Contrary to what many might believe, cold weather does not stop mold from growing; it merely slows it down. Mold can indeed flourish in colder temperatures if the conditions are right, which typically include moisture and a food source. Mold spores can go dormant when it’s very cold, surviving until warmer, more favorable conditions return, and they begin to grow again​. Optimal Conditions for Mold Growth Mold grows best in temperatures ranging from 32 to 77°F, a range that can be quite common in Alabama during the winter months. The idea that mold only grows in warm, humid conditions is a myt ..read more

Mold: it’s a word that often brings to mind unsightly spots on walls, musty odors in damp basements, and perhaps even concerns about health. As the top mold removal experts in Alabama, we often get asked, “Can mold live without water?” The answer is “yes,” but it’s more complicated than you might think, due to mold’s ability to go dormant for years. Mold requires moisture to grow but not necessarily to live. Mold spores can remain dormant for years in dry conditions, awaiting when moisture returns to spring back to life. This hibernation capability makes mold such a resilient foe in homes and ..read more

Homes today are being built with greater and greater energy efficiency. In the interest of lower utility bills, we are finding ways to keep the air we’ve heated or cooled inside. Things like spray foam insulation, better window construction, and better building practices keep our homes energy efficient by limiting air exchanges with the outside. Sometimes older homes are being retro-fitted with these energy-efficient technologies too. Energy-efficient homes should have an HVAC system that exchanges air with the outside air. Still, these do not always exchange enough air to exhaust enough harmf ..read more

Every so often I run across a situation that makes me think of it as one great opportunity to educate a lot of people about the unintended consequences of actions. So, it was recently that I was called upon to perform air tests for mold on a property that was being sold. The contract was agreed upon, and closing was in a day or two. There had been a water leak in the closet of a condo involving the hot water heater. The closet also housed the HVAC air handler for the apartment-style condo. Prior to the sale of the unit, the property owner approved a contractor to remove the hot water heater an ..read more

Air Sampling Procedure Air sampling is the most effective method for determining whether a mold infestation is potentially creating an unsafe living/working environment. Although not perfect, it is the standard for our industry. Our testing procedure incorporates the AirOCell® cassette. Air quality is tested by drawing 15 liters of air  per minute and impacting the airborne particles over a glass substrate. Typically, the process runs for 5 minutes producing a sample size of 75 liters. Subsequently, the cassette is sent to an AIHA accredited laboratory where the spores are microscopically ..read more

(This article by Roy Ponder originally appeared in Lake Martin North, Lake Martin South Magazine.) Mold is everywhere! It is a naturally occurring element that is found in any environment. It becomes a problem in indoor environments when it affects the health of the occupant. There are three things necessary for mold growth- food source, temperature, and water. Common food sources for mold in homes are dust and building products. Mold growth takes place when temperatures are elevated, and humidity is above 60%. There are many different types of mold, and they can be grouped into two categories ..read more

Radon lacks color and odor, and it occurs here in Alabama. Other parts of the U.S. may consistently have higher levels than we do, but because of the unexpected ways it surfaces, radon still causes concerns for Alabamans. Radon is responsible for more than 25,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Very few people in the South truly understand its dangers. This is unfortunate, as it is a serious matter and a class A carcinogen. The only cause of more lung cancer deaths is smoking. You have a high risk of lung cancer if you smoke in a home with high radon levels. Radon gas comes from uranium’s natural ..read more

Do you experience sinus problems throughout the year, regardless of what season it is? It is common for people to suffer from pollen allergies in the springtime or even from a common cold, however, if you have chronic, year-round sinus problems, or if you are experiencing allergies in the fall, you may have a sinus infection as a result of exposure to mold. That’s right: Not only does mold smell bad and have an unsightly appearance, it can also be detrimental to your health. Mold is found everywhere, both outdoors and indoors, from rotting wood to basements, to bathrooms. It can fester in par ..read more

As much as you love your furry friends, things at home can get a bit smelly when they live with you indoors. Thankfully, there are numerous ways that you can keep up your clean, fresh-smelling home and get rid of any odors that your dogs may cause.  The following tips and tricks should help renew and rejuvenate your home, but none of these will work as well as our scientific processes. When you know it is time to call the expert odor removers, BIOSWEEP® of Alabama offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee, so no smell is too hard for us to remove.  Dog Odor Removal Methods Sweeping ..read more

There is a lot of confusion about the difference between mold and mildew. Although we tend to use the words interchangeably when we’re talking, they are actually two different things! Mold and mildew are not drastically different though, but there are some key differences we should understand so that we can treat them. Mold remediation and getting rid of mildew are distinct processes, so understanding the difference between mold and mildew is vital. The Similarities Between Mold and Mildew But, before we dive into the differences, first let’s check out the similarities. The key point here is ..read more