SERVPRO provides quality, certified mold remediation services to properties across Long Island

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Our priority is to provide a remediation solution and get your commercial property’s mold damage concerns under control.

During the humid months of Spring and Summer, controlling moisture is the key to avoiding mold damage to your home or business. Generally, this is done in one of two ways. First, effectively dry and fix any leaks, spills, or other unintended instances of moisture. Second, utilize proper ventilation and air circulation in known moisture-prone areas. SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore has a few tips to avoid high moisture levels, reducing property damages and the need for mold remediation services. 

• Keep indoor humidity below 45%: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best way to control indoor mold growth is to carefully monitor and maintain your home's moisture level. If the humidity in your home rises, look for the sources of added moisture and address the problem as soon as possible. Place a dehumidifier in these rooms to lower the moisture level until a permanent solution is found.
• Increase Air Circulation: Ceiling fans, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and attic fans are ideal for improving air circulation in many of the troublesome areas for added humidity, warmth and condensation; bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can really help to remove moisture and promote air exchange while cooking and showering. It’s equally important to vent the attic space to prevent moisture and mold accumulation, and if you keep your dryer in the basement make sure it is properly vented to avoid moisture and mold concerns. On nice days when the air temperature isn’t too cold, consider opening a window or two for ventilation and fresh air exchange.
• Reduce Condensation Upgrade Your Windows and Insulation: Many homes and businesses don’t have proper insulation inside exterior walls or between the attic and living space, condensation can form on the inside of a cold, poorly insulated walls and windows, when in contact with warm, moist indoor air, creating an optimal area for mold growth. Insulating your plumbing can reduce sweat and keep them safe from water damage during the cold.
• Check for Potential Leaks and Repairs: Winter mold grows rapidly when there are leaks or water damage from winter weather disasters, such as burst plumbing pipes, or roof leaks following a freezing event. Water damage can be very dangerous to commercial or residential property, it can lead to the development of mold after as little as 24 hours and cause health effects and compromise the structural integrity of drywall, ceilings, floors, carpeting and other contents. The best way to minimize damage from a water emergency is to contact SERVPRO. We have teams of professionals ready to restore and repair your home or business quickly and effectively.

SERVPRO Stops the Spread of Mold During the Remediation Process

SERVPRO mold remediation technicians are trained to use the highest restoration industry standards, mastering Applied Microbial Remediation through IICRC courses. We employ the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed protocols to contain and remove active mold colonies. Our crews also use EPA registered antimicrobial products to treat surfaces after removal to inhibit additional growth. During remediation, we protect our employees and your occupants from the hazards of mold remediation by creating zones where we remove and bag the mold and contaminated debris. Physical barriers provide one kind of protection, and we also install HEPA filtered exhaust ductwork and use negative air pressure to prevent airborne mold and residues from infiltrating unaffected areas of the building.

Containment of the Affected Area

One of the main concerns, during a remediation project is the dissemination of airborne mold spores. When a remediation project is initiated the first step is to set up containment or isolation of the affected area. Containment will help our SERVPRO professionals control the spread of these spores while assisting the remediation process in returning the affected area to normal healthy levels. The act of removing or disturbing a mold source during the remediation process tends to distribute large quantities of mold spores into the air. That’s why proper containment is so important to the safety of the occupants and undamaged areas. Cross contamination is a major concern for our crews and our teams are trained and provided the highest level of safety equipment and personal safety gear to process your mold remediation safely.

When setting up containment of the work area, the first step is to install a HEPA Filtered Negative Air machine. This is a fan which pulls air from the affected area and exhausts the contaminated air outside of the structure via flexible tubing or ducting. Doing this will begin to draw the airborne mold spores away from the airspace, eventually creating a negative pressure environment.

The second step is to install physical barriers in the work area, creating zones. This is most typically done with the use of heavy plastic. The main goal when creating this physical barrier is to completely isolate the work area from any adjacent, non-affected areas. All HVAC systems or shared airways between other rooms would be taped or covered in plastic, and all electrical outlets and light fixtures would be covered. Basically, any area that could allow air flow between the mold infested area and another non-affected area should be properly sealed.

If you fear that your commercial building is contaminated with mold or has had a recent water damage that was not properly mitigated, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Oakdale/North Bay Shore to help. Our highly-trained and IICRC certified mold remediation specialists are here to help Long Island residents and business owners, to explain and assess your property’s mold cleanup and remediation needs. Our priority is to provide a remediation solution and get your commercial property’s mold damage concerns under control. Our teams will cleanup, remove damaged materials and remediate your commercial mold problem, restoring your facility, “Like it never even happened.”