Disaster Restoration Articles

Mold Troubles

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Mold is a bothersome little problem that can appear anywhere in your home. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, but once water comes into the picture they can grow into potentially toxic substances. If you have mold growing in your home, your best bet is to have a specialist remove it so that no one in your family has to deal with allergies.

The Environmental Protection Agency writes that mold begins as spores flying through the air. Mold can easily enter homes this way and if there are any spots with water in your home, the mold spores can begin to grow in the water.

Once mold is grown it can cause health problems for anyone around it. The EPA writes that molds produce allergens, irritants and, sometimes, potentially toxic substances. When you touch or inhale mold it can cause an allergic reaction. Allergic mold reactions can range from annoying sneezing, running nose, red eyes and skin rash to full-out asthma attacks. Mold can affect the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of anyone living in a house with it, whether they normally suffer from allergies or not.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention write that mold can be found both indoors and out all-year round. Outside, mold can be found in dark and damp areas, or places where vegetation is decomposing. Inside, mold can be found anywhere humidity levels are high, such as your basement or shower.

CDC recommends the following methods for keeping mold out of your home:

Keep the humidity level in the house between 40% and 60%
Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months
Add mold inhibitors to paints before application
Clean bathrooms with mold killing products
Do not place carpet directly on bathroom or basement floors
Quickly remove previously soaked carpets and upholstery

The best way to keep your home healthy and free of allergens is to get rid of water and moisture problems in your home. Then, contact a mold remediation specialist to remove the mold for good. Some products claim to get rid of mold but only do so temporarily.

One of our mold remediation contractors can help you get a permanent solution to your pesky mold problems. Contact us today!

Fire Damage Woes

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Fire damage is a frightening and expensive experience for a homeowner. When a fire strikes it can not only hurt people inside a home, but it can do quite a bit of damage on the structure of the house itself. The smoke and water damage resulting from putting out a fire can become a nightmare, as well.

Though someone whose home or business is ruined by fire damage may want to get the situation cleaned and taken care of as soon as possible, it’s important to get professional help and advice so there is no further damage done to the property. When a victim of fire damage contacts their insurance company, the company may even recommend fire damage restoration specialists.

According to Claims Magazine, "fire restoration companies can provide guidance to prevent further damage, help determine which items can or cannot be refurbished, and provide estimates and services for thoroughly cleaning and deodorizing homes or businesses."

A high-quality fire restoration specialist will be able to understand the characteristics of a certain fire, as well, such as what chemical reactions took place. Claims Magazine writes that fires are typically placed into two groups: simple and complex. Simple fires are fed by a pure fuel so there is no soot, and the gases, fumes or smoke released is minimal. They involve complete combustion.

Complex fires can start with synthetic materials found in toys, carpets, furniture and clothes. In these fires, gases can penetrate cracks and nooks in a home then condense once they cool. This can result in damage and corrosion on surfaces and appliances in a house.

The amount of restoration and cleanup needed after a fire is determined by how severe the fire is. The longer a fire burns the more damage and soot it causes. And the hotter a fire is the more damage it will do to metal through melting. It will also mostly likely leave more residue from burning more fuels.

The longer you wait to have a restoration specialist clean your home can have an impact on damage as well. Water in the air combines with ash and smoke to make an acid that can stain or corrode things in your home. A professional fire damage restoration specialist can take care of cleaning, resurfacing and replacing objects in your home.

To find a Connecticut fire damage restoration specialist near you, browse our directory and contact us today!

Preventing Flood Damage

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

A flood can be a traumatizing event for any family or homeowner. Floods are dangerous and sometimes unpredictable, and they can cost thousands of dollars in damage to a home. When a flood strikes, it's important to find a reliable and professional water damage restoration specialist to make the cleanup process go as smoothly as it possibly can.

Rain is a common occurrence in Connecticut, but there are a number of things you can do to avoid too much damage if a flood does happen. North Dakota State University recommends testing your sump pump and checking it regularly. When your sump is first installed, it should be tested to ensure the water is running through the proper drainage system. If you have your sump pump installed by a highly trained professional basement contractor, you can rest assured that it was hooked up correctly and operating as it should.

Many people use basements as storage rooms for old mementos, photo albums, valuables and other things, but you should make sure that these objects are kept in high areas in your basement. Use high shelving units and place important or irreplaceable objects up on the shelves. Try not to leave anything on the floor just in case a flood ever strikes.

Another way to prevent flooding is to move snow away from your home's foundation so that when it melts it doesn't seep into the loose soil around your house. North Dakota State University also recommends keeping water out of window wells since windows can't stand too much pressure. Investing in a downspout extension can also do wonders in preventing flooding by flowing gutter water away from your home's foundation.

If a carpeted area of your home is flooded, it may be best to remove and replace the carpet entirely. Allergy Consumer Review writes that an old carpet may have organic material built up in it over time, thus allowing mold to grow. If water only soaks a part of a newer carpet and is dried within 48 hours, the carpet may be salvageable. ACR writes that some flood restoration contractors typically treat carpeting with a biocide after cleaning it so that it doesn't attract mold. If a carpet is too far gone, though, a professional may just recommend replacing it.

Flood damage can be a real burden, but there's no reason to deal with it alone. Call one of our licensed and trained water damage restoration specialists in Connecticut today to get your home back to the way it should be.

Smoke Damage: What's your next step?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Fires can cause plenty of damage to a Connecticut house immediately, but sometimes the aftermath can be far worse. The resulting damage from smoke can make getting your home back to normal a difficult process. If you find smoke damage after a fire in your home, no matter how small the fire was, it is important to hire a professional smoke damage restoration contractor in Connecticut to get your house feeling clean again.

Smoke can destroy many objects in a house like photographs, art and electronics. It can also ruin paint on walls as well as spread odor, debris and potentially toxic fumes around your home. Once you find smoke damage from a fire, you shouldn't try to clean it up yourself. Many times this can cause more damage or not get the smoke odors out completely. Some smoke damage needs to be handled differently than others and only a professional knows how to do this properly.

The first step you should take when dealing with smoke damage in Connecticut is contacting a smoke damage contractor. Finding a professional and trustworthy contractor can sometimes be a difficult task. There are many variables to consider such as if the contractor has enough training and if they will do the work correctly so that it satisfies your insurance company. Popular Mechanics recommends checking the contractor’s professional affiliations and training, as well as contacting prior customers.

The Los Angeles Times also reported that checking a contractor's references is a must before hiring him. Homeowners should ask for the phone numbers of the last five clients, and insist on an itemized contract of all work to be performed, materials to be used, and a commitment to a completion date.

It may be tempting to just hire a general contractor because they are much more abundant than disaster restoration specialists, but experts caution against this. The Los Angeles Times writes, "While a restoration contractor may hire subcontractors to do some of the work, his real specialty is getting things done right and in a way that meets insurance contract requirements. A general contractor may have the expertise to rebuild a wall, but he won't know much about getting the smoke residue off your furniture."

Our highly trained contractors are available to provide you with reliable smoke damage restoration in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. To find a local smoke restoration contractor near you, feel free to contact us online or give us a call toll free at 866-370-9314.

Black Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    Of all the molds that can invade your home, black mold is the most dangerous. Also known as “toxic mold,” black mold can affect even the non-allergenic with flu-like symptoms that range from headache and chills to respiratory problems like coughing and sneezing. It may seem like a member of your household has picked up a common bug, but as long black mold is lurking, the symptoms will not subside. They will be chronic and may lead to serious problems like asthma. For someone allergic to black mold, the situation may be grave�"vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding, liver and other organ pain, nervous system problems, and skin lesions that won’t heal. Black mold allergies have even been connected to infertility, when sufferers have been exposed over long periods of time.
    The toxins of black mold are passed on its spores, so small they are close to microscopic. It is a filament fungus that reproduces asexually. Where one colony starts, another is likely to begin close by. Because the spores are so small, they travel easily and under the radar. The spores can be inhaled and/or eaten, undetected.
    As with all mold, black mold thrives in moist places. It is most common in poorly maintained buildings that are not sealed properly against the elements. There are warning signs that precede colonization. Are any surfaces in your home continuously moist, like walls, counters, or even clothes hanging in the closet? Black mold cannot grow in dry areas, so act immediately upon moisture detection. Are there yellow or brown water stains on the wall, floor, or ceiling? If so, shortly there may be dark toxic patches of growth. Is there a damp, musty odor? Most people believe this scent is “normal” in dank storage places like basements and attics. However, black mold will make people sick no matter what level of the home on which it is starting to grow. The next sign of black mold are the damaging physical symptoms. If an allergic person even stops by the home even briefly, he may exhibit a severe reaction.
    After it forms, black mold survives by “degrading” the surface on which it is growing for nutrition. It will propel easily through air conditioning vents to different areas. Air purifiers are a wise investment, as they reduce the spores in the air.   Preventing black mold is done by reducing moisture and dehumidifying, fixing all leaks and areas of condensation. Bathrooms should be scrupulously cleaned, while removing tiles and curtains showing any signs of mold spores. These are relatively easy ways to spare you and your family the potentially debilitating effects of black mold, a growing poison that must be taken very seriously.

Cleaning Household Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    Before tackling the process of cleaning a mold infestation, take the time to fix the source(s) of the problem. Mold grows in moisture, so repair will mean anything from pumping out standing water to plugging in a dehumidifier. The reason this is so important is because mold spores take only 24 to 48 hours to germinate. Getting to the source is imperative to begin the cleanup. Also before you tackle the unsightly spores, seal off the area and clean one room at a time. Disrupted colonies will become airborne, so invest in plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover doors, vents, and other openings. If there is a door or window to the outdoors, consider placing an exhaust fan that will direct airflow outside, away from the home.
    If the moldy surfaces are not overtly wet, mist them with water to reduce to likelihood of airborne spores. Clean the area with soap, getting rid of as much mold as possible. For the more stubborn growths, apply mold disinfectant right away (available at the hardware store). Go a few feet beyond where the visible spores are. It is likely that small spores have traveled, not yet visible to the naked eye. All areas should be disinfected. After the cleaning and disinfecting process, dry the area completely.
    Depending on the severity of the problem, items and entire panels of wall or ceiling may need to be disposed of. Porous surfaces, like soft furniture, carpet, insulation, papers, and clothes, are much more susceptible to damage beyond repair. Nonporous surfaces like metal and glass are more likely to be able to be used again.
    During cleanup, it is imperative to wear a filter dust mask, or a respirator designed for particle removal. Cover your entire body with clothes that are easily cleaned, or wear a Tyvek suit. Rubber gloves to the elbow and goggles should be worn. These items are necessary whether you are allergic to mold or not�"it is still a toxic substance. It is wise to evacuate members of the household not involved with the cleaning process. Clean the mold in short intervals, stopping often for fresh air.
    All of the removed mold should be placed into strong plastic garbage bags. Never carrying these bags into other areas of the home, not matter how well they are sealed. Instead, discard the tainted material through a window if possible. You certainly do not want spores spreading after all your hard work. All mold and contaminated items should be taken directly to a landfill.
In the case of an extensive mold infestation, the safest and most effective cleaning method might be hiring a professional. Mold growth is a serious problem that can cause grave health risks. You cannot be too cautious.

Preventing Household Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    A mold problem in a house can take a serious toll on your finances and health, and it can lower the value of your home significantly. So why not take the preventative steps to make your home a mold-free zone? It is all about controlling moisture, and if you follow some easy steps, you will never have to worry about unsightly spore intrusion that can make you or your family members uncomfortable, or even quite sick.
    Humidity is a catalyst for mold growth. It can be measured technically with a device called a “relative humidity sensor,” which measures air moisture. If the level in any area of your home (including basement and attic) is close to or exceeding 55% Relative Humidity, it is grounds for dangerous mold colonies and must be fixed. At this point, a dehumidifier(s) is necessary. Be sure to use and maintain the device properly so that it is most effective. It is wise to buy more than one small machine for the various rooms, rather than one single large one to dehumidify the problem areas, or entire home.
    One of the most common reasons for mold in a home is faulty plumbing, which is often the cause of rusting and excessive condensation around pipes. Sometimes it’s tough to tell whether a pipe is leaking. Is there a dank odor? Are there water stains? Are toilets running, or faucets dripping? Are water bills excessive? Regardless, all pipes should be insulated.
    Most interior mold problems begin on the outside of the house. Bad drainage and irrigation occur often with stucco or wood facades because these are porous building materials that absorb water. Keep the sprinklers pointed away from the house. Seal the exterior, including the roof shingles. Plants and tree foliage shouldn’t touch the house. Clean the gutters regularly. If water seeps through the outside, it won’t be long before the inside is affected with unsightly, dark spores.
    Regularly cleaning your home is important because cobwebs and dust trap mold spores. Be thorough because interior mold can start behind appliances like the refrigerator. Bathrooms shouldn’t be carpeted because of their susceptibility to moisture. Area rugs should be washed regularly.
    Ventilation in general is key. Let your home breathe. Areas like the attic and basement should be well insulated and dehumidified. Crawl spaces at the home’s foundation should be maintained by covering the soil with waterproof polyethylene plastic. Close crawl space vents in the summer and open them in the winter. Soft materials like cloth furniture, paper, books, and clothes are sources of food for mold. It is wise not to store these things in mold-prone areas.
    Always remember that mold thrives in moist places. If you control the moisture, you will control the mold, and avoid the problems that will multiply.

Exterior Home Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Exterior molds look a lot like interior molds�"brown, black, or green fuzzy spots, patches that spread. Because mold grows on moist surfaces, it is more than likely it will be worst on the side of your home that gets the least amount of sunlight. More often than not, this is the side that faces north. Outside mold usually presents itself as green moss. Besides for cosmetic reasons, it is wise to remove the growths and spores as soon as possible. Over time, it can deteriorate the home’s material, devouring it while spreading.

Purchase vinyl cleaner for vinyl or aluminum siding. For a wood or stucco home, you will need to clean as well as power wash�"and this may require the help of a professional. Exterior home cleaning materials can be bought at the hardware store. Mix bleach and water, spray it on, and use a scrub brush. Or use peroxide mixed with a gentler detergent. These should kill the spores and bacteria. The mold problem may have spread to your roof or deck, any shady area that collects moisture. Roofing shingles can be damaged by mold.

After it is cleaned and dry, wood should be covered with a sealant, gloss, semi-gloss, latex, or oil paint, to prevent the problem from recurring. If you prefer the natural wood look, buy an invisible water-repellent finish. Another way to avoid an exterior mold recurrence is to re-landscape your yard. Particularly in a humid climate, shady areas of a home are susceptible, so cutting back the branches of large trees might be necessary. Excessive plant growth beside the home makes for a mold-friendly atmosphere. Even an ill-placed sprinkler head on the lawn might be the culprit. Watch the spray and notice if too much water is pooling around the foundation of your home. You may want to add an extra gutter or downspout on the more moisture-prone side of your house. If exterior mold has been a problem, it’s important to expose the home to more sunlight and dry it out, however you can.

Mold on a home’s exterior can create the same health risks to its inhabitants as if the mold was growing inside. Chronic symptoms range from mild and flu-like to severe and debilitating. Until the mold is gone, the symptoms will exist, possibly creating chronic health problems.

The formula is simple: Moisture leads to mold, which leads to decay, rot, unattractiveness, and maybe even illness. The good news is that exterior mold is easily fixable, as long as the problem isn’t left too long to get out of hand. Eradicate the mold at its beginning stages, take the preventative paths, and the exterior of your house will remain structurally sound and handsome as ever.

Basement Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    The dank, musty odor of a basement may seem normal to many, but in fact it is a sign that dangerous mold may be growing. Mold is a serious problem, even in low-traffic areas like the basement, because of the health ailments it can initiate for you or members of your family. Just because the spores are at the underbelly of your home doesn’t mean it can’t seriously affect you. Fluey symptoms, internal pain, itching, and wheezing are common signs of mold growth. Gone undetected for too long, the spores will multiply and give you an expensive, sickening problem that can be avoided with caution and proper prevention.
    It may seem impossible to keep moisture out of the basement. Water leaks inside from the elements or even slightly faulty plumbing. Any small seep or drip in your home’s foundation can be the catalyst for the formation of spores. In the case of an unfinished basement, inspect drywall on the walls and ceiling. Both sides should be checked if possible, in the case of removable panels. Pay close attention to basement areas under the bathroom and kitchen. Are there water stains? Beams of wood and pine boards are porous and breeding grounds for mold. Take care to examine ceilings on the exposed side of subflooring from the floor above. Your basement is probably used as storage space. Do you see any signs of drips or saturation on cardboard boxes? Or on the cement floor?
    Furnished basements may be carpeted, and fabrics are a potential mold reservoir. Inspect chairs and couches, from the underside to beneath the cushions. Dampness of any fabric in the basement is a sign that mold will come, if it is not already there. Are there books stored in the basement? Mold reproduces fast on moist paper. Try not to keep clothing in the basement. Fabric suitcases and stuffed animals are susceptible. Check everything from felt pool tables to wood ping-pong tables.
    Fiberglass insulation in the basement may be a source of mold. Even if the insulation looks clean, there may be water stains on the wall or ceiling that have developed. Moisture pools inside of fiberglass and some strains of mold are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
    Your best bet might be to hire a professional for the most thorough basement mold inspection. A mold consultant or mold remediator can perform on-site vacuum tests for the non-visible types of mold that can affect your health. Particularly in the case of purchasing a new home, or selling an old one, doing your basement mold homework can be overwhelming. The untrained eye can miss spots or overlook key areas. Basements are intricate spaces, often dark and damp, vulnerable in all areas to mold.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    If mold accumulates with time and moisture, it’s easy to understand that the bathroom is one of the more susceptible places in your home. Mold is unpleasant and unhealthy, but there are plenty of precautions to take to avoid the unsightly, icky, toxins in one of the most common areas of your home.
    Since toiletries are breeding grounds for mold spores, you might want to consider minimizing the bottles on the counter and shelves. Shampoos, perfumes, unused soaps�"eliminate what you do not absolutely need. It’s easy to overlook the same almost-empty bottle of gel or body wash that’s been sitting in the bathroom forever, but important to rid yourself of what you don’t use. Do you need that plastic cup for your toothbrush? The reason is, the more things that are there, the longer it takes for your tub, shower, and counter to dry. Get rid of unnecessary products before the spores start to develop. It’s wise to invest in a hanging shower shelf so products air dry and do not sit in accumulated water.
    Clean, clean, clean. Invest in high-quality cleansers and get all the cracks and crevasses�"behind the toilet, the corners of the shower, the underside of the faucet. Use a sponge and maybe an old toothbrush to get to the small areas. If mold is starting to accumulate, you can create a mild bleach solution to kill it and discourage future growth. Remember to never mix bleach with other cleaning solutions, as this can be toxic. Don’t forget to clean the bottles of beauty products, even with the bleach solution.
    Are the plumbing systems in your bathroom draining properly? Standing water in the sink or tub is breeding grounds for mold spores. Use a top-notch drain-clearing product and follow the directions carefully. For bad clogs, call a professional. It’s a worthwhile preventative measure. Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of bathroom mold.
    Ventilation is key. Keep the windows open in the bathroom when you can, especially after a shower. Let the steam escape instead of dripping down the walls and hanging on the ceiling, places where you just might see spores form.
    Unfortunately, black mold is a common bathroom growth�"and the most toxic. It is tough to kill, infamous for its resilience. Black mold begins as dark specks, normally running inside of grout and silicon sealer between tiles. It spreads very fast. Normally, affected tiles and areas of the bathroom must be cut out and replaced. If you are doing this yourself, don’t forget to inspect your bathroom’s insides, on the underside of the walls and ceiling, because mold has a way of lurking. Kill all mold if you are remodeling the bathroom, inside and out. If you miss one spot, it may eventually lurk back and take over again.

Mold: Materials and Environment

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Mold is a microscopic organism that exists virtually everywhere. In nature, mold decomposes organic materials like leaves and wood, and recycles them back into the environment. It is a necessary, earth-balancing process. But the fact that mold spores can spread into the home and eat away at everything from ceiling panels to furniture make it quite the undesirable intruder. Not only is it destructive�"it can make you and your family quite sick. How does it work? What’s the technical process? How can you beat this icky invader at its own game?

The cycle is simple: spores, temperature, moisture, and food. There are many types of mold and they don’t all grow at the same rate. Most flourish in temperatures ranging from 40 F to 100 F. Also, the older spores spread more slowly than the younger spores. In the wintertime, when a home is likely being heated, mold commonly grows on the interior walls of your home, the gypsum board and sheathing. The key is to limit the moisture level on these areas where mold can lurk undetected. This often occurs when the exterior sides of these surfaces become too cold.

Consider adding insulation to the walls or ceiling to regulate the temperature of these panels�"and the walls and other building materials. This will also reduce moisture and general stuffiness inside�"and reduce the risk of mold. In the summertime, the effect reverses. The interior of your home is being cooled with air conditioning. The humid outside air meets the cool air inside on the interior side of gypsum board, creating moisture, and possibly mold. Year-round, good insulation will regulate the temperatures of your home’s layers and foundation, stabilizing it in all climates.

No matter where you live, it is wise to use paperless drywall products because mold thrives on porous materials. Choose building materials that retain as little water as possible. The pH of a given material influences the rate at which mold will grow. For example, some molds thrive in an environment with a pH range from 4 to 7, and not so well in higher acidic or basic levels. You may want to invest in building materials already treated with antimicrobial chemicals that will inhibit mold growth.

It’s bad news if you have a moisture-damaged part of the house, like a flooded basement or attic. However, the silver lining is that there will be a great competition of microorganisms wanting to settle in this nutrient-rich environment, including mold and bacteria. The competition is actually good because each is likely to inhibit the others’ growth using their own natural processes. Act quickly with cleanup, while the yucky growths impede one another. You won’t have to worry about who will win out and spread to other areas of your home.

12 Frequently Asked Questions About Mold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

1. What is mold?

Mold is a tiny microscopic organism that digests organic matter and reproduces by releasing spores. Mold is a form of fungi that is naturally found in the environment, and there are over 100,000 known species.

Mold is found in the soil, and on decaying and dead matters. In nature, mold plays an important role, especially in the breakdown of wood, leaves and plant debris. Mold comes in a large variety of colors; black, green, white, orange and brown. Mold can also take on several appearances, deferring between fuzzy and slimy. There is usually an earthy or musty odor that centers around or on moldy areas.

Mold usually becomes a problem when it digests materials such as our homes.

2. What causes mold to grow inside your home?

Like a plant produces seeds, mold enters your home as tiny spores in order to reproduce. Inside your home, mold spores are air born as they spread throughout your home and settle on surfaces. In order for the mold spores to grow, digest and destroy they require moisture and a good food source. When mold spores land on a damp or wet spot, they quickly begin to grow and multiply.

Good food sources for mold are wood, cloth and insulation, but mold can grow on ceiling tiles, wallpaper, wallboard, paint, carpet, sheetrock and on almost any given surface.

Moisture or water is the main factor that limits mold growth. On a wet or damp surface or on materials that have not been properly cleaned and dried, mold can appear with a 24 to 48 hour time period.

Mold tends to multiply and grow rapidly where there is a lot of moisture from a leaky roof, leaky pipe, areas with high humidity, or following a flood. There is no sure way to dispose of all mold spores or mold from your home, but you can control and maintain proper mold growth by keeping your home dry and clean.

3. Is there anyway to prevent mold from growing in my home?

Yes! There are several steps and procedures to prevent mold from growing in your home. Although it is almost impossible to eliminate mold completely. Here are a few tips to get you started.

* It is best to keep the humidity level in your home below 60%; ideal levels are 30% and 50%.

* It is also a good idea to use exhaust fans while cooking and bathing.

* Keep your bathroom dry and well ventilated. Always be sure your fan vents lead to the outdoors.

* Always use proper ventilation and dehumidify attics, basements and other crawl spaces.

* Keep a watch eye out for condensation and wet spots.

* Always dry, clean and remove anything from your home that has been damaged by water within 24 to 48 hours. This will stop the mold from growing and multiplying throughout your home.

4. Can I be exposed to mold?

The answer is quite simple. Yes, you can be exposed to mold. People are exposed to molds every day, usually by touching exposed surfaces or by breathing in air that contains mold spores. Because molds exist naturally indoors and outdoors, living in a mold free environment is almost impossible.

As mold is exposed and grows, mold spores are released into the air which makes it easy for you to inhale them. People who tend to inhale large numbers of mold spores get sick.

You can also be exposed by touching moldy items or surfaces and by accidental hand to mouth contact.

Health concerns are always a risk. It is very important to prevent mold growth in indoor environments.

5. When does mold create a problem?

It is rather easy to determine if you have issues with mold. One can usually smell a musty or earthy odor in your home or you can see black or white speckles and spots on your bathroom or basement walls.

Mold is usually found in damp, wet areas. Mold usually surfaces around leaky or broken pipes, following a flood and where water has damaged furniture or building materials.

Other mold can remain hidden as it grows behind or on wall coverings or in ceiling tiles. Mold is also found growing on walls when warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces. This usually occurs inside cold exterior walls or to articles that are stored against walls, such as closets, dressers, mirrors, nightstands and headboards.

Mold often grows in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements, due to high water usage and humidity. If you notice the growth of mold or know of an area of your home with recent water damage, take action immediately. This will limit mold growth in your home.

Although mold multiplies from damp or wet areas, even a dry, clean house will contain some mold spores, but usually not enough to cause health issues.

6. Should I sample for mold?

There is no need to sample for mold, as in most cases you can smell or see mold. If you can smell a foul odor or moldy scent, mold may be hidden in the walls, behind coverings, in the ceiling or under your carpet. If you are concerned or suspect you have hidden issues with mold be extremely careful when you investigate the contaminated area. Always take precaution and protect yourself from exposure.

7. How can I control the growth of mold in my home?

First and foremost, dry out your house. Repair any moisture problems that may lead to or create mold.

* Repair all water leaks from your plumbing to your roof. Prevent water or moisture from entering your basement walls and try to keep the concrete floor in your basement dry. This will help prevent mold from entering your home.

* Increase the air flow into your home by opening windows and doors. If there are no available windows to open, use a fan. It will circulate the air. This step will also help prevent mold from entering your home.

* Allow warm air to flow throughout your home. Move larger objects away from the inside of exterior walls, this will allow and increase air circulation.

* Install exhaust fans in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

* Always provide proper ventilation and insulate your attic and other crawl spaces. In crawl spaces, it is a good idea to use heavy plastic to cover earth floors.

* Always clean and dry water damaged clothing, bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours after the water damage occurs. It is also a good idea to consider removing and replacing all of your damaged furnishings.

* Clean and vacuum your home regularly, this helps to reduce the number of mold spores in your home.

* Check your windows often for signs of condensation. If you find condensation or wet droplets, wipe them clean. This will help prevent mold growth in your indoor living space.

8. Can mold affect my health?

Most molds do not harm healthy people, but research has shown some molds can be dangerous and cause health conditions. Certain molds tend to produce allergens, irritants and toxins that may cause harmful reactions in people.

The size and type of reaction one has to mold depends on how much one has been exposed, your age and your allergies and/or sensitivities. The same amount of mold may cause health effects in one person, but not in another person.

Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who have had exposure to mold may experience skin rash, eye irritation, running nose, nasal congestion, and cough, aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing.

Molds can also trigger asthma attacks, cause wheezing, tightness in your chest and shortness of breath. One may also develop pneumonia after exposure to mold, but this is usually uncommon and only happens in extreme cases.

What most people don't realize is mold can cause other health problems which would never be considered or linked to a mold problem. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, severe memory impairment and chronic fatigue can all come from exposure to mold.

Mold can also cause infectious diseases in people with a weakened immune system. There are some molds known to cause infections in immune-compromised people. These infections can affect your eyes, skin, lungs and other bodily organs. These infections are considered opportunistic and do not usually affect healthy people.

The most common and most deadly mold is “Stachybotrys Chartarum.” It is most commonly found in damp places, such as your bathroom. If you think about how much time you spend in the bathroom on a daily basis, you may begin to understand what health problems can and may develop with constant exposure.

Take precaution and protect your health and your home, mold is and can be a serious and dangerous issue.

9. Is there a test to determine if I have been exposed to mold?

Yes! Some physicians and healthcare specialists recommend testing for mold-specific antibodies. The presence of antibodies indicates if you have been exposed to mold. Although there is no way to determine when you were exposed, where you were exposed or how long you have been exposed.

The result of a positive test for mold-specific antibodies is usually considered insufficient to prove health effects that are reported by individuals in moisture or damaged buildings caused by exposure to mold.

10. Are there tests available to determine if I am allergic to mold?

Your family physician or healthcare specialist can determine what medical tests are required to determine if you are allergic to a mold or other substances. These tests can be performed on skin or through your blood stream. Research has shown skin tests are more reliable than blood tests, when determining if one has an allergic reaction to a substance.

Skin tests can be performed rather quickly and tend to be less expensive. If you have experienced signs or symptoms year-round, it may indicate an indoor allergy and it is likely skin testing would be recommended.

11. I have been exposed to mold, should I seek medical treatment?

For individuals who know they have been exposed to mold and have visible signs or symptoms that persist should consult their family physician or healthcare specialist for testing and possible treatment.

12. How do I properly clean and remove mold from my home?

If you can see or smell mold take precaution immediately. Mold can damage your home and affect your health as it continues to spread and grow.

Step One:

Determine the size of the moldy area. Decide if you have a small problem with mold or a large problem. A small area is less than ten square feet, or a three feet by three feet patch..

To effectively clean the area, determine if you have a large area of mold damage, more then ten square feet. If so, it is best to hire a cleaning professional. If the moldy area is hidden or has been contaminated by sewage it is highly recommended to hire a cleaning professional who can properly clean and treat the contaminated area. To find a cleaning professional in your local area, check in the Yellow Pages under "Fire and Water Damage Restoration."

Step Two:

If you decide to tackle the job yourself, always wear proper protection, such as gloves, goggles and masks to provide proper breathing protection while cleaning the mold contaminated area. For large consolidated areas of mold growth, and for your own health and safety wear an Occupational Safety and Health Administration approved particle mask.

Step Three:

It is best to seal off the mold contaminated areas from the rest of your home. Be sure to cover heating registers and ventilation ducts. It is also a good idea to open a window before you start any clean up procedure.

Step Four:

For safety, remove all your furnishings to a mold-free area of your home.

Step Five:

It is best to bag all moldy materials and seal them in a trash bag securely. Place the bags outdoors immediately.

Step Six:

Scrub all hard surfaces with a mild detergent, such as laundry detergent and warm water. Allow appropriate time to dry..

After the newly cleaned area has had appropriate time to dry, wipe a mixed solution of one cup of bleach to a quart of warm water. Allow time to dry and repeat the process several times.

Apply a borate-based detergent and do not rinse. This step will help prevent mold from growing again. A good borate-based laundry or dish washer detergent has the word "borate" listed on the ingredients label.

Never paint or caulk on or over a moldy surface to conceal the problem. The mold will continue to grow under the paint and eventually peel. This will only add to the mold problem in your home.

Step Seven:

After properly cleaning all hard surfaces, vacuum the floor and wash all exposed clothing and bedding.

Step Eight:

Although your home has been properly cleaned and disinfected, it is best to monitor your home to be sure the mold has not returned to the recently cleaned area. If mold does re-occur, it is best to contact a cleaning professional or repeat steps one through seven.

If you rent your home and you believe you have issues with mold, contact your landlord immediately. As a renter you also have the right to know if the home you are renting has had issues with mold.

In early 2005, the Washington State legislature approved Engrossed Senate Bill that requires all landlords must notify their tenants about mold issues that has occurred in the property they are trying to rent to potential renters.

Water Damage Causes

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Water is one of our most precious natural resources, and nations have fallen for its lack, but we've all seen how much damage water can do when it doesn't stay in its proper place. Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Tsunami horrified the world for the tragic loss of life and property.

But it doesn't require a tsunami to cause water damage that's devastating on a personal level. Seeing one's home inundated by water is highly traumatic, and even lesser water damage can be stressful and disruptive. For water damage in Connecticut, finding a professional water damage restoration specialist might be in order.

There are many ways water can enter your home. Besides flooding, one classic method is through roof failure. This can be sudden and noticeable, causing damage to wallboard, flooring and furnishings, or it can be slow and undetected, causing hidden mold and wood rot. Either way, repair and replacement can be involved and expensive.

Water can also seep in through the foundation, sometimes due to faulty rain gutters or ground drainage. This is especially damaging when the basement has a built-up wood floor that hides the problem and makes remediation difficult.

Another very common cause of water damage is burst pipes. Pipes can burst due to excess pressure, acid water eating at pipes over time, or freeze-ups. It doesn’t take much to trigger a freeze-up. A spec of dirt caught in an oil burner jet, or a stroke of lightning tripping a circuit breaker will do the job. When a home is unattended for long periods each day, a small problem can have major consequences.

And of course, if you’ve been unfortunate enough to have had a house fire, but fortunate enough to have contained the fire damage, chances are you now have water damage to deal with. If you have water damage that is very minor, you might be able to deal with it yourself if you can get to the source of the problem and air out the affected areas right away. But be very careful not to be merely penny-wise here. Water damage is often worse than it appears on the surface and speed is of the essence; a thorough drying within 48 hours can save many thousands of dollars in mold remediation and carpet replacement. When in doubt, at least get a professional's opinion. They can size up the job for you and tell you which pitfalls to look out for.

Partly because recent years have seen an increase in awareness of the serious dangers of mold to human health, especially that of children and the elderly, there is a growing demand for insured specialists who can handle water damage remediation quickly, effectively and safely. In our litigious environment, especially those who rent may feel more secure using a certified professional. A professional has the right equipment and techniques to extract water, quick-dry carpets, detect moisture, and safely remediate mold. He might be able to recommend contractors of other needed trades, and perhaps he will even coordinate the entire job for you.

If water damage makes its unwanted appearance in your home, be sure to act on it without delay. And if the damage is of anything but trivial size, consulting an expert water damage restoration specialist could save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run.

To find a Connecticut or Westchester County water damage restoration specialist near you, contact us today!

Fire Damage Restoration Specialists

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Few things are as terrifying as a house fire and the resulting fire damage. Not only are your most precious possessions in danger, but your very life and that of your loved ones can be at risk. Even the effect of a smaller house fire can be devastating, as your family suddenly may have to find temporary lodging, protect the house from the elements and vandals, rescue possessions, and then finally see about having the damage repaired. Many big decisions will have to be made quickly, often at a time of profound emotional shock when it's hard to think clearly.

If you’ve just had the unfortunate experience of a house fire in Connecticut, at this point you want to know how best to deal with the fire damage. While the exact way to tackle the problem will vary, depending on the type and extent of the damage, there is one thing that doesn’t change. One of the first things you should do is call both your insurance company and a fire damage restoration specialist.

A Connecticut fire restoration specialist will first take care of emergency repairs and precautions. If the fire was relatively minor, he will cover holes in roofs, board up wall openings, and pick up carpets so that soot won't be ground further into them. He can quickly arrange for moving out possessions if necessary �" for their protection, cleaning and restoration, and to facilitate structural repairs to the home.

A qualified fire restoration specialist will then turn his attention to assessing the structural damage to the home. After a careful inspection, he will come up with an estimate of the cost of a full restoration.

Though your insurance adjuster will be doing the same thing at this time, you should have a qualified specialist do it in parallel. It's often hard to determine the full extent of fire damage until the repairs actually have commenced, and a second opinion will help protect you from an insufficient settlement. Sometimes damages prove to be worse than originally thought, and having a second estimate performed immediately after the fire can lay a basis for justifying extra costs.

Because of his depth of experience in fire restorations, the restoration specialist will know how to coordinate your job to get it done as quickly and expertly as possible. He will have developed working relationships with several subcontractors. If structural damage is major, he will bring in an engineer to detail repairs and draw up necessary plans for a Building Department work permit. He can bring in electricians, plumbers and painters as needed. And if any belongings require more than cleaning, he can arrange for restorers for furniture and special possessions such as artwork and books.

If the damage inspection determines that your house is unable to be repaired and must be demolished, your restoration specialist can take care of that sad task as well. But on a happier note, homeowners sometimes actually take advantage of fire damage and have major remodeling done. Since you need to rebuild part of your home anyway, this could be an ideal time for a long-desired addition, kitchen makeover or other project. Why not rebuild the way you really want? Your restoration specialist will be flexible enough to help you do just that. Recovering from a house fire is a major endeavor. It will take time, effort, and many decisions before your house is the way it once was again, or better. You owe it to yourself to have an experienced damage repair professional working for you during this difficult time.

To find a fire damage restoration specialist in Connecticut and Westchester County near you, give us a call or look through our directory today.

Beware of Hidden Fire Damage

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Many in Connecticut have seen the more dramatic effects of house fires, such as collapsed roofs, charred beams, and water damage from firemen's hoses. But if you’ve suffered a house fire, you also need to be aware of more subtle forms of damage that may have been inflicted. Though this type of damage is harder to detect, if left uncorrected it can cause problems and cost you money later on when you think the fire and its expense is well behind you.

The most common hidden damage after a fire is smoke damage. Not all smoke damage is readily apparent. Most people think that all smoke is the same, but that is not the case. Depending on what material was burning, smoke damage can be visible or not, odorous or not, and can have varying degrees of toxicity. For your house to return to a normal state it is imperative that all smoke deposits be thoroughly removed or the odors can return and the toxicity can continue to do damage to respiratory health.

Another form of fire damage that is often underestimated is damage to electronic equipment. While direct heat damage to electronics is usually easy to detect, the corrosive effects of soot and smoke-borne acids may not be. If corrosive chemicals have been deposited inside delicate TVs, audio equipment, cameras and the like, they will continue their destructive work when the components are turned back on and heat up. Unless this hidden damage is remediated before the equipment is placed back in service, this could cause a significant expense at a time when your insurance adjustor has already closed your case.

Fire can spread through a house in strange ways. The same copper wires that conduct electricity also conduct heat very well. Therefore, heat damage to wire insulation can extend into walls and ceilings even when there is little sign of surface damage. For this reason, it's critical to make sure that all damage to electric wiring is thoroughly ferreted out, since damaged wire insulation can itself be a cause of fire later on.

Also, give close attention to special possessions such as jewelry, artwork, fine furniture and prized books. These typically are very dear objects that would be very expensive, if not impossible, to replace. It might seem tempting to take the easy road and pass off slight discoloration or odor as acceptable, but this not only will affect your enjoyment of the piece, it will affect its resale value.

At this point you're probably getting an uncomfortable feeling for how extensive fire damage really can be �" often far beyond what first presents itself to the untrained eye. For this reason, if you’ve had a fire it is imperative that you bring a qualified fire damage restoration specialist in Connecticut onboard to help you. He has the testing equipment to detect hidden smoke damage and to determine its potential toxicity. He has the experience to evaluate damage to electronics, and the technology to safely scrub off corrosive deposits. He regularly works alongside conservators who can evaluate damage to fine articles and perform restoration.

With the latest equipment and knowledge won by experience, a qualified restoration specialist can make the difference between saving and losing valuable items, and can often save you money in the process. More importantly, he can be your advocate in dealing with your insurance company.

With the right people on your side, you will get through the ordeal of dealing with a house fire in Connecticut, and you will be comfortably back in your home as quickly and smoothly as possible.

To find a Connecticut or Westchester County fire damage restoration specialist near you, contact us today or browse our directory.