Posts Tagged ‘Miami Mold Damage’

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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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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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Different Types of Mold Growth In A Home

Friday, September 10th, 2010
Mold growth in a home can rapidly cause damage in a number of ways. The presence of mold can not only ruin the interior of the house such as carpet, carpet padding or wood work, it can also cause health problems that will increase over time if not properly treated. When faced with a mold problem, the first step is to remove any visible mold such as obviously damage carpets, rugs or items. In some cases it is necessary to have a professional remove them. Removing visible mold is only the first step, not all mold may be obvious to the eye, making a mold restoration company a necessity in restoring the home to its previous state.

Penicillium is one of the most commonly found types of mold in homes. It is most often found on decaying food or soil as well as dust in central air units and can cause health problems and allergies in both humans and animals. Spores of this mold spread easily through the air.

Cladosporium, a powdery dark colored mold, is found on a number of surfaces though mostly on dead organic materials. It is known to cause a number of health problems such as rashes and other skin issues in humans.

Stachybotrys is often referred to as black mold, one of the most dangerous types that is found in homes. This mold produces toxins that can cause serious health complications such as headaches, asthma and cancer. Mold of this variety grows in places that are harder to clean without professional services.

Memnoniella often is found in cottons, woods or other porous materials. It is normally found growing in places where Stachbotrys grows as they are commonly found growing together. This mold is very dangerous and causes serious health problems if left untreated.

Mold of any variety can cause not only structural damage but health conditions which may develop into serious complications if not treated. The most effective method to restoring a home to a mold free state is by hiring professionals who specialize in mold removal and treatment.

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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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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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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