Large Scale Levels of Mold Infestation

As the levels of mold infestation increases, the action required should be immediate. Although there are some handymen who can handle the extent of the job, there are mold remediation experts who can handle the situation for you, while you stay safely away from the contamination. These last two levels are the most difficult and dangerous levels of a mold infestation; taking precaution and ensuring safety are the priorities.

Level 4: Greater than 100 Square Feet

Depending in the intensity of the infestation, the best course of action for dealing with a level 4 mold infestation, is calling a mold remediation expert for assistance. If you are planning to take part in the remediation process, here are some precautions you should take:

1. Everyone involved in the mold remediation process should be properly trained in handling hazardous materials.
2. Make sure you are equipped with full face respirators with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) cartridges.
3. Wear disposable protective clothing covering both head and shoes.
4. Isolate the working area by sealing vents, ducts, grills, and other openings.
5. Set up a “decontamination” room.
6. Monitor air conditions before moving back into your home to ensure safety.

Level 5: HVAC Systems

Level 5 is perhaps the most dangerous type of mold infestation since it involves the air you breathe. Applying all the necessary precautions will be important to keep everyone healthy. Follow these steps as soon as you notice there is mold growth in your HVAC system:

1. Shut down the entire HVAC system before starting the mold remediation process.
2. Growth-supporting materials that are contaminated should be removed, sealed, and secured before disposing.
3. Use an effective and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial agents that prevents the growth of microorganisms.

Consider asking a mold remediation expert for advice on effectively dealing with high level mold infestations. Stay safe and healthy by acting quickly and preventing mold from festering and taking over your home.

Small Scale Levels of Mold Infestation

At what point is the presence of mold inside a home considered an infestation? There are different categories or levels to consider the extent of mold. Identifying the level of infestation can help homeowners determine if they can handle the situation themselves or if it is already time to call in the help of mold remediation experts. If you are dealing with mold in your home, the distinction of levels will help you:

Level 1: 10 Square Feet or Less

Almost every household will have to deal with mold. Handling a small scale infestation such as a level 1 scenario is basic and easily done. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. For people with respiratory or immune disorders, even a level 1 clean up should be avoided.
2. Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask when cleaning up.
3. Remove infants and people with medical conditions from the surroundings.
4. Dispose of materials that cannot be cleaned in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further contamination.
5. Ensure even the smallest of areas are left dry and visibly free of mold.

Level 2: 10 – 30 Square Feet

For a level 2 infestation, the same precautions as a level 1 infestation should be taken. Since the area of contamination is larger than that of level 1, here are some added precautions to take:

1. Wrap all the moldy materials in plastic sheets and secure with tape before handling these. This will contain the dust and debris and prevent spores from floating in the air.
2. Double wrap these materials before moving them out of the house. This will stop further contamination.
3. As soon as the mold removal is done, vacuum the work area and the surrounding areas with an HEPA vacuum and wipe the areas with a damp cloth, but allow to dry immediately.

Level 3: 30 – 100 Square Feet

The contaminated area will be much larger compared to levels 1 and 2, but the same basic precautions should be observed. This will be a bigger job and if you feel as if it is too much to handle, contact a mold remediation expert for help. Here are some added precautions for a level 3 infestation:

1. Seal vents, ducts, and grills within the working area and areas directly adjacent.
2. Vacate everyone from the home until the work is completed.

These are just the first 3 levels of mold contamination, as the level increases the work and necessary precautions will also increase. Check back for an update with the last 2 higher levels of mold infestation on the next post.

San Diego Fire Damage Restoration Services Company - On The Costs of Wildfires

A total of 14 wildfires, starting with the May 13 Bernardo Fire, scorched around 26,000 acres of forest and vegetation. It cost the county nearly $28 million to fight the fires on multiple fronts, and cost residents almost $30 million in property damage, according to the county's after-action report. It was only second to the worst firestorm in the county's history eight years ago. Had it not been for San Diego's commitment to improving disaster response, the toll would've been much higher. According to the report, firefighting aircraft played a crucial role in controlling the May blazes. CAL FIRE is currently working to expand its air fleet and secure a future commitment for military assistance should another blaze of this scale recur.
http://www.ecopurerestoration.com/blog/san-diego-fire-damage-restoration-services-company-on-the-costs-of-wildfires/

Dangers of Floodwater

Never underestimate the power of water. When your science teacher told you that water is the universal solvent, it was an absolute truth. In fact, water does more than just dissolve matter. One of the most disastrous forms of water is flooding. Here are some of the destructive effects of flooding on homes.

When Drying Isn’t Enough

After flooding, you just want everything to be back in its clean and dry state. Unfortunately, even if everything can be dried, not all your belongings’ look and function can be restored. Electronics that have soaked in water will most likely be unusable. Books that have been left wet for a long time may no longer be recovered. The same goes with your carpet and dry wall.

Remove Mold ASAP to Avoid These Health Risks

For many homeowners, especially first-time ones, mold presents an aesthetic issue. After all, patches of mold growing in basements, kitchens, and attic spaces are unsightly. What homeowners have to remember, though, is that the presence of mold is more than just a matter of appearance.

Prolonged exposure to mold can present a variety of health risks, especially among children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. As such, any mold found in your home should be eliminated by professional mold removal specialists ASAP. Otherwise, you risk developing the following health problems:

Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Mold spores are an allergen that can easily cause allergic rhinitis to flare up; for others, spores can act as a trigger for asthma attacks. Normally, there aren’t enough spores in the air to trigger allergies or asthma. Unfortunately, mold growth in an enclosed space can significantly increase the amount of spores floating in the air.

Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage restoration can be a costly project to undertake. The best way to avoid shelling out for repairs is to detect the common causes of water damage and correctly address them before they become an expensive problem. Untreated water damage can ruin properties and lead to mold growth, which is not only dangerous to your home’s infrastructure, but also to your health.

 

Top 2 Causes of Water Damage

There are several possible causes for water damage in the home, but these can be divided into two categories:

1. Piping problems. Water damage from piping problems can result from leaky and broken pipes, clogged toilets, leaky roofs, and broken dishwasher hoses.

2. Natural Disasters. Floods, heavy snow, heavy rains are also responsible for a lot water damages in Michigan homes. Once a home has been affected by any kind of water damage, this should be cleaned up immediately to avoid long-term property damage.

Water Damage Categories

Determining the severity of the damage can help you gauge on how you will proceed with the water damage restoration plans and flood cleanup strategy.

• Category 1: Clean water that does will not harm the inhabitants of the home. Usually comes from broken appliances of sink overflows.

• Category 2: Often called “grey water”, is contaminated water that may cause sickness if ingested. Water is usually from broken toilets and broken sump pumps.

• Category 3: Known as “black water”, it is unsanitary water that contains bacteria and other organisms that causes sicknesses. Possible sources are from sewage and contamination of standing water.

 Any type of water damage can become a serious problem if it is not addressed properly. If you feel as if you are not capable enough to clean up or fix your current water damage situation, call in a professional who will gladly help you while also doing their best to prevent any future water damages.

A List of Things You Can Restore After a Flood

If you think a little water will do you no harm, you might want to reconsider once you are on the receiving end of a flood. Floodwater can inundate your property, soaking everything in a mixture of water, mud, and other debris that might have been swept up. It will take some time for the waters to recede, and until then your property and everything inside it are at risk of water damage.

Water damage is a serious issue. Floods can leave behind nasty stains that can be difficult to remove. Wooden furniture, wood floors, and other parts of a house that are made of wood are at risk of warping from being submerged in water, and could be a target for termites. Severe cases of water damage can accelerate the growth of mold and bacteria in furniture and the walls, which can endanger homeowners and their families.

If you must salvage belongings from your home, prioritize recouping furniture without upholstery. Furniture with fabric and cushions are sure to waterlogged with too much of the floodwater to be of any use, and could be breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Mattresses also will need to be replaced. As for the home itself, it would be best to call upon a professional company to handle the drying, cleaning, and possible reconstruction of the property. Although homeowners can manage these tasks on their own, the expert opinion and skills of these companies will prove invaluable.