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Are Toxic Mold Spores Growing in Your Home?

Toxic Mold

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.

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Water Damage —7 Tips To Dry Out Quickly

water damage cleanup

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.

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How to Identify Roof Damage and Spot a Leak

Leaky roof

So you want to learn how to identify roof damage and spot leaks in advance. Fortunately, there are many telltale signs that make it easy to identify roof damage allowing you to avoid expensive roof damage repairs down the road.

The first signs of a roof leak often are most visible long after a small leak has done its damage. It is important to identify roof damage before leaks can do secondary damage. A small leak can cause extensive water damage over a length of time therefore, it is important to identify roof damage before leaks get out of hand.

In this article we identify ways to locate, prevent, and fix leaks in your home or business structure.

Locating Leaks

  • Water often follows the path of least resistance
  • Stained ceilings can indicate leaks from above
  • Mold and mildew indicate moisture from leaks
  • Missing roof shingles could be the source
  • Cracks in caulk or missing flashing are often the culprit of a leak
  • Gutters that are damaged or cracked can be source of a leak 

Preventing Leak Repairs

  • Inspect your roof routinely 
  • Keep branches trimmed and away from roof
  • Fix any loose shingles immediately
  • Keep gutters free of debris and ice
  • Break up ice dames before they get out of hand 

Repairing Leaks

Remember, yearly inspections can yield early signs that water has compromised your roof and may allow you to prevent water from making its way inside. Of course, the best way to fix a leak is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Therefore, If you find you have a leaky roof and the damage has been done, call a professional who has experience in locating the source of water damage leaks. A professional restoration company is knowledgeable in stopping the water at its source, performing professional water extraction and dry outs, and can remediate mold as well as provide reconstruction of the damaged structure. Lastly, it is important to fix the damage as soon as possible to reduce the risk of secondary damages which can drive cost of repairs immensely high. 

If you have are experiencing leaks and water damage give us a call at 866-505-3166.

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Got Water Damage and Mold During Covid Pandemic?

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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.

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

Polar Bears

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.

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Flood Damage Warning Metro Detroit

Flooded street lakeshore

The National Weather Service has issued a flood damage warning for Metro Detroit. The Service is reporting an expanded period of heavy rain with the potential for 3 inches or more in some areas. The alert is issued for Friday thru Saturday. Rain, like this, in amounts of 3 inches or more can see very high run-off mainly due to frigid ground conditions.

Roads, rivers and creeks, and other low-lying areas could see widespread flooding according to the forecast. If you live in these flood damage warning zones, you should monitor weather forecasts. In addition, be alert and prepared for possible water damage due to flooding, especially along the lakeshore in St. Clair, Sanilac and Macomb counties.

What To Do in Case of Flood Warning

Everyone understands that tornadoes and hurricanes can destroy life. But when it comes down to it, the most dangerous weather event is definitely a flood. For instance, floods in the past 30 years have led to over $260 billion in damage and caused an average of 86 deaths a year in the United States. That number has escalated to over 100 deaths per year since 2015 alone. Climate change is increasing in heavy precipitation every decade and this trend is likely to continue.

A surprising fact about floods is that most of them (8 of 10) do not occur near the coastline. And, the odds are, you will face one long before any of your coastal friends. For instance, most flash floods occur as a result of heavy rains, storm surges, snow and even overflows from local dams or waterways. Pay attention to local alerts and National Weather Service warnings in your area to avoid life threatening events. In the event of a flood warning move to higher ground or a safer location nearby unless you are being ordered to evacuate.

If you experience flooded basement, roof leaks, or other water damage as a result of heavy rains and flooding Advance Restoration is available 24/7 to respond to your water damage repairs—877-363-7462.

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Storm Advisory for Southeastern Michigan

60 MPH Winds, Hail, Tornadoes Possible According to Recent Storm Advisory Warnings

Threats of thunderstorms, damaging winds 60 mph or higher and hail one inch in size expected to affect Southeastern Michigan today according to storm advisory. The expectation is for strong winds, hail and the potential for tornadoes in the area. Hazardous weather conditions may cause property damage. It is highly possible that homes will experience roof damage and broken windows, leading to water damage. Furthermore, Flood damage due to storms may also cause basement flooding.  The storm advisory warning will impact Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, Livingston, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties along with some northern regions.

How to Avoid Property Damage Before the Storm

Surveying your property before the storm is a good idea that will help you to avoid the pitfalls of property damage. For instance, you can store items not bolted down such as trampolines and bbq’s. Furthermore, patio furniture that is lightweight should be stored prior to a storm. Storage sheds can be anchored down with cables or chains. Branches that are dead or in need of pruning should be clipped and trees that are dead or dying should be removed to avoid disaster.

For those of you in the path of the storm, we are there when you need us. For instance, we specialize in flood cleanup, water extraction, hail damage to roof, and fallen tree services in Southeastern Michigan. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response. Our experts are always ready to serve day or night, 365 days of the year.

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Typical Home Inspections—What They Don’t Say

Home inspector

 

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.

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Thunderstorm and 60 MPH Winds in S.E. MI

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Threats of thunderstorm, high winds and hail one inch in size possibly moving through Southeastern Michigan today. The potential is real for strong wind to cause hail and roof damage. There is potential for damage to windows, roofing and property. Water damage due to roof leaks can wreck havoc on the interior of your home. Depending on how much precipitation—sewer backups may be an issue.

Thunderstorm may also cause basement flooding.  The warnings impact Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lenawee, Monroe, Lapeer, Livingston, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Shiawassee, Genasee, Sanilac, Tuscola, Saginaw, Bay, Huron and Midland counties.

Apparently, an approaching cold front is to blame for continued showers early this afternoon gradually clearing Thursday, making way for a great weekend weather. For every storm, there is a rainbow.

For those of you in the path of the thunderstorm, we are there when you need us. Our team is nearby for flood cleanup, water extraction, hail damage to roof, fallen tree services and more in Southeastern Michigan. Open for emergency service calls for thunderstorm damage repairs 365 days a year. Our storm repair experts are standing by in our mobile command centers in your area. Professionals will assess the damage and create a plan for recovery. Responding to water or storm damage in a timely fashion is critical to full recovery. Avoiding secondary damage can shave time and money from damage repairs.

Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response to roof repair or water damage due to flood. We provide immediate relief with water extraction pump out and roof repairs. Our experts are always ready to serve.

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Southeast Michigan Storm

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Michigan Storm Brings Hail, 50 MPH Winds and Power Outages

 

Power outages for thousands due to southeast Michigan storm today.  Beware of hail and high winds reaching 50 mph.  Storms may also cause basement flooding in Monroe, Michigan and surrounding areas as well as  property and water damage from hail.

The wrath of the southeast Michigan storm will likely center on Monroe and Lenawee counties with hail to a half inch in diameter and wind gusts up to 45 MPH. The storm has the potential to cause flooded basements, flooded property, and water damage due to loss of shingles causing roof damage. To avoid potential property damage and injury, it may be wise to secure outdoor outbuildings with chains and cables and store things like patio furniture, trampolines and basketball hoops to keep them from becoming airborne.

An approaching cold front is to blame for continued showers early this afternoon gradually clearing with a high near 78 and breezy. Rain forecast calls for 50-70% precipitation throughout the holiday weekend.

For those of you in the path of the storm in high flood areas, we are there when you need us. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response to water damage due to flood. We provide immediate relief with water extraction pump out and drying. Our experts are always ready to serve.