Mold In the Crawlspace

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

The south is known for its year-round humidity. Here in Alabama, we know this is to be absolutely true. If your structure is built over a crawlspace, chances are, at some point, you have seen mold in there. Excessive rain can cause the ground to become moist and if there is not a vapor barrier in your crawlspace, that moisture from the ground can evaporate into the crawlspace creating very humid conditions. 

 
High humidity in crawlspaces can increase the chances for mold growth on the building materials such as the subfloor, joists, and beams. One of the first warning signs is a strong musty smell; this can mean that there is mold nearby. 
 
Mold is something we take very seriously because of the risk of continuing damage if the source is not taken care of. Most of the time, water damage is the root of mold beginning to form in, or under a structure. Our goal is to contain the affected area to reduce spores from traveling to unaffected areas. We will run dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to assist with the drying and restoration process. These machines help control the environment until the problem is resolved.

Should you find mold, or what you think is mold in your crawlspace, contact your local SERVPRO mitigation team to help your structure back to preloss condition. We are always here to help. 

Mold & Mildew: What's The Difference?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

The thought of finding mold in your home or business can be quite frightening, especially when you’re unsure how to get rid of it. Mildew and molds are fungi - simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. This will make it difficult to be able to get rid of it on your own.

Mildew (which is mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths (also known as "colonies") can start growing on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air.

 Mold can digest organic material, eventually destroying the material that they are growing on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health effects if left untreated.

If you or someone you know has discovered growth in their home or business, give us a call! We are always here to help.