Everyone wants the safest, healthiest home environment for their families. You would do anything to protect your loved ones from exposure to any substance that could cause them harm.
One of those feared substances is “mold” and with what you have seen in the news in recent years, exposure to harmful or “toxic” mold has affected the health of countless people — folks just like you. This brings up the all-important question: Just exactly how dangerous is mold in homes? That’s a tricky question, because there are many types of mold and mold is virtually everywhere. There is probably a little bit in your basement right now. Your shoes when you came home yesterday no doubt brought in a few mold spores. Mold spores can be in breathable space and travel in the air. When you step outside, you are surrounded by mold. There’s nothing you can do about that. The main concern is usually what’s in the home, not outside, although if you are sensitive to mold you should avoid all damp areas that could promote mold growth, inside and out. Some people are affected by even the smallest amounts of mold. They may have nasal issues, watery eyes, coughing and other physical reactions. A smaller segment of the population are very sensitive to exposure to mold, having severe reactions that can be life threatening. Others aren’t affected at all, and can be around and/or exposure to all types of molds with no apparent sensitivities. Never a bad idea to have a mold test in Seaside Heights, N.J. The CDC has plenty of information for those concerned with mold in homes. One of the issues they raise is keeping moisture out of homes. “Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding, all types of water damage in Seaside Heights,N.J. according to the CDC government website. The issue is twofold if mold is growing in your home. You must clean it up or have it cleaned up, and you must fix the moisture problem. You can do your research on how to fix the problem, but the best solution is, no doubt, getting expert advice from your professional water damage restoration contractor or mold removal in Seaside Heights, N.J., or remediation company. Keep your family safe. Call the experts. Most cleaning tasks are performed based on two criteria:
When it comes to your air ducts, which handle air flow in your home from your furnace and air conditioning, there is no easy way to visually inspect for soil build-up. Professional air duct cleaners, however, do have specialized equipment for inspections, and can run cameras into your ductwork. The best way to keep everything clean and healthy is to schedule a regular cleaning of your air ducts, to battle particulates that might build up in them. However, there are particulates that are of more concern and must be addressed immediately if discovered. Preventing duct contamination To ensure healthy air ducts, keeping dust and debris out (and mold) is vital. Consulting with your HVAC company on which high-efficiency air filters is smart. Don’t buy cheap air filters. The more particulates an air filter traps at the furnace and air handling system, the less gets into the ductwork and into breathable air space. Change your filters regularly. Set an electronic reminder on your phone or computer so you never forget. Some filters can become so clogged that particulates become airborne and contaminate breathing space. Keep your home as clean as possible with regular vacuuming and sweeping. Obviously, if horizontal surfaces are clean, less dust and particulates are disturbed with normal household activity. Mold and air ducts With warm air and humidity, there is always a chance that mold can grow, and if it grows in your air ducts, there’s really no way to know it is happening without a professional inspection. And in the event of a water damage in Port Republic, N.J. situation, especially if moisture (water) intrudes into your air ducts, the risks increase that mold can be growing. Even when dried out, mold spore particulates can become airborne and cause respiratory issues. If someone in your household develops allergies or unexplained symptoms, it could be due to mold exposure. This doesn’t mean there is “deadly” mold in your home. It means certain individuals have a specific allergic reaction to mold. Everyone is different. Never hurts to get a mold inspection in Port Republic, N.J. If there is any doubt as to whether mold exists in your duct work or not, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company right away. After all, it pays to call a pro, just in case mold removal in Port Republic, N.J. is nessary. When water damage in Osborne Island, N.J. strikes your basement, or any part of the home, you panic a little. But it isn’t too bad as long as it isn’t too deep.
But when sewage strikes, that’s an entirely different situation. Raw sewage can’t be as easily removed and cleaned as a typical water intrusion, such as from a storm or pipe that has broken. The first order of business is to find out whose sewage it is. Did it come from your own home because it couldn’t drain properly? Is it a simple overflow from the toilet? Or is it from the sewer system backing up from the street? There’s a big, big difference dealing with your own poo and the poo of all your neighbors. The small jobs As mentioned, sewage can occur from a simple toilet overflow. Those dirty jobs are easy to handle. Put on rubber gloves, preferably rubber boots, and other protective gear so there is no skin contact. A wet/dry vacuum is a handle tool for picking up raw sewage, since you are dealing with just one overflow and the amount is small. After removing the waste, use a powerful disinfectant on the floor to clean the last of it up. If you have carpet, that might need to be replaced. The big jobs Some sewage backups occur because of a failed sewer system, not just a simple overflow of a toilet. A common issue with sewer issues is when your sewer line is attacked by tree roots. Over time, roots can work their way into the sewer line, as they search for water. The roots grow into the line, expanding and eventually plugging up the line completely. Then your normal household use of the plumbing system backs up into the home. The worst type is a backflow from the public sewer system, where gallons — or even hundreds of gallons — of raw sewage from all types of sources can enter your home. There are various causes of this, but the bottom line is you now have contaminants that are very hazardous to your health. When this happens, it’s time to protect yourself. Don’t attempt to go into the basement and clean it yourself, even if you have face masks and skin protection. The biological hazards are too great. And after all is cleaned up you may want to consider a mold test in Osborne Island, N.J. This is one of those times you must call a professional water damage company, one that specializes in sewage issues. After all, it pays to call a pro! Most of our attention is on surfaces or items at eye level or lower, such as on tables, or the flooring in your home. But when your eyes go up, you might start to notice something frightful… damaged ceiling tiles, and causing you to think “Oh, no, it’s mold!”
It’s probably not. Most likely what you are seeing are damaged ceiling tiles from some type of water damage in Ocean City, N.J. or moisture intrusion. Ceiling tiles are usually made from plants, minerals, gypsum, clay, other natural materials, so are very absorbent and show stains easily. Some are made from synthetic products and might not have as many stains from water leaks or moisture intrusion. Here are a few steps you can take to restore those damaged ceiling tiles. But remember that replacement might be a final option. And if you feel you need mold testing in Ocean City, N.J., its as easy as making a call. Remove them Take pictures of your ceiling first, just to avoid the frustration of fitting them back, especially if some tiles are of different sizes. Vacuum your tiles, removing as much dirt and debris you can, which will be concentrated on the topside of them. There are many causes of water damage to homes and buildings, ranging from heavy rains, leaky roofs, broken pipes, failure hot water heaters, sewage back-ups and more.
The cause of the damage must be considered when drying out a home or building. If it is “fresh” water, such as a broken pipe or leaky roof, the drying process is a little simpler than a sewage back-up. Small water damage in Mystic Island, N.J., that are concentrated to an area, such as under a kitchen sink, can quickly be cleaned up. Large water damages can take days to clean and dry out, often resulting in pesky odors that then must be dealt with. It’s that pesky odor that tells you not all is well, and more work needs to be done. Remove, Clean, Dry Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces quickly means less microbial growth, which can lead to potentially dangerous mold. Some people are highly sensitive to mold spores, while others show no physical reaction at all. Don’t take the chance in learning the hard way how you might react to mold. Prevention is best. To ensure the safety of your family, there are three basic steps:
Remember, water damage can be potentially dangerous even after you think surfaces are dry. If it feels dry, it just might be… but it might not. Professional water damage removal and mold removal in Mystic Island, N.J., pros have meters and devices to determine when surfaces are totally dry. And they have the products and equipment necessary to do the job right — items you can’t buy at your local grocery or hardware store. Play it safe. Protect your family. Call your restoration pros for any type of water damage to your home. Drip… Drip… Drip… a leaky pipe or drain may not seem to be that big of a deal, but it could be the first indicator of big trouble coming your way.
Most people — just like you — think of water damage situations as a broken pipe spewing water all over the place, or perhaps a failing sump pump resulting in a basement that imitates a swimming pool you did not want. Other water damages can occur from an overflowing toilet or — even worse — sewage backup that can mean replacement of surfaces and belongings in your home. Catastrophic water damage situations, such as from a storm, flood waters and similar water intrusions, are about impossible to predict and prepare for. But when it comes to smaller issues, you can do quite a bit to keep your home nice and dry and free of musty, moldy odors. Never a bad idea to get a mold test in Margate, N.J. The first step is prevention. If you have a faucet dripping, you may think the only loss would be pennies a day. But what if your drain plugged up and you were gone for an extended period of time? Drips can quickly add up and create an overflow that can cause expensive water damage in Margate, N.J.. And a leaky pipe under a cabinet or toilet is really bad news as that can quickly get worse and flood your home. So be sure to either fix these issues yourself or hire a plumber. The second step is to dry out any existing moisture that may exist in areas that can be damp from either dripping water supply pipes and hoses to drains. Wipe up as much water as you can and get some air movement onto the surfaces affected. The third step is to get professional help. Call your water damage pro not only when emergencies strike, but to receive valuable advice in advance. Do what’s right. Call your water damage pro! It’s easy to know where musty or moldy odors are coming from after you have suffered from a water damage in Manahawkin, N.J., which happens from a broken pipe, overflowing toilet or flooding from rainwater, to mention a few. But what do you do when you notice a mysterious “musty” odor in your home? Nothing is broken. There was no big storm. The sump pump is chugging away like normal. Mysterious musty odors can be caused by a variety of situations. Figuring out where they are coming from and remediating them is the challenge. What are some common causes? Ice dams are the bane of winter. Ice dams are created on roofs in cold climates. They develop when snow accumulates on a roof with a slope, the snow starts to melt and the water slowly moves down the slope to the eaves or gutters. The water can’t drain because of the amount of debris in the gutters, such as from leaves. It then refreezes, creating an ice dam, which means during the next thaw water can’t drain through the obstruction. This then causes leaks through the roofing material, and into your home. If the water intrusion is minimal, you might not even know it is happening, until your nose knows… detecting that mysterious musty odor. Leaky drains are another cause of musty odors. If the leak is very slow, water can drip, drip, drip… and over time cause damage under sinks. You don’t notice it because it’s hidden, and the amount of water is contained in a small area. But you start to notice the smell, that mysterious mustiness that you are determined to eradicate. Severe condensation on windows is easy to see but often homeowners don’t appreciate the damage potential. This odor-causing issue is caused by excessive moisture in the home, especially in the winter when windows draw the moisture onto cold surfaces. The moisture itself isn’t the problem. The problem is when the moisture moves down into the window sills and any natural woodwork or even wall interiors get wet and create that mysterious musty odor. What can you do? Do a mold inspection in Manahawkin, N.J.. Look at all areas in your home that water can intrude or accumulate. Your restoration pros have the equipment to do it right, with moisture meters and special cameras that detect moisture. Mold removal in Manahawkin, N.J. can be a simple process if needed. Be smart. Give them a call. It happens, and not at the most opportune time. You push the flusher, and then it all happens. The toilet overflows. You panic, you might scream…that’s just one simple issue, and with bathrooms there are many issues….
A clogged toilet may overflow when flushed, or a water supply line leaks under a bathroom sink, or someone (possibly you) starts filling a bathtub and forgets—any of these can turn the water loose in the bathroom. Not a good scenario at all. When this happens, it’s may seem it is all over, and you can’t fix what’s happening. However, there are some things you can do to fix some serious issues. Control the flow It may be a simple concept, yet when you can’t find the shut-off valve, panic can attack. Don’t delay – look for the shut off values now and be ready for what’s going to happen eventually. Watch the electricity Where there is water damage in Long Port, N.J., and electricity, there is danger. Mark your power supply so you can find the breaker that turns off the power to your bathroom. Start mopping or extracting Standing water is not a good thing. While a fresh leak is one thing, if given time that water can start to seep into areas that can create costly damage. With the first inclination of water intrusion, start extracting. Of course, the best thing is to call your favorite water damage restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! And it's always a good idea to have a mold test in Long Port, N.J., after a few months. Thinking and planning ahead can give you peace of mind. One great way to plan ahead is to create an emergency preparedness kit, or as some call it, a go bag, which is a backpack, small suitcase or other type of container packed with essential items you might need in the event of an emergency, especially if you are evacuated from your home. While it is true odds are in your favor that you may never have to evacuate your home or relocate on a temporary basis, when it does happen, your basic needs will be cared for if you have a go bag ready to… go. When you build your own go bag, remember that one size does not fit all. In other words, there is no perfect list for you or your family, just suggestions. You must base your own go bag contents on what you need. What should your go bag include? Several essential items, such as:
Don’t forget other items that may not be considered if you are in a rush, such as cell phone chargers for your mobile phones, extra keys to your home When you compile your food items, think protein… such as in protein bars, nuts, beef jerky, just to list a few. When you visit your local grocery store you will be surprised how many options you have available to you. Some people even include battery-operated radios, whistles, pocket knives and multi-tools, butane lighters, dust masks, maps, notebook and pen or pencil, extra eyeglasses and more. When disaster strikes, don’t forget you have some expert help and advice from your disaster restoration pros. They will be there to help you restore or rebuild what you have lost. Give them a call. A good number to have on hand is an emergency plumbing service in Long Beach Island, N.J. Also a good company for mold inspection in Long Beach Island, N.J., As things return to normal, mold testing in Long Beach Island, N.J. can give you peace of mind. When a fire, flood, water leak, mold growth or other issue that makes your home either inhabitable or just an inconvenience to deal with, you must decide “Will I clean this up myself, or hire a pro?”
While some small, minor “disasters” can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer, most restoration projects are best left to the pros. Here’s why. Safety Obviously, keeping your family and loved ones safe is important to you. When dealing with disaster issues, what might seem like a minor issue may actually be a dangerous situation. Water damage in Harvey Cedars, N.J., even from the smallest leaks, can result in mold growth. Wet materials that might seem to be drying out could hold moisture in hidden areas. Smoke from a fire can be dangerous as well. Back to normal Anyone that has never suffered from a loss might not understand the emotions, frustrations and feeling of hopelessness that are common during a restoration project. Using a professional company means things move along quickly, and you are back in your home or able to use damaged rooms as soon as possible. Doing it yourself can make the project drag on for days longer than necessary, often with undesirable results. Insurance coverage Water, fire, smoke, wind, mold removal in Harvey Cedars, N.J.… what’s covered? And what’s not? Insurance policies are difficult to interpret, yet a professional disaster restoration company works with insurance companies every day, so they are best equipped to help you through the process of dealing with insurance agents and adjusters. You want to be treated fairly and receive fair coverage from your insurance company. Having a qualified, reputable restoration contractor in your corner helps with the entire process. Is Mold Testing in Harvey Cedars, N.J. covered? Do what’s right. Call your disaster restoration company when you suffer any type of loss. What is a water damage in Forked River, N.J.? It’s anything that happens in your home that causes problems for you and your family.
It can be a simple over-flowing of a sink onto the kitchen floor. Or perhaps a toilet didn’t flush properly and it sloshed out a bit onto the bathroom floor. Then again it can be a little more serious such as from a broken pipe that spewed water everywhere in the basement when it was time for spring watering of the flowers. No matter what, a water damage in your home is bad news. Even the tiniest bit of water can cause all kinds of problems, from the worse (mold damage) to the least (pesky odors). There are three things you can do to help prevent water damage in your home.
While there are other ways water damage situations an occur in your home, these are the common ones. Don’t make a mistake… prepare now and avoid problems in the future. But when the worst thing happens, such as a water damage in your home, don’t delay. Call your water damage pro today! There are many steps you can take as a responsible homeowner when flooding occurs in your home, whether from an overflowing toilet or a failed sump pump.
First of all, keep it safe. Do not do anything that can cause physical harm to yourself or your family, which can mean working in areas with electricity that have water damage In Brigantine, N.J. and there can be other issues. Pick things up. When water intrudes, picking up smaller items and placing them out of harm’s way is important. For objects you value, normally smaller items, and can get to without danger to yourself, start wiping them off and getting them dry. Although your water damage pro will handle the final cleaning and restoring of valuable objects, you can do much to help the process. Some materials are sensitive, and need special attention. These can include wood furniture, fabrics, upholstery, rugs, art and other valuable items. If you can remove these from flooded areas and wipe them off and allow them to dry, you might assist the drying and restoration process. Especially pick up and allow to hang in a safe place items such as valuable rugs. As a general rule, get things up off the floor. These would be especially larger, more valuable items, such as sofas, chairs, tables, etc. Most water damage situations are just a few inches deep, so putting these items up could be possible and very helpful to preserve their value. But if not, don’t worry… your water damage pro (who is no doubt now on the way) can handle it. He has special wood or foam blocks or other items to do the job to protect your furniture and larger items. Somewhere down the line after the situation is remedied, a mold test in Brigantine, N.J., may be a good idea. But no matter what, don’t delay in doing what is best: Calling your water damage pro! Do you know what the EPA says about discarding moldy materials?
It’s not as easy as just tossing them into the trash can, which is what some homeowners might be tempted to do when they try out some “do-it-yourself” mold work. Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, the EPA states. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area. Doesn’t sound like fun, right? As a homeowner, you can get confused following all these mold removal rules and regulations, and these here are just the tip of the iceberg. Having mold removal in Beach Haven, N.J. is a phone call away and will provide peace of mind. It may be a great idea to have a mold test in Beach Haven, N.J. to determine any unseen mold in your home. Do yourself a favor. When you see some mold, keep yourself and your family safe: Call a mold pro. He knows all the rules. — Source: EPA There are many reasons why a carpet can become smelly, from pet odors to heavy soiling and other causes. However, what some don’t realize is a little water intrusion can cause a big problem with the condition of their carpet, even after it seems the carpet has dried.
Water intrusions can be from many sources. If it is from a toilet (raw sewage), it’s almost always best to discard the carpet and pad and get something new. While doing that, be sure the subfloor is also cleaned and disinfected appropriately, and sealed if necessary. If it is from an overflowing sink or a leaky pipe, the damage can usually be limited so purchasing new flooring isn’t always necessary. But one of the biggest problems is waiting too long no matter the cause of the water damage in Atlantic City, N.J. When you discover a wet carpet or rug, it’s time to get to work. Remove the water with extraction, and get some air movement and ventilation started on removing moisture. However, here’s the problem. If the carpet isn’t dried really fast, like how professional water damage experts can dry carpet using their specialized tools and equipment, a persistent musty smell can develop. There’s not much a homeowner can do to fix that issue. In the winter months, when humidity is low, you may not notice the odor that much. But when summer arrives, with the higher humidity, those odors will come back with a vengeance. Even worse, mold can begin to grow. No one wants potentially dangerous mold in their homes! What’s the best solution? Call your water damage pros right away, before real damage sets it. They’ll be right over to save the day. Having a mold test in Atlantic City N.J. , is a simple phone call away. With the arrival and impact of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, many have given up their favorite pastime of reading paper newspapers and books. But if you look around your home, you may still find plenty of books, documents, and valuable paper products that you prefer over the electronic variety — or that you just can’t get rid of.
Many of these items end up in the basement or other storage areas, and just when you least expect it, can become damaged from moisture, a broken pipe, flooding from storms, or a failure of your sump pump. Water damage In Absecon, N.J. can come from many sources. When that happens, it’s time to dry everything out, and that’s not always easy. The first step is to wipe off and remove as much excess water that you can, without damaging the paper. For loose papers, such as documents, lay them out individually on absorbent cloths and then carefully blot. If using paper towels, make sure they are pure white, with no color print on them. Loose papers are fairly straightforward to dry. Some air movement from a small fan can help the drying process. After drying, you can compress the papers to flatten them out. For books, very carefully open the covers of each book, and stand your books upright on a stack of several, absorbent pure white paper towels. Place several layers of absorbent towels inside the covers, and gently close them. Allow the towels to pull moisture from the pages; replace them as they get wet, checking frequently. As you progress, carefully open pages, perhaps every 20-30 pages or so, and place more towels or cloths inside those pages, closing the book, allowing moisture to transfer into the towels or cloths. Keep the book on its side as you do this. Eventually, as the book dries, you can open the pages, and put the book in front of a fan to continue drying out the pages. What if you have many books or documents, and they are valuable and must be saved and you don’t have the ability to do it yourself? That’s when it’s time to get some professional help. Put your damaged documents or books in the freezer. It’s now time to contact your favorite disaster restoration company for help. After all, it pays to call a pro! |
Jo Lucas
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April 2023
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