Winter Windows: Condensation and Mold in New Castle, PA

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth on a window sill from water condensation.

Have you ever woken up on a chilly winter morning, looked out the window to gaze at the beautiful ice and snow... only to find that icicles have actually started to form on the inside of the glass, not just the outside? 

Or perhaps if you haven't seen actual icicles, you've occasionally noticed steam accumulating on the glass, or water beads running on to the window sill. 

If your windows are sealed properly, this may never have happened to you. However, this problem can be common in apartments or older homes during the winter. You may think this is just a short-lived seasonal issue, but this accumulation of water and ice inside your windows can actually lead to some damage to your home. So if you've had any of these issues this winter, this post is for you!

What's With the Water?

During the summer months, moisture on the inside of windows is not as common. In the winter season, the air on the outside of the window is typically much colder than the air on the inside. Moisture molecules in the warm inside air will get trapped, and will naturally seek cooler locations. Thus, the molecules will move to the windows of your home because of its contact with the cold exterior air. Essentially, moisture molecules accumulate on the windows because they are meeting in the middle between the cold and warm air. 

So what's the big deal? 

This may not seem like that big of a deal, but if this problem continues throughout the winter like it does in some homes, the repeated moisture buildup can have some not-so-nice effects. 

One of these negative effects can be seen if your window sills are made of wood. Wooden sills that are repeatedly exposed to water will eventually get warped and damaged. In many cases, the moisture will be at its worst during the night, sometimes turning into ice because of nightly outdoor temperature drops. If this happens, large amounts of water can pool on the wooden sills as the ice is melted by the sun during the day. This process can be repeated daily during the winter months. 

Another possible effect of repeated moisture buildup is mold. It's not nice to think about, and probably won't happen in every case. But if moisture is  continually trapped in the warm, indoor air, you could start to see mold forming along the cracks and crevices of your windows. 

So what can you do?

If this is happening to you, there are lots of options for solving this problem in your home.

Some of the quickest fixes are to turn up the heat in your home or run a dehumidifier to eliminate indoor moisture. Another option to consider if this is a recurring problem is to insulate your windows by using a plastic film or similar material. 

There are many ways to tackle the problem of moisture on your winter windows. Be sure to keep an eye out for mold growth and try to eliminate trapped, indoor moisture. 

Household mold (and where to find it)

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow between newspapers or cardboard boxes if moisture or humidity are present.

What you should know about mold...

Mold is a natural organism that can grow anywhere in the environment where moisture is present. Any source of water intrusion can make your home susceptible to mold growth, and can be damaging to your property and to your health if it is not dealt with quickly and properly. You do not even have to have significant water damage or flooding in your home or business in order for mold to begin to grow, so it is important to be aware of the most common places where mold is found.

How to spot mold in your home or business...

Where mold might be growing...

- Basements or cellars where humidity is high

- Basements or cellars where water damage has previously occurred

- Behind or below refrigerators

- Around plumbing or pipes

- Around air conditioning unites

- Around the base of toilets or showers

- Underneath sinks

- Around or underneath windows that leak

- Among cardboard boxes or papers that are kept in damp or dark places

What to look for...

- Presence of visible mold

- Strong musty odors

- Evidence of past moisture problems (dark water stains, etc.)

- Excessive moisture or humidity in a space

What to do if you find it...

If any of the factors are present in your home or property, technicians from SERVPRO of Mercer County can be on site within a few hours to run pretests and determine what exactly is the state of the space. If mold is indeed present, we have the technology and expertise to remove it and restore your property. 

Call (724) 704-8939

Killing Mold Doesn't Work in New Castle, PA

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Killing mold with bleach or other cleaning products will not make it any less harmful!

Picture this: You've found mold in your home. You don't want to call in professionals because you're imagining all of the time and resources it probably takes to have the mold removed and remediated. So you attack it yourself with harsh chemicals like bleach and other cleaning products. If you use chemicals to kill the mold spores, there will be nothing left to worry about, right?

Wrong. 

Did you know...

When mold spores get inside of your lungs, they can have harmful effects on your health and wellbeing even if they are dead. 

So don't spray it!

Whatever your at-home remedy for mold, it will not actually take care of the problems caused by the presence of mold spores in your home or property. Even if you think you have successfully removed mold, there is great likelihood that it is continuing to grow even though it is not visible.

Let SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties handle it.

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties will employ our standardized mold removal and remediation process to take care of your mold problem for good. We will examine your home or property to identify any hidden mold or water sources, and then we will get to work on safely containing the mold spores and permanently removing them from your space. Rather than using harsh chemicals, SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties will use advanced technology like negative air chambers and air scrubbers to make sure that your space is freed of any mold contaminants. 

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties wants to help you with your mold problem. Call us today at (724) 704-8939.

Trust us. Don't try to do it yourself.

Mold in New Castle, PA

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties professionals removed the extensive mold that was growing behind this wall.

In this restoration job performed by our SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties technical team in this past summer of 2017, a major mold loss was reported inside the walls of a Lawrence County home. The mold was caused by moisture that had accumulated behind the walls after a leak in the roof had allowed water to enter the structure and become trapped inside. 

Mold can begin to grow with just a small and barely noticeable amount of moisture. The mold can grow as a result of moisture levels in the air, as well as from rainwater actually entering the home like in the case pictured here. It is not uncommon for homeowners and business owners to not even know that they have a mold problem until it has already become a major issue. In this case, the mold was growing behind the wall and out of plain sight.

Professionals from SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties came equipped with technology to test the air quality and the amount of moisture in the structure so that they could effectively remove the mold and ensure that it would not return after the initial cleanup was completed. 

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties professionals know that mold is not something homeowners want to deal with, as it is dangerous to their heath and the well-being of their properties.  That is why we specialize in mold remediation as opposed to removal. We want you and your family to be protected from mold and its harmful effects, and we are committed to helping you find the best solution for combating mold growth within your home.

Bathroom Mold in New Castle, PA

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

We want to make sure that we not only remove mold from your home, but that we identify the cause and help you to take steps to fix it.

Does this look like a photo from one of your worst nightmares? We can understand that. Even the smallest amount of mold is not good to have in your home or property, but an amount this large can be especially concerning. It can be harmful to the health of those who are breathing it in, and it can hide in places that are not always clearly visible. But cases like this are not out of the ordinary, either.

Bathrooms are one of the most ideal locations for mold to grow because of all of the places for moisture to accumulate. It is not uncommon for bathrooms to have improper ventilation, which can lead to major issues if the moisture and humidity is trapped in the bathroom every time the shower or bath is used. 

If you do not have a ventilation fan, it is important that you have one installed immediately. There is a good chance that mold is already growing in hard-to-reach, hard-to-see places. 

If you do have a ventilation fan, be sure to turn it on for the duration of your shower or bath. You can also leave it running for 30 minutes following a shower or bath, as this can ensure that most of the moisture has been removed and any condensation has dried. 

In a case as severe as this one, you should call in professionals from SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties to have the mold properly removed from the space. Then, SERVPRO professionals will help you to determine a course of action for remediation of your mold problem. We want to make sure that we not only remove mold from your home, but that we identify the cause and help you to take steps to fix it.

Give us a call today at (724) 704-8939 if you need mold remediation. We are here to help!

Bathroom Mold in New Castle, PA

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Bathrooms are one of the most ideal locations for mold to grow because of all of the places for moisture to accumulate.

Does this look like a photo from one of your worst nightmares? We can understand that. Even the smallest amount of mold is not good to have in your home or property, but an amount this large can be especially concerning. It can be harmful to the health of those who are breathing it in, and it can hide in places that are not always clearly visible. But cases like this are not out of the ordinary, either.

Bathrooms are one of the most ideal locations for mold to grow because of all of the places for moisture to accumulate. It is not uncommon for bathrooms to have improper ventilation, which can lead to major issues if the moisture and humidity is trapped in the bathroom every time the shower or bath is used. 

If you do not have a ventilation fan, it is important that you have one installed immediately. There is a good chance that mold is already growing in hard-to-reach, hard-to-see places. 

If you do have a ventilation fan, be sure to turn it on for the duration of your shower or bath. You can also leave it running for 30 minutes following a shower or bath, as this can ensure that most of the moisture has been removed and any condensation has dried. 

In a case as severe as this one, you should call in professionals from SERVPRO of Mercer County to have the mold properly removed from the space. Then, SERVPRO professionals will help you to determine a course of action for remediation of your mold problem. We want to make sure that we not only remove mold from your home, but that we identify the cause and help you to take steps to fix it so that mold problems do not recur. 

Give us a call today at (724) 704-8939 if you need mold remediation. We are here to help!

Mold in Mercer, PA

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties professionals removed the extensive mold that was growing behind this wall.

In this restoration job performed by our SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties technical team in this past summer of 2017, a major mold loss was reported inside the walls of a Mercer County home. The mold was caused by moisture that had accumulated behind the walls after a leak in the roof had allowed water to enter the structure and become trapped inside. 

Mold can begin to grow with just a small and barely noticeable amount of moisture. The mold can grow as a result of moisture levels in the air, as well as from rainwater actually entering the home like in the case pictured here. It is not uncommon for homeowners and business owners to not even know that they have a mold problem until it has already become a major issue. In this case, the mold was growing behind the wall and out of plain sight.

Professionals from SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties came equipped with technology to test the air quality and the amount of moisture in the structure so that they could effectively remove the mold and ensure that it would not return after the initial cleanup was completed. 

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties professionals know that mold is not something homeowners want to deal with, as it is dangerous to their heath and the well-being of their properties.  That is why we specialize in mold remediation as opposed to removal. We want you and your family to be protected from mold and its harmful effects, and we are committed to helping you find the best solution for combating mold growth within your home.

Killing mold doesn't work

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

Killing mold with bleach or other cleaning products will not make it any less harmful!

Picture this: You've found mold in your home. You don't want to call in professionals because you're imagining all of the time and resources it probably takes to have the mold removed and remediated. So you attack it yourself with harsh chemicals like bleach and other cleaning products. If you use chemicals to kill the mold spores, there will be nothing left to worry about, right?

Wrong. 

Did you know...

When mold spores get inside of your lungs, they can have harmful effects on your health and wellbeing even if they are dead. 

So don't spray it!

Whatever your at-home remedy for mold, it will not actually take care of the problems caused by the presence of mold spores in your home or property. Even if you think you have successfully removed mold, there is great likelihood that it is continuing to grow even though it is not visible.

Let SERVPRO of Mercer County handle it.

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties will employ our standardized mold removal and remediation process to take care of your mold problem for good. We will examine your home or property to identify any hidden mold or water sources, and then we will get to work on safely containing the mold spores and permanently removing them from your space. Rather than using harsh chemicals, SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties will use advanced technology like negative air chambers and air scrubbers to make sure that your space is freed of any mold contaminants. 

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties wants to help you with your mold problem. Call us today at (724) 704-8939.

Trust us. Don't try to do it yourself.

Household mold (and where to find it)

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can grow between newspapers or cardboard boxes if moisture or humidity are present.

What you should know about mold...

Mold is a natural organism that can grow anywhere in the environment where moisture is present. Any source of water intrusion can make your home susceptible to mold growth, and can be damaging to your property and to your health if it is not dealt with quickly and properly. You do not even have to have significant water damage or flooding in your home or business in order for mold to begin to grow, so it is important to be aware of the most common places where mold is found.

How to spot mold in your home or business...

Where mold might be growing...

- Basements or cellars where humidity is high

- Basements or cellars where water damage has previously occurred

- Behind or below refrigerators

- Around plumbing or pipes

- Around air conditioning unites

- Around the base of toilets or showers

- Underneath sinks

- Around or underneath windows that leak

- Among cardboard boxes or papers that are kept in damp or dark places

What to look for...

- Presence of visible mold

- Strong musty odors

- Evidence of past moisture problems (dark water stains, etc.)

- Excessive moisture or humidity in a space

What to do if you find it...

If any of the factors are present in your home or property, technicians from SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties can be on site within a few hours to run pretests and determine what exactly is the state of the space. If mold is indeed present, we have the technology and expertise to remove it and restore your property. 

Call (724) 704-8939

Western PA Residents: Follow these mold safety tips if you suspect mold

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Mercer County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Mercer County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - 724-704-8939

Does your home have a mold problem?

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

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 you suspect that 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.

SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a cleaning or restoration need, we are already nearby and ready to help. We are a Fire and Water - Restoration and Cleanup company. We are Here to Help, 24/7. For immediate assistance give us a call at (724) 704-8939 or visit us on our Website.

Click here to see our mold services