Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

How To Identify and Prevent Black Mold

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Broom, wet tile, mold growth on drywall Mold damage on Library, NJ due to humidity

Stop The Spread and Keep Growth From Worsening

As soon as you suspect a destructive fungal invasion within your home in Library, NJ, perform a comprehensive mold inspection. Swift recognition will allow you to abruptly stop the spread and keep growths from worsening.

Identification
Among the spores that most commonly form, black mold is the worst. It can be easily detected via:

Location. Look for outgrowths within carpeting, drywall, wood paneling, and ceiling tiles. Any damp area becomes particularly vulnerable.
Shape and size. Black mold features a dark green or inky coloration and often consists of a slimy texture.
Smell. Suspicions should rise when detecting musty or mildewy odors.

If your efforts reveal any form of fungal infiltration, have a mold removal professional eliminate the matter with urgency.

Prevention
Conducting the periodic precautionary mold inspection can help clamp down on perilous conditions from developing. Look out for leaky pipes and malfunctioning household appliances that use water, as spores cannot take hold without adequate moisture. When seepage is discovered, thoroughly dry the affected area and take outside any materials that have absorbed dampness.
Cleanliness is key to maintaining dryness. Perform spot checks in areas prone to humidity and diligently apply mold and mildew removal products, paying particular attention to bathrooms and kitchens.
Reduce the potential for moisture by employing humidifiers or vapor steam cleaners in closets and restrooms. When storing items, be certain everything is thoroughly dried before packing begins. Insulate walls and check that your basement’s foundation drain remains unblocked. Proactively thwart HVAC disasters by regularly servicing your unit.
Finally, check your ventilation. Open windows and move furniture away from walls to accommodate better airflow. Closet doors and access portals to confined spaces should be intermittently left open to allow for breezes that discourage house mold.
Perform the periodic mold inspection in your residence and observe basic measures that hinder black mold from forming. Such efforts may well impede a stressful situation from unexpectedly striking.

What Can Discolor Ceiling Tiles?

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Vintage looking Damage caused by damp and moisture on a ceiling Ceiling tile damaged by water

Find Out More About Differences In Tile Discoloration

Ceiling tiles can become slightly discolored over time, but faster and more noticeable discoloration may be due to water exposure or tile mold. Find out more about differences in tile discoloration due to moisture, mold, dirt, smoke or ultraviolet light. Any of these factors could be the cause of discolored ceiling tiles at a building in Clementon, NJ.


Moisture and Mold
Moisture and mold that results from water damage that has not been restored are two common culprits behind discolored tiles. There are several ways in which these elements may change the appearance of ceiling tiles:

  • Damp tiles appear dark
  • Ongoing water exposure stains tiles
  • Mold growth may be patterned


Tiles that are currently damp can appear dark in color. It is important to stop the flow of a leak and dry or replace tiles that have suffered water damage. Tile mold tends to grow in patterns and have distinctive surface textures. Mold may show up as soon as 24 to 48 hours after water causes damage.


Dirt or Smoke Particles
Over time, airborne particles of dust and dirt can settle on a ceiling and alter the color of tiles. In buildings where smoking is still allowed, residue can cause discoloration. Smoke residue contains a combination of nicotine, tar and other substances that can turn ceiling tiles brown or gray.


UV Light Exposure
Repeated exposure to bright ultraviolet light used indoors at manufacturing or medical operations can bleach ceiling tiles. Light damage lightens the color of a ceiling rather than introducing darker staining. This type of discoloration poses no allergen or health risks.
A building owner may want to replace discolored ceiling tiles. In the event of tile mold growth, remediation will be necessary before restoration can take place. Replacing building materials without addressing the underlying cause can lead to further ceiling tile discoloration at a building in Clementon, NJ.

Key Steps in the Fire Restoration Process

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

A specialist is cleaning a home after a fire damage SERVPRO of Berlin/Williamstown is fully equipped to handle all fire damages. Call us!

The Most Important Steps In The Fire Restoration Process

A fire in your home is a scenario you never want to imagine. While there are measures you can take to help prevent this tragedy, disasters can still strike. It’s important to understand the fire restoration process and what you must do following a terrible incident such as this at your Whitehall, NJ, house.

The Pros Have a Thorough Process

Fortunately, you can find a highly trained professional company that offers cleanup and rebuilding services. The team will go through the following steps:

  • Inspect the damage
  • Board up and tarp windows, walls, and roof
  • Remove and dry water
  • Remove smoke and soot
  • Clean and sanitize affected area
  • Restore to pre-fire state

Inspection

The first thing the crew will do is inspect and survey the damage the fire left. The team will go from room to room and note all issues—minor, moderate and severe. This will help the company create an effective fire rebuild plan.

Board-up and Tarping

Chances are, the fire will have left some gaping holes in your home, especially at or near windows and the roof. To keep elements and intruders out, and to prevent further damage, the team will board up and tarp these places.

Water Cleanup

Using high-powered equipment, the specialist will suck up any water firefighters left in your home. Then, the team will use dehumidifiers and fans to completely dry the area to discourage mold and mildew growth.

Smoke Removal

Smoke damage can be harmful as well, especially to electronics and furniture. The team will use specialized equipment and techniques to clear your belongings, floors, and walls of smoke and soot.

Clean and Sanitize

In this part of the fire restoration process, a technician will use deodorization methods to get nasty smells out of your home. The team will thoroughly clean every area possible.

Restoration

Lastly, the crews will replace drywall and carpet, if necessary. For every room of your home that needs attention, the team will do its part to make it look as close as possible to its previous condition.

When you have fire restoration needs, call SERVOPRO. These professionals have the skills and tools to do the job right.

3 Signs Your Home Needs Professional Mold Remediation

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Certified Mold Professionals Are Talking SERVPRO has a team of licensed mold damage restoration professionals ready to restore your home or business.

3 Indicators That Your Home Requires Professional Mold Removal

Once mold encroaches on your West Berlin, NJ, home, it can be hard to eliminate. Whether you are dealing with black mold as the result of a flood or fungi in your attic during a damp and humid summer, calling in professional help can be the best way to fight back. If you are unsure whether you need remediation services, there are three signs to look for that can let you know it may be time to call.

1. Your Home Has a Musty Odor

Because mold spores exist naturally in the air both indoors and out, you cannot eradicate them completely. However, when these spores find a moist, warm area in your home, such as in your shower stall or an attic, they attach, eat and multiply. As mold patches grow they create a musty, unpleasant smell you might associate with this type of fungus. The persistent presence of this odor could signal the need for professional mold cleanup services.

2. Mold Keeps Returning To the Same Area

Some small mold patches, such as those you might find in the bathroom, are usually simple to scrub clean. However, if you find that one area of your home is suffering from reoccurring infestations, this could mean growth is happening where you might not be able to see it, such as behind a wall or under carpeting. Professional mold remediation could uncover the source of the problem.

3. You Have a Widespread Mold Issue

If your home is suffering from a large mold problem after a natural disaster, such as a flood, then calling in professional mold removal and restoration service is probably the best course of action. This can be especially important in the case of black mold removal, as this type of fungus is usually difficult to remove by everyday cleaning methods.

Realizing your West Berlin, NJ, home has an unusual odor or visible black mold can be distressing. However, professional remediation can be an effective solution.

What You Need To Know About Ice Dams

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Icicles on a roof winter background image If ice dams cause water damage in your Berlin, NJ, home, you must act quickly to mitigate damage. Call SERVPRO, we are ready to help you.

Ice Dams: Everything You Need To Know

When winter weather hits, you must take additional steps to keep your home in good condition. Unfortunately, if an ice dam forms, your roof could leak. Here are a few things you need to know about ice dams.

Understanding Ice Dams

Ice dams are blocks of ice that form near the edges of your roof. When temperatures are low, these dams don’t cause much trouble. When roof temperatures rise, however, melted water pools behind the dam. As you may suspect, this water can seep under your shingles and into your attic. If you have problem with ice dams, your home could sustain significant damage to the following:

  • Shingles
  • Rafters
  • Decking
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Ceilings

Keeping Your Roof Cold

If your roofing system isn’t cold enough to keep the water on top of it frozen, you could notice a roof leak from an ice dam. To keep your roof cold, you must control the temperature of your attic. Perhaps the most successful way to keep heat out of your attic is to seal off the space. This prevents warm air from the living areas of your home from entering the attic and warming the roof. You may also want to check your insulation. If it isn’t in good shape, insulation may not keep your exterior roof cool. Finally, consider adding soffit vents in your attic to adequately vent the space.

Starting Cleanup Immediately

If ice dams cause water damage in your Berlin, NJ, home, you must act quickly to mitigate damage. As you likely know, standing water can damage walls, floors, foundations and furnishings. Even worse, mold can begin to grow in as few as 24 hours. By working with a reputable water cleanup service, you take advantage of professional equipment and expertise to restore your home to its pre-leak condition.

Having an ice dam is a recipe for disaster. By understanding these dams and knowing how to prevent them, you can protect the comfort, value and appearance of your home.