Hidden Mold detection technicians at work – Break the Mold team.

Could That Smell in Your Home Be Hidden Mold?

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Do you ever notice a strange, musty smell in your house or some specific places? 

There may be a weird scent coming from a particular wall. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to contact Break the Mold to check for hidden mold problems.

Your home is where you should feel safe and cozy. But sometimes, an invisible troublemaker is lurking around. Mold, which you can’t always see, can cause health and home problems. 

This article will discuss why dealing with hidden mold issues is essential and how Break the Mold can help.

What’s Mold, Anyway?

Mold is a tiny, natural thing that likes to grow in damp and humid places. It’s crucial for the environment because it helps break down old stuff. But when Mold starts growing inside your home, it can be a big problem.

Signs of Hidden Mold

One common sign of hidden Mold is that yucky, musty smell that never seems to disappear, no matter how much you clean. That smell often means Mold is hiding nearby. Another sign is a strange smell coming from one spot or a wall. It’s important not to ignore these signs because hidden Mold can harm your health and home.

Health Risks of Hidden Mold

Mold can make you sick, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or a weaker immune system. Breathing in mold spores can lead to things like trouble breathing, headaches, feeling tired all the time, and itchy skin. Bottom line: you don’t want to be around Mold for a long time. 

Protecting Your Home

Besides health problems, hidden Mold can damage your home. It can weaken walls and ceilings, mess up insulation, and harm essential parts of your house. The longer you leave Mold alone, the more complex and expensive it is to fix.

Break the Mold: The Mold Detectives

Now, let’s talk about Break the Mold – the experts who can help you find and eliminate hidden Mold.

Break the Mold is a team of professionals who know all about Mold. They use special tools to find Mold, even in places you can’t see with your eyes.

Why Choose Break the Mold?

  1. They’re Super Accurate: Break the Mold can figure out exactly where Mold is hiding, so you know for sure.
  2. They Keep You Safe: Your health is their top concern, so they ensure that dealing with Mold doesn’t mess up your life.
  3. They’re Experts: The people at Break the Mold are certified experts in dealing with mold problems.
  4. They Fix Everything: They don’t just find Mold.  They can get rid of it for you, too.

Take Action Now if You Suspect Hidden Mold

Don’t wait if you think you have hidden Mold in your home. Suppose you’ve noticed that musty smell or strange scents from your walls. It’s time to do something about it. 

Contact Break the Mold today. They’ll check your home carefully for hidden Mold.

If they find Mold, they’ll make a plan with you to get rid of it. Your home should be safe and comfy, free from mold troubles. Break the Mold is here to help you make that happen.

In Conclusion

Hidden Mold is a problem that you shouldn’t ignore. It can make you sick and mess up your home. If you think you have hidden Mold, contact Break the Mold. They’ll help you make your home healthy and safe again. Don’t let Mold take over – together, we can keep your home mold-free!

The owner of Break The Mold setting up his equipment in a bathroom while talking to the homeowner about the mold removal process.

Safeguard Your Home with Professional Mold Inspection and Removal

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Break the Mold in Kalamazoo: A No-Hassle, Safe Mold Inspection and Removal Service by John “The Mold Guy”

The discovery of mold in your home can be a distressing experience, but when you call Break the Mold in Kalamazoo, Michigan, you can rest assured that your mold troubles will be handled easily. With over a decade of experience in the mold remediation business, John “The Mold Guy” Sweeney is dedicated to providing efficient and safe mold inspection and removal services. Say goodbye to mold worries as we delve into the reliable and effective solutions offered by Break the Mold.

Meet John “The Mold Guy”

When it comes to mold inspection and removal, expertise matters. John “The Mold Guy” Sweeney, the driving force behind Break the Mold, boasts more than ten years of experience in the industry. His commitment to mold destruction in treated areas is unparalleled, and the results are guaranteed. John not only eradicates mold; he also educates homeowners on avoiding mold problems in the future.

The Importance of Mold Inspection and Removal

Mold infestations pose significant health hazards and can lead to structural damage in homes. Professional mold inspection and removal are imperative to ensure a safe living environment. Break the Mold offers comprehensive mold inspection services to promptly identify and address mold growth. Their early detection and prevention focus can save homeowners from health issues and costly repairs.

Break the Mold’s Comprehensive Mold Inspection

At Break the Mold, the mold inspection process is thorough and meticulous. John and his team leave no corner unchecked using advanced equipment and techniques. Identifying mold growth at its early stages allows for effective containment and removal, preventing further spread and damage. Their expertise extends to detecting hidden mold that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Safe and Efficient Mold Removal Techniques

When it comes to mold removal, safety is paramount. Break the Mold takes a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to removing mold without compromising your well-being or the environment. Their efficient mold removal techniques can eliminate mold infestations in about a day. This means minimal disruption to your daily life while ensuring your home is mold-free and safe.

Customer Testimonials and Success Stories

Break the Mold’s reputation speaks for itself. Numerous satisfied customers have shared their success stories after availing of the company’s services. From minor mold issues to severe infestations, John “The Mold Guy” and his team have consistently delivered exceptional results, leaving homes healthier and happier.

The Break the Mold Guarantee

Confident in their abilities, Break the Mold offers a satisfaction guarantee to all customers. This guarantee reflects the company’s commitment to providing the highest quality mold inspection and removal services in Kalamazoo. Your peace of mind is their priority.

Preventing Future Mold Infestations

Beyond mold removal, John takes the time to educate homeowners on effective mold prevention strategies. By understanding the contributing factors to mold growth, you can implement proactive measures to keep your home mold-free in the long run. With Break the Mold’s expert guidance, you can break the cycle of mold infestations.

Proud to Serve Greater Kalamazoo, Portage, and Beyond

As a locally-owned business, Break the Mold takes great pride in serving the Kalamazoo community. Their dedication to providing top-notch mold remediation services stems from a genuine desire to keep homes and families safe.

Conclusion

Break the Mold is a reliable and efficient service provider in Kalamazoo, Michigan, regarding mold inspection and removal. Led by the experienced and knowledgeable John “The Mold Guy” Sweeney, the company ensures that mold infestations are promptly addressed and eliminated. 

With their thorough inspections, safe removal techniques, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Break the Mold has earned its reputation as a trusted ally in the battle against mold. Protect your home and loved ones – choose to Break the Mold for all your mold inspection and removal needs.

Ready to break free from mold worries? 

Contact Break the Mold today for expert mold inspection and safe removal services. Call now and take the first step toward a mold-free future.

The owner of Break The Mold taking a call about a mold inspection.

Dealing with Mold in Your Home: What to Share When Calling a Professional

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Discovering mold in your home can be a cause for concern, but addressing the issue promptly and effectively is important. When seeking professional help for mold and mildew removal, providing accurate information during your initial phone call is crucial. This article will guide you through the essential details to share with mold removal experts, ensuring a smoother process and efficient problem resolution.

Contact Details 

When contacting a mold removal professional, share your complete contact information, including your full name, phone number, and address. These details are essential for scheduling a visit and allowing the expert to locate your property accurately. Providing accurate contact information ensures effective communication and facilitates a prompt response to your mold concerns.

Description of the Issue 

Begin the conversation by explaining your concerns about mold in your house. Provide a concise description of the areas where you have observed mold growth and any accompanying issues, such as a musty odor or health symptoms experienced by you or your family members. This initial description helps the mold removal specialist understand the scope of the problem and tailor their approach accordingly.

Scope and Affected Areas 

Try to provide an estimate of the size and extent of the affected area. Is it localized to a specific wall or has it spread across multiple rooms? Providing such details assists the professional in determining the necessary resources and equipment for the job. Be as specific as possible in identifying the rooms or areas where you have noticed mold growth, aiding in the accurate assessment and subsequent removal process.

Duration 

Inform the mold removal expert about the duration of the mold issue. If you have any insights into when it might have started or if there was a specific event, such as a water leak, mention that as well. Understanding the timeline helps the professional gauge the potential severity of the mold problem and assess the need for further investigation or testing.

Water Damage History 

Disclose any history of water damage or moisture issues within your home. Whether it’s a past leak, flooding incident, plumbing problem, or even excessive condensation, providing this information assists the professional in determining potential moisture sources contributing to mold growth. Identifying and addressing the underlying moisture issue is vital for mold remediation and preventing future occurrences.

Health Concerns 

If you or your family members have experienced health symptoms that you suspect are related to mold exposure, communicate these concerns to the mold removal professional. Symptoms such as respiratory problems, allergies, persistent coughing, sneezing, or skin irritation should be mentioned. This information helps the expert assess the potential health risks associated with the mold and take appropriate precautions during the removal process to safeguard your well-being.

DIY Attempts 

If you have previously attempted any do-it-yourself mold removal or cleanup, it’s important to share this information. Informing the professional about your DIY efforts allows them to understand the measures you have taken and determine the potential extent of the problem. It also helps avoid any conflicting or ineffective techniques that may have been employed, ensuring a more targeted and comprehensive mold remediation strategy.

Conclusion 

Providing accurate and comprehensive information is crucial for resolving your mold concerns when contacting a professional mold removal service. By sharing essential details such as contact information, a description of the issue, affected areas, duration, water damage history, health concerns, and DIY attempts, you enable the experts to assess the situation accurately and provide tailored solutions for effective mold remediation.

Remember, addressing mold issues promptly and relying on the expertise of professionals can help create a healthier and safer living environment for you and your loved ones.

Call us with your mold issue!

We serve all of Southwest Michigan, including Kalamazoo, Portage, Grand Rapids, Holland, South Haven, Paw Paw, Mattawan, and surrounding areas.

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.

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.

Kalamazoo Flood May Leave Behind Unwanted Mold and Odor Issues

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This time it set a new record high-water mark.
According to measurements taken by the
National Weather Service, the Kalamazoo
River began to swell the night of
Saturday, February 23, 2018, and
continued into early the next morning.
It reached 11.69 feet at 1:30 a.m. Sunday,
the highest the river has been since it crested
at 11.53 feet late Friday, February 22, 2018.
The Friday record surpassed a 1947 record
of 10.94 feet.

While the worst of the flooding is likely over,
the cleanup is just getting started, and many
are in the process of assessing damage
to their properties. City Manager Dexter Mitchell said some residences had 4 to 5 feet of
standing water inside. Most Lakewood-neighborhood residents were evacuated, as
flooding “extremely” impacted this area.

Kalamazoo residents are encouraged to visit www.ready.gov/floods for additional
information about flood safety and what to do before and after a flood event.
Break the Mold is available to assist those with flood damage. A careful inspection of
your home is a good place to start. Each home and situation has its particular
circumstances. After an inspection, a “Game Plan” can be developed. Then we can
begin making your home healthy and
safe once again.

Break the Mold offers an air-cleaning
process that uses a vapor/mist/fog to treat
harmful, invisible airborne mold mycotoxins
and spores.

Contact Break the Mold at 269-359-
0822 today for Mold Remediation & Odor
Elimination Services in Kalamazoo and
Portage, MI. Customers can access details
at https://breakthemoldkzoo.com.