How to Mitigate Water Damage

Water Damage Zone and Restoration Inc. is SERVING ALL Los Angeles County. Orange County and Ventura County within 45 min or less. We are a family-owned and operated business; we strive to provide each customer with the highest customer satisfaction and care that we would show our family. We maintain a reputation for getting the job done promptly and efficiently. Our technicians are certified and trained with the IICRC* in water damage, fire/smoke damage, mold remediation, mold removal, sewage cleanup, restoration and repairs, and content manipulation. We also work directly with the insurance companies, so you do not have to. We offer free inspections and 24/7 Emergency Services. Call today to schedule your free in-home assessment. (877) 520-1923, our operators are standing by to assist you. For all your water damage needs, call Water Damage Zone Inc.

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
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

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

Mold is a Danger to Your Family

 

Just finding a patch of mold somewhere in your home can be alarming, but what’s even more alarming is knowing that mold could be causing your family’s health issues. It deteriorates walls, ceilings, and floors much in the same way that it slowly eats away at your health. People often overlook mold’s impact because it remains hidden in many homes until unearthed or allowed to spread to other areas of the home.

Test, Test, Test!!

The most important thing that you can do if you notice that your family could be suffering from mold exposure, is to get a mold test performed on your residence. By doing this one thing you can at least know for certain whether dangerous mold is affecting the health of the people living in the home. You will know mold by its musty odor that will become worse over time as it spreads and multiplies. Also, look for some of the common symptoms of those suffering from mold exposure.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Some Allergic Reactions to Mold:

Wheezing
Rash
Watery Eyes
Runny Nose
Itchy Eyes
Coughing
Redness of the Eyes

Severe Mold Symptoms:

Mental and Neurological Symptoms
Respiratory Symptoms
Circulatory Symptoms
Vision and Eye Problems
Skin Problems
Immune System Problems
Reproductive System Problems
Tiredness and Discomfort
Other Illnesses and Health Effects

Mold is Often Overlooked as a Cause of Illness

Many of the symptoms listed above can be confused or taken for other illnesses and health problems. This is why it is so difficult to diagnose mold as a health problem unless your home is inspected. If multiple family members are experiencing the same reactions then it is possible that the cause is environmental. If something in the environment of your home is causing these symptoms it is important to have a professional company like Water Damage Zone come to inspect the home for mold infestation and whatever other issues may arise. When dealing with something as dangerous as mold it is never worth it to wait if the health of your family is at stake.

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

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Is Mold Toxic

When we hear the word “mold” we have initial fears of our well-being and that of our families as well.  It is necessary to take these fears seriously, but is mold really toxic?  It seems that due to recent studies that they potentially are not.

According to the CDC, molds themselves are not inherently toxic.  Certain molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, yet many molds are neither toxic nor poisonous.  However this doesn’t mean that mold is not a serious issue.

Mold is always present.  It exists inside home and office buildings alike.  It can be found in the air we breath and on the surfaces of items we are consistently in contact with, yet there are few reports to say that mold is responsible for rare health issues such as memory loss.

The effects of mold that most commonly found in people are in the infections and complications in the upper respiratory tract systems.  These issues can be presented in the form of a cough, wheezing in light cases, and move up towards asthma in the more extreme cases.  People who have a sensitivity to allergies find that they have the most issues with the presence of mold.

Just because there are no links to toxicity for mold it does not mean that mold should be taken lightly.  For people who are sensitive to mold, it can be a very unbearable existence as nasal issues, irritation, wheezing and skin irritation can all be manifest with the issues of mold.  In more extreme cases, there may be fever and shortness of breath.  At the worst, people can routinely develop fungal infections in the lungs that will require medical attention.

If you find mold in your home, then you should take every precaution and step to clean up the mold in order to limit your personal exposure to the effects, but also your family as well.  In many cases, the mold can be a simple clean up using water and bleach.  Under no circumstances, never mix bleach with ammonia as this creates toxic fumes more harmful than the mold.

If you find that the potential issue is extensive or you just want to be sure you are finished with the situation, it would be best to bring in a reputable mold remediation company to assess your situation.  This company would be able to identify and suggest a course of action that could limit and eliminate the effects of mold 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

 

Bathroom Remodel

One of the best ways to improve the value of your home is to complete a bathroom remodel.  It is one of the simplest remodels that can be done in a new home that potentially had the same presentation since the house was built.  Plus, a new bathroom remodel can simply be an excellent way to pamper yourself with luxurious additions that can make your bathroom an everyday spa day retreat.

 

 Utilize The Space

The best place to start when considering a bathroom remodel is to consider the room that is available.  You can have a better understanding of your bathroom if you understand the layout and measurements of the room.  The potential that a bathroom remodel can present is extra counter space, larger cabinets, places for laundry hampers, etc.  Let your imagination go with the potential that you have in deciding how you want your bathroom to look.  Your bathroom should reflect your personality as it becomes your refuge.

 

 Relaxation Is Key

As mentioned before, think of your bathroom as a spa retreat as you decide on a remodel.  Remember that the bathroom, for many of us, is the lone retreat in the house from family so why not make it as relaxing as possible?  A feeling of relaxation can be achieved in any remodel through multiple setting showerheads, quieter fans, lighting, music speakers, and also the use of materials like bamboo and stone give a natural and clean feeling to the overall room.  If you want to go modern and implement technology, the bathroom can also accommodate wall-mounted televisions, heated floors and the Jacuzzi.  Remodeled bathrooms can also become a good way to save money on your monthly expenses by introducing green technology in lighting and LED lights.

 

 In Conclusion

The best reason to remodel the bathroom is that it increases the value of your home.  Even if you are the only person who sees the improvements, when it comes time to sell your home, the improvements you made in the bathroom can add up to $3000 to your home’s value.  This increase in market price can be the result of doing a simple remodel of cabinets, sinks and a new mirror with lighting.  A bathroom remodel is not only an investment in yourself, but in your home as well.

 

 

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 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

Is There Black Mold in My Walls?

Black mold is toxic, deadly and can live inside of your walls without you knowing. If your home is dark, hot and humid, then you have the perfect conditions for black mold to grow. Mold growing in your walls can be hard to detect so it is best to leave it to professionals.

Black Mold

It’s actually a greenish-black color and has a slimy texture. You will notice an earthy smell near where it is growing. It has the scent of soil and rotting leaves. This odor can be especially strong in bad cases. The danger here is that the toxins are already floating in the air all around. Breathing in the spores is futile for your health. Expect to have allergy-like symptoms with wheezing and coughing.

Identifying Black Mold

You will notice that it is a greenish-black color in addition to being slimy. It has a musty odor and needs moisture to grow. The mold begins by feeding on the building materials or whatever organic materials it can get a hold of. Sometimes it appears gray with a powdery texture. The only way to know for sure if it is black mold is to study it with a microscope. If you have mold it is best to consult professionals like Water Damage Zone to come to your home for an inspection.

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