Recent Mold Remediation Posts

How to prevent mold damage in Norwood West Roxbury MA

3/5/2023 (Permalink)

Green box with text and orange SERVPRO logo SERVPRO Of Norwood West Roxbury is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm

Mold is a common problem that affects many households. It can cause significant damage to your property and even pose a health risk to you and your family. Mold grows in damp and humid environments, and it can thrive on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mold damage in your home. 

  1. Keep your home dry: Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, so the best way to prevent mold damage is to keep your home dry. You can do this by fixing any leaks in your plumbing, roof, or windows. Make sure that your home is properly ventilated, especially in areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. 
  2. Clean and maintain your HVAC system: Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining the air quality in your home. It can also help to prevent mold growth. Make sure to clean and maintain your HVAC system regularly to prevent any buildup of dust or moisture, which can lead to mold growth. 
  3. Use mold-resistant products: When renovating or building your home, consider using mold-resistant materials such as drywall, paints, and insulation. These materials are specially designed to resist mold growth.
  4. Monitor indoor humidity levels: Mold thrives in humid environments, so it's important to keep an eye on indoor humidity levels. The ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels in your home. 
  5. Clean and dry any water damage promptly: Water damage is one of the leading causes of mold growth. If you experience any water damage in your home, it's important to clean and dry the affected area as soon as possible. 

Mold damage can be a significant problem for homeowners, but it's a problem that can be prevented. By keeping your home dry, maintaining your HVAC system, using mold-resistant products, monitoring indoor humidity levels, and cleaning and drying any water damage promptly, you can help to prevent mold growth and protect your home from mold damage. 

We service Dedham, East Dedham, Endicott, Medfield, Norwood Centre, Norwood, Walpole, MA, and Westwood, MA

SERVPRO Of Norwood West Roxbury is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage.

How Does Mold Damage Happen?

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

mold with overlay box and SERVPRO logo If you suspect that you have mold damage in your building, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible.

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments. It grows quickly and can spread rapidly, causing damage to the structure of a building and posing a health risk to its occupants.

Causes of Mold Damage

Mold thrives in damp and humid conditions. This means that any area of a building that is exposed to moisture is at risk of developing mold. Some of the most common causes of mold damage include:

  1. Water leaks: Leaky pipes, roofs, and windows can all contribute to the growth of mold.
  2. Flooding: If a building is flooded, the excess water can create a perfect breeding ground for mold.
  3. Humidity: High levels of humidity in a building can create conditions that are ideal for mold growth.
  4. Poor ventilation: Without adequate ventilation, moisture can become trapped in a building, providing a perfect environment for mold to grow.

Effects of Mold Damage

Mold damage can have a number of negative effects on a building and its occupants. Some of the most common effects include:

  1. Structural damage: Mold can weaken the structure of a building, leading to cracks, warping, and other forms of damage.
  2. Health risks: Exposure to mold can lead to a number of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and skin irritation.
  3. Property damage: Mold can damage walls, floors, and other surfaces, requiring expensive repairs and replacements.

Prevention of Mold Damage

Preventing mold damage is much easier than dealing with it after it has already occurred. Here are some tips for preventing mold growth in your building:

  1. Keep humidity levels under control: Make sure that your building has adequate ventilation and use dehumidifiers to control humidity levels.
  2. Repair water leaks: Fix any leaks as soon as they are detected to prevent moisture from building up.
  3. Keep your building clean: Regular cleaning can help prevent mold growth by removing any spores that may be present.
  4. Inspect your building regularly: Regular inspections can help you identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

Remediation of Mold Damage

If you suspect that you have mold damage in your building, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. Here are the steps involved in mold remediation:

  1. Identify the source of the problem: Determine the source of the moisture that is causing the mold growth.
  2. Contain the mold: Use barriers to prevent the mold from spreading to other areas of the building.
  3. Remove the mold: Use specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove the mold.
  4. Repair any damage: Repair any damage that was caused by the mold growth.
  5. Take steps to prevent future mold growth: Take steps to prevent future mold growth by addressing any moisture problems and keeping the building clean.

Mold damage is a serious problem that can have a number of negative effects on a building and its occupants. 

SERVPRO of Norwood West Roxbury is your premier choice for damage and restoration. Our teams are ready to respond 24 hours a week, any day of the year. When you bring us on the job our team of licensed contractors and certified technicians will work collaboratively with you throughout the duration of the project. They will keep you updated on the project's status and ensure that your expectations are met. We will help you to move forward and make it “Like it never even happened” for all of your fire damage. 

SERVPRO of Norwood West Roxbury Shares Preventing Mold Damage: Essential Tips for a Healthy Home

2/5/2023 (Permalink)

Green box with text and orange SERVPRO logo If you suspect mold growth in your home, it is important to have it inspected and professionally remediated to avoid further damage.

Mold damage can be a major problem in many homes. Here are some tips to help you prevent mold damage in your home:

  1. Control humidity levels: Mold thrives in moist environments, so it is essential to keep indoor humidity levels low. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
  2. Fix leaks: Promptly fix any leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing to prevent water damage and mold growth.
  3. Keep surfaces clean and dry: Regularly clean and dry surfaces in high-risk areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Use a mold-resistant cleaning solution to disinfect surfaces and prevent mold from growing.
  4. Increase ventilation: Ensure that your home has proper ventilation to help prevent mold growth. This can be achieved by opening windows and doors regularly, using exhaust fans, and keeping air vents clear.
  5. Inspect and maintain HVAC systems: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can become a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained. Inspect them regularly and have them serviced by a professional if needed.
  6. Store items properly: Store items, especially paper products and organic materials, properly in sealed containers to prevent mold growth.
  7. Regularly inspect your home: Regular inspections of your home can help identify mold damage early, allowing you to take action before it becomes a bigger problem. Look for discoloration on walls and ceilings, a musty odor, or any other signs of moisture damage.

By following these tips, you can help prevent mold damage in your home and your home's structure. If you suspect mold growth in your home, it is important to have it inspected and professionally remediated to avoid further damage and health problems.

SERVPRO of Norwood West Roxbury is your premier choice for fire damage and restoration. Our teams are ready to respond 24 hours a week, any day of the year. When you bring us on the job our team of licensed contractors and certified technicians will work collaboratively with you throughout the duration of the project. They will keep you updated on the project's status and ensure that your expectations are met. We will help you to move forward and make it “Like it never even happened” for all of your fire damage. 

What Is Mold?

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

What is mold? Mold is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.. This means that, like you and I, mold is a living organism.  Mold spores are microscopic in size and, believe it or not, they exist naturally everywhere. Removing all traces of mold from a home or business is impossible. In actuality, mold testing is not done to determine if mold exists, but rather, to determine if elevated levels of mold exists. Proper mold testing consists of comparing indoor air quality to the air quality of the surrounding external environment.

Three conditions must exist for mold to cultivate. The first would be the availability of food. Any organic, carbon based, porous material is the only source of food mold spores require. The second would be having an appropriate temperature. Contrary to popular belief, mold can grow in any temperature above freezing, for example have you ever found moldy food in your refrigerator? The ideal temperature for mold to grow is in between 59° F – 86° F. Lastly having a considerable amount of moisture is a condition necessary that supports mold. It does not take long either; when all three conditions exist mold infestation can begin in less than 48 hours!  The good news is that eliminating any one of these three conditions will ensure be mold free environment.

The not-so-good news is unfortunately, ninety percent of building materials used can serve as food for mold. Temperatures in New England during late spring and summer months are perfect for mold growth. Lastly, leaky roofs, improper bathroom ventilation, or poorly installed finished basements are just a few of the many issues that will cause the increased levels of moisture needed to stimulate mold growth. We cannot change the materials used to build our homes or the temperatures outside but we can control moisture. The good news is as humans we actually prefer humidity levels that are well below the critical relative humidity necessary for mold growth. That means, in most situations, the simple purchase of a dehumidifier is all the protection needed to mitigate mold growth.  

But, what happens when disaster strikes and a simple dehumidifier is not enough? Up next – Why Call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Mold Remediation

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

When approaching mold clean up a lot of people wonder which method is best, “Dry Blast” vs “Sand Blast”, The answer is neither , the reality in today’s world is this is unnecessary because; dry ice is costly, it only removes surface mold, and porous materials require a deep cleaning. SERVPRO technicians use anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments that kill mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming

When tackling mold we make it a priority to set up containment. All remediation companies will set up containment, but when and how is the issue. We set up containment prior to applying the “eyeball test”. Which is as follows

    • The “Eyeball Test” – Assessing the Environment
      • Has there been a previous water damage
      • Do you smell musty odors of mold
      • Do you see areas of mold contamination
      • Our competitors cut 4 x 8 holes in the wall from the ground up
    • We cut a 2 x 4 in the center of the wall

Got Mold?

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Do you think that you may have mold in your home or place of business? While mold spores exist naturally everywhere high levels in contained spaces can cause serious health issues. Mold spores are airborne particles which can be eliminated by creating a negative air chamber. One piece of equipment that we often use is the DefenderAir HEPA 500 is ideal for handling indoor air-quality needs on every restoration job.  This unit address these air-quality issues quickly and effectively, helping you to maintain a clean indoor environment. The DefendAir has an efficiency rating of 99.97% against 0.3-micron oily aerosol particles and meets first-pass filtration requirements for even the most sensitive jobs. If you think that you may have an infestation of mold give our Disaster Recovery Team a call today! 

Yes, There Is Mold In Your Home

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.  The key to mold control is moisture control. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.

Is Mold Hiding In Your Home?

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional. Call our Disaster Recovery Team today – 781-769-9125!

Recognizing Mold

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

How to Recognize Mold:

  • Sight – They usually appear as distinctly colored woolly mats (e.g., mildew is black and is one of the most common molds in a household).
  • Smell – They often produce a foul odor, such as a musty, earthy smell.

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. Mold will not grow if moisture is absent.

  • Remove excess standing moisture with a wet-dry vacuum and remove the any excess humidity with a dehumidifier 
  • Use fans to assist in the drying process.
  • Clean wet materials and surfaces with detergent and water.
  • Discard all water damaged materials and all materials visibly contaminated with mold.
  • Remove and discard all porous materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours such as: 
    • Carpeting and carpet padding
    • Upholstery, wallpaper, drywall
    • Floor and ceiling tiles, insulation materials
    • Clothing

Do you have hidden mold in your home?

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).


Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional. Call our Disaster Recovery Team today – 781-769-9125!

Mold 411

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Can mold cause health problems? Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. The key to mold control is moisture control. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.

Do You Have Mold?

5/10/2017 (Permalink)

Do you think that you may have mold in your home or place of business? While mold spores exist naturally everywhere high levels in contained spaces can cause serious health issues. Mold spores are airborne particles which can be eliminated by creating a negative air chamber. One piece of equipment that we often use is the DefenderAir HEPA 500 is ideal for handling indoor air-quality needs on every restoration job.  This unit address these air-quality issues quickly and effectively, helping you to maintain a clean indoor environment. The DefendAir has an efficiency rating of 99.97% against 0.3-micron oily aerosol particles and meets first-pass filtration requirements for even the most sensitive jobs. If you think that you may have an infestation of mold give our Disaster Recovery Team a call today! 

What Are the Potential Health Effects of Mold

5/10/2017 (Permalink)

According the CDC mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Mold Removal

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

When approaching mold clean up a lot of people wonder which method is best, “Dry Blast” vs “Sand Blast”, The answer is neither , the reality in today’s world is this is unnecessary because; dry ice is costly, it only removes surface mold, and porous materials require a deep cleaning. SERVPRO technicians use anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments that kill mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming


When tackling mold we make it a priority to set up containment. All remediation companies will set up containment, but when and how is the issue. We set up containment prior to applying the “eyeball test”. Which is as follows



  • The “Eyeball Test” – Assessing the Environment


    • Has there been a previous water damage

    • Do you smell musty odors of mold

    • Do you see areas of mold contamination

    • Our competitors cut 4 x 8 holes in the wall from the ground up

    • We cut a 2 x 4 in the center of the wall


What is Mold?

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

What is mold? Mold is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.. This means that, like you and I, mold is a living organism.  Mold spores are microscopic in size and, believe it or not, they exist naturally everywhere. Removing all traces of mold from a home or business is impossible. In actuality, mold testing is not done to determine if mold exists, but rather, to determine if elevated levels of mold exists. Proper mold testing consists of comparing indoor air quality to the air quality of the surrounding external environment.


Three conditions must exist for mold to cultivate. The first would be the availability of food. Any organic, carbon based, porous material is the only source of food mold spores require. The second would be having an appropriate temperature. Contrary to popular belief, mold can grow in any temperature above freezing, for example have you ever found moldy food in your refrigerator? The ideal temperature for mold to grow is in between 59° F – 86° F. Lastly having a considerable amount of moisture is a condition necessary that supports mold. It does not take long either; when all three conditions exist mold infestation can begin in less than 48 hours!  The good news is that eliminating any one of these three conditions will ensure be mold free environment.


The not-so-good news is unfortunately, ninety percent of building materials used can serve as food for mold. Temperatures in New England during late spring and summer months are perfect for mold growth. Lastly, leaky roofs, improper bathroom ventilation, or poorly installed finished basements are just a few of the many issues that will cause the increased levels of moisture needed to stimulate mold growth. We cannot change the materials used to build our homes or the temperatures outside but we can control moisture. The good news is as humans we actually prefer humidity levels that are well below the critical relative humidity necessary for mold growth. That means, in most situations, the simple purchase of a dehumidifier is all the protection needed to mitigate mold growth.  


But, what happens when disaster strikes and a simple dehumidifier is not enough? Up next – Why Call SERVPRO.