How to Deal with Mold and Mildew in Basements Following Floods
June 21, 2010
If you have a water leak or flood then you may well have to deal with mold and mildew afterwards. Basements can be the ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow as are often dark poorly ventilated areas with plenty of dead organic material such as old furniture. If you add some moisture to this mix you have a great place for developing problems with these fungi. If you find that you have a problem with either of these two infestations it is important that you deal with it as soon as possible. If it is left unchecked, mold and mildew could end up costing you a small fortune to remedy and it is also known that some types of mold can cause serious health problems for the inhabitants of the home.
What to do if you spot mold or mildew in your basement
If you have had a leak or flood recently then you should be keeping your eye out for either of these problems arising. The best thing to do would be to stop these fungi occurring in the first place by using a borate based solution on surfaces after a flood but this is not always practical. It is also worth pointing out that even if you haven’t had a water leak recently you should still be regularly checking your basement for any problems.
Once you have spotted mold or mildew you need to work fast. As long as the mold isn’t too widespread you should be able to deal with the problem without outside help. Sometimes though you may find things have gone too far and you need the help of the experts – no shame in that. After you have assessed the extent of the problem you then need to get to work. It is recommended that you take precautions while dealing with mold as some of the spores could be quite toxic. It is probably best that you were clothes that cover your whole body and put on glasses to protect your eyes – it is often suggested that you wear a respiratory mask especially if dealing with black mold. Bleach or vinegar is frequently used to get rid of mold and you should give the area a good soaking in it. Some experts argue that it is more effective to use products specifically designed for mold and mildew and follow this up with a borate based product after the clean.
Water Damage Prevention- What You Need to Know about Hiring Contractors
May 18, 2010
As a means to prevent water damage from happening to your home again, you would probably consider hiring a contractor to make sure all the needed repairs will be done. If you have insurance, your claims adjuster would most likely arrange the whole thing for you; however, in some cases, you will have the freedom to choose your contractor, so it is very important that you know how to find the most qualified individuals or repair company.
Types of Contractors
1. General Contractors. They are skilled in managing all aspects of renovation and often hire subcontractors to take care of certain jobs that they are not skilled enough to handle. General contractors are usually required for a new construction or a major repair.
2. Specialty Contractors. They are the subcontractors who are skilled at specific jobs needed in home repair, such as a plumber and an electrician. The qualified specialty contractors are licensed workers, and have earned sufficient experience to handle the job efficiently.
3. Freelance Contractors. They are generally classified as unskilled workers because they lack the expertise needed to repair complex construction. These are unlicensed contractors who are better off doing simple jobs such as carpet installation instead of fixing drainage systems.
Basic Considerations When Hiring Contractors
1. License
The very first thing to check before you hire a contractor is their license. Although not all states require contractors to be licensed, this is something you need to seriously consider because in case things go wrong with the repair, you can protect yourself by filing a complaint with local licensing agencies.
2. Track Record
Check the contractor’s reputation. Don’t make the mistake of hiring one with a long list of complaints lodged against them because you are bound for problems with this contractor. You might want to consider checking with the Better Business Bureau or request for referrals to get more information.
3. Contracts
You must read every detail stated in the contract and make sure they are all in proper order. A good contract states every step the contractor will do for your home, and if you cannot find these in the agreement paper handed to you, do not sign it.
4. Payments
A professional contractor will not demand for big upfront payments or require full payment prior to completion of work. Usually, professional contractors get the job done before seeking payment.
Hiring contractors is a tough job. You have to make sure you find the right one so that all the needed repairs will be done properly and according to your specifications. Note that if you do not have insurance, you would need to shell out a big amount of money to get it done. But, if you want to avoid water damage from affecting your home and your family again, this is something you have to do.
Heavy flooding hits the Nashville Tennessee areas
May 4, 2010
Authorities in Tennessee are fearing that there may be many more bodies discovered once all remote areas have been checked following the disastrous rains that struck the state. Now that the Cumberland River has crested, there is a bit more calm in the Nashville area, although the fear and questions remain over just how many people actually were killed.
Central Tennessee was overcome quickly by flash flooding caused by the swelling river, so quickly in fact that many people barely made it to dry land before being swept away by the raging, muddy water. The death toll stands at 28 now across three states, but hope is fading that the number will stand, as recovery slowly is taking place following the record-breaking rainfalls. Authorities are certain that there will be widespread damage in inundated areas and dread the thought of discovering more fatalities in the coming days.
Tennessee was hit very hard by the flood damage, with Nashville receiving the brunt of water damage disaster. Thousands of people fled rapidly rising water and hundreds were rescued-many by boat, with some having to be plucked off their roof tops. Tennessee’s death count stands at seventeen today (May 4) with ten of the deaths occurring in Nashville alone. Six people were killed by the same rainstorms in Mississippi and four in the state of Kentucky.
Nashville is home to the iconic Grand Ole Opry House, which is a main source of income and pride for the city and its residents. One thousand, five hundred visitors to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center were evacuated over the weekend and taken to a shelter as the heart of country music was submerged in several feet of muddy river water. It is thought that it will be months before the hotel is able to re-open.
Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen already has declared fifty-two of the state’s ninety-five counties disaster areas after flying overhead to assess the damage. On Saturday and Sunday alone, 13.5 inches of rain fell on the Nashville area, breaking the old record set decades earlier and sending panic-stricken residents fleeing from their homes. Nearly every single lake, river, creek, stream and drainage system in the area was flooded over. The flood water were so powerful that it washed out bridges and knocked down buildings.
Highways in the area have been closed indefinitely and now look like raging rivers instead of roadways. At least fifty Nashville schools were damaged by the water and for now, the schools are closed. Residents are urged not to venture out onto streets and roads as most coming into and leaving the city are submerged and may be compromised.
Photo courtesy AP
What to Do with a Wet Basement
April 19, 2010
In spite of the innovations in technology, homeowners are still plagued with wet basement problems. The situation is even worse for homes that were built several decades ago not only because of the absence of newer and more reliable construction techniques and materials before the turn of the 21st Century, but also because as a home becomes old, its water protection systems become less and less efficient.
Almost every homeowner deals with wet basements at one time or another. It is a rather common type of property damage problem, and the sooner we figure out how to deal with it, the better. So, how can we deal with such a messy problem? Understand that this does not only involve the basement alone but also everything that is located in the area, including furniture, appliances, and floor coverings. You have to take these into consideration, too.
• The first thing to do is to take out all furniture pieces, electrical appliances, and other items in your basement and place them in an area where they can completely dry out such as the basement or even the yard.
• Next, place fans and dehumidifiers in the room to get rid of minimal amounts of water. If your basement has windows, keep them open for awhile. However, if the room is too flooded, it would be best to secure a pump which will take the water out faster.
• Carpets and other floor coverings need to be completely dried out with the use of a dryer, a vacuum cleaner, or high velocity fans; otherwise, your basement would smell really stale, and would also make your flooring very soggy. Plus it also increases the likelihood of your basement developing molds.
Aside from the ones mentioned above, it is also necessary to find out what caused the problem so that preventive measures can be taken to avoid getting wet basement in the future. Usually, leaky walls, floors, and pipes are the culprits so checking the area for any leaks should be your priority. In the event that you do discover some leaks, note that these are often attributed to poor drainage systems particularly the gutters; it is worth looking into and see if they need cleaning or re-piping.
If you think you cannot handle waterproofing your basement by yourself, there are always contractors who can do the job for you. Mind you, they do not come in cheap but if you do not want to be all stressed out because of wet basements then it is worth giving a try.
FEMA and It’s Role in Helping Flood Victims
April 6, 2010
Nearly everyone in the United States is familiar with FEMA – at least most people are aware of the fact that the federal government sent FEMA officials and aid workers into New Orleans to help residents get out of their flood ravaged homes and neighborhoods. As we watched the events unfold on television, we saw FEMA on the ground providing affected residents with a warm and dry place to stay and helping people make new, temporary living arrangements.
Not only are FEMA officials sent into action during a major disaster such as a flood, FEMA is also given the green light by the government to make low interest loans available to businesses of all sizes, agricultural co-ops, and private organizations that have suffered flood related money problems. Farmers can seek loans up to $500,000 to cover production and property losses. There is also FEMA crisis counseling in place in flood ravaged areas which provides help to residents who were traumatized by the disaster, income tax assistance to assist people in filing for casualty losses and legal assistance to help people sort out such things as social security issues and veteran’s benefits. FEMA is a large organization that is multi-faceted to ensure that the citizens of the United States are provided with assistance during times of extreme crisis.
For anyone who has been a victim of a flood, they should go to FEMA’s website and register for assistance. There are also toll free telephone numbers which can be called. Applicants can expect to be asked a series of questions when applying such as insurance coverage, name, address, contact information and so forth. If FEMA is already on the ground in a flood zone, affected residents are urged to seek out the nearest Disaster Recovery Center manned by FEMA so that the proper guidance can be given in regards to which types of assistance they may be eligible for.
FEMA also has some important information on its website informing people what to do after a flood which are well worth mentioning. People are asked to keep an eye and ear on news reports concerning the quality of drinking water. They are also advised not to walk through moving water and to be wary of areas where flood water has receded as roads could collapse. It is not advisable to return home following a flood until told to do so by local officials and people should stay out of any building that is surrounded by water. They also advise homeowners to clean and carefully disinfect water soaked items because flood water can contain harmful chemicals and raw sewage. These are some tips that unfortunately, many people fail to follow due to nerves being on edge and the fact that emotions are running high following a flood disaster.
Adding Up the Costs of Black Mold Removal
March 31, 2010
Having black mold in one’s home is a serious problem. Unfortunately some people still don’t realize how great a problem it actually is and they find it hard to pay a mold removal specialist to take care of it. Certainly getting rid of black mold can be costly, especially if one is dealing with structural components. Here’s some ways that the cost of black mold removal can add up.
Wood:
Black mold flourishes the more porous the material on which it’s growing, and there’s very little than be worse in this respect than wood. Mold can literally break down the structure of the wood, expanding existing cracks and making new ones. This might not be as big a problem with superficial structures but replacing beams and similar structures can take a lot of time and is rarely inexpensive.
Concrete:
Don’t think that one will get away if dealing with concrete instead of wood. While it’s true that the black mold will have a tough time breaking down concrete, that doesn’t mean that it still can’t get into the structure. After all, concrete is still porous. Since the foundation of the home is made from concrete, one will definitely want to avoid letting mold get that deep. Paying to remove the mold will be cheaper than having to dig up the concrete and lay the foundation again.
Drywall:
Basements are notorious for springing leaks and collecting moisture, thereby creating an ideal breeding ground for black mold. This is exacerbated by the fact that basements aren’t exactly the most popular room in the home and problems often take a long time to be located. The very nature of drywall, with which most basements are covered, make it susceptible to black mold. Should it become infested, there’s no way to clean it and it will have to be replaced.
These certainly sound expensive, but there are two things that one needs to remember. The first is that not everything listed here will need to be done. It depends on the extent of the black mold problem and it may as simple as wiping down and removing some carpets. The second is that there’s one very important detail that hasn’t been mentioned yet, and that’s the effect that black mold has on human health. It has been proven to be linked to respiratory difficulties and can even cause such acute symptoms as coughing up blood. There’s no price that one can put on keeping one’s family safe. It’s better to pay a mold removal specialist than to have to pay medical bills.
The Best Way to Prevent Water Entering your Basement
March 29, 2010
You are almost certain to have heard the wise proverb, ‘prevention is better than cure’. This is certainly true when it comes to protecting your basement from flooding. You may not be able to do enough to completely eliminate your risk of water entering your basement but there is certainly a lot you can do to reduce the risk of this happening. Here are just some ideas about how to go about it.
One of the first things you should do is assess your basement for any leaks. This means examining every inch of the area for any leaks or dampness. A single damp patch on your basement roof does not necessarily mean you should begin building an ark, but it should be investigated. In many instances the cause of dampness in a basement is due to poor air circulation and the build-up of condensation. Other times though it can be the sign that water is getting in from outside. Once you have established the presence of leaks then you should do all that is needed to remedy the situation before the floods come.
Understanding the drainage system near your basement can be a great help; don’t worry, you won’t be required to have a degree in plumbing to do this. Just know where the drains are and if there is a risk of them leading to flooding in your basement. What would happen if they were to block? In some instances you may decide that the drains will need to be directed elsewhere; always get a professional opinion on this or you could end up flooding the whole neighborhood.
Waterproofing your basement can be a wise move if you want to avoid flooding. Remember that water can enter your basement from the roof, the walls, and the floor. You should pay attention to all of these areas if you want to do what you can to waterproof this area of the home.
Many people like to use their basement as a place to keep their washing machine and freezers. If this describes your situation then keep in mind the risk of flooding that is associated with these devices.
One final note, to those hoping to prevent flooding in their basement, is to make regular visits to this area of the house and examine for any signs of dampness. Spotting a problem early enough can prevent a whole lot of grief.
Think Your Home is Immune To Flooding? Think Again!
March 24, 2010
During the springtime, frozen land stops melting snow or rainfall from seeping into the ground. Every square yard of compact snow contains gallons of water. Once the warm weather sets in and the sun begins to melt the snow, the water can quickly overflow rivers and lakes of all sizes. Add several inches of new rainwater into the mix and the result is often quite dramatic. The fact is, and always has been, that spring flooding threatens a countless number of homes all across the United States, even if your property is not in Iowa or Fargo, traditionally the largest flooding problem areas in the U.S.
Flooding can occur nearly everywhere. Floods are not limited to coastlines or to only areas that have cold winters with spring thaws. They happen more often and in more areas than many of us think. Floods are, as a matter of fact, the most common natural disaster in the United States. If you live in America’s heartland, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota or anywhere that is close to the Mississippi river, the chances are good that your area experiences several inches or even feet of snowfall a year. In the spring, when the snow begins to melt quickly while the ground is still frozen, the snow melt becomes a slow flood. Your home and other buildings on your property could easily become filled with flood water.
People who live in a desert region are not immune to flooding either. When a heavy downpour of rain occurs on bone dry land that has not received any rainfall for weeks or months on end, the results can be a flash flood that carries everything in sight away. This water cannot be absorbed into hard, dried out land, so it rushes into garages, basements and other buildings-causing a great deal of unexpected damage. Flash floods can roll huge boulders down the street, tear entire trees out of the ground and can destroy buildings and bridges.
In suburban areas, relatively new homes can fall victim to quick flooding if they are located near newly development areas. Heavy rainfall can quickly pool up when there is no place for it to go as new construction and development can alter natural drainage and create flood risks. Although this type of flooding is short term, the results are very devastating to homeowners who suddenly find a few inches of muddy rainwater standing in their basements.
These are just a sampling of a few scenarios which makes hundreds of thousands of homes across the United States vulnerable to spring flooding. Have you done all you can to protect your home and belongings from the possibility of spring flooding?
The Hazards of Black Mold
March 19, 2010
With all the home repair shows on television today, it’s hard to believe that there could still be anyone who isn’t acquainted with at least the basics of black mold. Sadly, there are those who remain ignorant. It’s not a topic that anyone should take lightly, especially if one owns a home. The problem is that many people still cannot take the threat of mold seriously. After all, it’s just some fungus. What could it possibly do? It can do a lot. While it’s true that some types of mold have beneficial medical properties, black mold is not one of them. On the contrary, it can get a person very sick. Here are some of the conditions it can be responsible for:
• Respiratory infections that could lead to bleeding in the lungs in extreme cases (people have been known to cough up blood)
• Allergic reactions, especially to those who have exhibited previous allergies to other types of mold/fungi
• Build up of mucus in the mouth, throat and lungs
• Headaches, chronic fatigue and watery eyes
The problem with black mold, or any toxic variety, is that it’s sometimes very difficult to find. It thrives in wet, dark environments, which happens to be just the type that people tend to ignore. Where can black mold be found?
• Black mold loves the back of drywall because this is often cool and dark. Drywall is also very porous so the mold will be able to get a supply of moisture, especially if the drywall is exposed to the elements or located in a humid place.
• Basements are one of the most common places to find black mold because of the moisture level. This is especially dangerous since the basement tends to either house or be close to structural elements of the home.
• Any room in the home which is very humid will attract black mold. One danger spot is behind the kitchen sink and even the tiniest leak can provide all it needs to grow and will very likely go unnoticed.
Mold exists in some form in practically every household. There are a number of types of mold which are dark in color and not all of them are toxic. Black mold will have a powdery texture but it’s not exactly a good idea to go playing with the thing to see what it feels like. If one finds some evidence of mold, and suspects that it is the dreaded black mold, call in an expert. They’ll be able to determine what it is and give advice accordingly.
Many east coast cities in a state of emergency including Boston and Wayne
March 17, 2010
The recent extreme, wet weather in the Boston area has left behind a path of destruction that will take local businesses and homeowners weeks to clean up after. Local train tracks experienced sink holes between the Chestnut Hill and Newton Center stations which shut done the D train on the Green Line. Bus service has replaced the trains as a result and repairs are expected to take several days.
The several day-long rain storms have created chaos all across the Eastern Seaboard. Flooded roadways and city streets and overflowing rivers as well as perilous ocean waters has seen the better part of Boston Massachusetts facing devastation. Dozens of towns and cities in the eastern portion of the state have roadways completely shut down as a result of heavy flooding. Some of the worst hit areas experienced downed trees and power lines and had local residents scrambling to deal with water-filled basements. There were live reports on television of some locals who were actually forced to swim away from their homes due to rapid water rushing in.
In Waltham, Mass, the Moody Street dam was in danger of breaching, putting locals on edge as strong currents washed away nearby roads and ditches. Some residents were evacuated as streets faced the threat of collapse. The several days of heavy rain has resulted in a release of raw sewage into the harbor in Boston, as sewage treatment facilities were left to carry on business at or past their maximum capacity. Heavy equipment such as front loaders were actually being used in Boston to help with evacuations-carrying terrified residents clutching a few possessions to dry land. In Quincy, neighbors used row boats to assist others in recovering dry items from their homes.
Now that the rains have subsided, the good people of Massachusetts are left to clean up the mess. Homeowners are scrambling to remove soaked furniture and belongings from basements and are deciding what to do with muddy, wet carpeting and damaged food, clothing and linens. Local cleanup companies are experiencing a surge in desperate phone calls from residents needing help clearing trees and restoring order to storm ravaged yards, driveways and surrounding areas. This was indeed a spring storm of epic proportions for this area of the United States. Hopefully most businesses and homes suffering the worst carried appropriate flood damage insurance to help them with repairs and replacing items lost to the torrential rains that made history on the eastern portion of the U.S.
