How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company

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When facing water damage in your home, selecting the right restoration company is crucial for effective recovery and peace of mind. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which company will best meet your needs. Here are essential tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a water damage restoration company.

1. Make Sure Their Licensed, Insured and Certified

Start by ensuring the restoration company is licensed, insured and certified. Certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) indicate that the company adheres to industry standards and best practices. A licensed and insured contractor is an absolute must, and the appropriate insurance and workman’s comp policy should also be required.

2. Check Experience and Reputation

Experience matters in water damage restoration. Look for a company with a proven track record in handling water damage situations. Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family can also provide valuable insights.

3. Evaluate Their Response Time

Water damage can worsen rapidly, so prompt response is critical. Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency services to ensure they can respond quickly when you need them most. A rapid response can significantly mitigate damage and reduce restoration costs.

4. Assess Their Equipment and Techniques

A reputable restoration company should use modern, industry-standard equipment and techniques for water extraction, drying, and restoration. Inquire about their drying methods, as advanced techniques like thermal imaging and dehumidification are essential for thorough restoration.

5. Inquire About Their Restoration Process

Understanding the company’s restoration process is essential. Ask about their steps for assessing damage, removing water, drying affected areas, and repairing any damage. A thorough and systematic approach will help ensure comprehensive restoration.

6. Check for Additional Services

Some restoration companies offer additional services, such as mold remediation, sewage cleanup, or reconstruction. If you anticipate needing these services, choose a company that can handle multiple aspects of restoration, saving you the hassle of hiring multiple contractors.

Choosing the right water damage restoration company can make a significant difference in the recovery process. By considering factors such as certification, experience, response time, and equipment, you can select a company that meets your needs and restores your home effectively. If you find yourself in need of water damage restoration, take the time to research and ask the right questions to ensure a successful recovery.

Top 5 Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them

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Water damage is a serious issue that can lead to costly repairs and long-term problems for homeowners. Understanding the common causes of water damage and how to prevent them is crucial for maintaining a safe and dry home. In this post, we’ll explore the top five causes of water damage and provide practical prevention tips.

1. Leaky Roofs

Cause: A damaged or aging roof can lead to leaks, allowing rainwater to seep into your home. This can cause extensive damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation.

Prevention: Regularly inspect your roof for missing shingles or signs of wear. Schedule professional roof inspections and maintenance, especially after severe weather.

2. Burst Pipes

Cause: Frozen, corroded, or poorly insulated pipes can burst, leading to significant water damage. This is particularly common in older homes during cold winter months.

Prevention: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, keep the heat on during cold spells, and regularly check for signs of leaks. Knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve can help minimize damage in an emergency.

3. Flooding from Heavy Rain

Cause: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flooding in basements and crawl spaces.

Prevention: Ensure your property has proper drainage systems, such as gutters and downspouts, that direct water away from your foundation. Consider installing a sump pump in high-risk areas.

4. Appliance Malfunctions

Cause: Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can malfunction and leak, causing water damage to nearby areas.

Prevention: Regularly inspect and maintain appliances. Replace old hoses and fittings, and consider using appliance leak detectors that alert you to leaks before they cause damage.

5. Sewage Backup

Cause: A backup in your sewage system can lead to significant water damage and health risks.

Prevention: Be mindful of what goes down your drains and toilets. Regularly inspect your plumbing for blockages, and consider installing a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

Conclusion

By understanding these common causes of water damage and taking proactive steps to prevent them, homeowners can protect their properties and save themselves from costly repairs. Knowing the types of water damage can also help you in finding the right water damage restoration company to handle the drying process. A good water damage restoration company will be able to mitigate the damage so mold doesn’t grow, whilst working with your insurance company if you’re filing a claim. Ask any water damage restoration company you’re interviewing for their certifications, license and insurance info before hiring them, so you’ll know you’re safe in the event of an additional loss.

The Dangers of Delaying Water Damage Restoration

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Water damage can occur unexpectedly, whether from a burst pipe, heavy rainfall, or an appliance failure. While it may be tempting to postpone restoration efforts, delaying can lead to serious consequences. In this blog, we’ll explore the dangers of waiting too long to address water damage and why immediate action is essential for homeowners.

1. Increased Structural Damage

One of the most immediate risks of delaying water damage restoration is the potential for increased structural damage. Water can weaken walls, floors, and ceilings, leading to buckling, warping, or even collapse. The longer water remains, the more extensive and costly the repairs will be.

2. Mold Growth

Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Once mold takes hold, it can spread rapidly and become difficult to eliminate. Not only can mold damage your property, but it can also pose serious health risks, including respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Prompt restoration helps mitigate the risk of mold development.

3. Unpleasant Odors

Lingering water can lead to musty odors in your home, making it uncomfortable for you and your family. These odors can seep into furnishings, carpets, and walls, making them difficult to remove even after the water is gone. Immediate restoration helps eliminate moisture and prevent unpleasant smells from taking hold.

4. Increased Repair Costs

Delaying restoration can lead to more extensive damage, ultimately resulting in higher repair costs. What might have started as a minor leak could escalate into a major problem if left unattended. Acting quickly can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

5. Compromised Indoor Air Quality

Excess moisture in your home can lead to poor indoor air quality, exacerbating allergies and respiratory problems. Contaminants from water damage, such as mold spores and bacteria, can circulate in the air, affecting your family’s health. Swift restoration can help ensure a healthier living environment.

6. Potential for Sewage Contamination

If the water damage is caused by a sewage backup, delaying restoration can pose serious health risks. Sewage water contains harmful pathogens and bacteria that can lead to serious illness. Immediate action is necessary to ensure safe and effective cleanup and sanitization.

7. Potential Claim Denials

Not exercising a prompt response to your water loss can lead to a claim being denied for negligence and dwell time. In order to show the insurance company you took he necessary steps to protect your property, they must see action. Allowing water to sit will only increase the chance of mold growth and thusly give the insurance company the right to deny the claim because of dwell time.

The dangers of delaying water damage restoration are significant and far-reaching. From structural damage and mold growth to health risks and increased repair costs, acting quickly is crucial for protecting your home and family. If you experience water damage, don’t wait—contact a professional restoration company to address the situation promptly and effectively.

What is Cladosporium?

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Cladosporium is the genera most frequently encountered in both outdoor and indoor air. It is found in elevated levels in water-damaged environments. Some species may be resistant to certain types of treated lumber. Cladosporium appears gray to black or very dark green and can have a powdery appearance. The genus Cladosporium includes over 30 species. The most common ones include Cladosporium elatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Cladosporium cladosporioides.

Cladosporium is a dematiaceous (pigmented) mold widely distributed in air and rotten organic material and frequently isolated as a contaminant on foods. Some species are predominant in tropical and subtropical regions . Also, some Cladosporium spp. were isolated from fish and were associated with findings of infection. Cladosporium is a common fungus that is a known and documented aero-allergen which is usually associated with plants, wood products, and leather goods; the spores are easily made airborne and as such are a common cause of respiratory problems; allergic reactions and can be an agent for hypersensitivity diseases; it is as a parasite in infections of the skin, soft tissues or nails and has been documented in cases of Blastomycosis, Candidiasis, Chromoblastomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Entomophthoramycocis, Phaeophphomycocis and Keratomycosis.

The findings suggest that fungal antigens from species found in homes are commonly associated with skin sensitization in an allergy clinic population with upper or lower respiratory allergy. No specific relationships were found, however, between the prevalence of fungal species in the home environment and the prevalence as skin-test allergens.

Most commonly identified outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter. The numbers are often high in the summer. Often found indoors in numbers less than outdoor numbers. Indoor Cladosporium may be different than the species identified outdoors. It is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts. A wide variety of plants are food sources for this fungus. It is found on dead plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint and textiles. Produces greater than 10 antigens. Antigens in commercial extracts are of variable quality and may degrade within weeks of preparation.

Mold and Allergies: What You Need to Know

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Mold is a common household issue that can significantly impact indoor air quality and, for many, trigger allergic reactions. Understanding the connection between mold and allergies is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm conditions. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can easily spread throughout a home. While some molds are harmless, others can produce allergens and irritants that affect sensitive individuals.

How Does Mold Affect Allergies?

For those with mold allergies, exposure can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Coughing
  • Skin rashes

In some cases, exposure can also exacerbate asthma symptoms, making it difficult to breathe.

Common Sources of Mold

Mold can grow in various places around the home, particularly in areas with high humidity or moisture. Common sources include:

  • Bathrooms
  • Basements
  • Kitchens
  • Areas with water leaks or flooding

Prevention and Control

To minimize mold growth and its effects on allergies, consider these preventive measures:

  1. Maintain Humidity Levels: Keep indoor humidity below 50% by using dehumidifiers and proper ventilation.
  2. Fix Leaks Promptly: Address any leaks in plumbing or roofing to prevent moisture accumulation.
  3. Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning of surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can help prevent mold buildup.
  4. Use Mold-Resistant Products: Consider mold-resistant paints and building materials, particularly in high-moisture areas.

When to Seek Help

If you notice significant mold growth or experience persistent allergy symptoms, it may be time to consult a professional. A comprehensive mold test can lead to discovery of the issue and identify the type of mold which will then aid in finding the origin. Mold remediation experts can assess the situation and safely remove mold, ensuring your home is a healthy space. Having mold remediation completed improperly can lead to cross contamination and only exacerbate the issue, so doing your due diligence by finding a qualified mold removal contractor can save you time and money while also limiting your exposure to mold.

Does a Finished Basement Add Value?

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When considering ways to boost your home’s value, basement finishing often comes up as a potential upgrade. Transforming an unfinished or partially finished basement into a fully functional living space can offer numerous benefits. But how exactly does finishing your basement impact your property’s value? Let’s explore the key factors and benefits of basement finishing, and understand its potential return on investment.

What is Basement Finishing?

Basement finishing involves converting an unfinished basement into a livable space. This process typically includes installing drywall, flooring, lighting, and other essential features to make the area usable. Popular basement finishing ideas include adding extra bedrooms, creating a home office, establishing an entertainment room, or even designing a rental unit.

How Basement Finishing Can Increase Home Value

  1. Increased Usable Square Footage: One of the most significant advantages of basement finishing is the increase in usable square footage. This additional space can enhance your home’s value by making it more attractive to potential buyers. More square footage often translates into a higher home appraisal and increased selling price.
  2. Enhanced Home Functionality: A finished basement adds valuable functionality to your home. Whether you choose to create an extra bedroom, a playroom, or a dedicated home office, these improvements can make your property more versatile. The enhanced functionality can appeal to a wider range of buyers, potentially increasing your home’s market value.
  3. Potential Rental Income: Converting a finished basement into a separate rental unit can provide a source of passive income. In areas with high rental demand, this feature can be particularly appealing. The potential for rental income can significantly boost the overall value of your home, although it’s essential to check local zoning laws and regulations before pursuing this option.
  4. Increased Market Appeal: A professionally finished basement can enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Move-in-ready spaces are highly desirable, and a well-executed basement finish can be a key selling point. However, the impact on value can vary depending on current market trends and buyer preferences in your region.
  5. Return on Investment (ROI): The return on investment for basement finishing can be substantial, though it varies. On average, homeowners can expect to recover a significant portion of their investment. Factors such as the quality of the finish, the real estate market, and the specific characteristics of your home influence the ROI. High-quality finishes and professional craftsmanship generally result in better returns.

Key Factors to Consider

  1. Cost vs. Value: Basement finishing can be a considerable investment. Costs may range from a few thousand dollars for basic updates to tens of thousands for high-end renovations. Weighing the potential increase in home value against the renovation costs is crucial. Consulting with a real estate agent or appraiser can provide insights into how much value a finished basement may add in your local market.
  2. Quality of Work: The quality of the basement finishing plays a critical role in determining its impact on home value. High-quality materials and professional installation will likely yield better returns compared to a DIY approach or substandard work.
  3. Local Real Estate Market: The value added by a finished basement varies based on your local real estate market. In some areas, finished basements are highly desirable, while in others, they may have a more modest impact. Understanding local market trends can help you gauge the potential value added by basement finishing.
  4. Condition of Your Home: If your home is in good condition and the basement is underutilized, finishing it can offer a good return on investment. However, if your basement is prone to water damage and thusly mold, you’ll need to take preventive measure to avoid such problems after the basement is finished, If the basement is finished, then having water damage and mold issues will only ruin the basement and increase the cost for water damage restoration and/or mold remediation.

Conclusion

Finishing your basement can be a valuable investment, enhancing both functionality and market value. While a finished basement generally improves your home’s appeal and can increase resale value, the exact return on investment will depend on factors such as the quality of the work, your local real estate market, and your home’s overall condition. And offering an added space, albeit free from the usual basement issues that can arise like water damage and mold, can add your home’s value and quality of life as you enjoy the finished space.

What is Fusarium?

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Fusarium species are ubiquitous and may be found in the soil, air and on plants. Fusarium species can cause mycotoxicosis in humans following ingestion of food that has been colonized by the fungal organism. In humans, Fusarium species can also cause disease that is localized, focally invasive or disseminated. The pathogen generally affects immunocompromised individuals with infection of immunocompetent persons being rarely reported. Localized infection includes septic arthritis, endophthalmitis, osteomyelitis, cystitis and brain abscess. In these situations relatively good response may be expected following appropriate surgery and oral antifungal therapy. Disseminated infection occurs when two or more noncontiguous sites are involved. Over eighty cases have been reported, many of which had a hematologic malignancy including neutropenia. The species most commonly involved include Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium moniliforme (also termed F. verticillioides). The diagnosis of Fusarium infection may be made on histopathology, gram stain, mycology, blood culture, or serology. Portals of entry of disseminated infection include the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and cutaneous sites.

The skin can be an important and an early clue to diagnosis since cutaneous lesions may be observed at an early stage of the disease and in about seventy-five cases of disseminated Fusarium infection. Typical skin lesions may be painful red or violaceous nodules, the center of which often becomes ulcerated and covered by a black eschar. The multiple necrotizing lesions are often observed on the trunk and the extremities. Onychomycosis most commonly due to F. oxysporum or F. solani has been reported. The onychomycosis may be of several types: distal and lateral subungual (DLSO), white superficial (WSO), and proximal subungual (PSO). In proximal subungual onychomycosis there may be associated leukonychia and/or periungual inflammation. Patients with Fusarium onychomycosis have been cured following therapy with itraconazole, terbinafine, ciclopirox olamine lacquer, or topical antifungal agent. In other instances nail avulsion plus antifungal therapy has been successful. In patients with hematologic malignancy or bone marrow transplant, who may experience prolonged or severe neutropenia during the course of therapy, the skin and nails should be carefully examined and consideration given to treating potential infection sites that may serve as portals for systemic dissemination. When disseminated Fusarium infection is present therapy with antifungal agents has generally been disappointing with the chances of a successful resolution being enhanced if the neutropenia can be corrected in a timely manner.

How Mold Effects Us

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After pollens, molds are the leading cause of outdoor airborne allergies, which can recur year-round. Some of the most common symptoms of those sensitive to molds include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, cold and flu-like symptoms, rashes, conjunctivitis, inability to concentrate, and fatigue. Mold exposure has also been associated with asthma onset. Symptoms usually disappear when the mold is removed. However, under certain conditions, exposure to mold can cause serious health problems. Some people with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, for example, may develop mold infections in their lungs. Also, some people exposed to large amounts of mold at work, such as farmers working with moldy hay, may develop even more severe reactions, including fever and shortness of breath. Some molds are toxic, producing chemicals called “mycotoxins,” which in large doses may affect human health, usually by causing allergy-like symptoms such as watery eyes or eye irritation, runny nose and sneezing or nasal congestion, wheezing and difficulty breathing, aggravation of asthma, coughing, itching, or rashes.

Other health problems that have been linked to mold exposure involve the odors produced by mold “volatiles” during the degradation of substrates. These have been discovered to irritate mucous membranes, and they have been associated with a number of symptoms from headaches and nausea to fatigue in individuals exposed to them. For those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities, the simple presence of these microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) can trigger a reaction just as strong and serious as exposure to chemical VOCs. Fungi or microorganisms related to them may cause other health problems similar to allergy. Some kinds of Aspergillus especially may cause several different illnesses, including both infections and allergy. These fungi may lodge in the airways or a distant part of the lung and grow until they form a compact sphere known as a “fungus ball.” In people with lung damage or serious underlying illnesses, Aspergillus may grasp the opportunity to invade and actually infect the lungs or the whole body.

In some individuals, exposure to these fungi can also lead to asthma or to an illness known as “allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.” This latter condition, which occurs occasionally in people with asthma, is characterized by wheezing, low-grade fever, and coughing up of brown-flecked masses or mucous plugs. Skin testing, blood tests, x-rays, and examination of the sputum for fungi can help establish the diagnosis. Corticosteroid drugs are usually effective in treating this reaction; immunotherapy (allergy shots) is not helpful. The occurrence of allergic aspergillosis suggests that other fungi might cause similar respiratory conditions. Inhalation of spores from fungus-like bacteria, called “actinomycetes,” and from mold can cause a lung disease called “hypersensitivity pneumonitis.” This condition is often associated with specific occupations. For example, farmer’s lung disease results from inhaling spores growing in moldy hay and grains in silos. Occasionally, “hypersensitivity pneumonitis” develops in people who live or work where an air conditioning or a humidifying unit that is contaminated with these spores emits them.

The symptoms of “hypersensitivity pneumonitis” may resemble those of a bacterial or viral infection such as the flu. Bouts of chills, fever, weakness, muscle pains, cough, and shortness of breath develop 4 to 8 hours after exposure to the offending organism. The symptoms gradually disappear when the source of exposure is removed and the area properly ventilated. If it is not removed, workers having to be in those contaminated areas must wear a protective mask with a filter capable of removing spores or change jobs. If “hypersensitivity pneumonitis” is allowed to progress, it can lead to serious heart and lung problems. Also, air with a high concentration of fungal spores of a number of different types of molds may contain toxins that, when breathed over a long period of time, may result in a kind of poisoning. Stachybotrys atra, a mold that is commonly found on wet cellulose products (for example, drywall) and is causing growing concern among physicians, is one of these molds. In one recent study, it was linked to lung bleeding in infants. This mold has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome and to central nervous system symptoms such as personality changes, sleep disorders, and memory loss.

What is Alternaria?

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Alternaria is one of the most important allergenic molds found in the US. It is most common as an outdoor mold, as it thrives on various types of vegetation. Alternaria spores can be detected from Spring through late Fall in most temperate areas, and can reach levels of thousands of spores per cubic meter of air. While one usually thinks of molds as a problem in damp or even wet conditions, Alternaria spores can be at their highest concentrations during dry, windy conditions that are ideal for the spores to become airborne.

Alternaria is one of the most common outdoor molds, but also has been found in the indoor environment. The National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing conducted a study looking at house dust samples from 831 homes in 75 different locations throughout the US. Alternaria was found in over 90% of those dust samples. While much of that allergenic load was probably due to outdoor Alternaria finding its way inside, Alternaria is known to grow on moist surfaces in the home as well.

Alternaria is known to be a problem in allergic disease. In patients who show allergy to molds, up to 70% of those patients demonstrate allergy to Alternaria, and Alternaria is known to be a risk factor for asthma. Dampness and mold problems have been reported to occur in 20 – 50% of modern homes. Additionally, keep in mind that mold spores often outnumber pollen spores by 1,000 to one, and mold can produce spores for months on end, versus the weeks of pollen production by many allergenic plants.

Sick Building Syndrome

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Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term commonly used for non-specific symptoms that are temporally related to occupancy of a particular building. When building-related symptoms are characteristic of a specific clinical entity, they are called Building Related Illness (BRI). These illnesses are varied, and include Legionnaires’ disease, building related hypersensitivity pneumonitis, building-related asthma, and others.

SBS symptoms include mucous membrane irritation (cough, scratchy throat, stuffy sinuses, and itchy eyes), headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other non-specific symptoms. The causes of SBS vary with the building and its occupants. SBS was once called “Tight Building Syndrome” and was considered to be a result of excess tightening of buildings in response to energy use concerns. However, many buildings with an excess of symptoms among the occupants are well ventilated. Still, increase in ventilation rates is often the “cure” for the problem.

Some people consider that SBS is caused not by the physical environment, but, rather, by psychosocial factors. Gender, lack of control, poor management, too much work, too little work, perceived housekeeping quality, and many other social factors have been blamed for the symptoms. In some cases, psychosocial factors may be the major cause of complaints. However, clearly, in some cases, environmental factors are at fault. For example, paper dust, and photocopier use have both been related to increases in complaints in a dose-dependent way. An excess of volatile organic compounds have been blamed for SBS symptoms. However, one study attributed this effect to the perception of odors at VOC concentrations far below those that would be likely to have an effect. These authors discuss the possibility that reactive chemistry might produce irritants that might be responsible for some symptoms.

Mold contamination has clearly been related to cases of BRI. However, its relationship to SBS is less clear. A Swedish study documented that dampness in residential buildings was associated with SBS symptoms with symptoms increasing with the number of dampness indicators present. Whether or not mold growth was responsible for these symptoms remains unknown. An extremely interesting study exposed people to measured doses of airborne fungal spores from growth on building materials. In this study, symptoms were similar among the two fungi studied AND for the placebo tests, indicating no specific effect of the spores. Mycotoxins have not been measured in quantities sufficient to cause the normal SBS symptoms, and the data regarding the role of mycotoxins in indoor air remain equivocal.