We were honored to be able to assist the town of Greensboro in tackling a mold problem that was troubling the town hall staff. You can read the original article here...

In recent weeks, town hall staff and visitors noticed a persistent musty smell in the basement offices. The odor raised concerns, especially among those sensitive to environmental contaminants. Some individuals experienced eye irritation, particularly in the furnace room, and one employee even reported health issues due to the air quality.

Clean and Restore Restoration Steps In

The town quickly took action and contacted Wesley Carpenter from Clean and Restore Restoration of Vermont to investigate. On his initial visit on August 29, Carpenter found signs of black mold. He immediately recommended that Town Clerk, Kim Greaves, relocate staff to the upper floors as a precaution while air and surface samples were collected for testing.

Mold Remediation at the Town Hall

By Thursday, September 5, the results were in. Staff had already begun settling into their new offices on the first floor when Greaves received the verbal report. A formal report and remediation quote followed on Monday, September 9, estimating the cost of cleanup at under $5,000. Carpenter assured the town that while mold was present, the situation was not as severe as initially feared. The remediation would involve removing wallboard and cleaning, with an anticipated duration of about a week. Clean and Restore Restoration was available to begin the process in mid-October.

Humidity has been a significant concern in the basement, especially after a repair technician identified it as the cause of recurring issues with the town’s copier. The technician noted that a sensor recorded humidity levels of 85 to 90 percent, far above the EPA’s recommended range of 30 to 50 percent for indoor spaces. High humidity can create an environment conducive to mold growth, and Carpenter’s findings confirmed this. He discovered that a previous water leak in the furnace room had not been properly dried, and evidence of water infiltration from outside suggested that the storage room had also been affected.

Clean and Restore Offers Long Term Help

Following remediation, Greaves plans to ask Clean and Restore Restoration for recommendations on improving air circulation and maintaining appropriate humidity levels in the basement offices to prevent future mold issues.

The EPA emphasizes the importance of controlling moisture to prevent mold growth. While mold plays a natural role outdoors by breaking down organic material, its presence indoors can be harmful. Carpenter’s team is ready to step in and ensure that the town hall’s basement is a safe, clean environment for staff and visitors alike.

Thanks to Clean and Restore Restoration’s prompt response and expertise, the town is well on its way to resolving this issue, making the town hall a safer place for everyone.