If you don't keep your Michigan home free of mold it could lead to health problems for you and your family, and potential structural damage to your house.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Michigan Home

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Mold is a common problem that can have serious consequences for homeowners, especially in Michigan. With our humid climate and seasonal temperature changes, Michigan is particularly susceptible to mold growth. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prevent mold from growing in your Michigan home, and what to do if you discover mold in your house.

What You Need To Know First

It’s important to understand what mold is and why it’s a problem. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments. It’s usually black, green, or white in color, and can cause a musty odor. When mold grows inside a house, it can lead to a host of health problems, such as allergies, respiratory issues, and even cancer. In addition, mold can cause structural damage to a house, weakening walls, ceilings, and floors.

Identify Potential Problem Areas

The first step in preventing mold growth in your Michigan home is to identify potential problem areas. Mold is most likely to grow in areas of the house that are damp, dark, and poorly ventilated. Bathrooms, basements, and attics  are particularly vulnerable to mold. To recognize the signs of mold growth, look for discoloration on walls and ceilings, as well as musty odors. To be sure you’ve identified all potential problem areas, conduct a thorough inspection of your home.

Once you’ve identified potential problem areas, you can take steps to prevent mold growth in your home. The most effective prevention strategies include:

  • Improving ventilation and air circulation to reduce humidity levels in the home. Use properly vented exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and open windows to allow for fresh air flow.
  • Keeping surfaces clean and dry. Regularly clean and dry surfaces in high-risk areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Addressing leaks and other sources of moisture. Fix leaks in roofs, pipes, and other areas as soon as they are discovered. Use a dehumidifier to control humidity in high-risk areas, such as basements.
  • Maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels. Keep the temperature inside the house within a comfortable range in all seasons. Install a programmable thermostat to help maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.

If You Discover Mold in Your Michigan Home

If you do discover mold in your home, it’s important to clean and remove it as soon as possible. Our owner John Sweeney has tons of experience, which includes three years of pest control and wood destroying insect sales and service with a fortune 300 company, several years of taking care of water & fire damaged homes, as well as hundreds of mold-related inspections. A typical mold remediation treatment takes 4 to 8 hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preventing mold growth in your Michigan home is essential to protecting the health and safety of your family. With its humid climate and seasonal temperature changes, Michigan is particularly susceptible to mold growth. However, by identifying potential problem areas, taking proactive steps to prevent mold, and cleaning and removing mold as soon as it’s discovered, you can keep your home healthy. If you suspect mold in your house, it’s important to take immediate action to address the problem, and consider hiring a professional for advice.

Call us for a mold inspection today!

Mold is nasty stuff. When in doubt, call a professional for mold remediation and removal.

Mold Remediation and Removal Services – Thoughts and Best Practices

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Mold is a type of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doors, windows, vents, and HVAC systems. Mold can also be found in soil and on plant leaves. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including allergic reactions, asthma, respiratory infections, skin rashes, and headaches.

If you suspect that you have a mold problem, it is important to contact a mold remediation and removal service. A mold remediation and removal service will inspect your home for mold and remove any mold that is present.

John, at Break The Mold, will be able to identify the type of mold and develop a plan to remove it.

In some cases, the mold may be lurking in an area that’s difficult to reach, such as behind wallpaper or in the ductwork of a heating and cooling system. In these cases, the mold remediation and removal service will need to take special precautions to avoid spreading the mold spores to other areas of the home or office.

If You Find Mold in Your Home – Call For Mold Remediation and Removal Services

If you find mold in your home, the first thing you should do is call Break The Mold. We perform mold remediation and removal services. We will come in and assess the situation, and then develop a plan to remove the mold and prevent it from coming back. We also work to ensure that your home is safe and free of any other contaminants.

Tips You Can Take For Preventing Mold Growth

If you think you might have mold in your home, it is important to take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. As mentioned above, mold can cause serious health problems, so it is important to remove it as soon as possible.

Here are some tips for preventing mold growth:

  1. Fix any leaks in your home immediately. Mold loves damp conditions, so even a small leak can provide the perfect environment for it to grow.

 

  1. Keep your home well-ventilated. Good air circulation will help to prevent mold growth.

 

  1. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home, such as the basement or bathroom.
  1. Clean up any mold growth as soon as you see it.
  1. Prevent condensation on surfaces by using a fan or opening a window when you shower or cook.
  1. If you have mold allergies, take steps to avoid exposure to mold spores. This might include using an air purifier or keeping the humidity in your home low.

How To Remove Mold Safely

Mold is a common problem in many homes and businesses. Mold doesn’t only cause health problems, it can damage your property, and be difficult to remove. There are many products on the market that claim to remove mold, but many of these products are ineffective and can actually make the problem worse.

The best way to remove mold is to hire a professional mold remediation and removal service. Break The Mold has the experience and the proper equipment to safely and effectively remove mold from your property. We will also take steps to prevent the mold from returning.

When To Call a Professional For Help With Mold

Mold remediation and removal services are important when you have a mold problem in your home or office. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to decide if you need to call a professional for help with mold.

  • The first thing to consider is the size of the mold problem.

If the mold is only in a small area, you may be able to clean it up yourself. However, if the mold is in a large area, you will need to call a professional. Mold can spread quickly, so it is important to get rid of it before it has a chance to spread.

  • Another thing to consider is the type of mold.

Some types of mold are more dangerous than others. If you have a type of mold that is dangerous, you will need to call a professional. If you don’t know, contact us ASAP.

  • The last thing to consider is the health risks associated with mold.

We keep harping on the health issues, but it can just be nasty stuff for your health. If you have any health concerns, you should call a professional.

Mold Remediation and Removal Services – Thoughts and Best Practices

Often times, all signs point toward having a professional deal with mold remediation and removal. Break The Mold serves all of Southwest Michigan including Kalamazoo, Portage, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Vicksburg, Paw Paw, Mattawan and surrounding areas.

Reach out to us for our professional help today!

Break The Mold Wrapped Truck

Who To Call For A Mold Inspection

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When you discover mold in your home, your knee-jerk reaction can be to scrub away at the surface that contains the mold and conduct extensive Internet searches to find out the cause. This reaction often comes about because you aren’t sure who to call for mold inspection.

Break the Mold performs this work for Kalamazoo County and all surrounding areas as a local mold inspection company. We take the stress off homeowners’ shoulders and get to the bottom of the mold source. Our owner, John Sweeney, was born to do this!

Continue reading below to learn more about our background and expertise in mold and mildew clean-up and inspection.

Certifications

As a company, we hold many certifications on healthy living situations and mold inspection. Some of them include:

  • CRMI – Certified Residential Mold Inspector
  • CCMI – Certified Commercial Mold Inspector
  • CMR – Certified Mold Remediator
  • Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
  • Successful Subrogation I
  • Wonder Makers Environmental

These certifications help us be a top mold inspection company in our region. We have all the necessary knowledge to accurately diagnose the issues individuals and businesses face due to mold and mildew.

Experience

Our company comes to you with years of experience in the field. Our owner, John Sweeney, tells the story of himself as a young boy who begged his parents to let him make his room in the basement. As years went on, John developed allergies and health issues and was under the care of many different doctors.

It wasn’t until many years later, after the family had moved to a new home, that his symptoms disappeared, and he came to the realization that his health concerns were a result of mold infestation in the basement. The same basement he had begged his parents to let him move into in the first place!

This experience propelled John forward into the place he is in today, helping others to eliminate dangerous and unhealthy toxins from their home. Therefore, when wondering who to call for mold inspection, Break the Mold is the most logical choice for those in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area.

Passion

As a direct result of John’s health issues as a child, a passion built up to help others in a similar situation. He went on to gain experience in both mold and mildew inspection and clean up, as well as pest removal. He also obtained certifications in water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, odor control, and methamphetamine lab clean-up.

It is safe to say that Break the Mold has a passion for ensuring the safety of those in their community, whether it be mold or otherwise.

Final Thoughts

While finding mold in your home can be scary and overwhelming, having a mold inspection company to help guide you through the process can take away the stress that you are facing.

If you find yourself in a similar situation and don’t know who to call for mold inspection, reach out to Break the Mold and get your inspection today!

Professional Mold Testing in Kalamazoo, MI

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When you see mold pop up in your home, the initial reaction that most have is to feel anxious. Not knowing if it’s dangerous or whether it poses a health concern can cause distress to households. Thankfully, Break the Mold offers a professional mold testing service for those around Kalamazoo, MI. 

 

Knowing that the service is available is one thing, but understanding the different testing processes is another. Depending on the location and type of mold, the route to identify the source will differ. Continue reading to learn more about the different kinds of testing we utilize at Break the Mold.

Spore Trap Analysis 

When using an air sample for testing, we often utilize a spore trap analysis to identify the genus and assess the background debris of the mold. Additionally, using this style of testing allows us to test the air quality of a home or business.

 

This test is non-culturable, meaning that there doesn’t have to be a waiting period to receive accurate results. This testing style typically comes with quick results, which allows us to formulate a treatment plan immediately. 

Direct Microscopic Exam

As a qualitative style test that is often performed with professional mold testing, we take a mold sample and review its features and specifications through a microscope. Using various magnifications and light, we can accurately diagnose the source of the mold, as well as type.

 

While this style of testing does not come with rapid results, it doesn’t have a lengthy turnaround time either. Using this type of testing will allow us to identify growth patterns and focus on the specific genus that the mold belongs to. Having this information will enable us to create a focused plan for resolving the issue.

ERMI Testing

At Break the Mold in Kalamazoo, MI, we offer professional mold testing that lines up with the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI). This specific type of test compares the findings to 36 different molds to calculate a particular index number. Finding this information comes through the process of Mold-Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSQPCR).

 

While ERMI testing is not used extensively throughout the United States, it is a helpful research tool that helps identify mold contamination in homes more accurately. Having a high level of detail in findings allows technicians to customize treatment plans more effectively.

In Summary

Although the moment you discover a new mold in your home can be anything but reassuring, knowing that companies like Break the Mold offer professional mold testing brings peace of mind. As a top provider of testing and treatment services in Kalamazoo, MI, Break the Mold offers high-quality testing strategies to identify the source and treat it accordingly.

 

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Instead, reach out to schedule a time for us to check it out. Our prompt turnaround will have your situation cleared up and your house back to normal in no time. Contact us today for your professional mold testing needs!




Mold Inspection and Testing in Kalamazoo MI

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When you find mold in your home, your first thought is often to turn to the Internet and find out what it is and how to resolve it. While there are times that this helps, those moments are few and far between. 

 

The truth of the matter is that each situation is unique. It is rarely possible to determine the root of the issue from an online search engine. When it comes to mold, there are no generic solutions. Finding the right approach to resolution requires mold inspection and sometimes testing. 

 

Below we outline three important components of the treatment process. Continue reading to understand better the appropriate response to new mold growth in your home.

Inspection

The first and most important step to addressing mold in a home is to undergo a mold inspection. For this, we come into your home and thoroughly inspect the problem areas. After identifying the extent of the mold and the surrounding areas, we will begin identifying different sources that may cause the mold to grow and spread. 

 

With years of experience in the field, we can accurately assess and diagnose various molds and mildew. We bring this knowledge to you quickly so we can return your house to its safe and healthy state as soon as possible. 

Testing

The second step may be mold and air testing. During this process, we will assess the situation and determine what dangers are present. Knowing all of the different elements of the mold and the damage it is doing to the air quality will allow us to make a custom treatment plan.

 

Testing gives an overview into the situation on a more detailed level. At times we may swab the area for samples or retain an air sample. Keep in mind, testing is not always necessary. 

Treatment

Following the testing stage, we enter the treatment phase. Here we determine the best route to rid your home of the mold and what measures to implement to ensure it doesn’t return. When creating a custom treatment for your situation, there are many elements to take into account. 

 

For starters, the situation may extend further than what the eye can see. Often mold is present, but mold spores and their toxins are not visible. Additionally, treatment needs to take into account the airflow of the space (basements and bathrooms retain a lot of moisture) and how that can resist treatment efforts. All of these will direct resolution efforts, which involve a decontamination process and often minor construction changes. 

In Summary

When you discover an area of mold in your home, it is crucial to get a proper mold inspection and testing. While your first instinct may be to find the solution yourself, it is vital to remember that each situation is unique, including the treatment plan. 

Keep that in mind, next time you find an area of concern. Call us to schedule a mold inspection. As experts in our field, we can thoroughly analyze the situation and develop a comprehensive and customized treatment plan. Our goal is to help you create a healthy environment without getting hung up on who does what. We’ll explain the construction that needs to be done to correct the sources of the problem. The choice of how it gets done is up to you.

Mold growing on living room wall

Mold Vs. Mildew: Here Are 3 Differences

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Walking into your bathroom and discovering an unwelcome addition can be distressing. You know it’s one of the two, but deciding if it’s mold vs. mildew can put you into panic mode.

Before you scour every corner of the Internet to figure out the culprit, let us tell you three critical differences between mold and mildew. Additionally, we will let you in on a little-known fact – mildew is actually a form of mold!

Keep reading to determine what has invited itself into your home so that you can create a plan for evicting it!

Appearance

Mold and mildew have very different looks. Mold will be slimy in texture and will be raised above the surface of the wall, shower, window sill, or wherever it grows. Additionally, mold can come in various colors, some being green, black, or red.

If you are faced with mildew, you will notice that it has a powdery appearance and stays flat to whatever surface it adheres to. Although mildew is a form of mold, it will primarily come in the colors of white and gray.

Smell

Although you may not realize it, there are distinct differences in the smell of mold vs. mildew. You can more easily recognize the scent that mildew gives off because it is similar to what you get when you leave clothes in the washer too long. And we have all done that a time or two in our life.

On the other hand, mold has a strong smell that continues to get more intense over time. While both mildew and mold have a similar makeup, mold produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which create a pungent smell. The smell and the MVOCs can also cause health issues for those in your home, so it is vital to get it resolved immediately.

Location

Sometimes you can instantly decipher whether you are dealing with mold or mildew by its location. While mildew can typically be found on surfaces, mold likes to grow underneath and burrow into walls and crevices.

Walking into your bathroom, you may find mildew spots on the walls around your shower. However, if you were to rip the trim off the wall or replace the tub, you may see mold growing underneath. Both mold and mildew have their preferred areas for growth, which is why the care plans for removal are vastly different.

In Summary

While it can be nerve-wracking to discover, figuring out the mold vs. mildew situation doesn’t have to be a stressful piece of the process. Knowing the key differences to look for can help you understand what you’re dealing with and figure out the best plan for taking care of it.

For your next step, reach out to us to request an inspection. As experts in our field, we can thoroughly analyze the situation and develop a comprehensive plan. Our mold removal process is less disruptive to you and your home and also more effective. In no time, we will have you in a safer and cleaner environment!

insurance coverage for mold

Insurance Coverage for Mold

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Mold can be caused by a plethora of things, whether it be burst pipes, weather, or water-related (humidity) mold can spread quickly and no one wants to find it in their home or business! But if the dreaded day does come, what will your insurance cover?

So, what exactly is mold?
Mold is a fungus that can grow quickly in damp and dark places such as basements, attics, crawl spaces or inside of walls. There are lots of different kinds, millions and millions, some are not good to come in contact with and can cause unfortunate reactions to humans. It can be hard to spot and since it grows so quickly, it can do a lot of damage in a small amount of time.

Insurance coverage for mold can be tricky and restricted. Insurance companies limit mold coverage because of so many lawsuits from their policy owners, so now coverage is narrow and very specific. The best route when choosing or looking over your policy is to make sure they cover damage, loss, and cleanup from fungus for a specified loss, as well as ensure it will specifically cover fungus caused by water damage since that is the most common kind. Since most policies will vary, it is important to speak with your agent and go over the terms and conditions that are covered by your policy, to make sure you’re up to date on what will be covered. If you are getting covered for a business, two other insurances that can help with mold-related problems, are environmental insurance and liability insurance, which can cover property damage and bodily injury.

We hope that mold is not a problem in your future, but if it is, give us a call and we will come out and help! Our mold removal process will be less disruptive and effective so that you are in a safer and cleaner environment.

Healthy Freshness for Your Home—What’s the Verdict on Air Fresheners?

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Unpleasant home odors can have many sources. There are pet odors, cooking smells and stinky laundry. Smoking odors linger, as do chemical smells from paints and stains. The origins of some smells might even be unidentified.

In some circumstances, a thorough cleaning might address some of these unpleasant odors. But more often than not, Americans turn to commercial air fresheners for relief. How effective are these products? More importantly, what’s in them?

The fact is, spray air fresheners do not clean air and do not remove odors from the air. They don’t actually clean fabrics, carpets or other items they come in contact with. What they do is fool the senses—your nose no longer smells the odor, it smells the spray’s chemicals. Air fresheners in all forms are made of complex chemical-based scents intended to be inhaled.

What chemicals are commonly found in air fresheners? Are they safe for people and pets? The Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org has researched popular air freshening products and their ingredients and reports that many contain chemicals classified as neurotoxins, irritants or allergens.

Their website also ranks air fresheners by potential hazard—including thoroughness of ingredient disclosure and concern levels for potential cancer-causing ingredients and allergens. So what can you do to remove odors safely and for good? Try natural solutions like baking soda, houseplants, and air purifiers. For large-scale or serious smell issues, it might be time to consult with a professional. Break the Mold provides safe, affordable treatments and solutions. If you’re relying on chemical-based floral sprays to improve the environment in your home, make the call to Break the Mold.

Check out our website for additional details on our odor elimination solutions and find out what you can expect from treatment https://breakthemoldkzoo.com/odor-elimination/.

sanitize home mold

What Does it Mean to Sanitize Your Home?

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Dictionary.com defines “sanitize” as to make something free from dirt, germs, etc. as by cleaning or sterilizing.  Another definition is “to make something less offensive by eliminating something objectionable or unwholesome.”  And that’s exactly what homeowners want to do when they discover mold in their abode.

Break the Mold’s remediation system safely and quickly addresses any type of mold you may be dealing with.  The system specifically sanitizes against E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes.   These organisms can cause unpleasant and even dangerous illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and kidney failure https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli#1 .  The Listeria bacteria can cause severe illness including sepsis, meningitis, and encephalitis—even death https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listeriosis.

Here’s how to stop mold before it starts:

  1. Fix kitchen, bath and other plumbing leaks immediately.  Then take action to completely dry anything in the area that’s been wet.
  2. Remove visible mold from non-porous, hard surfaces by scrubbing, then drying completely.
  3. Soft, absorbent building materials and household items may need to be thrown out if they’ve gotten wet.  It’s difficult to completely sanitize this type of object. Dangerous mold can be difficult to clean on your own because it hides in carpets, wood, drywall and ceiling tiles.
  4. Preventatively increase ventilation in known moist areas like bathrooms.  Install a quality vent fan properly or crack open a window.

Most importantly, know when to call in the professionals.   Large-scale water damage and flooding require the eye of a professional.  If a wet, moldy item is expensive or has a high sentimental value, a mold expert will be able to determine if the item can be cleaned safely.  Break the Mold provides safe, affordable treatments.   When in doubt, make the call to the Mold Guy at Break The Mold at 269-359-0822!

mold remediation in springtime

Ahhhh, Spring!

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Ahhhh, spring!  The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining!  Unfortunately, spring can also bring optimum conditions for mold growth.   But not to worry!  Break the Mold has effective, comprehensive solutions for seasonal mold issues in your home.

What causes spring mold, and how can homeowners address it?   Very simply, those rising temperatures that boost our mood and allow the plants and grass to start growing also impact mold spores.  Warmth wakes them up and starts their growth cycle.  Spring rains also add moisture to our home atmosphere.   Even small leaks can encourage serious mold problems.

DIY can get you a temporary fix, but hiring a professional for mold issues is the safest bet.  Break the Mold works with trusted contractors, experienced in working with moisture issues.  Our knowledge equals successful remediation—the first time.  Our six-step process is comprehensive and effective and eliminates mold in about a day.

We start with an inspection.  Every homeowner has a unique situation, which requires a unique, tailored solution.  Break the Mold’s detailed inspection identifies the cause of the mold and allows us to develop a plan to eliminate the factors that allowed the mold to grow in the first place.

So why can’t homeowners just clean up the mold with bleach?  First of all, bleach is a harsh chemical that leaves behind harmful byproducts.  Break the Mold uses only safe, non-toxic products.   And bleach only cleans the superficial mold you can see.  Our solutions go beneath the surface to the root of the mold issue, eliminating the cause of the mold—the most effective way to ensure it does not return.

So enjoy the daffodils, and turn your face up to that glorious sun!  Your spring mold issues can be solved simply by giving Break the Mold a call.