Lead Based Paint Remediation

July 30th, 2010

Lead based paint remediation is a job for a professional company that is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This certification ensures that the company is knowledgeable and competent in water, mold, and fire restoration when handling lead-based paint. The managers, inspectors, and technicians of a lead-safe certified company take classes and do field work to garner skills and expertise in safely removing and disposing of lead-based paint. The debris from it is hazardous waste.

A new federal law applies as of April 22, 2010. It compels contractors that execute renovation, restoration, and painting projects that unsettles an area bigger than 6 square feet of paint in structures constructed before 1978 to be trained and certified in work habits that stop lead contamination. This law applies to work done in homes, day care facilities, and schools.

Professionals know the correct procedures to lessen, control, and confine lead dust produced by removing lead-based paint. They specialize in water damage repair, mold inspection and elimination, and fire damage renovation.

People usually get lead poisoning from lead contaminated dust or deteriorating lead-based paint. All of the methods for paint removal which includes heat guns, torches, sandpaper, chemicals, and scrapers may generate floating lead dust and fumes. People can inhale or ingest these dangerous contaminates, which cause lead poisoning. This poisoning may cause irreparable brain damage in children. In adults it may cause nerve damage, decrease muscle coordination, and raise blood pressure.

But trained professionals working for a water, mold, and fire restoration company know how to control the lead dust that is stirred up during the elimination or abatement process. The strict procedures they follow prevents the lead dust from contaminating your home, day car facility or school.

The professionals can remove window sills, molding, and trim to strip the paint outdoors. The restoration company can remove and change or cover-up lead-based paint. They can restore your home to a lead paint free condition that is safe for your family.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Mold in HVAC Ductwork

July 28th, 2010

The presence of mold in a home or building can result in a significant indoor air quality problem. Any species of black mold poses a potential health threat to the building’s occupants. Many mold problems originate in the HVAC ductwork where there is an ideal environment for mold propagation.

As mold breaks down different materials to obtain nutrients, the byproducts include volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). While the mold continues to grow, spores are released to establish new colonies. The combination of VOC’s and mold spores in the air stream triggers allergic reactions in people with sensitivities. There are a variety of health issues associated with mold contact including skin rashes, lesions and even invasive disease.

Moisture and Ductwork

Uninsulated duct systems often create condensation issues that result in moisture on the interior surface of the bare sheet metal. Even internally insulated ductwork can experience mold growth if the system is improperly sized. Anywhere there is a source of moisture, mold will begin to grow.

Most heating and air conditioning systems include a blower to distribute conditioned air throughout the building. When mold is present in the ductwork system, the fan also pushes spores and VOC’s into every sub domain in the structure. As a result, addressing mold growth in a duct system is a primary remediation objective.

Cleaning and Prevention

Many water, mold and fire restoration companies specialize in removing mold colonies and installing preventative measures to eliminate future growth. In any remediation operation, the source of the moisture in the duct system must be isolated and eliminated.

Professional cleaning of the ductwork includes using disinfectants to kill existing mold colonies. A variety of different technology is employed to thoroughly clean the ductwork such as compressed air washing, HEPA filtration and manual scrubbing.

To prevent the reestablishment of mold in the ductwork, a strategy of filtration and eradication is most often employed. This usually includes HEPA filtration or electronic air cleaners installed directly in the air stream. Other devices such as UV lamps and ozone generators will prevent colonies from recurring and ensure that the home or business will remain mold free.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Allergies related to mold exposure

July 26th, 2010

Chances are that you have encountered mold at one point in your life. From a leaky bathroom faucet to an old loaf of bread, mold can grow in many places. Unfortunately, allergies related to mold exposure are a serious problem for many people. It is estimated that 10% of Americans are allergic to mold.

Symptoms of a mold allergy include dizziness, nose bleeds, nausea, difficulty breathing and skin rashes. In serious cases of overexposure, mold can even cause death. If you suspect that you are allergic to mold, check with your doctor for a mold allergy skin test.

The first step in treating a mold allergy is eliminating exposure. If that is not possible, your doctor might recommend antihistamine medications or a series of allergy shots to help reduce symptoms.

Unfortunately, detecting mold in your home can be difficult. Mold can grow year-round in many types of environments. When mold grows in a visible location, it is apparent to the naked eye in the form of brown or black spots. However, it can also grow in places that you are unlikely to see, such as closets, refrigerator door gaskets, air conditioner units and carpets.

If you suspect that your home is harboring dangerous mold allergens, it’s time to call in the professionals. A water, mold and fire restoration company can assess the extent of the damage in your home and repair any damage that has been done. After a professional restoration company has completed the task, you can rest assured that your home is mold-free.

The cost of professional water, mold and fire restoration varies depending on the extent of the job. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if the work is covered under you policy.

Once the experts have cleared your home of mold, be sure to keep up regular maintenance to ensure a mold outbreak does not occur again. Keep an eye out for leaks, and inspect windows and doors regularly to ensure that unwanted moisture cannot enter your home.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Home Sick: Toxic Mold From Water Damage

July 23rd, 2010
Mold is a type of fungus that can only grow in moist conditions, and it is sure to form if the moisture content in a house is not controlled. The most common household molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. Most of these molds are either black or white in appearance. Mold is destructive to the home because it destroys the materials that it grows on, due to the physiology of the fungus. Unlike plants, fungi can not make their own food, so they produce enzymes that break down whatever food source they happen to be attached to. Wood, drywall, carpet, and other materials make an excellent source of food for mold. This is why mold from flood damage and water damage is the worst enemy.

In addition, certain molds in the living environment can make a person very ill because they release allergens called mytotoxins. These function by killing healthy cells in the infected organism. People with asthma must especially be on guard as these can trigger severe attacks. A normally healthy person can become very ill from exposure to mold toxins as well. Prolonged exposure induces severe headaches, swelling, irritated skin, and respiratory illness. It would be especially disastrous to have mold growing where a young child or elderly person spends a lot of time, because the effects are harder on their bodies. The mold of most concern is called Stachybotrys chartarum, a dreaded green-black colored mold. This species has been blamed for causing acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants, a condition in which the blood vessels in the fast growing lungs rupture.

Most insurance companies do not cover mold damage, but do cover water damage from leaks. these reasons make it very important to make sure that all leaks in the home are repaired promptly, and that any existing mold is killed and cleaned as soon as possible.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Carpets Must be Thoroughly Dried to Prevent Health Conditions

July 21st, 2010
The importance of thoroughly drying carpets after water damage cannot be stressed enough. There are important steps to follow if the homeowner prefers do it yourself methods instead of hiring professionals. The homeowner must realize that interior fibers of the carpet may still contain moisture even if the surface appears dry. This moisture causes the growth of bacteria, viruses, parasites, mold, and mildew. Respiratory infections, asthma, internal bleeding, and even death can occur from this growth. The removal of mold is an expensive and time-consuming process that must be dealt with by professionals.

The damaged carpet must be removed from the room and laid outside in the sunlight. If the rug is too large to accomplish this, it must be rolled up from the floor so towels can dry the carpet and floor underneath. Oftentimes the padding must be removed and discarded since it will be unsalvageable. Circulating air by using fans, dehumidifiers, heaters, and air conditioners also helps the drying process. Keeping doors and windows open allows sunlight to warm and dry the carpet. This do it yourself process can take two or more days to complete. Another method is to rent a wet/dry vacuum to extract the excess water from the carpet.

Water damage results from the broken water pipes of a dishwasher, washing machine, sink, or bathtub. Rain water can leak from the roof onto the floor and carpet in the room below. Backup of the commode in the bathroom can leave a terrible aftermath not only in the bathroom but nearby rooms. It is important to wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves and boots, and face and eye protection from any splash while cleaning. A bleach and water solution must be properly applied to sanitize and disinfect the area affected by this type of damage.

Leaving moist carpet in a room can also damage the floor itself whether it is concrete, tile, laminate, or hardwood. Dry rotted floors cause even more problems. The importance of thoroughly drying carpets after water damage can be a heavy burden on homeowners. If excess moisture is not removed promptly and properly, the health and well being of family members can be affected as well as further damage to the home itself.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Water Damaged Homes In Summer – What You Need To Know

July 19th, 2010

For many summer is a blessing. However for those dealing with a water damaged home summer can be a nightmare. On top of the obvious repairs for water damaged homes one hidden danger is especially present – mold. But first before we get into why summer is such a bad season for mold growth, let us discuss what mold is and what causes mold.

Mold is essentially a small fungi that can be found in most homes and places of residence. These small fungi reproduce through spores and of the thousands of species of mold only a few are toxic towards humans. This is not to say that the non-toxic mold cannot have negative health effects, certain molds has been shown through studies to cause allergies, adverse reactions and respiratory diseases even though deemed “non-toxic.” Although found in most homes, it is when water damage occurs that a mold infestation can become out of control and a contractor must be brought in.

There are three conditions that mold requires to grow: nutrients, moisture and time. Since cellulose (a common mold nutrient) is present in most homes and mold spores have nothing but time, the only ingredient needed for mold to grow water. This can come in the form of excessive moisture in the air or from water damage, a particular hazard for mold growth. This can be especially hazardous in the summer time, as the damage from water can be multiplied exponentially by the season.

The reason behind this is due to the humidity that summer brings. Xerophilic molds use the surrounding humidity as their only source of water, so when the summer heat brings in the humidity mold has all the ingredients it needs to reproduce. To top that off, water damage soaks the surrounding environment with even more moisture so that other types of mold can grow. So on top of the physical damage from water the infestation of mold is in a sense the icing on the cake.

Once infested, mold must be cleaned with a detergent that physically removes the spores from the environment. Many products render mold inactive, however toxic molds can still cause illness or even death if left untreated. There are specialists who clean mold, but care should be made so that the cost of removal doesn’t exceed the cost of the home. Certain homes may be cheaper to condemn and rebuild than to remove mold.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Why Soot Damage Needs to Be Removed

July 16th, 2010
When your home has been damaged by fire the destruction does not end once the flames have been squelched. Smoke, soot and water can continue to deteriorate your walls, cabinets, roof and carpets. As a fire burns inside a house, toxic chemical compounds are often created. Dangerous gases can be produced by the reaction between fire and a host of construction components used in building the home; solvents, glues, rubber, wood or paint. Smoke and soot from a fire can leave behind destructive chemical deposits, which is why soot damage needs to be removed.

Soot Damage
Soot is a fine black carbon powder that results from the incomplete combustion between a fuel source, such as wood or coal and the air. Soot is actually an oily substance that continues to cause damage long after putting out the fire if not handled properly.

Smoke and soot travels into the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system duct work and into pipe work as well. The residue left behind not only clogs air ducts and pipes, but also releases tiny toxic particles (carcinogens) into the air you breathe.

Besides soot, secondary damage can be imposed from water in the form of mold and rust corrosion; thus it is advisable to have structural components of the home replaced. A pungent odor is often left behind even after visible signs of soot damage are gone. Roofing materials frequently sustain damage in the course of putting out the fire. Walls, cabinets, carpets and roofing materials should be replaced to ensure the health and safety of the inhabitants and to make certain the house can be adequately insured again after restoration.

Health and Safety Codes
Many cities and counties have municipal codes regarding the disposal of infected, contaminated or chemically hazardous materials. After a fire, it is best to replace structural components of a house that may contain hazardous chemical deposits from soot damage and deeply embedded smoke odor. Insurance companies may hesitate to insure the home again if structural elements damaged by soot are only cleaned rather than replaced.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Is Your Condo Protected?

July 14th, 2010
So, you finally made a leap of faith and purchased your dream condo, but how do you know that it is properly protected? More often than not, your condo’s maintenance will be under the supervision of your respective condo association, who may not be hiring the proper restoration companies to take care of water, mold, and fire damage. So how can you convince them to do so? This guide will help you learn how to make sure that your condo association is using the best restoration company available to properly take care of water, mold, and fire damage if and when it occurs.

The first thing you will want to do when making sure that your condo association chooses a company that can properly manage such damage issues is to communicate to them the huge disadvantages of not contracting a company that can handle such repairs. Make it clear to them that hiring an unqualified company can lead to more damage and unforseen lost time. Let them know that hiring a qualified company will mean less headaches and less work for them in the long and short-term. More often than not, condo associations will hire a company based on their price quotes and not on the actual quality of work. Though this may seem smart to them, this is a huge mistake for those that own condos under the supervision of the association, since it can mean that the job will not be done right the first time. Such scenarios can lead to lost time for the condo owners, as well as an embarrassment when friends or family decide to visit them and see subpar work done, or worse, no work done at all on the damaged areas of their residence.

The second thing you’ll want to communicate to your condo association is that a cheap price quote from their current unqualified vendor may not translate into any price savings whatsoever. Let them know that a cheap price quote often means cheap work done, which usually only leads to more repairs down the road, which cause even more expenses, since the job wasn’t not done right the first time.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Mold Education

July 12th, 2010

Although it isn’t as obvious as water or fire damage, home owners should be on the lookout for mold damage. Not only does it cause unpleasant, musty smells throughout a home, some molds can cause serious health risks. The longer mold is allowed to sit, the more extensive the damage can become. Mold damage will significantly lower the resale value of a home and may require heavy repairs to correct if allowed to grow out of control.

When Am I At Risk For Mold Damage?

Mold is most common in areas that are hot and damp or otherwise humid. This can naturally occur due to summer heat or rain, particularly in homes with inferior insulation. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods are also common causes of mold damage. Mold can also be the result of unnoticed leaks or poor plumbing.

What Are The Signs Of Mold Damage?

Mold and mildew tend to produce a very distinctive musty odor. Different types of mold are more pungent than others. It will also produce spores that can be seen floating in the air. These spores can cause allergies to act up, sometimes severely. Other signs of mold include white or black spots growing on walls or ceiling tiles.

Not only mold is readily visible. It can be growing behind walls or within surfaces for some time before becoming apparent on the surface. The dangerous health effects of mold can still persist even if it can not be seen.

What Are The Dangers Of Mold Damage?

Most types of mold will cause only minor allergenic problems. However, some types of mold can release “mycotoxins”, which can cause severe and persistent health problems to all who are exposed. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and severe respiratory distress.

If you feel that your home has a mold or fungus problem, contact a professional immediately to help clean the affected area. By hiring a cleaner, you can ensure that knowledgeable, skilled workers will attend to your mold damage and insure that your home is clean and safe for your family. Don’t let mold damage ruin your home or health! Call today to get rid of the mold and get on with your life.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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How Infrared Thermal Imaging Helps People Hurt by Water Damage

July 2nd, 2010

Infrared thermal imaging is is a technology which involves cameras that see infrared light rather than the light that is visible to the human eye. Infrared light is the type of light that transmits heat from one place to another. When you feel the warmth of the sunlight on your skin, this is the resultfire of infrared light. Because infrared light is emitted by anything that contains heat, including objects at room temperature, infrared light can be used by thermal imaging technology to see in the dark. It can also be used to see the difference in temperature between different objects.

Because water retains its temperature more resiliently than most materials within the home, it is usually either warmer or cooler than the surrounding materials, depending on where the water is coming from. Buildings that are saturated with water can be easily located in this way. Within the building or home that is suffering from water damage, infrared thermal imaging can be used to easily locate building materials which have become wet. Wet materials stand out against the surrounding environment due to their differing temperatures. In this way, assessments of the true damage to a building or home can be made easily and quickly. Water damage that is hidden from plain view, in the ceiling or behind the drywall, can be seen with infrared cameras.

Mitigating water damage has become much easier as a result, allowing trained professionals to quickly asses which areas of the building need to be inspected further with other equipment such as moisture meters. However, infrared cameras are only useful for people skilled with using them. They do not tell the person who is using them whether or not something is wet directly, the only tell them if something is hotter or colder than the surrounding environment. It takes a skilled professional to use this information to make an educated guess about whether or not building materials may be saturated with water.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.com

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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