Vermont's Premier Mold Restoration Team!

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury knows that mold remediation is best left to the experts. Most of us will see evidence of the nasty fungus appearing in the form of black spots on shower curtains or orange film that circles the drains in our homes. In such cases, a simple cleaning goes a long way toward removing mold.

When moisture creates an environment for rapid mold growth, the problem may require more than a quick bleach cleanup. Since mold can make you sick, especially if you have asthma or allergies, using an emergency cleaning service is the smartest way to go.

• Where Is Mold? The truth is, mold exists everywhere and complete removal is impossible. Microscopic mold spores float on air, and may even travel indoors on your clothing or pets. When mold accumulates, however, you’ll often notice it even if there’s no visible trace. A potent musty, odor is a good indicator of a mold infestation.
• What Does Mold Remediation Entail? Mold remediation often involves addressing sources of moisture that fuel its growth. The cleanup experts at SERVPRO Burlington/ Middlebury move quickly to isolate the affected area using advanced techniques and equipment. From there, mold removal, air filtration and the next best steps can begin.

If you’ve run into a problem with mold in your home or business in Vermont, and are in need of mold remediation, contact SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury by calling (802)497-1101. Visit SERVPROBTV.com to learn more about the many ways they tackle other cleanup and restoration projects when disasters strike. 

Mold Diversity!

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are multiple, hundreds of thousands of mold spores floating around outdoors? Knowing the dangers of mold, it is quite frightening thinking about it, but what is more of a concern would be finding mold inside your own home. Mold is known to belong to the kingdom of fungi. It can appear to be plant like but cannot create its own food. It absorbs its nutrients from other organic substances. Mold can simply generate with water and something living – or even once living, like wood. Invitations of mold to your own home would consist of poor ventilation, moisture and water damages in which were not addressed immediately. In any areas of your home that moisture issues happen to occur, you want to be sure that you have a source of ventilation within that area. The consistent moisture and humidity will eventually cause mold. This is another reason to report any serious water damages right away. You may be able to clean the visible mess but sometimes the affected areas cannot be seen. SERVPRO Burlington/ Middlebury is here for you 365 day 24/7. If you have any questions or concerns due to recent water loss or any visible mold, do not hesitate to call us at 802-497-1101. Our team will always be there, ready to help.

Mold 101

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Hardwood in Milton

Mold lives and grows everywhere. It’s something we encounter every day without even being aware of it.

So, what makes mold a problem?

When there is moisture inside your home (usually caused by a leak) or commercial property, mold can grow quite quickly even if you don’t see visible signs of it. It’s so important to hire an experienced mold remediation specialist like SERVPRO at the first signs of mold presence to get rid of the problem right away before it spreads. Once mold begins to spread, it can affect every area of your home or business and can cause health risks to you, your family, your pets and your staff.

SERVPRO® of Burlington/ Middlebury specializes in water mitigation and mold remediation. It’s the cornerstone of our company. We know how to thoroughly and effectively remediate your mold to acceptable levels (it's impossible to get rid of mold completely because it exists everywhere and can come in whenever you open the door or window).

Dos and Don’ts

DO – Get a mold assessment from an industrial hygienist. Mold assessors are not the same thing as mold remediators. SERVPRO® of Burlington/ Middlebury  specializes in mold remediation. A mold assessor is someone who tests for mold by taking air samples, swabs, photos, etc. and provides us with the protocol for remediation. Even if you see visible signs of mold growth, a mold assessment tests for mold that you can’t see and can tell you what kind of mold is present and in what quantities. Not every mold spore is the same.  Some are more dangerous than others. There may be mold in the air, in your air vents, in clothing, etc. A mold assessor will tell us at SERVPRO® of Burlington/ Middlebury, how far that mold reaches inside of your property, so we can accurately reduce all the mold and prevent it from coming back.

DON’T – Spray bleach on it and walk away. We have heard so many stories over the years of people spraying all sorts of things from bleach to disinfectant spray, etc. to try to get rid of the mold themselves. Mold has roots like a tree. Killing surface mold does not kill the mold inside your wall. Sure! It lightens up and you can smell that bleachy smell and think that you’ve gotten it. But let a few weeks pass and you’re right back at square one. Our SERVPRO® of Burlington/ Middlebury team of experts have been trained in the proper procedures of how to effectively reduce all the mold and keep it from returning. Call us. That’s what we’re here for.

DO – Have someone house sit for you while you’re away. Even if you don’t have pets, the winter season here in Vermont is notorious for wreaking havoc on your homes and businesses even if there isn’t obvious damage. It doesn’t hurt to have someone check in on your home from time to time. There’s nothing worse than to be a seasonal resident coming home for the holidays only to find black spots on everything in your home! Staying on top of things is the best way to keep mold away from your home and your belongings.

DON’T – Call a fly-by-night mold remediation company. SERVPRO® of Burlington/ Middlebury has been in the mold remediation business for over 50 years. Our reputation for being one of the best mold remediation businesses in Vermont has given us a name you can count on when you need us.

What to do with mold in your home

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

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Mold reproduces by devouring organic materials used to construct your home. They prefer dark, damp, humid areas and create small, lightweight seeds, called spores. These seeds travel through the air, gaining access to portions of your Portsmouth home through open airways, or by catching a ride on your shoes or even a household pet.  

Mold spores can usually survive for a very long time, even before settling on an acceptable surface. However, after finding an adequate site, molds rapidly develop into large contaminated areas within 24 to 48-hours, continually spreading throughout your Vermont home, causing mold damage as the growth process continues.   

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that any homeowner experiencing mold growth should seek professional help removing any standing water or wet materials found on your property, as they serve as breeding grounds for many microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and mold. Whether you experience a freshwater flood, sewage back-up, roof leaks, or plumbing issues, mold and mildew can develop soon after. 

An IICRC certified mold remediation specialist, like those offered at the SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury, can provide you with the professional services you need to remedy the problem and even give you tips that help prevent mold growth in the future. It takes a keen eye and advanced equipment to combat mold found in your home or business, especially in larger areas where there may also be hidden dangers that exist. SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury's mold remediation specialists use premeir industry standards and methods to remove contaminated materials, following strict guidelines to contain the affected area, preventing further spread and limiting exposure to clean sections of your home. We pay close attention to furniture, upholstery items, bedding, and toys, using advanced cleaning and disinfection techniques to restore contents if at all possible. 
 
SERVPRO technicians may inspect every section of your home to determine how far the contamination has spread, eliminating potential problems one at a time before installing new materials that make your home look like new again.

Call SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury today for a full-service solution and remember, we are always here to help. Dial (802) 497-1101 for fast, efficient services.

We love you New England!

Mildew VS. Mold

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Post mold removal

While there are many differences between the two fungi, mold and mildew both develop and thrive in moist conditions. A leaking roof, a window that doesn’t seal properly, and a basement with water damage caused by a broken pipe can all lead to the growth of mildew and mold. These issues are obviously much more pressing here in New England. In order to reduce the risk of health effects and damage to building materials, mildew and mold in the home or a business need immediate mold remediation. Your local SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury is always ready to help!

Mildew vs Mold

Mildew and mold are both fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.

What is mildew? Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Cardboard/paperboard
• Wallpaper
• Fabric

How is it different from Mold? Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.

Pro Tip: Slimy mold on decks, fences and siding often can be removed using a pressure washer. Always wear proper safety protection when dealing with mold and working with tools.

Dangers of Mildew and Mold

In a battle between mildew vs mold, which presents more problems and danger? It depends on several factors.

The powdery mildew often found on the leaves of a houseplant, typically poses little danger to you, but it can harm the plant. However, anyone that suffers from mold allergies should avoid touching that mildew. If contact occurs, wash hands thoroughly and never touch your face/eyes/nose after coming in contact with mildew.

The Need for Mold Remediation

Mold and mildew, if ignored, can cause health effects and physical damage to a home or business. Mold found anywhere in a building, such as behind drywall, on insulation, around windows and along basement walls has developed because there is a moisture problem. To avoid further damage, it’s essential to locate and correct the source of the moisture and then remove all traces of mold.

Any home or business that’s suffered any type of water damage (from firefighting efforts, roof leak, burst pipe or flood) needs professional assessment quickly. Contact SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury immediately after any water disaster; mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours. Trust our IICRC certified technicians for a comprehensive mold remediation plan. Call (802) 497-1101.

Preventing Mold

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

An uninhabited home can make for some mold in some odd places.

Mold Damage

Mold thrives with moisture and cannot survive without it. Mold often develops in areas where there has been water damage from a broken pipe, leaking window or roof, or after a basement flood. Many homes develop mold issues in bathrooms without adequate ventilation and closets that share a wall with those bathrooms. Mold causes the break down of ceiling tiles, grout, caulking around tubs and showers and it destroys any type of paperboard quickly.

How to Stop Mold

The key to eradicating mold indoors is to cut off its moisture supply. Mold thrives in moist, humid conditions. Eliminate those conditions and you can stop mold growth and prevent its return. Quick extraction of water is the first step. Whether it’s seepage from foundation cracks, a leaky roof or a broken water line, the standing water needs to be removed quickly.

After any standing water is removed, the drying and dehumidification process can begin. Remember, it’s all about removing moisture, including excess moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers and fans can be a great help for this part of the mold prevention process.

Area rugs will need to be removed, cleaned and dried. Wall-to-wall carpeting may need professional cleaning to remove all traces of mold and its musty smell. Depending on the situation, furniture, draperies and other upholstered items also will need cleaning. Remove any cardboard boxes that have been contaminated with mold and only transfer their contents to totes after everything has been inspected and treated for mold growth.

In the bathroom: For mold issues in bathrooms, make sure the room has a working exhaust fan (which usually installed in the ceiling near the light fixture). Run the exhaust fan whenever anyone takes a shower or a bath to reduce as much humidity (moisture) from the air. Wipe down bath and shower tiles after use to keep moisture to a minimum and inhibit the growth of mold.

SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury knows how to stop mold growth effectively and how to prevent mold from returning to your home. When you discover mold in your home, don’t hesitate. Contact the mold remediation peoAtple

SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury has more than 45 years worth of experience under 1 roof in this industry and we have the expertise to deal with mold safely. You won’t have to worry about the mold spreading to other areas of your home or it affecting your family and pets during the remediation process.

 Call SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury 24/7. Contact us at 802-497-1101 for all your microbial, water, fire, smoke damage or other cleaning needs.

The Mold Remediation Process

10/17/2017 (Permalink)

Containment set up for mold remediation in a residents bathroom

Every situation with mold differs from the amount of mold, location of the mold, and the types of materials affected. Each scenario has a different solution but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below is the usual SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury process for a “typical” mold remediation or mitigation.

Emergency Contact –

802-497-1101

The mold restoration process begins when you call us. Even if you are unsure if mold is present, our techs will come to your location and will be able to tell you if there is mold and if it needs to be mitigated and what steps to further take. If you smell or suspect mold don’t hesitate to call. Our representative will also ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary steps to continue.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment -

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. We also have tools to help determine moisture inside walls and areas we can’t visually see. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury will be able to build an estimate for the work to be done and will inform you of all pricing and the process from beginning to end so that the customer knows what to expect.

Mold Containment -

The professional techs at SERVPRO will start the mitigation process by using various containment procedures depending on the particular mold job to prevent the further spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold. This is another misconception about mold – a lot of residents will direct fans to blow towards the mold thinking that it will help dry out the area when they’re actually blowing the mold spores around and allowing them to settle in other areas and grow more mold.

Air Filtration -

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our technicians to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested  Materials-

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth. Many people don’t realize that mold mitigation usually requires cutting out of walls and ceilings and think that cleaner is all that is needed.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings -

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Restoration -

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury does not do any of the rebuilding as it’s a conflict of interest for both us and the customer. Small restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. Although we do not do the rebuilding process – SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury has many reliable resources to refer you to of contractors and other local companies that we have worked with and have had good experiences working with in the industry.

With these steps, SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury will have your mold problem looking "Like it never even happened.”

Understand Mold

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold present in residents bathroom

Microscopic mold spores exist just about everywhere, both outdoors and inside. Sports causes it to be impossible to remove all mold. Some restoration businesses advertise they specialize in “mold removal” and even promise to their customers that they will remove all mold, which leads to disappointment and non-realistic expectations. SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury has certified technicians that explain how your mold mitigation process needs to be handled as each is different depending on the situation, type of mold, and where it’s located. Our techs make sure our customers know what to expect before, during, and after the process. Mold isn’t always visible with the eye and can produce allergens and irritants that you’re not aware of. If you suspect mold you should call us to inspect your home or business. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float around in the air and can enter your home through open windows and doors, or vents for A/C and heat. It’s possible the spores can even hitch a ride on your pets or your clothing.
• Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water as they feed off moisture.
• May produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold will keep returning.
• Bleaches and other cleaners that advertise to kill or clean off mold only remove mold from the surface temporarily and does not kill the spores which is why the mold will keep growing back.
• Mold often produces a strong and must odor.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Possible Health Effects Caused By Exposure to Mold

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing on clients wall

It's important to have mold removed from in your home as some people are allergic or more sensitive to mold than others. These people can experience symptoms including - itching and or watering of the eyes, coughing, skin irritation and/or breathing issues. Those with occupations that expose them to larger amounts of mold for extended periods of time can also have more severe reactions such as a high fever. Also, those who have lung diseases are at a higher risk of infections and can even develop fungal infections in their lungs if exposed to mold for prolonged periods of time.

Inside of your home there are some ways that you can control mold growth by- controlling humidity, fixing leaky roof, windows, and/or pipes, as well as ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas where moisture occurs. Lastly, if leaks or flooding does occur, a thorough cleaning and drying after is necessary to avoid health risks.

Tis' the Season for Mold

8/2/2016 (Permalink)

Mold growth in our indoor environments has the potential to be problematic to the health and well being of occupants.

With such a rainy, wet and humid summer in Vermont, the Green Team at SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury seem to be encountering a fair amount of mold mitigation projects. 

Molds are generally not a problem indoors unless mold is given the proper conditions to grow.  The key to mold control is moisture control.  If you sustain a water damage in your indoor environment, it is best to dry water damaged areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.  If mold does become a problem in your home, cleaning up the mold and getting rid of the excess water or moisture is most important!

If you discover discoloration that concerns you or if you sustain a water damage, feel free to call on the SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury Green Team to help you assess your situation.  Our crews are IICRC certified in both Water Damage Restoration and Mold Mitigation.  Our certified and trained technicians are ready to get you back to your life and "Like it never even happened"

For more information on mold in the indoor environment, visit  www.epa.gov/mold . And remember, bleach is not a silver bullet for mold!