Blog | Northwest Restoration

Why You Should Never DIY Mold Removal

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:16:34 GMT

Thanks to moisture and water damage, countless homes across America are dealing with harmful mold. According to ComfyLiving, a popular homeowners' resource, keeping humidity below 50% helps prevent mold growth. However, using a dehumidifier still isn't enough to keep mold at bay.

Mold is a disgusting substance that can wreak havoc on your home and respiratory health. That's why, if you see it, you shouldn't hesitate to get rid of it. However, DIY mold removal isn't a good idea, and here's why you need to call in the professionals to help.

Health Hazard

If you see mold in your home, the last thing you should do is touch it or mess around with it because it could cause painful irritation and rashes if it gets on your skin. However, mold tends to do the most damage when it reaches your lungs. Mold spores can linger in the air and latch onto your lungs, causing or exacerbating asthma, bronchitis, allergies, and other lung ailments. In other words, you may feel the presence of mold before you even see it!

Your family's health isn't something you want to risk. Call on the professionals who know how to handle it once and for all. What if you have little kids or family pets that don't understand the dangers of mold? They may inadvertently put it in their mouth and swallow it!

Mold Types

Did you know there is more than one type of mold that can grow in your home? While all mold is disgusting, some are toxic and cause greater harm to your health than others. Since there are many different types of mold, there are different ways to eliminate them. Your local mold removal professional understands how to get rid of each type safely and efficiently.

Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus are the most common types of indoor mold, according to the CDC. A professional can quickly tell the differences between these types, but you may not. If you have a small amount of pathogenic mold on your hands, you may be able to handle it with disinfectants, but large colonies require the work of professionals. In the case of toxic black mold, only professionals should handle it from start to finish, and they understand they must get rid of anything affected by it.

Source Concerns

Let's say you've successfully located some mold and think you've gotten rid of it. However, old spores can quickly grow in a wet environment, and that mold may grow back in the same position it was in. When it comes to mold, it's not just about getting rid of it at the surface level. You must handle it at the source.

Is there a leak in your home? Is the area where the mold began to grow susceptible to leaks from a regular rainstorm or flooding? How about the humidity level? Is it over 50%? These are questions a local mold removal professional will ask as they eradicate the mold that exists.

Protective Gear

Mold removal professionals have the right gear to remove mold and protect themselves. Remember, you don't want any mold to get on your skin or in your lungs, so you must protect your airways and avoid exposing your skin to such toxic substances. That's why you'll see mold removal professionals wearing a filter, face mask, waterproof boots, respirators, eye goggles, disposable hair cover, and long shirts and pants. On top of that, they also have protective overalls over their long sleeved clothing.

Proper Equipment

In addition to clothing, the type of equipment used to remove mold is vital to successfully getting rid of it. Sorry, but your regular household cleaners are not designed to stop mold! The experts use equipment such as dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, biocides, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial solutions, trisodium phosphate, and more. As professionals, they have access to the best tools to ensure they get the job done right.

As a homeowner, you should take mold removal seriously. Don't risk your health by treating it as a possible weekend do-it-yourself project. By calling a local mold removal company, you can save your lungs and your drywall from havoc. Call our mold specialists at Northwest Restoration today to learn how we can help you!

3 FAQs About Water Damage Restoration Answered

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:42:50 GMT

As you may know, flooding and water damage can have a huge negative impact on your home and life. It can be inconvenient, stressful, and unsafe. What's worse is that it can take root before you know it. In fact, according to the experts at Comfy Living, mold can start to grow as quickly as 24 hours after water damage occurs. This makes it very important to get in touch with water damage restoration professionals in your area as soon as possible. Let's look at some frequently asked questions concerning water damage.

1. How Can Water Damage Be Cleaned Up?

If you have a flooding event or water damage emergency, there are steps you can take to start the clean-up process. First, you'll need to cut off the source of the water if the water is coming from your plumbing. You can limit damage by removing excess water early on. Mopping, blotting, or wiping up water can make a big difference. You'll want to do this on flooring, hard surfaces, furniture, or anywhere there's standing water. Please note: you should not use your home vacuum cleaner to remove water. This could damage the vacuum and create a shock hazard. Instead, contact your local water damage restoration services for assistance in getting the hard part done.

2. What Are Water Damage Restoration Services?

When surfaces in your home or place of business are saturated with water, you need the help of water damage restoration professionals. At Northwest Restoration, we remove any damaged materials or furniture, dehumidify your property, and provide guidance for repair depending on what's been affected. We take every step necessary to fully dry out and restore your property to its former glory.

3. Should I Stay In My Flooded House?

Generally, it's not safe to stay in a flooded house. There could be electrical hazards as well as pathogen hazards. If you can, find another place to stay short term until water damage professionals can treat your home. If you're unsure whether your home is hazardous to your health, feel free to give us a call for advice.

Water damage isn't something to postpone solving. If you would like to learn more about water damage restoration , please contact our team at Northwest Restoration for a free consultation today! We'd be more than happy to explain our services. If you think you have water damage, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

The Risks of Ignoring Water Damage in the Home

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:17:32 GMT

Water damage could occur in many ways that lead to additional problems. A sink or toilet might overflow, a water heater might rupture, or you might experience external flooding. No matter how it happens, water damage restoration could help to make your home safe and whole again, but you might be tempted to ignore it. Let's take a closer look at some of the risks of ignoring water damage in your home.

Growth of Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew commonly occur quickly after initial water damage occurs. According to ComfyLiving, mold could start growing inside your home within a day or two due of water damage. Mold and mildew typically grow in dark and moist spaces, like inside walls, basements, or attics. A water damage restoration service can look for mold and mildew and remove them while repairing your home.

Unpleasant Odors That Linger

Closely related to mold and mildew contamination is the unpleasant odor that they often create. You might detect a musty odor while in a particular room or in a particular area of your home that did not exist prior to the water damage. You also might notice other smells caused by other water saturation in various parts of your home. The water damage might cause odors and fumes that sicken members of your household and make it very unpleasant to be indoors.

Weakened Structural Elements

When water saturates the wood, the wooden components could weaken quickly. Wall studs, wooden flooring, and other structural elements might begin to rot and affect your home's structural integrity. A weakened wooden floor might not support the weight of your appliances, furnishings, and people inside the home and give way. Water damage also might damage concrete, walls, and appliances. Ignoring water damage restoration leaves your home vulnerable to additional decay.

Faulty Electrical Circuits

Water and electrical wiring do not mix, and water damage might compromise one or more electrical circuits in your home. Although the electrical wiring is insulated with a waterproof coating, the connections are not. Plus, if mice or other rodents were to chew on the insulating coating on the wiring, the wiring could be exposed at nearly any point. Exposed electrical wiring and water damage might trigger an electrical failure or, worse, an electrical fire.

Repeated Occurrences of Water Damage

Ignoring water damage makes it more likely that you also are ignoring the source of the issue. Ignoring its cause makes you vulnerable to more water infiltration and subsequent damage. It is important to identify the causes, correct them, and fix any damage caused to help keep your home safe and prevent repeated damage. If you ignore the water damage, another occurrence could be especially damaging to your home.

Increased Utilities Costs

Water damage can affect your power usage by affecting the appliances that use electricity. An HVAC system could be especially vulnerable to water damage and require cleaning to ensure it runs efficiently and remove any effects of water contamination within the various vents and ductwork. The AC system might work less efficiently, and the heating system likewise could be affected by water saturation that leaves it in a less-than-ideal condition. You could see a sudden rise in your power bill due to less efficient appliances and HVAC systems due to water damage.

Denied Homeowners Insurance Claim

Homeowner's insurance policies almost always include coverage to pay for water damage restoration when you experience internal flooding. Additional flood insurance that protects against external flooding also could pay up to policy limits for damage caused to your home. Ignoring the water damage, though, makes it likelier that your claim would be denied if you wait several weeks or months to file a claim with your insurer. An insurer also might declare you to be negligent because you ignored it, which could endanger your entire homeowner's insurance coverage.

Here at Northwest Restoration, you can call, visit us, or complete our online form to schedule a water damage restoration service. We can identify the damage and fix it to make your home whole again. We work with homeowners insurance companies and provide customers with inspections and accurate estimates of the cost to fix the water damage and prevent it from recurring.

The Harmful Health Effects of Mold in the Home

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:18:51 GMT

Mold is a common household problem with severe health consequences. That's why any homeowner must take steps to prevent and remove mold as soon as possible. According to Comfy Living, mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. Read on to see how mold can harm your home.

1. Respiratory Problems

The most common health problem associated with mold is respiratory issues. Mold exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. People with allergies or immune system deficiencies are especially prone to developing respiratory infections from mold exposure. Protect your family's health and contact a mold removal service to identify and remove any sources of mold in the home. Over time, respiratory issues can lead to more serious health problems such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.

2. Neurologic Symptoms

Mold can also cause a variety of neurological symptoms, according to the NIH. These can include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and fatigue. Neurologic symptoms are more common in mold-related illnesses than many people realize. It's important to note that mold can also trigger or worsen existing neurological conditions, like depression and anxiety. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be wise to seek a mold removal service to inspect your home.

3. Eye Irritation

Eye irritation such as burning, redness, and itchy eyes can result from mold, according to the EPA. People with allergies or asthma may be especially susceptible to these problems. To protect your eyes from mold exposure, wear protective gear such as goggles and masks when cleaning up water damage or entering a room where mold is present. When people have irritated eyes, it may cause them to constantly want to rub or itch them, which can increase mold exposure and worsen symptoms.

4. Skin Irritation and Infections

Mold exposure can cause skin irritation, including itching, rashes, and hives, according to Healthline. In some cases, it can lead to skin infections. If you come into contact with mold, wash the affected area with soap and water right away. Remember, your skin is your largest organ, and anything that goes through your pores can find its way into the body. A mold removal contractor knows how to handle mold while protecting skin and lungs, so leave the removal up to them.

5. Nausea and Headaches

Mold can also cause nausea and headaches. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or body aches. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention. Constant headaches make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect your daily life and performance.

6. Pet Health Problems

Your pets can also be affected by mold. Mold exposure in animals can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other chronic health issues. If your pet has mold-related symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, contact a veterinarian right away. Pets are curious and may inadvertently come into contact with mold by sniffing around it, sitting on moldy surfaces, or drinking moldy water. To prevent this, make sure to hire a mold removal service if you suspect mold is present in your home.

7. Damage to Your Home

In addition to the health risks, mold can cause significant damage to your home. It can weaken building materials and corrode metal objects. If mold is present in the walls or other hidden areas, it'll continue to spread and could cause costly repairs. Mold won't simply go away on its own once inside your home, so taking steps to identify and remove mold as soon as possible is crucial to your own safety.

Mold is a common household problem that can affect anyone's health. Respiratory problems, eye irritation, neurological symptoms, skin infections, nausea and headaches, and even pet health problems can all be attributed to mold. As mentioned, it can fester quickly in wet areas, so stay on top of any water damage in the home. Mold affects your health, your children's health, your pets' health, and the structural integrity of your property. If you suspect the presence of mold for any reason, don't hesitate to call a professional. Our local mold removal service at Northwest Restoration is here to make sure your home stays safe and mold-free. Contact us today to get started with our mold remediation services!

A Beginner's Guide to Water and Fire Damage Restoration

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:11:11 GMT

No homeowner wants to experience a flood or fire. Whether due to natural disasters or home system failures, fire and water damage can quickly make a once beautiful home uninhabitable. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a flood or fire, you’ll need to hire a water or fire damage restoration company to ensure your home is safe for your family. Here’s what to expect from their services.

Water Damage Restoration Services

Flood damage from plumbing leaks and natural disasters is all too common. Even if your home’s water damage is due to a potable water leak, it can still make your home an unsafe place to live. When water soaks through carpets, drywall, and furniture, it can be difficult to completely remove. After any kind of flood, your home is at risk of mold growth, rot, and even structural damage.

Water damage restoration professionals use tools to rapidly dry out and dehumidify flooded buildings. According to Comfy Living, keeping humidity levels below 50% is key to preventing mold growth, so removing moisture quickly is essential. Once the immediate mold risk is mitigated, damage restoration technicians will evaluate the level of damage your home has sustained and recommend repairs either from their team or local contractors. With experts on your side, you can rest assured that your home will be mold-free and structurally sound.

Fire Damage Restoration Services

Even a relatively small house fire can cause devastating damage to the average home. When building materials burn, they don’t burn cleanly. Structural damage, soot, and debris can make your home uninhabitable. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a fire, you need support from experienced fire damage restoration technicians. They’ll assess the extent of the damage to your property and recommend repairs and cleaning services to get it back to the safe, comfortable home you love.

Some of the most common fire restoration cleaning services include surface cleaning, chemical removal, debris removal, and soot and smoke removal. While you may feel like you can handle some of these tasks on your own, handling chemical, soot, and smoke removal is beyond the scope of homeowner maintenance, so it's best to leave the restoration services to the professionals. Remediation crews have access to professional-level cleaning products and equipment that allow them to thoroughly clean fire-damaged properties.

If your home has been damaged due to a fire or flood, you need support from damage restoration professionals. With advanced equipment and knowledge of the proper protocols, they’ll ensure your home is safe for your family to live in again. Don’t risk mold growth or poor indoor air quality; call Northwest Restoration today to get started with our thorough water and fire damage restoration services. We’ll make your home safe and beautiful again.

7 Reasons You Shouldn't Hesitate to Call Mold Removal Services

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:42:30 GMT

Mold is a major problem for homeowners, especially in more humid climates. According to Comfy Living, mold is present in about 70% of homes. If you have mold growth you can't get rid of, then here are seven reasons you shouldn't hesitate to call mold removal services .

1. Mold Can Be Stubborn Otherwise

If you've tried dealing with your mold problem on your own, you know how hard it can be to get rid of mold growth. Mold doesn't just live on the surface of drywall and other materials, it penetrates surfaces. This means that you can remove the surface layer of mold without actually removing all the mold from a portion of your wall or ceiling. Eventually, mold will grow on the surface again and you'll have to restart the whole process. Hiring a mold removal professional ensures the mold is thoroughly removed to prevent future growth.

2. Experts Have Knowledge and Tools

Most people clean mold at home with bleach or vinegar. You might even clean mold at home without wearing a mask. When you hire mold removal services, you're hiring experts who have the knowledge and equipment to do the job safely and effectively. You can count on experts to avoid spreading mold throughout your home or exposing anyone in your household to harmful spores. Mold removal services can also test for mold in ceilings and walls, so they can make sure the job is done right.

3. You Can Prevent Mold From Spreading

Mold spreads quickly if you don't get rid of it, so calling a mold removal pro right away is crucial. The longer you let mold sit in your home, the more it's going to spread. This is an especially common problem for homeowners who simply remove a layer of mold from the surface of a wall. Mold penetrates and lives within drywall and other building materials, so wiping down the surface isn't enough to stop it from spreading. When mold spreads, it costs even more money to hire a mold removal company.

4. You'll Avoid Health Problems

As you might have guessed, breathing in mold isn't the best for your health. Mold can be especially problematic for people who have asthma and other respiratory issues. The most common symptoms of exposure to mold are essentially allergy symptoms, which includes watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and itching. These symptoms are worse in people who are allergic to mold. If you want to keep yourself, your family, and your pets healthy, then call mold removal services when you have stubborn mold growth.

5. You'll Save Yourself Time

You might be able to scrub and replace sections of drywall to eventually remove most of the mold from your home, but that's going to take a lot of time. Even if you do manage to get the job done on your own, it's tough to replace sections of drywall and other building materials you may have to remove for mold remediation. Mold removal services save you time that you can spend doing more important things. If you want to save time and get rid of your mold problem, hiring a mold removal company is the simplest solution.

6. You Won't Waste Cleaning Supplies

At the end of the day, mold removal services exist because it's so tough to get rid of mold for good. You might have bleach or vinegar at home, but that doesn't mean you should start pouring them on mold spots or concocting sprays. There's a good chance you're going to waste cleaning supplies to wipe away surface mold, which will only look good until it grows again.

7. You'll Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

Scrubbing walls with bleach day after day isn't healthy for you. In fact, many cleaners are actually very harmful to breathe in for long periods of time. If you want to avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals like bleach while sweating and laboring to remove mold from your walls, then mold removal services are a smart alternative.

When you can't get rid of mold with a little bleach or vinegar, it's time to call a professional to avoid health problems and spreading. If you've got stubborn mold spots that you can't get rid of, give Northwest Restoration a call, and we'll take care of them. We have all the equipment and professionals to get the job done right.

6 Steps of Water Damage Restoration Services

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 14:26:51 GMT

Water damage restoration services are a process many homeowners aren't familiar with. Water damage can occur from many sources, such as burst pipes, heavy rains, or faulty appliances. When water damage occurs, it's important to act quickly to mitigate damage and prevent further issues. The water damage restoration process can be complex and confusing. The following steps will help you understand what to expect.

1. Water Damage Assessment

T he first step in water damage restoration services is to assess the damage. It'll help determine the extent of the damage and what’s needed to rectify it. The water damage assessment will also help determine the best action to prevent further damage from occurring. For example, if water damage resulted from a burst pipe, the water damage assessment will help determine if the pipe needs replacement or repair.

2. Water Removal

O nce the water damage assessment is complete, the next step is to remove the water. Our professionals use a variety of methods, such as pumping, vacuuming, or even a water extraction machine. Water removal ensures that the water damage doesn't spread and that mold doesn’t have a chance to grow.

3. Drying and Dehumidification

A fter water removal, the next step is to dry and dehumidify the area. Fans, dehumidifiers, or air movers can easily dry the area out. Dehumidifiers are important because they help prevent mold from growing. Keeping humidity below 50% goes a long way in preventing mold growth, according to Comfy Living. Our professionals will ensure that the area is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

4. Cleaning and Disinfection

I t's important to clean and disinfect the area. Proper sanitation helps remove any contaminants that may be in the water. Sitting or dirty water may contain harmful bacteria or other pathogens that can cause serious illness. You should have professionals clean and disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with such water.

This will also help prevent mold and mildew from growing. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Therefore, remediation services must act quickly.

5. Restoration

A fter the area is clean and dry, the water damage restoration services will begin restoring your home to its pre-damage state. Necessary restoration may involve repairing drywall, painting, or even replacing flooring. Our water damage restoration company will work with you to determine the best course of action. Depending on the extent of damage, this part may take some time.

6. Preventative Maintenance

A fter the water damage restoration process is complete, there's still more work ahead. Now it's time to take preventative measures to help prevent water damage from occurring in the future. These may include fixing leaky pipes, installing a sump pump, waterproofing your basement, or repairing your roof.

You should check the roof regularly for leaks and make sure the gutters are clear of debris. Before a heavy storm hits, protect your home by covering windows and doors with plastic. If you haven't already installed a storm door, now would be a good time to hire professionals to do so. They can also seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to help prevent more water damage.

When Should I Hire Water Damage Restoration Services?

W ater damage is one of the most stressful things that can happen to a homeowner. This type of damage can be costly if not taken care of in a timely and effective manner. If you've experienced water damage, you should hire water damage restoration services as soon as possible. The longer water sits, the more damage it will cause.

You're most likely to experience water damage after a heavy rainstorm, a flood, or a burst pipe. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and even faulty appliances can cause water damage. No matter the source, water damage is nothing to take lightly.

Water damage restoration services can be complex, but understanding the process can help you prepare for the possibility of needing it. Following these steps will help ensure that the water damage is mitigated and that your home is restored to its pre-damaged state. Don't hesitate to contact Northwest Restoration at the first sign of water damage.

What to Do if You Need Mold Removal Immediately

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:17:17 GMT

If you have mold in your home, it's important to take care of it immediately. Mold can cause serious health problems, and it can also damage your property. Mold can begin to grow just a day or two after water damage occurs, according to Comfy Living, so don't wait to get it taken care of. Here are a few things you need to do if you need mold removal .

Find a Reputable Mold Removal Company

If you're looking for a mold removal company, it's important to do your research. There are a lot of companies out there, and not all of them are reputable. Make sure to read reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family. These reviews and referrals are a good way for you to learn about the experiences that past clients have had with a given company.

Contact the Company

Once you've found a company you trust, contact them and explain the situation. They will likely send someone to your home to assess the damage and give you a quote for the removal process. During this time, make a note of how they communicate with you. It's important that you choose a company that communicates clearly and quickly.

Remove Any Moldy Materials

The mold removal company will likely tell you what needs to be removed in order to get rid of the mold. This may include furniture, carpets, and other belongings. Make sure to pack these items up carefully so they don't get ruined in the process. It's best to not remove anything until you have confirmation from the company. They'll know what's best for your home.

Let the Professionals Take Care of It

Once you've removed all the moldy materials, let the professionals take care of the rest. They'll clean up the mess and ensure that the mold is completely gone. Going forward, there are a few things you can do to prevent mold from growing in your home. First, keep your home clean and dry. Mold thrives in moist environments, so make sure to clean up any spills or leaks right away and use a dehumidifier in damp rooms. Next, ventilate your home. Properly ventilating your home will remove moist air that causes mold to thrive. This means opening windows and using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

If you take care of mold right away, you can avoid serious health problems and damage to your property. Contact Northwest Restoration today to learn more.