Learning Center

Does Cupping or Buckling Wood Flooring Mean There Is a Hidden Leak? It can. Wood flooring changes shape when its moisture balance changes, but the source may be a plumbing leak, appliance leak, exterior intrusion, bathroom migration, AC condensate, substrate moisture or elevated environmental humidity. What Is Wood-Floor Cupping? Cupping occurs when the edges of […]

Who Do I Call if I Move Furniture and Find Mold on the Wall? Document the condition and avoid disturbing it unnecessarily. ServiceMaster SRQ can evaluate the wall, moisture conditions and affected contents and determine whether targeted mold remediation is needed. Why Would Mold Grow Behind Furniture? Furniture placed tightly against a wall can restrict […]

What Does ServiceMaster SRQ Use During Structural Mold Remediation? ServiceMaster SRQ uses physical cleaning and Serum 1000/1K for appropriate structural mold-remediation applications. Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution may be used in appropriate labeled applications. Products do not replace moisture correction or physical remediation. Can ServiceMaster SRQ Clean the HVAC System if It Is Actually Contaminated? Yes. […]

If I Found Mold in My Air Handler, Do My Ducts Automatically Need Cleaning? No. Mold or suspected microbial growth in an air handler is a reason to inspect the connected HVAC system, not proof that every duct is contaminated. The air handler, supply and return plenums, registers, boots and accessible duct interiors should be […]

How Do Air Movers and Dehumidifiers Work? Wet moves toward dry. Dehumidifiers create a dry air environment, and air movers carry that dry air across wet surfaces to increase evaporation. The dehumidifier then removes the released moisture from the air. How Long Does It Take to Dry a Water-Heater Loss? Structural drying generally requires several […]

Can High Indoor Humidity Cause HVAC Mold? Yes. High humidity can increase condensation and moisture loading throughout the system and building. Correcting humidity control is important to prevent recurrence. Can a Clogged Condensate Drain Cause Mold? Yes. Drainage problems can lead to standing water, overflow and elevated moisture around the air handler. The mechanical drainage […]

Why Would Mold Grow Behind Furniture? Furniture placed tightly against a wall can restrict air movement. On a cooler wall surface, especially an exterior wall, elevated indoor humidity can create localized surface moisture that supports microbial growth. Does Mold Behind Furniture Mean I Have a Hidden Leak? Not automatically. A plumbing leak, roof intrusion or […]

Does the Equipment Platform Need to Be Removed? Not automatically. Platform construction, contamination, deterioration and access determine whether it can be cleaned, partially removed or needs replacement. Can Wood Framing Around the Air Handler Be Saved? Often, yes, when structurally sound. Framing can frequently be HEPA vacuumed, physically cleaned, appropriately treated and dried rather than […]

Can High Indoor Humidity Cause HVAC Mold? Yes. High humidity can increase condensation and moisture loading throughout the system and building. Correcting humidity control is important to prevent recurrence. Can a Clogged Condensate Drain Cause Mold? Yes. Drainage problems can lead to standing water, overflow and elevated moisture around the air handler. The mechanical drainage […]

Does the Concrete Slab Need to Be Removed? No, not for ordinary surface microbial contamination. The slab can generally be cleaned and dried after affected organic materials are addressed. Could the Leak Affect a Shared Wall With Another Room? Yes. Water can migrate through a wall or floor assembly and affect materials on the opposite […]

What Does Bubbling or Peeling Paint Usually Mean? Bubbling, blistering or peeling paint can indicate moisture affecting the paint film, drywall or material behind it. The visible damage does not identify where the moisture originated. Does Bubbling Paint Mean the Drywall Is Wet? It can, but not always at the time you discover it. A […]

Does Homeowners Insurance Always Cover Mold? No. Coverage depends on the cause, policy language and mold limitations or exclusions. Many homeowners do not know their mold sublimit until a claim occurs. Should I Take Photos Before Anyone Starts Work? Yes. Photograph visible growth, staining, affected materials and the suspected moisture source before conditions change, when […]