Posts Tagged ‘mold remediation’

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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Mold Inspection Tests

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Are you sure your home or business doesn’t have mold? Mold inspection tests assess and identify mold and other potential air pollutants in your home. Standard equipment alert you to potential toxic activity found in humid climates. The best way to find your home or offices vulnerability is by performing a mold inspection test.

Definition of Mold

Mold is a type of fungi that produce appendage growths on damp or decaying material. Mold reproduces by spores that can become airborne for extended time and last through temperature changes. The fungi thrive in moisture filled areas including building materials.

Importance of Inspection Tests
Mold inspection tests are beneficial because they fully examine for current and future mold occurrences. Inspections are extremely useful because they find the source, identify it and detect existing mold .These indispensable examinations aid in superior cleanup of the fungi and preventing future growths.

Mold Health Risks

The presence of fungus can produce various health-related illnesses. Toxic mold can produce skin rashes, immune problem, and nausea among other problems. Allergy problems from mold are itchy burning eyes prone to infection and dizziness and other symptoms. Pets, young children and the elderly have an increased risk of sick due to presence of molding spores.

Mold exposure can happen in various ways that can be detrimental to health and wellbeing. Spores are airborne; therefore they can enter through respiratory system. Touching or ingesting items that contain fungi are other ways to becoming exposed to mold.

Could I have mold?

Mold grows prevalent in areas with constantly high humid climates. Buildings that contain leaky plumbing or a musty smell may contain fungi. Walls and ceilings that have water damage may already contain fungus spores.

If you have any of the above problems, then you may already have mold. Mold inspection tests evaluate fungus probability in your home.

Mold inspection tests are advantageous for buildings in humid climates and damp conditions. Mold is a fungus that can negatively affect health and lead to illness, don’t risk your health.

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 Inspection

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Super Restoration not only specializes in mold remediation, but also provides quality mold inspection services. This can be an important part of buying a home or a business, as the effects of mold not only affects the quality of the property, but can also affect the way people breathe and feel.

Mold inspection is especially important for properties that have experienced flooding, a leaky roof, or any other type of water damage. Mold may be visually apparent in some areas, but other areas with mold damage may not be as obvious. During their mold inspection process, Super Restoration will not only be able to trace the source of the mold, but can also test the mold to find out if it is allergenic, cosmetic, pathogenic or even toxic.

While some mold may not be visible, it is still likely that you will be able to smell it. This is where the experts at Super Restoration really earn their money, as they will be able to find the location of the mold and get rid of that disturbing odor without the need for the source of the problem to be visible.

The advancements in construction have resulted in increased energy efficiency, but the way structures are being built now can be a problem when it comes to mold. Because mold thrives in dark, moist, and warm crevices, the “green” construction that is part of building these days can lead to mold developing. Super Restoration has the experience and knowledge to assess areas that could present problems with mold, as well as the ability to inspect the air for mold spores, which are inherently present anywhere mold exists. Their inspectors leave no corner unturned. They will check behind washing machines, in dark corners of closets, under cabinets, in crawl spaces, attics, duct work, and anywhere else they need to be sure your property is safe from mold.

In the event that they do find a mold problem, Super Restoration will be able to solve it as they are also experts in mold remediation. They can take care of the source of the mold by using the necessary biocides to kill it, and then clean the area with professional equipment and strong solvents to be sure any mold spores will also be dead.

When mold inspection is necessary, it only makes sense to hire a company that also specializes in mold remediation. That’s what makes Super Restoration a logical choice for Florida home and business owners.

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Buying a Home or Property? Get A Mold Inspection by Super Restoration

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Although the negative effects of mold in the home have been known for quite some time, over the last ten years, more attention has been paid to just how detrimental mold may be for a person’s health. There are times when the presence of mold is obvious – it has a distinct smell and can often be seen. Still, mold can get into areas between floors and walls and beneath insulation where it is much harder to find. If you are considering buying a property or a home, it is a wise move to have a mold inspection completed by Super Restoration before putting any money down. Mold can seriously devalue an investment, so it definitely pays to know if there is a problem before paying top-dollar.

Signs of mold
Whether or not a property’s mold issues are outwardly obvious, a mold inspection by Super Restoration will help you get an understanding of the scope of this potential problem. Because prospective buyers do not have the opportunity to live in a home before they buy it, there is no way to accurately assess the long-term health consequences of being exposed to such a home’s fungus. Be sure to ask the previous owners about how they feel from a physical perspective – hopefully, they will be honest. It will save a lot of time and frustration if you do a little mold detective work before going under contract.

Mold inspection services
Because the harmfulness of mold-exposure is well-established, a thorough inspection by the experienced staff at Super Restoration is pretty much mandatory, if you want the entire buying process to run as smoothly as possible. Super Restoration will not only evaluate the malevolence of visible mold, they will also test areas that are covered by insulation. No stone will be left unturned, which means that the air will also be tested for the presence of mold. After the Super Restoration inspection is complete, a technician will go over the results and explain the options.

Removing the mold
If a mold problem can be quickly eradicated, mitigation services may make fiscal sense – especially if the sellers are willing to reduce their asking price. The certified team at Super Restoration will locate and block off the moisture source that is causing the mold. The mold will then be completely eliminated down to the spore through the use of biocides and solvents.

There are certain aspects of the home or property purchasing experience that are completely out of the buyer’s control. Fortunately, a mold inspection by Super Restoration is a simple step that can be taken to ensure that there are no nasty surprises down the road. There is no excuse for not identifying and addressing a mold problem before buying a house or property.

At your service!

Rene Vargas
1800 516 8059
Rene@superrestoration.com
www.superrestoration.com

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Super Restoration Can Restore Documentation Ruined by Water

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Hello,

Water damage can happen to a home or business at any time. Spills and water leaks are actually quite common. Any resulting loss of vital documentation can have serious consequences. Document restoration means the recovery of information or data from books, papers, and other forms of media that have sustained water damage. Super Restoration can recover important information from documentation damaged by water. Our goal is to restore the document and all of the information it contains to prime condition . Where possible, Super Restoration will return books, papers, and other forms of documentation to a condition that is safe and ready for use.

Many laws require businesses to retain, or maintain, information for a number of years. A copy isn’t appropriate for many forms of documentation such as signed business contracts, tax records, and legal files. Paper documentation that has been damaged by water will stick together and certainly be damaged when it’s pulled apart. Mold will begin to grow on the documentation if it is left to air dry, destroying important information. Those handling documentation that has become moldy are exposed to elevated health risks. Paper documentation will become brittle and subject to damage if it’s left to air dry. Losing vital documentation can cause serious problems for normal business activity. In a worst-case scenario, a company affected by water damage could be forced to go out of business.

Super Restoration utilizes the most modern equipment, technology, and advanced techniques to achieve the best restoration and data recovery possible. Some techniques used to recover documents damaged by water include desiccant drying, refrigerated desiccant drying, and freeze drying. Desiccant drying is accomplished in a sealed container using substances that are hygroscopic in nature. Hygroscopic substances attract molecules of water from their surrounding environment through absorption or adsorption. Adsorption is the sticking of the water molecules to the substance. Freeze drying is a dehydration process. The wet material is frozen to a temperature between minus fifty degrees to minus eighty degrees Celsius. Pressure is reduced and enough heat is added to allow the frozen water particles to evaporate.

Super Restoration specializes in emergency property restoration and recovery. We provide full service solutions with our state-of-the-art facilities. Super Restoration has On-Site Disaster Recovery Teams who are extremely capable and ready to serve your document and data restoration and recovery needs.

Thank You

Rene Vargas
www.SuperRestoration.com
Phone: 1-800-516-8059

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Super Restoration Can Restore Your Property Promptly

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Hello fellow readers,

Whenever a building undergoes a large amount of damage, one always wonders if restoring the building to its previous state is even possible or even affordable. Luckily, there are companies out there that specialize in house restoration, specifically of this nature. Super Restoration does just this, offering to do remediation on mold, fire, and water damaging that can be caused in your home or place of business.

Whether you have experienced a flood or a plumbing leak, Super Restoration will come and extract the water, using the latest equipment to free your building of this horrible inconvenience. Also, they provide mitigation services to prevent any mold or further damage being done. The debris will be removed from the premise and the windows boarded up while the structural drying takes place. This will prevent mold and toxins in the air from forming that could potentially cause health problems with anyone in the building.

When you find large amounts of mold in building, it needs to be taken care of immediately. Mold can cause various health problems and be a real disturbance in day to day life. In order to take care of this, Super Restoration will access the area, determining how much mold is truly there, and remove the contaminated items. After testing for and removing the moisture still in the room, they will seal off the surface where the mold has grown to prevent anything further from growing.

One of the specialties of Super Restoration is fire remediation. This means that all damage caused by a fire, both smoke and soot damage, needs to be taken care of before a building involved in a fire can be considered habitable, once again. We take careful steps, using specialized vacuums and our own personalized techniques to remove the smoke and soot damage. We will remove all the burned debris in order to best to be able to complete this process. Afterward, HEPA air scrubbing treatments will be used to deodorize the room and clean the air of toxins still lingering. It is the attention to detail that really makes this company special.

Remember, if you have an emergency, the restoration needs to begin immediately. These types of remediation processes are not something to be taken lightly. Super Restoration looks forward to helping you with your remediation needs so you can get back to rebuilding your own life, and not just your house or business.

Thank You

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
www.superrestoration.com

1-800-516-8059

rene@superrestoration.com

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