What is mold?

Name: SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties
Address: 1481 Murphy Hill Road, Noth Bennington, VT, 05257
Telephone: (802) 375-1500

10/24/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your Rutland, Vermont home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.

Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae.

These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well.

Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else.

With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it. For mold on the structure, we use a variety of anti-fungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised.

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home.

If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

The Steps of Mold Remediation

10/19/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus. These tiny organisms can be orange, black, green, or white. Most types of mold prefer warm environments, but they can live and grow in any kind of environment. A lot of mold issues start in hard to access areas such as dark basement or attic corners that can be tough to spot. However, once you notice the problem it is time to contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have many years of experience in mold remediation and the proper skills and equipment to get the job done safely for you!

The first step professionals take when preparing for mold cleanup is to establish containment! This could range from closing doors between the affected and non-affected areas or setting up plastic barriers and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE includes specialized protective gear such as boots, the proper mask, gloves, and jumpsuits. This gear protects the technicians doing the work but also prevents the spread of mold spores throughout the rest of the home.

Next comes the tear out. Mold spreads and feeds and causes a lot of damage to the structure of your home. For example, when cleaning black mold technicians will tear out dry wall and other materials to prevent further spreading. Once most of the mold affected areas and materials have been removed your technician will then use specialized cleaners and disinfectants to remove the rest of the mold and we will do our best to prevent new growth.

Another important step in preventing further spread of mold is to dry out wet materials. Mold thrives in humidity so by decreasing the level of humidity and moisture new mold spores cannot develop into colonies.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you with all your mold remediation needs. We have technicians who are specialized and certified in mold remediation who are eager to help you and return your home to looking “like it never even happened!”

Preventing Mold Growth in your home

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

This photo shows mold growth on the walls, floors, and ceiling of a home.

Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will frow in places with a lot of moisture, such as leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold can appear fuzzy, discolored or in slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. You can usually see or smell a mold problem. The key to preventing mold growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems. Mold spores are everywhere, including your home and they can grow on any surface that has sufficient moisture.

Common sources of moisture are:

Roof leaks
Indoor plumbing leaks
Outdoor drainage problems
Humidifiers
Wet clothes drying inside the home
A clothes dryer venting indoors
Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
Condensation on cool surfaces
Damp basements and crawl spaces
Steam from a bathroom or kitchen

If you see signs of mold, call us today at (802)-375-1500.

Different Types of Mold

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Call us at 802-375-1500!

Hopefully you will never have to experience having mold in your home or business but sometimes it is unavoidable. Below are 5 common types of mold you may encounter in your home.

Chaetomium- is usually found on drywall. Typically appears after a water damage that is not properly taken care of or taken care of in the proper amount of time. This type of mold usually makes your home have a musty odor.
Fusarium- usually grows in colder wetter areas. It is usually found on carpets and similar fabrics. If not taken care of they can cause respiratory infections.
Alternaria- is one of the most common molds found. You will usually find this type of mold in dark dimly lit areas such sink or shower.
Serpula Lacrymans- this mold is usually fund outdoors but can also grow on wooden surfaces indoors.
Stachybotrys Chartarum- more commonly known as black mold. And is usually identified by its musty smell and usually found in areas that are usually damp such as air conditioning pipes.

If you notice mold in your home or business do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, please give us a call at 802-375-1500.

Mitigation Vs. Remediation

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you have a mold problem! 802-375-1500

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties often gets asked the question, “What is the difference between Mitigation and Remediation?”. So, let us help you clear up a lot of your questions when it comes to a disaster that happens either in your home or business.

What is Mitigation?

The actual definition of Mitigation is the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. For example, if there was a water loss that happened, and an area was flooded and it had damaged your structure, SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties would mitigate the loss. This means we remove the effects materials and use drying equipment to help prevent any further damage in the coming future. I.e. Mold Growth.

What is Remediation?

Remediation is the act of remedying something, in reversing or stopping environmental damage. For example, if you have a lot of mold in an area, SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties will remove the mold and help prevent it from coming back by using industrial strength microbials and equipment to remediate the problem. Mold is a natural spore that can spread throughout an area, so it is best that the problem is dealt with at a professional level.

If you have any questions about the technical terms used in the restoration business, Give us a Call today! 802-375-1500

Mold Containment

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

During a recent mold remediation job at a Bennington Vt commercial establishment, we created an area of full containments to separate the mold affected areas from non affected areas. This helps prevent the spread of mold spores throughout the whole facility. Mold has a tendency to grow anywhere there is high moisture and easily can be transported from one room or surface to another. When our trained professionals come in they will use personal protective equipment to protect themselves from being exposed to the mold and also use these containments to prevent further spread of mold. These containments consist of airtight layers of polyethylene that seals off the affected area. The containments act as negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. Before the mold remediation starts, it is important that the source of moisture (such as a leaky roof) is identified and fixed, otherwise mold may return.

Prevent Mold Buildup In Your Bennington/ Rutland Vermont Home or Business

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a mold damage please don't hesitate to give us a call here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland. 802-375-1500.

Mold is something none of us want in our homes or businesses. Mold spores feed on dust, dirt, or other organic materials so it is important to thoroughly clean your home or business. Below there are three areas to focus on to help to reduce the chances of mold buildup.

General Surfaces

As stated, above mold can feed on organic material such as dust. Dust gathers around any surface if it is not cleaned frequently. Therefore, if dust is not regularly cleaned and continues to accumulate mold can begin to grow and feed on the dust. It is best to regularly clean your home or business to prevent this from happening.

Carpets and Rugs

Carpet flooring can trap dirt, soil, and spores which people can bring in from outside. If carpets are not cleaned and left alone these particles can build up and eventually lead to mold buildup and growth. This can be prevented by regular carpet cleaning and vacuuming. Another option in addition to regular cleaning is to install mats at the entrance of your home or building so people can wipe their footwear immediately upon entrance.

Air Vents

HVAC cleaning is also an area of extreme importance to regularly clean. Dust can gather inside of them and spread throughout your home or building. If mold is found this means that mold can easily through your duct system be spread throughout your home. To prevent this, it is best to get your HVAC system professionally cleaned which is something we here at SERVPRO offer.

The Steps of Mold Remediation

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call for all your Mold Remedation needs. 802-375-1500

Mold is a type of fungus. These tiny organisms can be orange, black, green, or white. Most types of mold prefer warm environments, but they can live and grow in any kind of environment. A lot of mold issues start in hard to access areas such as dark basement or attic corners that can be tough to spot. However, once you notice the problem it is time to contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have many years of experience in mold remediation and the proper skills and equipment to get the job done safely for you!

The first step professionals take when preparing for mold cleanup is to establish containment! This could range from closing doors between the affected and non-affected areas or setting up plastic barriers and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE includes specialized protective gear such as boots, the proper mask, gloves, and jumpsuits. This gear protects the technicians doing the work but also prevents the spread of mold spores throughout the rest of the home.

Next comes the tear out. Mold spreads and feeds and causes a lot of damage to the structure of your home. For example, when cleaning black mold technicians will tear out dry wall and other materials to prevent further spreading. Once most of the mold affected areas and materials have been removed your technician will then use specialized cleaners and disinfectants to remove the rest of the mold and we will do our best to prevent new growth.

Another important step in preventing further spread of mold is to dry out wet materials. Mold thrives in humidity so by decreasing the level of humidity and moisture new mold spores cannot develop into colonies.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you with all your mold remediation needs. We have technicians who are specialized and certified in mold remediation who are eager to help you and return your home to looking "Like it never even happened."

Tips and Tricks for Mold Remediation

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call for your Mold Remediation 802-375-1500

Mold is a type of fungus. These tiny organisms can be orange, black, green, or white. Most types of mold prefer warm environments, but they can live and grow in any kind of environment. A lot of mold issues start in hard to access areas such as dark basement or attic corners that can be tough to spot. However, once you notice the problem it is time to contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have many years of experience in mold remediation and the proper skills and equipment to get the job done safely for you!

The first step professionals take when preparing for mold cleanup is to establish containment! This could range from closing doors between the affected and non-affected areas or setting up plastic barriers and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE includes specialized protective gear such as boots, the proper mask, gloves, and jumpsuits. This gear protects the technicians doing the work but also prevents the spread of mold spores throughout the rest of the home.

Next comes the tear out. Mold spreads and feeds and causes a lot of damage to the structure of your home. For example, when cleaning black mold technicians will tear out dry wall and other materials to prevent further spreading. Once most of the mold affected areas and materials have been removed your technician will then use specialized cleaners and disinfectants to remove the rest of the mold and we will do our best to prevent new growth.

Another important step in preventing further spread of mold is to dry out wet materials. Mold thrives in humidity so by decreasing the level of humidity and moisture new mold spores cannot develop into colonies.

We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you with all your mold remediation needs. We have technicians who are specialized and certified in mold remediation who are eager to help you and return your home to looking, "Like it never even happened."

Mold Remediation in Bennington County Basement

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Bennington County, Vermont

Photo taken from a basement in Bennington County Vermont of black mold.

SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties offers mold remediation services. Mold is a type of fungus that can grown in many different types of environments. These small organisms can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Mold remediation signifigantly reduces the mold spore count back to safe baseline levels. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have all the proper protective equipment as well as products and machinery that are equipped to handle any sort of mold damage you may have in your home or buisiness. Mold tends to grow best in moist environments so here are a few tips to check in your home that could potentially help you from having a mold damage.

Be on the watch for the following in your home:

Plumbing problems- common leaks such as from a toilet or a sink may go unnoticed and can cause mold growth. Be sure to check areas lie these regularly
Flooding- if your home is flooded due to heavy rain be sure to have your home dried out by professionals to make sure no moisture is left behind and mold cannot grow. We here at SERVPRO Bennington and Rutland Counties are well equipped to handle your water mitigation needs as well.
Roof leaks- keep your roof in good condition, making sure there are no leaks. And frequently check you attic yearly for moisture build up.
Foundation problems- Soil that is around your home should always be sloped downward and away from your home to prevent water from entering your basement and flooding.
Wipe down walls- after you shower moisture sits on those walls which can lead to mold growth. Best way to prevent this is wiping those walls down with towel or sponge every time after you bathe.
Air flow- be sure that there is enough air flow in your home, exhaust fans can be used in your kitchens and bathrooms to vent outside your home.
Humidity- keep the humidity levels in your home less than 50%
Natural light- allow the sun into your home, mold grows best in dark environments so natural light can help prevent growth.

If you need mold remediation done in your Bennington County home please call us at 802-375-1500 and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

TIPS on How To Prevent Mold Growth in Rutland Vermont

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties, Vermont has released tips on the six steps to help prevent the growth of mold after water damage has occurred.

14,000 people daily are affected by water damage. It is important to know how to eliminate conditions in which mold may grow and infest the home to help prevent the growth of molds.

All homeowners who have recently experienced water damage should be concerned about mold, as it can grow rapidly. Worse yet, it doesn’t take much water for it grow and it can be much deadlier than expected. The sooner an infestation is taken care of, the better.

Here are six tips to help reduce the likelihood of mold growth:

Remove the water as quickly as possible.

Use a wet or dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible. This limits the possibility for the mold to grow.

Use fans to dry the floors and carpets faster.

It may take several days for fans to completely dry water damage. Leave them on constantly for at least a few weeks to help circulate cool and fresh air as well as speed up the drying process.

Dehumidify the affected room.

Mold grows in moist, warm and dark areas. Dehumidifying the room helps cool the air and limit mold and mildew growth. Any equipment you can use to dry the air and ground will be useful in mold prevention.

Steam-clean your carpet.

Steam-clean any and all carpets to properly sanitize and wipe out any spores which may have started growing. Any water-damaged carpet padding may need to be replaced, but is still much cheaper than having to entirely re-carpet the house.

Sanitize walls and baseboards.

Anything that has been touched by storm water should immediately be sanitized. Clean any hardwood floors, walls, or other surfaces with soap, water, chlorine, and bleach to minimize mold growth.

Lastly, check affected furniture for any signs of mold growth that may have begun

Check all furniture for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage may hide itself under carpets or rugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the home.

Even following the above steps, it is likely that a mold infestation may still be present in the home. If any visible signs of mold are noticed, then an infestation/colonization has occurred. For any extensive mold damage situations, it is best to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties.

Water damage and mold remediation solutions

SERVPRO is the leading company in fire damage, and mold remediation areas. They are constantly investing in the latest training for mold remediation so that they can meet any customer service needs. Call SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

Mold Damage Source in Bennington & Rutland Counties

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your Rutland, Vermont home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.

Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae.

These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well.

Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else.

With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it. For mold on the structure, we use a variety of anti-fungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised.

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home.

If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties Offers FREE Mold Inspections

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside present’s health risks and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.

Despite the fact that there are hints of mold spores indoors, they require the right "ingredients" to produce mold. Unfortunately, the conditions for mold development are found in many homes: a nourishment source, (for example, drywall, rugs, and wood), warmth, lack of light, enough time to develop, and above all, dampness. Since dampness is a fundamental factor in mold development, here are the most common culprits that cause heightened dampness in homes:

- Flooding can cause a measurable amount of water into your home, bringing on serious water damage and conceivably cause mold development inside 24-48 hours. Calling an expert restoration professional such as SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties promptly is your best defense with regards to mitigating water damage and preventing mold development.

- Increased humidity can happen in homes from multiple sources — muggy climate, persistent rain, cooking, showering, and so on. To help prevent development of mold growth in your home, ensure your home is all around ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.

- Deficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and due to this, mold development and different issues like indoor contamination. Try to open entryways as well as windows when viable and to utilize fans as needed.

- Leaking pipes are a typical issue in homes and should be settled promptly. In many cases, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls or above the ceiling, so make a point to investigate wall and ceiling stains routinely.

- Roof leaks are additionally a way for water to saturate your home and cause mold. In the event that you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof assessed and repaired at the earliest opportunity.

- Condensation happens when warm dampness loaded air interacts with chilly surfaces. Condensation can be seen on walls, windows, solid floors or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.

- Basements give astounding conditions for mold development because of poor ventilation, cooler temperatures (that advance condensation), and incessant water leaks and flooding.

- Mold can also grow in various unexpected areas in the home, which can make mold remediation more difficult.

To schedule a FREE mold inspection contact our professional experts at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500

We Do Service The Williamstown, North Adams & Clarksburg, Massachusetts Area

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

We are pleased to announce that we do service the Williamstown, North Adams and Clarksburg, Massachusetts area in Water, Fire and Mold Damage Restoration.

Mold is a vital piece of nature, assisting with the disintegration of natural matter and the recycling of supplements in biological systems. While outdoor mold is fundamental, mold developing inside can present health effects and can bring about property damage. Molds recreate by method of minor airborne spores that travel essentially anyplace, even in our homes.