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

House Floods Because of Children Clogging Toilets

Clogged toilets are one of the biggest problems facing homeowners that have children. You often find yourself asking, “Why would you stick that in there?” or “How did that end up in the toilet?” These kinds of things never seem to happen when it’s convenient for you to deal with. When it happens knowing what to do can reduce your stress level and help prevent your home from flooding.

Determine What is in the Toilet

One of the first things that you can do is ask all the people living in the house if they have flushed anything suspicious down the toilet. Once you know this you will be able to determine if the object must be physically removed. If not, you may be able to use a chemical to dissolve the clog.

Overflowing Toilet

If your toilet has begun to overflow you will need to turn off the metal switch on the wall by turning it so that it is tight and water cannot flow to the toilet. Then, spread rags around the toilet to soak up any water. You will need to scoop the water out of the toilet bowl using an old pitcher or can leaving just enough to cover the head of a plunger. Completely cover the drain opening with the plunger and then begin plunging to hopefully pull the clog out.

Augers

Augers are something that you can purchase at a hardware store and use to twist and maneuver into the drain hole of the toilet. These are helpful when the plunger doesn’t work to remove the clog. This method is especially effective for toys and other hard items if it can get a hold on the item.

Chemical De-Clogger

Chemicals can be effectively used to dissolve excessive toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, or any other similar items that could be clogging your pipes. Paying more money is usually worth it in this case as the more expensive chemicals have higher concentrations and work harder to dissolve whatever is inside of the pipe. Always use proper protection such as a face mask, goggles, and gloves when handling these chemicals.

Contact Professionals

If none of these things are working to remove the clog, then it is important for you to call professionals ASAP. Sometimes it’s worth it to trust issues like these to the professional plumbers. Should you home have water damage due to the flooding give Water Damage Zone a call today.

 

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

6 Signs It’s Time to Repair Your Home

It’s easy to let things go in your home over time. Allowing them to gradually deteriorate and lose their functionality. The important key here is that these problems can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. These include rebuilding parts of the home that have become so damaged that there is no other option.

1. Roof Damage

Your roof is the first place that water will enter your home if it is damaged. By regularly checking your roof, you can ensure that no leaks are forming and that your roof remains strong. Look for cracks or missing shingles, both of these signs will indicate that your roof is in need of some serious repairs.

2. Mold in Your Home

Check your home for moisture and monitor the level of humidity in all of the rooms. If it is too high in a certain room, purchase a dehumidifier to lower the level. Mold begins to form in areas where moisture has been allowed to build up for extended periods of time. The faster you get rid of mold, the less of a threat it poses to your health and home.

3. Gutters Aren’t Working Properly

Make sure that all of your gutters are properly connected and draining properly. You may have to unclog some of your gutters and drains to ensure that the whole system is working effectively to remove water from your home. Always ensure that you are using an appropriate ladder and safety equipment when performing repairs on your gutters.

4. Pest Infestation

Rotting wood and soil will attract pests such as ants and termites, who feed on these materials and use it to build their homes. These can be prevented by keeping landscaping away from the home’s foundation. That way pests can’t find their way inside the home. Once the structure of the home has been breached by pests the best thing a homeowner can do is call a pest control company to eliminate the bugs before they cause serious damage.

5. Siding is Rotting or Deformed

When you notice that your siding is beginning to fall off, or that it has cracks, it is time to consider replacing the siding on your home. Siding is pretty cheap and easy to replace so you should take care of this problem right away before it becomes any more expensive. If your siding is damaged, you may also notice that your heating or cooling bill is much higher than usual. This is typical and should return to normal after you resolve this issue.

6. Cracks in Your Foundation

Walk around the home with a number 2 pencil and look at the foundation. Find all of the cracks and stick the pencil in starting with the lead tip. If the pencil goes all the way in, up to the yellow paint, then it is a sign that you need to call professionals to repair your foundation. Keep in mind that companies like Water Damage Zone are open 24/7 and able to assist you with problems such as these at any time. Don’t wait to fix issues like this until the last minute!

 

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

Help My Toilet is Overflowing!

 

When you start to see the water level rising in your toilet it can be alarming. When you are unsure what to do it makes this situation all the more stressful. That’s why it’s important to remember some important tips when it comes to dealing with an overflowing toilet.

Shut Off the Water

By turning the valve that is located on the pipe at the back of the toilet, you can turn off the water to the toilet. This will prevent it from overflowing and spilling all over your bathroom floor. After the water has been turned off to the toilet, you can begin to determine what has caused it to overflow in the first place.

Fixing a Clog

One of the easiest fixes is a clogged toilet. This can be simply fixed by using applied pressure with a plunger. Just put the mouth of the plunger around the hole at the bottom of the toilet and plunge repeatedly until you notice that water starts draining out of the toilet. Once the clog is fixed you can turn the water back on and flush the toilet.

Fixing the Float Mechanism

You can easily fix the float mechanism in your toilet by bending it so that it sits lower in the back area of the toilet bowl. This will prevent the back area of your toilet from filling up with so much water that can cause overflows to happen more easily. Toilets need regular maintenance like anything else in your house. It is important to check the parts from time to time in the back of the toilet bowl to make sure that they are all functioning properly.

Chronic Overflow

If your toilet is chronically overflowing, then it is important to deal with it by calling professionals. Chronic overflows are a symptom of something being severely backed up in your plumbing. This problem could become much worse and cost a lot more money if a pipe bursts. That is why it is important to have professionals, like Water Damage Zone, deal with the problem because they ensure that the proper repair process will be followed.

 

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

Airborne Mold is More Common Than You Think

Most people cringe when they hear the word mold and immediately picture disgusting scenes in bathrooms and basements. Mold has long been known to produce uncomfortable symptoms in people who become exposed to it. They may begin to cough and wheeze, have itchy eyes, sore throat, headaches, nausea, or fatigue. You should be aware that mold spores are easily airborne and probably one of the allergens that are causing your allergy symptoms already.

Airborne Mold

Mold that becomes airborne can create a variety of adverse health effects that vary in intensity from mild to deadly. The EPA and FEMA both have guidelines and restrictions for the level of mold spores that are present in indoor areas. Airborne mold can be just as deadly as mold you find growing in walls and that is why it must be treated with the same caution. If you are in the vicinity of visible mold, then chances are that you’re also inhaling it.

Mold and How It Spreads

Mold must become airborne in order to spread and reproduce. This is why when you see a mold colony you can already assume that spores are being created and flying off into the air to look for other surfaces to begin growing on. They grow best on damp surfaces with organic matter on them to feed on. Mold feeds on dead and decaying materials in nature. This is why it grows best in bathrooms where there is usually organic material laying on counters and floors.

Mycotoxins

The most dangerous substances found in mold spores are mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are dangerous and can be found in mold growing on food as well as in the environment. This is why it is important to be aware of mold in your surroundings and eliminate it as quickly possibly. Certain molds are more dangerous than others.

Keeping Areas Ventilated and Dehumidified

All rooms in your home should be ventilated so that air can easily enter and exit them. This will allow the mold spores to flow out of your rooms. Make sure that the air is also dry and not humid. Purchasing a dehumidifier will help to prevent humidity from lingering in your home. You can also purchase an air filter that will suck the air through it and absorb mold spores and other allergens so that they won’t bother you.

 

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