RESTORATION NEWS | Water Damage and Mold | Part 2

 
Restoration News – Water Damage and Mold Part 2
 
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on mold basics, the dangers of mold exposure, and the proper mold remediation procedures.

 

 What are Fungi? (contd.)

Newsletter No. 1 ended with conditions that are contributors to the growth of mold.  The free water that was introduced often shows up in the liquid form as in water damage and it doesn’t take a lot of water to start mold.

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Fungi Exposure

Personal fungi exposure may be from a variety of mold components including:

  • Cell fragments
  • Spores
  • Other cell-related products

 They may be allergenic, infectious or toxic.  Every person will react differently to mold.  Some will suffer next to no symptoms from exposure, where others show immediate and severe signs of exposure.  Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to the health problems caused by mold.  Mold is systemic and opportunistic and can affect the entire body.  Molds of different types can also grow together, and when they do, they magnify toxicity.  This is a function that is called synergism.

 What is Mold and Mildew?
 
“Mold” is a simple class of fungi.  It’s often used as the term to describe any fuzzy growth seen on surfaces.

The terms “mold” and “fungi” are used interchangeably.  “Mold,” however, is more commonly used to describe these kinds of growth.

The term “mildew” is often used interchangeably with “mold” and “fungi” although mildew is actually fungi that causes plant disease.

 

 

 

 

Spores

Spores are the reproductive structures (just like seeds) that allow mold to spread to other areas.  They are small and light (half a million spores can fit on a penny) and are easily transported through the air. 

 

Spores can remain dormant for longer than 20 years until the right conditions are present for growth.  The good news is that only about 20% of spores are viable (able to produce more fungi) but whether or not the spores are literally dead or alive they can still produce allergens and may even be toxic to people!

Check back regularly for the next issue in the Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about mold and mold remediation.

 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
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No Comments by Tri-State on July 6, 2010
filed in Duraclean Restoration Specialist, Mold Remediation, Water Damage
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RESTORATION NEWS | Water Damage and Mold | Part 1

Restoration News – Water Damage and Mold Part 1
 
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on mold basics, the dangers of mold exposure, and the proper mold remediation procedures.
 
Being Aware!

Mold has been around forever.  It’s part of everyday life and our environment.  We are aware of the structural damage that it can cause.  Another related important issue that has arisen is mold exposure and potential health risks.  How serious can this be?!

Health Studies

Studies have been conducted in several countries by WHO (the World Health Organization).  They found that 1 in 3 homes have mold that is noticeable and that 1 in 10 homes have a serious mold problem.  

An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) survey says that 70 million Americans work indoors.  One-third of them are quartered in buildings that are breeding grounds for contamination.

Contamination sources found in buildings include:

  • Molds
  • Bacteria
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (like formaldehyde used in building materials like particle board)

Water damaged buildings with mold growth and exposure impact the three parties that form what is called the “insurance triangle.” 

All have to work and communicate together to solve the problem at hand.

Basic Health-related Terms

Some basic mold health-related terms should be understood as part of this series on water damage and mold.  These encompass:

  • Allergenic – Refers to something that is capable of causing an allergic reaction.
  • Infectious – Something that can cause an infection.
  • Toxic – Describes something that is poisonous in regard to causing an adverse reaction but not necessarily a fatal one.

What are Fungi?

Fungi are a large category that encompasses molds, mildew, yeasts and mushrooms.  It’s found everywhere.  It just needs the proper conditions in order to grow.  It reproduces when it’s dried as spores and is released into the environment.  It requires free water either as a liquid or vapor (as in high humidity) to grow.   Indoor environments can be a source of mold although the outside conditions won’t support it.

Some outdoor conditions are much more likely to be able to produce mold growth.

Continue reading the Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about mold, and mold remediation.

 

     

     

 
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No Comments by Tri-State on May 17, 2010
filed in Duraclean Restoration Specialist, Mold Remediation, Uncategorized

Choosing a Sump Pump

Why is the Pump so Important?

No matter how good a drainage system is, the basement will get wet if the pump installed is not effective.  The sump pump is at the heart of any waterproofing system.  The drainage system merely directs the water to the pump.  It is the pump that has the important job of actually expelling the water from the home.

In some cases, home owners can even avoid the cost of a complete drainage system altogether with the installation of the proper pump. 

There are a lot of pump options out there, and it is very important to make the right choice. 

We use the ProSeries line of pumps and recommend them to anyone who is investigating their pump options.       

Why the Pro Series Pumps?

The Dual Float Switch

Until now there have been three varieties of float switches:

  • Vertical  
  • Tethered  
  • Pressure

Unfortunately, all three of these switches are subject to various forms of failure.

The ProSeries pumps utilize a float with redundant switches to eliminate these problems. The ProSeries Dual Float has not one, but two floats mounted within a protective cage.

Should one float fail to operate, the second float is available and ready to activate the pump. The protective cage prevents debris or other wires from interfering with movement of the floats. The result is the most reliable float switch on the market.

Dual Float Switch

The Dual Float Electronic Controller

The ProSeries Electronic controller monitors pump and power conditions and sounds an alarm if a problem is detected.  In addition, it begins the pumping cycle when either float rises ¼”, and runs the pump an additional 10 seconds after the float returns to its original position.The electronic controller takes the guess work out of pump operation. 

 float switch controller

The combination of the dual float switch and electronic controller is unbeatable. 

We believe that ProSeries pumps are the best on the market.   The full line of pumps are built for continuous duty: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 day a year. They are strong and dependable and come with 3-5 year manufacturer’s warranties.

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No Comments by Tri-State on April 14, 2010
filed in Sump Pumps, Tri-State Basement Services, Waterproofing

Why is my Basement Wet?

Why is the Basement Wet?

There are many reasons why basements are wet. Some simple causes that should be ruled out before installing a waterproofing system are:

•Leaking window wells
• Poor grading around the home
• Sump pump failure
• Ineffective sump pumps
• Blocked gutters
• Clogged downspouts

The most common, and most problematic reasons for water intrusion are:

1) High Water Table.  The water table in your area exists around and under your home.  It fluctuates based on rainfall and melting snow.  Many homeowners experience water entry when the water table gets high.

2) Hydro Static Pressure.  Water exists under and around your home before it seeps into the soil.  This water becomes pressurized. Raised pressure levels cause the water to seek entry through cracks and crevices in walls and floors.  It can be helpful to think of pushing a beach ball into a pool.

3) Settlement.  The earth and soil around your home is continually settling.  The resulting movement can shift your foundation.  This can cause your foundation to shift and crack allowing water into and under your walls and floor.
Wet Basement Diagram
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No Comments by Tri-State on April 9, 2010
filed in Waterproofing
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Water Damage | How to React | Prevention

WATER LOSSES

Water damage is one of the most common problems experienced by homeowners. Water may come in through roof leaks during heavy rains, from washing machine, ice maker, or dishwasher failures, or from major fire extinguishing efforts. 

Do not wait to address water damage!  The longer the water sits over time, the worse the damage becomes. Building materials will absorb more and water and will have to be removed and replaced instead of restored. Prolonged moisture creates hazardous and costly mold growth. 

 Immediately addressing water problems saves a significant amount of money in repair costs.

 HOW TO REACT

If you suffer a water loss, contact a certified restoration contractor immediately, and then follow these steps while waiting for the contractor to arrive:

  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • If it is safe, locate the source of the water and turn off any supply valves to stop the flow. If you have to turn your water off, make sure to take steps to prevent the plumbing and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
  • Remember…water is an excellent conductor of electricity. The risk of shock is high. Do not allow wet materials or surfaces to come in contact with any electrical source! Always shut off the power if there is any risk.
  • Keep a list of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property from further damage.  
  • If you have to relocate, even temporarily, give your contractor and insurance company a phone number where you can be reached.

PREVENTION 

Water damage can be a real headache.  Here are some tips to help you prevent some common causes of water damage:

  • Replace washing machine supply lines annually. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses.
  • Inspect the ice maker supply line behind your refrigerator periodically. If the line is brittle or leaking…replace it.  
  • Inspect your water heater for signs of corrosion and leakage.
  • Clean out your gutters at least once a year. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear helps prevent water backing up under shingles.
  • Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace any missing shingles or tiles. Also, inspect all flashing including: chimneys, vent stacks or dormers.  These areas are very common entry points for water.   
  • Make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and plenty of attic ventilation. These help prevent the formation of ice dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
  • Remove hoses from any outdoor spigots. Freeze-proof spigots only work if hoses are removed.
  • Inspect rooms such as the kitchen, laundry room and bath for signs of leakage in water supply and waste lines.
  • Make sure that your shower walls and floor are structurally sound and that grout and joints are in good condition.
  • Check your toilet water supply lines for leakage. Check to make sure the toilet is properly secured to the floor and does not shift or rock at all.
  • Inspect your central air-conditioning system annually to be sure it is operating and draining properly.
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No Comments by Tri-State on April 2, 2010
filed in Water Damage

Tri-State Basement Services | Duraclean Restoration | Public Help Forum

There is alot of misinformation out there about the proper restoration and waterproofing procedures.   We hope that this help forum will allow people to learn about the right way to mitigate disaster damage and waterproof your most important investment…your home! 

We have dealt with countless disaster restoration situations and complex water and moisture problems over the years.  Our vast experience has given us a deep and varied knowledge of our trades.  We want to share this knowledge with the public so they can feel comfortable, knowing that they are choosing the right solution for their disaster damage and water or moisture problems.

This is a safe space to share your questions, comments, and concerns.  We strive to maintain a thoughtful and honest discussion on all things restoration and waterproofing.

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1 Comment by Tri-State on March 29, 2010
filed in Dehumidification Systems, Duraclean Restoration Specialist, Fire and Smoke Damage, Foundation Crack and Structural Repair, Mold Remediation, Sewage Mitigation, Sump Pumps, Tri-State Basement Services, Water Damage, Waterproofing
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