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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Mold and Water Damage in Home in Morehead City

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Mold on Ceiling Mold on the ceiling!

When the hot water heater let go and flooded their house, these homeowners called SERVPRO immediately.  Our SERVPRO crew arrived in an hour and a half to find water standing everywhere.  After extracting the excess water, SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow determined that the water had permeated under the baseboards in the rooms adjacent to the hot water heater.  The homeowners could not imagine that the water had made it's way under the baseboards and had started to wick up the sheetrock behind the wainscoting..... until they saw it for themselves.  They were equally surprised to see that mold was growing on the back side of the baseboard.  That led us to believe that there had been a slow leak in the days leading up to the water heater erupting.  SERVPRO understands the science behind water damage mitigation, let us help make your home, "Like it never even happened." 

Mold take over to Jacksonville Home

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on wall Mold growth on wall

6/9/2020

This Jacksonville family discovered extensive microbial growth in their home, thanks to an old roof leak that went undetected for 6 months. Believe it or not, mold problems like this can be mitigated with the right expertise and equipment. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counites has trained technicians that were able to test and remove the mold growth, and then restore the space to preloss conditions. The family was very grateful that we were able to recover their home. 

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the extent and type of growth, to the variety of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When you discover mold, call us at 910-326-1344 and we will go through our standard mold remediation process: 

  • Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Mold Containment
  • Air Filtration
  • Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Restoration

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 910-326-1344

Containment

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Plastic hung in room Plastic Containment

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties does a tremendous mold remediation business, this was a recent job in Morehead City.  We had an office building that had some mold issues as a result of a leaking roof. As is always the case, mold cannot be eliminated without first removing the source of moisture. We informed our customer that the roof needed to be repaired or replaced before the remediation would be successful.  They had a new roof put on and the leaks went away.  After a thorough assessment, SERVPRO determined only the back 1/3 of the building was affected.  It was necessary to seal off that portion of the building to keep the mold spores from contaminating the whole structure. With containment barriers and a negative air machine in place, we removed and discarded damaged and moldy building materials, and then we cleaned everything else.  The employees of this business could tell a big difference immediately once again, they feel safe at work.

Mold Infestation in Jacksonville

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

This Jacksonville family discovered extensive microbial growth in their home, thanks to an old roof leak that went undetected for 6 months. Believe it or not, mold problems like this can be mitigated with the right expertise and equipment. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counites has trained technicians that were able to test and remove the mold growth, and then restore the space to preloss conditions. The family was very grateful that we were able to recover their home and protect them from any potential health effects. 

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the extent and type of growth, to the variety of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When you discover mold, call us at 910-326-1344 and we will go through our standard mold remediation process: 

  • Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Mold Containment
  • Air Filtration
  • Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Restoration

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 910-326-1344

Conditions In Carteret County Might Be Right For Mold

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counties to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 910-326-1344

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counties for mold remediation services.

Hurricane Florence Aftermath

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Mold from Hurricane Florence

This Morehead City home had extensive mold damage due to the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Our area had a lot homes and families thinking they did not have storm damage because it wasn't noticeable to the eye. Water can get behind studs and can get behind sheetrock that has wallpaper and you would never know until mold starts to grow on your walls and contents. Our skilled team of technicians were able to re mediate the mold in a timely manner. Since we are locally owned and operated, we were able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Call SERVPRO if you see or suspect any signs of mold, we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Conditions In Carteret and East Onslow Counties Might Be Right For Mold

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

  • Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
  • Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
  • Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 910-326-1344

Does Your Carteret or Onslow County Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

In Carteret and Onslow County mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 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 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.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (910)-326-1344

Mold Causes and Conditions

8/21/2015 (Permalink)

Mold growing on vent and ceiling caused by mold in HVAC system being disbursed throughout house.

Causes and Conditions

Mold is everywhere, and can grow on almost any surface when moisture is present. They reproduce because of mold spores, which are carried by air currents, in many ways like a flower pollenating.  When spores land on a moist surface suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is commonly found indoors at levels which do not affect most healthy individuals.

Because normal building materials are capable of supporting mold growth and mold spores are everywhere, mold growth in an indoor environment is usually related to water or moisture and may be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials (such as concrete). Flooding, broken water lines, appliance malfunctions, leaky roofs, building-maintenance or indoor-plumbing problems can lead to interior mold growth. Moisture commonly condenses on surfaces cooler than the moisture-laden air, enabling mold to thrive. This moisture vapor passes through walls and ceilings. Floors over crawl spaces and basements, without vapor barriers or with dirt floors, are mold-prone.

Significant mold growth needs moisture and food sources and a surface capable of supporting growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, carpets, and carpet padding provide the food mold needs. In the carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are food sources. After water damage to a building has occurred, mold grows in walls and then becomes dormant until subsequent high humidity; suitable conditions reactivate mold.

Most molds are commonly detectable by smell and evidence of water damage on walls or ceilings, and can grow in places invisible to the naked eye. It can sometimes be found behind wallpaper or paneling, on the backside of ceiling tiles, the back of drywall, or underneath carpets or carpet padding. Piping in walls can also be a source of mold, since they may leak and condensate.

As stated above, mold spores need three things to grow:

·         Nutrients: Cellulose and dust are a common food for indoor spores.

·         Moisture:  Needed to begin the decaying process caused by mold

·         Time: Mold growth begins anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days after the provision of growing conditions.

When mold colonies grow inside buildings the main health concern is the inhalation of mycotoxins. After a flood or water leak, mycotoxin levels are much higher even after a building has dried out.

Common food sources for mold in buildings can be cellulose-based materials such as wood, cardboard and the paper facing on drywall and organic matter such as soap, fabrics and dust-containing skin cells. If a house has mold, the moisture may originate in the basement or crawl space, a leaking roof or a leak in plumbing pipes. Insufficient ventilation may accelerate moisture buildup. Visible mold colonies may form where ventilation is poorest and on perimeter walls (because they are nearest the dew point).

HVAC systems can most definitely produce all three requirements for mold growth. The air conditioning system creates a difference in temperature, encouraging condensation which is why a condensation line is needed on the air handler. The high rate of dusty air movement through an HVAC system may supply plenty food for mold. Since the air-conditioning system is not always running, warm conditions are the final component for mold growth. The situation only becomes worse now because spores become airborne and are distributed throughout the house through the vents.

Removing one of the three requirements for mold reduces (or eliminates) new mold growth. Eliminate moisture, food and warmth and this will stop the growth but now you have to remediate what you have and that’s a whole other post. 

Commercial Mold Remediation in Jacksonville NC Mall

11/3/2014 (Permalink)

Moisture collected on the metal registers and the mold grew on the surface of the sheetrock.

SERVPRO was called to a clothing store at the mall after employees reported seeing mold in various locations.  Upon arriving, we inspected the areas of concern and found quite a few more.  Since most of the mold was located adjacent to HVAC registers, our first thought was that the building had an air conditioning problem.  SERVPRO technicians checked the relative humidity and it was very high, another indication of some sort of HVAC issues.  A local company was brought in to check the system and it was determined that the main air conditioning unit was "short cycling" and not removing sufficient humidity from the air.  It is important to note that when a structure has a mold problem, it also has a moisture problem. Mold cannot grow without moisture AND the source of the moisture must be identified and addressed before the mold can be properly remnediated.  In this case, the HVAC unit was repaired and that corrected the moisture problem.  SERVPRO arranged to come in on the weekend after the mall was closed and work through the night.  The problem was solved, the company was happy with our work but.......................not as happy as their employees!

Mold in Morehead City NC Apartment

10/27/2014 (Permalink)

Mold inside the ductwork.

SERVPRO went on a mold inspection for a property management company in Morehead City NC in August.  It was over 90 degrees that day and the outside air was very sticky.  Upon entering the apartment, the humidity hit us in the face, it was quite a surprise.  The temperature inside was 75 degrees and when we checked the relative humidity, it was 79%.  Just for comparison, inside humidity readings normally range from 50-55% in this area.  The mold growth was extensive in and around the HVAC registers with lighter mold present here and there.  It was obvious that the air conditioning was "short cycling" which means that it would come on just long enough to cool the air but not stay on long enough to remove the excess humidity.  This same phenomenon occurs when a central HVAC unit is too large for a property.  In this case the outside unit was defective and had to be replaced.  SERVPRO came in right after that and remediated the mold, now we have another happy customer!

Mold in Morehead City NC Office Building.

8/12/2014 (Permalink)

Here is the zippered containment barrier SERVPRO installed in this office building.

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties does a tremendous mold remediation business, this was a recent job in Morehead City.  We had an office building that had some mold issues as a result of a leaking roof. As is always the case, mold cannot be eliminated without first removing the source of moisture. We informed our customer that the roof needed to be repaired or replaced before the remediation would be successful.  They had a new roof put on and the leaks went away.  After a thorough assessment, SERVPRO determined only the back 1/3 of the building was affected.  It was necessary to seal off that portion of the building to keep the mold spores from contaminating the whole structure. With containment barriers and a negative air machine in place, we removed and discarded damaged and moldy building materials, and then we cleaned everything else.  The employees of this business could tell a big difference immediately once again, they feel safe at work.