Posts Tagged ‘DryWall Inspection by Super Restoration’

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How Does Mold Travel in a Home?

Friday, October 1st, 2010
Mold is a common problem in many houses. Fortunately, most mold is fairly harmless, possibly causing mild allergic reactions or simply contributing to aesthetic problems. In some cases, though, mold can lead to serious health problems.

Where Does Mold Come From?

Mold is a fungus, like a mushroom but on a microscopic level. Mold is present at all times in the air, but does not become a problem until conditions allow it to proliferate. Once mold has taken hold, it can damage the surface where it is growing. The growing mold will release additional spores into the air, leading to allergies, asthma, or, depending upon the type of mold, serious breathing problems or permanent cognitive degeneration if the mold releases toxic compounds. Black mold is one type of mold that can lead to long term, serious and even fatal health issues.

Mold grows quickly, and often goes unnoticed until it has affected a large, visible area of the house. Warm, damp conditions are most likely to spur mold growth, meaning that the bathroom area is particularly vulnerable.

How Does Mold Travel?

An opportunistic traveler, mold is carried through the air, into heating ducts, on clothing and even on the fur of the family pet. Mold growing on any surface in the home will release additional mold spores that will then travel to other areas of the house. If these spores find a warm, moist area, they are likely to begin to grow there, leading to another colony of mold and the potential that even more mold will spread throughout the home.

If mold has infested a given area, it is important to eradicate it before it causes damage or proliferates to a point where it is difficult to remove. If mold has become particularly widespread or stubborn, contact a mold removal specialist to help remove it permanently.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Infrared imaging, why you need it after water damage

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
After a fire or flood, it is important to really take care of a space. The property may still be standing, but there will no doubt be a lot of water damage, soot, and debris to take care of. Do not think that you can handle all of this yourself. Dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster or accident can be really difficult. You just may not have the technology, skill, or training to thoroughly clean a space following water damage. This is why you should talk to a company that is well versed in how to detect and deal with water damage. Such companies are often used by huge corporations and companies and by insurance groups looking to deal with such issues in a quick, efficient, and cost effective manner. The following are some reasons for why you should invest in such a group and to invest in infrared imaging.

Sometimes, water damage is not simply mopping up excess water and calling it a day. Water can seep into everything from carpets to walls. By using the latest in infrared imaging, one can spot water damage or leakage they may not normally see with just their eyes. This means that what could ruin a home’s structure and property could be removed. State of the art electronics are important because they can save you a lot of money when it comes to repair costs. After all, you do not want to receive your insurance payout or compensation until you know the full extent of all the damages. This is why infrared imaging is just so valuable an investment and why you should always work with water damage experts after a flood, fire, or similar issue.

Be smart so that your investments are always protected. Using the latest imaging techniques and equipment means that you will never have to worry that there is water still lurking in your home. Cover all your bases and work with professionals who will explore every nook and cranny of a home or commercial space.

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

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Most Common Places To Check For Mold Growth

Monday, September 20th, 2010
Mold Growth – What To Look For
Mold growth can be dangerous. Particularly, if it’s black mold. Mold occurs as a result of too much moisture in an enclosed area. Spores form and begin to grow into full colonies until they are large enough to be visible with the human eye. Mold can be a result of moisture in an enclosed room with too high a temperature or even in ambient temperatures where spores can attach themselves to walls and floors. This is the most common place to find mold growth.

Check Regularly For Mold Growth
In homes where there are high levels of humidity, homes and buildings are often the most common places to check for mold growth. Check basement floors and walls regularly for signs of moisture or moisture vapors in small cracks and crevices. Don’t overlook the upper levels of structures either. Many times, black mold growth can develop around water pipes under the kitchen or bathroom sinks. If the structure has had any damage due to basement flooding or water damage from a fire, it is important to have the structure thoroughly inspected for mold as soon as possible.

Mold In The Refrigerator?
Mold occurs in and around refrigerators as a result of inadequate maintenance. Check behind refrigerators as well as in any collection pans where condensation can occur. Condensation is one of the chief reasons for mold growth. So also check dishwashers and garbage disposal units thoroughly. A reputable inspection and maintenance company that specializes in mold growth remediation is the best way to remediate any problems or potential problems. These professional consultants know all of the most important areas of a structure that can cause mold growth. They can provide a check list after their inspections are done and offer advice to reduce mold growth in the future.

Mold Growth – An Odor Problem
Whenever there is a mold growth problem, by the time mold odors are detected in a structure, it may already be too late to do it yourself to remove the source. Call in a professional for maximum peace of mind.

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

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Remediation of Contaminated Chinese Drywall

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Defective or tainted drywall imported from China between 2001 and 2007 could give off sulfur gases which create a noxious odor and corrode metal surfaces. Sulfur emissions have been found to damage air conditioners, electrical wiring, copper plumbing, appliances, and electronics. Known adverse health effects from the contaminated drywall include nosebleeds, allergies, rashes, and headaches. Long term health effects of exposure to the sulfur fumes from the tainted drywall are unknown, although the United States government has begun several studies. The tainted drywall includes an estimated 20 million square feet in more than 65,000 American homes.

Issues with the contaminated drywall were first reported in 2008. The affected drywall (also known as wallboard, gypsum board, or plasterboard) was transported through ports in Florida, Texas, New Orleans, and California. The exact cause of the high concentrations of sulfur in the gypsum used to make the drywall has not been ascertained although experts believe the drywall was contaminated with fly ash during mining.

Homeowners who suspect they have tainted Chinese drywall should first consult a physician regarding the health effects. Then a certified electrician should be hired to examine the property for electrical or fire hazards. Following the inspection, homeowners should notify state/local officials as well as their insurance company, who can direct the homeowner to resources available to assist in remediating the contaminated drywall.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the Interim Remediation Guidance for Homes with Problem Drywall on April 3, 2010, which recommends that all possible problem drywall, all fire safety alarm devices including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, all electrical components and wiring, all service piping, and all fire suppression systems be removed and replaced by a qualified professional. Additional items subjected to cross-contamination may also need to be replaced. Common items susceptible to cross-contamination include furniture, air conditioners, carpet, hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, tile flooring, cabinets, countertops, trim, moldings, baseboards, and bathroom fixtures.

During and following removal of contaminated drywall and associated materials, the Consumer Safety Commission recommends using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum and periodic ventilation of the residence to reduce the concentration of sulfur in air.

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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The Insured’s Responsibility to Mitigate Immediately

Monday, August 23rd, 2010
If you have homeowner’s or flood insurance, are you aware of your responsibility to mitigate the loss? You need to take action to keep a problem from getting worse after making a claim or observing a problem. Failure to do so may affect the amount that your insurance will pay.

~What Does Mitigation Mean?

Imagine that a pipe breaks, causing a flood in your home. You have a responsibility as the insured party to make arrangements to stop the leak and clean up the water to prevent further damages. If you do not take these steps, the damage will get worse and more expensive. In this case, mold may begin to grow or water damage will increase.

~What are the Consequences of Not Mitigating Loss?

One legal case, Higginbotham v. New Hampshire Indem. Co., found that homeowners whose roof was damaged could receive payment for the damaged roof, but not for the water damage that occurred over several months before the roof was repaired. The judge determined that the homeowner could and should have taken action to prevent water from leaking through the damaged roof.

~How to Mitigate Against Further Damage

Be sure to contact your insurance company immediately and to take pictures of the damage that has already occurred. Then, take steps to prevent the problem from getting worse. This may include making temporary repairs, such as boarding up a broken window, or shutting off utilities, such as water to a damaged pipe. If a flood occurred, be sure to allow the area to completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or rust. You may also need to contact an expert to assist in repairs or flood cleanup. Save all of your receipts from supplies and repairs. Your insurance company may be able to provide emergency cash for these costs or may reimburse you after the fact.

By taking steps to reduce the chance of further damage, you are protecting your investment and avoiding unpleasant surprises down the road. If you have any questions about your responsibility in an insurance claim, ask your insurance company or a trusted expert for the type of damage that occurred.

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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Lead Based Paint Remediation

Friday, 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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Carpets Must be Thoroughly Dried to Prevent Health Conditions

Wednesday, 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

Monday, 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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Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Could it be possible that your carpeting and furniture upholstering around your home is actually making you and your family sick? If you or anyone in your family have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, sore throats, watery eyes, itching, rashes or other allergy and asthma like symptoms, it is possible that you are getting sick from what lies beyond your carpet and furniture’s surface. Often times most people sum it up to allergies, colds or changes in the weather. Super Restoration has a cleaning service for your carpeting and upholstering throughout your home that can eliminate the problem and leave your carpeting and furniture looking great.

Super Restoration has developed a method of carpet and upholstering cleaning that not only eliminates the stains on the surface, but it gets way down to where the problems are. Trapped in most carpeting and furniture are dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and other odor causing fungi that can be harmful to you, your family and any household pets that you may have within your home. Yes, even your pets can suffer from what is trapped in the fibers of your carpet and furniture upholstering.

Super Restoration has patented their own cleaning service for carpeting and upholstery cleaning. This method uses a hot water extraction with Butler truck mount equipment. This method of cleaning combined with highly qualified professional technicians who have been certified through a vigorous training program means great results for you and a healthier living environment for your family.

When dealing with furniture upholstering there are special techniques that you must use. With a large variety of materials used on upholstering, you must have knowledge in how to properly clean them. The technicians at Super Restoration have the best training in how to get the best results to get your furniture upholstering looking its best and tips to help you maintain it in this condition. Super Restoration technicians will test your upholstery for color fastness and stability of the material prior to your cleaning appointment. You are guaranteed to be please with the results you get with Super Restoration.

Some of the services and guarantees that you can count on Super Restoration to provide for you include:

Wall to Wall carpet cleaning.
Professional upholstery cleaning with results for your specific material.
Persian, Domestic Loose and Oriental Rug cleaning.
Cleaning solutions that are safe for you, your family, your pets and the environment.
Free estimates on your desired cleaning services.
No hidden fees to pay.
Highly qualified technicians who are trained, tested and certified.
Satisfaction Guarantee.

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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The Dangers of Water, Mold and Fire Damage

Monday, April 12th, 2010

 Even the most cautious and prepared homeowners may find themselves in a position of having standing water in their home. There’s only so much you can to protect your home from hurricanes and regional flooding. Pipes can burst unexpectedly, even when you are away on vacation. And when a house has standing water, mold is the next course of evolution. Unless the water is thoroughly and properly dried, mold can be left with a prime surface for growing. Often unseen and undetected, the spores released can migrate through carpets and soft sheetrock walls, causing serious physical ailments. Even with smoke alarms and other preventions in place, your home can still fall victim to fire. Defective appliances can find their way into any home and kitchen accidents can happen even with the most careful chefs at work. Whether the tragedy affecting your home is water, mold or fire damage, Super Restoration can help you rescue your home.

Water will take the easiest path of travel. This is a well-known fact. What people don’t always realize is that the easiest path of travel may well be straight up a sheetrock wall. When standing water is present in a home, it can easily wick up the sheetrock, creating further damage. It will spread quickly through carpets and into any lower levels. It may seem like a simple matter to dry the floor, but getting the underlying padding and subfloor dry can pose a greater challenge. Yet drying these hidden areas fully and quickly is vital to preventing the growth of mold. Super Restoration will respond to your call quickly, with the right equipment to clear the water and moisture from your home.

Southern Florida has warm temperatures and high humidity, which encourages the growth of mold to begin with. Once mold establishes itself in a home it does not take long to spread and cause extensive damage. With Super Restoration you can rest assured that the mold will not be given the chance to take hold. Any existing mold will be thoroughly and safely removed and the areas cleaned.

In addition to checking all affected areas for mold, the subfloor, structural materials and crawl spaces must be inspected for damage. Rot that occurs due to water damage can continue to spread even after the standing water is removed. And anyplace that remains even slightly damp afterwards can easily become a breeding ground for potentially toxic mold. Trust Super Restoration to check your home so that you won’t have to worry about hidden damage.

Fire can completely destroy a home. But even a small kitchen fire that you were able to extinguish with your home extinguisher can leave behind serious challenges. Smoke and soot can leave an unhealthy film on appliances and furnishings that can create breathing problems. Sheetrock walls can absorb the smoke, causing further damage and a smell that persists long after the fire was put out. The smoke can also react with metal building materials in the house, creating unsafe conditions. Super Restoration specializes in clearing soot and smoke from your home, leaving you with a fresh, safe, clean environment.

Water, mold and fire have the potential to make your home uninhabitable. When tragedy strikes your home, call Super Restoration so that you can rest easy knowing that your house will be clean, safe and secure for many more years to come.

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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