After Fire Damage Homeowners Need Odor Removal

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke. Any homeowner who has experienced a fire knows the truth of that old statement. Smoke inhalation kills most victims of house fires. Even if the occupants escape, the lingering odor of smoke can traumatize even the most stout-hearted homeowner.

One reason that odors linger long after the fire is extinguished is that smoke is comprised of particles. Those particles land on every surface, and in every crevice in the home. They are very fine and difficult to detect, and even more difficult to remove. In most cases, you need expert help with special neutralizers and methods of odor removal to eliminate the long-term effects of a fire. Expert fire and smoke damage restoration services can be provided by your local restoration company or, if you are located in Lakewood CO you can call Lakewood Restoration Pro.

Odor Removal Doesn’t Happen By Itself

Many people try at first to eliminate odors and finally realize that the job can be accomplished more quickly and thoroughly by a trained professional. At Lakewood Restoration Pro, our technicians use special neutralizing products, hot thermal fog, smoke, ozone and odor counteracts. These methods and tools are not widely available to the general public— and moreover, the longer the time that passes before the odor is attacked, the more damage can occur.

There are some things the homeowner can do: Thoroughly wash floors, kitchen cupboards and floors that aren’t carpeted. Vacuum carpets, using a machine with a HEPA high-efficiency filter to trap smoke particles inside the vacuum. Remove and wash light fixtures. Remove all curtains, draperies and window shades for cleaning or dry-cleaning. Turn a large fan to blow fresh air into the home, working your way through the house, room by room.

If all this seems like too much for a busy homeowner to handle, call UWR. We do all this and more to help restore your home to its original condition.

Smoke discolors surfaces such as plastic, fiberglass, and eventually, metal. Wood and vinyl will also need to be replaced.

Ash and soot are easily distributed and are a major cause of odor. Allowing this residue to remain for days permits it to creep into impenetrable places such as between floor boards and behind drywall. So a difficult job becomes more difficult. The restoration and odor removal will go much more quickly and be less expensive if it is tackled immediately.

After Fire Damage Homeowners Need Odor Removal

After the clean-up process is underway, the homeowner will notice an immediate reduction in odor. For months later, pulling a piece of clothing out of winter storage, for instance, can release traumatic memories triggered by the smell of smoke. There is no better way to restore a homeowner’s peace of mind than to tackle odors at their source, as soon as possible after the fire.

Cleaning up after a fire is a job left to those who specialize in this type of work. General cleaning is not enough— indeed, it may make the situation worse. A homeowner has gone through enough turmoil with a fire in the house. Call (720) 651-9571 and let us get to work making things right again.

The post After Fire Damage Homeowners Need Odor Removal was first posted at United Water Restoration.

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Common Signs of Water Damage

The first step to fixing water damage is being able to determine if there is water damage to the property. However, it is also important to be able to distinguish the presence of water damage by looking at the common signs of water damage.

There are common signs to look out for if one wishes to determine the presence of water damage. When a property owner can find the signs for water damage immediately, the damage would not be as severe. If one is uncertain about the signs to spot, one can refer to the article below to determine the common signs of water damage.

Five Common Signs of Water Damage

A. Rancid Smell

When it comes to water damage, an easy determining factor is the presence of rancid smell. There will be a rancid smell present if there is water damage to the property since the water is not running. It is easy to distinguish a property with water damage. This is due to the fact that the excess moisture and humidity can result in a nasty smell. This smell is slightly reminiscent of the smell of rotten eggs.

As stated in resolvebylowes.com, “Odors caused by mold and mildew could implicate a water damage problem. The smell may come from basements, walls, or other areas where water has been accumulating for a while. Certain drywall materials can act like a sponge and become full of moisture because there is low air circulation. This is the perfect condition for mold to develop, which will eventually result in visual discoloration (usually black spots) and a detectable odor.” https://www.resolvebylowes.com/guidance/flood/how-to-detect-water-damage/115000633508

The presence of water damage smell can also leave a nasty image for one’s home. Who would want to visit a home that smells of rotten eggs, right? Moreover, this type of smell is not easy to remove even when the home is sprayed with air freshener. On top of that, the water damage smell will keep on coming back when the damage has not been treated.

B. Visible Stain

When there is water damage on a property, one can be able to spot stains around the walls and ceiling. The reason for these stains may be hard to pinpoint. However, this can be due to water damage to the property.

Water stain is easy to spot since there will be a yellow stain, especially on wooden surfaces. When it comes to hidden water damage, the visible signs are easy to distinguish. However, the signs may manifest a little later, which can result in severe water damage since the signs will not be treated immediately. This is why it is imperative that you call your local water restoration company as soon as possible, upon first noticing any sites of damage.

The presence of stain does not only destroy the aesthetics of the home. On top of that, it also destroys the structure and stability of the foundation of a home. When there is a wall stain in a property, this is also a sign that the foundation of the property has become structurally weak.

C. Sagging Walls

Speaking of a weak structure, the presence of water damage can cause sagging walls. Since water can effectively weaken the walls, it can cause the wooden walls to become bloated. This is due to the fact that the walls will absorb excess moisture that can result in the swelling of the walls.

Moreover, one can also try feeling the wall as it can feel moist or damp. This is one sure-fire sign that there is water damage around the property. When sagging walls are present, it can be dangerous for the people living in the property as this can cause a sudden collapse when the walls are left untreated for a long period.

Another effect of water damage is that the paint on the walls may peel off. This is because most paint cannot stand up to being exposed to moisture for a long period. When the paint begins peeling suddenly, one should inspect if there is any moisture found around the property.

D. Sudden Increase in Utility Bill

One sign that there is leaking water around the house is a sudden increase in the water bill. This is due to the fact that the water is running for an entire day. The continuous flow of water will still have an effect on the water bill, which can also affect the homeowner financially. When your water bill has a sudden surge without an identifiable cause, it is important to pinpoint the exact cause since it may be due to the presence of water damage.

E. Mold Growth

a. Health Indicators

One indicator of water damage can be reflected through the health of the residents and tenants of the building. When a mold is present in a property, the people who frequent the area are more susceptible to contracting respiratory diseases. If a lot of people residing in the home is coughing or suffering from non-food related allergies, there might be several molds growing around the area.

“The mold growth in your home can happen after a few weeks. However, the adverse effects on your health and wellness may be felt within days. The molds can become evident when you feel that your allergies are starting to flare up. Molds thrive on water. This is why it is easy for them to grow when the water damage has been left untreated for a long period of time.

In addition to this, the growth of molds can also damage the aesthetic of your home. This is because it can leave marks of mold growth in the form of fungi and the green grass-like molds that grow on the surface of your wall. In terms of health issues, you can feel it when you begin to have respiratory problems like allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. It can take months or weeks after the mold growth before the health issues can take effect.”

b. Visual Indicators

The presence of molds can also be spotted immediately visually. This can cause damage to the aesthetics of the home, which cannot be treated easily with any home remedies. It is important to be able to distinguish the appearance of molds versus other forms of stain.

The color of molds can be different depending on the type of spore present. Molds can come in a variety of dark colors that can be varied. On top of that, molds may also have hair-like specimen growing on it to differentiate them from other types of stain or discoloration.

When there is water stain in the area, it highly likely that mold is also growing around the area. Another visual sign of the presence of mold growth in the presence of damage on the property. There might be peeling off the ceiling, floor, or wall that is usually accompanied by the presence of mold growth.

Common Places to Find Water Damage

When it comes to spotting signs of water damage, it can be quite tricky to begin when you do not know where to look. There are common places around the house that are more prone to water damage than others. If you are suspicious about the presence of water damage around the house, these are the top three places that one should begin looking.

A. Bathroom

The first place to begin the quest is quite obvious. When looking for water damage, it is important to begin the quest here. However, it can be quite tricky to determine water damage in the bathroom since one can mistake it from just excess water from taking a shower.

In order to check if there is water damage, it is important to remember the common signs of water

damage. When there is water damage, there would be visible signs of mold growth and staining. There could also be the presence of a rancid smell that never goes away.

Since the bathroom is susceptible to excess moisture, it may be difficult to determine if the signs of water damage are not associated with this. It is important to dry the floors after taking a shower in order to determine if the water damage is real or the flooding is caused by excess water from the shower. Moreover, it is important to check if there are leaky plumbing in the bathroom since this will cause severe water damage when left untreated.

However, if the signs do not go away even after regularly checking the bathroom for common causes, it is highly likely that there is hidden water damage around the bathroom that should be treated. This is why it is important that the homeowner should be able to distinguish the source of water damage.

B. Kitchen

Due to the presence of several pipes and plumbing on the kitchen, it is highly likely that water damage will be present around the area. Moreover, it may be hard to spot them since they are located in areas that are not always visible. Therefore, it is not always checked. However, it is important to conduct a routine inspection of the plumbing system in the kitchen.

Moreover, the kitchen can also be home to different types of smell, which is why it is difficult to point out the rancid smell that is commonly present when there is water damage. Most kitchens would have the kitchen pipes hidden beneath a cabinet that can be opened easily, which is why it is easier to spot the damage.

One common source of water damage in the kitchen is the dishwasher. It is important to determine if there is a leak on the bottom of the dishwasher. This is why it is vital to check the floor for any signs of flooding on the property.

Another unlikely source of water damage in the kitchen is the other appliances used. Due to the humidity inside the kitchen, other people use a dehumidifier in the kitchen. This can lead to water damage when the left unattended, especially if the required water level is not met.

Similar to most areas around the house, the condition of the floor and wall can be an indicator of water damage. This is why it is important to conduct a constant inspection of the kitchen. This is to determine if any signs point out to water damage. The sooner that the damage is treated, the less costly it will be for the homeowner to fix the issue.

C. Laundry Room

The laundry room is home to both the washing machine and the dryer. These two appliances are the most common appliances that cause water damage. This is why it is important to check for leaks that occur from these appliances.

On top of that, faulty appliances can also cause water damage. This is why it is important to be aware of the condition of the washing machine. It is very vital that they are in a good running condition. If this is the case, the homeowner is able to prevent any water damage arising from leaks.

The overflow of washing machines can cause water damage, but it is also difficult to clean up. This is why it is important to always run an inspection around every area of the home to ensure that all space is covered. Moreover, this can prevent the water damage cost from piling up.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the first way to treat water damage is being able to spot the common signs of water damage. It is important to be able to spot the signs of water damage. This is to ensure that the water damage can be treated immediately. Moreover, there are places around the house that are more prone to water damage than others.

When you have spotted any of the common signs of water damage on a property, it is important to seek help immediately in order to avoid further damage. Lakewood Restoration Pro provides 24/7 emergency services to anyone that is in need of water damage remediation services. You can give them a call at (786) 540-4735 or send them a message via the official website of Lakewood Restoration Pro.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mold Removal

Mold removal, also known as mold remediation, can be a complicated and confusing process for many people. You’re already stressed that mold was found in your home or business and you just want it out, but the proper way to remove it may not be what you’d expect.

That’s understandable, and that’s why professional mold remediation is needed. Our Lakewood Restoration Pro experts spend years studying and getting on-the-job experience so they’re capable of dealing with any mold situation that may arise.

We hope to make the process the least stressful as possible and give you the reassurance you need that your mold removal will be dealt with swiftly and effectively, so you and your people aren’t exposed to further danger.

Q: What Does Mold Look Like?

A: Mold has many different appearances from varying textures, colors, and sizes.

Unfortunately, mold can take on several different appearances and it can sometimes be difficult for the naked eye to detect mold. It is sometimes confused with mildew or even just dirt, depending on it’s appearance.

Mold can vary in color from black to green and anything in between. Sometimes you can immediately notice that you have mold from the appearance or odor, but some spores are hard to recognize. It’s best to get an expert to come to your home and identify what you’re dealing with instead of taking a guess. Once the mold is identified, mold removal can begin.

Q: How is Mold Detected?

A: Mold is usually detected by its characteristic musty odor that causes a person to investigate the source of the odor. Mold spores are usually found after looking further.

It’s important to know that not all mold has an odor, so some can be present without ever smelling that well-known musty smell. Sometimes you’ll see the mold before you smell it, and in some cases, you’ll accidentally discover it while going about your day. In some cases, you won’t know it’s there until it’s become a major problem.

Q: What Causes Mold?

A: Mold can be caused by many different things, but in most cases a warm, damp area with poor ventilation and some type of nutrient will cause mold.

There are at least 300,000 types of mold! Since there are so many, and mold can have a lot of variety, we can’t list all the ways mold can grow. The easiest thing to keep in mind is that mold will grow in an area that doesn’t have proper ventilation and that’s warm and damp. Mold can grow on anything it can absorb nutrients from – dead skin cells, wood, cardboard, fabric, etc.

Q: Can I Remove the Mold in My Home Myself?

A: You shouldn’t remove mold yourself unless you can throw out the contaminates without any danger to health. Mold is difficult and tricky, and in some cases, you can actually make it worse.

Mold should be removed using the IICRC mold removal guidelines, which our team members are very familiar with. You may encounter common household mold while you’re doing your normal housework. If the patches are small and don’t pose a major health risk to you personally, you can wear protective gear and clean them off hard surfaces like glass, tile, porcelain, and metal. In some cases, like with dishes, you can simply throw away the contaminated materials.

If you find mold that fits the following criteria, you shouldn’t try to remove it:

Mold inside your walls
Mold inside your heating and ventilation
Mold that’s caused by water damage or flooding
Mold that has a diameter of more than a few feet
Any mold you experience when you have a major allergy to mold or are asthmatic
It’s better to be safe than sorry since some mold spores can be deadly.

These questions barely scratch the surface of all the things that come up about mold and mold removal as we are working with our clients each day. We hope that the knowledge we’ve provided here is helpful and we invite you to give us a call if you have further questions about mold and mold remediation.

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Water Damage: 8 Ways to Dry Out and Move On

Take steps to dry out quickly in order to mitigate water damage and save your possessions.

Drying out after water damage should top any cleanup priority list. If you can dry items within 48 hours, you might salvage many goods, and avoid mold and rust.

1. Move Air Naturally

If humidity isn’t too high, open windows and doors to start air circulating. Open closet and cabinet doors, and remove drawers.

2. Move Air Mechanically

Rent or buy high-powered fans to rev up air circulation. Depending on size and power, fans cost between $50 and $500 to buy; $20 a day to rent. (Do not use your central air conditioner or furnace blower if HVAC ducts were under water.)

3. Dehumidify

A portable dehumidifier can remove water vapor from the air in a contained area, like a bedroom or downstairs rec room. Shut the room’s windows and doors to prevent more humidity from seeping in. Buy a big dehumidifier ($270) so you don’t have to empty its water drawer frequently.

4. Pump Water

A sump pump is a submersible pump that continuously moves water out of the house through a hose or pipe. If you have standing water that is several inches deep, a sump pump can help. Rent a sump ump for about $44 a day, or purchase one for $100 and up.

5. Wet/Dry Shop Vac 

Some shop vacs are rated for use in wet conditions. These vacs suck water from carpets and give you a fighting chance to save rugs and wall-to-walls. Don’t use an ordinary household vacuum whose innards are not protected from water. A 6-gallon wet/dry vac costs $50; a 16-gallon goes for about $170.

 

6. Remove Sodden Objects

Haul wet rugs and furniture into the sun to reduce inside moisture level. Remove sheet vinyl or linoleum flooring to promote maximum evaporation. Throw out wet insulation under floors.

7. Freeze Papers

To buy time, place wet books and photos into plastic bags and place in a frost-free freezer. This will stop additional deterioration, and prevent mold and mildew. When you have time, retrieve books from the freezer and air- or fan-dry the pages.

8. Absorb Moisture

Desiccants (silica gel, clay, calcium oxide) absorb moisture like a sponge. Place water-permeable packages of desiccants and wet items in airtight containers or in sealed areas, like closets. Some desiccants change color to indicate they are saturated, which can take days or weeks, depending on how much moisture items contain.

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Mold Assessment and Mold Remediation – Processes and Differences

In the general mapping of the biological system, molds are assuming a major part. They help in disintegrating natural materials and in reusing supplements. Notwithstanding, molds developing in houses and edifices is an alternate story. Illustrations of the ailments that molds can carry are anaphylaxes, asthma, and respiratory debilitation and here and there, they can even cause demise. Thus to avert encountering the negative impacts of molds, mold evacuation prepare must be executed.

Mold evaluation and mold remediation are the two procedures that can help you dispose of mold provinces. With them, the huge number of houses and edifices that are mold invaded will without a doubt be made a difference.To makes things clearer, gave us a chance to experience every procedure. To begin with, wouldn’t it be great if we could check mold evaluation. By definition, mold evaluation is the distinguishing proof of the mold and the intensity of its infestation.

The objective of this system is to find where the molds are and to confirm their sources. In here, the level of mold evacuation or mold remediation to be connected will be dead set. What’s more that is the precise excuse for why mold appraisal must be performed first preceding the remediation handle. Learn more here about mold details.

Mold evaluation is not a one-stage process however its execution is truly basic. The predominant step includes confirming if the molds are in fact display in the building. The succeeding steps are then based as per the outcomes of that first stage. Provided that the molds might be outwardly seen, then testing is not required. Nonetheless, if definite check for conceivable area and wellsprings of mold had been finished with no visual outcomes then again you still feel that molds are available, and then mold testing is the thing that you require.

Then again, mold remediation is the real mold evacuation prepare. The steps to take here is reliant on the intensity of mold infestation which is dead set through mold evaluation. For gentle mold events, cures incorporate utilizing mold evacuation items, fitting ventilation and daylight. In amazing cases, enlisting a builder spends significant time in mold evacuation or trading the sullied materials are the best results. Then again, before doing all these, the wellspring of the development of mold must first be managed.

In conclusion, mold appraisal and mold remediation are techniques that required one another to totally take out molds in houses and structures. Their distinctions are the genuine devices that make mold evacuation viable. In this sense, they are really not contending methods yet complimentary forms. For More information about Mold visit our website today.

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