Water Damage Mold Cleanup and Restoration MN Part 2
Water Damage Mold Insurance Claims Continued from Water Damage Mold Cleanup and Restoration MN Part 1 Mold has recently emerged as the dominant cost driver in some states. Mold is certainly not new—it’s been around for hundreds of millions of years—but the sharp rise in mold claims is definitely a 21st -century phenomenon. Multi-million dollar jury awards, sensationalized reporting in the media and profiteering by some individuals have led to an explosion in mold claims and costs. Water Damage & Mold “Mold is Gold” has become the popular mantra of trial lawyers and no wonder. The true magnitude of the problem is obvious — there has been a 300% increase in mold-related lawsuits during the past three years. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are 10,000 such cases pending today nationwide (“Lawsuits, Insurance Claims Over Mold Damage on the Rise, USA Today,July 17, 2003.) The cost to the construction industry is staggering. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent each year on mold litigation, claims and remediation. It’s hard to put a precise dollar figure on mold damage because most insurers don’t separate mold claims from water-damage claims, according to Claire Wilkinson of the Insurance Information Institute. About 22% of all homeowners insurance claims result from “water damage and freezing,” a category that includes mold remediation. A 2003 white paper on mold from the III put the cost of the average mold claim between $15,000 and $30,000, at least five times the average non-mold homeowners claim at that time. Fixing Water Damage NOW Prevents Mold Problems Later! Mold Can’t Grow Where Mold Can’t Eat! Unlike asbestos and other materials that have been the focus of “toxic” tort litigation and construction defect claims, mold is naturally occurring. The three elements necessary for mold growth—food, air and water— are found in every building. In fact, mold is everywhere. Because mold is always present, it is impossible to conceive of anyone who has not been exposed to some form of mold. Eliminating mold growth, or even the possibility of mold growth, is a key component of water damage restoration. The most effective way to prevent mold growth on water damage losses is to begin the drying process quickly. Restoration companies who are aware of possible mold growth problems usually know how to dry structural materials with heat, air movement and by lowering the indoor relative humidity. This is an effective way to dry a building because material removal is minimized and mold growth is retarded. Water damage is hazardous to health and dangerous for any home or business, therefore time is of the essence when it occurs. Within minutes of water intrusion, damage can begin. Unwelcome moisture starts by staining ceilings, walls, and floors, and then can turn into dangerous mold growth. It only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to grow in the right moisture conditions. Chances are, if you can’t see the mold and have a musty smell, that you have “hidden” mold. Hidden mold tends to be located in the air ducts, on the back side of dry wall, paneling or wallpaper, on the underside of carpets and pads, behind furniture, just to name a few locations. 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. A Certified (IICRC) Water Damage Restoration Professional can help you locate the water source, do the necessary testing and...
Read MoreWater Damage Mold Cleanup and Restoration MN Part 1
Water Damage Mold Insurance Claims Water damage claims are probably the most common claims made under homeowners’ policies in the country. Over the past 12 years, insurers paid out more than $100 billion in catastrophe-related losses—about $700 million per month—many times more than in previous decades. Most water damages are caused due to frozen, broken or burst pipes, leaky appliances and flooded basements. In fact, frozen and broken water pipes rank No. 2 only behind hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of insurance claim costs in the U.S. In most cases, pipes break during freezing weather. A third, and probably most devastating, type of water claim is from flooding. Flooding is also probably the most misunderstood of the types of water claims. The reason for the misunderstanding is that flood is not normally covered by most insurance policies. To have flood coverage, it is usually necessary to have special flood coverage. A good rule of thumb in trying to determine if there is coverage for water damage is, “If the water comes down, it might be covered. If it comes up, it is usually not covered.” The exception to this is the backup of sewers or drains. On some policies, drain backup is covered. The first goal is to avert serious health problems that can be caused by mold, mildew, fungus or contaminated water. Water damage never comes at a convenient time! But when it does, it needs to be done right or the lingering odor or telltale marks that can significantly reduce the value of your property. Insured Bill of Rights You need a restoration expert that works for you to protect your interest. Under The law, it is your right to choose what company will perform work in your home or business. The Insured Bill of Rights states that you have the right to choose! When deciding which restoration company will suit your needs best, look for a qualified and reputable company, that will stand behind work performed and warranty responsibilities. Click here to view the Insured Bill of Rights PDF Insurance Damage Repair Bill of...
Read MoreWater Damage Mold In Your Minnesota Home Part 2
Water Damage Mold As the weather turns cooler, one of the “fast and furious” water leaks that homeowners encounter occurs when a pipe freezes and bursts. Whether you have had a small leak in one of your pipes or a full out flood, water damage mold is nothing to be taken lightly. Mold can be very persistent and hard to get rid of and it can also be hazardous to your health. Not only that but if left unchecked, mold will ruin any surface it grows on. What Is Mold? Mold is a fungi whose job it is to decompose things. We often think of it as decomposing vegetables, bread and other foods that have been left around but when it gets into your home, mold can decompose your carpets, your drywall, your clothing, your books and any other organic surface in your home. Mold loves more sure which is why water damage mold is so common in flooded areas. Since mold spores are always present outside, it doesn’t take too much for them to get inside. All they need is a moist area, some organic material and the temperature of between two and 40°C. Needless to say, you don’t have to experience a major flood to get mold in your home. What To Do If you have mold in your home whether it’s from a flooded basement, heavy melting ice, or maybe a burst pipe, you want to assess the extent of the damage. Get into the area and see how bad the mold is. If it is excessive, you probably want to check your insurance policy to see if mold damage is covered and then call the insurance company. In many cases, hiring a mold remediation company is necessary to remove the mold safely. If you just have a minor leak at a pipe that has caused a little area of mold that you may be able to remove yourself. The first thing is to be sure of where the mold this. Remember, it can grow on wood, drywall, carpeting, fabrics and books so you want to check to make sure if any of these items around that they do not have mold on them. When removing the moldy items, you want to be sure that you seal them in a bag so that the mold spores do not become airborne and find another place to grow in your house. If it is a big job, you want to section off the entire area and be sure to have ventilation to the outside. Also, wear protective clothing when cleaning or removing mold as water damage mold can be very hazardous to your health. One of the worst outcomes of a leak or natural disaster is water damage mold. That’s because mold can be persistent, is hazardous to your health and is often difficult and costly to get rid of. It only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to grow in the right moisture conditions. Chances are, if you can’t see the mold and have a musty smell, that you have “hidden” mold. Hidden mold tends to be located in the air ducts, on the back side of dry wall, paneling or wallpaper, on the underside of carpets and pads, behind furniture, just to name a few locations. A Water Damage Restoration Expert can help you locate the water source, do the necessary testing and help you remove the mold from your home before it has an opportunity to do any further damage. Mold loves moisture and it needs an organic surface to live on. That means that...
Read MoreWater Damage Mold In Your Minnesota Home Part 1
Water Damage Mold Chlorine Bleach is Not Effective in Killing Mold According to the EPA – “Biocides (like chlorine bleach) are toxic to humans as well as mold! (1) The object to killing mold is to kill mold at its “roots”. Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials. Thus, chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s Mold Remediation/ Clean Up Methods guidelines. The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc. (2) Chlorine Bleach does kill bacteria and kill viruses, but has not been proven effective in killing molds on non-porous surfaces. Bleach itself is 99% water. Water is one of the main contributors of the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Current situations using bleach re-grew and regenerated mold and bacteria twice the CFU counts than were originally found before bleaching, within a short period of time. Bleach is an old method used for some bacteria and mold. It is the only product people have known for years. The strains now associated within Indoor Air quality issues are resistant to the methods our grandmothers employed to clean-up mold. (3) What potential mold ‘killing’ power chlorine bleach might have, is diminished significantly as the bleach sits in warehouses, on grocery store shelves or inside your home or business 50% loss in killing power in just the first 90 days inside a never opened jug or container. Chlorine constantly escapes through the plastic walls of its containers. (4) The ionic structure of bleach prevents Chlorine from penetrating into porous materials such as drywall and wood—it just stays on the outside surface, whereas mold has enzyme roots growing inside the porous construction materials—however, the water content penetrates and actually FEEDS the mold—this is why a few days later you will notice darker, more concentrated mold growing (faster) on the bleached area. (5) Chlorine Bleach accelerates the deterioration of materials and wears down the fibers of porous materials. (6) Chlorine Bleach is NOT registered with the EPA as a disinfectant to kill mold. You can verify this important fact for yourself when you are unable to find an EPA registration number for killing mold on the label of any brand of chlorine bleach. (7) Chlorine bleach off gases for a period of time. Chlorine off gassing can be harmful to humans and animals. It has been known to cause pulmonary embolisms in low resistant, and susceptible people. (8) Chlorine bleach will evaporate within a short period of time. If the area is not dry when the bleach evaporates, or moisture is still in the contaminated area (humidity, outside air dampness), you could re- start the contamination process immediately and to a greater degree. (9) Chlorine is a key component of DIOXIN. One of the earliest findings of dioxin’s toxicity in animals was that it caused birth defects in mice at very low levels. This finding led to dioxin being characterized as “one of the most potent teratogenic environmental agents”. The first evidence that dioxin causes cancer came from several animal studies completed in the late 1970’s. The most important of these, published in 1978 by a team of scientists from Dow Chemical Company, led by Richard Kociba, found liver cancer in rats exposed to very low levels of dioxin. This study helped establish dioxin as one of the most potent animal carcinogens ever tested and, together with the finding of birth defects in mice, led to the general statement that dioxin is the “most toxic...
Read MoreBuying A New Home? Look For Signs Of Water Damage
Buying a New Home? Inspect For Signs of Water Damage With so many houses on the market, there has never been a better time to buy. Whether you live in the area or not, house prices are low thanks to the plethora of foreclosures within the last few years. Sadly, when it comes to the housing market, one person’s loss is another person’s gain. But not always. While shopping for a new home or even a vacation property, it is important to know what the signs of water damage are so you can sport them long before you get into a potential buyer’s contract. Look For Signs of Water Damage Knowing what to look for during your home search can help you greatly in the long end. Not only will it give you an idea of the work that may need to be done to restore the home but it will flag the fact that the home does have problems. Too often lately, home buyers are complaining of home inspections that did not show serious water damage or mold damage problems. While home inspectors are supposed to record all findings of damage or problems to the home, some do not. When observing for signs of water damage of a potential property to buy, begin with the exterior. Start with the roof. Are there any missing or damaged shingles? Bent or damaged gutters? Is the roof collapsed in any area? Is the chimney damaged or cracked? Are any areas of the roof or directly under the roof stained or damaged? Ask your realtor for their opinion. Find out how old the roof is as well and when it might need to be replaced. Next, check all exterior walls and windows. Do you notice any collapsed walls? Are there any cracks or stepping in the walls? Are the exterior walls wet even though they should be dry? Are any windows broken or cracked? Can you notice any sign of water intrusion through any windows or window wells? Finally, look at the lawn and backyard. Are there any puddles or flooded areas? How does the ground slope” towards or away from the house? Does any of the landscaping look damaged or drowned? Again, talk to your Realtor through the process and ask questions. Regarding the interior of the home, document anything you find suspicious and make sure you check everything. Observe the walls, ceilings and floors. Are any of the surfaces wet? Can you spot any cracks? Do you see any stains? A water stain on the ceiling may point to a roof leak, however if you have water pipes in the attic these may be the issue. Look at the walls. Do you see any signs of flaking, swelling or any discoloration or yellowing? Are any of the walls soft to the touch? Is the ceiling ballooning anywhere? Can you see any visible signs of mold? While inspecting rooms, check for warped or damaged wood. For example, check hardwood floors, baseboards and cupboards. If you see any warping or bucking in the hardwood floors, it is most likely a sign of water damage. Look closely for molds on wood. If there is carpet, check for stains or areas of wetness. Check inside cupboards for water stains. Water stains in the bottom of your cabinets can be a product of a leak in your sink pipes. In the kitchen, check to see if there is an exhaust fan: does it work? Also, check the bathrooms: do they have fans and do they work? In both kitchens and bathrooms, test fixtures to see...
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