Will Mold Go Away on Its Own? The Truth About Mold Growth and What You Need to Know

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Identifying mold and preventing it from further damage to your property.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm environments. It can be found almost anywhere, including homes, offices, schools, and other buildings. Mold can grow and leave secondary damages to your property. So, when you find mold in your home, it’s important to take action. But one question that often arises is whether mold will go away on its own.

Will Mold go away on its own?

The short answer is no, mold will not go away on its own. Once mold begins to grow, it will continue to spread and thrive until it is eliminated. Mold requires moisture and nutrients to survive, and as long as those conditions are present, the mold will continue to grow. In fact, mold can spread rapidly, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Where does mold grow?

It’s also important to note that not all types of mold are visible to the naked eye. Mold can grow behind walls, under carpets, and in other hidden areas, so even if you can’t see it, there’s a chance it could be present in your home. This is why it’s important to be vigilant and take action if you suspect mold is present.

First step - Identify the source

If you do find mold in your home, the first step is to identify the source of the moisture. Mold cannot survive without water, so it’s essential to eliminate the source of the moisture in order to prevent the mold from returning. This may involve fixing a leaky roof or plumbing issue, improving ventilation, or addressing other factors that are contributing to the moisture.

Take steps to remove the mold

Once the source of the moisture has been addressed, it’s important to take steps to remove the mold. This may involve cleaning with a solution of bleach and water, or using a commercial mold remover. It’s important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, when cleaning up mold to avoid exposure to spores.

In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold. This is especially true if the mold has spread to a large area, or if it is present in a hidden location that is difficult to access.

In conclusion, mold will not go away on its own. Once mold begins to grow, it will continue to spread and thrive until it is eliminated. If you suspect mold is present in your home, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent it from further damage to your property. By identifying the source of the moisture, eliminating it, and taking steps to remove the mold, you can create a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.

Steps to Take When Filing a Claim After a Fire: A Guide to Insurance Recovery

4/30/2023 (Permalink)

Filing a claim after a fire can help rebuild your property back to pre fire conditions.

A fire can be a traumatic and devastating experience, leaving your property damaged or destroyed. After a fire, it's important to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible to start the process of getting the help and compensation you need to rebuild and recover. Here's what you need to know about filing a claim after a fire.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The first step in filing a claim after a fire is to contact your insurance company. Most insurance policies require that you report any damage or loss to your property within a certain time frame, so it's important to act quickly. Your insurance company will likely assign an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the coverage amount.

Document the Damage

Before you start cleaning up or making any repairs, it's important to document the damage to your property. Take photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles, and make a list of all damaged or destroyed items. This documentation will help support your claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

Secure Your Property

After a fire, your property may be vulnerable to further damage or theft. If possible, take steps to secure your property and prevent further damage. This could include boarding up windows and doors, removing debris, and hiring a security service to watch your property.

Keep Track of Expenses

If you're forced to relocate after a fire, keep track of any expenses you incur, such as temporary housing, meals, and transportation. Your insurance policy may cover some or all of these expenses, so it's important to keep accurate records.

Work with Your Adjuster

Your insurance adjuster will play a key role in the claims process. Be sure to provide them with all the necessary documentation and information, and work with them to understand the coverage and compensation you're entitled to. If you disagree with their assessment or settlement offer, you can appeal or negotiate for a better outcome.

Don't Wait to File

Finally, it's important to file your claim as soon as possible after a fire. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to document the damage and secure the compensation you need. If you have any questions or concerns about the claims process, don't hesitate to reach out to your insurance company or a professional fire restoration service for guidance and support.

In conclusion, filing a claim after a fire can be a complex and stressful process, but taking the right steps can help ensure a smoother and more successful outcome. Remember to document the damage, secure your property, keep track of expenses, work with your adjuster, and file your claim as soon as possible. With patience and persistence, you can recover from a fire and rebuild your property and your life.

What to look for to prevent a dishwasher leak

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Prevent a water later by ensuring your dishwasher is in good working condition.

Your dishwasher may be leaking for one of several different reasons. The most common cause of leaks is a clogged drain hose or a cracked tub. You can check for these things by removing the bottom rack and looking at both ends of the drain hose.

Check water supply line

If you suspect that your dishwasher is leaking, look for a valve on the water supply line. If there is one and it's open, close it and then check for debris in the bottom of your dishwasher. If there isn't a valve, turn off power to your dishwasher by flipping off its breaker switch or pulling out its plug from an outlet (if possible). Then turn off water supply lines leading into your house by opening faucet handles until they're fully closed, if this doesn't work, call an electrician or plumber for help shutting down these lines permanently so that no more leaks can occur.

Check to see if the fill hose is connected to a water source.

To check if the dishwasher is connected to a water source, remove the drain hose from its connection point and see if there is water flowing through it. If there is not, then you have an issue with your plumbing or faucet, which will need to be addressed by a professional plumber.

If you can see that there is water flowing through the drain hose but nothing coming out of it when you open up your dishwasher door, this could mean that clogs have formed inside of both ends of your hoses. You'll want to remove these hoses from both locations before trying again. This time making sure each end has been cleaned thoroughly beforehand so as not introduce any more blockages into them.

Adjust the pressure switch on the back of the dishwasher.

The pressure switch is usually located on the back of your machine, but it could be in other places depending on your model. The pressure switch is usually a small plastic box with a simple dial inside it. To adjust this part, you'll want to turn the dial clockwise until you hear water rushing through your plumbing pipes or see steam coming out of them.

Level your dishwasher.

Make sure your dishwasher is level. If it's not, it may be leaking from the bottom. Check to make sure there's enough water in the dishwasher. If there isn't, add more until you hear a gurgling sound when you open and close the door (this indicates that all of the tubs are full). Inspect your connection between your faucet and drain hose to make sure they're tight by hand-tightening them if necessary--and then check again after running hot water through them for five minutes or so (it can help loosen up any corrosion).

Check for debris.

To check your drain hose, first remove it from the sink and examine it. Look for kinks or other obstructions in the hose that could be blocking water flow. Also look at the ends of your drain hoses, if they're cracked or have holes in them, you'll need to replace them right away.

If everything looks good with your drain hoses, move on to checking for leaks around their connections with other components. Leaks here can cause similar problems as clogs in your dishwasher's filters. If you suspect a dishwasher leak, give a plumber or the professionals at SERVPRO a call immediately to prevent secondary damages.

Equipment & Safety Precautions to use for Water Removal

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can spread throughout your property quickly causing damages.

When you have water damage, the last thing you want to do is wait for it to get worse. You need someone who has the experience and knowledge to remove your water safely, so that way you can prevent further damage from occurring within your home or business. Here are some tips on how a professional will handle any flooding situation:

Professional Inspection

The process begins with a professional inspection of the affected area. They will determine if the water is safe to remove. If not, however, they will take safety precautions to ensure their safety and your safety as well.

Safety precautions include using a containment system to control the spread of mold and mildew. This includes keeping any materials within the room or area that has been affected by water damage so that it doesn't spread into other areas of your home or business. Also, they will use specialized equipment such as HEPA vacuums to clean up all sources of moisture which may cause additional damage if left unattended for too long after removing wet carpeting or wood flooring in order

to avoid potential health hazards from exposure during cleanup activities such as those where harmful chemicals may be present.

Removing Water Safely

Protecting the worker from injury or illness due to exposure. Rubber gloves are used to prevent contact with dangerous substances and materials. It is also important to protect the environment from damage caused by contaminants in the workplace and any chemicals that may be spilled during cleanup efforts. This includes keeping waste water out of storm drains and avoiding direct contact with food crops such as berries or vegetables that could be harmful.

Ensuring customer satisfaction by making sure all work areas are clean before leaving your property so nothing gets left behind. Make sure your home is safe while being cleaned up by using specialized equipment like vacuums (extractors).

Removing Water Quickly

Removing water quickly is important. If the water is not. cleaned up properly it can cause serious structural damage to your home or business. Professionals use submersible pumps and extractors to remove water from your home in minutes so that you can get back on track as soon as possible.

In addition, professionals use containment systems to control the spread of mold and mildew while they are working on removing the water from your property. They know how to protect themselves against harmful chemicals that could be present in the water, which means there will be no need for special equipment or safety procedures for any workers who come into contact with them during a job.

Water damage can spread throughout your property quickly causing damages. If you are in need of a restoration company, we are here to help after a loss. Give SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh/Holly Springs a call today.

What is Biohazard?

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Biohazards are biological materials that may be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. They can be found in a variety of places, including laboratories and hospitals. Biohazard signs and symbols help alert people when they are in proximity with biohazards.

What are Biohazards?

A biohazard is any biological substance that could cause harm to humans or the environment. Biohazards include bacteria, viruses, toxins, and prions (which cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). Biohazards can be found in laboratories and hospitals, but they may also exist outside of those environments.

Types of biohazards:

1. Bloodborne pathogens. These are microorganisms found in blood and body fluids. Examples include HIV, hepatitis B and C, and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV).

2. Infectious material. This can be infectious to humans or animals, but not both. Examples include bacteria, viruses (including influenza), fungi and prions that cause diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

For a substance to be considered a biohazard it must meet all four of these requirements:

• Be pathogenic (capable of causing harm)
• Be transmissible by direct or indirect contact with an infected individual or contaminated object/material; this includes droplets in the air from sneezing or coughing
• Have the potential capacity to cause death if untreated
• Must be able to cause serious illness/injury if misused

Biohazard Symbol

The biohazard symbol is a triangle with a line through it. It's used to warn people that there is a risk of infection from hazardous materials or bacteria. You may see the biohazard symbol on containers of hazardous materials, in places where there are dangerous amounts of blood-borne pathogens (bacteria that cause diseases when transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids), and in laboratories where potentially infectious materials are being handled, stored, and disposed of safely.

Biohazard signs

Biohazard signs are used to warn people of the presence of biohazards. This means that these kinds of biohazard signs are used to warn people of the presence of infectious agents. The most common types of infectious agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These types of infectious agents can be found in food products and plants as well as in animals and humans. 

Conclusion

Biohazard is an exciting new product that will revolutionize the medical field. It offers a safe and efficient way of handling infectious waste and other hazardous materials, such as contaminated equipment or clothing. Biohazard is made from organic ingredients that are completely biodegradable and safe for use around humans and animals alike!

What Happens To Building Materials When Wet?

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flooring warped by water

What To Do About Wet Building Materials

When a water loss occurs in your Raleigh, NC home or business, you want to know that your building materials are safe. It's our job to prevent damage to your property and belongings, but we also want you to understand how each material is affected by water.

One of the most common questions we hear when we talk to our customers is "What happens to building materials when they get wet?" The answer depends on the material and its condition. Let's take a look at what can happen to wood, concrete, drywall, finished wood, and the supporting structure when water enters your building.

Wood

Wood has a moisture content called MCF (moisture content). When wood absorbs water, it swells and loses strength. This can also cause warping or splitting depending on how much moisture is absorbed by the wood. 

Wood can be saved or it can need to be replaced. Dry wood will shrink back to its original size and shape, but if it is left too wet for too long, the wood will swell and may need to be replaced. To save your wood furniture, place it in an area with good airflow and keep it there until the moisture has evaporated.

Concrete

Concrete tends not to absorb significant amounts of moisture from water damage events, so it's less likely than other materials to see any significant damage. 

Drywall

The drywall product is made from sheets of paper covered with a gypsum plaster mix that is pressed between two pieces of wood, one on each side. When wet, this mixture will deteriorate quickly, but if it’s dried out within 24 to 48 hours it will be just fine. Drywall loses its paper but the gypsum board can be dried and saved. No need to replace it at all!

Finished Wood

When finished wood such as cabinets and hardwood floors are exposed to moisture, they can swell. This can cause them to warp, crack, split and peel. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace these materials altogether:

• Cabinets can be removed from their baseboards and walls if they show signs of damage or if they're simply too damaged to repair. New cabinets may need to be custom-made by a qualified contractor in order to fit properly into existing openings (which will likely have been slightly altered from water damage). The good news is that once new cabinets are installed, you can use the same hardware on them as your old ones for a seamless transition into your new space!
• Flooring that has been warped by water damage should be removed as soon as possible so it doesn't continue warping even more over time—and potentially create cracks between boards that could allow insects or vermin access into your home's interior walls later down the road!

The Supporting Structure

The supporting structure of your home, the studs, joists, and sill plates, can remain intact. The studs and joists may be covered with drywall or other building materials on both sides of the studs. In some cases, they are only covered on one side with a layer of wood or metal trim. The sill plate is often covered by flooring material such as carpet or hardwood floors. The drywall will help to keep moisture out of those areas even though it doesn't always prevent water from entering the space between the insulation and studs/joists (as long as there isn't significant damage).

The Professionals Can Help

No matter the size of your building materials, we can help. Our equipment is designed to mitigate the damage to all of your building materials during a water loss. This means that you will get far more value out of your investment than if you went with any other company in town.

If you’re ready to work with people who care about restoring your property just as much as you do, then call SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh/ Holly Springs today. 

How Do I Protect My Business From Fire Disaster?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

The most important thing you can do to protect your business is to train your employees.

Protecting Your Business from Fire Damage

The best way to protect your business from a fire disaster is to prepare for it first. If you have employees, include them in the discussion and make sure they understand their roles during a fire emergency. Then make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place so that if there's ever a problem with your property or operations as a result of an unexpected fire, you're covered.

Plan and Practice

Practice, practice, practice is what the experts say, and the same is true when it comes to fire disaster preparation:

• Practice fire drills.
• Practice evacuation plans.
• Practice fire extinguishing.
• Test the fire alarm system monthly and inspect it every year; make sure to test smoke detectors as well as heat detectors, which are often combined into one device.
• If you have any questions about maintenance or inspection of your systems, contact an expert at your local hardware store or home improvement center to help identify any issues with your alarms before they become a problem

Purchase and Maintain an Alarm System

One of the most effective ways to protect your business is by installing an alarm system. These systems can be expensive, but they are a good investment and provide peace of mind for both your employees and customers.

An alarm system will sound when there's smoke or fire in the building, alerting everyone to get out safely before it spreads. It may also contain sprinklers in case of a fire; these will prevent damage from spreading by putting out the flames as soon as possible.

Install Fire Sprinklers

Sprinklers are a good investment. They reduce the fire damage to your building and can even help save lives. Sprinkler systems are also much more cost-effective than other methods of protection, like smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.

That’s why it’s so important to have sprinklers installed in all areas of your building, including hallways and stairwells if applicable.

Keep Exits Clear

You should also make sure that your business has a clear exit plan that everyone in the company knows about. In case of fire, people need to be able to get out quickly and without hesitation. If there's a fire drill or safety meeting, review your evacuation plan with everyone so they can know what to do in the event of an emergency.

If you have employees who use elevators for their work in the building, ensure that all employees are able to access the stairwell in case of an emergency. 

Train Employees

The most important thing you can do to protect your business is to train your employees. You should make sure they know how to recognize the signs of a fire and what steps they need to take if one breaks out. This training should be regular and ongoing, since employees may forget over time.

Training topics can include:

• Preventing fires in the first place
• How to extinguish a small fire before it spreads
• How to evacuate safely in case of a major disaster

Identify Documents to Be Saved First

When you have a fire, you will have very little time to react. The most important thing that you need to do is make sure that your critical documents are saved first. Your business is only as good as the records and information stored in it, so make sure that nothing important is lost during this disaster. This would include: 

• Business licenses and permits
• Contracts with clients
• Accounts payable/receivable (checkbooks)

Maintain an Offsite Backup for Critical Documents and Data

Many businesses overlook the importance of protecting critical data. If you’re not backing up your data, there is a chance that in the event of an emergency you will lose important documents and other information needed to continue operating. To avoid this possibility, it is crucial that you have a backup system in place for all of your files.

You can choose from multiple types of offsite backups: cloud storage or physical storage media such as tapes and drives. When deciding which option to go with, consider how much space you need and whether the service offers automatic backups (or continuous ones). Also, check what kind of protection they offer against natural disasters such as fires.

It is also important to store these backups somewhere that is fireproof and safe from theft or damage from natural phenomena such as floods or earthquakes—a safe deposit box in the bank would be a good place for some people because it's often kept at a high humidity level which helps prevent corrosion on magnetic tapes if any should occur over time due to air exposure during transport between locations where they're used regularly over long periods without being replaced when needed.

Prepare for a Disaster with Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is a must and can protect your business in the event of a fire. An insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs, lost income, and other costs associated with a disaster. It may also cover property damage, liability, and workers' compensation should someone be injured on your premises during an incident or fire. You should contact your insurance agent today to discuss their specific policies and what they do or do not offer when it comes to covering these types of disasters.

If you are temporarily closed due to damage from an unexpected event such as a fire then consider purchasing business interruption coverage through your insurance company. This type of policy provides financial protection if you suffer losses related to the delayed opening or early closure due to fire on-premises as well as loss of inventory due to smoke damage caused by the fire itself.

Business owners often face legal action after experiencing a large-scale disaster such as this one which could lead them into courtrooms so consider purchasing legal defense coverage through your provider which will cover any legal expenses incurred while defending yourself against charges stemming from any incident involving this disaster including lawsuits filed by customers who were injured during the incident.

The best way to protect your business is by preparing for a disaster. In the event of an emergency, having the right kind of insurance coverage can help you recover more quickly. It’s also important to have a plan for responding to fires and other disasters that can be triggered by natural causes like lightning strikes or earthquakes. By taking these steps today, you can rest assured that your company will stay strong tomorrow no matter what unexpected challenges may come its way.

Mold Cleanup Tips

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage

From time to time, business owners in Boylan Heights, NC, are startled to find they're facing a mold problem. Mold flourishes in moisture, warmth, and darkness, which may make some spaces candidates for mold growth — poorly-ventilated basements or supply and storage rooms, for example.
In dealing with fungus cleanup, several questions are likely top of mind: Should I do the job myself, or bring in professional mold experts? What solutions should I use to clean up mold? What techniques? Here are some rules of thumb:

Do-It-Yourself Mold Cleanup

Consider a DIY cleanup if the moldy area covers fewer than 10 square feet:

• Check for a plumbing or roof leak that's causing mold. Fix the leak and dry the water-damaged area before attempting any cleanup.
• Scour mold off hard surfaces with detergent (vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, baking soda) and water.
• Don't use toxic chlorine bleach, which is ineffective on porous surfaces like insulation, drywall, ceiling tiles, and wood. Bleach can't penetrate the deep, extensive root system mold entrenches in porous surfaces.
• Remove any mold-damaged items and cut out and replace moldy areas, such as ceiling tiles.
• Invest in an air filtration system to ensure proper air circulation and control moisture and humidity.
  
  

Fungus Cleanup Requiring Professional Remediation
Certain circumstances call for advanced remediation techniques. Bring in the services of mold experts, if:

• The mold covers more than 10 square feet and features large swaths of heavy infestation.
• The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system appears contaminated (mold is near or on the registers). Turn off the HVAC system to prevent mold from spreading throughout your building.
• The mold damage results from a sewer backup or other contaminated water, such as street flooding.
• After heavy rain or a plumbing leak, you smell mold's distinctive musty odor but can't locate its source.
  
  

Mold, if left untreated, can lead to property and structural damage. If an infestation is substantial, the fungus cleanup usually requires mold remediation experts with the training and equipment to safely rid your business of mold at its source.

5 Ways To Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Stock water barriers such as sandbags.

Prepare For Flood Damage

When you own a business, it's important to be prepared for emergencies of all types. If you know that you live in a flood-prone area such as in Raleigh, NC, then there are some proactive steps you can take to prevent flood damage to your building.

1. Buy Flood Insurance
When you purchased your building, you were informed of the flood risk to your property. If any significant portion of your building is below the base flood elevation, it's a good idea to have flood insurance. Even if flooding isn't common in your area, it can still happen during a stronger than normal storm.

2. Be Careful with Storage
If you do have a basement below your base flood elevation, be very careful about what you store there. If there's any chance of storm damage ruining important documentation or products, find a different place to store those items.

3. Raise Electrical
From your actual electrical panels, sockets, and wiring to your HVAC system, ensure that these aren't installed in areas susceptible to flood damage. Not only does this prevent damage to those electrical components, it's safer for you and your staff. After a flood, work with a water damage restoration company to assess the safety of your building before returning to collect your belongings.

4. Landscape Wisely
Does your landscaper know how to prevent flooding by using native plants? Plants that are native to your area can help drain the soil more effectively and prevent soil erosion.

5. Stock Prevention Items
The greater the risk of frequent flooding, the more prepared you should be. Stock water barriers such as sandbags and other types of absorbent flood barriers to keep water outside. Flood gates might be beneficial for large office complexes. Backup generators keep everyone comfortable if the power goes out.
Preparing for flood damage in advance will make the process of restoring your business smoother so that you can get back to work more quickly.

How To Make a Business Continuity Plan

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

It is importan to have a business continuity design for your company in case of any risk.

Steps for Creating a Business Continuity Plan

Starting a business always comes with risk, and it is important to plan for any risks that are common in your industry. A business continuity plan is designed to help you plan for situations when business operations are disrupted for an extended period of time. Common risks include natural disasters, fires, water damage, and cyber attacks.
A business continuity plan is usually divided into four parts:

• Business impact analysis
  
• Recovery strategies
  
• Organization and teamwork
  
• Training and testing
  
  

This standardized model allows businesses to create comprehensive plans and adapt them to whatever industry they are involved in.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis
You can complete an impact analysis by focusing on the business functions that would be immediately affected by a disaster. If you are not sure how to organize and develop this information, it is a good idea to use a template provided by a reputable source, such as Ready.gov, which is administered by the federal government.

2. Identify Recovery Strategies
Recovery strategies will depend on the industry you are in and the types of events you are planning for. Identify ways to quickly restore vital business functions in the aftermath of a disaster.

3. Use Organization to Develop an Emergency Response Plan
Divide employees into teams and define what each team's responsibilities will be during an emergency. Create plans for relocation if a building becomes unusable during disaster cleanup and restoration.

4. Develop Training and Testing Procedures
Create a training process for new employees and a schedule for reviewing emergency response procedures. Conduct testing to make sure the business continuity plan is meeting the needs of your business.
Following this four-part model will help you create a solid continuity plan for your business in Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, NC. If your business experiences fire or water damage, contact a professional restoration company to address the issue promptly.