Mold is Scary, But Not with Guarantee

Conner Perryman • August 4, 2021

Mold is something that is seemingly inescapable for those of us who reside in the South. It takes next to nothing before mold starts to form and then you have an organic growth infestation. Oftentimes, you might not even know it’s happening. Before anyone loses it because there is something strange looking around your vents or a funny smell in your laundry room, you have to understand what you are dealing with.


First Things First

The first step to addressing mold, or any problem really, is figuring out if you have one first. People always confuse mold with mildew, dust, or even dirt. In order for you to determine if it is actually mold, you have to utilize a testing company. Many companies test for more materials than only mold. A mold remediation company, like us here at Guarantee Restoration, cannot do the testing ourselves, so we work with third party contractors to complete this step. These professionals tell us exactly what we are dealing with. Some surface molds aren’t very harmful if they are treated quickly. Others, like stachybotrys, can prove to be highly toxic if spores are inhaled.


Steps for Mold Prevention

So that brings about the million-dollar question, “how can I prevent mold growth?” Like I previously mentioned, it’s not the easiest thing to do here in the South. In the summer especially, it can feel like you swam from your front door to your car because of the air’s moisture levels. The heat and humidity combination is no joke!


There are plenty of tricks to make sure your home stays as dry as possible. Monitor your humidity inside your house from your AC output vents. Some HVAC units produce at levels of 70% or higher, which can cause mold to start growing on any surface. Additionally, another cause of mold growth to be mindful of is from food that is either old or improperly stored. 


However, the most prevalent cause of mold occurs when water damage is not mitigated properly. These instances and bathrooms alone are notorious for being breeding grounds for organic mold growth. It important that your bathrooms are correctly ventilated so any steam can be released. 


Our GRS Mold Process 

Guarantee Restoration Services is certified by the IICRC to handle mold remediation of any size, small or large. There are a few steps to go through before a property can be considered mold-free. First, our team sets up a containment around the affected area. If mold is located only in one room, we don’t want it spreading to the rest of the property; nor do we want anyone remediating the property to get sick from the spores. 


Our team of professionals ensures this by wearing proper PPE, or personal protective equipment. They wear gloves, masks or respirators if needed. Once the containment is set up, we adjust the moisture levels of the area. A dehumidifier should be present and monitored daily to make sure the correct humidity levels are put back into the air. We will also utilize a HEPA vacuum with a filter that is changed regularly. HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air,” and this equipment filters out any airborne particles. 


Once our equipment is set up, we turn off any HVAC vents. Then, we cover and seal them to prevent further mold spreading. After this is completed, the demolition begins. As directed by the IICRC, we remove any affected area and cut two feet passed where the growth stopped growing. Next, our team encapsulates any mold growing on immovable materials like studs. This prevents additional spreading and stops the growth by essentially starving the mold from eating any other organic material. Finally, we dispose of any removed materials, take down our equipment and containment, and proceed to getting repairs organized. 


The 24/7 Team

At the end of the day, mold is scary, but it does not have to be. Our team of mold remediation experts is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. If your business or home has a mold issue, contact us today at 1-800-349-HELP (4357) or email info@guaranteerstoration.net.


Conner Perryman is a Business Development Associate at our Jackson office. He has been with the Guarantee team since May 2018. To connect with him, visit LinkedIn or send him an email.

The Dangers of Hidden Water Damage in Commercial Properties

By Adrianne Hungerford • June 3, 2026
Hidden moisture can damage commercial buildings long before it's visible. Learn the risks, warning signs, and importance of professional mitigation.

Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!

How to Respond to Property Damage in the First 24 Hours

By Shawn Folks • May 20, 2026
When a disaster strikes and a loss happens, the clock starts immediately. The first 24 hours after a storm event or a fire loss are the most critical for any property. It is at this time that major decisions need to be made, the damage is either controlled or spreads, and the path to recovery is determined. These decisions are often rushed, unclear, and reactive without a plan in place. This is where having a pre-loss plan makes a measurable and meaningful difference. A pre-loss plan creates a clear starting point for you and your team instead of scrambling to figure out who to call, what steps to take, or how to protect the property. It removes reactive hesitation and replaces it with action to recover. Everyone involved knows their role and understands the process, allowing them to move quickly without second guessing. Speed matters in restoration. Water continues to spread; materials continue to deteriorate, and secondary damage, like mold, can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The faster a response is initiated, the more damage can be contained. Pre-loss planning allows that response to begin immediately, not hours or days later. Other than fast action, it also brings clarity during a very chaotic and challenging moment. Property managers, facility teams, and business owners are not left out in the dark trying to make high-pressure decisions on the spot. Instead, they are following a plan that has already been thoroughly thought through, discussed, and tailored to their specific property’s needs. Communication can become fragmented without a plan. Another advantage to pre-loss planning is coordination. There are several moving parts including emergency services, restoration teams, and insurance carriers. Having a plan streamlines communication ensuring that everyone involved is aligned from the start. At Guarantee Restoration Services, pre-loss planning is designed to support the exact moment the dust settles. It’s not just about preparing documents to sign ahead of time; it’s about setting up our partners and clients to respond with confidence when it matters the most. From established points of contact to documented site conditions and response protocols, everything is built to protect time, reduce damage, and maintain control.  Many people think preparation is about preventing the worst from happening. Rather, it is about being ready when it happens. Because when those first 24 hours hit, you do not want to be figuring things out. You want to be executing a well-formulated, personalized plan for recovery. Call us today...where 24/7 isn’t just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE!
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