5 Signs of Mold in Your Home After Winter

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

As winter fades and spring arrives, it’s important to check your home for signs of mold. Winter can create ideal conditions for mold growth—melting snow, high humidity, and poor ventilation all contribute to moisture buildup in your home. When left unchecked, this moisture can quickly turn into a mold problem, which poses health risks and damages your property. Here are five key signs of mold to watch for this spring and tips on what to do if you spot them.

1. Musty Odors
   One of the earliest signs of mold growth is a persistent musty smell. If you notice an earthy or sour odor in certain areas of your home, especially in basements, attics, or crawl spaces, it’s likely mold may be present. Mold produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as it grows, which contribute to that unmistakable musty smell.

2. Visible Spots on Walls or Ceilings
   Mold often appears as black, green, or brown spots on walls, ceilings, or in damp areas like bathrooms and basements. During winter, moisture can seep into small cracks or accumulate in unventilated areas, leading to these visible signs of mold by spring. Regularly inspect walls and ceilings in areas prone to moisture buildup.

3. Water Stains or Peeling Paint
   Condensation on windows or water stains on walls can indicate underlying moisture problems that may lead to mold growth. Similarly, peeling or bubbling paint is a common sign of moisture damage. Mold thrives in damp, warm conditions, so any signs of moisture accumulation warrant close inspection for mold growth.

4. Increased Allergy Symptoms
   If you or your family experience increased allergy symptoms—like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or respiratory issues—mold might be present. Mold spores can cause these symptoms, especially in individuals with mold sensitivity. Monitor your health and be on the lookout for signs of mold if allergies persist.

5. Warped or Buckled Flooring
   Excess moisture from snowmelt or condensation can lead to warping or buckling in wood or laminate flooring. If you notice changes in your flooring after winter, it may be a sign of hidden mold growth beneath. Addressing warped flooring quickly can prevent further mold damage and structural issues.

If you find mold in your home, take action right away, call SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids. Our team specializes in mold removal and has the expertise to safely restore your home.

By staying vigilant and addressing moisture issues early, you can keep your home mold-free as winter gives way to spring. SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids is here to help with any questions or remediation needs you may have—because a healthy home is a happy home!

Mold Cleanup

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Know the signs of Mold to prevent further damage.

If you already have a mold problem - ACT QUICKLY. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.

Here is some great information from the EPA with multiple links to best educate you when you’re dealing with Mold.

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow the Mold Cleanup Tips and Techniques. However:

• If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.
• If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building.
• If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids is certified and trained in Mold Mitigation. We don’t do mold inspections as it is a conflict of interest. However, once the Mold is visible or confirmation is made by a hygienist, we are able to mitigate the area.

For your mold mitigation needs call us at 616-977-9800 to set up an appointment today.

Tips and Techniques for cleaning Mold

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let Mold infestation take over your life.

When you find mold here are some tips and techniques to help you clean up your mold problem. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
• Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
• Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. See EPA recommendation:
• What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas
• Hidden Mold
• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel and it gives the mold something to eat.

If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids is certified and trained in Mold Mitigation. For your mold mitigation needs call us at 616-977-9800 to set up an appointment today.

Bathroom Mold Tips

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in bathrooms are common, however manageable with the proper ventilation and cleaning.

Ahhhh… The throne room. That room everyone loves to lock themselves in to escape the world as they read a great article, or take a nice relaxing hot steamy bath/shower. Then you open your eyes to a rainbow of stuff all over the edges and along the grout lines. What is this rainbow of stuff? Everyday household MOLD.

Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold. If there's some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum.

Here’s to a clean and relaxing throne room.

Flood Clean up

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

The faster the clean up after a flood, the less Mold will grow.

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Make sure that your sump pump is in working order. Do you have a dehumidifier? Keeping it up and running helps to reduce moisture.

To learn more about flood clean up and indoor air quality, visit: Flood Cleanup and Effects on Indoor Air Quality.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids has the equipment to clean and dry out the flood affected areas. Call us at 616-977-9800 to clean up the flood.

How to properly remove mold? SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids has your back!

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold likes to hide, let us take it out.

When there’s a water intrusion, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call Your Local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO® Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. Call us at 616-977-9800, were here to help with your mold mitigation.

What to do with MOLD!

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

When you can see Mold, you need us!

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. 

Call SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids for an estimate and we will do the rest! Our production manager will inspect your damage, give you an estimate and set you up with an appointment to get the rest of the job done.

Our trained technicians will arrive to set up the containment and air filtration system to protect from further mold spreading. We go through the process of removing the mold and Mold-Infested Materials, then we begin cleaning contents and belongings. Once that is complete we begin restoration process.

SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. Call us at 616-977-9800, were here to help with your mold mitigation.

Southeast Grand Rapids Get the facts on mold.

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is not a plant or an animal. It is a type of fungus and a fact of life. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is always a little mold everywhere and one cannot avoid being exposed to it. It grows year round and is found both inside and outside. Mold has existed for at least 400 million years and doesn't need much to grow. All it takes is moisture, warmth and food.

If you are concerned, make sure to check out areas in your home where humidity and moisture levels are high. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and in walls where water from leaky pipes can accumulate.

The National Association of Home Builders says that in just 48 hours, a moist environment combined with the right room-temperature conditions can lead to mold growth. While you cannot keep mold spores completely out of your home, regular cleaning can often prevent severe problems before they arise. Log onto the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Web site for more details at EPA.gov.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids can mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 616-977-9800.

Southeast Grand Rapids, Who can clean up Mold?

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

If you have mold, determining who should clean it up depends on several factors.

One consideration is the size of the mold problem. A little bit of mold in your shower is nothing to worry about. Frequent maintenance with bleach and water can do the trick. If the mold problem covers less than 10 square feet, chances are you can handle the cleanup yourself.

When handling or cleaning moldy materials wear gloves, goggles, and dress in long sleeves. If you want to limit your exposure to mold, you may want to consider wearing a respirator. They are available at many hardware stores for about $12 to $50. Also make sure the room is properly ventilated. Open a window, and get some fresh air.

If the problem extends beyond 10 square feet, consult the EPA's guide: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although it focuses on larger buildings, the advice applies to other areas as well. For a free copy call 1-800-438-4318.

If you are developing a more severe mold problem you will most likely not only be able to see it, but also smell it. Have you ever walked into a room with a musty odor? Chances are you smell mold. Keep in mind, sometimes you will not be able to see the mold because it may be hidden on the back of the wallpaper, tile, drywall or even underneath the carpet.

If you detect mold on the surface or on some of your items, the items may be discolored or looked smudged and blotched. When hiring a professional to do the cleanup, make certain you are dealing with someone who is trained in this type of cleanup.

You'll want to be very careful when hiring someone to do the job. SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids is trained in Mold mitigation, with 25 years of experience. Don’t get stuck with an inexperienced remediator who ends up botching the job. And remediation can be very costly, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to more than $100,000. Also make sure to check references and a company's complaint record with the Better Business Bureau.

One other point: non-porous items such as glass and hard plastics that are still in good condition after the mold has been removed can be reused after a thorough cleaning. But items such as carpeting, clothing and insulation should be thrown out.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids can mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 616-977-9800.

Southeast Grand Rapids Take control of the Mold situation.

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Moisture control is the key to controlling mold. Take time to check for water damage in your home, especially in your basement.

The CDC also recommends keeping the humidity level in your house below 50 percent. Use an air conditioner during humid months. Make sure to check the ventilation in the kitchen and the bathroom. Open a window or turn on a fan when showering. Do not carpet bathrooms and consider using mold inhibitors that can be added to paints.

If you see moisture building up, act quickly and dry the area. If you have any water leaks, whether it is coming in through the roof, or from a pipe or the ground, patch it up immediately.

Another thing to keep in mind: The recent trend in housing construction has been for "tight" houses that allow little air circulation. While they can be more energy efficient, they also encourage mold, because water that gets trapped inside walls may not be able to escape. In other words, the house doesn't "breathe."

While it is possible to have your home tested for mold, the CDC says reliable testing can be expensive. It also says that standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or a tolerable quantity of mold have yet to be established. Also, if you do have your home tested, chances are you won't get back the results for a couple of weeks. During that time the problem could get even worse.

Your best bet is to clean the area immediately if you think you see or smell mold. If you are determined to hire a technician to test the area, check with your local health department for references.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids can mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 616-977-9800.

Southeast Grand Rapids Know your insurance coverage for Mold.

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

From the insurance perspective, damage from mold, like rust, rot and mildew is excluded from the typical homeowner’s policy.

The Insurance Information Institute says mold is covered under the homeowner’s policy, only if it is the result of a covered danger. For example, the costs of cleaning up mold caused by water from a burst pipe are covered. But mold that develops from, say, humidity or flooding is a maintenance issue that the property owner is responsible for.

The insurance industry argues that in order to keep homeowners insurance affordable and available to the masses this coverage wound up being excluded. If the policyholder does want mold coverage there is going to be an additional premium for it.

One thing to keep in mind is that there have been fewer claims recently. But critics say that is simply because insurers no longer cover the damage, so if it's not covered people do not put in claims.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids can mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 616-977-9800.

Does Your Southeast Grand Rapids Home Have A Mold Problem?

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

In Southeast Grand Rapids, 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 – 616-977-9800

Southeast Grand Rapids, MI Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

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 Southwest Grand Rapids 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 Southeast Grand Rapids specializes 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 remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 616-977-9800