Posts Tagged ‘mold growth’

As part of our Mold-Proofing Your Home, Room by Room series, we are pleased to offer you mold-proofing advice on Basements and Crawlspaces!

Mold Proof your Basement or Crawl Space:

1. Reduce the amount of clothes, paper and furnishings stored in the basement. Discard badly damaged materials. Eliminate clutter to improve air circulation. Only washable items should be stored.

2. Dehumidify the basement during the warm months.

3. Avoid carpets on slab-on-grade or below grade floors.

4. Periodically clean the drain in your basement floor. Use half a cup of bleach, let it stand for a few minutes, then flush with plenty of water. Keep the drain trap filled with water.

5. Avoid standing water. Keep sump pits covered (you can use plywood wrapped with plastic).

6. Regularly clean and replace furnace filters. Use a pleated one-inch filter, not a coarse filter.

7. If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), clean the filter inside the HRV often.

8. If you notice molds or signs of dampness, such as water on your windows or wet spots elsewhere, do not humidify. Disconnect furnace humidifiers that are no longer used.

9. If you have electric baseboards, vacuum the units, or have a professional clean them for you.

Learn more about how to protect your basement from water damage and mold.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage Tarpon Springs, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York City Health Department, here are ten top things to know about mold!

1. There are more than 100,000 species of mold. Most types that are routinely found are not hazardous to healthy individuals. But too much exposure or certain types of mold could cause allergic reactions, asthma, rashes, respiratory complaints or other types of mold related illness.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem at home or in school, clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the water leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30%-60% ) to decrease mold growth.

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials like ceiling tiles, plasterboard or wood, may need to be replaced.

8. Prevent condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, pipes, exterior walls, roof or floors) by adding insulation.

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

10. Molds can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage Tampa, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

Recently, Advanced Restoration was called out to inspect a situation in a Palm Harbor attic: mold damage.

When we arrived on scene and climbed up into the attic of the home, we could clearly see several patches of mold growing.  Once up in the attic, we inspected the area and came to two major conclusions.  The first conclusion was that there was not nearly enough insulation in the attic.  Insulation is extremely important in retaining the temperature in your home.  For example, a well insulated attic will help retain warm temperatures in the winter and cool temperatures in the summer.  The insulation in this home, however, was inadequate.  It was old and probably a low grade.  The recommended energy efficient insulation is scored at least at an  index insulation value of R-30.  R-30 would also mean between 8-14″ of insulation as opposed to the 2″ of insulation we were met with.   So, not only was the lack of insulation working against the homeowner’s efforts to keep an ambient temperature in their home, and thus, increasing energy costs, but it was also allowing heat to enter the attic.

Our second conclusion as to what was creating an environment hospitable for black mold was the fact the the attic had very poor ventilation.  With heat comes moisture and without adequate ventilation, the heat becomes trapped in the attic and the moisture sets onto the various materials in the attic.  And as we all know, standing water can cause mold to grow rather quickly, especially if it is surrounded by mold’s favorite food: organic materials.  It was clear what needed to be done.  The first step: mold removal followed by complete remediation.  The next step: the homeowner’s needed to get their attic updated with increased ventilation.  Finally, the homeowner’s would need to get their insulation upgraded.

A quick note to homeowners is to check with your energy company to see if you can get a rebate.  For example, Progress Energy offers homeowners incentives to upgrade their insulation.  See this link for details: http://progress-energy.com/custservice/flares/energyhome/insulation.asp

Either way, the cost of upgrading your insulation and ensuring proper ventilation in your attic can benefit you in more ways than one.  Not only will you be able to control your ambient temperature, but you will also be able to save on your energy bills and know that you have a healthy, happy attic.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage Tampa, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

Recently, in our article on Winter Mold, we discussed the benefit of using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Some of you may be familiar with it and some of you may not be; for those of you who are not, we thought we’d unlock the mystery!

By definition, HEPA means High Energy Particulate Arresting. The filters remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles (mold spores, pollen, dust etc.)

Put as simply as possible, HEPA filters are composed of a mat of randomly arranged sticky fibers (typically fiberglass). The filter acts like a sieve and trap particles through a few different methods.

Interesting fact: the original HEPA filter was designed in the 1940s.

In addition to being used in vacuums, HEPA filters are also found in air purifiers as well as in biomedical applications. HEPA filters do have to be changed per manufacturer’s directions.

In sum, HEPA filters can be a great preventative measure you can take to help protect your home and family from mold spores, mold growth and bacteria.

For any other information about mold damage and mold remediation, please visit our website to learn how Advanced Restoration, Inc. can help you.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. proudly services Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Sarasota County, Manatee County & Okaloosa County. Call us today at 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT.

Water Damaged Property & Belongings Springhill Ozona Destin 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT www.drymeout.com

Floods can be devastating to property owners. Even as flood waters eventually recede, some property owners will discover water damaged properties and ruined belongings. The good news is that the majority of water damaged properties can be saved and restored. With proper and extensive techniques, such as water extraction and mold remediation as well as a fortified prevention plan in place, your property will be better than new in no time.

When we at Advanced Restoration Inc. have to work on a damaged property, we not only have to deal with water damage issues, but also environmental concerns. Environmental concerns could range from mold growth to sewage contamination to even chemical contaminants from the flood waters. To ensure a safe environment, our experts will perform environmental testing to determine if mold, bacteria, viruses and chemical contaminants are present. And if we find evidence of any contaminants, you can rest assured that we will completely remove all sources of damage and contamination.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is committed to providing you with unparalleled restoration service. www.drymeout.com 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT