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Friday, August 21, 2009

What other places have a high risk for mold exposure?

There are several places outside your home or place of business that can foster mold growth. These places include antique shops, greenhouses, saunas, farms, mills, construction areas and flower shops to name a few. Source: ACCORD Restoration, www.ACCORDRestoration.com
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:54 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Mold Factsheet

Here are some things you should know about mold:

- Mold is a type of fungus. Other fungi include yeast and mushrooms.

- Outside mold is found in soil, decaying vegetation, compost piles, rotting wood and fallen leaves. Outdoor mold can get inside through open windows and doors, ventilation systems and on pets, clothing and shoes.

- Mold grows year round and in all types of climates although it favors a warm and humid environment.

- Some people are more sensitive to [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 1:38 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Where should I check for mold?

When dealing with mold, there are several places on a property that are extra susceptible to mold growth. Here are some key places to check when you suspect that mold is present: •Bathrooms and kitchens •Carpeting •Pipes, faucets and ductwork •Basements •Attics •Window sills •Garage walls Source: ACCORD Restoration, [...]
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 10:36 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Are there any uses for mold?

Although everything so far has focused on the negative side of mold, there are actually uses for it. Here are some ways that mold is important to the environment:

•The mold penicillium is used to make the antibiotic penicillin.

•Other types of mold are used to make cholesterol lowering medications.

•Mold is used to make foods such as cheese, sausages and soy sauce.

•Some compounds and enzymes are formed by mold such as citric acid, gluconic [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:36 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Water Damage Basics

When dealing with water, timing is imperative. The longer you wait to start the clean-up process, the worse the damage is going to get. Once the water has been removed from the premises, you can start the clean-up process by opening all doors and windows. Remember to keep everything open until all parts of the property are dry including floors, furniture, walls and other materials. Unwanted water can destroy materials such as wood, steel and laminate. It can cause the growth of mold and damage [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 3:36 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, August 09, 2009

What should I do if I think I am sick from mold exposure?

Go to your primary care physician who will determine whether you need to see a specialist for the problem. The specialists your PCP may refer you to include allergists or infectious disease physicians. Source: ACCORD Restoration, www.ACCORDRestoration.com
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 10:12 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Friday, August 07, 2009

What are the different categories of water?

There are three basic categories of water. The type of water in your property will help determine the extent of the damage and how the water will be removed.

The first category of water is clean water that poses no harm to people. This includes water damage caused by a sink or bathtub overflow or an appliance malfunction.

The second category of water is called gray water. This category includes water that has a significant amount of contamination, which can be [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 3:20 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

How does the water removal process work?

Several steps are taken to remove water from your property in the event of a flood, hurricane, or other water related disaster. First, the water will be removed from the property. Once the water is removed, a de-humidification process will begin to dry the wet areas. Next, evaporation of the water will occur and finally the air will be tested to ensure that all water and moisture is gone from the property and won’t cause any further problems.

Other processes involved with water [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 3:01 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Monday, June 15, 2009

What are some of the misconceptions about mold?

One misconception about mold is that it can be removed with high heat, dry air and sunlight. Although these solutions may make sense considering they are the opposites of what actually causes mold, they are not powerful enough to completely get rid of the mold. The proper sure-free way to clean up mold is to use strong detergents. Mold remediation should be done by professionals using proper equipment and safety measures.

Source: ACCORD Restoration, [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:47 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Does bleach kill mold?

Contrary to what you have probably heard, bleach cannot kill mold. It can be used to remove mold, but it will only work successfully on hard surfaces. Bleach not only fails to kill mold, but can actually enable it to grow faster as it is primarily composed of water. Source: ACCORD Restoration, www.ACCORDRestoration.com
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:47 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Can mold make me sick? What makes a person more susceptible to becoming sick from mold?

Yes, mold can make you sick and will pose health risks especially to people who are at high risk for sickness and allergic reactions. This includes infants and children, the elderly, people with respiratory infections and asthma and people with weakened immune systems due to other medical conditions. Other factors include a genetic predisposition to allergies, people working in an occupation that consistently exposes them to mold, people living in a house with a wet basement or high humidity [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:49 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Storm Supply List

Storms not only cause damage to your property, but they can also destroy your peace of mind. To help you prepare for a flood, hurricane or other natural disaster, here is a list of key items that you should have readily available:

- Flashlights

- Battery-operated lanterns

- Battery-powered radio

- Battery-operated fan

- Extra batteries—you should have two extra sets for each battery operated item

- Special care items for infants or [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 9:25 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Friday, June 05, 2009

Emergency Restoration Checklist

Here is a helpful checklist to minimize damage to your property following a fire, flood, storm or other disaster event.

- Alert your insurance company immediately. Your insurance agent is your partner during this stressful time. He/she will guide you through the claims and clean-up process.

- Take photos of the damage prior to the property being cleaned-up, boarded-up or demolished. Having photographic documentation of the damage could be helpful for [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 8:43 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Storm Damage Prevention

Storms can wreak havoc on any structure or building they comes across. Preparing for these potential disasters, especially if you live in an area prone to large storms, such as tornados and hurricanes, is essential. Long before a storm hits, it is vital to know the ins and outs of your insurance policy.

- Have your building appraised every five years and assessed for potential risks so that you and your insurance agency have the most up-to-date information.

- Make any [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 8:43 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Flood Emergency Checklist

Here is a helpful checklist for preventing damage to your property by flooding and to minimize the damage that follows.

The Mitigation Phase
Prior to a flood, there are actions that you can take to diminish damage:

- Have a professional assess your property for high-risk areas. Identifying these low-lying areas gives you an indication of where sandbags will be helpful to prevent flooding on your property.

- Make sure fuel tanks located above [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 4:55 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Friday, May 15, 2009

How are people exposed to mold?

People are usually exposed to mold by breathing in spores or other tiny fragments of it. Exposure can also occur through skin contact or by swallowing it. Source: ACCORD Restoration, www.ACCORDRestoration.com
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:49 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, May 10, 2009

How can I keep my property mold free?

There are several steps you can take to ensure that your property stays mold free. First, you must make sure there are no water problems. Open windows and doors for good air flow and, if needed, use a fan in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Attics and crawl spaces should be properly insulated and ventilated. Another key step is to vacuum your property regularly to remove mold spores. Finally, check windows for condensation and wipe away any water droplets you find.

[...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:49 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

How can I prepare for expected water damage?

The best way to keep water damage from becoming a major problem is to prepare your property before the damage occurs. One thing you should be sure to know is how to cut-off the power in your home in case of a flood. In case of a storm, water and electricity are a deadly combination. You want to know where your water shut-off valves and fuse box are located in the case that you need to turn the power off.

Source: ACCORD Restoration, [...]

Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 1:25 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Friday, May 08, 2009

What health problems can be traced to mold?

Mold can cause the following health problems: •Allergies and asthma attacks Infections •Irritations of mucous membranes in eyes and respiratory system •Decreased attention, disorientation and dizziness •Suppression of immune system •Higher susceptibility to cancer •Headaches, tremors and nausea infertility Source: ACCORD Restoration, [...]
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 2:02 PM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

What are the major sources of water damage?

Water damage can come from many sources. Some of these sources include: hurricanes, storms, leaking pipes and malfunctioning washing machines and heaters. Water damage can also occur as a result of leaks in your roofing, siding and from defective gutters which will cause water to pool around your property and potentially leak into your basement. Source: ACCORD Restoration, [...]
Posted By ACCORD Restoration At 7:13 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

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