How to look for signs you have mold in your RI home.

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

If your Rhode Island home recently had water damage, and you didn’t have your water damage issue fixed, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. When mold is formed it will not only affect your home but also your health. Though you may be wondering how you can tell if you have mold on your walls, ceiling, floor, or wood. Here are a few ways you can figure out if you have mold in your home:

1. Smelling a mold odor
2. Condensation
   moisture build-up will be on glass, windows, or pipes.
3. Health symptoms
   some types of mold are toxic and cause more serious symptoms
4. Spotting and fur on walls
5. Old water damage/leakage

When to call for mold removal in RI

If mold has been discovered in your home, call your local SERVPRO. At SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island, you can view our website for mold removal services

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 -  (401) 949-9955

• We are fast to any size disaster

• We are water damage restoration specialists

• We use advanced drying equipment.

How to look for signs you have mold in your RI home.

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

If your Rhode Island home recently had water damage, and you didn’t have your water damage issue fixed, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. When mold is formed it will not only affect your home but may also affect your health. Though you may be wondering how you can tell if you have mold on your walls, ceiling, floor, or wood. Here are a few ways you can figure out if you have mold in your home:

1. Smelling a mold odor
2. Condensation
   moisture build-up will be on glass, windows, or pipes.
3. Health effects
   some types of mold are toxic and cause more serious effects
4. Spotting and fur on walls
5. Old water damage/leakage

When to call for mold removal in RI

If the mold has been discovered in your home, call your local SERVPRO. At SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island, you can view our website for mold removal services.

https://www.SERVPROnorthernrhodeisland.com/mold-remediation

Preventing mold growth at your commercial property | East Providence, RI

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth can be prevented if you take the proper precautions!

Keeping yourself and your staff safe from everyday work hazards has to be at the top of your list, but do you think about keeping everyone safe from mold?? 

Mold is as common as the front desk having a computer!! 

Mold is a part of the natural environment of your office/commercial space (it exists literally everywhere!) 

Did you know there are about 100,000 species of mold in the world?!!

Outside of your property, mold can be good, but inside... not so much. 

How does mold grow

Mold can grow on basically anything that has moisture, oxygen, and is an organic material (carpets, clothes, building materials...). 

If mold spores land on a damp spot, they will begin to grow into black or green colonies, which are the mold spots we commonly see. 

Most molds don't even need sunlight to grow, unlike plants that we work so hard to grow!! This is why we typically find mold behind/in walls, under carpets, in the basement and attic. It's very important for you as a business owner / property manager to keep a close eye on your property! Make it a weekly or monthly priority to check any areas that could be potential problems, or areas that have been problems in the past! Leaving the tiniest leak can cause a ton of damage!! 

Moisture control 

Moisture control is key to preventing mold growth in your East Providence commercial space!! Any leaks or spills should be cleaned up ASAP, and any major leaks should be properly mitigated and dried by a water damage restoration professional. 

Check for any (excessive) condensation on windows or doors, and check for water spots on the walls and or ceilings.

Keeping indoor humidity below 60% 

Vent the kitchens!! This is important especially if you have a stove in your break room! Cooking causes a ton of condensation and moisture. 

Keeping an eye on any past problem areas where leaks happened. 

If you notice any signs of mold growth, call SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island right away so we can help make it "Like it never even happened."

401-949-9955

Mold Vs. Mildew

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337207090843922141/

I'm sure you have encountered some type of mold in your home or elsewhere at some point. But did you really see mold? Or was it mildew? 

Well, 

What's the difference?

HGTV compares mold and mildew like siblings. 

They both love to live in warm moist areas. And they can grow on almost any surface if you give them the chance. Think of them as evil twins. You don't want them anywhere in your house or business. 

On the other hand, mold can appear black or green in color, and can look fuzzy or slimy (yuck!). It can typically be found in attics, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp areas. 

Mildew usually grows flat and looks like a powder. It is typically white or gray in color. Mildew can also affect your plants! 

Both of these can spread very easily throughout your property. If they are left untreated they can begin to cause a lot more damage than you'd like. 

To prevent either of these two 'siblings' from entering your home:

- Keep the home/building dry and free of moisture (or controlled as best you can)

- Humidity must be monitored and controlled if need be. 

- Any leaking water should be taken care of ASAP 

Click here to learn more about our mold remediation and restoration services. We're specially trained to handle all types of mold and fungus you may encounter in your Rhode Island home or business.

Give us a call at (401) 949-9955 

The Dangers of DIY Mold Removal - Lincoln

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call (401) 949-9955 if you suspect mold in your home or commercial building

Why is it dangerous to DIY remove mold?? 

- You probably don't know what is causing the mold in Rhode Island commercial building or home.

The best way to combat mold is to figure out the source of moisture. Sources can include:

•  Humidity 
•  Spills
•  Leaking pipes
•  And more

A professional mold remediation company will know how to identify and eliminate the source, and the mold itself. 

- Not all mold is created equally!

Some kinds of mold are more dangerous and invasive than others. Again, only a professional can determine the severity of a mold situation. Sometimes you can see or smell it. Not all types of mold react to cleaning agents the same either. 

If you see or smell mold in your home, don't be temped to use bleach or other household cleaners to remove. Unfortunately, mold is not simple at all to remove, and should be handled by professionals. Trying to DIY remove the mold can actually make the situation worse!

Mold can spread and develop faster in bathrooms and kitchens than any other rooms in the home, because this is where the most moisture is present. Disturbing mold as a non-professional can cause it to become airborne, spreading throughout the home through air ducts, vents, your clothing etc. 

Leaving mold untreated, or treated poorly, can cause some health effects.

To get mold properly taken care of, it's best to call professionals. SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island has the right equipment and techniques to safely and effectively remediate your mold issues. 

Call (401) 949-9955 and visit our website for more information. 

This week's Homeowner Tip of the Week

Getting Rid of Mold in Your Smithfield Business

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation from SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island

Mold can destroy any surface its on, so when mold is discovered in your business, proper protocol must take place to properly get it out to ensure the safety of all parties, especially your customers who might rely heavily on your business. Remember that the longer mold has been in your structure, the more severe the damage can be. 

Many Rhode Islanders want to do things themselves, but if mold damage is substantial enough it is best to have a certified professional come in and mitigate the mold. Do not try to hide the mold by caulking the surface. With mold, you have to get to the root of it in order to stop growth. If curiosity kills the cat, or your reluctant to spend any money, at least wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to ensure you're not breathing the mold spores in. However, when working with mold it is best to leave it to us professionals. You do not want to put yourself, your employees, and your customers at risk. 

We use a specialty mold cleaner, Sporicidin and Concrobium - refer to our last blog post on our mold cleaning products. SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island also offers commercial cleaning services, like air-duct and HVAC filter cleaning.

401-949-9955

Visit epa.gov for more information and for frequently asked questions

Mold Product Spotlight - Concrobium & Sporicidin

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Concrobium + Sporicidin

Mold remediation is a common job we handle here at SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island. Summer weather can substantiate mold growth, so it is important to know what we use to arrest the mold. We've mitigated mold growth for countless homes and businesses throughout Rhode Island. Always wanted to know what we use to mitigate mold? Read more...

1. CONCROBIUM® MOLD CONTROL - This product is EPA-registered, odorless, and has a shelf-life of 2 years. This product is cool because once applied to the affected area of microbial growth, it acts as a shield to encapsulate and destroy the spores. This anti-microbial barrier protects surround unaffected areas and effectively arrests mold growth in your home or business. This can be used for mold remediation, odors, pretreatment of lumber and other building materials.
2. SPORICIDIN® ENZYME MOLD STAIN CLEANER - This citrus-scented product has a shelf life of 4 years. It’s purpose is for pre-treatment, not disinfecting. Sporicidin ingredients consist of protease, amylase, and lipase, all of which are enzymes. Protease is an enzyme which breaks down protein, Amylase breaks down starch into sugar. Sporicidin also includes surfactants, which remove oils and chemicals. These enzymes break down the bacteria and dirt for easier removal. This product works well with smoke, sewage residue, blood/bodily fluid stains, pet stains and odors. This is great because it’s powerful combination easily treats areas without repeatedly scrubbing. Please note this product is not EPA-registered. This product is nonhazardous for the people in your home or employees of your North Smithfield or Woonsocket business. Although the product is not EPA registered, it meets the requirements for EPA’s Safer Choice.

Stay tuned for more Technology and Product Spotlights! We want you to feel informed and safe with our advanced and effective cleaning products. Feel free to get in touch and let us know what you want to read about! If you have any questions, visit our website. Call us at 401-949-9955 for your fire, water, or mold emergency.

Mold - Don't let it Spread!

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

From the Ordinary

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified.

Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing bread, baked goods, and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and life-saving penicillin is a product of mold (Penicillin chrysogenum).

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present concerns for some people.

To the Unhealthy

The intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.

Take Precautions

SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island handles water damages every day and knows that prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to 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.

The conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

Help is Here

If you think you might have a problem, call SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island at (401) 949-9955. Our crew(s) are trained in mold remediation and they will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event that mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. The technician may also recommend you leave the affected area while the mold cleanup and associated containment process is being safely completed.

If extensive mold growth is present, additional assistance may be required. Some situations require the addition of an Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional with the specialized equipment and services needed to assess and/or repair the property. You may wish to consult your adjuster if needed.

The Mold Remediation Process

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

1. Emergency Contact (401) 949-9955 The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
   
   
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.
   
   
3. Mold Containment Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the 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.
   
   
4. Air Filtration Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals 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.
   
   
5. 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 anti-fungal 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. Restoration Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, sub-floors, and other building materials may have been removed. 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. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

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What is Mold Remediation?

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Either traditional methods of remediation could be used to remove mold from the affected areas or modern techniques may be necessary, depending on the type and size of the job.

A mold remediation specialist will likely begin the cleaning process by thoroughly vacuuming the contaminated areas using a HEPA vacuum with a high-efficiency filter to catch mold spores. They will then begin a detailed cleaning process involving mold removal tools such as a HEPA filtered sander, followed by the damp wiping of surfaces with an effective cleaning solution, such as antimicrobial solutions, while continuing to HEPA vacuum simultaneously.

Modern techniques may call for dry ice blasting technology, usually performed on large commercial properties.

Non-Porous Materials - (e.g. glass, metal, hard plastic) that once had mold on them can be used again after they have been completely cleaned. Because the materials are non-porous, there will be no more mold below the surface so cleaning the surface mold will take care of the problem.

In addition, technicians can also clean furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings; and we are trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (401) 949-9955!

Mold Damage - Smithfield, RI

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

It’s the day of a family party, and you remember that all of your chairs, tables, and decorations, are downstairs in the basement. You take one step down the stairs, and are immediately slammed in the face by a foul odor. You’re curious as to what this odor could be, but you choose to ignore it. After a couple of weeks, the smell becomes so strong, you cannot even stand to be in your basement for more than a minute. The cause of this, is most likely mold.

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Although it is nearly impossible to eradicate all mold from a given area, it is immensely important to contact SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island when you believe your home or workplace has a mold infestation. With the ability to spread throughout a property in as little as 48 hours, immediate action can help protect you and your loved ones from the potential health effects of mold.

If you have any questions or are experiencing a similar situation in your home, please call SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island at (401) 949-9955 or visit our Facebook page!

Mold - Beware!

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island, we understand the dangers associated with having mold in your East Providence, RI property. 

But do you? 

There are thousands of known mold species. Mold reproduces by producing a large number of small spores, typically containing one nucleus. However, some spores can contain more than one and they are referred to as "multinucleate." 

Heard enough?

Certain mold(s) can even grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature. Their presence is of course only visible when they begin to form large colonies. Typically, this is when you should give SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island a call. 

In as little as 48 hours from the first spore, mold can feed off of moisture and cluster wherever moisture is present. This is typically why mold is found to be in homeowner's basements.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding mold in your home, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (401) 949-9955!

Does Your Woonsocket, RI Property Have Mold?

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

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 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.

Call us at (401) 949-9955!

Evaluating Mold

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island, we care about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations, excessive mold growth is not a problem and our professionals can safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection. please keep in mind that we do not interpret insurance policies or coverage; you must consult your insurance company to determine the scope of policy coverage.

Health Concerns 

Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for "at risk" people, which might include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, young children and individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and severe allergies. However, anyone may experience health problems associated with exposure to mold in damp buildings.

Possible health effects include: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat or inflammation of the sinuses. 

People most at risk include:

• Infants and children.
• Pregnant women.
• The elderly.
• People with compromised respiratory systems or asthma and allergies.
• People with weakened immune systems.