Tag Archive for: mould restoration

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Here’s Everything You Need To Know Prior to Storm Goretti

Storm Goretti is expected to bring severe winter weather to large parts of the UK, with amber warnings in place across several regions. Falling temperatures, heavy snow, and widespread ice raise risks to people, property, and travel. Preparing now helps reduce disruption and damage.

What to expect from Storm Goretti

Temperatures continue to fall across central and eastern England. Storm Goretti is forecast to bring heavy snow from Thursday night into Friday. Many amber warning areas may see 5 to 10cm of snowfall, with up to 20cm possible on higher ground.

The Met Office cautions about icy conditions on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths. Slips, falls, and vehicle accidents are more likely. Travel delays are anticipated across road and rail networks, with possible disruptions to public transport and power outages.

Overnight temperatures have already dropped below -10°C in some parts of the country. Prolonged cold weather increases the risk of frozen pipes, burst plumbing, roof leaks, and internal flooding. When thawing begins, water can spread rapidly through floors, walls, and ceilings if damage goes unnoticed.

Saturday is expected to remain cold but mainly dry, with wintry showers along the northern coasts. Milder air should arrive from Sunday. The UK Health Security Agency has extended amber cold health alerts across England until 11 January due to ongoing risks.

A weather warning map for 8 January. Pic: Met Office

A weather warning map for 8 January. Reference: Met Office

How to stay safe during Storm Goretti

Simple steps can help protect you and your property during harsh winter weather.

  • Avoid unnecessary travel during amber warnings. Check conditions before leaving and allow extra time.
  • Wear footwear with good grip to minimise the risk of slipping on ice.
  • Keep entrances, pathways, and steps clear. Use salt or grit where feasible.
  • Protect your pipes by insulating exposed sections and keeping the heating on at a low setting during freezing temperatures.
  • Know the location of your stopcock so you can turn off the water quickly if a pipe bursts.
  • Check roofs and gutters when it is safe. Snow accumulation and blocked drainage increase the risk of leaks during thawing.
  • Watch for signs of dampness indoors. Cold and moisture provide the perfect conditions for mould to grow.

How ServiceMaster Restore can help

ServiceMaster Restore supports homes and businesses affected by severe weather. Our teams specialise in flood damage restoration, water damage recovery, and mould removal and remediation. We respond quickly to prevent further damage, dry affected areas, and restore properties safely after storms, flood and water damage.

If Storm Goretti causes water ingress, burst pipes, or mould issues in your property, early action reduces repair time and cost.

ServiceMaster Restore is ready to help when winter weather takes its toll. Call us today on 0800 0213970.

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The Difference Between Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew are often confused. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both are linked to moisture, yet they behave differently and cause different levels of damage. Understanding the difference between mould and mildew helps you deal with the issue early and protect your property.

Mildew usually appears first. It is more visible and often easier to remove. Mould is typically more severe and may indicate a deeper moisture problem.

What Is Mildew?

Mildew is a surface-level fungal growth. It usually appears as a thin, powdery layer and is often white, light grey, or pale yellow. You frequently see mildew on bathroom tiles, window frames, and kitchen walls where condensation accumulates.

Mildew grows in warm, damp areas with poor ventilation. Because it remains on the surface, it can often be removed with household products. If mildew keeps returning, it indicates that the room’s moisture levels are too high.

What Is Mould?

Mould is more aggressive than mildew. It is used in materials such as plaster, wood, carpets, and insulation. It often appears black, green, or dark brown and typically has a strong, musty odour.

Mould spreads quickly and can damage your property’s structure if left untreated. It often develops after leaks, flooding, or long-term condensation problems. When mould becomes visible, it may already be established behind walls or under flooring.

The Key Difference Between Mould and Mildew

Mildew stays on the surface and is usually light in colour.
Mould penetrates materials and is often dark and patchy.

Mildew is easier to remove with regular cleaning.
Mould often requires professional treatment.

Mildew suggests poor ventilation.
Mould typically indicates ongoing moisture or water damage.

Health Risks of Mould and Mildew

Mildew can irritate, particularly for people with allergies or asthma. Mould poses a greater risk. Long-term exposure to mould spores may cause respiratory issues, headaches, and skin irritation.

Children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory conditions are more vulnerable. If mould continues to spread or keeps returning, it should not be ignored.

How to Prevent Mould and Mildew

Good ventilation is essential. Open windows daily where possible. Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Keep the heating consistent to prevent cold surfaces where moisture accumulates.

If your property has suffered a leak or flood, dry the area thoroughly and quickly. Moisture left behind creates the perfect conditions for mould growth.

When to Get Professional Help

If mould covers a large area, recurs, or is accompanied by musty odours or damaged surfaces, the issue is likely deeper than surface moisture. Cleaning alone will not solve the problem.

ServiceMaster Restore provides professional mould remediation and water damage restoration. Our teams identify the cause, treat affected areas, and help prevent further issues.

If you are concerned about mould or mildew in your property, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

Why Condensation is Worse in Winter and How to Stop it

Condensation can become a significant issue when winter arrives. You first notice it on the windows, and then it can spread to frames, walls, and corners.

Many people wonder why condensation worsens in colder months. The answer is straightforward: warm air inside your home comes into contact with cold surfaces, which causes it to condense into water. This is why winter condensation occurs quickly and can lead to problems if left unaddressed.

You heat your home more often and keep the windows closed. Cooking hot meals and drying clothes indoors also contribute to increased indoor moisture. This moisture has nowhere to go, so it settles on any cold surfaces it can find. If this continues, you may end up with mould, damp patches, and peeling paint.

Here are a few ways to reduce winter condensation and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue.

1. Improve ventilation

Fresh air significantly impacts indoor air quality. Open windows for a short time each day, and use extractor fans when showering or cooking. If your windows have them, utilise the trickle vents. These small actions can help remove moisture before it settles.

2. Keep rooms at a steady temperature

Cold rooms attract condensation quickly. Maintaining a steady temperature is essential because warm air can retain moisture for longer. Try to prevent rooms from getting too cold between heating cycles. Even a slight increase in temperature keeps surfaces warmer and reduces moisture buildup.

3. Avoid drying clothes indoors

Drying clothes indoors adds significant moisture to the air. If this is your only option, position the clothes near an open window or an extractor fan. A dehumidifier can also help quickly reduce winter condensation.

4. Move furniture away from cold walls

Large pieces of furniture block airflow, creating cold pockets where moisture settles. To allow air to circulate, leave a small gap behind wardrobes, beds, and sofas.

5. Wipe away moisture each morning

If condensation forms overnight, wipe it off before it soaks into the frames or plaster. This simple habit reduces mould growth and maintains windows in better condition.

Condensation during winter is common, but if left unaddressed, it can cause damage to your home. If you notice damp patches spreading, strong musty odours, or persistent mould, the issue may be more than just simple moisture build-up. Hidden leaks or inadequate ventilation can often exacerbate the problem.

ServiceMaster Restore can help if you are worried about water damage or mould. Our teams assess the issue, identify the cause, and carry out the appropriate restoration steps to protect your home.

Call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

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Service Spotlight: Disaster Recovery

When disaster strikes, it can bring operations to a standstill. From burst pipes to fires, floods or storm damage, the impact on your buildings, staff, customers and tenants can be serious.

In this blog post, the team at ServiceMaster Restore Devon outline how we help businesses recover quickly, safely and with minimal downtime. We provide a rapid, professional response to get you back up and running.

Comprehensive disaster recovery services

Our full range of restoration and recovery services includes:

  • Flood and water damage restoration – water extraction, sanitisation, structural drying and moisture monitoring to make your premises safe and minimise damage.
  • Fire and smoke damage recovery – soot removal, odour control and surface restoration to return your premises to pre-loss condition.
  • Biohazard clean up – safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials, such as sharps and bodily fluids, which pose a risk.
  • Mould remediation – specialist cleaning and treatment of mould to protect health and prevent reoccurrence.
  • Specialist and trauma cleaning – discrete, professional cleaning for sensitive incidents, carried out in full compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Graffiti restoration – removal of unwanted graffiti from walls and signage to return your property to its original condition and maintain your professional image.
  • Leak detection – use of non-invasive methods and cutting-edge technology to quickly locate and address leaks, sparing your property from unnecessary damage.

Minimising disruption and downtime

We know that every hour of lost productivity costs your organisation money. That’s why our response is immediate and coordinated. We prioritise safety, containment and restoration from the moment we arrive, working efficiently to get your facilities operational again as soon as possible.

Our team can work out of hours or in phases to fit around your operations, helping minimise disruption for your staff, customers or residents.

For your peace of mind and insurance compliance, our reports include detailed assessments, photographs, progress updates and completion certificates. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s been completed, and what comes next.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore Devon?

As part of the ServiceMaster Restore network, we combine national resources with local knowledge. Our Devon-based technicians are on call 24/7, ready to respond anywhere across Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and surrounding areas.

  • 24/7 rapid response across Devon
  • Local technicians with national support
  • Industry-accredited restoration specialists

When the unexpected happens, we’re here to help you recover quickly and confidently, protecting your people, your property, and your business continuity.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore?

If you need a restoration specialist who can respond quickly and decisively in emergencies, and collaborate seamlessly with other service providers to deliver a safe, efficient, and comprehensive solution, contact the ServiceMaster Restore Devon team on 01395 350065 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

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Case study: Professional bathroom mould remediation

How we helped a residential customer remove mould from their bathroom in Devon.

When mould strikes at home, it can quickly become more than an aesthetic problem. Left untreated, mould poses serious health risks and can cause lasting damage to your property.

This was precisely the challenge facing the homeowner in Exeter, who discovered black mould in their bathroom. Concerned about their family’s well-being and the potential cost of repairs, they turned to ServiceMaster Restore Devon for a safe, thorough, and lasting solution. Here’s how we responded.

The Problem

The homeowner contacted ServiceMaster Restore Devon after discovering severe black mould growth in their bathroom, which had spread across the ceiling, tiled walls, grout lines, and around the window frame.

This presented two major concerns:

  • Health risks: Black mould can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies if not properly treated
  • Property damage: Prolonged mould growth can stain and deteriorate surfaces, causing long-term and costly damage

Our solution

Our team of trained technicians carried out the following steps:

  1. Initial survey

  • A full inspection of the bathroom to assess the severity of mould and identify the underlying cause (which can range from inadequate ventilation to high humidity).
  • Risk assessments were completed to ensure safe working practices by our team.

  1. Preparation

  • Protective sheeting was installed to safeguard any unaffected areas
  • Our operatives used the correct PPE (respirators, gloves, coveralls) to handle mould spores safely

  1. Specialist treatment and cleaning

  • We applied professional biocidal cleaning agents designed to kill mould spores at their root
  • We then deep-cleaned the ceiling, walls, and fixtures to restore them to a safe and hygienic standard

  1. Prevention advice

After treatment, we gave bespoke recommendations to the homeowner for aftercare, including making improvements to ventilation, moisture control, and conducting regular maintenance cleaning to prevent any regrowth.

The Outcome

The bathroom was fully restored, with all black mould safely removed; its surfaces were left clean, sanitised, and free from staining. Our team left the homeowner’s bathroom and returned to a safe and healthy environment, and by addressing the root causes, the risk of recurrence was significantly reduced.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore?

ServiceMaster Restore combines specialist cleaning knowledge, industry-approved products, and 65 years of brand experience in the UK to provide safe and effective mould remediation services. Whether it’s a small patch of mould or a severe outbreak, our team can restore your property quickly and efficiently.

If you’re concerned about mould in your property, contact the ServiceMaster Restore Devon team on 01395 350065 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

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What Restoration Services does ServiceMaster Restore Offer?

ServiceMaster Restore has been delivering premium disaster restoration services to commercial and residential clients across the UK for over 60 years.

But when we say ‘restoration services’, what do we mean?

In this blog post, we dive into the services offered at ServiceMaster Restore, including:

  • Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
  • Flood and Water Damage Restoration
  • Leak Detection
  • Graffiti and Vandalism Restoration
  • Trauma Restoration
  • Mould Removal and Inspection
  • Sanitisation, Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Services
  • ServiceMaster Restore Plus

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

After a fire, your property will be damaged from the flames themselves, as well as the smoke.

Our expert fire and smoke damage restoration services help you return to your home or business as quickly as possible.

All our technicians are fully trained in fire mitigation, restoration and corrosion control, giving you the reassurance and results you need in a difficult situation.

Furthermore, acidic residue may continue to cause damage, even after the fire has been put out.

Even a small fire can cause dangerous smoke damage and create soot that needs expert removal to be dealt with.

Our professionals can evaluate what damaged items are salvageable and act quickly to save them.

Flood and Water Damage Restoration

Following a flood or when dealing with water damage in your home from a burst pipe, your property quickly becomes at risk from both the water and the mould and bacteria it can leave behind.

All of our technicians are fully equipped to carry out professional extraction and drying processes to protect your assets and restore your property as close as possible to its prior condition.

Our top-notch equipment is also non-invasive and can be run quietly so you don’t lose sleep while your home dries.

Leak Detection

At ServiceMaster Restore, we also carry out sophisticated leak detection services to identify water damage before it happens and stop it in its tracks – sparing you the cost and stress of dealing with damage from water in your property.

Our top-of-the-range and non-invasive equipment uses infrared cameras, acoustic sensors and moisture metres to identify a leak and check for moisture to mitigate potential damage and give you peace of mind.

Graffiti and Vandalism Restoration

The façade of your property is as vital to safeguard as its interiors.

Graffiti and vandalism can have a huge impact on your corporate image.

First impressions count and an unsightly building could lead to a loss of business, a reduction in staff morale and a negative public perception

Our specialist products can remove unwanted graffiti from walls to signage, with a rapid response and effective restoration to get your property back to normal in no time.

Trauma Restoration

Nobody wants to deal with the aftermath of an unexpected trauma.

Our experts at ServiceMaster Restore are trained to help you navigate trauma cleanup cleanly and compassionately.

Whether you need to clean up blood, bodily fluids, drug paraphernalia and other biohazards, we’re here to help.

Once at a scene, we’ll evaluate the extent of the damage and when authority is given, we will immediately begin trauma scene cleanup and restoration procedures.

We sanitise, clean, and deodorise all affected areas for infectious pathogens including HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C and Tuberculosis.

Once the infectious pathogens have been eradicated, we take all steps to return the residence or business to its original state before the incident.

Mould removal and inspection

Mould can be a nasty and dangerous presence on your property.

Responsible for damage to your home or business and likely causing ill-health for its inhabitants, mould must be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we’re here to protect you and your property from mould damage by using advanced tools to detect and effectively remove it.

If you have even the smallest suspicion that there may be mould in your property, call the experts and we’ll be here to help put you at ease.

Commercial-specific Services

Sanitisation, Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Services

Serious damage to your business, education or healthcare facility can also come from viruses.

Prevent flu or cold viruses from stopping your operation with ServiceMaster Restore’s comprehensive sanitisation, deep cleaning and disinfection services and products.

We carry out room and building contamination, fogging and surface sanitisation services using BDMA-qualified technicians and specialist products that meet the Emerging Pathogen Standard to be effective against many virus strains.

This includes SaniMaster, our effective sanitising and decontamination product widely used within hospitals, food preparation areas and schools to kill 99% of viruses like Cdiff, HIV and enveloped viruses

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

ServiceMaster Restore Plus caters to professionals navigating the intricacies of property claims.

Say goodbye to lengthy claims processes and say hello to being the local hero for your customers through this hassle-free add-on to your existing cover.

Our network of restoration specialists streamlines the claims process, preventing bottlenecks so that we can all be there for the people who need our support, when they need it most, with a guaranteed same-day callout for any disaster restoration work.

This offering also ensures cost efficiency through a tangible decrease in claims costs due to our proactive approach to damage mitigation.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Whatever damages your residential or commercial property is facing, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

Backed by over 60 years of experience delivering professional and comprehensive disaster restoration, prevention and mitigation services across the UK with the latest tools and expertise to help you recover from whatever life throws at you.

Disasters don’t work just 9-5 and neither do we. Our teams are on hand through our hotline 24/7, 365 days a year.

We’ll be there on 0800 021 3970 if you need us in an emergency.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today for support with a range of premium disaster restoration services from your local heroes.