Blog

The growth of mold inside commercial buildings and even inside residential homes is actually quite common, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is one fungus that thrives wherever there is moisture, making it an enthusiastic fan of bathrooms, HVAC systems, ductwork and even kitchens. Mold may form inside your air conditioner, along walls in rooms where there isn’t proper ventilation, and it can be hiding under cracked grout in your flooring. A leaky roof can spur the growth of mold inside ceiling tiles, so can improperly installed rain gutters. For the most part, this type of mold, while not ideal, won’t kill you, but it can cause health problems. You should always take care to safely remove any small areas of mold you come across. And it’s always prudent to do what you can to prevent mold growing. Mold, itself, is not toxic, though it’s often … Continued

Monsoons and flash flooding are something that not all of the world has to deal with, but those that are in the path of a monsoon need to be prepared. Monsoon season comes every year and those that are prepared for it can weather the storm with minimal damage. For those that are not prepared however, loss of home and property and even loss of life are a potential. Knowing how to prepare for monsoon flooding is a must if you live anywhere that these dangerous storms may occur. 1. Roofing- monsoons come with large amounts of rain and wind and without a roof that is free of leaks and secure, you can end up with water inside the home that not only damages the roof and the subroof, but also that damages the home inside. Dripping roofs can end in extensive damage inside the home as well as damage … Continued

Insulation has come a long way; as have fireproof and fire resistant materials. Asbestos and other harmful items aren’t even made into insulation products. However, before it was known what dangers asbestos presented, it was used almost everywhere. This means that asbestos is still common and present in many locations. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a blanket term that refers to six different, naturally occurring, materials that have the ability to be resistant to fire and electricity. So, this makes them perfect for applications in which fire retardation is necessary. Asbestos are naturally occurring mineral fibers. So they are abundant and can be molded and woven into a number of different materials and items. This helps to make them more fire resistant. Why is Asbestos Dangerous? Asbestos is dangerous for one reason, its ability to cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which … Continued

Household mold is generally caused by a combination of factors. First, there has to be mold spores present in order for mold to grow. Once there are mold spores in the atmosphere, the environment has to be conducive to mold growth in order for the mold to spread. In general, mold grows readily in areas that are damp, unventilated and left untreated after a flood. What Causes Mold in the Home? Water damage is a big factor when it comes to mold in the home. When water is left to sit in a basement, this causes a breeding ground for mold spores. If water has flooded your home after a storm, it is likely that the water contains mold spores from the environment. While you may be able to remove standing water from your basement, it is almost impossible to remove water completely without the right equipment. Any amount of … Continued

Something smells off in your basement. You begin moving boxes and then you notice it growing up your wall – black mold. Oh no! You begin to panic as you realize that everyone in your house has been battling the cold and flu off and on for months. Now you can’t help but wonder if your home has been making your family sick Relax: Not All Black Mold Is Toxic If you have just discovered mold in your home, don’t panic – yet. Not every mold streak is toxic. If it were, we would all be in trouble. The fact is that most of the 100,000 species of stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) do not produce toxic mycotoxins. That doesn’t mean you won’t experience an allergic reaction though. The good news is that in most cases, the mold found in your home is not toxic and will not cause dangerous medical conditions. … Continued

Water damage in your home or office can be completely devastating. However, there may be situations where the water damage seems minimal to the untrained eye, leaving property owners to shrug it off and skip a call to the professionals. In many cases, property owners believe that the only reasons to call a restoration company are after a fire, major storm or other significant damages. In reality, it is always a good idea to contact your local restoration experts, even in instances where the damage seems minimal. When Should I Contact My Local Restoration Company? There are a wide range of potentially hazardous situations that may require the help of your trusted restoration team. From obvious disasters like a burst pipe or flood damage to preparing to put your home on the market and other preventative measures. Unsure if it’s the right time to make a call? Check out some … Continued

What’s your knowledge level when it comes to the dangers and prevention of house mold? Inform yourself and better protect yourself from mold with these key facts. 1. The health effects can be serious. Especially for people with existing respiratory problems (such as asthma or mold allergies), mold spores in the home can cause serious health problems when ingested. 2. Moisture breeds house mold. Mold cannot truly grow and thrive without moisture, so keeping humidity levels reduced in the home is the best way to prevent dangerous mold growth. Ideal indoor humidity levels to avoid mold issues are between 30% and 60%, depending on climate and time of year. 3. Water leaks are a common cause. One of the most common causes of mold is that of water leaks. This can include undetected plumbing leaks within your home’s walls, leaks underneath your kitchen sink, or even roof leaks. 4. Mold … Continued