Mold contamination is a common problem that can occur in homes and commercial buildings. It is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid conditions. Mold can cause health problems and damage to property if not dealt with promptly.
Emergencies, are unexpected, and often dangerous situations requiring immediate action. Restoration, is the act or process of returning something to its original condition. Combining the words forms the term Emergency Restoration, which dictates literal translation and strict adherence to achieve the most effective result.
Basements in homes built prior to the new millennium were typically not designed to be used as additional living space. In most instances, the foundations are not waterproof, and there is no vapor barrier beneath the concrete flooring. The resultant environment generally exists in a state of unreasonably high humidity, and elevated mold spore counts; with a propensity for basement flooding from water infiltration during heavy rains as well as rapid snow melts.
Oxidation involves the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction, which changes the structure of a residue to render it more easily removed. Regarding mold removal, the loss of electrons normally ensues with the gain of an oxygen by the oxidized residue, and the corresponding gain of an electron from the residue by the reduction of the oxidizing agent in the detergent that loses the oxygen. This means organic residues can be more easily extracted via oxidation.
Mold remediation is not a job for the inexperienced. Know-it-all contractors and overzealous homeowners often attempt mold removal projects lacking the knowledge, tools and materials required to eradicate mold contamination safely and completely. An uninformed approach to this complicated undertaking generally exacerbates the circumstances with unchecked sporulation and widespread cross contamination. Ultimately, such a naïve attitude regarding this very serious problem will require far more financial input to correct than if trained and certified mold restoration professionals were enlisted initially. Furthermore, deleterious health consequences may result as a byproduct of such hubris.
Property Recovery 911 was summoned to help investigate that origin of a water event that had eluded the home owner as well as plumbing and roofing professionals. Water was cascading through the ceiling of a basement powder room and upon arrival we were given a multitude of possible scenarios by which the basement flooding was caused. Our primary goal was to identify, isolate and neutralize the source of infiltration; once achieved, water mitigation could commence in earnest.
Property Recovery 911 was contacted by a homeowner in Bryn Mawr, PA to evaluate the cause and propose a solution to water damage discovered in their living room upon returning from vacation. Our analysis uncovered a split in the seam of a downspout along the adjacent exterior wall that was jetting water into voids in the brick pointing during rain storms. The result being high moisture content in the building materials within that manifested itself in the separation and sagging of old painted fabric wallpaper on two living room walls at the front corner. During water damage restoration, we discovered moderate mold contamination as well, which is testament to how quickly mold contamination can occur in a wet area with little ventilation.
Property Recovery 911 was contacted by a homeowner in South Philadelphia to investigate, diagnose, mitigate and propose a solution to persistent basement flooding. Prior to our inclusion, the homeowner approached the insurance carrier about making a claim. The field adjuster informed the owner that groundwater was the source of basement flooding, which was not covered under the policy. The field adjuster then suggested that the homeowner, at the homeowner’s expense, hire a specific contractor to install a French drain around the basements entire periphery.
Property Recovery 911 was contacted by a homeowner concerning black mold resulting from a roofing failure. Hired following the roofing repairs, our investigation uncovered a wet area in the master bedroom directly beneath the roof leak as well as moisture and mold contamination within the finished basement along the front wall.
Living organisms are classified into groups called kingdoms. There are five kingdom classifications; Monera, Protista, Plants, Animals and Fungi. Mushrooms, mold, mildew, slimes and rusts are included within the kingdom of Fungi. Throughout history, mankind has developed useful applications for some fungi. We have incorporated fungi into our diet in the form of red wine, beer, mushrooms and blue cheese. We have extracted fungi byproducts to develop and manufacture medications such as antibiotics (Penicillin) and organ transplant anti-rejection drugs (Cyclosporine). Fungi also facilitates the decomposition of organic waste in our landfills and compost bins. Other fungi, in particular molds, have been identified as pathogenic and mold exposure poses a serious threat to our health.