More tips for reducing mold in your home or business

Mold can trigger anything from an asthma or allergy attack to nervous system damage leading to death. Effects of mold on health can include migraine headaches, hay fever, eczema, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory impairment, flu-like symptoms, sick building syndrome, dizziness, nosebleeds, fainting spells, brain damage, nerve damage, or immune system damage. Yet despite all the warnings and lawsuits in the news, many people don’t take the threat of mold in their home or business seriously. Mold spores are everywhere but take root and thrive in dark, moist areas. They can grow on any organic surface, are hard to kill, and the most harmful varieties actually emit toxic gases. Following is a list of steps you can take to ensure that your living or working space is as free of dangerous molds as possible:

• Be conscious of humidity. Humidity levels should be monitored and should never exceed 50%. Use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep particular areas dry, such as the basement.
• Remember to ventilate every room and keep closet doors open. Open other doors and windows, run the air conditioner, and use ceiling, ventilation, and other fans.
• Some molds can only be killed with harsh chemicals such as liquid bleach. Clean all bathroom surfaces including shower curtains and window blinds with bleach once a month to keep those damp areas free of mold.
• Use your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to reduce moisture as well as odors.
• Keep fireplace wood away from the home.
• Remove carpeting from all concrete floors.
• Ensure that moist air from your clothes dryer is properly vented to the outside.
• If you suffer from mold allergies, stay away from moist areas and items that have been stored there. If necessary, seal off those areas until they can be properly disinfected.
• Inspect closets for items that may retain moisture, such as shoes or wood. Take necessary precautions to ensure mold doesn’t develop as a result of storage.
• If you find evidence of water damage from a leak in your home or plumbing, be sure to resolve the problem immediately and have any affected and surrounding areas professionally cleaned as soon as possible using proven mold killing techniques, technology, and cleaning products.

If you’re unfortunate enough to find an existing mold problem anywhere on your property, take these steps to ensure thorough remediation of the threat:

• Make sure the area is inspected by a trained, certified mold inspection service professional to determine the proper plan of action.
• Isolate or quarantine any infected areas and belongings until disinfection is complete to prevent cross-contamination.
• Mold is dangerous enough that professionals in space suits will likely have to clean a badly infected area and remove the mold in hazardous waste containers. Care must be taken that mold spores are contained and not “stirred up” during the cleaning process.

Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night... 
 
Mold Removal for Maryland 

Residential Restorers
14660 Rothgeb Dr Rockville, Maryland 20850

 

(301) 832-7168

benpaul@residentialrestorers.com 24/7 Live Dispatch Emergency Disaster Response Specialists

Basement Flooded In Maryland From Heavy Rains in October 2010

Heavy rains in the Maryland area have flooded more than a few basements from East Baltimore To Montgomery County Maryland.

The Maryland Home Improvement Contractors Association's Jim Milinelli cautions homeowners to use care in selecting a water damage contractor:

"Every remodeler in the state of Maryland is required to be licensed by MHIC and that license needs to be current and that is the first and most important factor that the public should be aware." Jim Milinelli of the Maryland Improvement Contractors Association says.

Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night...

Maryland Water Damage Restoration

24/7 Live Dispatch Emergency Disaster Response Specialists 14660 Rothgeb Dr #102 Rockville, MD 20850 Ben Paul benpaul@residentialrestorers.com Directions

Mold Removal Certifications For HomePro Restoration Inc.

Certifications

- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (IICRC)

- Hands-on / Mold Sampling (Indoor Air Management)

-Certified Mold Inspector (ESA)

- Master Water Restorer (IICRC)

- Water Damage Restoration Technition (IICRC)

- Comprehensive Water Damage Restoration (Steam Way)

- Art of Drying: Practical Psychometry (IICRC)

- Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (IICRC)

- Health and Safety Technician (IICRC)

- Carpet Repair And Reinstallation (IICRC)

- Journeyman Textile Cleaner (IICRC)

- Upholstery Cleaning Technition (IICRC)

- Carpet Cleaning Technition (IICRC)

- NIRC Oriental and Specialty Rug Cleaning (Master Clean)

- Certification In Wool Care (ASCR)

- Hands-on Health and Safety ( Indoor Air Management)

- Trauma / Crime Scene Cleanup (Unique Consultants)

- Asbestos Abatement Supervisor (State Of Maryland)

-Collecting and Analysing Asbestos Air Samples (State of Maryland)

Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night...

Maryland Water Damage Restoration

24/7 Live Dispatch

Emergency Disaster Response Specialists

1 (866) 898–6653

5715 Industry Lane, Unit # 2, Frederick, MD 21704

Mike Phelps

mike@homeprorestoration.com

Directions

Water and Mold Damage, Does Your Insurance Cover It?

Many people have no clue as to what types of water damage is covered under their home or business insurance policy. Homeowners and business owners are becoming confused, hearing about mold insurance claims getting denied, and lots of questions arise about water damage to their homes. This article will go on to explain what types of damage is covered by your home insurance or your business policy and what you should do if your house has damage.

What Water Damage will your Home Insurance Policy cover?
Homeowners policies don't cover damages from a flood, you would need to purchase flood insurance if you want to be specifically covered for water damage caused by a flood. Your home insurance policy would pay for damage from rain coming through a hole or a window if the hole had been caused by strong storm winds. But if you have a pipe leaking inside your house that created water damage over time, that wouldn't be covered. It simply comes down to if your water damage was caused by a covered event such as a storm or if the water damage happened because you failed to keep your house repaired which would not be covered. If you are unsure as to what kind of water damage is covered, carefully read through your home insurance policy or call your the company.

Avoid Mold: Cleaning Up After a Disaster
It is very important you take steps to repair your water damage because if you let the damage linger it could cause further damage as well as health risks. Don't ignore obvious signs of a water problem in your house! You need to immediately try to find any leaks and repair them from the source. When you let water leak in your house, moisture builds up and mold will grow. Mold will eat through the building's structure and gradually cause health problems that could become serious. Mold exposure causes a wide variety of health effects such as coughs, nosebleeds, runny noses, sinusitis and congestion and even more serious upper respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Many insurance companies don't cover mold damage but it might be covered if it was caused by a covered peril such as a storm. As soon as you discover any water damage, report it to your insurance agent before it gets any worse.

Water Damage Caused By a Storm
When there is a storm, if water gets into your home, you need to dry up all the wet areas and set up air circulation to help everything dry. Water can come into your house or place of business from roof damage, or damaged gutters, or from a leaking basement. To prevent additional damage, cover all areas with a tarp. By drying, covering and dehumidifying all wet areas you can attempt to minimize the chance that mold will form from the water damage. Flooding can happen if a storm causes a river level to rise. Of course, always contact your insurance agent as soon as possible so that you can begin the homeowners insurance or business insurance policy claims process.

Moisture Damage Over a Period of Time
If you find water or moisture damage that appears to be from a leakage existing for a period of time, mold might have developed and the chances your claim will be covered are very slim. In this situation, trying to cleanup the mold now will spread the mold spores and cause more property damage and increased health risks. Mold is extremely dangerous to your health and it is crucial that you have a professional restoration expert come to cleanup the damage. Obvious damage from flooding can be cleaned up but mold growth isn't always apparent. Moisture behind drywall can be detected using specialized equipment from a certified disaster restoration contractor. Typically insurance policies have a cap or limit of what the insurance company is willing to pay towards mold removal. Prepare to cover at least some of the clean up expense out of your pocket, that means shopping around on search engines to select a competent disaster restoration company in your area. Contact your home insurance company to check if any of the damage is covered with your policy and call a professional disaster restoration company immediately.

For certified water damage restoration contractors in your area call your insurance agent. Be forewarned, if you suspect mold damage, typically a home or business insurance policy sets a cap or limit of how much the policy is going to cover, you're likely to have to foot at least some of the bill out of your pocket Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Bruce

Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night...

Maryland Water Damage Restoration

24/7 Live Dispatch
Emergency Disaster Response Specialists
1 (866) 898–6653

5715 Industry Lane, Unit # 2, Frederick, MD 21704

Mike Phelps
mike@homeprorestoration.com

Directions

Fungicide Mold Sealant Paint After Clean Up

Mold Sealant Paint
HomePro Restoration uses antimicrobial and fungicidal sealant paint after a thorough cleaning of mold affected areas of homes and businesses.

This Photo shows a white fungicidal sealant paint spray coating that has been applied to all surfaces in a building basement fas the last step in a mold cleanup project. The remediator did a great job of removing moldy materials, cleaning all surfaces, and leaving no demolition dust or debris in the building - all before this mold spray paint was applied.

Remember to clean: Fungicidal sealants or non-sealant fungicides should not be used as a substitute for physical cleaning of moldy or suspect surfaces and materials. Application of fungicides without cleaning risks leaving high levels of toxic or allergenic particles in the building. Even if a fungicide could "kill" every mold spore, which in our experience is unlikely, non-viable spores may still be toxic or allergenic. (See our page top photo).
Biocides or Fungicides which are not sealants have the same shortcomings as sealants and more: they are unlikely to kill 100% of their target, they do not immobilize remaining dust or debris on a surface and they do not provide future moisture resistance.
Possible health risks of fungicides and disinfectants: If your contractor is planning to use a disinfectant or fungicide on building surfaces be sure to review the chemicals to be used as possible irritants or hazards themselves. The remediation industry is of mixed opinion regarding the efficacy and advisability of using such treatments.

Some people have allergic reaction to these chemicals. The contractor should be asked to provide documentation identifying the chemical(s) used, the concentration and manner of application, and the areas where they were applied, as well as providing pertinent health information from the manufacturer, as some occupants or owners may prefer to avoid these chemicals. Source: http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/cleanmold3.htm




Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night...

Maryland Water Damage Restoration

24/7 Live Dispatch
Emergency Disaster Response Specialists
1 (866) 898–6653

5715 Industry Lane, Unit # 2, Frederick, MD 21704

Mike Phelps
mike@homeprorestoration.com

Directions

Excessive Rain Floods East Coast, Is Your Basement Wet?

'Nightmare' rains flood parts of East Coast.

A second major storm in less than a month continued to drench the East Coast, pushing rivers over their banks, closing schools, delaying flights & prompting evacuations.


Water Damage Restoration
When disaster strikes, delay in response time can cost thousands of dollars in loss of inventory, property, and sales. With out quick restorative services, water damaged items become unsalvageable. HomePro Restoration can cut your replacement cost by up to 70% by completely drying water damaged interiors of homes and businesses, we can eliminate the need for major reconstruction.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Emergency Disaster Clean Up 24/7 Live Dispatch on Duty

HomePro Restoration Inc provides emergency water, fire, and mold damage clean up to residential and commercial customers in Maryland, DC and northern Virginia. In addition, we provide maintenance cleaning solutions to commercial and industrial clients. We have been providing services for over 35 years and are fully insured and certified. HomePro guarantees the customer quality, integrity, hard work, and great customer service.

Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night...

Maryland Water Damage Restoration

24/7 Live Dispatch
Emergency Disaster Response Specialists
1 (866) 898–6653

5715 Industry Lane, Unit # 2, Frederick, MD 21704

Mike Phelps
mike@homeprorestoration.com

Directions

Water Damage Can Lead To Mold

Water Damage

When disaster strikes, delay in response time can cost thousands of dollars in loss of inventory, property, and sales. With out quick restorative services, water damaged items become un-salvageable. HomePro Restoration can cut your replacement cost by up to 70% by completely drying water damaged interiors we can eliminate the need for major reconstruction.

From flood and storm water to faulty plumbing or sewage backing up, unwanted water is one of the greatest threats to your property. HomePro Restoration has the equipment, technology and highly skilled staff needed to restore your home or place of business to get your life back on track.

Specializing in advanced drying and dehumidifier techniques, HomePro Restoration quickly removes water and moisture from carpets, floors and walls. We minimize the disruption, so you can get back to your home or work. The result
can save property owners and insurance companies valuable time and money.

Guaranteed Immediate Emergency Response in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC Any Time of Day or Night...

Maryland Water Damage Restoration

24/7 Live Dispatch
Emergency Disaster Response Specialists
1 (866) 898–6653

5715 Industry Lane, Unit # 2, Frederick, MD 21704

Mike Phelps
mike@homeprorestoration.com

Directions