Mold Remediation in East Haddam, CT. Helping Residents with Their Remediation Needs!

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

Many of us can identify the smell of mold or what appears to be mold, but identifying mold visually can be a little tricky. While black mold is common and sometimes easier to spot, mold comes in an array of colors and species. 

Mold is typically found in dark, damp areas and areas with high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms & attic spaces. As mold spores are everywhere, they easily cling to organic material like wood especially when exposed to moisture. Here at SERVPRO of  Middletown/New Britain we have the expertise and equipment to remediate mold before it spreads further. In any instance, any source of moisture should be addressed before mold remediation can begin. Otherwise, mold will likely come back.

For a professional visual mold assessment of your East Haddam home, call our office at 860-826-5169.

We’re Here to Help®!                    

How D A N G E R O U S is Flood Water?

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Here’s what you need to know! Standing water has contaminants that can pose health risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is not limited to Flood Waters from a Natural Disaster such as a Hurricane, but can include standing water in a basement that has flooded from a burst pipe. Standing water becomes the breeding grounds for infectious organisms that can lead to bacterial & viral diseases. Flood water from major Storms have been known to carry raw sewage and other toxic waste from the ground, yet standing water contains increased levels of bacteria from prolonged contact with organic material while stagnant. Standing water that’s been in direct contact with carpet, insulation and/or drywall for 24 hours is contaminated water. Not to mention mold can grow within 48-72 hours following a flood or water loss. These special situations require professional restoration service.  

Local flooding can have a devastating impact on a community. Though, many towns and cities have suffered major damage from natural disasters. In fact the City of Middletown has had several record breaking flooding events throughout the years. Basements tend to receive the bulk of water damage in the aftermath of a natural disaster, as with most flooding scenarios in Central Connecticut.

Our crews responded to recent Storms like Hurricanes Sandy & Irene to help mitigate left over damage to homes that were affected. For the safety of CT Residents, we provide water damage restoration services 24/7. Always avoid contact with contaminated flood water. You should call our professionals for assistance with any of your cleanup needs at 860-826-5169.  

We’re always ‘Here to Help!’

Top 5 Ways to Counteract MOLD GROWTH

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Moldy property

What's the key ingredient for a successful mold problem? If you guessed water, you guessed right! Mold spores are ubiquitous, but that doesn't mean that you are involuntarily subject to a mold issue. Here are a few ways you can be proactive.

5 Ways to Counteract MOLD GROWTH:

• Clean gutters regularly 
• Check your property for leaks
• Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours
• Run an exhaust fan in high moisture areas
• Keep indoor humidity levels below 45 percent

If you already have a mold problem, contact us to schedule an inspection. Our highly trained and certified professionals provide the remediation services you need.

So, if you have questions about our mold remediation process or need services, call us at 860-826-5169.

We're 'Here to Help'!

How does mold get into the indoor environment?

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Living space

Mold spores can enter your home through open doorways, windows, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes. Spores in the air outside attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.

Mold spores will flourish when they drop on places where there is excessive moisture. Areas where leakage may have occurred, such as roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding are common for growth. Organic building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth as well.

Source: cdc.gov

The Truth About Ice Dams...

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Icicle

Ice dams are the result of snow melting and then refreezing at the coolest edge of a roof.  When heat escapes into an attic /roof, the heat builds up and eventually melts the snow on top of the roof. The melting snow then travels down to the edge of the roof where there is no heat and it freezes to form an ice dam. The ice dam then prevents remaining snow from draining properly. When water backs up behind the frozen chunk of ice (also known as the ice dam), it can cause damage to ceilings, walls, insulation & floors in the home. By the time the water leaks & stains are noticed indoors, it’s possible that mold & mildew has already formed.  

If you have questions about ice dams or mold, contact us today! 860-826-5169

We’re always ‘Here to Help’!

2017 Home Maintenance Checklist

1/10/2017 (Permalink)

At home

It's important to keep your home maintained this winter! Getting a professional home inspection can have it's benefits, though there are a few task that you can perform on your own. Get the most out of your home this season while keeping your electric bills down. 

Here are some helpful home maintenance tips:

• Maintain fuel tanks
• Clean/replace furnace filter
• Inspect/clean gutters (keep gutters clear of debris)
• Replace old caulking (exterior & interior)
• Inspect roof flashing, eaves & soffits (check for damaged shingles)
• Check washing machine hoses (replace damaged/worn hoses)
• Insulate your attic (to prevent ice dams)
• Maintain trees on your property (trim overgrown branches)
• Insulate Pipes (to prevent them from freezing)
• Maintain your heating system

Winterizing your home is the first step toward getting it prepped for the season. The next step is maintaining your home once winter is in effect. Be 'Ready for whatever happens' this winter! 

10 Things You Should Know About Mold

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

A closer look

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.  
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

*Source: EPA

If you have a MOLD issue in your home or business, contact our professionals immediately at 860-826-5169. We're always here to help.