Types of Flood Damage that Can Affect Your Home

February 15, 2023 6:41 pm Comments Off

A typical homeowners’ insurance policy will cover a property for water damage but not flood damage, and you’re not alone if you didn’t know they’re two different things.

However, even property owners who know the difference often overlook taking out a flood insurance policy, as they believe the likelihood of experiencing flooding is minimal.

With over 100 significant flood events occurring yearly in half of the last 20 years and a substantial percentage of United States counties experiencing at least one flood in that time frame, you may want to rethink getting insured against flood damage.

According to the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program), properties in high-risk areas stand a one in four chance of experiencing a flood during a 30-year mortgage course.

A flood can cause significant damage in a short period of time. Water can quickly saturate certain building materials, causing minor to severe structural damage, among other things.

What is a flood?

A flood is an abnormal overflow of water that submerges a usually dry area. Flooding is the most frequent type of natural disaster experienced worldwide; it occurs for various reasons, including a river overflow or a tropical cyclone.

Common Causes of Flooding

Heavy Rainfall

Rainfall is the principal culprit behind most flooding cases worldwide. Excess rainfall or heavy rains can cause water to flow overland, causing a flood.

Your county or neighborhood features infrastructure to move rainwater and liquid waste into appropriate basins. In most cases, the draining system does its job except when overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, most likely causing a flood.

River Overflows

You don’t necessarily need to have excess rainfall to experience flooding. Streams or rivers, holding more upstream water than usual, can overflow their banks, causing water to flow downstream and to other low-lying areas, consequently causing a flood.

Clogged Drainages

You may also experience a flood when rainfall runoff or snowmelts aren’t channeled appropriately into drainage systems, causing water to flow overland. Flood waters could affect your home’s foundation and creep into your home, causing severe damage.

Different Types of Flood Damage That Affect Your Home

Flash Floods

These floods result from heavy rainfall over a short period, especially in a relatively small drainage area. They often occur with little or no warning and when a levee or dam breaks. Flash floods feature highly destructive waves and are rampant in mountainous regions.

Coastal Floods

These happen due to storm surges, hurricanes, or other severe weather conditions, driving seawater onto coastal areas. Heavy rainfall and high tides can also result in coastal floods.

Urban Floods

These floods often occur from heavy rain overwhelming drainage infrastructure in metropolitan areas. Urban flooding often causes significant damage to property and traffic disruptions.

Sewage Floods

As the name implies, sewage floods happen when flooding or heavy rains overwhelm sewage systems, and they can cause severe health problems if not adequately addressed.

What Are the Effects of Flood Damage on Your Property?

Structural Damage

When floods happen, the sheer force of water can impact your home’s foundation, siding, and walls, and the damage worsens the longer you leave standing water within your property.

Even flood waters that don’t rise above the ground surface can cause severe property damage; the water creates a pressure strong enough to crack the foundation, lift concrete foundations, and outdoor walkways and patios.

Electrical Damage

While pure water is a poor conductor, flood water contains electrolytes that make it an excellent conductor, making it difficult to return to your home following a flood, as your home’s electrical system may be compromised, putting you at risk of electrocution.

Perhaps you have credible reason to access your home; remember to wear protective gear and avoid touching any electrical equipment until your property is safe to access.

Mold Growth

Mold is among the most damaging consequences of flood damage. Mold and mildew grow fast, and you may notice visible mold colonies 24 to 48 hours after the water subsides and surfaces get air exposure.

If left unaddressed, the mold colonies will disperse spores, affecting indoor air quality. If your house floods, contact a reputable flood damage restoration service as soon as possible to mitigate the damage and prevent mold growth.

Damage to Furniture

Don’t hesitate to dispose of soft upholstery and furnishings if you experience flooding on your property. The contaminated water comes with the risk of mold and mildew growth in the materials it soaks.

Perhaps you’re unsure of materials to keep; your flood damage restoration company will help you differentiate salvageable items and belongings that need to go.

Practical Tips for Preparing for a Flood

If you live in a flood-prone area, below are some steps you can follow to fortify your house.

Install flood vents: These allow water to easily pass through building walls, preventing hydrostatic pressure buildup that can damage the foundation and walls. Flood vents perform excellently regarding structural damage prevention.
Elevate your appliances: If you can, position your electronics and appliances above the expected water level. This tip will save you the cost of replacing appliances after a flood.
Install a sump pump: A sump pump helps with water removal. Consider installing one in your home, preferably in the basement area.
Know your flood risk: Each region in the United States has a flood map. Contact your insurance company or the NFIP for information regarding your risk of a flood.

Why Quick Flood Damage Restoration is Essential

The sooner flood damage restoration begins, the more likely it is that structures will dry out successfully and no further damage will occur.

For swift and effective flood damage restoration services, contact us today at (843) 773-4092. We are a reputable company offering high-quality disaster and specialty services in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Our insured and certified expert team is reliable, friendly, experienced, and committed to providing quality and satisfying service whenever the need arises.

Does Mold Remediation Really Work?

January 25, 2023 5:17 pm Comments Off

Mold can appear anywhere in your home or commercial space, provided that there’s exposure to moisture in the area, such as areas surrounded by water or affected by plumbing leaks. Mold can thrive on different types of surfaces, including paper, concrete, tiles, and wood.

Mold has several effects on people’s health, such as allergic reactions alongside some respiratory infections with symptoms like a runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, weakness, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, headache, itching, and wheezing.

The right steps can be taken to prevent mold from growing in an environment; however, mold remediation is a great way of getting rid of mold in already affected places.

What is mold remediation?

Mold remediation refers to the professional removal of mold from an environment. A mold remediation process usually involves a team of specialists who begin by examining the affected area before proceeding with mold removal and the repair or replacement of any damaged items.

Reasons to Get Rid of Mold and Fix It Right Away

Mold grows on damp surfaces and can get out of control very easily. Here are some reasons why they should be acted on immediately:

Diseases

Mold problems can cause several diseases, especially respiratory diseases like asthma because mold growth reduces indoor air quality and makes breathing difficult while facilitating bacterial growth, which can cause other diseases.

Damage to structures

Mold growth is caused by mold spores, which are microscopic organisms that flow in humid air and attach to doors, windows, and other structures. These microscopic mold spores can cause damage to the structures they attach to as mold grows.

Rapid growth

Mold grows and multiplies very quickly and will become a bigger problem if not attended to on time. It is characterized by musty smells and black mold lining the walls. If allowed to grow, mold problems become more difficult to handle.

The process of mold remediation

Here are some steps for mold remediation:

The process of fixing mold starts with a mold assessment, mold testing, and figuring out where the mold is coming from so that it can be dealt with properly.
Application of antimicrobials to destroy mold growth that is not yet visible. This is a great way to get rid of microscopic mold spores before they become full-blown infestations.
Steps are taken to contain the problem and prevent mold growth.
The next step is air filtration and cleaning the HVAC systems to allow for the entry of clean air into the space.

The next step is the actual mold removal. All corners, like the crawl space, vents, and other tiny spaces, should be cleaned as well to prevent mold spores from gathering there. Mold cleanup also reduces the risk of infestation or more serious mold problems.

What is the best way to remediate mold?

The best mold removal process to adopt is to hire professional mold removal companies with the right equipment and experience in treating mold problems. A good company is one that is accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mold removal is a difficult job that could lead to more serious problems if not properly handled. Getting professional services helps you avoid costly repairs or extra remediation costs that could arise from not getting the job done right the first time.

Can I remediate mold myself?

Many people would rather handle mold problems themselves, especially when they’re not so severe. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of DIY mold removal:

The pros of DIY mold removal

DIY mold removal can help you save money, as there is no need to pay for professional service. However, it also depends on the quality of the job done and how well you can clean the mold. It is also a great way to use your free time, and you’ll feel happy that you did it yourself.

Cons of DIY mold removal

Although the thought of removing mold yourself in order to save money can be very tempting, it is important to note that there are some disadvantages, which include the following:

Health allergies of the respiratory organ, skin reactions or infections, and even fungal infections
It is easy to spread mold spores if you don’t have adequate skills and equipment to get the job done.
You might end up spending more if you get the wrong products or don’t get rid of all the mold because they’ll easily grow again, and you’ll be back where you started.

What is the difference between mold removal and mold remediation?

Mold removal refers to the removal of mold from the surfaces of a building or structure. In mold removal, the mold is only attached to non-porous or semi-porous materials and can be easily removed without causing significant damage to the underlying structures.

Mold remediation, on the other hand, refers to removing mold from walls and doors and replacing damaged structures that cannot be repaired. Remediation is a more intensive procedure that requires more skillful handling because the wrong approach may lead to the release of spores that cause more mold growth.

What to expect from mold remediation?

Here are some things to expect from mold remediation:

Isolating the mold-infested area
Control of the mold spores in the air
Repair of plumbing leaks to prevent spores
Drying and disinfecting wet surfaces
Repair or replacement of damaged structures
Cleaning, removing and treating mold

Work With Us Today!

Our company offers various services, including disaster restorations such as fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, biohazard cleaning, and mold remediation services.

We offer professional services with a team of well-trained experts to handle different disaster damages. We have high-quality standard equipment to handle different issues, provide prompt responses, and ensure our client’s safety during and after the job.

Get in touch with us today if you need help with mold remediation services in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Is Mold Inside Walls Harmful?

January 24, 2023 7:37 pm Comments Off

As humans, you are exposed to both indoor and outdoor molds daily! And it keeps you wondering if mold inside walls is harmful to your health.

Mold generally has an unpleasant sight that makes people want to take it out. It may appear as slimy orange foam, white wall patches, or black stains on shower curtains.

Aside from their unpleasant sight, mold spores are harmful to human health. This is especially true if you have underlying health issues or allergies. Perhaps you’ve been wondering if the mold in drywall is dangerous. Find out the signs and causes of drywall mold and what to do when your home is infested.

Is Mold Behind Drywall Dangerous?

Mold is common in our homes and buildings and can survive anywhere, ranging from damp areas and surfaces with moisture to waterlogged areas, chances are that mold will survive here.

Mold needs only moisture, humidity, and water to infest drywall and survive in areas with accumulated water, such as leaks in pipes, windows, and ceilings. Mold grows in wood, ceilings, paint, fabric, closet walls, and upholstery.

Although drywall is expected to be dry, it allows water, air, and particles to penetrate, which makes it porous. And a porous surface helps moisture penetrate; therefore, drywall helps mold grow and expand.

Drywall molds are harmful to our health as they can spread faster. This is because they are not exposed to good ventilation but rather live in a damp area.

Not only is human health at risk, but airborne mold spores cause potential danger to the walls of the building when ignored for too long. They can result in further damage to the building as well as reduce its value and structural integrity.

5 Signs You Have Mold Inside Walls And How To Deal With It

You can only tell if you have a mold problem in your home when you thoroughly check it.

Home Inspection Expert

If you suspect you have mold growing in the wall of your building, contact Myrtle Beach’s best mold remediation services. We’ll inspect your home and tell you whether you are dealing with an infestation. We’ll also help you remedy your home by taking care of the affected areas.
Wall Paint Peeling

Look out for peeling wall paint around your house. The early stages of mold growth and infestation may not be visible on the surface. It would be best to inspect wall cracks and peels to discover the hiding places of mold.
Wall Paper Peeling

When your wallpaper starts to fall off the wall, inspect the affected part for traces of mildew growth.
Water Stains on the Ceiling and Walls

A black mold builds up at this point. Discoloration on the ceiling and walls are a sign of water leakage that has been ignored and now breeds mold.
Soft Walls

If you are suspicious of a spot on the wall having been infested, run a test on the spot. Use a screwdriver to drive through the wall; if it’s soft and crumbling, you have a toxic mold to kill.

What Causes Mold to Grow Inside Walls?

Molds are common infestations we experience in the home, especially in places with traces of moisture. Below are the five most common causes of mold in walls.

damaged roof and window frame
leaking pipes from the air conditioning unit
rising dampness from flooding in the basement
a clogged bathroom or kitchen drain
leaky pipes from dishwashers, bathtubs, washing machines, and sinks
water in the foundation or wall plastering

Why is Drywall Mold Dangerous?

Drywall mold can trigger health problems, more so in people with allergy-related issues. It can lead to lung infections, respiratory tract infections, coughs, and asthma attacks.

Molds spread more on dry walls when the conditions are favorable, as they survive in damp areas. As a result, they can cause damage to your wall, which may lead to complete remediation. When ignored, the damage may extend to other properties like furniture, floor carpet, and chair fabrics.

What to do to Prevent Drywall Mold

If the mold exists only in a small part of the wall, you can prevent it from spreading. You can prevent mold growth in small sizes from enlarging when you fix all water leaks resulting in dampening.

Also, clear all sewage, fix damaged roofs, window frames, and leaky pipes, and control ventilation in the room. You can prevent mold inside walls from curling up by airing the room, controlling the temperature with a humidity meter, and turning on the air conditioning.

When removing mold, remove all mold-infested objects from the home, like carpets, furniture, fabrics, shoes, and clothes. It is important to replace mold-infested objects to prevent a recurrence.

Be sure to properly dry every part of the house after a storm for a perfect environment. Also, decongest all clogged sewage pipes, and clean all hard surfaces prone to mold. This is to ensure no recurring cases of mold growing in your home.

When visible mold has gradually covered a larger part of your wall, it is difficult to DIY, especially when it has penetrated.

To get rid of drywall mold inside the wall, it is essential that you consult a professional to remove the infected wall.

Contact Duraclean Services in Myrtle Beach, SC, for the Best Mold Remediation Service

Fixing drywall mold caused by leaks is essential. This is because mold is not a type of infestation that you can ignore due to its appearance. Also, if you feel your allergies are a result of this yellowish fungus in your home, fixing the problem causing drywall mold is essential.

At Duraclean Services, we have a track record of fixing mold-causing problems and carrying out mold remediation and mold removal on clients’ properties. Over the years, our team of experts has engaged in house cleaning and mold removal services, giving clients amazing results.

If you also want to have a home free from mold infestation, contact us to book an appointment now!

Effective Ways on How to Handle Water Damage Emergencies

December 25, 2022 9:16 am Comments Off

A water damage emergency occurs when uncontrolled water causes physical damage to the structure of your home. One of the most serious emergencies that can happen in your home is water damage.

Knowing what to do when this happens—reacting fast to stop water intrusion, protecting people and your possessions, then doing a cleanup is being prepared for this emergency. In a water intrusion event, you should identify the main cause of the water damage and begin the process of preventing it.

Causes of Water Damage Emergency

Anything that uses tubes, filters, and pipes, like air conditioners and water heaters, has the potential to cause a leak.
You should check your roofing drainage system on a regular basis. This is way better than incurring the cost of fixing the whole building.
Pipes and drains are prone to damage and clogging. As leaks are detected, a piece of leak detection equipment could take care of this.
Rusting often occurs in sprinkler systems. If rust is detected, you need to deal with the sprinklers that need to be replaced just to reduce the future risk and cost of fixing the entire system.
Severe thunderstorms, floods, and snow. You cannot control the weather, but you can pay for flood insurance. To determine where water leakage is originating from, you should begin checking the above list.

Ways You Can Effectively Handle and Manage Water Damage Emergencies

1. Determine the Water Source and Stop It

Knowing the water main shutoff point, close it to stop more water from spreading to the whole building. Stopping flooding is impossible, but diverting the water away from the house could be done. Working with a professional team that specializes in water damage restoration is the best way to remove flood water.

2. Clean Up Standing Water

Before repairs are done and damages to the property are assessed, standing water needs to be cleaned up. Before you start cleaning, you might want to think about the different kinds of water, such as clean water, contaminated water, and highly contaminated water, to keep yourself safe.

Taking Care of a Minor Amount of Standing Water. Your maintenance facility team can help you drain and mop water from your wet floors. You need to assess building damage and dry out wet materials. When the water is too much for the house team, contact restoration company professionals with commercial wet vacuums who can do the extraction. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, it is simple to replace.
Taking Care of Flood water. In the case of a flood, you should work with a professional restoration company that has the proper equipment for the drying process. They have water detectors that can detect water behind drywall and in tight places.

3. Dealing with Mold Growth and the Drying Process

After twenty-four hours of flooding, mold can start to develop on the house and walls. Once they start growing, it is difficult to get rid of them. What is the process for reducing mold in the affected areas?

Remove any of your items from the water. This will ensure that you do not end up with any mold. While drying your belongings, be careful not to spread the spores of molds. It is crucial for you to contact a professional if you cannot remove the mold.
The drying process. The drying process will begin within twenty-four hours and take three to four days. In preventing mold growth, timing is important. If you feel like the growth of mold is getting out of hand and the water damage is extensive, you should contact a professional.

4. Get in Touch with Your Insurance Company

You will need to notify your insurance company of the issue when everything is stable so that they can begin the coverage process. To file an effective claim, you will need to keep this in mind:

Call your insurance after the water loss has been controlled. You need to contact an insurance agent and file a claim.
Take photos as evidence. A picture of the affected equipment or other property and the damaged area will help with the claim. Get a claims adjuster on site. He will document the charges and determine the coverage as soon as possible.
Valid Records. A report of an independent consultant to determine the origin and cause of the moisture and records such as moisture maps. Any Receipts or Invoices should be Kept Well. This would help in the coverage of the materials by the insurance company. You should also note that insurance coverage does not align with what restoration may recommend.

5. Professional Replacement and Repair Work for Water Damage

Water damage professionals can effectively handle water emergencies by spending time looking at the various causes. These professionals have the necessary equipment that is required for water extraction and restoration. Professionals can perform tasks such as:

Assessing whether an item needs to be disposed of. The professionals also come to your location to rebuild and repair structures such as pipes and leaking ceilings and windows. with the needed building materials.
Preventing the growth of mildew and molds. They remove, repair, and replace insulation, carpeting, drywall, baseboards, and flooring that have been affected by water damage.

When uncontrolled water travels throughout your home, you are facing a water damage emergency. If you take the right measures and involve professionals the damage to your property would be greatly reduced and high costs in the future. An emergency water damage needs to be fixed soon.

Looking for a Water Damage Emergency Professional? Work With Us Today!

When it comes to water damage and restoration you should know whom to call before an emergency. For more information on our water damage restoration services in Myrtle Beach, SC, call us today at (843) 773-4092.

The Dangers of Mold Growth at Home

December 20, 2022 4:49 pm Comments Off

Household mold is more than just an eyesore, whether it appears as slimy dark spots on the bathroom curtain, soft pale patches on your basement floor, or a slippery orange film on your kitchen drain.

In homes and buildings, mold is a very prevalent problem. Mold will develop in places with a lot of dampness, such as around pipes, windows, and roof leaks, as well as in recently flooded areas. Mold thrives on cardboard, ceiling tiles, paper, and wood goods. Dust, wallpaper, paints, insulation, carpet, drywall, cloth, and upholstery are some materials where mold can grow.

Find out how mold growth affects your health, what kinds of mold grow indoors, and how you can stop mold growth.

The Effects Of Mold on Your Health

Some people can experience irritation from mold, while others cannot. Those who feel irritation may experience varying symptoms, either minor or severe symptoms. Some minor symptoms include wheezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes or skin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people may experience more severe reactions, such as asthma or mold allergies. Workers exposed to a lot of mold at work, like farmers who handle moldy hay, may experience severe reactions. Fever and breathing difficulties are examples of severe reactions.

Here are some of the common issues that arise from mold problems.

Allergies and Asthma

Allergies are one of the most frequent ways mold can harm your health. Identifying all varieties of molds, spores, and fungal pieces may be challenging or impossible. However, there is compelling evidence that mold spores can contribute to several symptoms, including coughing, watery eyes, and sneezing. You can also encounter respiratory issues and skin rashes if you are allergic to mold.

Additionally, according to some specialists, extreme cases of mold allergies can result in anaphylaxis, a disease that threatens life. If your respiratory allergic symptoms, asthma symptoms, or mold allergy symptoms worsen, you should consult a doctor.

Infections

Most people commonly inhale mold spores without any negative health effects. However, mold can result in adverse health effects, especially in those with compromised immune systems. Bronchitis and respiratory infections appear more likely by spending time in wet environments with extensive mold growth.

Numerous respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, can be brought on by inhaling mold spores. Infections of the skin may also result from it. Awareness of the dangers of mold infection and taking precautions to avoid it are crucial if you already have a compromised immune system.

Signs of Mold Exposure

For most people, mold exposure is not dangerous. However, if you have a medical condition that puts you at an increased risk of problems and you think you may suffer from a mold-related infection, you must let your doctor know immediately.

Eye irritation
Runny nose and congestion
Coughing
Sneezing
Skin rash
Sore throat
Lung irritation
Headache
Wheezing

Common Types of Mold

The mold can develop in one location. With testing, it’s possible to distinguish between different mold types. You don’t need to be familiar with its species to eliminate it. Also, it is easy to know if you have it growing in the house because you can usually smell mold.

Cladosporium

This mold usually manifests in black, green, or brown. Both cool and warm environments support the growth of Cladosporium. The most typical places to find it are heating and cooling ducts, wood, carpets, or fabrics.

Penicillium

Blue, yellow, or green best describe this fuzzy mold. Water damage is frequently discovered in insulation, basements, and under carpets, particularly when there has been water damage.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus has a powdery appearance and is white, green, or gray with black dots. This particular mold doesn’t require a lot of ventilation. It thrives on dry food items and in fabrics, basements, attics, and walls.

Treatment Options & How to Prevent Mold Growth

Inform a doctor if you think you are experiencing symptoms related to mold exposure. It can be challenging to distinguish between mold, another illness, or an allergy as the source of your symptoms. Your doctor might suggest skin or blood tests to determine whether you have a mold allergy.

The following may be used as treatments and preventative measures for mold allergies.

Medications, such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays,
Allergy shots may be particularly necessary if you suffer from severe symptoms throughout the year.
Home humidity control.

Although it is impossible to eradicate all mold and spores from your home completely, the easiest mold remediation strategy is to reduce moisture levels since mold spores cannot grow without moisture. If mold is already forming in your home, it’s critical to remove the mold and address the moisture issue.

Get Rid Of Mold With The Help Of Professionals

Duraclean is a professional cleaning company serving Myrtle Beach, SC. We have experience cleaning homes with indoor mold growth and a team dedicated to delivering amazing results. If you want to ensure that your house is mold-free, you should employ a professional mold-cleaning service. Enjoy a clean, sanitary home that is safe for you, your family, and your guests.

For a healthy home, Duraclean is prepared to clean and restore your house environment. We understand the value of mold-free homes in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Contact us today at (843) 604-3280 for a free consultation.

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