Why is Mold not Safe?

Television and Social Media websites are spreading awareness about the hazards one can face due to exposure to mold. Mold is a type of fungi that grows in the presence of moisture and some nutrients, however, the main constituent that supports the growth of fungi is moisture and its growth can only be prevented by the eradication of moisture in the area.

Health issues related to Mold

Mold spores are extremely tiny and very light, they can easily flow around in the air. Once, they mix into the air, they can be inhaled by the people exposed which is highly unhealthy. The fungi inhaled into the oxygen flow can make breathing harder and cause sore throats, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and discomfort in the whole body.
However, the effects might not be felt by everyone who is exposed to mold. Some people might be more sensitive than others based on their physical characteristics and age. People who face respiratory problems or asthma are at a higher risk of being affected by mold and they need to take proper care in order to keep themselves from getting sick.
Moreover, emotional disorders can be another factor that is caused by exposure to mold. People tend to be more depressed when they are directly under exposure to mold, body fatigue may add up to the problems caused by depression.

Treating Health problems caused by Mold

If you have started suffering from any of the above mentioned problems, then you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The problems caused by mold are mainly allergies which might stay for a longer period of time. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines to fight the allergies, if exposure is severe, the doctors normally recommend the patient not return home.
The next step to ensure your health is to immediately remediation of mold from your home, the best way of doing this is to avail the services of professionals, so that, you can avoid any further exposure to mold and minimize the problems caused by it.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage Zone
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Your Allergies may not be Allergies you made be exposed to Mold

Most people are ready to make peace with the idea of having an allergy if a problem persists over a period of time or if it happens every year at a certain climate change. The reality might contradict the thoughts of the person. The problem usually persists in things that we usually ignore or forget to check for. The growth of mold is supported in the presence of moisture, therefore, the allergy might just be due to the mold that is growing within the home. Mold has several symptoms that may look like allergies and these symptoms are mentioned and discussed as follows.

Asthma or Breathlessness

One of the most common complaints from people in winter or after heavy rain is that they are unable to breathe properly for which they have to take inhalers and even start thinking that they have a problem with asthma. This is not usually the case, the exposure to mold makes breathing difficult once it makes its way into the respiratory system of the human being.

One should properly diagnose the problem before making up their mind about having some kind of a problem.

Eyes Burning

Another problem that is most commonly faced by people is when they have eye burns or if they get red eyes. It must be kept in mind that most of the problems that are related to the burning or irritation in the eyes are either due to exposure of the person to mold or due to the pollution in the air. Most of the time we ignore the fact that the problem might be caused due to mold and we tend to ignore taking necessary steps against it.

Skin Rashes

The problem with skin diseases is that they are not easily diagnosed because there are hundreds of factors that go into the thinking process before making up the mind about a single disease. Our skin is directly exposed to the air and therefore, we must know that mold has the ability to cause skin rashes. So if you are having problems with your skin, you must make sure that the problem is not caused due to mold. The patient might not feel normal immediately after keeping away from exposure to mold, it is therefore important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

7111 Reseda Blvd

Reseda, CA 91355

How to Keep Your Home Well-Ventilated

Keeping a well-ventilated home should be on top of everyone’s priority list when it comes to household maintenance. Professional equipment comes in handy when helping to ventilate homes but the home also needs to have a flow of air going through it to carry debris and air pollution out of the home. In order to achieve proper air flow, there are several strategies we will go over in this article.

Old Homes Weren’t Ventilated

Many people note that older homes don’t contain proper ventilation that could move air in and out of the home. Older homes, lacking the insulation and proper sealing of newer homes, allowed air to more easily move in and out of the home. The building materials were also more porous, allowing air to even move through them. This didn’t solve all of the issues that a proper ventilation system would have but it certainly made it more tolerable than it is to live in a modern building without ventilation.

Not Having Ventilation is Bad

Not having a ventilation system is one of the worst things that you can do to yourself when it comes to a home. Think about it, all of the air in the home is stale and lingering. Any particles of debris, pollution, and even mold spores are lingering in the same space for months. When it hits the spring and summer months it becomes particularly difficult for air to move in and out of the house, creating worsened problems from mold and humidity.

Balanced Ventilation

A ventilation system that involves a balanced system is the best case scenario. This is because different fans bring air in and out of the home. By doing this it allows for the control of an entry point and exit point for the air entering and exiting the home. This is important because certain areas of the home will need more air than others. Having air delivered to the areas that are most used is important and also have air sucked out of rooms where moisture or other debris builds up. This will ensure a healthier quality of life and will prevent mold and other bacteria from getting out of control in your home.

Heat Recovery

Heat recovery is the best possible option to have when installing a ventilation system. What this does is it reduces the amount of humidity blown into the house. The way that it ensures this is that it changes the temperature of the air as it enters to match the air inside of the home. By doing this the heat recovery system will prevent moisture from building up in the home that will further exacerbate these issues.

Ventilate Your Home!

Home ventilation is one of the best things that you can invest in. It will enhance your quality of life and prevent your home from degrading because of moisture and mold. If you are unsure of where to begin, call the professionals at Water Damage Zone. We will be able to schedule a time to inspect your home and discuss the best possible options for where to install a ventilation system. We will help to ensure that you never have to deal with issues from mold and moisture in your home.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Black Mold- Health Risks

There are several kinds and types of mold that can be divided into several categories and sub-categories. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is one of the most common species. It is not only toxic, but also causes several problems related to skin and the respiratory system. However, not all mold that is black by appearance is Stachybotrys chartarum. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience if your home has black mold.

Respiratory Problems

The respiratory system is usually one of the first things that will be effected due to breathing in the area of the black mold. The toxic fumes are breathed in and then enter the respiratory system, which immediately leads to difficulty breathing. Major symptoms may include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, swelling of the lungs, sore throat, bleeding in the lungs, runny nose, itchy nose and nose bleeds.
These symptoms may vary based on the age, and the immune system of the person.

Circulatory Problems

The irritation doesn’t stop at the respiratory system, encountering black mold can also effect the circulatory system if it’s absorbed through breathing or the skin. The toxins in the black mold can find their way into the bloodstream and cause complications such as, heart damage, blood clotting and external or internal hemorrhaging.
If you or someone you know has been in direct contact with black mold, see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms: irregular heartbeat, heart inflammation, low blood pressure, vomiting of blood, bone marrow disruption and bleeding tendency.
The severity of the symptoms may vary from one person to another, but immediate care should be taken in order to eradicate the chances of further damage to other organs. To ensure safety contact a doctor immediately following the presence of any of the above symptoms in order to minimize damage. The person having these symptoms should be moved to a mold free area, in order for them to be safe from any more damage or difficulties.

Skin Problems

One of the several ways through which mold makes it into the human body is by getting absorbed into the skin. Skin can be highly damaged due to mold. Areas that can get sweaty, like armpits or creases in the skin, have a higher tendency to be effected by black mold.
Symptoms may include, crawling of the skin, dermatitis and jaundice.

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

How Does Steam Cause Mold in Your Bathroom?

Mold often begins in the bathroom because of a buildup of moisture. This moisture usually comes from steam that accumulates on tiles and grout over time when you use the shower. If you notice mold in your bathroom you are probably wondering how it got there. Let’s go over how steam causes mold to quickly grow in the bathroom.

Wetness

The bathroom is usually the room in the house that contains the most fixtures that use water. All of these water fixtures allow the bathroom to accumulate large amounts of moisture if not properly maintained. Don’t depend on vents in the bathroom to keep it dry, eventually the dampness in the room will lead the way to mold if not properly cared for. By taking the time to clean the bathroom thoroughly with detergent and a scrub brush, you can prevent mold from spreading quickly. In addition to this, keep your floors dry with towels and mats so that water can’t sit on them for long periods of time.

Ventilation in the Bathroom

Bathrooms need to be properly ventilated in order to stay as dry as possible. By closing bathroom doors while you are using the shower, you trap moisture inside of the room instead of letting it escape. While this moisture is sitting on the floor and walls, it allows mold to slowly start growing. By simply leaving the bathroom door open while you shower, you can prevent moisture from accumulating. Also, putting a fan on to blow air out of the bathroom can help get rid of excess steam as well. If you don’t have a vent fan in the ceiling, you may want to try putting one in a window or by the doorway to blow the steam out.

Damaged Grout

Grout needs to be replaced twice a year in the bathroom in order to prevent it from deteriorating. It’s time to replace your grout if it has begun to chip. Once grout is damaged, all it takes is for moisture to find its way into cracks and crevices so that hidden mold can start growing. This mold is hard to remove because it’s difficult to get into a tight space like a crack in a tile. Besides preventing mold, replacing the grout in your tiles will keep your bathroom looking clean and fresh.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520.1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Humidifiers are a Breeding Ground for Mold

If you regularly use a humidifier you should know that if it’s not properly cared for it can be a breeding ground for mold. By following a few steps on a regular basis you can keep your humidifier clean and remove any existing mold spores from it. Even if you do not suffer from severe mold or dust mite allergies, you may want to know that anybody can develop a lung condition from dirty humidifiers. This condition is known as humidifier lung or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Keep your humidifier clean at all times to avoid developing health problems.

Empty and Clean

Every day you should empty out the water reservoir of your humidifier in the sink. Then, you should rinse it out with hot, soapy water. Don’t allow any water to get into the motor of the humidifier. Also, ensure that you’re not overfilling the reservoir when filling it up for use. Humidifiers can be a great tool for those who are suffering from breathing problems, but if they’re not cleaned routinely they become dirty and bacteria filled.

Clean with Vinegar

Every week you can follow the cleaning routine above but, instead of stopping there you will clean with some vinegar. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and water to fill the reservoir to a normal level. Run the humidifier with the vinegar mixture for 30 minutes in an open area. This will help the humidifier to remain clean and mold-free for longer.

Properly Maintain

Keep the area around your humidifier dry. Remember that it will raise the humidity in your home, which allows mold to grow quickly and aggressively. If you start to notice mold developing in areas of your home, cease use of the humidifier and clean the mold. If you find that the mold has spread to a large area or may be hidden, call professionals like Water Damage Zone to inspect and treat the area.

Do you have any tips for cleaning your humidifier? Let us know in the comments below.

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520.1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Removing and Preventing Carpet Mold

Moldy carpets are smelly and unsightly. Not only that but it’s extremely hard to completely remove mold from carpets. Removing moisture from carpeting is just the beginning of removing any mold that has grown on it. It has been found true that carpets with dirt in them are far more likely to have mold growth. The following are some tips and precautions for preventing and eliminating mold growth in your carpets.

Humidity and Temperature

One of the best things you can do to prevent mold growth in your carpets is to keep the humidity in your home low as well as the temperature. By doing this you are creating an environment that is unfavorable for mold growth. You can reduce your home’s humidity by installing a dehumidifier in the room that is affected. By keeping your thermostat low, you will also prevent the temperatures in your home from being too high and encouraging the growth of mold.

Clean Your Carpet

When you spill something on the carpet, clean it up. Doing this as well as vacuuming on a weekly basis will ensure that the carpets in the home remain clean. Clean carpets don’t grow mold as easily as carpets that have dirt and spills on them. By maintaining the cleanliness of your home you also prevent mold from growing in unnoticeable places.

Organic Isn’t the Answer

There is a lot of talk in the news about how much healthier organic products are for us. While this may be true of foods, it is certainly not true of carpeting. Organic carpet made out of materials such as wool, houses mold much easier than a synthetic carpet. This is because mold can actively break down organic compounds in things like wool and use them for food. In order to best protect your carpets from mold make sure they are made from synthetic materials.

Have you ever had mold in your home’s carpet? What did you do to get rid of it?

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520.1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Kitchen Water Damage

For being a central part of the home with a lot of daily activity, there are many different areas of the home’s kitchen that can incur water damage.  The most common areas for water damage in a kitchen would be the sink, refrigerator and the  dishwasher in the room.  Much of the damage that you will experience will result from the rotting of wood near the water with a higher chance for mold depending on the length of time the water damage is allowed to remain.

The Kitchen Sink

The first area to examine is the kitchen sink.  Remember, leaks are common under a kitchen sink.  The most common reasons for leaks are water supply valves, faucets and drainpipes.  If these leaks are allowed to continue, they can cause significant damage to the floor and inside of cabinets through wood rot, warping, mold and the growth of mildew.

The Refrigerator

The second area to remain vigilant for water damage in the kitchen is the refrigerator.  Your refrigerator can cause leaks by either having a leaking or malfunctioning hose connection to a water supply if the refrigerator has an ice maker.  If the line freezes, then you may have an issue if it bursts.  Also, refrigerators that have the freezers on the bottom have to carefully watched and defrosted on a regular basis in order to prevent ice build up which can thaw and spread water under and behind your refrigerator.

The Dishwasher

The final area to watch for water damage in a kitchen is in the area of the dishwasher.  Like the refrigerator, the dishwasher is an appliance that is heavy, but it can also obstruct the visible signs of water damage.  Remember, the dishwasher has a large amount of water that flows through it per cycle.  You should check your hoses and seals of the dishwasher on a regular basis to watch for leaks.  An unattended dishwasher can leak gallons of water in the kitchen.  Be attentive to this appliance.

Upkeep

In any home, the kitchen can be a place where you create value and memories.  It can also be a place that requires tremendous upkeep.  The best that homeowners can do is make sure that their appliances are always in a working order.  Check for leaks on a regular basis, and fix when a leak is found.  If you take care of your kitchen, then it will add the value to your home that you expect.

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

How Common is Shower Mold?

 

Bathroom Renovations

Shower mold is common and is inevitable in showers that don’t get cleaned frequently. Showers are constantly encountering debris that provide mold with the necessary conditions for growth. All of its heat and moisture makes the shower the perfect place for mold to start growing in your home.

Important Equipment

You need to make sure that your bathroom either has a ventilation or exhaust fan to allow air to circulate in the room. This removes excess moisture and allows the bathroom to dry quickly. Air circulation is something that needs to happen if you are going to prevent mold from beginning to grow in your shower.

Mold Spreads Quickly

Small patches of mold that have been ignored for long periods of time will spread and turn into a bigger problem for home owners. It will contaminate your walls, floors and move behind and underneath them as well. When mold is hidden it can remain undetected for long periods of time, allowing it to continue to grow unnoticed.

Calling Professionals

Professional mold and water damage companies such as Water Damage Zone are valuable assets in the prevention of mold growth in your bathroom. By calling such companies you can have the proper technology installed to allow proper air circulation so mold doesn’t grow. They will inspect your home and determine the proper course of action.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Use the ventilation fan in your bathroom whenever someone has a shower or bath and leave it on for 30 minutes afterwards. If you don’t have an exhaust fan you should look into getting one installed to properly circulate the air in your bathroom. Use a shower curtain that is resistant to mold that can be washed frequently. Don’t keep lots of products in your shower, they provide hiding places for mold to grow. Wash rugs in your bathroom routinely. By following these precautions, you can avoid the growth of mold in your bathroom.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Clogged Drain Prevention

Construction worker

The best way to deal with a clogged drain is to prevent it from happening in the first place. These are some tips that will help you make sure you don’t have to deal with a badly clogged drain. Just follow these simple steps to ensure that your drains will work like new.

Grease in the Pipe

It may seem a little odd but an easy way to get rid of grease in your pipes is by wrapping a heating pad around the pipe and leaving it until the pipe gets hot. This will liquefy the grease and allow it to slide down the drain. If you don’t have a heating pad you can also hold a hair dryer on the pipe until it becomes hot. After the pipe is hot, flush the grease out of the pipes by running hot water.

Smelly Odors

If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged drain before then you know that they typically smell of rotting food and other bad odors. An easy way to deal with this is to pour a cup of white vinegar in the drain and allow it to sit for half an hour. After the vinegar has sat in the sink, use hot water to rinse out the drain.

Preventing Clogs

Using a drain blocker such as a screen or other device will help to catch pieces of food and other objects that shouldn’t go down the drain. Never pour grease or melted fats down your drain, these will build up and harden inside of your pipes. Don’t put chemicals like paint or other liquids that will harden when they dry into the sink. Once a week pour a pot of boiling water down your drain to break up and flush out deposits that may have built up inside.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411