Can’t I just take care of this myself?
There are many people who either love the satisfaction of doing-it-yourself, or are in a position to cut expenses wherever possible. For the untrained first-timer, there is little time for overcoming mistakes that will more frequently end up costing more money in the end. The most difficult problem for a novice is figuring out what is wet and what is dry. Without specialized tools, many materials may look or feel dry, but are actually saturated. For example, a carpet may be dry on the surface, while the carpet pad below may be too wet. If not dried or removed in time, the carpet pad will soon give off a powerful odor.
How long does it take for mold to form after a flood?
It depends on what kind of material has been affected. For instance, carpet has a very short period of about two days before carpet pad needs to be removed. Drywall on the other hand usually takes about a week to establish. It is important to keep in mind that the drying process may take several days. Waiting may not give you enough time to dry a specific material within the time allotted.
How long does it take to dry a home?
Some vendors make the promise to be done drying within three days. This is a very unrealistic approach due to the fact that every home and situation is different. It is frequently possible to dry a home in three days, but this is dependent upon very specific conditions, such as:
1. Time of material exposure to moisture.
2. The amount water.
3. The condition of the flooded material.
4. The location of the flood (such as multiple stories).
5. Constraints (such as available power and security of the home).
At Fischer Restoration, we take the approach of making sure the job done right rather than adhering to a “cookie-cutter” formula that will not fit every situation.
How big will my power bill be?
In the Pacific Northwest, we are pretty fortunate to have access to fairly cheap power. In most cases, the typical electricity cost is only three to five dollars a day.
My insurance company wants me to use one of their approved contractors. Will this be a problem if I don’t use their contractor?
It is your right to be able to choose your contractor. At Fischer, we use the same billing processes and standards as most insurance companies and are accustomed to working with your company to reach an agreement.
How does mold develop?
Are there harmful and non-harmful molds?
What is Mold Remediation?
Can mold become a problem in my home?
· Flooding
· Backed-up or clogged sewers
· Leaky roofs
· Humidifiers
· Pipe Leaks
· Water Heater failure
· Damp basement or crawl spaces
· Constant plumbing leaks
· House plants - watering can generate large amounts of moisture
· Steam from cooking
· Shower/bath steam and leaks
· Wet clothes on indoor drying lines
· Clothes dryers vented indoors
· Exhaust from stoves and other appliances not vented outdoor
What
are common symptoms of mold exposure?
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Mold requires nutrients, water, oxygen and favorable temperatures in order to grow. Organic materials such as wood, paper or fabrics are a good source of nutrients for mold, making drywall, carpet and wallpaper highly susceptible to mold infestation. Some synthetic products such as paints and adhesives can also serve as food for mold. Once mold spores are brought into a building, the right combination of moisture, darkness and temperature will enable it to grow and spread.
There are many types of mold. About 100 types are known to cause infection in healthy people, while other molds cause infections only in persons with compromised immune systems. Most people tolerate exposure to moderate levels of many different molds without any apparent adverse health effects, while others may have severe allergic reactions to even the slightest amounts.
Some molds produce powerful chemicals called "mycotoxins" that can cause illness in both animals and people. Scientific knowledge about the health effects of these toxins is quite limited.
Mold Remediation is the process of isolating, removing and/or cleaning materials contaminated by a fungal organism. This may be as simple as removing a small section of moldy sheetrock or completely remodeling an entire basement. Also critical to the role of a remediation contractor is to identify and remedy the source of moisture intrusion. Sometimes this will involve subcontracting work to plumbers, roofers, foundation specialists, or other home improvement specialists.
Yes, if there is moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. The following are sources of indoor moisture that may cause problems:
Exposure to mold spores can cause allergic reactions that vary from person to person. Symptoms are similar to other allergies and can include difficulty breathing, nose and throat irritation, burning eyes, sinus congestion, headaches and fever.
It is typically recommended that air ducts be cleaned every three to four years. Don't forget to also have your furnace cleaned and serviced regularly by a qualified contractor.
