Are Toxic Mold Spores Growing in Your Home?

Toxic mold can grow even at low temperatures. In the winter, mold usually grows in uninsulated areas that aren’t heated. Heated air rises to cold, therefore under-insulated places like the attic and can cause condensation allowing mold to grow. Cold temperatures can temper mold growth, but won’t kill spores. If you have a mold problem in the cold weather months you best believe it will worsen in the dog days of summer.

Mold, while not a scientific term typically, is best used to describe multiple types of fungi is ugly, furry, and oftentimes smelly. Found both indoors and out, toxic mold is unpleasant and unsightly.

Positively speaking, molds also create penicillin and cheese producing yeasts used to make bread, beer and wine. Mold spores are pretty much everywhere there’s moisture.

Consequently, moisture creates mold and if you don’t want mold you need to get rid of the moisture that’s creating it. Damp environments are the perfect place for mold and fungi to live. Whether in basements, attics, garages, or under sink cabinets mold can be found along with these:

Bacteria
Dust mites
Bi-products of bacteria
Airborne chemicals/gasses

Ugly mold and musty odors are the bi-product from the breakdown of matter. Anything it grows on can pose potential health problems and structural damage. Mold can cause allergies, infections and at its worst, a sick building that can affect quality of life. When people spend time in an environment where mold or fungi are present they can experience respiratory problems. Respiratory issues such as asthma, headaches, infections, and other symptoms are common.

Mold remediation expert, Spencer Yaklin, CEO of Advance Restoration gives us some perspective, “If you ‘re experiencing respiratory issues with no known cause and, you are concerned about mold, you can have the moist areas tested to determine the mold species by a professional hygienist. Large amounts of mold will require specialized techniques. Personal protective gear is necessary for proper and safe removal. Hiring a professional to remediate the mold based on testing is the best course of action. Remediation is critical to stopping the growth of mold and avoiding its return”.

Furthermore, any mold professional should insist on a test by a mold hygienist. The test will reveal the type of mold you are dealing with and let you know if you need a professional to then remediate the mold going forward. It’s important to hire an expert mold remediation team like Advance Restoration, or one that will:

What to expect from a mold remediation professional

Proper safety PPE equipment
Containment to Isolate mold work area
HEPA air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums
Commercial Strength dehumidifiers
Discard moldy porous building materials
Anti-microbial disinfectants to clean and sanitize
Professional sealants to encapsulate treated areas

To remove mold and odors, call today to help return your commercial or residential property to pre-mold condition.

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021

Water Damage —7 Tips To Dry Out Quickly

Things you can do to mitigate water disaster and save your belongings

Many homeowners and businesses in southeastern Michigan have experienced flooding, sewage backups, and mold due to the extreme weather conditions this summer. Getting dried out after water damage is critical in the first 48 hours. Salvaging wet, soggy goods like rugs, clothing, and furniture will depend on how quickly the water is mitigated.

Circulate Air-keep air circulating by opening windows and doors. Open closets, cabinet doors, and drawers to move dryer air through them.
Create Air– Use high-powered fans to amp up the air circulation place high-powered fans around the room.
Dehumidify– Remove water vapor from the rooms that are damaged by running a dehumidifier that covers the appropriate square footage of room. You may need more than one. Close windows and doors to prevent more humidity from entering the area.
Pump it-If standing water is present, try a sump pump to extract excess water to the outside.
Shop Vac-Invest in a good wet/dry shop vac and use it to extract water from floors, carpet, and upholstered furniture.
Remove Contents-Remove any wet textiles such as rugs, curtains, toweling, clothing, wet insulation, drywall, and basically anything that absorbs water or that water can get underneath.
Deep Freeze-Any documents, photographs, books or other small items made of paper or cardboard can be put into the freezer to stop them from further deterioration until you can give them over to a professional document restorer.

Restoring your property after water damage can be daunting. Some homeowners prefer to DIY and these tips will help in that effort. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the process, contact Advance Restoration at 866-465-2409. One of our friendly operators will be happy to set up an appointment for service. Our water damage experts can ensure that the area is safe, remove the water, and repair any damages.

June 16, 2020March 12, 2021

Got Water Damage and Mold During Covid Pandemic?

We’re there when you need us. Even during Covid Pandemic

Water damage from leaks due to rain, drain water backup, or other moisture issues don’t stop just because there is a Covid pandemic.

Commercial and residential property owners still need to find a reputable restoration company nearby to remediate and mitigate these structural and health hazard issues. If you are experiencing water or moisture problems, these can lead to mold growth which can become toxic and unhealthy for those who are exposed and are more susceptible or immunocompromised.

Advance Restoration has been working throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. Deemed an “essential business” from the start, we have continued to perform restoration work while adhering to CDC guidelines. Although in our line of work, restoration experts have always worn PPE and utilized containment and proper protocols for mold remediation and water damage as outlined not only by CDC, but the EPA and our own industry gold standard organization, the IICRC. As an IICRC certified firm, you can rest assured our company, located in Macomb County and throughout Southeast Michigan, is trained and equipped to manage your mold or water damage now or during the next Covid wave.

Need services now? Call 866-505-3166 to speak to one of our friendly customer service agents.

May 8, 2020March 12, 2021

What is the Polar Vortex Hitting Southeast Michigan, and Why Do We Care?

Although Metro Detroit is nearly halfway through our spring season, we are expecting snow this weekend. A band of colder-than-usual weather is scheduled to hit the Great Lakes region causing lower than normal temperatures hovering in the 30s and low 40s—a veritable Polar Vortex.

According to the National Weather Service, the polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It always exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the poles. Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream. This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air in the United States.

But it’s spring!

Yes, the metro Detroit area is slated to get the core of the frigid air starting as soon as today. Freeze warnings and snow have been issued but even if the flakes don’t fly, temperatures in southeast Michigan are expected to be in the high 30s to mid 40s making Mother’s Day feel more like Christmas! Add to that the flood warnings along the shoreline and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Why do we care?

We care because it’s just one more thing to worry about, as if we didn’t have enough already what with the pandemic and all.

The good news is that as the vortex spins its way southward and loops its way around the Great Lakes and northeastern U.S., it might just be good for social distancing!

As a water damage restoration company in Southeast Michigan, Advance Restoration, never thought we would have to be discussing burst pipes in May and, during a pandemic of all things. But, despite all that, as an essential business—we are open and here to support commercial and residential property owners that experience flood damage from lakeshore issues and frozen or burst pipes due to the polar vortex. For help now in southeast Michigan, call 866-505-3166.

October 1, 2019July 16, 2020

7 Tips For Winterizing to Avoid Homeowners Insurance Claims

Winter weather causes billions in homeowners insurance claims losses each year—it doesn’t have to.

Water damage, particularly the kind related to frozen or burst pipes accounts for the major share of homeowners insurance claims in Michigan.

Wrapping your pipes during winter months is recommended along with keeping your home at 65 degrees or more. Knowing where your home’s water shutoff valve is located will allow you to quickly shut off the water at its source in an emergency.

Following some basic maintenance steps can prevent catastrophic water damage from ruining your home and costing you money and grief. Be prepared by addressing problem areas around your home, here are a few tips:

Protect Indoor Pipes Burst pipes can cause up to $5,000 or more in damage. Pipe insulation costs a little as 50 cents per linear foot making it an inexpensive way to ward off frozen pipe issues. Insulation can be installed yourself around any exposed copper or PVC water pipes. 37% of all burst pipes occur in the basement so make sure to pay special attention to that area.
Insulate Your Attic or Crawl Space
By keeping your attic cooler, you can prevent ice dams from forming and damaging your roof. Insulating the attic with properly rated insulation will help to keep your attic cool and avoid any unnecessary pitfalls.
Service Your Furnace and Chimney
Heating equipment, fireplaces, and chimneys are some of the biggest culprits of home fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Having them serviced and inspected annually is a safe practice. Be sure to have the inspector examine the condition of the chimney—brick periodically needs maintenance to keep water from leaking in.
Repair Loose Roofing & Shingles
Doing a once-around your property to inspect your roof can go a long way to warding of potential hazards. If you notice loose, damaged, or missing shingles, have a licensed roofing contractor do a deeper inspection so and mend any damage before the first snow flies. It has been said that a single cubic foot of snow or ice can weigh 20 to 25 pounds—that kind of pressure can cause shifting of shingles, allowing water to penetrate your roof and leak into your home.
Clean and Inspect Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and then freeze once temperatures drop. Keep gutters clear and properly connected to ensure that melting snow runs off your roof and through your downspouts.
Prune Dead Branches
Branches covered in snow can easily break and cause safety hazards aside from the potential to cause thousands of dollars of roof damage. Before the first snow, have a reputable contractor, remove dead or protruding branches that might compromise your property.
Secure Outdoor Water Sources
Drain and store garden hoses before the first inkling of frost to eliminate any chance they’ll freeze or burst. Shut off the water-supply valve to hose bibs, from inside your house or basement, then open the outdoor spigot so any water trapped inside will drain free. Simply shutting off the spigot will cause trapped water to freeze and cause a burst pipe inside.

If you experience any kind of water damage to your home in Michigan don’t hesitate to contact us at Advance Restoration—We’re there when you need us.

June 20, 2019March 10, 2021

Typical Home Inspections—What They Don’t Say

It’s what is not included in home inspections that’s important

Typical home inspections do not include looking for insect or animal infestations or cracks that cause water damage, or mold. E-gads! Most people assume that these dastardly home damaging items are part of every home inspection punch list, but inspectors are not licensed to find them.

Mold, rats, termites, oh my! Home Inspections nightmares.

Your inspector may note that the floors are spongy or saggy. There may be evidence of termites in your home or insulation is torn and tattered possibly caused by rats. Black junk on the walls might be evidence of growing fungus however; to prove that it indeed is termite, rodent, or mold infestation, you need to hire a specialist.

Don’t take a dive into unknown waters

Is your home inspector certified for all types of damage to your property? If your home has a swimming pool, for instance, they may turn on the pump or heater to ensure working condition but may not look for cracks that cause leaks and ultimately water damage. To get to the bottom of what is really going on, you may need to hire a septic systems expert or a property damage expert. A pool leak could cause significant flood damage issues considering the amount of water it contains.

Roof walking, or not?

Your inspector is not required to get onto the roof to inspect it. If the roof is more than one story high, and the weather is bad, they may stay squarely planted on the ground—taking notes from there. Walking the roof is the way a true property damage specialist will inspect it. A professional will look for damaged gutters, loose or missing shingles, or clogged downspouts as well as the general condition of the roof. In addition, a specialist will check inside the home for areas that appear to be compromised by leaks.

Call a property damage expert If your home inspection even slightly eludes to termites, rats, mold, cracks, leaks, or missing shingles. A consultation can help to eliminate the possibility of damage that can be hidden from the naked eye of a novice. Advance Restoration specializes in property damage from water damage to fire damage, roof damage to mold remediation and, with our free assessment promotion, there is nothing to lose.

Category: Burst Pipe