Diverse Ways to Address Odors in Suffern Homes after Mold Damage

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business in Suffern suffers mold damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

SERVPRO Resources Simplify Suffern Mold Remediation

Mold development is a complex problem that leads to visual and physical deterioration of structural materials and contents. The surfaces affected by mold in your Suffern home exhibit dark patches or other forms of staining. Loss of structural integrity is also likely leaving materials crumbly, thus unable to withstand physical exertion. Another easily dismissed aspect of mold damage is the musty odor that properties develop once infested. The colonies emit odor because of the mycotoxins released into the air. Material deterioration from mold is similar to rot, so it produces smells.

Taking specific steps to address odors in a Suffern property with mold damage is essential in restoring preloss conditions. Odors might persist after the soiling and deterioration from mold are handled. Sometimes the odor issues experienced are psychological since the brain can latch on to the irritating sensation of a musty odor leading house occupants to claim there is odor where none exists (phantosmia.) SERVPRO offers a wide array of solutions to help you deal with odors.

Useful mold odor management products:

• Pairing agents
• Masking agents
• Absorption and adsorption agents
• Disinfectants and sanitizers

One straightforward way to deal with odors is to destroy the malodor molecules. Using a pairing agent helps facilitate this type of action. The pairing agent combines with the odor molecule changing it in one of two ways - changing it chemically or precipitating it over a surface for easier cleaning. Products that change odor molecules chemically are known as counteractants, while those that precipitate them are called humectants. Our SERVPRO technicians rely more on counteractants when dealing with mold because they destroy odor-causing bacteria. 

Changing the Environment to Manage Odors

Sometimes making changes around the contaminated property helps defeat the odors experienced. When our SERVPRO technicians use masking agents around the property, it qualifies as modifying the environment. We take such actions if we ascertain that the odors experienced in the property are imaginary or if they are temporary and thus expected to dissipate naturally after some time. A masking agent is a product that emits a sweet scent, thus overcoming any foul odors. The products work through time-release mechanisms such as wicks, gels, or beads to supply a pleasant smell for a sufficient period.

Another way to modify the surrounding is using absorption and adsorption agents. These products work by capturing gasses from the air or absorbing humidity and oils. Our SERVPRO OCT-Certified technicians mostly use adsorption agents when addressing mold smells. The main product used for this is activated charcoal which is usually fitted into an air filtration device. When indoor air is circulated through the machine, it helps capture and retain the odorous gasses.

Since mold is a form of life, terminating its development is the ultimate way to control all the problems it causes, including the unpleasant odors. Products with disinfectant or sanitizer properties are best suited for such control since they remove the soils from mold colonies and help stop microbial growth processes. Disinfectants are denoted with "cide" in the product name, while sanitizers have the suffix "stat" in the product name. 

Other products that help control odors:

• Enzyme digesters
• Oxidizing agents
• Air purifiers

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County takes all the necessary steps to manage mold damage "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (845) 400-4888 whenever you need assistance.