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Archived Mold Remediation Blog Posts

Did You Know Increasing the Humidity in Your Home can Lead to Mold Damage?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Hampshire County team is here to make your mold infestation "Like it never even happened."

Increasing the Humidity in Your Home can Lead to Mold Damage over the Winter in Granby

While the air becomes much drier over the colder months of winter in Granby, elevating the moisture levels too much can cause problems. Slight amounts of water vapor increased through the use of vaporizers can help people breathe more comfortably, especially during the night. However, repeated use of boiling water to achieve the same purpose, especially if continued daily, can backfire.

We want to caution the residents in Granby about having too much moisture in the home, as this can cause microbes to proliferate and cause damage. Such mold damage can happen anywhere inside your Granby residence. While we can remediate this problem anyplace it occurs, we also know that preventing microbial infestations costs less than home restoration costs.

Keeping temperatures cooler in your home and using layers of clothing while awake and extra blankets during the night keep the air from becoming overly dry feeling, and thus reduces the need to add moisture to the air. Doing these things can also reduce your heating costs, and add up over the winter. Using the oven can also keep your home warmer, at least near the kitchen, without adding too much moisture to the air. While some moisture does escape the oven and enters the air, it is considerably less than boiling water to cook produces from the stove.

Another area of the home that regularly produces steam is the bathroom. Showering daily may seem like a good way to get some humidity into the air, but instead, this allows mold damage to escalate. Running the exhaust fan during the shower and for a few minutes afterward ensures that all of the moisture gets released outside. This is especially important because the bathroom is one of the most prone areas in your home for developing mold damage.


SERVPRO of Hampshire County is always ready to help remediate mold damage when you have a problem in your home in Hadley, Ware, or Belchertown. Contact us by calling (413) 324-1300, and we can have your home free of excess mold, “Like it never even happened.” as well as provide you with additional ways you can prevent mold growth.

For more on Granby, click here

Your Amherst Home Can Be Restored By Our Experts After A Mold Damage Disaster

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hampshire County can clean your home when a mold infestation has broken out.

Mold Damage Restoration In Your Amherst Home

In most homes in Amherst, mold is a big issue, but many people do not realize it is a problem. Everyone looks in the obvious places like under the sink, at the shower curtain, or in the basement when they think mold could be an issue, but mold can grow just about anywhere the conditions are right.

Finding mold and mold damage in your Amherst home requires immediate attention, so the growth does not continue to spread throughout your home. Mold can even cause health effects, so it is essential you ask for the assistance of a professional mold remediation company right away. Our team is ready 24/7 to help you, and with our training and tools, we can have the mess cleaned up for you quickly.

When we arrive at your home, we assess the situation and how severe the mold infestation is. We always use protective gear when it comes to cleaning up the mold to protect all our staff. SERVPRO workers wear eye protection and chemical resistant gloves and have various respirators available depending on how severe the infestation is. For small areas, we can use an N95 or greater filter respirator, while a half-mask respirator is used for larger contaminations. Fore extensive contaminations a full-face respirator can be used, along with a full body suit.

There are one thousand types of mold which can be found growing in homes. One of the most common types is aureobasidium. It can grow on painted and wooden services and develops in a black, brown, or pink color. Cladosporium can grow not just in warm conditions but in the cold as well. It frequently grows in indoor materials like upholsteries, carpets, and fabrics. You can find it inside cupboards as well and under floorboards. It is either olive-green or brown.

Mucor grows in larger patches and is usually white or greyish. It can be found closer to air conditioning machines and HVAC systems. Damp carpets can also offer a conducive spot for the growth of Mucor spores. Ulocladium grows well in wet areas and water. It usually is dark in color and can grow in homes that have undergone severe water damage in places like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and windows in high condensation.

SERVPRO of Hampshire County can clean your home in Ludlow, Westhampton, or South Hadley when a mold infestation has broken out. You don’t want to hesitate to call us at (413) 324-1300, as the mold continues to multiply and spread throughout your home until we take care of it.

Click here for more about Amherst.

We Are The Crew To Call To Restore Your Amherst Home After A Mold Infestation

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

When you reach out to us, you can rest assured your home is getting the best care.

Mold Damage Remediation In Your Amherst Home

When you have detected a mold problem in your Amherst home, you do not want to hesitate in getting it handled. Professional help is needed to clean up the mold and to stop it from spreading further. The quicker this is done, the better since mold can cause health effects and quickly grows to other areas.

Mold damage remediation for your Amherst home is essential to have done by professionals like our staff at SERVPRO. Our specialists have the expertise and advanced equipment needed to get the job done correctly and promptly.

One of the most popular methods for mold remediation on semi-porous and non-porous surfaces is blasting. Blasting systems give a very thoroughly clean without needing much manual labor like scraping, scrubbing, or wire brushing. There are several different media blasting methods which can be used, including water, baking soda, and grit.

We can use dry-ice blasting to remove larger areas of mold or lightly charred raw lumber such as attic crawl spaces after a fire. The pellets of carbon dioxide are under pressure and shootout and scrape the residue from the surfaces. The solid pellets then pass into a gaseous state, which leaves a minimal mess.

Grit and sandblasting are thought of as more aggressive methods and are used most frequently for coatings, rusted surfaces, and preparation or floor cleaning. It can disturb mold spores but might be too aggressive. It can also break up the mold spores into smaller particles, which can then pass through your HEPA filtrations system and contaminate other areas of the home.

Soda blasting, on the other hand, has been found to be quite useful and is a popular method that SERVPRO techs use for mold remediation. It doesn’t cause much damage to the surface being treated since it is softer than other blasting media. Any debris that is made from this process is suctioned up as it is progressing. We also create containment barriers with plastic sheeting to isolate the circulation of mold spores and debris from spreading.

SERVPRO of Hampshire County uses the best methods for mold remediation in your home in Granby, Ludlow, or Hadley. When you reach out to us at (413) 324-1300, you can rest assured your home is getting the best care.

Click here for more about Amherst.

Cleaning Out Mold Damage In Easthampton

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Stopping mold growth and cleaning up the damage requires professional service.

Cleaning Out Mold Damage

Easthampton homeowners deal with the same disasters as anyone else. Our proximity to large bodies of water, however, increases the threat of flooding, and also brings an increased risk of mold growth whenever water finds its way inside the structure.

Since it is impossible to keep the Connecticut River from cresting its banks, stopping Easthampton mold damage means cutting off the source of water inside the home. SERVPRO response teams train to follow a mold growth to its origin point and then eliminate the moisture source. Regardless if it is outside water from flooding or a puddle that collected under a laundry room sink, our specialists can dry the affected area inside, and then remove the mold spores and growth.

In most cases, removing mold means killing active spores and cleaning them off of nearby surfaces. Technicians use a variety of anti-fungal agents to eliminate the threat, allow the area to dry, and then use sponges and cloths to wipe away the dry mold. If there is a significant amount, they may need to use a mild cleaning agent to break up any clumps of spores.

In areas like attics or basements, SERVPRO technicians also have the option to use industrial vacuums with HEPA filters. These filters are designed specifically to capture and collect mold spores and can lift even a single, microscopic spore from any surface. Every spore we remove, on a cloth or in a filter, is carefully bagged before leaving the affected area to prevent accidentally contaminating clean areas of the home and disposed of according to State and Federal regulations.

If the mold went unnoticed long enough, spores could grow into a surface. When this happens, one of our inspectors carefully examines the items to determine if they can be cleaned or require disposal. If the mold is on personal property as a piece of furniture, it may be possible to clean and remove the mold. As an example, an upholstered sofa can be cleaned using spray or foam cleaners, dried, and then vacuumed using HEPA filters.

If the items are building materials, our technicians remove the affected paneling, ceiling tiles, or sheetrock and dispose of them. In most cases, replacement is far cheaper than attempting to cut out affected portions and patch them. Replacement is the usual response of most major insurance companies as well.

Stopping mold growth and cleaning up the damage requires professional service. SERVPRO of Hampshire County has helped our neighbors restore their homes and businesses for many years now. Call (413) 324-1300 today and let us help you too.

Click here for more about Easthampton.

Mold Damage Prevention and Restoration in Amherst

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can spread very quickly when there is excess moisture. Contact SERVPRO at the first sight or musty smell for remediation services.

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Attack Your Home's Mold Infestation at the Root Cause 

Mold damage can gradually destroy your contents once it grows on your furnishings, walls, and other hidden locations. Usually, controlling moisture is the secret behind preventing and managing the destruction it causes. There is a genuine concern that exposure to mold can lead to health effects and therefore, as a resident of Amherst you should not take chances once you suspect contamination.
 
There are several tips that our SERVPRO team recommends to property owners to prevent mold damage in Amherst. To begin with, try fixing your faulty plumbing system as soon as possible. Another tip is to inspect whether there is any form condensation or wet spots in your home and correct the source. On top of that, carrying out regular HVAC inspections and maintenance is encouraged. Despite the many precautions we observe to prevent this challenge, we cannot completely stop it from happening.
 
When our SERVPRO experts are at the site, we identify the damaged materials and degree of damage which helps us to plan for the remediation work. When planning, we also select the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as a safety measure. When we suspect mold contamination in your HVAC system, we stop its operation to prevent it from spreading the spores.
 
Before we can start capturing the mold spores through air filtration or any appropriate procedure, we put in place containment measures. We may use physical barriers to isolate the area as well as establish negative pressure to prevent the spread of the spores. During containment, we also switch off fans, cooling and heating systems.
 
Cleaning procedures are part of the mold remediation process, and our SERVPRO technicians select a cleanup procedure dependent on the materials and the surface with the contamination. When cleaning carpets as well as upholstered furniture, we may use steam cleaning. In most cases, we discard porous materials with deep mold penetration since it is hard to make them entirely clean. Damp-wiping materials and surfaces with detergents is also crucial at this particular stage. After that, we perform deodorization to address the odor challenges as well as spread antimicrobials that prevent the possibility of future mold growth.
 
At SERVPRO of Hampshire County We're Faster To Any Size Disaster be it water, fire, mold or storm-related. We are a proven industry leader, and you can get in touch with us by calling (413) 324-1300 at any time of the day.
 
Click here for more information on the city of Amherst.

Mold Damage Cleanup and Safety in Your Easthhampton Home

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

If there is a leak under your sink, it is likely mold will begin to grow in 24-48 hours.

Call SERVPRO at  Any Sign of Mold Damage in Your Home

Finding a leak under your kitchen sink in Easthampton is terrible enough, but when you also find that mold has been growing, you want to take action. Mold thrives in these moist, dark environments, and only needs a bit of time – about 24 to 48 hours – to begin growing. Once it starts, it just keeps going, spreading even to other areas of your kitchen if left long enough.

Mold growth and mold damage in your Easthampton home of any amount should be taken care of right away. It does not go away on its own and can eventually cause health effects for you and your family. Cleaning it on your own is not recommended, as regular household cleaners are not enough. That is why our staff at SERVPRO are ready to help you at any time. As experienced and trained mold remediation specialists, we can handle your mold problem, so it does not come back.

Our first step in remediation is to determine how severe the problem is. We inspect the area and talk to you, so you understand what is going on at all times. We may ask you if you have had previous problems with mold or noticed any strong, musty odors anywhere else. We need to know when you think the water damage first occurred as well.

SERVPRO workers are careful to protect themselves while working with mold by wearing PPE, or personal protective equipment. For a small area such as under your sink, an N95 or higher filter type respirator can be used. For more extensive areas, a half-mask respirator and cartridges are used. Chemical resistant gloves are always used, and we also wear eye protection.

We can quickly create a barrier around the mold damaged area when a small growth of mold is found. The main reason for doing so is to keep the mold contained in the area where we are working. We do not want it spreading to clean sections of your home while we are stirring up the mold spores during the cleaning process.

SERVPRO of Hampshire County works carefully and thoroughly to get rid of a mold infestation in your home in Ludlow, Ware, or Westhampton. You can be sure that when you contact us at (413) 324-1300, you are getting help from a knowledgeable and experienced company.

Click here for more information regarding Easthampton.

Hidden Mold Damage in Your Granby Home

3/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO at the first sight of mold for an investigation and remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Locates the Source of the Mold Infestation Before Remediating the Damage

Sometimes, you can have mold growing in your Granby home and not even realize it. One way in which this can happen is if you have a slow pipe leak. Pipes are usually out of eyesight and buried under flooring or behind walls. If one of them starts leaking slowly, you probably won’t even realize it for a while, and in the meantime, mold also has a chance to grow.
 
If you have discovered mold and mold damage in your Granby home from a hidden leak, the faster you get it taken care of, the better. Your home continues to sustain more damage the longer the mold and moisture are present, so get in touch with our technicians at SERVPRO when you see a problem. We have the training and the tools to take care of the problem for you quickly.
 
Upon arrival to your home, we do a careful inspection of your property for visible signs of mold. It feeds on water and cellulose and can be hidden from plain sight, so we use various technologies to find hidden water sources and mold.
 
SERVPRO techs also use various containment procedures to stop the mold from spreading. We might use containment methods that are advanced such as negative air chambers, so the area which is contaminated is isolated with barriers, plus negative air pressure to stop the spores from spreading to clean areas of your home. All cooling and heating systems or fans are turned off to stop the spread of the infestation.
 
Specialized air filtration equipment is also used to catch microscopic spores from the air. We use HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers to stop the spread of mold as well during the remediation process.
 
Our process of remediation depends on how much mold growth there is and what kinds of surfaces the mold is on. We use antimicrobial and antifungal treatments to get rid of the colonies of mold and to stop new ones from forming. Removing and getting rid of porous materials that are mold-infested, such as carpeting and drywall, can be necessary when massive mold growth is present.
 
Restoration may also involve minor repairs like painting, replacing drywall, or installing new carpet. Major repairs include the construction of various rooms or areas in your home.
 
No matter how small or large your mold issue is, SERVPRO of Hampshire County ensures they are thorough in cleaning up your home in Belchertown, Ware, or Hadley. Get in touch with us as at (413) 324-1300 as soon as you see a problem so we can help.
 
Click here for more information on the city of Granby.

How do Professionals Mitigate Mold Damage in Your Amherst Home?

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a four step process to properly rid your home of mold damage and help prevent future damage.

SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Process to Rid Your Home of Mold Damage

Mold damage is one of the worst things to happen to any home. Not only can it spread quickly, but it can also cause health effects. The best chance to control mold damage is to start the mitigation process as soon as possible. Restoration experts can help you get the damage under control and prevent any further damage as well.

Professional restoration experts use a multi-step process to clean the mold damage from your Amherst property. SERVPRO experts have all the necessary equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently. Here are the steps involved in professional mold remediation that you should know.

Containment

One of the essential steps in the whole process, containment refers to physically preventing the spores of the mold from spreading to unaffected areas. Our technicians use plastic sheeting to create a physical barrier and prevent the mold from spreading to uncontaminated areas during the cleanup. We can also use a negative air pressure to avoid the airborne spores from spreading to other areas of your home. Our technicians can also seal HVAC vents and establish ‘clean rooms' during the mitigation process to prevent the spread.

Removal 

Once the damage has been contained, the next step is to remove the mold itself. The methods of removal depend on the type of the material involved. While porous material needs to be thrown out, the non-porous material can be cleaned by HEPA vacuuming and then clean with a detergent solution. The semi-porous material can be cleaned by sanding, wire brushing or damp wiping. SERVPRO professionals can use a combination of these methods depending on the nature of the surface involved in the damage.

Cleanup 

The next important step in the mold remediation process is the cleanup. The settled spores and dust can be cleaned by vacuuming the surfaces with a HEPA vacuum. The cleanup is usually done in multiple rounds as the spores in the air take time to settle down. SERVPRO technicians can allow several hours between two rounds of HEPA vacuuming to get rid of most of the settled spores.

Drying

The last and perhaps the most critical step to prevent further contamination is drying. Mold loves wet and damp spaces. Professionals can help you to remove the residual moisture and try to prevent the mold from coming back.

Call SERVPRO of Hampshire County at (413) 324-1300 today to schedule a free consultation.

Click here for more information regarding Amherst.

Mold Damage Detection and Remediation Services in Amherst

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

Mold grows quickly once the proper environment is attained. Once you see or smell mold, contact SERVPRO for thorough remediation efforts.

Our Team of SERVPRO Technicians Thoroughly Inspect Your Property for Mold and Put Together an Effective Remediation Plan

If water seeps into the house during a flood, the next thing the property owner needs to worry about is mold. Mold growth can occur quickly and cause damage to the structure and its occupants. All it needs is some dark space and a little moisture. The bad news is that mold and mildew can thrive without being detected, especially in very porous materials such as wall insulation, carpets, and carpet pads.
 
To counter the effects of mold on your property, you need a locally based water damage restoration company such as SERVPRO. With many years of experience, our experts can arrive promptly to reverse the mold damage in your Amherst property. We follow IICRC recommendations and have appropriate tools and techniques to deal with various water damage situations.
 
Why Immediate Mold Removal is Important
Mold damage usually occurs within 2 days of contamination. Mold requires water, oxygen, nutrients, and favorable temperatures to thrive. They derive their nutrients from dead, organic materials such as fabrics, wood, and paper, as well as certain synthetic products like paints and adhesives. Normal indoor temperatures are ideal for most molds, as only a few can grow above 100F or below 40F. However, they can remain dormant outside this range of temperature and then revive themselves when the conditions are more favorable.
 
Mold Detection  
Mold growth normally starts where detection is difficult, such as inside crawl spaces and ducts, or behind tiles, paneling, and wallpaper. Our technicians look for early signs of mold damage to determine the presence of mold. These include gaps in the grouts, new cracks in the tiles, blistering paint or crumbling plaster, and warping walls. If your floor or walls are wet and feel relatively softer to the touch, call SERVPRO right away for mold remediation. The most obvious sign of hidden mold growth is a stubborn musty smell in a properly-maintained home.
 
Early detection is key to controlling mold growth. If you suspect the presence of mold in your house, you can count on SERVPRO of Hampshire County to control the mold damage. Call us anytime at (413) 589-8975.
 
For more information regarding Amherst, click here

IAQ Series - Part Three - Strategies For Improving Indoor Air Quality

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Black mold in the basement of a Hadley, MA home.

This is Part Three of our ongoing series exploring Indoor Air Quality.


Ventilation


Most Western MA home heating and cooling systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows and doors, operating window or attic fans, when the weather permits, or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the outdoor ventilation rate.


Find and Eliminate The Source


Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution. Here are a few examples:


Biological Contaminants


Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home.


By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.


Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.


These actions can eliminate much of the moisture that builds up from everyday activities.


Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.


Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent can prevent water condensation on building materials.


Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and replacement.


Water-damaged carpets and building materials can harbor mold and bacteria. It is very difficult to completely rid such materials of biological contaminants. SERVPRO of Hampshire County has both the equipment and expertise to assess and mitigate water damage situations.


Some content sourced from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.


Whether you live in Amherst, Chicopee, Easthampton, Holyoke, Ludlow, Northampton or anywhere in Western MA, SERVPRO of Hampshire County is an expert in mold remediation, deodorization, water damage, air duct cleaning and carpet cleaning.  Call us at 413-589-8975 today if you have an indoor air quality concern. We're Here To Help!


In Part Four, the final installment in our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) series, we explore how to determine IAQ in Western MA offices. 

IAQ Series - Part Two - How To Identify Air Quality Problems In Your Western MA Home

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

This blog is Part Two in our Indoor Air Quality Series.

Some health effects can be useful indicators of an indoor air quality problem, especially if they appear after a person moves to a new residence, remodels or refurnishes a home, or treats a home with pesticides. If you think that you have symptoms that may be related to your home environment, discuss them with your doctor or your local health department to see if they could be caused by indoor air pollution.

Another way to judge whether your Western MA home has or could develop indoor air problems is to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution. Although the presence of such sources does not necessarily mean that you have an indoor air quality problem, being aware of the type and number of potential sources is an important step toward assessing the air quality in your home.  For information on different types of pollutants, read Part One of this series.

Finally, look for signs of problems with the ventilation in your home. Signs that can indicate your home may not have enough ventilation include moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cooling equipment, and areas where books, shoes, or other items become moldy. To detect odors in your home, step outside for a few minutes, and then upon reentering your home, note whether odors are noticeable.  You can also ask a friend or family member that doesn't live in your home to give your home the smell test.

If you find an area of mold in your Western MA home, give SERVPRO of Hampshire County a call at 413-589-8975. 

 

In Part Three of our IAQ series, we explore strategies to improve the indoor air quality of your home.

 

Some content sourced from The Consumer Product Safety Commission

IAQ Series - Part One - Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

4/11/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Infestation In Springfield MA Home

Welcome to Part One of our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Series on Western MA homes and businesses.


Did you know a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities?  Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.


What Causes Indoor Air Problems?


Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in Western MA homes and businesses. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.


Pollutant Sources


There are many sources of indoor air pollution. These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; damage due to water and fire emergencies; dirty air ducts; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products and household cleaning products.


Amount of Ventilation


If too little outdoor air enters a Western MA home or business, pollutants can accumulate. Unless they are built with special mechanical means of ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes. However, because some weather conditions can drastically reduce the amount of outdoor air that enters a home, pollutants can build up even in homes that are normally considered "leaky."


In Part Two of this series, we discuss how to identify Air Quality problems in your Western MA home or business.


SERVPRO of Hampshire County, located in Ludlow, MA is available 24/7/365 for your fire, water, mold and cleaning needs - including general cleaning, air ducts and carpet cleaning.  Call us at 413-589-8975.


Some content sourced from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

For Sale - Your House, we got this!

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

I am amazed at the number of houses in which we are now performing mold remediation services these days.  Many of the homes are for sale and the work needs to be done prior to the sale closing.  Many Real Estate Professionals and Property Managers in the Hampshire County area trust SERVPRO of Hampshire County to get the job done for their clients. 

How can you avoid microbial growth in your attic or basement spaces (the most common areas in which we find remediation necessary)?

 In the attic, ensure there is proper and adequate ventilation.  If you added insulation to the attic space, ensure that the soffit vents were not covered up in the process.  This will stop the flow of air along the underside of the sheathing and inhibit evaporation of moisture from the surface.  Ensure there is a ridge vent, this keep the air flowing (stacking) upward and out of the attic space.  Finally, adding or ensure that gable end vents are in place if more ventilation is necessary, make sure they are kept clean of insects, nests and debris.  Install an exhaust fan in the attic if more ventilation is felt necessary.  They can be rigged up with temperature and humidity switches to turn on and off at certain levels. 

In the basement you want to ensure that humidity levels are kept below 50% RH and ventilate the area as much as possible by opening windows and cross ventilating when the weather allows.   The use of a vent fan in the basement is not a bad option as well.  Run a dehumidifier on humid days, do not run the DH if the windows are open, you will be attempting to dry the entire Pioneer Valley if you do that.  Ensure that down spouts on the outside of the building are directed away from the building.  Moisture around the perimeter will find its way into the basement through concrete.  Again, air flow and low humidity are a must in basements.

Overall, the more air flow and humidity control the better off you are in the end.  Spores do not settle unless there is a lack of air flow and cannot multiply without proper amounts of moisture.  By understanding a few of the dynamics of the building, you can avoid last minute interruptions and inconveniences when selling your home.

SERVPRO of Hampshire County can further help with your home sale, whether it’s mold remediation, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, duct cleaning, deodorization, nicotine cleaning, etc. we can be your cleaning solution.  Furthermore, should you need a plumber, electrician, roofer, pest control pro or any other building services during your home sale, we can refer you or your Realtor to any of our network professionals, all who work in and are local to Western Massachusetts.   Having the right team on your side when buying or selling a home is important.  SERVPRO of Hampshire County can help head up your team of professionals to ensure things can go as smoothly as possible.  

Cleaning to Maintain Summertime Indoor Air Quality

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

It’s hard to believe that it’s Memorial Day already!  We at SERVPRO of Hampshire County would like to take this time to thank and recognize all of those people who have served and sacrificed (some to the highest degree) to make this country as great as it is.  The opportunities that we are all given and the things that we get to complain about (important things like “my internet is slow” or “there’s nothing good on TV tonight”) that, in the grand scheme of things, are not so important, are examples of what our predecessors worked so hard for us to have now.  Let’s hope that we contribute to our descendants, our communities and our country just a fraction of what others gave to us.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, generally a time for all of us to take vacation, celebrate graduations, have picnics and cookouts and spend time outside or away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.   One thing that you need to remember is to prepare your home for your time away and for heat and humidity.  Failure to maintain a level of humidity in a healthy operating range (30%-50%) could result in microbial growth due to secondary water and moisture damage.  Shutting off HVAC and air conditioning while away may be cost effective on an energy consumption but the affects it may have on the indoor air quality (IAQ) and structural issues could cost considerably more in clean up.  Maintaining a relative humidity below 50% preferably below 40% will help to maintain good and healthy IAQ. 

SERVPRO of Hampshire County specializes in not only Fire Damage Cleanup and Water Damage Cleanup but also Mold Remediation and Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Duct Cleaning and Deodorization.  If we can clean up behind the big disasters in people’s worlds imagine how we would do on everyday cleanup.  Hampshire County is located dead smack in the middle of Western Massachusetts.  We can help with your cleaning and IAQ needs no matter where you are or what it may be in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. 

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend.  Reflect and have fun with family and friends.