• Recently Written

  • 7 Tips To Protect Your Home From Water Damage
  • Lead Paint Removal Requirements For Colorado Contractors
  • Finding a Meth Lab Cleanup Service In Colorado
  • Earth Day Design Ideas
  • Restore or Replace Carpet After Water Damage
  • 5 Senior Housing Design Trends
  • Installing A Bathtub With Safety In Mind
  • A Safety Checklist To Help You Design With Accessibility In Mind
  • Should A Home Fire Sprinkler System Be A Part Of Your Basement Remodel?
  • Protecting Your Home From Wind Damage

• Categories

  • Aging In Place
  • Basement Remodel
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Colorado Home Remodeling
  • Colorado Restoration Services
  • Fire Restoration
  • Home Safety Tips
  • Meth Lab Cleanup
  • Mold
  • Remodeling for Disabled
  • Uncategorized
  • Water Damage
  • Water Restoration

• Archives

  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009

• Admin

  • Log in
  • Wordpress
  • XHTML

• Search

Mold. It’s something we always live with, yet may never give much thought. As long as we clean regularly and avoid water damage, we’ll never have trouble with mold. Right?

Well its not always that simple. Mold is always present in our living environments. It’s triggered by the two things it loves most: a food source and a little moisture. It’s pretty easy to spot, appearing as white or black spots. It can show up on paper, drywall, wood, paint, tiles, grout, and many other surfaces that surround a moist environment. It’s also accompanied by an odor that’s musty and unpleasant.

When the first signs of mold appear, its natural to get out the cleaning products and start to clean. And it’s also natural to pull out the bleach, thinking it will kill the bacteria and get rid of mold. Bleach will remove mold temporarily, but it is important to note that it isn’t permanent.

Bleach is diluted, and is too weak to completely eradicate mold. Especially on soft or porous locations, like tiles in the shower and bath, bleach will never completely remove mold. It simply removes a portion of the mold that you can see, allowing the original problem to continue growing.

So if bleach doesn’t work, what does? Containing the mold, killing it, removing it, and protecting the area from further attack.

All mold is caused by a source of water. It’s important to find the source, and cut off the supply completely. This may entail water damage restoration.

Then a fungicide should be used to kill all existing mold, and to prevent reoccurrence in the future. The entire area should be cleaned to remove all traces of mold. Even dead, mold can be harmful and trigger allergies in some people.

Finally, protect the area from future growth. Check the area regularly to ensure against future mold development.

[Have a mold problem? Paul Davis Restoration in Denver can help eradicate the problem safely. We’re here to help you with all of your water damage and mold problems.]

image source lusi 

When water damage happens in your home, its natural to want to fix the problem as quickly as possible. But before you rush in and hire the first water damage restoration contractor you find online or in the phone book, think again. Take the time to find the right contractor for your needs. One that will get the job done quickly, and more important accurately.

1. Start by assessing the situation on your own. Do you know the cause? What areas of your home were affected by water damage? Be ready to communicate as much information as you have when you connect with potential contractors.

2. Resist the urge to hire the first contractor you make contact with. Most will want to begin work within an hour or two of the call. Spend extra time talking with several contractors, and be comfortable with the one you ultimately hire.

3. Do a simple search online to find potential contractors. It you’re comfortable with their websites, give them a call. What types of services do they offer? Are they bonded and insured? Have their employees passed background checks?

4. Get references. Because this is a new venture for you, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotion. Before you hire the wrong contractor, spend some time checking out past jobs. Were they happy with the company? We’re things completed in a timely manner?

5. Check the agreement. Make sure you understand the contract, and get things in writing. It’s easier to understand the entire process before work begins, than to assume things along the way.

Mold is a particular dangerous problem that can lead to a variety of harmful side effects.

If you decide to try and rid your home of mold by yourself, make sure you follow strict safety rules.

1. If mold is caused by water damage, be sure to eliminate the water damage before you work at removing the mold. Mold continues to grow in wet or damp situations, so its important to eliminate all water damage first.

2. Clean and disinfect all surfaces with nonpolluting cleaners and solutions.

3. Protect yourself as you work. Mold is a contaminant, and presents a variety of health hazards. Mold spores can be inhaled, and will cause respiratory infections. Be sure to wear disposable plastic gloves, a respirator system with filter, goggles, disposable full body clothing, including rubber boots or foot coverings. Thoroughly disinfect your hands and body after working with mold.

4. Thoroughly clean ventilation systems if mold spores are detected in filters or ducts. Mold will continue to grow if its fed through movement in the systems.

Because of the environmental hazards caused by mold, you may also choose to get a second opinion. A mold specialist can advise you of proper cleanup, and assist in getting your home back to original condition.

Water damage can be hazardous to your health, and can put your home in danger. When water damage occurs, cleaning it up and getting to the root of the problem as quick as possible is imperative. If treated quickly, you can minimize the damage, prevent the growth of mold and other harmful contaminants, and reduce the amount of restoration needed to be done.

1. Put safety first. When water damage occurs, it can lead to a variety of problems. It can damage the foundation of a home, can short circuit the electrical system, and can create hazardous situations. Don’t enter a water-damaged area unless you are sure of your safety.

2. Video and photograph the area. Technology has helped with documenting problem areas. Grab your camera and video, and document the damage caused by the water. Capture detail problem areas, as well as a full view of the situation.

3. Secure your personal belongings. Once you’ve ensured you can enter a water-damaged area safely, move personal items out of harms way. Items like artwork, photographs, paintings, albums, paperwork, and books should be moved to safety, and dried out if they were affected.

Also contact a restoration expert who has experience in curing water damaged property. They understand the process needed to return your home to its original condition, and ensure you don’t have continuing problems with things like mold and other hazardous materials.

Whether you have a new or old home, protect your investment before water damage occurs. Here are some tips to help you prevent water damage in the bathroom before it happens.

1. Check faucets in the sinks and in the shower and tub area for leaks.

2. Sinks often need to be re-caulked to prevent water damage to the top counter space, and to the base of the sink.

3. Watch for soft spots or discoloration around the tubs and showers. Both can be a sign of slow leaks and water damage.

4. Cracks in tiling and grout can allow water to seep in, and damage the structure of the tub or shower.

5. Correct toilet problems immediately. Overflow of toilets can lead to water damage, even if it doesn’t occur frequently.

6. Watch for mold. Water damage can start small, and can lead to larger issues rapidly. When in doubt, call in an expert on water damage for guidance.

What do you do when you wake up to several inches of water in your basement?

Water damage is one of the most common reasons people make claims to their homeowners insurance. From burst pipes, to leaky appliances, to a broken water heater, to a flooded basement, all can cause major water damage to your home.

Unfortunately, when you wake up to several inches of water, you’re in an emergency situation. Instead of panicking, take some time to understand and assess your needs.

Find the source. If it’s a burst pipe, turn off the water supply. Control the water supply if at all possible to reduce further damage.

Start removing water by mopping and blotting.

Move books, photos, artwork, and other personal assets to a safe, dry location.

Begin removing furniture, rugs, draperies and other items to dry out, and make additional room for cleanup.

Contact a local water damage restoration company to help you assess the damage, and begin restoring your home to its original condition.

[Paul Davis Restoration will help you with all of your water damage restoration needs throughout Denver Metro area.]

• Blog Updates

  To stay up with the news, click the RSS feed logo button.

  
• 
  
  

  Blogroll