How to Remove and Prevent in Basement

Mold, a type of fungi, thrives in moist conditions. Homeowners often discover mold growing on shady areas of an outdoor deck or on bathroom tile and grout. However, the discovery of basement mold is most common. Fortunately, mold can be prevented and removed by mold remediation experts at ServiceMaster of Cobb.

Common Causes of Basement Mold

Mold flourishes in most basement conditions. A basement should not smell damp, musty or unpleasant. Musty smells are from mold. Mold requires moisture to grow and prospers in humid conditions where air circulation is minimal. Mold cannot grow in freezing conditions or under ultraviolet light.

The most common causes of basement mold include:

• A leaking pipe
• Flood/water damage
• Foundation cracks leaking moisture into space
• Inadequate drainage away from the foundation
• Poor ventilation and high humidity
• Poorly sealed/insulated windows

How to Prevent Basement Mold
1. Eliminate the growing mold.

2. Increase basement ventilation and decrease humidity with running fans and a dehumidifier.

3. Determine the cause of the moisture.

• Has a pipe leaked?
• Are there foundation cracks allowing moisture in?
• Is there condensation on the windows?
• Has the basement flooded recently during a storm?

4. Repair the issue to eliminate further water damage.

How to Remove Basement Mold

Depending on the extent of the mold issue, removal may be as simple as a thorough cleaning or more complex requiring the expertise of the ServiceMaster of Cobb professionals.

Mold growth limited to individual items such as cardboard storage boxes is simple. Transfer the items in the boxes to water-proof containers and dispose of the moldy cardboard. Locate and eliminate the source of the basement's moisture, increase the ventilation and if needed, run a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low.


Safety Tips

• Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with bleach or other cleaners.
• Always check the manufacturer's label before using bleach on a fabric.
• Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
• Remove mold from items like clothing, blankets and other fabrics by thoroughly washing and drying. To remove the moldy smell completely, bleach or a non-chlorine bleach product may be required.
• Wet, moldy carpet/rugs and upholstered furniture require professional cleaning or possibly removal.

Contact ServiceMaster of Cobb for Professional Mold Remediation

The professionals at ServiceMaster of Cobb safely and effectively clean and restore personal items affected by water damage and mold, including books, documents, artwork and more.

ServiceMaster of Cobb offers complete mold remediation services to homes and businesses in Georgia and Tennessee. Since 1996, we have delivered a prompt and professional response rate to any mold damage incident. Our mold remediation team removes mold sources, cleans affected surfaces and materials, recreates the conditions of penetration with appropriate counteractants or neutralizers, and seals restorable surfaces as necessary. We are an IICRC-certified firm with offices in Georgia and Tennessee.

To schedule an appointment, connect with us online or call ServiceMaster of Cobb today!

Georgia: (678) 264-3310
Tennessee: (423) 220-4482
Commercial Cleaning Services: (678) 909-1078

6 Common Types of Mold Found in Your Home

Mold is a part of the natural environment, but seeing it indoors could be tough. Mold growth in homes does not only look unpleasing, but it can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and trigger asthma and other allergies. In addition, mold infestation could cause expensive damage to property and would require the services of a professional mold remediation company, leading to high repair and possible reconstruction costs.

Mold growth can either be visible or hidden. While most molds are harmless, there are some species that are commonly found in most American homes. ServiceMaster of Cobb discusses them in this article.

Common Types of Mold  Found in Your Home

Acremonium

This mold is often pink, grey, orange, or white in appearance, which starts as a tiny, moist patch and ends as a fine, powdery substance. Acremonium usually grows inside cooling coils, drain pans, humidifiers and window sealants.

Alternaria

This species is considered to be the most common allergenic mold in the world. Alternaria appears as a velvet-textured mold having brown or dark green hairs, which often appears as a result of water damage. It is usually found in damp places, such as sinks, bathtubs and showers.

Aspergillus

This is an allergenic mold with over 185 species that come in different colors. Aspergillus is characterized by its long, flask-shaped spores that can form thick layers or walls, thereby creating long chains of mold growth on surfaces. Aspergillus can become more toxic depending on the species and the environment it affects. It can cause asthma, lung infections, and respiratory inflammation.

Aureobasidium

This type of mold first appears as a black, brown, or pink patch on painted walls, wooden surfaces, or behind wallpaper. It gradually turns into a darker brown color as it ages. When it comes in contact with bare skin, Aureobasidium can cause skin rash or dermatitis. 

Chaetomium

This mold initially appears white and cottony and turns into grey and olive as it matures. Chaetomium can be found in water-damaged areas, such as a leaking roof or basement. It can cause skin and nail infections.

Trichoderma

Trichoderma colonies are usually white or cream-colored, but turn into green due to spore formation. This mold can be found on materials with a high cellulose content, such as wood and paper. Trichoderma can be harmful to immunocompromised individuals and trigger allergic reactions. One particular species, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, is dangerous to human health. Exposure to T. longibrachiatum is toxic and weakens the immune system.

As soon as any of the following mold types is discovered, it is essential to call in a professional mold removal company to have it remediated immediately. Do-it-yourself mold removal won't work; in fact, it could even worsen the damage when done improperly.

Mold Remediation in Cartersville, GA? Contact ServiceMaster by Cobb

Mold growth should not be prolonged as soon as it is discovered. When it comes to professional mold remediation services, ServiceMaster of Cobb is here to help. We have been helping both residential and commercial properties recover from serious mold damage since 2004. ServiceMaster of Cobb has a team of licensed and certified technicians who have undergone extensive training to provide top-tier mold remediation services to each client. We utilize the latest technologies to remove mold from homes and bring them back to pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

Contact ServiceMaster of Cobb at (678) 264-3310 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment. We service Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Smyrna, Rome, Dalton, Douglasville, Kennesaw, Woodstock, Canton, Acworth, Cartersville, Calhoun, and Dallas, GA and surrounding areas.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home or Commercial Business in Cartersville, Georgia

Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and wet seasons also usher in mold infestation. Mold may grow unnoticed and some residents only become aware of its presence when health issues arise due to these uninvited growths. 

Thank goodness, mold damage remediation in Cartersville Georgia is within our reach. Mold can be persistent that some owners will have to tear out drywall and flooring to eliminate it. This process can deflate your savings and could be very wearisome. It has been observed that mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours after your home or property has been exposed to water. Materials such as wood, wallpaper, drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, and insulation that are damp and warm are fertile places for molds to thrive. Here's how you can prevent mold growth in your home or commercial business.

Drying your premises

You may encounter several issues when you are looking for mold removal in Cartersville Georgia. Since the best way to prevent mold from infesting your home after water damage is to dry your premises within the first 48 hours, you must seek expert help immediately. To have complete and proper drying, you must exert a lot of effort and energy especially if you have a wide space. You have to check the walls, floors, ceilings, and the lowest area of your house or building. That's why you need to call a professional to reduce your stress and effort.

Moisture removal

Instead of doing it yourself, which can make the damage worse, seek professional drying services from a mold remediation company in Cartersville GA. Calling the experts in drying may cost you some money for sure; however, they have specialized equipment and technical knowledge that are needed to remove standing water safely and can check for other issues as they meticulously dry your property to prevent further damage and growth of mold.

Insulate your property

Of course, we all know that prevention is the best option. You may secure your home so that it will be mold-free or even moist-free. You can start by sealing any possible entry point of water, such as your windows and doors. Although you have to consider other aspects of your lifestyle and activities, including indoor and outdoor temperature, you must consider insulating your home as early as its construction. Although this idea may be your last option in mind, it can be the most effective.

Seek help

Before you even buy a property to build a home in, consider the weather and the natural conditions in that area. Remember, you cannot have the best of both worlds, but when you seek help at the planning stage of your acquisition or construction, you can save a lot. In addition, molds are seasonal; therefore, you can surely prevent or eliminate them completely.

For any inquiry, expert advice or service request, call ServiceMaster of Cobb at 678-264-3310 for Georgia, 423-220-4482 for Tennessee, and 678-909-1078 for Commercial. You can also visit our website for detailed information at https://www.smrestoreus.com/. We serve Fulton, Cobb, Bartow, Paulding, and surrounding areas.