Water Damage Mold and Your Home
Water Damage and Mold For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food, and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets, and carpet padding are food for molds. In carpet, invisible dust is the food source. After a single incident of water damage occurs in a building, molds grow inside walls and then become dormant until a subsequent incident of high humidity; this illustrates how mold can appear to be a sudden problem, long after a previous flood or water incident that did not produce a mold-related problem. The Right Conditions The right conditions re-activate mold. Studies also show that mycotoxin levels are perceptibly higher in buildings that have once had a water incident Both our indoor and outdoor environment have mold spores present. There is no such thing as a mold free environment in the Earth’s biosphere. Spores needs three things to grow into mold: (1) Nutrients: Food for spores in an indoor environment is organic matter, often cellulose. (2) Moisture Moisture is required to begin the decaying process caused by the mold. (3) Time: Mold growth begins between 24 hours and 10 days from the provision of the growing conditions. There is no way to date mold. Mold colonies can grow inside building structures. The main problem with the presence of mold in buildings is the inhalation of mycotoxins. Molds may produce an identifiable smell. Growth is fostered by moisture. After a flood or major leak, mycotoxin levels are higher in the building even after it has dried out (source: CMHC). Food sources for molds in buildings include cellulose-based materials, such as wood, cardboard, and the paper facing on both sides of drywall, and all other kinds of organic matter, such as soap, dust and fabrics. Carpet contains dust made of organic matter such as skin cells. If a house has mold, the moisture may be from the basement or crawl space, a leaking roof, or a leak in plumbing pipes behind the walls. Insufficient ventilation can further enable moisture build-up. The more people in a space, the more humidity builds up. This is from normal breathing and perspiring. Visible mold colonies may form where ventilation is poorest, and on perimeter walls, because they are coolest, thus closest to the dew point. If there are mold problems in a house only during certain times of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight, or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house, and moisture is trapped), and occur in drafty homes more frequently in the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space, and condenses). If a house is humidified artificially during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same desiccating effect as lowering humidity. Minnesota Water and Flood Restoration Expert There are many ways to prevent mold growth. A Minnesota Water and Flood Restoration Expert is capable of repairing the damage – usually by removing the affected areas and eliminating the cause of the excess moisture with state of the art equipment and experience. Industrial pumps will remove the water quickly and efficiently. High velocity fans will dry the area in no time at all. Experience counts when dealing with mold, mildew, fungus and water that might be contaminated will keep you and your family...
Read MoreMold and Hidden Water Damage
Mold From Ongoing Minor or Hidden Water Damage Virtually everyone has some type of mold or another somewhere in their home. Although not all types are toxic, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish types without lab testing. Black molds can develop from water intrusion like water seepage, improper drainage and irrigation, plumbing leaks, rain and condensation issues. While toxic mold is less common than other mold species, it is not rare. For that reason, it is imperative to treat and remove all molds as if they are potentially harmful. Regardless of the type of mold found, a home containing mold is essentially not a healthy home. Exterior Water Intrusion Mold can grow on any wet building materials. Once it is discovered, it must be addressed quickly and appropriately. Delayed or improper treatment of mold issues can multiply repair costs significantly. When building materials such as wood siding, brick, concrete block and stucco are exposed to moisture sources from outdoors, over time that moisture can penetrate exterior walls and enter the wall cavity, creating perfect conditions for mold growth in between exterior and interior walls. Eventually the moisture and mold can penetrate all the way through to the interior side of wall surfaces. By that time, extensive damage to the structure has already taken place. Water and Mold Cleanup and Repair Begin any cleanup by drying your home, including removing any water-damaged items to help facilitate drying. Water-damaged walls and floorboards will need to be thoroughly dried, and drywall will likely have to be thrown away. All wet insulation, carpet, and similar items will also have to be thrown away. If you are cleaning personal items, there will be some hard choices to make. Cloth materials can normally be cleaned by laundering them several times to remove the impact of the water. Many other porous items, such as couches, stuffed animals, papers, and some older pictures, will have to be thrown away if they have been in the water for longer than 48 hours. Remember, it is better to throw something away than have it become a source of mold in the future. The long-term health issues associated with mold can be reduced by ensuring that a proper cleanup is done. If you suspect you have a mold problem from hidden water damage, it is always best to hire a qualified and experienced specialist that is knowledgeable in the latest water extraction and drying methods. If your home was flooded for longer than 48 hours, you will probably need to consult a Certified (IICRC) Water Damage Restoration Professional. A proper inspection can help detect water intrusion issues early, saving thousands of dollars in repairs costs. Some of this information was quoted from an article called “Is Indoor Mold Contamination a Threat to Health?” by Harriet M. Ammann, Ph.D., D.A.B.T. – Senior Toxicologist at Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, Washington. Is Indoor Mold Contamination a Threat to Health.pdf Download Or for a full copy of her report in Microsoft Word format CLICK...
Read MoreWater Damage Mold and House Insurance MN
Water Damage Restoration Company Minneapolis MN You’ve had water damage in your house due to a burst pipe, a roof leak or a heavy summer storm. You hope that your insurance will cover the damage. What to do? First, read about mold below. You may not know the implications of water and mold damage. What Is Mold, and Why Should You Care? Molds are part of a group of micro-organisms called fungi that also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Molds are familiar to most people as food spoilers on items such as bread or fruit. Molds are nature’s decomposers in the food chain. Mold requires the following conditions to grow: Mold spores (which are always present indoors and outdoors) The right temperature range, from 2°C to 40°C A food supply, which means anything organic such as books, carpets, clothing, wood, drywall, etc. A source of moisture The last condition, moisture, is the only practical factor to control in most houses. If allowed to grow inside your house, mold can be a problem because: It can damage your possessions It can cause health problems, for example: … mold … can cause … allergic reactions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, non-allergic reactions such as headaches, and other symptoms [including] lung and breathing infections” (Health Canada, 2003). Dry Quickly to Avoid Mold! 1 — Contact your insurance agent First, call your insurance broker or agent and report the water damage. You can expect to discuss these questions and issues: How did the water damage occur? Is this damage covered by your policy? Did the damage occur during the period your policy was in effect? Are you reporting the water damage promptly (within 24 hours) to allow quick drying and repairs? 2 — Hire a Contractor Hire a contractor to clean up the water and make repairs as needed to your house. Your adjuster can recommend contractors, but you must confirm the selection with your adjuster — the contractor reports to and is paid by you. You need to be sure that the adjuster and the contractor are following the best possible procedures to look after your concerns. A thorough and fast cleanup will help avoid mold growth. If you wait too long and mold growth starts, cleanup costs will increase significantly. This is what you should be looking for: Speed Mold grows quickly 24 to 48 hours; your adjuster should ensure that you have a contractor in your house promptly. Knowledge The contractor you select should have certification or training in water damage restoration and mold remediation. Competence The contractor should follow basic, good clean up practices after your water damage. Here are some things to look for: The moisture source is stopped Wet items that can’t be salvaged are removed What can’t be removed is dried quickly Ideally, drying is done within 48 hours (to minimize mold growth) No refinishing is done until the area is thoroughly dried 3 — Make sure everything is dry Confirm that the contractor checks thoroughly to make sure all wet areas are completely dry. Be sure all cavities, such as crawl spaces, are dry. Having a Thermal inspection of the affected area will confirm if moisture or dampness still exists in the area that was wet. 4 — Verify the work Make sure all repairs and cleaning has been done properly before you tell your adjuster you are satisfied. You’ve Got Mold If you already have extensive mold because, for example, you’ve had water damage while you’ve been away for two weeks, or there was a long delay between the water damage and the arrival of a...
Read MoreWater Damage Restoration MN | Repair Water Damage MN
Water Damage Restoration Company Minneapolis MN Restore Your Home After Water Damage Once your home gets damaged by water or flood, don’t hesitate to call a water damage expert. Restoring your home all by yourself can be quite a huge undertaking. The job not only requires you to drain the excess water but also to repair the damaged areas and restore them back to their livable state. Any restoration process should begin immediately after the water has subsided. This is to prevent the growth of mold and mildew that usually follows the incident. The ideal and most effective help that you could call upon to restore the beauty and safety of your home is a water damage restoration company. Doing this offers innumerable benefits and it is just what it takes to keep your home at its best. Restore your Home Quickly With The Help Of Water Damage Restoration Company Hiring a water damage restoration company is a practical, financially wise decision because enlisting the help of a group of professionals to cleanup the mess, repair, and restore your home is better than doing the job on your own quickly and efficiently. Water Damage Restoration Companies Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth With water damage comes mold and mildew growth. Steady exposure to mold and mildew can endanger your health and with this, it is best to leave the job to an experienced group of experts to handle and stop water damage before it develops to secondary water damage, such as growth of mold, mildew, and in the long run, of harmful fungi. If your home is constantly under the attack of mold, a water restoration company is what you need to wipe out any chances of their recurrence, of course, using industrial-grade equipment and disinfectants. Hiring a Minnesota water damage restoration company is one of the most effective ways that you can use to restore your home from water damage. The experts have all the proper tools and equipment to eliminate these unwanted tenants before they ever get the chance to develop. More importantly, you keep your loved ones far from the threats of mold and mildew. Find a water damage removal and restoration expert. Ask your insurance agent for referral. Ask for a company that is an insurance approved for water damage restoration expert. You’ll be surprised to find out that there are actually of a lot water damage repair experts in your area! All you have to do is choose the one that fix the problem quickly and effectively. Whether it’s a busted pipe, a severe storm or a flood; water damage is a huge headache that can use the help of a trained...
Read MoreIce Dams Causing Problems For Many Minnesota Homeowners
Emergency Help For Minnesota Homeowners Dealing With Ice Dams In 1 Hour Or Less All the recent snow all across the metro, combined with the recently warmer weather, is giving many Minnesota homeowners the headache of dealing with ice dams. Ice dams form when snow on top of a roof melts, trickles downward and then refreezes when it hits a colder roof edge. As the ice continues to build up on a roof’s edge, water pools up behind it and often leaks into a home. Ice dams are most likely to form when the temperature is in the low 20s for several days and several inches of snow are already on a roof. In the Twin Cities, many longtime homeowners say this is the first time in memory they have grappled with significant ice dams. They fear gutter damage, water damage, mold and even collapsed roofs. A spokeswoman for State Farm Insurance said the insurer has received about 50 claims per day regarding ice dams in the metro area, or more than 500 to date. Why is this year so bad? “We’ve had 34 inches of snow in one month,” said Paul Douglas, former Twin Cities television meteorologist and founder of WeatherNation, a weather news service in Excelsior. Douglas called the convergence of snow, thaw and rain a “worst-case scenario” for ice dams. But he said there’s a pale light at the end of the tunnel: Drips and leaks should stop tonight as temperatures fall and rooftop snow stops melting. We’re going to be below freezing through next week, so it will give homeowners a chance to catch up and try to get rid of some of these ice dams. Call the Minnesota Water Damage Restoration Company that can be there within an hour or less to work with the roofing contractors to help with the all of the water damage and flood clean up homeowners are dealing with. You’ll speak to a live person who will take your information and have a crew on site within the hour. Water Damage Services • Residential and Commercial Service • Structural drying with fans and dehumidification • Moisture readings • Water extraction • Plumbing repairs • Contents management • Demolition and reconstruction • Document drying • Insurance claim estimating and coordination • Certified...
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