The Truth is... it's Everywhere!

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Mold... a factor we deal with in everyday living in Florida!

Let’s face it, mold spores are everywhere. They can be found indoors and outdoors. They can enter your home or business through windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold from outdoors can attach to clothing, shoes, pets and can be carried indoors. It grows anywhere, especially where there is moisture. 

Mold’s Best Friend:

Water. Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours

Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

“Mold Removal” vs. Remediation

Because mold is everywhere, removing all mold from your home or business is impossible. A qualified restoration company understand the science behind mold and mold growth and knows how to remediate the problem area. So what do you do when you find mold growth in your home or business?

• Step 1: Emergency Contact SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg @ 904-861-8870
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

How to Stop Mold Growth

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on ceiling

Where there is moisture, there is mold. And where there is mold, health effects are bound to follow, especially for people who are sensitive to it.

HOW TO STOP MOLD GROWTH IN HOUSE

1. Control moisture. Keep the humidity level under 60 percent.
2. Dry up wet materials quickly. It only takes mold two days to grow.
3. Clean, disinfect, and dry surfaces prone to mold growth. A vapor steam cleaner may help.
4. Repair leaks. Replace dilapidated old pipes. Fix leaks on the roof, walls, and foundation of the house. Unclog HVAC units drain regularly.
5. Dry items thoroughly before storing them.
6. Improve airflow at home. Start with opening closet doors more frequently and moving furniture far from walls to providing better ventilation to confined spaces. The more windows you can open, the better.
7. Monitor your basement’s ventilation. Set up a foundation drain, put in a dehumidifier, insulate walls, set up a thermal plane, and let the entire room dry.

HOW TO STOP MOLD GROWTH ON WALLS

1. Prepare the affected walls with the usual white, black or bluish patches of mold on the walls. If it has spread to adjacent areas, such as the carpet or other items, remove these from the walls and salvage whatever you can.
2. Scrub as hard as you can. Use a mixture of one part bleach and three parts water and combine it with some hard scrubbing using a heavy-duty sponge or scrub brush. Let the solution soak in for a few minutes. In even worse cases, you may need to use this bleach mixture with a formulated mold remover. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and a respirator mask for protection and turn on the ventilation fan.
3. Dry the walls completely.

HOW TO STOP MOLD GROWTH IN BATHROOM

1. Remove and replace sealant or caulking affected by mold.
2. Use effective mold-killing chemicals to clean your bathroom, such as vinegar, bleach or hydrogen peroxide to help you, but make sure not to mix any of these products to avoid a toxic outcome.
3. Keep your bathroom doors and windows open while cleaning. This should help dry up the bathroom and take away the mold’s favorite environment.

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD GROWTH IN BATHROOM

1. Invest in an effective fan for every bathroom at home. Vents can suck out the moisture in your bathroom and send it outside. Depending on the size of your bathroom, find a fan with the right cubic feet per minute (cfm).
2. Use the fan properly. Turn the vent on during a bath or shower and leave it on for 30 minutes more after leaving the bathroom. Find a fan with a timer for your convenience.
3. Use your squeegee. Make it a habit to dry up the shower walls or tub with a squeegee.
4. Repair leaks. Once you notice leaks, fix them right away. Delaying repairs will only encourage mold to grow and take hold.
5. Dry out everything in the bathroom. After using your sponges, loofahs, and product bottles, remove them from the shower and let them dry.
6. Wash towels, rugs, and mat regularly.

If you have any questions, feel free to call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties for all your mold related questions.

What does Mold Consume in Columbia and Suwannee Counties?

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on wall

When mold damage gets severe enough, it may cause permanent and noticeable damage to materials in your home. Carpeting, wood, structural components, drywall, paint and more. Frequently they require significant restoration efforts after they have been affected by a mold colony. Mold does not just grow on top of these materials - it feeds off them, literally eating away at their surfaces and compositions. These are some of the most common materials SERVPRO must replace during or after a mold remediation project.

Carpets

Carpets sometimes attract mold damage like a magnet, soaking up water and providing a sheltered place for mold to start growing. Within your carpet's fibers, mold can grow quickly and easily if it has enough water. Mold can then wrap around fibers and attack them from all sides, eating away at the material much faster than flat surfaces like drywall. Due to the speed at which it is destroyed and its ability to harbor deep-rooted mold growth, carpeting is one of the most common replacements SERVPRO must make in a home.   

Drywall and Plaster 

Some types of mold may eat through drywall by consuming the cardboard backing and plaster, creating a challenging and delicate restoration task. Thankfully, we only need to need to remove and replace a limited portion of drywall in most cases, but this still may require some amount of construction work. Other insulating materials and hidden wall constructs may also need replacement or restoration by SERVPRO IICRC Certified technicians.  

Wooden Elements 

Wood takes some of the heaviest damage from long-term mold growth. Although special finishes sometimes protect the wood, it also has high potential to rot and deteriorate if mold grows around it. At risk are everything from support columns to floorboards to building materials, so this mold threat should not be taken lightly. 

SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties is an experienced local resource for combating mold and its disastrous effects. If you have found signs of mold damage in your home, call us 24/7 at (386) 754-0261. 

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier, and gets you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Can Leave An Unwanted Guest

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to mitigate properly so you don't have this much worse issue arise.

After you have suffered through the disaster water damage can leave behind, you may sigh a breath of relief and think the worst is over. Unfortunately, if not mitigated correctly, the worst may be yet to come.

When it comes to water damage, they key to avoiding future mold problems is time. The quicker you can get to the source, fix the problem, and begin the drying (or demolition) the better.

Ronnie Wilson, a Project Estimator here at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties, recommends waiting no longer than 3 days to address the mold risk. 

He also recommends the following steps

Dry out the affected area. Once the water has been extracted, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If possible, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from pressboard it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

Disinfect. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc. Disinfect all areas affected by the flood waters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in flood water.

SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties uses proprietary, OSHA-approved cleaning agents that may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Dispose of damaged items responsibly: You’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of site. But if you can organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, you will help alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site. Go to your city or town’s waste management website to find out where to recycle old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, any damaged electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, and even drywall. 

Weather & Mold in our State

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Seen here is a shower/bathroom with mold on the ceiling.

Recognizing Mold Growth 

We have warmer weather here in Florida and that means it is a thriving environment for mold here in the south. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in places with high levels of moisture, such as leaks around pipes, windows, or roofs. If flooding has occurred and saturated your home, mold will also grow in drywall, dust, upholstery, and carpet, just to name a few. This is why it is of utmost importance to reach out to SERVPRO immediately if any water damage has occurred - our specially trained professionals will ensure your home and belongings are properly cleaned and dried to inhibit mold growth.

Acting on Mold Growth 

Mold can be many different colors, smell musty, and will often look like spots. Regardless of what type of mold it is, it needs to be removed. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it by attempting to clean the area yourself, touching the mold, or blowing air across affected areas. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. If you suspect mold, keep loved ones out of the area, turn off fans and the HVAC system, and contact your friends at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties!  

We are located in Lake City and provide services in Lake Butler, Live Oak, White Springs, Perry, Madison, MacClenney, Fort White, Starke, Chiefland, Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Suwannee and many more surrounding counties in North Central Florida.  

Keep Mold out of Christmas

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Christmas tree

Once a year, we celebrate Christmas by putting up decorations and spending time with our families.  After all of the festivities are over, we pack up those decorations and store them in sheds or attics.  The issue that some people may run into is mold settling on those precious decorations.  SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee counties would like to take some time to share some tips on how you can prevent mold on your Christmas decorations.

Since your decorations are stored in an area where humidity is increased, you want to dehumidify the air both inside the storage containers, and in the surrounding area. A small dehumidifier is perfect for the job. You want the humidity level in your attic or basement to ideally be below 30%-50%.

If you have any issue with mold on your decorations, reach out to SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties so we can assist with bringing those decorations back to their previous glory.

Mold in your Shower?

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in the shower can be a sign of a mold infestation and poor ventilation. Contact SERVPRO when you see or smell mold so that we can investigate.

Mold in your shower surround in your Lake City home can be put in two general categories – mold behind the surround and surface mold. Surface mold is unsightly growth and can be more difficult to remove. It is the hidden moisture, however, inside the framing behind your shower which can lead to damage to your structure and expensive repairs. 
 
Mold growth and mold damage of any type in your Lake City bathroom is bad news. It continues to worsen, doing damage to the structure, plus can cause health effects for you and your family. As soon as you see mold, get a hold of our professionals at SERVPRO so we can help you clean/remove or remediate it. We are a trained and experienced mold remediation company who can handle this problem for you before it spreads anymore. 
 
Moisture is the key to mold, so our goal is to get the water causing your mold out of your home fast. Our job is to dry the wet structure and contents, so we can then clean the mold up. Even the best cleanup efforts fail if the moisture is not handled. Also, some of our safety work practices stop us from being exposed to the mold and from spreading it to clean areas of your home. If needed, we close off the area while we are working to prevent the mold getting into other rooms. 
 
SERVPRO staff records conditions such as the extent of the contamination and how much saturation of moisture is present. When the remediation is complete, we may have an independent environmental professional record that the mold has returned to normal conditions. 
 
Placing negative air machines near where any drywall demolition is done lowers the amount of airborne mold which we are exposed to plus makes removing the mold more efficient. If the mold has grown enough, we may have to remove damaged materials, and we also use damp wiping to clean soiled areas and vacuum excessive mold spores by utilizing HEPA vacuums and filters. 
 
SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties does not waste time getting to your home in Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, Lake Butler, White Springs and surrounding areas after you reach out to us. Mold continues to grow until the moisture problem is stopped and you remediate.  Call us at (386) 754-0261 if you need or want a professional opinion. 

Warm Weather on Its Way

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

We are creeping up on warmer weather. That means it is about to be a thriving environment for mold down here in the south. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in places with high levels of moisture, such as leaks around pipes, windows or roofs.  If flooding has occurred and saturated your home mold could also grow in drywall, insulation, upholstery and carpet - just to name a few.

This is why it is of utmost importance to reach out to SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties immediately if any water damage occurs - our specially trained professionals will ensure your home and belongings are properly cleaned and dried to inhibit mold growth.

Acting on Mold Growth Once Noticed - 

Mold can be various different colors, smells and shapes.  If you see visible mold, do not disturb it by attempting to clean the area yourself.  Touching the mold or blowing air across affected areas can potentially be the worst thing you do. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home, especially if the air condition is in operation.   When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. If you suspect mold, keep loved ones out of the area, turn off fans and the HVAC system, and contact your friends at SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties!

Got Mold?

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services:

SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties specialize in mold cleanup and restoration. In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly re-mediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If you think you have a mold problem, give us a call today! (386) 754-0261

Yikes! Is that Mold?

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

YIKES! I Think That’s Mold!

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 you think you may have a mold infestation, let SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties put your mind at ease. Visit us at https://www.SERVPROcolumbiaandsuwanneecounties.com/ or call us at (386) 754-0261.

Mold Comes in Various Colors, Shapes & Sizes

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Some people hear the work "mold" and reference  "black mold"! 

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”.  Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing.   Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It's Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact a SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (1-386-754-0261)

None of us know what kind of mold it is until it has been tested by an industrial hygienist or someone qualified to test for mold.  Once that is determined you can qualify the type of mold you are dealing with.  Not all molds are bad for you!

We live in Florida and therefore deal with high humidity.   We therefore need to be aware of places that might be hidden and get moisture due to the weather.  

If you notice something that looks abnormal then just give us a call.  We can come out and assess it and help you determine if you need to remediate or just chalk up to this is Florida.  

You can call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties located in Lake City, Florida on Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm to schedule and assessor to come out and inspect your troubled area and then make an informed decision on your next steps.  

We do assessments in Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, Lake Butler, White Springs, Fort White, Perry, Mayo and the surrounding areas.  Utilize our knowledge and help answer any questions you might have and if you need an Industrial Hygienist to come out we can assist you in that area as well.  We work with 3 - 4 different ones based on where you are located and if it is commercial or residential.  

Effects Water Can Have on Your Property

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Drywall with Mold on it

Living in Florida we deal with humidity, moisture, etc. that all is related to mold growth in some way or another.  Every concentration is different and some can be taken care of with minimal effort.  

When mold damage gets severe enough it may cause permanent and noticeable damage to materials in your home. Carpeting, wood, structural components, drywall and more. Frequently they require significant restoration efforts after they have been affected by a mold colony. Mold does not just grow on top of these materials - it feeds off them, literally eating away at their surfaces and compositions. These are some of the most common materials SERVPRO must replace during or after a mold remediation project.

Carpets

Carpets sometimes attract mold damage like a magnet, soaking up water and providing a sheltered place for mold to start growing. Within your carpet's fibers, mold can grow quickly and easily if it has enough water. Mold can then wrap around fibers and attack them from all sides, eating away at the material much faster than flat surfaces like drywall. Due to the speed at which it is destroyed and its ability to harbor deep-rooted mold growth, carpeting is one of the most common replacements made in a home.   

Drywall and Plaster 

Some types of mold may eat through drywall by consuming the cardboard backing and plaster, creating a challenging and delicate restoration task. Thankfully, we only need to remove and replace a limited portion of drywall in most cases, but this still may require some amount of construction work. Other insulating materials and hidden wall constructs may also need replacement or restoration.

Wooden Elements 

Wood takes some of the heaviest damage from long-term mold growth. Although special finishes sometimes protect the wood, it also has high potential to rot and deteriorate if mold grows around it. At risk are everything from support columns to floorboards to building materials, so this mold threat should not be taken lightly. 

SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties is an experienced local resource for combating mold and its disastrous effects. If you have found signs of mold damage in your home, call us at (386) 754-0261. 

We can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier and get you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Assess the Situation Quickly When Dealing With a Mold Infestation in Your Home

12/22/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in the shower can be a sign of a mold infestation and poor ventilation.

Mold in your shower surround in your Lake City home can be put in two general categories – mold behind the surround and surface mold.

Surface mold is unsightly and can be difficult to remove.  Hidden moisture inside the framing, behind or above your shower, places not seen early on can lead to more extensive damage. 
 
Mold growth and mold damage of any type in your bathroom can result in damage.  It continues to grow doing damage to the structure in addition could cause adverse health effects for you or your family. As the earliest sign of mold make contact with SERVPRO so we can assist in either remediation of the area or assisting you to find a qualified company that provides testing.  We are a trained, experienced & certified in mold remediation. 
 
SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties does not waste time assessing your damage once you reach out to us.  We charge a minimal fee to come and assess and then allocate it back if we do any remediation services for you resulting from the assessment.  

Summertime Fun - Boats & RV's

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

RV's & Boats can be affected by mildew and mold when put away for the winter. Be sure yours is summer ready!!!

Getting ready for summer fun out on the boat or camping in your camper or RV? Cleaning mildew & remediating mold isn’t the fun part. We can take care of it for you in no time and get you ready for your vacation or weekend get away without any hassle at all! Boat Mold meets Lake City’s SERVPRO experts!!! RV’s can accumulate moisture and mildew during the off months so when it comes time to clean it up, just call us. We remediate mold where we find it! We are located in Lake City and can come to you or you can bring it to us, just call us (386) 754-0261. We can give you a free estimate over the phone or come inspect and give you an estimate.  It's time to get you out on the water or camping with your family and friends.

Hidden Mold

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Mold grows in the right condition and sometimes the closet can be a great place.

If you opened up your Lake City closet and saw mold growing rapidly, what would you do?

• Quickly remove all of your clothes?
• Clean and scrub the wall with bleach and water?
• Immediately call a contractor to demo and repair the affected area?
• Determine the source?
• Call SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties at (386)754-0261 for an inspection.

The answer you choose will make all the difference but the ultimate decision is up to the you.

Although you may chose multiple answers from the above list the order in which things occur is equally as important as what work is being performed. 

Can you remove your clothes? Yes you can, they are your clothes. However, we would advise you to put your clothes in plastic bag and use the appropriate cleaning methods to restore your clothes. The plastic bag provides an encapsulation to prevent mold spores from spreading into other areas of the room or home.

Clean and scrub the affected wall? This depends on the severity and amount of mold damage. You should seek advise prior to cleaning the mold as spores can spread fairly easily with a little bit of air movement and agitation.

Call a contractor only if needed. Sometimes the amount of mold damage is just surface level and other times the growth as penetrated through the drywall. Only call a contractor if needed as sometimes the mold can be cleaned with professional products and skilled technicians.

Call SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties at (386)754-0261. This one step alone could be the difference in overspending for services you may not need. Plus a highly skilled technician can walk you through the process from start to finish. And having knowledge on the Do's & Don'ts of mold clean-up makes all the difference.

The team at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties, located in Lake City, Florida, has the tools and knowledge for all clean-up jobs. From water, fire, mold and bio-hazard cleanup. We can be reached anytime, day or night

Unknown Roof Leak can Cause Mold inside

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Spot on Ceiling in Lake City, Florida home

If you find mold in your attic, you might have a leak in your roof that went unnoticed. A leak in the roof will allow moisture to enter your home, thus creating an ideal growing condition for mold. Before doing any mold remediation, it is ideal to have the roof repaired first or else you may have mold growth again if you wait on repairing the roof after having the mold removed.

The most common roof leaks are the following:

• Ice dams
• Missing or broken shingles
• Damaged flashing

In the winter you could be experiencing an ice dam. Ice dams happen when the snow freezes at the edge of the roof causing water to back up and leak into your home. To prevent an ice dam, try removing 2-4 feet of snow from the edge to prevent an ice dam from forming.

A storm can cause damage to your roof, and it is a good idea to check your roof after a storm to see if it has any broken or missing shingles.

Damaged flashing will allow water to leak into your home. Check your flashing regularly to see if they have any damages.

We're faster to any disaster

At SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties, we are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from mold growth, call us today at (386) 754-0261.

Winter & Mold - It can happen!

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Bathroom in a residence that suffered mold damage.

The wet season in the winter months is one of the worst times of year for mold to grow and spread throughout your home. Often, mold is contained near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives, causing more damage that may be hidden from eyesight.

Mold spores are microscopic and are naturally found in the air we breathe, indoors and outdoors. When large amounts of spores grow, one’s health may be compromised. Mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the area and dry spores are released into the air.

SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties is certified to handle mold remediation and is IICRC certified in this field. SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties understands how important it is to get your home back to preloss condition, and we do so faster than the leading competitor. That's why you can rely on SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties as your expert in mold remediation. SERVPRO has professional knowledge and determination to tackle the toughest mold remediation in your home or business.  Lake City (Columbia County), Live Oak (Suwannee County), Lake Butler (Union County), Jasper (Hamilton County), Macclenny (Baker County), Mayo (Lafayette County), or Madison (Madison County) are all areas we provide services in and around.

The truth is..... it's EVERYWHERE!

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Mold.... a factor we deal with in everyday living in Florida!

Let’s face it, mold is everywhere. It can be found indoors and outdoors. It can enter your home or business through windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold from outdoors can attach to clothing, shoes, pets and can be carried indoors. It grows anywhere, especially where there is moisture. And the worst part is, it can cause a variety of health effects. Children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems are more likely to suffer the effects mold can have.

Mold’s Best Friend:

Water. Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours

Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 and have the potential to cause other health effects. 
• 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

“Mold Removal” vs. Remediation

Because mold is everywhere, removing all mold from your home or business is impossible. A qualified restoration company understand the science behind mold and mold growth and knows how to remediate the problem area. So what do you do when you find mold growth in your home or business?

• Step 1: Emergency Contact SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties 386.754.0261
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

Mold overtakes a Lake Butler Home

1/17/2017 (Permalink)

The situation our technicians found when they arrived on scene! Wow! Good thing the homeowner knew who to call, SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee.

Do you believe you have a mold problem?

9/27/2016 (Permalink)

Mold growing in a room located in Suwannee County, Fl.

It should be noted that mold is actually everywhere. Each individual will react differently to the allergens associated to mold spores. Mold spores begin to thrive and colonize when moisture or humidity is added to the environment. Mold spores are actually for breaking down cellulose materials alongside mother nature. With that said, mold will actually not disappear on its own unless it has been properly removed and the environment surrounding it is no longer conductive to its growth.

Something we get asked a lot is how to prevent mold from growing in your home or business. The answer is actually quite simple. Keep it dry! IF it does not have water or moisture it cannot grow.

How can you keep your house dry?

Prevent excessive moisture levels in the air in the home by using the exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is often generated. Make sure the air from your clothes dryer exhausts from the house. Also avoid using a humidifier. Look for areas of dampness or wet spots. This can include roofs, windows, basement walls and plumbing pipes. If a leak happens, dry the wet materials as quickly as possible. Mold spores begin to grow 24-48 hours after a water leak. Small recurring or continuous leaks that are hidden in walls, ceilings or floors present a different challenge since mold growth could be extensive before it is detected. Watch out for dampness under sinks, in bathrooms and below bathrooms or other areas where plumbing is located.

If you suspect you have a mold issue, the first step you should do is contact a mold or air quality inspector. Once it has been confirmed that you do have a mold issue, SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties can come in and completely clean and rid your home or business of the mold. “Like it never even happened” is only one call away at (386)754-0261.

How to keep Mold at Bay in your Columbia or Suwannee County home.

6/21/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in A Columbia County, Fl Home.

Florida is known for its tourist attractions, and warm weather. Native Floridians know that “ideal” weather comes the oh, so lovely humidity. Florida’s humidity has the potential of ruining more than just your hair you’ve worked so hard on (right ladies?). In humid areas like ours, indoor mold can create a serious air quality concern. Mold aka Mildew is sometimes tricky to spot. It’s likely to be in your bathroom, kitchen and other dark, damp places. It has even been found to grow on paper, wood, toys, clothes, under carpet and inside walls; pretty much anywhere you can find dirt.

So you may be wondering what you can do:

Look around your home’s plumbing and pipes, make sure none drip or leak. Next look around any places that could have moisture, dampness, water damage, or high humidity as these places can cause enough mold fast enough that health problems could become a concern. While on this do it yourself house inspection make sure you get them fixed immediately.  Here at SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties we have a certified mold remediation specialist.

Here are some things you can regularly do around your home to keep mold at bay.

· Regularly clean your refrigerator drip pan.

· Regularly remove garbage to prevent odors and spoilage.

· Open windows or use exhaust fans when cooking.

· Allow wet, damp rags, clothes, towels or shoes to dry before storing.

· Quickly fix any water leaks.

· Open windows or use exhaust fans when taking baths or showers.

· Open draperies, shades or blinds to let the sun shine on carpet.

· Open closet doors so air can circulate.

· Open air vents and windows to increase air flow.

· In summer, when relative humidity exceeds 60%, run a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

· Keep shrubs at least 1 foot away from outside foundation and walls of the home.

Should you actually come across mold, do not attempt to clean it or wipe it yourself as mold spores can easily spread throughout the air and contaminate other surfaces. Give us a call at (386) 754-0261 we will get it taken care of the right way.