Categories Water Damage

Steps to Take Immediately Following Water Damage

Woman catching water in a bucket that is leaking from her ceiling.

When a bathroom or kitchen pipe bursts or seeps, it’s important to take proper steps immediately to avoid further damage. Water damage can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can, in turn, lead to health risks. Fortunately, if you follow the steps below, you should quickly restore your home in West Palm Beach Florida, to a livable condition. Here are the necessary steps to take following water damage.

1. Protect Yourself, Valuables, and Appliances

Turn off the water supply at the meter or nearest faucet. Immediately move any valuables out of the room, such as money and jewelry, if the water has entered an electrical outlet box or washer/dryer compartment. Treat items that may be wet with a dehumidifier, if available, to remove excess moisture. Unplug all appliances from the wall before entering. Disconnect the main water supply if the source of the water damage is in a vacant room, such as the garage or basement. If the source of the water damage is in a basement, you should open a window to allow fresh air to enter. Turn off all electrical switches and appliances that are not being used.

2. Contact the Insurance Company

If there is more than $200 in damage, you will likely need to file a claim with your insurance company. With proper documentation, you can expedite the claims process. Take photos of the damage in each room and make a list of any items that you ruined. If possible, take before and after measurements of the water damage to help assess how much repair work is needed.

3. Use a Moisture Meter to See Where the Water Has Entered

Moisture meters are very useful in finding hidden water damage. The moisture meter will help you identify whether water has traveled under your walls or through kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The moisture meter can detect whether standing water is hidden underneath the surface of carpets and floors, which may not be detectable by sight alone.

4. Dry Things Out Quickly

The most immediate remedy is to dry all of the wet items. Wipe, sponge, and squeeze the water out of pajamas and bedding. Wet clothes should be placed in plastic bags for transportation to the laundromat or someplace where they can be safely laundered. Cleaners can remove fabric odors with basic products like vinegar and baking soda.

5. Dehumidify When Necessary

The next step is to remove the excess moisture from your home. If you do not have a dehumidifier, you can use a fan to blow air across the wet area. The fan will help evaporate any remaining moisture in the room, while the dehumidifier will extract the moisture from the air and deposit it into a drain or bucket.

6. Clean and Restore Your Home

The final step is to wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant. Use a mop and water for hardwood floors or paper towels for carpeting. You can use rags or paper towels if you do not have a mop and bucket. As you dry the room’s surfaces, use environmentally friendly cleaning products that are safe for kids and pets. Also, check the odors of your cleaning products before using them since some cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can leave harmful residue. If there is mold, consult a professional for guidance on reigning it in. Once the clean-up is complete, you should restore your home to normal condition.

Contact the Professionals

At Clean Air Experts, we understand that this process can be stressful. For these reasons, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our services. Our services include water damage repairs, restoration, mold removal, mold remediation & testing, and odor removal. We utilize the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that your home is properly restored in a timely fashion. We won’t stop at just removing the water, either; we’ll help you return to normalcy. Contact us today for more information about water damage remediation services or to schedule an appointment.

Posted on
Categories Water Damage

Prepare Your Home for A Rainy Hurricane Season

Palm Tree blowing in the wind as a storm approaches.

If you live in West Palm Beach, Florida, you already know the impacts that a hurricane season can have on your home. Over the years, water damage has caused devastating pain to various homeowners, and you certainly don’t want to be the next on the victim’s list. You must incorporate multiple strategies and prepare your home for the upcoming hurricane season. The following tips can help you protect your home during a rainy hurricane season.

Seal Water Leak Areas

First, you must identify and seal all the water leak areas around your home. These could be in the form of cracks, holes, or even gaps. Once you’ve located them, apply a sealant so that water doesn’t seep through during heavy rains. You can also use caulking for this purpose. A water leak detection system can also be installed to give you an early warning in case water starts seeping through any cracks. You can also rely on a water leak detection expert to help identify problem areas in and around your home.

Replace Old Roofing

Water damage repairs can be pretty expensive, and one of the best ways to avoid it is by ensuring that your roof is in good condition. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, it’s advisable to replace your old roofing with new impact-resistant materials. This will go a long way in protecting your home from water damage during heavy rains and hurricanes. Some of the best materials for this purpose include stainless steel, impact-resistant shingles, and concrete tiles.

Install Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters are vital in protecting your home from water damage during heavy rains. They help channel water away from your home and into the storm drains. However, if your gutters are not correctly installed or maintained, they can end up causing more harm than good. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that they are installed correctly and well-maintained. You should also install downspouts so that water can be directed away from your home.

Reinforce Your Windows

You don’t want to deal with expensive water damage repair after the hurricane season strikes. That’s why you must take the necessary steps to reinforce your windows. The best way to support windows is by installing impact-resistant windows. These are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. You can also use hurricane shutters or plywood to protect your windows from breaking during hurricane season.

Trim Hedges and Trees

Strong winds can cause tree branches and hedges to fall on your home and cause severe damage. That’s why you need to trim them before the hurricane season starts. You should also remove any dead branches or trees that could threaten your home. A local tree service company can help you with this.

Secure Your Garage Door

Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane. That’s because they can easily be blown away by strong winds. If you don’t want to deal with expensive repairs, you need to secure your garage door. You can achieve this by installing a hurricane-resistant garage door. You can also use hurricane straps or clips to secure the door.

Conclusion

Clean Air Xperts is your ultimate water remediation company in West Palm Beach, Florida. Our highly trained and certified technical experts can handle any water damage repairs. We offer extensive services such as water extraction, fire damage restoration, and mold removal services. Contact us today for emergency services.

Posted on
Categories Mold Remediation

How To Find Hidden Mold

Water damage and possible mold growth near the baseboards.

If you can smell an unpleasant earth odor in your house, there’s a chance you might find mold hidden somewhere. In many cases, you may find mold easily when it is visible, but when it is growing in your attic or under a wooden floor, you can only smell its odor.

Mold is common when there are leakages in your home. If you believe you might have this problem, it’s best to find experts to conduct a black mold test.

Common Places to Check During Mold Removal 

As you prepare your home for mold removal, it’s best if you become aware of the familiar places they would grow. These include:

Basement

Not much activity occurs in a basement, and the absence of natural light creates a suitable environment for mold. If you have any pipes passing in your basement, there is a chance you will find mold in case of leakage.

Ceilings

Like the basement, the ceiling is mostly dumpy. Any leakages from your roof could create an environment for mold to prosper. Since you rarely check your ceiling, you may only be aware of mold once you smell that earthy odor.

Air Ducts

You might not think there are chances, but it’s possible mold could grow in your air ducts. If you rarely clean your air ducts, there is a chance the dust and moisture caught inside could be a home for mold.

Behind Furniture

You shouldn’t be surprised if the experts found mold behind the furniture during the mold treatment. Most furniture has its back resting on the living room walls. If your living room is humid, it is possible mold will find a home behind this furniture.

Wall Cavities

You might not take cracks seriously, but they could host mold. They provide dark and humid zones for the growth of mold. Always check under your kitchen sink or bathroom walls for cracks. These are notorious areas when it comes to a “mold infestation.”

If you suspect molds in your home, it would be best to contact professionals. Clean Air Xperts can conduct a quick and effective mold treatment and odor removal.

How to Test for Mold in Your House

If you speak to experts from Clean Air Xperts, you will learn that the first step to mold treatment is testing. You will need to know the type of mold in your home and the severity of the growth.

Despite mold causing an unpleasant smell, it could be a cause of allergies or expensive repairs. It is for such reasons that successful mold remediation becomes necessary. A mold inspection is the fastest way to know the kind of mold and how far they have reached in your home.

Attempting mold remediation by yourself might save you some money, but it won’t guarantee you got rid of the problem. Alternately, a professional will remedy the problem and find the cause.

For example, they may locate the source of moisture leaking into your home. They will then make the necessary water damage while they remove the molds.

If you want immediate mold removal and your home’s fresh air restored, you may need to check the areas named above regularly. Any earthy odors could be an indication of a mold presence. At this point, it would be best to contact Clean Air Xperts.

Posted on
Categories Mold Remediation

Mold Inspection in Boynton Beach

Worker cleaning mold off wall while wearing safety gear.

Mold inspection can be a daunting task. There are a lot of things to take into account when looking for mold, and it’s important to make sure that the inspector is taking all the necessary precautions.

If you think you have mold in your home or residence, it is vitally important that you have a trained professional do an inspection. Clean Air Xperts mold inspection Boynton Beach takes pride in being the most dependable and experienced mold inspector in the Boynton Beach area.

What Is a Mold Inspection and Why Do You Need One?

Mold inspection is the process of testing for the presence of mold in a building. Mold can be present indoors or outdoors, and it can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and asthmatic attacks.

How Does the Process Work for Mold Inspection?

The mold inspector will first assess the area for visible mold growth. They will then take samples of the air and surfaces to test for the presence of mold spores. Finally, they will provide a report with their findings and recommendations.

What Are Some of the Signs That You May Have a Mold Problem?

There are a few signs that you may have a mold problem in your home. These include:

  • Visible mold growth
  • Musty or earthy odors
  • Excessive moisture
  • Water damage
  • Allergic reactions (such as sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes)
  • Asthma attacks

How to Find a Reputable Mold Inspector

There are a few things you can do to find a reputable mold inspector. First, you can ask your friends, family, or neighbors if they have any recommendations. You can also search online for reviews of mold inspection in Boynton Beach. Finally, you can contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

The Cost of a Mold Inspection

The cost of a mold inspection will vary depending on the size of the area being inspected, the type of testing being done, and the experience of the inspector. However, most mold inspections will cost between $200 and $500.

What to Do If You Find Mold in Your Home

If you find mold in your home, the first thing you should do is contact a professional mold remediation company. They will be able to test the mold to see what type it is and what the best course of action is. They will also be able to remove the mold and repair any damage that has been done.

Contact Clean Air Xperts Today

Clean Air Xperts is the leading mold inspection company in Boynton Beach. We have years of experience inspecting homes and businesses for mold, and we can help you get your home back to normal.

At Clean Air Xperts, we value our customers and their satisfaction. We take great pride in our work, and we will do everything we can to make sure that your home is mold-free. Contact us today to schedule a mold inspection. We look forward to serving you!

Posted on
Categories Mold Types

Mold Types and the Health Issues They Cause

Old house with mold along all four walls.

Molds spores are usually very tiny particles that float on air, and they can enter your house through an opened window, vent, or doorway. When they fall on a damp, warm surface, they grow rapidly. A leaky roof, damp wood, and condensation from cooking and showering are some of the most common causes of mold growth in a house. Inhaling mold spores in large quantities can cause adverse health effects. But, you can minimize the effects if you seek the right mold treatment approach. Discover more about mold exposure below.

Types of Harmful Molds

Molds can either be allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic. The allergenic molds trigger allergic reactions. When Toxigenic molds enter your body, they release mycotoxins that cause severe health issues. On the other hand, pathogenic molds cause infection in people with compromised immunity. They include:

• Alternaria: You can find these molds under the leaky sink, on rotten wood, and on bird nests.

• Aspergillus: They grow on building materials, food, dust, soil, and plant matter.

• Penicillium: Penicillium grows on damp surfaces and decaying organic matter.

• Cladosporium: This mold type grows on fabrics, plants, and wooden surfaces.

Health Effects of Molds

Molds produce irritants, so touching them or inhaling the spores can cause allergic symptoms like:

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Red eyes

• Skin rash

Exposure to molds also triggers asthmatic attacks in people with asthma. As molds grow, more spore fragments and organic compounds get into the indoor air, increasing particulate matter volume. These contaminants may cause breathing problems.

Breathing in aspergillus spores causes aspergillosis. Certain pulmonary conditions cause cavities formation in the lungs. If such a person breathes in aspergillus spores, they accumulate in the cavity, causing aspergilloma. The condition starts with a mild cough but worsens with time. This infection can spread to the brain, kidneys, and heart when left untreated, resulting in invasive aspergillosis. Aspergillosis causes chest pains, skin lesions, fever, and headaches.

Aspergillus may also invade your nose, causing a stuffy nose and headaches. Prolonged exposure to molds may also cause:

• Poor mental health

• Memory loss

• Chronic rhinosinusitis

• Bronchitis

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

• Constant Fatigue

The Right Mold Removal Approach

Although you can kill molds using a bleach mold cleaner, the most effective strategy is hiring a professional. Mold treatment requires skills, proper tools, and experience. Clean Air Xperts technicians use HEPA air scrubbers, vacuums, and dehumidifiers for proper mold remediation. Since molds are health hazards, cleaning requires proper gear like gloves, high filtration face masks, and respirators.

If you deal with the molds yourself, there is a higher risk of spreading the spores, which causes problem reoccurrence. Although molds appear on your house surfaces, they result from a larger underlying problem. A professional will clear off the molds effectively and address the root problem. They may recommend fixing water leaks, installing exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathroom, or installing a dehumidifier to control moisture and prevent mold growth.

Common signs of mold growth include damp smell, warped walls, tarnished tiles, stains on upholstery, and persistent cough. If you notice any of these signs, call a reputable mold removal company in Boynton Beach, FL, immediately before the problem escalates into more significant issues.

Posted on
1 2 3 … 9

Contact Us