Your nose can tell a musty story!

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Ever go into your basement, or up to your attic, or basically anywhere in the house just to walk into an area that smells a bit… musty? If so, you may have asked yourself if that little patchwork is mold. 

The funny thing about mold is that it’s everywhere. Meaning the question isn’t whether or not you have mold in your home or business, but rather how much of it do you have that can potentially cause it to be a problem. 

Mold can cause health and respiratory issues if not treated properly. SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough is here for you to tackle any a mold job.  Our certified technicians set up air scrubbers to filter the air and catch any loose mold spores that can be harmful to the human body. 

If you suspect to have an unhealthy high level of mold in your home, call us here at SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough for a free estimate today!

Mold, Mold, Go Away!

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

mold on wall

As the weather starts to warm up and beach season approaches, something that is often overlooked is mold growth within homes. Whether you're looking to sell your home, purchase a home, or stay within your current home- mold seems to be the four letter word no one wants to hear! In this blog you'll learn where the most common areas for mold growth are, and when you'll need to call in a professional (like SERVPRO) to remediate!

Where is Mold most commonly found?

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

How can I tell if I need to call in a professional?

If the mold growth covers an area of more than 10 square feet (the size of a bath towel), you should consider calling a mold specialist. Cleaning large areas of mold can be tricky. Mold spores are airborne and very hard to keep contained.

If you think you might have Black Mold in your home or business, call the professionals today at 508-999-2380

Mold in the Cold - Dartmouth 02740

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

As the weather outside begins to switch to much colder temperatures, our normal routine begins to change as well.

While mold is generally thought to grow during the warmer months, it is actually quite common for mold to grow in the winter season as well. Excessive indoor moisture can be caused by a number of issues: past water damage, plumbing issues, leaky roofs, high indoor humidity, and condensation are lurking concerns. Window condensation occurs when moisture in the warm air inside your home liquefies on the glass or other surfaces that are extremely cooler due to outdoor temperatures. High humidity contributes to this process because there is excess moisture in the air and is trapped indoors. It may seem minor but it’s important to dry the surfaces since mold feeds on it and can develop within 24 hours.

If you’re experiencing possible mold issues give SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford a call to schedule a free estimate.

It's Everywhere! - Dartmouth 02747

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Think you don’t have mold in your home? Think again. 

The interesting thing about mold spores is that they’re everywhere! No matter how many promises a company that offers mold services can make, mold cannot be removed, only remediated. This includes minimizing the number of mold spores in the atmosphere by the use of antimicrobials, air scrubbers, and HEPA vacuums and filters. The mold remediation process utilizes this equipment to lower the mold spore count to safe levels. 

Our trained and IICRC trained and certified technicians are familiar and ready to deal with all cases of mold. From cases that take over entire bedrooms to large commercial spaces, we’ve seen it all. Not only are we ready for whatever happens, but we are also here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Mold, Meth, and Marijuana Seminar - New Bedford 02744

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Owner, Doug Glassman, addressing the attendees on matters related to mold remediation at the RASEM lunch 'n' learn seminar

Recently, our friends at RASEM (Realtor Association of South Eastern Massachusetts) invited our owner, Doug Glassman, to be one of the speakers for a talk about Mold, Meth, and Marijuana. You can guess which one we spoke about… (hint: it was the one that’s not a drug). 

Doug talked about how important it is to take care of mold before it spreads and affects other areas in a home that could lead to greater disasters if not treated in time. He mentioned how the crews and technicians of SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford take care of mold by walking the attendees through the mold remediation process that consists of:

• Finding the root cause.

This is usually done by a contractor and could be as simple as fixing a leak, to sealing up cracks in the foundation. 

• Set up containment 

This prevents the mold spores from spreading once the cleaning begins. 

• HEPA Vacuum Affected Area 

This directly pulls mold spores from the food source

• Filter contaminated air

As the mold spores are being HEPA vacuumed, our technicians set up air filters to catch the spores and filter out clean air

• Anti-microbial treatment

This is used to clean the affected area and remove any residual bacteria 

• Encapsulation/Stain Removal

After the affected area has been cleaned, there are still stains leftover by the mold. To make the affected area look cleaner and really, “Like It never even happened.” our technicians paint over the stain to leave no trace of mold.

We were accompanied by a local real estate mentor and investor, Gualter Amarelo, who discussed how the marijuana industry is affecting the real estate market. He cited information and data taken from five-year studies conducted in Colorado and how real estate prices grew by 67% in neighborhoods that had a marijuana dispensary nearby. 

The New Bedford Chief of Police, Joseph Cordeiro, also joined us and spoke about meth labs and how the police force is encouraging landlords and real estate investors to take better care of their property by correctly screening tenants and reporting any suspicious activity. “The best way to get these criminals out of your neighborhood,” the Chief said, “is to make sure they know you won’t tolerate illegal activity.” 

Overall, it was great getting to speak with local real estate agents about the work we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford do and how we’re able to help when they, and their clients, need it most. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 508-999-2380 for a free estimate. 

"I Ain't Afraid of No Mold!"- Fairhaven, MA 02719

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

“I ain’t afraid of no mold!” Can you picture yourself saying that as you’re rolling up your sleeves ready to tackle your moldy mess on your own? Well before you do, here are some things to consider-

What is mold?

Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in moist, warm conditions. As it is an important part of the ecosystem, it can be a nuisance when it is found in your home or business. Mold is able to reproduce by releasing spores that can be carried through air, water or even animals. There are many different kinds of molds out there.

Some signs of mold are:

• A strange odor
• Appearance of mold
• Known moisture source

If you notice moisture around your home or business or detect a strange odor and are not sure if there is mold present, it is best to call a professional to come in and look at it. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford specializes in mold remediation and offer free estimates as well!

Here are some common areas of moisture/warmth where mold can grow:

• Roof leaks
• Indoor plumbing leaks
• Outdoor drainage problems
• Damp basements/ crawl spaces
• Steam from bathroom/kitchen
• Condensation on cool surfaces
• Humidifiers
• Wet clothing drying inside of the home
• Poor or improper ventilation of heating or cooking appliances

Although you may think simply wiping it away or putting bleach on it will solve the problem, chances are you could spread it, make it airborne and could cause more potential problems. It is always best to contact a professional. Give SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call at (508) 999-2380!

Reference: New York State/Department of Health

Got Mold? Yes, you do! Acushnet, MA 02743

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know mold is everywhere?

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.

If You See Signs of Mold, 
Call Us Today – (508) 999-2380

Mold on your Belongings? We Can Fix That - New Bedford, MA - 02740

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

This Customers Family Heirloom was Restored back to Pre-Loss Condition

A New Lease on Life for this Old Heirloom

We we’re recently approached by a woman who was having issues with mold in a split unit A/C system in her home. This particular unit was located in her tiny 10’ x 10’ bedroom, and simple enough to clean where she felt comfortable doing it on her own.

Unfortunately, the system was situated in a way where the air flow blew directly on a foot stool her mother had passed down to her. Unbeknownst to her, the air blowing from the unit spread mold which attached to her family heirloom. She expressed feelings of devastation to us and how badly she’d like for it to be fixed.

We were able to completely remediate the mold from this item and get it back to preloss condition for her. She was very satisfied with the outcome and relieved that this piece could continue to live on in the family for the next generation.  

Common Areas for Mold Growth

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to your home or business mold is not something you want to mess around with. It doesn’t take very much time for mold to spread quickly. Mold can become extremely hazardous to your health, and if left untreated can cause costly structural damage to building materials. If you find mold growing in your home, it’s important to call in a professional who has the experience and expertise to have the mold completely removed by using the correct process.

Mold is a living organism that belongs to the fungi family. There are over 100,000 species of mold, and all of them can be harmful if not properly taken care of.

As long as oxygen and moisture are present, mold can virtually grow on any organic surface such as paper, wood, insulation, food, and carpet padding.  Because mold will eat or digest what it is growing on, if left untreated, mold can even cause structural damage to buildings and furnishings.

Here are some Places to Watch for Mold Growth in Your Home:

• Basements or cellars that have been flooded
• Underneath kitchen sinks
• Attics & Crawl Spaces
• Underneath or behind refrigerators
• Behind walls that also house plumbing
• Stacks of damp or wet newspaper or cardboard boxes
• Around air-conditioning units
• Wallboard or around windows that leak
• Under carpeting that may have become wet
• Bathroom shower or under sink

You can prevent damage to your home or business, its contents, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

 Reminder: With any type of water damage in the home drying the affected areas within three days or less will help prevent the growth of toxic mold that can make you extremely sick.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

1. Emergency Contact - 508-999-2380
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

How Often Should you Clean your Bathroom to avoid Mold Growth?

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Mold & Mildrew Growth in your Bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, it seems like it’s the least favorite room for homeowners to clean. However, dust, dirt, grime, and moisture sitting on your bathrooms surfaces can lead to mold and mildew. So, why avoid the cleanup and put your family’s health at risk? Bathrooms should be cleaned weekly, but there’s also little things that can be done daily that can help make that weekly cleanup seem less daunting.

Daily:

• After a shower, squeegee your tiles to remove the excess water
• Keep the shower stall door or curtain open after a shower for at least 10 minutes to help exhaust the humidity that has built up inside
• Close the shower curtain afterwards to help dry them so moisture doesn’t get trapped when they are bunched up when closed
• Empty garbage bins every other day. Think of what gets thrown out: wet naps, damp paper towels, Kleenex, tissue paper, etc. After a few days, your garbage bin can start to get musty and moldy
• Hang towels right away after a bath or shower. Leaving them on the floor can lead to musty odors
• Run your exhaust fans or open windows during your shower and keep them open/on afterwards for at least 20 minutes

Weekly:

• Toilet bowls
• Shower head; build-up can occur causing mold and clogging, preventing you from having a relaxing shower experience.
• Counters and sinks
• Walls and floors; dust, grime and hair is mold food when left on surfaces for too long
• Shower mats
• Replace hand and bath towels with fresh, clean linens
• Mirrors
• Door handles and faucets can hold onto bacteria

The main objective is to keep moisture levels to a minimum so not to create the perfect breeding ground for mold. By following these tips, you'll have a better control on minimizing mold growth.

Molds You Don’t Want to Mess With

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Harmful or Harmless?

Harmful or Harmless?

Stachybotrys, Penicillium/Aspergillus, and Chaetomiumspp are all molds you don’t want to mess with... and that's just to name a few! These types of molds are commonly found within the home and can be extremely dangerous to your health if not handled properly or by a professional.

Stachybotrys, or black mold, are part of the Aspergillus family and are known to cause an array of human health problems. This type of mold is identified as being a greenish black, slimy mold that grows on waterlogged paper and wood. It should be noted that Stachybotrys does not grow on tile, linoleum or concrete.

Penicillium/Aspergillus are ubiquitous with one another; where one is present, the other is typically lingering close by. They are the most common mold species to appear in indoor air quality samples. Aspergillus is usually found in fabrics and damp wallboards while Penicillium are known to hide in decaying fabrics, wallpaper, house dust, and oddly enough… moist clipboards. It is also pretty amazing to think that the antibiotic penicillin derives from the mold penicillium

It can be argued that Chaetomiumspp are the most dangerous of these three species, causing a slew of health problems. This species should be avoided at all costs.

With over 50 years of experience, the professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South are proficient in dealing with the various strains of mold that may find their way into your home. If you think you are suffering from mold in your home or business, call us today for a free consultation at (508) 999-2380.

Characteristics of Alternaria- Fairhaven, MA 02717

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

Plant mold but easily enters home

Commonly found in soil, plants or other vegetation.

Black color & velvet or fuzzy in nature

Exposure in the home caused by spores entering from an outdoor source (plants, flowers, dirt) often tracked in from shoes

Growth peaks from Spring to Fall

Can cause rhinitis, provoke issues with those who suffer from mold allergies & is a known risk for asthma

Thrives in dry, windy conditions as well as wet conditions

Growth in windy conditions can easily transport spores into the home through open doors & windows

Grows in damp areas of the home, under sinks is common

Often found after water damage or flooding, in showers or window frames.

Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford today at (508)999-2380 if you are in need of mold remediation services 

Black Mold- Stachybotrys- New Bedford, MA 02745

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys is more commonly referred to as 'Black Mold' here are some identifying characteristics 

Prone to indoor growth

Typically dark brown to black in color

Looks: slimy, sooty or like grayish white strands

Many other mold types can look similar

Needs moisture, nutrient source, temperature & time

Standing water or 90% or higher relative humidity for germination or growth to begin

However, growth can continue even if surface water dries and relative humidity drops to 70%

Thrives on natural materials (ceiling tiles, drywall, wallpaper, etc)

Tends to develop after 1 to 2 weeks vs 1 to 2 days with other molds.

If you find mold in your home or business SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can help. Call us today (508)999-2380 for a free on-site estimate 

Ways to help prevent Mold growth- Seekonk, MA 02771

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

When people hear the word mold, they automatically have a negative reaction to it, but did you know mold is everywhere? It’s in the air we breathe, and on many surfaces. Not all molds are harmful, and in fact, some molds have found their way into our homes willingly, such as penicillin and in blue cheeses.

Mold can however, affect people in different ways. The following is a list of tips for mold prevention:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can – no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
• Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperatures, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once an day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford immediately to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

For help with Mold issues call our office (508)999-2380 to schedule your free on-site estimate! 

Importance of Mold Containment- Part 2- Fall River, MA 02723

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Why is containment of mold so important during the removal/mitigation process? 

There are many different types of mold. Most are not harmful to the human body however some types of mold can be very toxic. The toxins within the mold are called mycotoxins. There are various factors, for each individual, as to how much exposure is considered safe. Finding and removing or encapsulating these mold spores before they continue to grow or spread is critical; especially if children, elderly or persons with a critical/immune illness inhabits the area where mold was found. 

Containment of these mold spores during the mitigation/removal process, by a professional, is extremely important in avoiding any mold spores that detach from the surface during cleaning from becoming airborne and spreading to other areas throughout the building that were not affected. These minuscule particles can quickly spread throughout previously unaffected areas of your home, including air ducts, bedrooms, etc.

To learn more about mold or Call to schedule your Free Estimate today (508)999-2380 

Why HEPA? Seekonk, MA 02771

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter works by filtering air and trapping dangerous particles. The smaller mesh design helps to trap smoke, pollen, dander and other fine particles that traditional filters miss. The HEPA filter design is essentially similar to the way a water filtration system works.

SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford only uses the highest quality HEPA filter machines in order to fully eradicate mold and other particles from the air. It is a vital component to purifying the toxins and that pollute the air we breathe. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford uses equipment with a HEPA filter after sewage and similar category 2 and 3 losses, mold mitigation to remove the mold spores from to prevent health hazards as well as contamination of previously uncontaminated areas of the building, as well as biohazard cleanup jobs where a room or structure is contaminated.

Importance of Mold Containment- Part 1- New Bedford, MA 02746

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Upon discovering the presence of mold in your home it is critical to hire a well trained and experienced professional to perform the mitigation/cleanup. Do It Yourself mold removal is not something you want to attempt.

Trust us; the allure of saving money will only cost thousands more in the end; if not done correctly by a professional. The prevention of mold spores from spreading to other areas of the building is a very intricate and precise process. Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford this type of containment is only performed by the highest trained professionals. To help you understand, the process and importance of proper containment, we will go into detail about the mold mitigation process in our next blog (which will be labeled part 2) or visit our Mold Section. 

If you would like to speak with one of our experienced mold mitigation specialists please contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford at (508)999-2380

Mold Prevention Tips

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention Tips

When people hear the word mold, they automatically have a negative reaction to it, but did you know mold is everywhere? It’s in the air we breathe, and on many surfaces. Not all molds are harmful, and in fact, some molds have found their way into our homes willingly, such as penicillin and in blue cheeses.

Mold can however, affect people in different ways. If you’d rather not find out if you’d have a bad reaction to mold, the following is a list of tips for mold prevention:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can – no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
• Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperatures, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once an day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford immediately to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

For more information see the CDC website

Leaving the Country- Could be harder than you think!

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

There seems to be a number of people saying they'll be putting your home up for sale and that they're moving to Canada in response to results of the presidential race?

Unfortunately, there is something that can cause your run for the border to turn into more of a crawl. Going through the sales process is actually how many people find out they have mold in their homes. If your home inspection comes back with possible mold colonization, remember that we’re here to help.

We' hope you change your mind and stay where you are but either way, here are a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with a mold problem in your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of the affected areas
• Turn of your HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford  for mold remediation services

What Not to Do:

• Do not touch or disturb the mold              
• Do not blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Do not spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has the training, equipment and expertise to handle your mold growth problem. Please call us today at 508-999-2380 and we will not only help you with your mold issue but we'll try to help you see that staying put is the best course of action. Besides do you really want to start saying "Eh" after everything you say? I think not! 

A Little Moisture Goes a Long Way

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

Picture this: It rained heavily last night, and you woke up to find a small puddle on your kitchen floor. You mopped it up, and it looks like the ceiling is dry. You think the situation has been dealt with, so you forget about it and go on with your day. What you do not realize is that above those ceiling tiles, the pink insulation has soaked up the water and is completely saturated. The longer that the wet insulation sits there, the more likely you will be having mold grow above the ceiling.

Even the slightest amount of moisture in your home can turn to mold in the right conditions. If you do see signs of water damage, such as staining of ceiling tiles. Even if the stain is light, it is best to have the area moisture tested. It is much easier and less costly to dry out your home after a water damage, than it is to have mold re-mediated. 

Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford today at 508-999-2380!

Got Mold? Yes, it's everywhere!

11/7/2016 (Permalink)

Whether you realize it or not, there is mold everywhere.

Mold and the Hidden Dangers

11/3/2016 (Permalink)

The general public is typically familiar with identifying visible mold growing on surfaces that you can see. Most people know the immediate dangers and will work towards resolving the issue.

Unfortunately, mold often lurks in places that are not so visible to homeowners including behind drywall. Typically found in finished basements after a flood or water is seeping through a home’s basement cement wall or an improperly sealed tie rod hole. Broken, or leaking pipes and even houses with poor ventilation can all factor into moisture collecting and creating the environment needed for mold to grow.

If not taken care of properly, this can cause prolonged exposure and health risks to residents of the home, without their knowledge. Symptoms are often very similar to common seasonal allergies such as; itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion, itchy throat, runny nose or even asthma attacks. With prolonged exposure mold poisoning may develop. Symptoms become much worse. Respiratory infections, scar tissue build up and bleeding of the lungs, joint pain and even depression are just a few of the symptoms. If left untreated these health problems can become chronic, life altering issues. 

Be proactive and do your best to keep your house mold free. If you believe that you may have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO Dartmouth / New Bedford today at (508) 999-2380 .