What Is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

9/11/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth in residential home in Colorado Springs, CO.

Mold damage in your home in Colorado Springs, CO can be costly to remove, but many people don’t know the differences between mold and mildew growth. Understanding the differences between mold and mildew can help you know how to react if either is growing in your home.

Diference Between Mold and Mildew

1. Mildew Causes Less Damage

One of the primary differences between mold and mildew is the amount of damage they cause. Though mildew can cause damage to a home, the damage is generally cosmetic and does not require an extensive restoration process. However, mold can cause significantly more damage, like structural damage, to homes because it can grow on a variety of surfaces.

2. Visual Differences

One way to identify whether it is mold or mildew growing in your home is to examine the appearance of the growth. Mildew often is described as a flat layer since it tends to grow on flat surfaces and is generally gray or white in color. Alternatively, mold is often fuzzy in appearance and can be a variety of colors depending on the type of mold damage.

3. Mold Is Invasive

Certain environments make it easier for both mold and mildew to grow, but mold is generally able to grow in more places than mildew. While mildew may grow on shower curtains or on damp clothing, mold is far more invasive and can grow on drywall, ceilings and other areas in the home. Though both mold and mildew thrive in warm, humid environments, some types of mold are capable of growing in cold areas, too, and may grow in refrigerators and other cool places.

Knowing the difference between mildew growth and mold growth can help you know how to react if your home is affected by mold damage. If you need assistance with restoring your home after it has been damaged by mold, it could be helpful to work with mold remediation experts.

Understanding Black Mold and How It Grows

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid the appearance of Black Mold in your Home by Following These Tips.

No matter how old or new your home in Colorado Springs, CO is, it has the potential for black mold to grow. Since mold spores are everywhere, it often comes down to paying attention to factors and conditions that create the right environment to grow. First, it's important to understand what type of mold it is and how it grows.

What Is It?

Known as Stachybotrys, this mold isn’t always black. Although almost always dark in color, it is known to take on orange, green or brown hues. In some cases, it may have white specks. This particular fungus tends to appear fuzzy and grow to form what appears like a dark stain. This type varies from many common molds in that it produces mycotoxins that attach to airborne spores. Regardless of the type of mold it is, this fungi has a four-phase life cycle.

The process begins with thread-like cells, called hyphae, that absorb the nutrients from organic materials, including dust and wood. As they grow, they being to form into the visible mold body, the mycelium.

Once there is a mycelium, the ends of the hyphae cells start to form spores. This only happens if the right nutrients, warmth, oxygen and light create the ideal environment.

After spores are formed, they become airborne and spread to new areas to begin the process over. Even if they don’t find the ideal environment, they will no longer be dormant if the right conditions present themselves.

Spore germination happens when those spores find the right environment to begin the process over again. Once there are signs of Stachybotrys growth, extra precautions need to be taken during the mold cleanup process.

It is recommended to contact a professional mold remediation company to ensure proper cleanup and eliminate the mold’s lifecycle from continuously repeating itself.

Why Does It Grow in Homes?

Every home potentially has the right nutrients and temperature for black mold to grow. When moisture is introduced into the equation, it elevates the chances of mold forming. Within 48 hours of a water leak, the fungi may already be in the third stage of their lifecycle. If it feels like you are constantly dealing with poor ventilation, high humidity or other water issues, there is a greater chance of a mold problem.

Although it is not possible to eradicate all mold spores, there are ways to minimize the chances of them growing and spreading.

• Maintain a humidity level below 60% inside the home.
• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.
• Ensure drip pans are dry and drain lines are properly flowing.
• Insulate windows, walls and floors to minimize condensation.
• Clean up any excess moisture immediately.
• Ensure leaks are quickly addressed.
• Run fans and keep interior doors open to enhance air circulation.
• If planning to repaint, mold inhibitors can be added to the paint.

Finding black mold in your home is never pleasant and may make people wonder how it even began to form. Understanding that mold is everywhere and the conditions it thrives in makes it easier to avoid it from spreading.

Tips for Preventing Mold in Humid Climates

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent mold and humidity to avoid your building getting vulnerable in Colorado Springs, CO.

There are a lot of places for mold to hide in your commercial building. When high humidity in Colorado Springs, CO, creates an atmosphere that leaves your building vulnerable to mold, it can be a challenge for even the best mold mitigation experts to get rid of the problem for good. It's better to prevent fungus from growing in the first place.

Tips to keep a mold problem at bay.

Use Mold-Resistant Materials

Some items are more prone to mold growth than others. Anything fibrous, such as wood or carpet, can easily become a breeding ground for spores. You can discourage growth by choosing materials that resist mold:

• Plastic
• Steel or other metals
• Glass
• Drywall with fiberglass coating
• Fungus-resistant paint
  

Control Indoor Humidity

You can't do much about how humid it gets outside, but you can control humidity levels inside your building. Mold thrives in a damp, warm environment, so anything you can do to prevent these two factors also discourages growth. Keep your air conditioner running properly at 70 degrees (even overnight) to perpetuate airflow and keep the building cool. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Clean up spills quickly so that they don't attract spores. The better you curb high humidity levels, the less likely you are to have a mold problem.

Watch for Condensation

Even if the air in your building is regulated carefully, mold damage can still occur if there is a leak or condensation. To prevent moisture buildup on your AC unit, set the thermostat to automatic rather than just leaving the fan running. This gives condensation a chance to dissipate. Make sure that you have enough units to adequately service the size of your building so that they don't get overworked. Maintain all equipment that uses water so that leaks don't become an issue.

Set a Reliable Cleaning Schedule

It's easy to let any space that doesn't get daily use get dusty. However, failure to ensure that your whole building is cleaned regularly can lead to a mold problem. In addition to moisture and warmth, dust and other organic matter also contribute to mold growth by feeding the spores that settle on dirty surfaces. A clean environment helps prevent growth.

Conduct Regular Inspections

There are many reasons to stay current on your inspection schedule. If you live in a humid area, preventing the need for mold clean-up is a key concern. Check the perimeter of your building to ensure that water isn't getting in from the outside. Have your roof inspected, particularly before and after storm season. Walk the building at least once a month and look for signs of water damage, which can easily lead to a mold problem. The more vigilant you are about prevention, the less you have to worry about costly, time-consuming repairs.

Preventing high humidity in your building may be more of a challenge when it's humid outside, but it's not impossible. By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can create an indoor environment where mold is unlikely to thrive.

Mold Prevention and Rental Property Upkeep

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold if it is not repaired by a professional team.

As a landlord, it is your job to keep your rental properties clean and functional. Mold prevention is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any property owner. Unfortunately, prevention tips are not always clear. According to mold remediation companies in Colorado Springs, CO, there are several ways to prevent mold growth, including:

• Making any necessary plumbing and leak repairs
• Ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture
• Performing routine roof maintenance
• Improving airflow
• Ensuring Proper Landscape Grading

Is DIY Mold Prevention a Good Idea?

Renters do not have access or the expertise to handle mold growth alone, and they shouldn't. Neither should the property owner.

Mold is technically a hazardous material and should only be handled by those trained in best removal practices. Additionally, mold is rarely the only problem. It is likely a secondary issue caused by moisture or water damage. Therefore, instead of focusing on DIY methods, find a qualified mold remediation specialist to correct the problem and restore the property.

Hiring the Right Professionals

The best way to prevent mold growth in a rental property is to ensure that any work being done is done properly. Do not hire anyone who offers a great deal but seems shady. Hiring a professional like a licensed mold remediation company is the best way to make sure your property will remain habitable.

A professional will work from the inside out and from the cause to the damage. In most buildings, the cause of mold growth is ongoing water damage. Sometimes, a water leak is so minor, it is nearly imperceptible. A little drip from a pipe or condensation on an HVAC unit is enough for mold to thrive.

A professional understands the causes of mold and the fundamentals of mold prevention, and they will inspect the entire property for the underlying problem if necessary. In most cases, the cause of the mold is close to the growth, meaning the professionals will likely expose the issue as they remove the mold damage.

Correcting Humidity and Ventilation Issues

If your property does not have any apparent leaks, the mold issue might stem from a ventilation or humidity problem. With excess moisture, you can install dehumidifiers and exhaust fans in areas prone to high humidity, like basements, attics, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc. The humidity level in a home should never be above 50%.

Additionally, you can help limit excess moisture and humidity by keeping the air moving on your property. You can install ceiling fans, window fans, or box fans to help keep air circulating and your house dry.

From simple issues to more complex mold removal, any landlord knows that mold prevention can be quite time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, there are a number of best practices that can prevent a property from developing mold. With the right knowledge, any property owner can reduce mold issues and keep their rental properties in the best condition possible. However, for the best results, a landlord should focus on hiring qualified professionals. Mold is a hazardous material and requires certain precautions during its removal from a property.

How To Test for Mold in Your Home

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Colorado Springs, CO.

A musty smell when you walk in the door of your home in Colorado Springs, CO, probably means that you have a mold growth somewhere. You search throughout the house but can't see any patches on the wall, in the bathroom or near windows. There are many other places mold can hide, though. A certified environmental hygienist can conduct a mold assessment that reveals the information you need for proper mitigation.

Advantages of Professional Assessment

You can get a test kit for black mold at your local hardware store, but it won't tell you what you need to know. It will simply reveal that there is mold in your house, which is true even when you don't need mitigation. A professional assessment, however, reveals several factors about the problem:

• Concentration of spores
  
• Location of growth
  
• Type of mold
  

This is the information that mold mitigation experts need when they arrive at your home. The results of a professional test allow them to concentrate their efforts on the affected area so that they can take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.

Remediation Process for Mold Growth

A professional mold assessment guides the whole cleanup process. Once the mold or mildew has been identified, technicians know which techniques to use and the equipment needed to clean your home. For example, if the air quality test reveals a high concentration of spores around HVAC vents, the mold growth is likely inside the ducts. Technicians use this information to contain the affected area so that the growth doesn't spread throughout the house. After the cleanup is complete, a final test assures you that the problem is gone.

If you suspect that you have a fungus problem in your home, you need a professional mold assessment. It's only after specialists have the right information that they can make an action plan for getting rid of the growth.

5 Interesting Facts About Mold

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spores can be found nearly everywhere.

Few people get excited about discovering mold growth in their homes. Mold is typically just considered a nuisance, but it can potentially cause real problems. Either way, mold is actually an interesting, simple, yet very hardy little organism.

Interesting Facts about Mold

You might find it interesting that mold:

1. Has Many Types

More than 10,000 species of mold exist, and each type is unique. Surprisingly, only five of these species grow indoors. Stachybotrys Chartarum (aka black mold) is the most dangerous type of mold. Aspergillus is the most common mold in warmer climates, while Cladosporium is the most common in colder climates.

2. Can Be Useful

Contrary to popular belief, all mold isn't harmful. Some types can be extremely beneficial. Mold is a significant contributor to the pharmaceutical industry, used to develop some antibiotics. Mold is used in the fermentation process of specific wines. Some cheese wouldn't be possible without mold. In fact, commercially sold bleu cheese actually contains active spores. Mold gives the cheese its unique flavor.

3. Is Sometimes Invisible

When you think of mold, you may think of the greenish spots you find on foods, such as bread. Mold growth begins virtually invisible, though. It will first look like whitish spots, and these spores will travel throughout the food. Even if the food doesn't look moldy, it could be just the beginning.

4. Can't Grow on Glass, Concrete or Rocks

Mold can't grow on glass, concrete or rocks because they don't contain enough moisture to support mold. Even in high humidity, these surfaces don't provide anything for the mold to grow into.

5. Exists Virtually Everywhere

Mold spores can be found nearly everywhere, outdoors and indoors. Indoor mold can come from outdoor spores coming in through doors on shoes or clothing, or your dog or cat.

If you discover mold growth in your Colorado Springs, CO, home, it could result from water damage or high humidity. Either way, you can count on mold cleanup professionals to return your property to its preloss condition.

What You Need To Know Before Hiring a Mold Remediation Company

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Professionals use proper equipment and protection for mold remediation

You've probably heard about the dangers of toxic mold contamination in your home. You might not know what makes a good mold remediation company. There are, however, a few questions that you can ask that can help you make this determination.

Questions You Can Ask to a Mold Remediation Company

What Containment Do You Use?

Mold containment is an essential part of mold remediation. If mold is not properly contained, it might continue to grow even after the initial cleaning. A good restoration company will:

• Seal off the area
  
• Use an encapsulation chemical
  
• Protect themselves using suits and masks
  
• Use proper disposal techniques
  

Each of these things is essential to mold restoration work.

How Do You Dispose of Mold Contaminated Waste?

Disposal is just as important as containment. When you have mold contamination, the waste can be considerable. Disposing of wet, moldy substances is not only messy, but it is also considered hazardous waste. The mold remediation company you hire should know the disposal requirements in Colorado Springs, CO.

How Do You Test for Mold?

There are quite a few things that look like mold but are not. Before beginning restoration, you should have a positive mold test. Not only is mold testing vital, but it can also save you a lot of money if it does not turn out to be mold. Some mildew types can closely resemble mold, and if you have mildew, the procedure to get rid of it is very different.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

If they are not licensed and insured, do not hire them. They should not only know the requirements for their area; they should have all of the proper licenses and insurance to protect themselves. Any company that doesn't should not be in the business.

When you have mold contamination, you need to know the company that you hire is capable of doing the job. If not, you can risk more than simple remediation.

Is Mold Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent mold damage

Your homeowners insurance covers a variety of disasters big and small, but fungus growth probably isn’t one of them. Instead, your best form of mold insurance is often mold prevention.

Types of Mold That May Be Covered

In order to enjoy mold coverage from your insurer, your policy needs to extend to the source of the mold. Sources of mold that are often covered by homeowners insurance policies include the following:

• Water damage from a faulty hot water heater
  
• Water damage from a broken household appliance
  
• Water damage from firefighters’ hoses
  
• Water damage resulting from a natural disaster, such as an ice storm, tsunami or hurricane
  

Mold that directly results from these forms of water damage is typically covered by a policy that covers these catastrophes themselves — at least in part. It’s worth remembering that your policy may have a mold cap.

Types of Mold That Likely Aren’t Covered

One of the biggest contributors to fungus growth in Colorado Springs, CO, isn’t covered by homeowners insurance: floodwater. Instead, storm surges and other types of flooding that can cause mold-producing water damage are usually covered by separate flood insurance. If you have this additional coverage, mold that results from flooding may be covered.
If you don’t have flood insurance and are interested in adding it to your existing policy, know that its average cost per year is $750, but it may be substantially higher if you live in an area prone to flooding.
Mold that occurs due to negligence on your part is very rarely covered by insurance. If the insurance company can show that you should’ve fixed that leaky pipe and never got around to it, don’t expect reimbursement once you need to call in the help of a mold removal company.

Ultimately, whether or not fungus growth in your home is covered by your insurance comes down to whether or not the direct source of that mold is covered. Read your policy carefully and discuss it with your agent to make sure you have the optimal coverage for you.

Choosing an Air Purifier To Prevent Mold Damage

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

You may want to consider adding an air purifier to your home.

One of the most common questions asked about air purifiers is whether they are effective at reducing and preventing mold damage. The answer is yes; these appliances trap and collect or attack the mold spores and other contaminants that could be floating around in the air of your Colorado Springs, CO, home. Purifiers either force air through an internal filtration system or they release charged particles into the air. Those particles then attach to contaminants.

How Purifiers Work

At this point, they are either filtered out of the air or the pollutants are killed by the charged particles. A good filtration system with a HEPA filter can trap very small contaminants:

• Allergens
  
• Bacteria
  
• Dust
  
• Mold and mildew spores
  
• Pet dander and hair
  

When you have an air purification system in place, the air of your home will be cleaner and healthier to breathe. Which purifiers are best for removing mold spores?

How To Choose Purifiers

When you want to purchase an air purifier to combat the spread of spores and mold damage, use the following list of features to pick out the best appliance.

• Treated filters with antimicrobial coatings or silver-ion threads
  
• HEPA filtration
  
• High filtration efficiency
  
• Activated charcoal or carbon filters or UV lights
  
• Ability to trap particles as small as .003 microns
  
• A positive CADR rating
  

Of course, there are multiple types of purifiers, including electrostatic, ionic, and UV appliances. The HEPA filtration system is one of the first things you should look for. In addition to looking for the previous qualities and features, review each purifier for ease of use, airflow, and consumer responses. It’s also important to consider what you hope to achieve with the purifier. For example, ionic and electronic purifiers are popular, but they aren’t the most effective for providing relief from allergies.

Protect Your Indoor Air Quality

Most experts agree that indoor air quality tends to be worse than outdoor air quality. For your health, you may want to consider adding an air purifier to your home. If you are concerned that mold damage is already a problem, contact a mold cleanup and prevention expert for more help and advice.

Mold Season is Here!

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Free Mold Inspections Call Us Today!

As temperatures warm up you may notice a musty smell or discoloration and even growth on your organic materials (drywall, wood and other porous items). SERVPRO of North Central Colorado Springs is offering FREE MOLD INSPECTIONS to our entire territory. If there is mold found we will of course offer our expert advice on how to remove and treat the affected areas. Keep your property and your family safe this spring by ensuring your home is mold free. 

Using state of the art equipment, highly trained technicians, and modern remediation techniques we can make the air quality of your home safe and provide peace of mind for you and your family. 

Hunting Down, Eliminating and preventing a Mold Infestation

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Bathrooms with a shower should be properly ventilated to prevent mold growth due to humidity

Mold Infestation 

The goal of most homeowners is to maintain their property, preventing damage and ensuring that their family has shelter. Mold damage is likely the worst nightmare for many of these diligent owners as it potentially threatens their desire for a sustainable shelter. Therefore, to reduce the threat of impending mold infestations, it is vital for homeowners to hunt down and eliminate existing threats while instituting preventative measures to ensure their home’s longevity.

1. Search Damp Areas

Mold and mildew growth are likely found in damp areas, like crawl spaces and basements. Performing a thorough search of these areas may allow you to pinpoint potential problems before they manifest into larger infestations and concerns. If you come across any suspicious substances, you may wish to test them before removal.

2. Test Organic Materials

Mold damage, if caught early, does not have to entail full-scale property evacuation. If you come across something that you suspect to be mold, call in an environmental hygienist to test the substance. If it is mold and it is restricted to a small area, you may be able to remain on-premise while the issue is remedied. However, that depends on the results of testing and the type of mold.

3. Remove and Resolve Issues

If you do uncover areas of significant mold growth, call a mold remediation specialist in the Colorado Springs, CO, area. These professionals should be certified by the IICRC, the nationally recognized certification of restoration and cleaning professionals.

4. Purchase Dehumidifiers and Ventilation Systems

When the issue is resolved or before you have a problem, purchase dehumidifiers and ventilation systems to ensure that your home is free of excess moisture. Areas susceptible to high humidity, such as basements, laundry areas, bathrooms, kitchens and attics, likely require some type of moisture prevention to reduce the risk of mold development.

Many homeowners find the threat of mold damage anxiety-inducing. However, with proper inspection, assessments and preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the threat of mold problems.

Black Forest home with mold growth

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in stair case in Colorado home.

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 North Central Colorado for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• touch or disturb the mold.
• blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• attempt to dry the area yourself
• spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of North Central Colorado Springs specializes in mold mitigation. Our team are highly trained mitigation professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If you see any signs of mold call us at (719) 266-0881

El Paso County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damaged home in Colorado Springs. We had all of it removed and now it's getting ready for rebuilding.

If you had a water damage during the recent storms that hit Colorado Springs you might face another challenge: Mold.

Mold can start growing within a couple of days following a water damage if not dried out correctly.

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 North Central Colorado Springs 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 North Central Colorado Springs 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 – 719-266-0881.

Does your Colorado Springs home have mold problems?

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

It only takes 48 hours for antimicrobial growth to spread through your home. Mold growth in a Colorado Springs Kitchen.

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 – (719) 266-0881

3 Methods for Stopping Mold in Its Tracks On Your Rental Property

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Moldy ceiling from leaking sink above in Colorado Springs,CO

Three Methods for Preventing Mold Growth in Your Rental Property

Like anything in life, there are sometimes pitfalls to being a rental property owner in Colorado Springs, CO. After all, everyone is bound to encounter unavoidable, natural mishaps in their building as a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, some problems need to be addressed more quickly to prevent a more hazardous situation, such as the spread of mold growth on your property. Taking charge and giving attention to mold prevention to stop its spread is key to sustaining a healthy environment and a sound mind. Here are three methods for preventing the growth of mold and restoring your rental property after water damage has infiltrated the space.

1. Have any affected tenants leave the property and hire a mold remediation team. Keeping your renters safe from any unhealthy exposure to mold is a crucial first step, only to be quickly followed by calling in a crew of professional mold remediation specialists who know the proper techniques for mold prevention. The team’s expertise will be necessary in not only removing the existing mold growth but stopping its expansion across more areas of the property.
   
   
2. Lower the heat and keep humidity levels as low as possible. Mold thrives on moisture, particularly warm and humid areas that are ripe for easy growth. Therefore, lowering the heat in the building can halt the growth of mold. Meanwhile, keeping the humidity as low as possible is vital, so proper ventilation is also a necessity in this situation.
   
   
3. Shut off the water supply until it’s safe for operation again. The majority of mold hazards begin with a moisture issue on a property, whether it’s through a small consistent leak or as a result of major water damage after a bad storm or flooding event. Regardless, it’s important to shut off the water and stop any leaks from relentlessly spreading and giving nearby mold spores a lasting environment for growth.

While dealing with mold prevention in your Colorado Springs, CO, rental property can be costly and frustrating at times, it’s vital to follow these steps to take action in stopping the spread of mold before it worsens.

Does Your Renter’s Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Moldy ceiling from leaking sink above in a Colorado Springs, CO home

Some rental insurance includes limited coverage for mold damage, depending on which factors are carved out or included as endorsements to a policy. There are several factors to consider if you are experiencing mold growth and damage in a rental property and want to pursue mold removal.

Exclusions and Endorsements

Many insurance policies exclude certain kinds of damage. Some policies also have automatic endorsements that provide coverage for the following commonly excluded conditions:

• Fungus
• Mold
• Rot

If you have a policy with these areas carved out, you will need an automatic endorsement to restore even a limited amount of coverage. If your policy does not have endorsements for these conditions, you may not be able to count on coverage for mold remediation.

What Is and Isn't Covered

If mold growth results from a structural or general problem with a property, the responsibility for mold mitigation or removal rests with the owner. If you cause a leak in your unit, you will be liable for the damage. Rental insurance covers your personal effects or property. If you have coverage for mold and do everything you can to limit the extent of the damage, you may be able to file a claim.

Your Duty to Mitigate

Act quickly and reasonably to resolve underlying issues and stop the spread of mold growth. Most insurance companies require policyholders to fulfill their duty to mitigate to receive funds to offset the cost of property that must be replaced or restored by professionals.

If you discover mold in a rental property in Colorado Springs, CO, start by determining the extent of the damage for which you are responsible and which directly affects your contents or property. Next, determine whether your rental insurance includes any coverage for mold removal expenses. The most effective way to resolve the issue is to contact a certified residential mold damage remediation specialist.

Understanding mold in Colorado Springs

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

If you think you might have mold in your Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs or Fountain home call SERVPRO of North Central Colorado Springs

Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors. Mold can cause health effects in humans and animals.

From the Ordinary

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold (Penicillin chrysogenum). Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

To The Unhealthy

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Call SERVPRO of North Central Colorado Springs to help you with your mold issues. We are locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources.

SERVPRO of North Central Colorado Springs proudly serves Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Black Forest, Peyton, Calhan, Woodland Park, Ellicott, and all of Elbert and El Paso County. Call us with your mitigation concerns at (719) 266-0881.