Posts Tagged ‘Miami Mold’

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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The Cost of Peace of Mind

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Property ownership can be both rewarding and fraught with uncertainty. Costly nuisances such as water, mold, or fire damage can come without warning. The purpose of insurance is to offset the high cost of uncertainty. The keyword here is offset, because peace of mind comes at a cost.

The insured–the party who purchases the insurance–must pay a premium and a deductible to the insurer. The insurer is the company offering the insurance. The premium must be paid regardless of whether there is property damage. The premium is the amount that the insured pays for the option to allocate the risk of property damage to the insurer. The deductible, on the other hand, is the threshold amount that the insured must pay the insurer before the insurer will reach into its coffers to cover the remainder of the expenses associated with the property damage.

For example, if the deductible is $1000 and the property damage totals $5000, then the insured must pay the $1000 before the insurer will pay the remaining $4000. The same is true if the damage is $20,000 with a $1000 deductible. The insured must pay the first $1000 before the insurance company will pay the remaining $19,000.

It is possible to have a deductible of zero; however, the price of a low deductible is generally a high premium. The reverse is also true; the price of a low premium is a high deductible.

The choice between a high deductible or a high premium generally hinges on risk. For instance, a person who lives in a floodplain or a place known for its fires may choose to pay a higher premium in exchange for a lower deductible. Where risk is difficult to predict, the choice will boil down to what you can afford.

Either way, it is difficult not to choose the security of insurance.

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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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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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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100K mold damage and how to avoid a similar fate

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Investing in a home requires a large sum of money. When something endangers that property, steps are taken to protect the investment. Home owners buy insurance, buy burglar alarms, hire pest control, etc. However, not all hazards can be predicted and protected against.

One Florida homeowner, Veloz, discovered she was unprepared to stop one hundred thousand dollars worth of damage to her property. Her home in Lee County at the intersection of 19th Street SW and Olive Avenue was vandalized, after renters moved out. The vandals were the first to damage the home, but as they left the property they also left the water running.

The resulting water damage sustained by the home inevitably gave birth to the mold that would skyrocket the cost of her repairs. Anyone outside the home would not notice the mold, but the mold is growing almost everywhere inside. It has crept along the baseboards, the walls and even onto the ceiling. So, while the sheriff’s department investigates the crime, the mold continues to grow and damage the home. Veloz will undoubtedly lose a considerable amount of capital to protect her investment at this point.

Fortunately, for other homeowners, her situation is a warning sign. Homeowners should learn these basic steps to decrease the possibility of mold build up.

1. Control the moisture inside
Invest in a moisture or humidity meter and keep indoor humidity roughly around 45%. This can be achieved through the use of the home’s air conditioning system.

2. Keep indoors as dry as possible
If liquid spills, then clean and dry the affected area. Dry off any noticeable condensation.

3. Maintain operational roof gutters
Mold spores are in many places outdoors. If roof gutters are not working properly, then they may become an excellent area where mold can grow and begin affecting the home.

4. Repair water leaks
Any leaks inside the house should be repaired as soon as possible. It is also imperative to dry the surrounding area, within 24-48 hours. This will help prevent the growth of mold.

If the problem is larger than a homeowner can deal with alone. It is important to contact a certified local mold specialist like Super Restoration. We are certified to perform mold inspections and mold remediation. When prevention is no longer effective, contact the professionals. To avoid situations like the one Veloz was a part of. It is also a good idea to have a burglary alarm system installed. This way, even if vandals leave the water running, someone will know before mold grows throughout the home.

Rene Vargas
www.SuperRestoration.com
1 800 516 8059
rene@superrestoration.com

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Student in danger of health issues due to mold

Monday, January 4th, 2010

A college student had just bought an apartment near his campus and about 2 weeks later began to feel ill. He felt shortness of breath, runny nose, and itchy eyes. He looked online for many reasons to why he may have these symptoms and realized he have mold in his home. He called our 24- hour emergency service line, and an appointment was set up with one of our certified mold inspectors. Upon inspecting the apartment, the inspector found a few issues that can be leading to a compromised indoor air conditioning and potential mold concerns.

First, the air conditioning unit seemed to not be operating correctly due to condensation noticed around the air conditioning vents. In addition, 2 windows in the family room were leaking and the carpet was humid due to water intrusion from the outside. Tests were performed and a plan of action/protocol was drawn up to begin remediation work, 2 months later, the college student is now free of symptoms and excelling in school.

Rene Vargas
www.SuperRestoration.com
1 800 516 8059
rene@superrestoration.com

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Serious Mold Issues in Condominium Properties

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Condominium complexes can experience problems in many facets of their construction. One problem that could affect an entire complex is mold damage.

More and more people are becoming aware of the problems that can be caused by mold contamination. This kind of problem can cause sickness and even breathing problems for those who are living in a mold infested environment. Moisture that comes from water intruding into the various properties will add to the problem as the mold will be able to grow even more in a moist environment.

It only takes 24 to 48 hours of a surface being wet for mold to start to grow. This could come from anywhere such as leaky showers or toilets due to cracked pipes, and water that can get in through a leaky rooftop. The health complications that can be caused by the mold that builds up from these problems can affect any children or adults living within it’s presence. In order to keep the exposure to a minimum, action should be taken quickly once a problem has been discovered.

Super Restoration is a company with many years of experience in mold remediation, and is one of the nation’s leaders in this industry. We can take care of any problems arising from the presence of mold and make the condominium complex a healthy place to live once again. Since there are many residents in these types of complexes and mold can spread throughout different units, it is important to deal with a company that can take care of the problem for everyone and not just a single residence. This is what you will get when dealing with Super Restoration.

They can determine the cause of the problem, control humidity levels and moisture, and install controls that will safeguard the health and safety of occupants. From there they are also able to remove and/or decontaminate affected areas, prevent further growth by sealing the surface and deodorize any affected areas.

The Super Restoration team will also provide expert consultation and project management as well as develop an accurate cost estimate for your project. You will also get a completion schedule that will be realistic and work can begin as soon as the work is authorized.

If you’re a condo owner and need help getting rid of mold problems in your complex, check out www.superrestoration.com as soon as possible and get the help you need.

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