Mold and Mildew Prevention in Oakdale: Key Steps to Avoid Water Damage-Related Health Risks

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Protect Your Home and Health

Mold and mildew may seem like small nuisances, but they can quickly become major problems if left unchecked. In Oakdale, where moisture levels can be high, it's essential to take proactive steps to prevent mold and mildew growth in your home. Not only can these fungi cause property damage, but they can also pose health risks to you and your family. In this blog, we'll discuss some key steps you can take to prevent mold and mildew in your Oakdale home.

Keep Moisture in Check

Moisture is the primary fuel for mold and mildew growth. Regularly inspect your home for any leaks, water damage, or areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements. Fix leaks promptly, use exhaust fans, and consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas to maintain ideal humidity levels (between 30% and 50%).

Proper Ventilation is Vital

Good ventilation helps keep air circulating and reduces moisture buildup. Ensure that your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room have adequate ventilation systems. Proper airflow can prevent condensation on surfaces, which is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Regularly clean and maintain your home to prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. Clean and dry bathroom and kitchen surfaces, as well as any spills or leaks, promptly. Regularly clean and replace HVAC filters to ensure proper airflow and filtration.

Use Mold-Resistant Materials

When renovating or building, consider using mold-resistant materials, especially in areas prone to moisture. These materials are designed to inhibit mold growth and can be a valuable long-term investment.

Monitor Indoor Plants

Houseplants are lovely, but overwatering them can lead to excess moisture in your home. Be mindful of your plant care routine, and avoid overwatering to prevent mold growth in the soil.

Inspect and Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

Roof leaks and clogged gutters can lead to water damage and mold growth in your attic and walls. Regularly inspect your roof for damage, and clean your gutters to ensure proper drainage away from your home.

Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mold and mildew can still appear. In such cases, don't hesitate to call a professional mold remediation service like SERVPRO® of Oakdale. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove mold, ensuring your home is clean and safe.

Protect Your Home With SERVPRO of Oakdale

Preventing mold and mildew growth in your Oakdale home is essential for your property's integrity and your family's health. By following these key steps and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with water damage-related health issues. Remember, when in doubt, it's always a good idea to seek professional assistance. Your home and health are worth the investment!

If you suspect mold or mildew in your Oakdale home, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Oakdale today. Our experienced team is here to help you with all your mold remediation needs and ensure your home is safe and mold-free. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Your peace of mind is our priority!

Combatting Residential Mold Infestation – Depend on SERVPRO of Oakdale

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation Professionals in Suffolk County

When confronting mold growth within your home, turn to the experts at SERVPRO of Oakdale for comprehensive mold remediation. Our certified technicians are well-versed in identifying mold sources, eradicating the root cause, and ensuring a mold-free environment.

Mold isn't just a surface problem; it requires a thorough approach to eliminate it entirely. Our team meticulously inspects and treats every affected area. With advanced techniques and a commitment to your well-being, we guarantee a safe living environment for your family. Don't compromise your family's health and your home's integrity. Reach out to SERVPRO of Oakdale for effective mold remediation solutions.

Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale Today for Mold Remediation

Don't compromise on your family's safety. Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale today for effective mold remediation solutions and ensure a healthy living space.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Mold

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

The Risks of Cleaning Mold on Your Own

Mold is no laughing matter when it comes to your family's health and your home's safety. It's important to remember that mold remediation is not a DIY project. Attempting to remove mold on your own can further damage your humble abode and potentially harmful exposure to you and your loved ones. 

Here are a few common DIY practices that homeowners should reconsider.

Common DIY Mold-Cleaning Practices to Avoid

Using Bleach

First, never use bleach as a way to clean mold. While bleach can be effective on non-porous surfaces, it is not on porous surfaces like drywall or wood. Bleach has a high water content and can feed the mold, causing it to grow back even stronger. Furthermore, bleach can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin and produce harmful fumes if mixed with other cleaning agents.

Painting Over the Outbreak

Another common mistake homeowners make is simply painting over mold without properly removing it first. This is a mistake for a few reasons: First, the visible mold is often only a small portion of the overall infestation. By painting over it, you are only disguising the problem and not addressing the root cause. Additionally, painting over mold can seal any moisture that may be present, allowing the mold to continue growing behind the paint, causing even more damage.

Not Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Finally, attempting to remove mold without the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is a dangerous mistake. Mold releases spores that can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems, eye and throat irritation, and even skin irritation. It's essential to wear gloves, a respirator, and other protective equipment while dealing with mold to prevent exposure to these harmful spores.

Why DIY Mold-Cleaning Techniques Should Be Avoided

Understandably, homeowners would want to tackle mold removal themselves. However, not only can this often be dangerous and ineffective, but it can also make the problem worse. For example, a homeowner may inadvertently spread mold spores to other home areas while attempting to clean the mold.

In addition, with proper training and experience, homeowners may be able to identify the full extent of mold infestation. This can result in the mold returning or growing worse over time.

Why Professional Services Are Your Best Option

It's important to remember that mold remediation is not a DIY project. Mold remediation requires a trained and experienced professional with specialized equipment to quickly and safely remove mold. SERVPRO of Oakdale is here to help with all your mold remediation needs in Suffolk County, NY. We have the training, equipment, and expertise to safely eliminate mold from your home and prevent it from returning.

Our experts are trained in the latest techniques for safely and effectively identifying and removing mold infestations. We use advanced equipment to detect the presence of mold and to quickly and efficiently remove it from your home. Additionally, we take extra measures to ensure that your humble abode is free from mold, including conducting thorough inspections and cleaning the area.

Professional Mold Remediation in Suffolk County, New York

Don't put your family's health and safety at risk. Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale today to schedule your mold remediation appointment.

Where Can Mold Hide in Your Home?

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Places In Your Home to Find Mold

Do you smell a strong, musky odor in your house? Mold can cause serious issues for you, such as water damage or leaks. Additionally, it produces allergens and irritants, which will negatively impact your health. No need to worry, though, because the Suffolk County mold restoration experts at SERVPRO of Oakdale are here to help you spot these areas in your home to prevent mold from spreading.

Look for the Presence of Mold

When searching your house for mold, there are a few things to consider. For instance, mold thrives in a damp location where it can feed on the organic components of your building material. Therefore, you should keep an eye on any wet areas; and, if you detect a strong smell, it may be a clue that mold is nearby. 

While on the hunt for mold, be sure to check behind furniture or appliances to see if you can scout out a fuzzy-like formation. And, since mold loves dark rooms, double-check places that aren't heavily trafficked, such as your attic or basement.

Common Areas Where Mold can Grow

Now, if you think that mold is present in your home but cannot locate it by sight or smell, there are few common areas to consider checking. For starters, you should look in rooms that are prone to water damage. Some of the most popular locations of where mold can dwell include but are not limited to: 

• Basements
• Crawlspaces
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Air ducts
• Plumbing fixtures/pipes, and more

Have Your Home Inspected

If you suspect you have mold in your home, it is important to determine the type of mold and its severity, which can be discovered with a mold inspection. Our professionals can also help you find hidden mold or moisture problems and provide solutions to prevent more damage. If left untreated, your family members may get sick, causing respiratory-related matters. Additionally, you will have expensive home repairs on your hands due to mold impairments!

Notice Signs of Mold in Your Suffolk County Home?

As a trusted leader in the mold remediation and restoration industry, SERVPRO of Oakdale can identify the location of mold in your home and stop it in its tracks. Our team of Suffolk County mold remediation specialists has the equipment, training, and expertise to rid of mold “Like it never even happened.”

Contact us today at (631) 563-1709 or fill out a form for assistance!

Moisture & Mold Solutions for your Oakdale or North Bay Shore Home or Business

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

If your property mold damage is larger than 10 sq. ft, you should contact a mold remediation service like SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore

Indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% are ideal.

Moisture problems in your home have a variety of causes and can lead to major property damage and encourage harmful mold and mildew growth.

Common causes of Moisture and Mold in your home can be:

• Water from a leaking water pipe, toilet, shower or bathtub, also weather related flooding in your home. Depending on the severity, conditions can lead to rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of health effects.
  
  
• Excessive moisture from condensation and high humidity can have negative effects on your property and may indicate poor ventilation or that repairs are needed.
  
  
• Water can seep into your house from the outside through a leak in your roof, foundation, or small gaps around windows or doors.
  
  
• Normal activities such as cooking, bathing, clothes drying and dish washing also add moisture to the air.

All of these common problems contribute to overall high indoor humidity levels leading to mold and mildew growth. Mold can grow quickly and spread fast if moisture is left untreated, under ideal conditions (optimal temperature and level of humidity) it takes 24-48 hours for mold growth to occur. Typically you will start to see visible mold in 12-20 days, the more time passes the greater chance for mold to develop and spread through your home.

When you find mold damage in your Oakdale or North Bay Shore, long island property it is essential to call for remediation services as quickly as possible, as mold can cause adverse health effects. Additionally, mold also leaves behind a musty smell and has the power to rot organic materials. For health and safety reasons, when you find mold, you should contact SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore professionals and have them remediate it for you.


When SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore arrives at your home, we can swiftly inspect the mold damage and then identify a remediation strategy. The first step to containing the problem is to set up plastic sheeting, block vents and doorways, so the spores cannot spread while the colony is being removed.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify moisture sources
• Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
• Contain damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a preloss condition

It is a good idea to inspect your house regularly for any damage caused by moisture, if you notice any problems, take immediate action to fix them before they cause further damage or balloon into larger, more complicated issues. Here are some way you can reduce moisture and prevent damage in your home from water and mold.

• Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Run a dehumidifier.
• Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier.
• Seal air and duct leaks.
• Houseplants can absorb moisture from the air
• Never let wet clothing or other fabrics lie around
• Avoid activities that add moisture to the air on humid days, such as taking hot showers and boiling water on the stove.

Houseplants that help absorb moisture:

These are perfect plants to have in your home to help decrease moisture in the air, with the added bonus of purifying your air of certain contaminants at the same time.

Reed Palms, English Ivy, and Boston Ferns

These plants will reduce humidity levels by absorbing moisture from the air through their leaves.

Some moisture problems require more complex solutions, and sources of moisture may be hidden.

Consult SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore for a complete inspection if you have serious water damage or mold problems due to humidity, condensation or a water leak or flood. Luckily, our team at SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore is highly qualified and trained in water and mold remediation and restoration services. Every Long Island property owners water or mold restoration situation is unique and we treat them that way.

We are here for you in these very stressful times, our team is Always Here to Help! Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore @ 631-563-1709!

Our experts will come in and assess your long island water or mold problem, take the proper steps to limit additional damage. Our teams works quickly to eliminate the water, prepare the area for our advanced drying techniques, inspect for additional damage or mold and work with you to restore your property back to a stable, safe and healthy condition.

What Causes Mold Inside The Home?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore has the trained professionals to handle any mold removal project.

Mold needs moisture, water, or humidity to grow and thrive. Mold spores can begin growing indoors when they land on wet surfaces. Some common places mold can thrive include:

• Showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are common places for mold growth. These areas tend to be damp, and without proper ventilation, they provide the perfect environment.
• Air conditioning and heating vents.
• Fireplace and chimney. When not being used, fireplaces and chimneys are cool, damp, and dark - a fertile ground for mold spores.
• In the attic. If your roof has any possible leaks, mold can grow and spread through the ventilation system in the attic. It can also thrive in the insulation and soffit vents.
• In the basement. That all-too-familiar musty-basement smell is evidence of humidity and moisture, and more than likely mold. Most commonly it can be found around pipes and ducts, or near the foundation, sump pump, windows, or vents.

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by eliminating moist conditions indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, it’s important to not only deal with it immediately and remove it; but resolve the root of the problem as well. In the right situation, mold will grow very quickly, in as little as 24- 48 hours.

If you suspect your house has mold, it’s vital that you call a professional who will arrange for sampling and test the area. The Mold Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore are certified and trained in water and mold damage restoration. They have specific experience in mold protocols, methods, of remediation analysis, and know how to effectively handle mold using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment.

SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore’s experts will first assess the damage and if required by law receive a protocol for a Certified Mold Assessor and devise a course of action. They will then target the affected area using physical barriers and a negative air pressure chamber, preventing the mold from spreading, and clean and restore the area.

The techs at SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore receive ongoing mold remediation training, insuring the restoration your home or business quickly and efficiently.

SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore offers emergency service 24/7; or you can call to arrange for a thorough inspection of your home or business any time. Contact them at (area phone number).

Is Black Mold Really Dangerous?

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore for professional mold remediation & mold removal.

We’ve all been there. You go into your basement or your bathroom and there, on the wall, you see it: black mold. You panic, because you’ve heard horror stories for years about the dangers of black mold, but is there really any truth to the hype?

In truth, the term “toxic black mold” is a misnomer with no scientific validation at all. In fact, the term “toxic mold” is also inaccurate. According to the CDC, “the term ‘toxic mold’ is not accurate. While some molds can produce toxins, specifically mycotoxins, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous”.

So what kinds of mycotoxins can black mold produce? The trichothecene types below are found in toxic black mold:

• Cyclosporin
• Roridin E
• Satratoxin F, G and H (the most abundant type of trichothecene)
• Sporidesmin G
• Stachybotryolactone
• Trichoverrol
• Trichoverrin
• Verrucarin J

Molds come in a rainbow of colors but it is the black mold species Stachybotrys chartarum that has been falsely dubbed “toxic black mold”. In reality, mold is everywhere in our environment, it’s the dosage that makes the poison.

There is no argument that excessive exposure to almost any type of mold can cause adverse health effects, no matter what the color.

In addition, mold growth can also damage buildings—weakening structure and causing unpleasant odors, as well as causing ugly staining. Cleaning mold is often exactly what causes it to spread; the process dislodges mold spores and allows them to travel into new areas of the environment.

To avoid this it’s best to call a professional when you suspect you have a mold issue in your home or business. SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore has years of experience in mold removal and remediation and can ensure that any damage caused by mold is repaired properly, and completely. With SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore it’ll be "Like it never even happened."

The Real Truth About Mold Removal And Mold Remediation

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore for any mold removal/mold remediation projects.

Many contractors and even mold removal companies will try to confuse you as to the difference between mold removal and mold remediation. Some will try to tell you that for a small mold issue, you can get mold removal, but for a larger more dangerous issue, you’ll need a more complicated, and expensive, mold remediation. Out of fear, many will choose to go with remediation and spend the extra money. That makes sense, mold can be extremely dangerous, causing severe illness and other problems, but the fact is that mold removal and mold remediation are interchangeable terms that mean the same thing!

Mold is endemic in our environment, meaning you can find it almost everywhere that water and oxygen are present. While some mold, such as the mildew in your shower (when in small quantities,) are considered “cosmetic mold” and can be simply sprayed with bleach, other types of mold (and even mildew when it spreads,) can become dangerous and toxic. 

Certified Mold Specialists 

SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore has certified mold remediation technicians that can not only help to identify and properly remove the mold in your home, but they will also locate the source, and eradicate the cause of your mold issues. 

When you find mold in your home, make sure that your mold professional can explain the mold remediation process in simple terms. Many small mold issues should not be expensive to handle. Moldy drywall is one example. If the affected area is small, it should not be a tremendously expensive fix. The most important issue with small drywall fixes happens once the damaged section is removed. It is imperative to ensure that spores are not spread further, so great care must be taken with the disposal of affected areas. If the technicians you hire use extremely technical terms to frighten you into tremendously expensive treatment options, be wary. 

When you call SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore, we will carefully inspect your property to ensure that not only are all mold issues are addressed, but also that we locate the source of the issue, and eradicate it. If we do find an issue that needs to be addressed, we will use specialized filtration equipment to capture microscopic mold spores that may be in the air and to prevent them from spreading during removal. 

In addition to mold removal, we also specialize in cleaning your belongings and ensuring that they are sanitized and safe to use. Should major restoration need to be done, we can also handle reconstruction and finishing to ensure that you are back to normal as quickly, and cleanly, as possible. 

Mold doesn’t have to be scary, so don’t let an unqualified contractor or “specialist” make it into a nightmare.

Common Places for Mold to Grow

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in lots of places.

When we think of mold problems we equate it to damp basements and black gross mold growing on drywall; but mold is insidious and can grow in places where you least expect it. Mold is fast growing, can pop up within 24 hours of being exposed to moisture, and spreads quickly.

Here are some common places where mold forms that you might not be aware of:

• Under Your Refrigerator

The spaces behind and under your fridge rarely see the light of day, which make them a perfect breeding ground for mold. Clean all water lines and drip pans and ensure they are not leaking; even a small leak can lead to a huge mold problem. Take the extra time to check and clean behind and underneath your refrigerator.

• Chimneys

Your chimney can easily become a breeding ground for mold. Brick crevices collect water, dirt, and other organic debris. Rusted chimney caps and faulty flashing let in rain and snow, encouraging mold to grow. Replace rusted caps and fix flashing. Call a licensed mold removal specialist to remove the mold in your chimneys. To prevent mold, get your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year.

• Front-Loading Washing Machines

Front-loading washing machines are great, but can be a hotspot for mold growth. The gasket around the door on front-loading washing machines often stays wet because the door is usually closed when not in use. Add some lint to the moisture and mold happily munches and multiplies. Wipe the gasket and glass dry before you shut the door. If you spot mold, run a hot water wash with some chlorine bleach (no clothes), which will kill the fungi. Even if you have a top-load washer make sure to regularly check behind and underneath your washer and dryer to make sure there are no leaks or source of moisture. Clean out vents and lint traps to prevent mold havens, as well as fire hazards.

• Window Sashes and Seals

Condensation from windows provides the moisture mold loves, and the dirt and dust that collect provide the perfect place for the mold to settle. After heavy rains open windows and wipe moisture from the bottoms of sashes and windowsills. Replace any broken seals and if you notice any water has leaked into the wood and walls call a professional to see if the problem has caused mold.

• Air Conditioners

Air conditioning units trap dust and pollen (a good meal for mold) and grab moisture from the air. If you don’t run your AC unit at least every 24 hours in warm weather humidity in your house climbs, giving mold the opportunity to grow in AC ducts, drain pans, and on coils. Drip pans and drainage hoses on window units can leak causing mold to grow into the windowsill and dry wall. If mold grows in your central air conditioning unit you’ll have to hire a mold remediation pro to clean out the system.

If you suspect you may have mold contact the experts at SERVPRO of Oakdale/ North Bay Shore

Mold

4/28/2016 (Permalink)

Mold due to leaky roof.

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 – 631-563-1709