speed air handler.
  • Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
  • Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Run a dehumidifier.
  • Select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air, such as Boston ferns.

For more ways on how to control and/or remove excess humidity within your home check out https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/conquer-home-humidity-problems-with-these-tips

Mold At Its Finest

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

If moisture finds its way into your home, mold can quickly take over in as little as 48 hours. Mold can be a major health risk and cause significant damage to your St. Mary's and Calvert Counties homes. 

There are a few things to understand when it comes to mold:

  • Mold can present a greater risk to children, elderly people and those with respiratory problems
  • Mold is not always seen. Mold can hide behind drywall or under carpeting and can be noticed by a strong musty odor.
  • Mold can spread within 48-72 hours

If you suspect mold in your home do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties. We have the training, equipment and expertise to make it "Like It Never Even Happened" and will be there in no time.

In the meantime while you wait for our arrival:

  • Stay out of affected areas 
  • Turn of HVAC system and fans 
  • DO NOT touch or disturb the mold
  • DO NOT attempt to dry 
  • DO NOT blow air near the area
  • DO NOT spray any products on affect area