4 Things You Should Know About Mold Growth

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Affton, MO

Things To Know About Mold Growth

It is not unusual to find mold growth in an Affton, MO, building. However, there are some things about this common problem that you may not know. The following information may be helpful if you find yourself with an infestation.

1. What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that needs moisture to grow. There are many varieties, so the appearance of the growth can range in color and texture. You may find green, black or orange mold in your building, and it might be fuzzy, slimy or powdery depending on the particular type.

2. Where Does Mold Come From?
This fungus is spread via mold spores which are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They often travel on air currents or on shoes and clothing. Mold is present in many environments but does not usually cause any trouble unless high humidity or another moisture problem creates the right conditions for growth.

3. How Do You Know if You Have Mold?
You may not always be able to tell right away if you have mold growth in your building. If it is located in an area that is difficult to see, the first sign might be a musty odor. In other cases, it can show up as a discoloration on surfaces such as walls and flooring. If you find mold or suspect that it may be growing, a mold damage remediation company can perform an inspection to locate and remove it.

4. Can You Prevent Mold?
The good news is that mold can usually be prevented by keeping moisture levels low. One way to do this is to have any water damage repaired as quickly as possible, whether that is something severe like flooding or a seemingly small issue like a leak. Dehumidifiers can also be helpful if there is a lot of moisture in the air.
In most cases, mold growth is no reason to panic. It is usually harmless and can be removed with the help of a professional. Taking steps to prevent it from growing or returning can limit the damage that it causes.

Why Does My House Have Mold?

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Crestwood, MO.

Why Is Mold Growing In My House?

The moment you get a whiff of a musty odor, you know your home in Crestwood, MO, has a mold problem. When that happens, it best to have a black mold remediation and restoration do the mold cleanup to ensure it is done properly. While it’s good to know someone is there to make it “Like it never even happened,” avoiding an infestation altogether is ideal.

Common Culprits
The key ingredient for any type of fungi issue is a moisture problem. Mold needs moisture, warm temperatures and food, which are various organic materials in your home, to survive, thrive and grow. Below are some of the main culprits that quickly lead to a black mold problem:

Humidity: As moisture evaporates, it increases the humidity levels inside your home. Your clothes dryer and HVAC system often play key roles in that increase.
Leaks: A hidden leak, even if it is a small drip, means water is pooling somewhere and dampening materials. Along with pipes, roofs are a common area for undetected leaks.
Condensation: From cold metal pipes to concrete floors and windows, varying temperatures increase the chances of condensation and mold.
Ventilation: When air isn’t circulating properly, it may mean a missed spill takes longer to dry or aid in increasing humidity levels.
Wet Clothes: Most of your clothing has organic fibers. As the water sits, it creates an ideal locale for fungi to grow.
Damp Basement: The lower level of your home often lacks good ventilation and has higher levels of moisture in the air. Since water follows gravity, leaks on other floors may naturally lead right to the basement.

Prevention Tips
Any unexpected moisture that lingers longer than 24 hours means you are increasing the chances of a colony growing and spreading to other areas. While mold isn’t entirely preventable, keeping humidity levels below 55%, immediately fixing leaks, insulating pipes and windows, running a dehumidifier, and ensuring good airflow are easy and cost-effective ways to minimize the chances of dealing with a massive problem.
Avoiding black mold means knowing common areas it is found and taking measures to keep those areas as moisture-free as possible.

Our Newest General Manager!

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Congratulations to our newest General Manager, Steve Burgdorf!

It’s time to announce our newest General Manager, Steve Burgdorf! Starting as a part-time employee over ten years ago, owner Kevin Thole says Steve has been instrumental to our mission and growth, rising through the ranks to his newest position.

In addition to his glow-up (featured above??), Steve has gained invaluable wisdom in the world of restoration and serving others. A typical day in the life of Steve includes showing up early and working late, solving problems and making sure operations run smoothly and efficiently. And while he’s great at those things, Steve’s favorite part of the job is helping people who have had their lives upended from property damage get back on their feet. There’s always something new, and the opportunity to see others reach their personal and professional goals gets Steve excited every day.

Steve is inspired by the positive and optimistic people around him — an optimism he also reflects — and relishes a challenge. Even when days are long and tough, Steve says that it is rewarding to know you’ve made a positive difference in people’s lives, and that makes everything worth it.

Thanks for all you do Steve! You’re a rockstar!

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding Steve’s other promotion this week!

Why You Should Avoid Drain Cleaners

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Many people turn to drain cleaners for clearing clogs.

Drain Cleaners Should Be Avoided

Commercial properties often require the assistance of dedicated maintenance staff. The staff is responsible for maintaining all property components, including plumbing. A clogged drain is a common issue for maintenance staff, but not all employees treat the problem in the best way. Many people turn to drain cleaners for clearing clogs. Experienced plumbing professionals in Shrewsberry, MO, strongly advise against using such cleaners for several reasons.

1. Drain Cleaner Is Aggressive
Commercial cleaners are often more aggressive than necessary for breaking up clogs. The chemicals can wear down pipe surfaces, reducing the integrity of the system. Often, traditional sewage cleaning is a better solution than using cleaners. Augers and other tools scrub the pipe without damaging it.

2. A Cleaner Will Not Clear a 100% Blockage
A clogged drain can be partially blocked or completely blocked. A partially blocked pipe may be cleared using a gentle cleaner, but no cleaner will break through a 100% blockage. Instead, a maintenance or plumbing professional will need to use an auger or a drain snake. The snake physically digs into clogs, breaking them apart and removing them.

3. Cleaners Do Not Mix Well
Sometimes, people can get overzealous when trying to break up a clog. They may go through several cleaners, thinking one is better than the next. Unfortunately, mixing cleansers can present a safety risk. Mixing chemicals can lead to dangerous reactions, which can damage your plumbing further. If you want to try a cleaner for your drain, stick to using one product.
Often, a clogged drain is not a significant problem; an auger or drain snake can make quick work of it. However, using a cleaner for drains can make matters worse. Therefore, instead of trusting commercial cleaners, contact a local plumber and ask about the safest and best ways to clear a blocked drain.

How To Identify Black Mold

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Mold contamination in a home in Crestwood, MO.

Assessing the Presence of Mold

Black mold or stachybotrys is one of over 100,000 different species of mold. This species can be difficult to identify visually, as it is not always black in color. An environmental hygienist should perform a mold inspection and analyze samples to determine which type of mold is growing at a residence in Crestwood, MO. Here are several guidelines for assessing the presence of mold.

Locate the Colonies

A homeowner may look for indications of house mold. Keep a few basic guidelines in mind:

• Do not attempt to cut holes in walls or disturb contents to find hidden mold
  
• Avoid touching or otherwise disturbing colonies, as this may release spores
  
• Note moldy odors, which may indicate the presence of mold
  
  

Mold releases microbial volatile organic compounds during its growth cycle. The musty odor is not necessarily caused by the presence of spores, but by off-gases.

Consider Colors and Growth Patterns

Mold may vary in color at different points in its growth cycle. This is one of the reasons why attempts to visually identify fungi may not be accurate, and a mold inspection is necessary. Stachybotrys may be dark green in color during the early stages of growth. This species is also not fuzzy and does not grow in geometrical patterns like some other species.

Hire an Environmental Hygienist

The best way to determine whether mold is present and identify the type of fungus is to have a specialist come to a residence and take samples. Depending on whether mold growth is immediately evident, a hygienist may take air samples to test for signs of mVOCs or spores to cultivate in a petri dish.

A mold inspection is the only way to obtain a definitive answer regarding whether black mold is growing in your home. Look for an environmental hygienist located in Crestwood, MO, or schedule a consultation with a full-service mold remediation company.