Mold Testing

9/17/2024 (Permalink)

Do you have mold at your property?

Our franchises do not perform mold tests. We only provide a visual inspection. Mold is a part of our lives and is in our environment all of the time. That means a mold test will always pick up mold. We often get calls from property owners that they did a mold test that they bought from Home Depot and it came back positive. Well of course it will! Mold is everywhere all of the time. You need to do a control outside of the property to get a sense of what kind of mold levels are already in that environment. As a rule of thumb, never hire a company that does both testing and remediation, it is a conflict of interest. Mold test results can be presented in a way to make a homeowner feel like they have a serious problem on their hands. I have seen estimates from companies that test for mold and do remediation, and they are often a lot higher than companies that just do remediation and do not test. Hire a reputable testing company that does not do remediation to get an unbiased protocol. 

Mold Growth Increases During Summer Months in Your Home

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician in full PPE and respirator wiping down kitchen table

It is that time of year when temperatures and humidity reach their highest levels. Homeowners venture into their basement or attics for the first time in months and discover a musty odor... uh oh! Molds are constantly moving through the air and their spores are so small they cannot be detected by the naked eye. You do not see mold until it lands on a damp surface and begins to colonize. Mold spores need organic materials to feed on in addition to water and warm temperatures. Because of these factors, your home is an excellent place for mold to spread. Mold can grow on drywall, wallpaper, insulation, ceiling tiles, under carpets, and numerous other materials in your home. It can be nearly impossible to notice until you have a serious problem on your hands. If you suspect mold is growing in your home you need to act quickly to keep it from spreading. As mentioned earlier, mold spores float in the air and if you have a large amount of mold in your home it can enter your HVAC system and spread to each room, colonizing any damp areas very fast. SERVPRO has been helping families in Lexington, Bedford, Lincoln, Watertown, Weston, Wayland, and Waltham remediate mold for over 40 years. Our technicians are highly trained and on standby 24/7 to help you. In addition to mold remediation we can clean your HVAC system if it has been contaminated and as water mitigation experts we can stop microbial growth at the source to prevent further outbreaks.

When a Property Inspector Finds Mold in Bedford, Mass.

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Call our mold remediation specialists when a property inspector finds mold

You have so many balls to juggle when selling your Bedford home. You have to clean and make cosmetic repairs. Then you stage the living areas, schedule showings and open houses, and field the offers.

Finally, when you think you are in the homestretch, you hear the property inspector found mold.

Mold in Bedford, Mass.

Mold will make a real estate buyer nervous. You will likely need to remediate the outbreak before closing or the whole deal may fall apart.

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we work with home sellers to remediate mold as quickly as possible. Most of the time, we are able to salvage the closing date as long as we are called in as soon as you know you have a problem.

Remediation Professionals

Home buyers trust our brand. They see our trucks and commercials. They know our applied microbial remediation specialists have the training and experience to properly contain the outbreak and remediate the mold growth. 

When you show your home buyers that you have trusted professionals on the job and resolving the issue, they will be reassured that they have chosen the right home from a responsible seller.

Save the Sale

Call SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford when your property inspector finds mold in your Bedford home. We will do all we can to ensure you are clear to close on time.

Attic Mold in Bedford, Mass.

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Attic mold should be remediated immediately, before heat and humidity encourage more blooming.

As the weather warms in New England, many homeowners find microbial growth in their attics. Water intrusions from ice dams or moisture diverted by bathroom vents to the attic can provide the humidity necessary for mold growth, and warm temperatures encourage microbial colonies to bloom.

Bedford Attic Mold

We were recently called to a single-family ranch in Bedford, Mass. that had an outbreak in a humid attic. Our estimator found visible microbial growth on all ceiling materials in the attic.

Containing the Outbreak

Before our technicians began remediating the mold, they set up moisture barriers to contain the infestation to the attic. They also laid down plywood on the rafters to better maneuver in the confined space and keep mold from the ceiling falling down into the insulation.

Remediating the Mold

Once the area was contained, our crew HEPA vacuumed affected surfaces to remove visible microbial growth and installed a HEPA-filtered air filtration device to scrub microbial spores and other particulates out of the air. They then applied a mold remediation solution to all surfaces.

Trust Certified Mold Professionals

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we remediate mold using the Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Standard. Our technicians are IICRC-certified and will recommend the best course of action to remediate attic mold. They will also advise you on steps you can take to minimize humidity in your home and discourage future outbreaks.

Call us at the first sign of mold growth so we can help you breathe easier knowing the problem is contained and will be remediated.

Basement Mold in Lexington, Mass

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Treat mold as soon as you find it to save time and expense

No one likes mold growing in their home. Mold smells unclean, it looks terrible, it degrades organic building materials, and it may have health effects for the home’s inhabitants.

Mold in Basement Closet

Our franchise was called out recently to inspect a home in Lexington, Mass. because the owner thought he saw mold in the basement. Upon inspection, our production manager found surface microbial growth on the lower walls of a basement closet. He recommended cleaning and disinfecting the affected wall, but the homeowner requested that we go a step further and remove a section of drywall to be sure there was no hidden mold growth inside the wall.

Mold Remediation

Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in mold remediation, so they knew just what to do. They set up a barrier to prevent microbes traveling throughout the home. They installed a HEPA-filtered air scrubber to collect airborne particulates including microbial spores. They removed the affected drywall and inspected what they could see of the studs and framing inside the walls. 

After our technicians established there was no additional infestation in the walls, they cleaned and deodorized the basement carpet. The homeowner was pleased with the job they did. The basement smelled fresh and clean, all visible microbial growth was removed, and the air was filtered to extract any abundance of spores.

Call and schedule an estimate

If you find mold in a basement closet, call us for an estimate as soon as possible. Our IICRC-trained mold remediation technicians will help resolve the problem before it gets worse and more expensive to repair.

Is It Mold or Mildew?

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO mitigation specialists to combat mold or mildew

We recently took a call from a concerned resident in Bedford, Mass. Her family had relocated from out of state, and her leather couch arrived covered in microbial growth.

When she complained to the mover about the condition of her couch, the mover claimed to have hired an expert who determined that this was mildew and not mold on the couch. According to the mover, the couch owner had no reason to be concerned about mildew.

Here at SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we find that distinction laughable. Both mold and mildew are considered potentially hazardous by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, if you search “mildew” on their site, you will be directed to their mold pages. 

Mildew is Everywhere

Both mold and mildew are fungi. Both flourish in warm, damp conditions. And both are linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people. 

You can never completely eliminate molds and mildews from your home. Their spores are everywhere, even in your refrigerator. The risk is when these microbes are permitted to grow to the point of visibility. They are then releasing a higher-than-normal amount of spores into the air.

Call in a Mitigation Specialist

If you see microbes growing on a porous surface in your home (drywall, for example), you do not need to spend extra money testing to find out which type of microbe is growing there. You need to hire a mitigation specialist who can contain the contamination, remove the microbial growth, and advise how to avoid its regrowth.

Call SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford at the first sign of mold or mildew.

Mold Remediation in a Lincoln Attic

9/7/2017 (Permalink)

Attic microbial growth before and after remediation

Mold grows wherever it has the proper combination of moisture, temperature, and organic matter. Attics are a common area of concern when they are not properly ventilated. Moisture and heat accumulate, and building materials provide food for the microbes.

Lincoln Attic Mold

Here at SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we frequently respond to calls regarding mold growth, particularly during humid summer months. In July, we were called to provide an estimate for the attic of a commercial building in Lincoln, Mass.

Upon arrival, our estimator found microbial growth on the wooden walls and ceiling of the attic. He then prepared an estimate for remediation, and the organization hired us to complete the job.

First Step – Contain the Contamination

The first step in a mold remediation job is to contain the area so that none of the spores get transferred to other parts of the building. We contained the contamination by setting up a barrier and using a negative air machine to draw air in without allowing it to flow out of the area.

Next step – Remove the Contaminants

This job involved HEPA vacuuming then cleaning the affected surfaces. We also used a HEPA-filtered air scrubber to remove airborne particulates including microbial spores and bacteria. With the negative air situation already established, we were able to cycle through all the air in the attic.

Final step – Apply Anti-Microbial Solution

We finished this mold remediation job by applying an all-natural anti-microbial solution to deter future microbial growth.

If you see mold in your attic, our certified technicians have the training and expertise to remediate the situation. We are always “Here to Help.”

To Mold or Not to Mold

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Here's one of our 1000 CFM AFD's doing its job as we remediated a kitchen full of mold!

There is mold everywhere!

While some molds can affect our health - there are molds that we benefit from! Molds can be used for medicines, for foods and wines (we all know someone who loves that extra stinky cheese) and molds biggest contribution is bio-degradation in the environment!

Mold turns into "bad mold" when it is on a sustainable food source and for many properties owners they can go months without noticing mold until they smell it - especially in the warmer months of the year! Most building materials (drywall, wood framing, wood sub flooring, debris, contents) act as hosts for these "bad" molds and when it is not remediated properly the problem can continue.

SERVPRO uses Air Scrubbers during Mold Remediations as a mean to collect airborne mold spores, bacteria and other debris. 

Improving Air Quality

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Process

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins. 
• Next, a powerful push-pulll air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt. 

Call us at 781-647-9100 to see how we can best improve your home or businesses air quality. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

What is Lurking in Your Air Ducts?

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirt ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. 

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. SERVPRO can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage conditions. 

• We provide written inspections and estimates
• Eliminate offensive odors
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold

Mold - Don't Let It Grow!

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

While fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment and can add value to our lives (such as yeast, blue cheese, mushrooms and penicillin), other forms of mold can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to mold may present health concerns for some people.

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increase risk of harmful mold growth. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.

Be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
•  Excessive humidity

Help is here, if you think you might have a mold problem call us at 781-647-9100

Defending Against Mold Growth

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

A water damage can result in visible mold growth in as little as 24 to 48 hours, under certain conditions if not properly mitigated.

• Keep humidity between 30 to 60 percent
• Provide for proper drainage away from building foundations
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris 
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building, and perform necessary maintenance
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately
• Contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional for assistance after a water damage or if you discover mold

Not only does mold have the ability to deteriorate your home but it can also have horrible affects on your personal health. Make sure to reach out to your local SERVPRO if you are facing mold and mildew issues.

"Like it never even happened."