Posts Tagged ‘Miami Mold Damage 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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How a Restoration Company Can Help with Water, Fire, and Mold Damage to Carpet

Monday, September 6th, 2010
Water damage to carpet will be inevitable for many people. With the amount of pipes that burst during winter seasons, or just faulty water pipes in general, homes and businesses can be affected with massive amounts of damage. There is also fire damage that can happen if a home or a business catches on fire. When water is left in carpet for a long period of time, mold can start to set in, and a home can be a dangerous and toxic place to be in. Most water damaged carpets in small areas can be taken care of with a water filtration vacuum cleaner, but if a person’s entire house is damaged, or if a business has many floors of water damaged carpet, they are going to need a better recourse. Restoration companies were created to help homes and businesses save their property from massive amounts of water, fire, flood, and mold damage to carpet.

Restoration companies can bring carpets back from the brink by returning carpets back to their original conditions. Most restoration companies are equipped to help homes and businesses that have been affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, rainstorms, mudslides, monsoons, and windstorms, as well as burst pipes, sewer damage, fires, and explosions. No job is too big for most restoration companies. The areas of a home or business that a restoration company can work with are, fire damage, burned walls, clean up, restore, recover, redesign, and reconstruction. Restoration companies have the most state of the art equipment that can perform a dry down of a home or business when water damage has occurred. Their equipment can extract water from any carpet and floor boards underneath. Then,they will use a combination of demolitions, drying equipment, and air movers to further the restoration process. They are also equipped with infra red cameras that can find water damage that is unseen by most people. Once a home or business has been dried down, the recovery stage can take place. This is where the carpet will be restored, redesigned, and reconstructed.

Once a home or a business has been accessed for damages, a restoration company can have carpet back to new again within a few days time. Getting to the water damaged areas as quick as possible will help to save a home or a business from destruction.

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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How to protect and prolong the life of tile

Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Decorative tile has become a popular decorating item in many homes. While tile adds to the home’s appeal, it is not without its weakness. Water can extensively damage tile and cause mold to grow in a person’s home.

A common place to find tile in a home is in the bathroom, specifically in a shower. These tiles are most often placed over drywall, as in homes built between 1965 to 1990, or cement walling, as found in newer homes. While tiles make for a sturdy shower space, they remain susceptible to damage from water left after a person bathes.

If a shower has a drywall backing, the remaining water will travel to the drywall, causing it to expand and swell. This expansion then causes the tile to become loose and perhaps even crack. The damage from cracked and loose tiles can be so significant as to warrant a shower’s needing to be entirely replaced. Cement walls do not absorb water; however, the water, instead of being absorbed into the walls, will travel to the showers floor. The water will then seep onto any surrounding floor tiling or carpeting and cause mold. Again, the damage can be so great that the homeowner may need to replace the flooring.

Home restoration professionals commonly recommend that a homeowner using grout to seal the cracks in between tiles to prevent the water from seeping into drywall. Grout is a cement-based product that, while not waterproof, prevents for some time the seeping of water into the drywall. Even more so, a homeowner should use inspect a shower’s grout and routinely replace it to ensure that the tiles will not be damaged. The grout should then be sealed with caulking. For newer showers that have cement walls, it is recommended that a weephole be placed in the shower. A weephole allows the water to travel back into the shower without damaging outside flooring or tiling. A weephole should never be filled with grout or caulk. Without an adequate weephole, a cement-backed tile shower stands to suffer damage to the shower pan and surrounding flooring.

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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Call One Company if You Have an Emergency

Friday, August 27th, 2010
People do not like to think that emergencies can happen to them, but ignoring the possibility does not prevent them from occurring. It is always best to be prepared and know what to do if you should find it necessary to deal with an unpleasant situation. When you have a plan in mind, it is easier to remain calm and reassure your family if you are faced with a disaster.

If fire, water or mold causes damage to your home, it may not be safe to live there until you get the damage repaired, so you will want restoration to begin as soon as possible. It is wise to have an arrangement with a reputable company in place, so that if an emergency occurs, one quick phone call will get the process started immediately. Large loss response capabilities allow a customer to call one company for large and small emergencies. An emergency is always traumatic, but a dependable restoration company can help you to get back in your home in a reasonable time, so the disruption of your family’s lives will not need to be any longer than necessary.

When you deal with experienced restoration experts, you can have the assurance of knowing that they will handle your valuable possessions with the utmost care and get your family back in your home as quickly as possible. They will know the correct process to use during the entire procedure so that all details are covered. For instance, if you have water damage, they must dry the area thoroughly to prevent mold from forming, and inspect electronic appliances and equipment to ensure that they are safe to use again.

It is better to be prepared for something that does not happen than for something to happen for which you are not prepared. When you are ready for possible emergencies, you can be stress free and know that you have done the best that you can to take care of your family in any situation. Like the insurance that we hope we will never need, we hope we will not need emergency recovery services, but if we need either, we will be thankful that we took the necessary steps to have them.

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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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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Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance

Friday, August 6th, 2010
A flooded home is something most homeowners think they will never have to deal with, so they often opt for the minimum coverage on their insurance policy. Unfortunately, the cause of the flooding impacts whether or not a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the damages and repairs. Many homeowners do not find out they have the incorrect coverage until they have standing water in their home.

Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance covers the cost of a water, mold and fire restoration company to repair damages caused by flooding that is the result of broken pipes and sewage system backups. Some natural disasters may be covered under a basic homeowners insurance policy. For example, if a storm knocks a tree onto the roof of the home and flooding from the rain results, the homeowners insurance policy will cover the water damages in the home. As a general rule, for the homeowners insurance policy to cover flooding damage the water must come from inside the home or from rain.

Flood insurance picks up where homeowners insurance leaves off, providing coverage for flooding caused from the ground. Flooding caused by flash floods or overflowing streams, creeks and rivers is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Flood insurance must be purchased in addition to the standard homeowners insurance policy, and it does not become effective immediately. A thirty day waiver period applies, meaning that if a flood occurs in the first thirty days of the policy the damages and repairs will not be covered. With this in mind, flood insurance should be purchased at least thirty days in advance of the rainy season for your area.

Prevention and Restoration

It is important to call a professional water and mold restoration company as soon as flooding happens in the home. Standing water can cause a serious health risk, and mold can be very dangerous to remove on your own. Your insurance will cover the costs of repairs, and will require you to use the services of a licensed professional. In widespread flooding, these professionals become very busy, so always plan ahead so you know who you will call in the event of a flooded home. The best way to protect your family’s health and your home is to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place before flooding happens.

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

Wednesday, 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

Monday, 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

Friday, 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

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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