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Insurance claims following a disaster in your home or business are often emotionally involved.
Lack of clarity on the coverage, confusion about the insurance process, insufficient preparation about approaching, and documenting a claim offer many instances to set yourself up for a real disaster. Here are a few tips to prepare for your future insurance claim. How to Approach an Insurance Claim?It’s a sad truth, but disasters will happen over a lifetime. Therefore, it is essential to be well prepared for when they happen. No matter their extent, disasters caused by water, floods, mold, or fire are always emotionally involved for the homeowner. Therefore, eliminate the guessing-game from the equation. An insurance claim will always be evidence-based. It’s that simple. Hence, how much your insurance company will cover is a factor of how well the claim was documented, and the insurance claim process understood. This is where it becomes more complicated for homeowners. Saying that an insurance policy will cover one hundred percent of the damage is not the same as reimbursing one hundred percent of the loss. Why? Because of “depreciation.” This is where the nitty-gritty details of the negotiation with the insurance company begin. In the past few months, floods have impacted the greater Philadelphia area, marking the victims affected by losses the start of a nightmare. Based on these many stories, here’s a simple rule to remember for an insurance claim: Even if you bring the evidence of how much your furniture, valuable electronics, or carpet cost, you are not reimbursed on how much they cost, but on how much they are worth. This is what depreciation means. In other terms, you may be covered one hundred percent for damage in your bathroom, but not get one hundred percent of the cabinet cost to replace them as part of your insurance claim. This is why, try to consider the following steps. Insurance Claims Are About EvidenceIf collecting evidence before the disaster is important - Your old bills, pictures of the rooms of your house - the evidence collected after the disaster happened is critical. The insurance company will want specific pictures to document the insurance claim. It means that you will need to document four steps in total:
If you contact a restoration company, the team in charge of your case will take the pictures and document the insurance claim. No matter the magnitude of a disaster, it is a destabilizing event. Therefore, before calling your insurance company, connect with a restoration company to get perspective and assistance. Restoration companies handle thousands of insurance claims a year on behalf of their clients. So, they are used to the process and are able to gather effectively all evidence. They also know insurance companies, identify the potential bottlenecks, have experience documenting cases, know what pictures to take, and the exhaustive list of what to include to build a strong insurance claim. Ultimately, they will make sure you get the most out of your insurance claim, because they will have to deal with the reconstruction part. Communication with the Insurance Company.The insurance company will dedicate an Insurance Adjuster to your claim. The Insurance Adjuster should not be mistaken with a Public Adjuster. They are not the same people and do not have the same interests in mind. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and will decide based on the evidence collected and inspection if the root cause is covered by the insurance policy. They will determine the amount that the insurance company will cover. Therefore, it is essential to prepare thorough documentation. The restoration company will produce estimates necessary to reconstruct your damaged property to its pre-disaster condition. This step prepares for the discussion with the Insurance Adjuster and negotiation about the cost to reconstruct. Indeed, there is in most cases a negotiation with the insurance company in order to fine-tune on the scope and cost of the reconstruction part based on the inspection report. Hence, it is very important to carefully select your restoration company. Time to Repair & Rebuild.Once you receive your check for the insurance claim, you are ready to move to the reconstruction process. Even with the best discussion and most helpful people working together, the check you will receive from the insurance company may not be what you may expect. Remember that depreciation is factored in. In other words, there will always be a discrepancy between what you paid initially and what you will get back from the insurance company in the case of a disaster.
As the insurance claim process is tricky, do your due diligence before any disaster strikes. Read your insurance policy, ask questions, create records, keep traces of receipts, pictures, and select your restoration company beforehand. Do you feel more prepared for when disaster might strike?
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This is why it is essential to surround yourself with people to help guide you through the process. Equally important is how you approach the first few hours following the disaster. Here’s what you should consider. What to Do Now?If your home is damaged by water, mold, fire, smoke, or sewer backup, you may not be prepared to deal with it. Hence, you may try to figure out what to do.
Insurance aside, the first thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone in this challenging process. That said, who should you contact? Restoration companies and public adjusters are part of the ecosystem of available resources. Most people ignore these resources because they do not know that they exist in the first place. Beyond being part of the first responders and handling the cleanup process, one of a restoration company’s primary role is to document the claim and work alongside the insurance and victims to make sure you get your money and are able to rebuild. For those who have been through a disaster insurance claim, understand it is a process. Like any process, there is a beginning, middle, end, and decisions to make. It is especially true in dealing with a disaster. Here’s what to do. When a disaster strikes, think safety first.Always make sure you, your family members, or co-workers are safe. Depending on the nature of the disaster, stay away from anything that can cause further hazards. Leave your home if it is unsafe to remain there while first responders arrive on-site. Avoid saving items yourself or assessing the damages if the cause of the damage is not under control. It may sound obvious, but it is harder to think clearly under a state of shock or emotion. Hence, wait for professionals to help you. Assess What Happened.Once the cause of the disaster is under control, and you can safely access the site, try to assess the overall situation to get the big picture of what happened and what was damaged. Again, do not take unnecessary risks. Keep your safety in mind first and foremost. Go back to your home only if it is entirely safe to do so. Always take a moment to think before entering any area of your home. At this point, you do not need to get into the nitty-gritty details of the damage. Your insurance company and the restoration company will help you figure that out in more detail at a later point. What you need to do is to make initial observations to explain what happened. For instance, try to understand:
If you have a smartphone, try to take photographs of the damage. These first pictures will help you with the disaster insurance claim. In the event that you contact a restoration company early enough in the process, the restoration company will take pictures to help document your claim. It is essential not to move anything if you are taking pictures. Leave the place the way you find it. Do not start the cleaning process or triage of your belongings. Remember that you are not helping yourself over the long term, even if you have the best of all intentions. If your floor is soaking in water, leave the water. If your belongings are floating in the water, leave them too. If you clean up around you instead of documenting what happened, you set yourself up for a complicated and painful disaster insurance claim. Who Should You Call First?Insurance companies will say to call the insurance first. Public adjusters will tell you to call them first. In most cases, people call their insurance first. Although it is critical to declare a disaster promptly, here’s the tricky part. The insurance company always asks for more information and tries to understand what caused the disaster and extent of the disaster - that is not always directly visible or clear. As homeowners are usually not experts in most cases and can be emotionally impacted during the call, they sometimes misinterpret what they see or misrepresent unintentionally what happened. Remember a simple rule when talking to your insurance: Everything you say will be used as part of the claim process. So, should you call your insurance immediately? The short answer is: Not necessarily. Calling a restoration company first can help you in your decision-making process. Why? Depending on your deductible, and the severity of the damage, you may simply avoid recording a claim with your insurance. A restoration company can help you decide if you should contact your insurance. Besides, you may avoid higher insurance rates along the way. It’s that simple. If the damage is significant, a restoration company can handle the entire process on your behalf. A restoration company can:
Once all this information is collected, the only thing you will have to do is call the insurance and share the information gathered. Remember that this is the core business of restoration companies. They are used to claims and process thousands of claims every year. In other words, they know the system, how it works, what to do, how to do it, how to negotiate in your best interest, and how it can be tricky if not properly handled. If you face a stressful situation, calling a restoration company first is your best bet and ally in the first few hours after the loss happened, and not only for securing, cleaning, and the reconstruction part. You Are in a Different Spot Now Knowledge comes from information, and power comes from knowledge. The best way to approach a claim is to contact a restoration company early enough in the post-disaster process. Although no one expects disasters to happen, it is good to do the due diligence and call the best restoration companies in case of an emergency. Try to make sure that the company offers:
National brands may not be the best choice for the special interests they may have with larger insurance companies. As it is right for many things, shop independent and local preferably.
As disasters can happen at any time, have you ever considered connecting and selecting restoration companies as part of your emergency preparedness plan? Mold inspection is the best way to determine if there is a danger to your health and your building structure.
Why would you need a mold inspection?There are hundreds of thousands of different mold types and most houses in Chester County, PA, have some form of mold. In other words, mold is not an exceptional circumstance in our area. It’s actually common to find mold in homes. Depending on the mold types and their concentration, mold can cause allergic reactions and can possibly be toxic. Beyond the health risk for you and your family, it can also negatively impact the structural integrity of the place you call home. Therefore, it is important to address the problem right away and avoid letting it settle and amplify with time. Your immediate attention may help you save thousands of dollars of remediation at a later point. What is mold and how does it develop?Mold is a type of fungus and consists of microorganisms. It can have different colors and lives indoors and outdoors and spreads when different factors are combined. There are several conditions when grouped together create the perfect environment for mold development such as:
All these variables can affect the way mold spreads. Attics, basements, crawl spaces, behind walls, subfloors, and carpeted areas are ideal environments. When should you request a mold inspection?If you see blue, green, or black mold spores spread in certain areas of your house, it is a visual confirmation that there is an issue. It seems obvious, right? So, why have a mold inspection tell you what you already know? The answer is very simple: The outcome of a mold inspection will help determine the root cause of your mold problem. Although you may engage in a mold removal process, if you do not address and fix the root cause of your mold problem, mold will reappear sooner or later. If you know that you have a problem, a mold inspection identifies its origin and informs you about how mold develops and grows in your home. This is why a thorough mold inspection is essential to eliminate the issue. What if you smell a musty odor? A musty odor can be an indication that you have a mold problem. In this case, again, a mold inspection will help to characterize the issue. There are places where mold can thrive and spread that are not always visible. The fact that you are unable to see mold or smell it, does not mean that your home is not infested. How is that possible? For instance, you may have mold:
In these cases, mold is not always perceptible. Therefore, a mold inspection may help determine if there is an issue. There are a few circumstances that should trigger your attention. For instance: you may have a mold problem if:
For each case, the mold inspection process tries to determine if there is a presence of mold and quantify the size of the problem if there is one. It also helps the homeowner determine potential remediation steps in the event of confirmed mold problems. How does the mold inspection process work?A mold inspection is a visual inspection of an area. It should not be confused with mold testing which involves taking samples either through an air grab or a surface swab. The mold inspection process works the following way:
Typically, the mold inspector tries to find the source of moisture that causes mold to develop. If there is a problem of accessibility to the area susceptible to contain mold, the inspector may have to remove a panel of the wall or carpet or any content that may obstruct the visual evaluation. If mold is found in your home, the size of the problem is assessed and documented, the next step is to layout a remediation plan to address the issues to fix. Mold Inspection is a necessary step of your safety and peace of mind
Whenever a mold issue has been identified, it needs to be resolved - this is the value proposition of a mold inspection. The report should answer the following questions:
In other words, it helps you clarify the extent of the contamination and informs the homeowner about the origin of the problem. A thorough report will ultimately help to scope out the remediation process and help the homeowner to make informed decisions. Have you already had a mold inspection performed and what was your experience?
Why Is Water Damage Cleanup Essential For My Property?When it comes to water damage cleanup, speed is essential. If not addressed right away, water damage could cause structural damage to property. Clearly, water damage can impact more than the walls and the floor of your home or business. If furniture or other personal items are damaged, they’ll need to be addressed right away. Remember that allowing water to settle in an area can be a cause of mold and mildew. Ultimately, this can be harmful to the health of inhabitants or co-workers if left to the wayside. If the water damage is important enough, there could be an insurance claim to make as well. Understanding this process can prove essential to minimizing the financial impact of water damage claim. Fundamentally, it is key to stay vigilant to water damage in your home and business. Although sometimes a water damage can be hard to detect, it could be silently compromising the structural integrity of your space. Ultimately, the health and safety of everyone involved is the most important piece. By prioritizing water damage cleanup, you make sure that this is taken care of. Different Types of Water Damage Require Specific CareThere are many different ways to address water damage cleanup. In each situation, there are specific steps that should be taken to contain the problem and restore the area impacted. Let's have a look at the main water damage that we observe. Plumbing Issues One common cause of water damage in a property is a bursting or leaking pipe. Although there are many reasons that a pipe could be damaged or broken, quickly changing temperatures, poor maintenance, and poor installation are a common culprit. If you notice stains on ceilings, walls, or floors, that should be checked the soonest. Building Maintenance & Condition Alternatively, your property could have a damaged roof or siding, or a poor drainage. This can lead to water damage leaking through broken shingles or improperly maintained areas. To address this, consistently check your roof and sidings for any signs of damage. Otherwise, window damage or a bad installation can lead directly to water damage. If not installed or sealed properly, water could seep into the home or building. Therefore, ensure that windows are sealed and caulking is regularly reapplied, as necessary, to maintain a proper seal. Weather Conditions Sometimes water damage can be caused by natural circumstances like storms, continuous heavy rains, and floods can cause damage to your property. So, securing your home ahead of the storm season could save your property. Toilet Backup A toilet overflow is a serious water damage that occurs when a blockage prevents water and waste from flushing down the drain. When water and waster overflow the toilet bowl, this type of water damage can have severe consequences. In each of these cases, mold or mildew can begin to grow and settle, even invisibly behind walls as well as pathogens for the most involved cases. Therefore, a traditional surface cleanup may not be the appropriate response to the different circumstances we mentioned. Depending on the nature of the water damage that can be more involved, and its category, you may need to consider a professional water damage cleanup process rather than a DIY process. There are typically three category of water damage that are more or less severe. The IICRC further separates water intrusion into four classes. It is important to note that one category of water damage can be amplified into a more serious category if not remediated quickly. In other words, a wet, warm and enclosed area is the perfect environment for organic pathogens. Typically, spores quickly multiply and become mold that can move an easy cleanable Category 1 spill into a hazardous and expensive Category 3 situation. What Are The Water Damages Categories?Let's take the view of the IICRC:
Based on the classification and category of the water damage, professional teams can engage the appropriate steps to respond to the mitigation and clean up requirements. Each class and category will require different equipment and skill sets. Therefore, traditional cleaning services and procedures may simply not be enough. In some cases, you will need to mitigate the water loss before starting the cleaning process. Depending on the severity, damaged materials must be removed, as well as personal belongings. Some cases may require a thorough disinfection, air quality control, and deodorization. Soaking materials offer an ideal environment for microbes, fungi, and pathogens to thrive. Depending on the water damage class, dehumidifiers and drying equipment may be required. How To Best Deal With A Water Damage Cleanup? Water damage should always be taken seriously and immediately. Due to the impact caused to structures and belongings, it is important to have a water mitigation and clean up immediately after an event.
Address Water Damage Cleanup Immediately We’ve established that water damage can impact any property, at almost any time. So, are you ready to take care of the problem yourself? Maybe so, and maybe not. However, when it comes to water damage cleanup, it is often best left to the professionals. When water damage gets serious, the approach must be serious as well. But, why? Well, there are a few reasons. First of all, our team is able to save precious time. Time equals less cost in damages, a healthier space, and less downtime. If water damage is near electrical wiring, it can take you out of harm’s way, too. If personal property is affected by the water damage, a professional team is prepared to help you salvage your items and belongings. Any items that are salvageable would be taken care of by a team of professionals. When it comes down to it, water damage cleanup can simply be overwhelming. When trying to take care of your personal belongings, insurance claims, and more, it can just pile up. A professional cleanup team can take some of that weight off of your shoulders. Importantly, a homeowner or property owner should keep themselves safe. When talking of mold and mildew, these can lead to long-term health problems if not dealt with properly. Do things right the first time through, while minimizing risk! Residential water damage and commercial water damage cleanup are approached with a similar mindset; safety is the priority.
Realistically, there is no time to waste if water damage is present in a property. The sooner it is cleaned, dried, and repaired, the less damage to space.
If time is not your ally, cleaning and disinfecting a room from COVID-19 is all about being thorough. And, that means making sure you are aware of which areas you have cleaned, and which areas of the room are yet to be cleaned. What is the best way to ensure this? Have a starting point in a room to eliminate infected areas from COVID-19It is always easier to break a larger area into smaller cleaning zones. Then, issue a plan to determine where you start and how you move forward. Rather than cleaning object-by-object in a random fashion, a structured approach helps to be thorough and not miss a spot. In practice, it is always easier to clean and disinfect a room if it is clear of any loose objects. If you are cleaning or disinfecting your office or home from COVID-19, try to put all smaller objects in a box. This way, you can easily proceed with the cleaning and sanitization process of the greater structure of the room, whether that be:
With the smaller objects out of the picture, surfaces can be disinfected completely. In addition, having a room that is empty of loose items can make cleaning the room more efficient, as you can easily take a top-down approach and loose objects do not complicate your progression so you can focus completely on the target surfaces that you need to clean and disinfect. Once you have progressed in the surface cleaning and disinfection, you can take care of the loose small objects. Take the same precautions to deal with the loose objects. Wipe them off and disinfect them with appropriate products ensuring compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations for electronics. Once the room has been sanitized from COVID-19 from top to bottom, and all the loose items cleaned and disinfected separately, you can put everything back in place. Remember to dispose of your personal protective equipment appropriately. Cleaning and Disinfecting Common Touchpoints in a Room From COVID-19If you deal with an area of your office or home with high traffic, it is essential to clean and disinfect frequently. Although you may not want to get involved in a thorough deep cleaning and disinfection, you may need to focus on touchpoints. These common touchpoints can include:
However, it is essential that the surfaces that are the most commonly exposed to human interaction are cleaned and disinfected with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants or laundry detergents for linens and clothing. Remember, each type of disinfectant and cleaning product may have a different application process and contact time to activate. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be found on a variety of surfaces and can live for different amounts of time on different surfaces. Therefore, carefully read the safety data sheet for the different cleaning and disinfection products. For DIY COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfection Remember to Wear Your Personal Protective EquipmentThere are a few basic principles that apply to disinfect a room across different mediums. If you suspect that an area of your office or home has been exposed to COVID-19, the most important rule is to make sure to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and possibly safety glasses before cleaning a given surface. If disposable gloves are not available, designate one pair of gloves that you will use for cleaning and disinfecting. Do not use them for anything else. Reserve them exclusively for cleaning and disinfection purposes. If you wear reusable gloves or masks, clean them immediately after usage and wash your hands. These designated gloves should not be used for any other purposes. For a complete list of directions on cleaning and disinfecting unique surfaces from COVID-19, see the CDC's Detailed Disinfection Guidance page. ConclusionThe most important aspect of any cleaning and disinfection project is preparation and planning.
Thorough preparation and planning will help you in the execution of your COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection project. The preparation and planning aspect should encompass the cleaning area, cleaning product selection and disinfectants, and equipment to be used throughout the process. A thorough preparation not only ensures that the cleaning and disinfecting job are completed appropriately, but it is also the best approach to ensure your personal safety. As we are preparing to re-open businesses in the next coming weeks, do you have a cleaning and disinfection protocol in place?
If a surface has been exposed to droplets, the COVID-19 virus can survive for some time on that surface. Depending on the type of surface, COVID-19’s lifespan varies. If you need to learn more about how to sanitize surfaces from COVID-19, read on. What Surfaces Need Your Attention?The answer is straightforward. All surfaces need your attention. Do you want to take precautionary or curative mitigation steps at your workplace or home? If you are not looking for specialty cleaning and disinfection services, here is a checklist of places. Some of those places would include the following:
The list may not be exhaustive, and you can add relevant items specific to your family and business. Once you have identified your target surfaces, you can prepare your cleaning and disinfection strategy and plan. Make Sure To Clean & Disinfect All Surfaces FrequentlyThe best way to sanitize surfaces from COVID-19 is to clean by wiping them to remove germs. Then, disinfect them by using the chemical method to lower the risk of spread. Try to clean and disinfect daily. Also, you should never shake any object to minimize the dispersion of the virus in the air. If you use disposable fabrics to clean surfaces, securely bag the disposal rags and place them in your trash. If you use reusable rags, do not forget to wash them immediately after your cleaning operation. Use the warmest program of your washing machine (60 degrees.) If it seems overwhelming to clean and disinfect, try to address the busiest areas with high traffic. Or, address highly touched surfaces, and make them your priority. Once the cleaning operation is completed, you can move to the disinfection process. For the disinfection process, you will use chemicals. To address potentially infected surfaces, there are different products available that are EPA registered. Try to prefer disinfectants with a wide killing spectrum. We highly recommend visiting the EPA website for more relevant information. Also, always make sure to reference the instructions of cleaning and disinfectant product manufacturers even if they are EPA-registered. Sanitize Your ElectronicsFor electronics, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or check the labels on your devices. If you have questions, visit their websites for all cleaning and disinfection related matters. Some manufacturers have prepared online documentation, while some have not. Can’t find any manufacturer’s guidance or none is available online? You may consider the use of a little volume of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol. Always make sure to dry the surfaces of your electronic devices thoroughly. This is to avoid the pooling of liquids that may compromise the integrity of the device. Involve People In Your ProcessDon’t hesitate to involve your coworkers or family members in the process, making them part of your COVID-19 response plan. A cleaning and sanitizing process is a team effort and teamwork. In the battle against COVID-19, remember that consistency in your methods is key. Proper sanitizing and methods will reduce the odds of seeing a family member or coworker fall sick. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Before you sanitize surfaces from COVID-19, for your own protection, make sure to wear a pair of disposable gloves. In addition, try to wear a mask and safety glasses. Make sure that your personal protective equipment is dedicated to your COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting process. You should not use your PPE for anything else. After the cleaning and disinfection process, securely dispose of the gloves and masks. Never reuse disposable gloves and masks. Then, wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. If your masks and gloves are reusable, then make sure to wash them immediately with hot water. Then, wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately for at least 20 seconds. For any reason, the integrity of your PPE could be compromised by a tear or anything else. If your gloves are compromised, for instance, make sure to wash your hands. Remember What Grandma Used To Say! If you plan to sanitize surfaces from COVID-19, the best approach is thorough preparation and execution. Remember that during this pandemic, the implementation of careful and strict hygiene rules can save lives. In your effort, make sure to engage with your coworkers or family members, clarify and align them on expectations. Also, always make sure to read instructions for cleaning and disinfection products from the manufacturer. The same goes for surfaces and electronics.
Finally, for your own safety, wear a PPE and always wash your hands frequently. Have you established a strategy and a cleaning and disinfection plan? If you need help, get in touch. The health effects of mold on young children can vary greatly.
Realistically, it is easy to assume that you have a cold or flu. Yet, the true source of your symptoms could be mold. Especially in children, it is important that the true source of the symptoms is addressed as soon as possible. If your children are experiencing new symptoms for no apparent reason, or if you are aware of any mold in your home, it’s time to take action. What exactly are these health effects, and what can be done? Read on to learn more. Pinpointing the Health Effects of Mold - What Symptoms Do Children Experience?Health effects of mold ultimately depend on the type of mold and can differ from individual to individual. As mold grows in your home, it produces lightweight, tiny spores that are present in the air. These spores, when inhaled by an individual, can spur an allergic reaction resulting in these symptoms. Children, in particular, are extremely susceptible to mold-based reactions. That’s why, at County Action Restoration, we recommend regular mold tests in your home. These tests can give you peace of mind and allow you to tackle any mold present that is hidden from view. What are some of the reactions that your children could experience? Health Effects of Mold in Children - Neurological Symptoms Ultimately, different types of mold can result in different reactions. However, black mold mycotoxins present the greatest health risk to your home, especially when it comes to severe symptoms. When inhaling these spores, children could experience neurological symptoms such as:
Hence, it is important that the mold is addressed as soon as possible. Children experiencing these symptoms point to a more dangerous type of mold present in your home. Connect with a mold restoration team to address these problems early! Health Effects of Mold in Children - Respiratory Symptoms Children can experience a number of respiratory symptoms as a result of mold growth in the home. As the mold spores decrease air quality and cause varying allergic reactions, these symptoms can be persisting and either mild or serious. Some of the most common respiratory symptoms from mold found in children include:
Fundamentally, it is important to address these symptoms as soon as possible. As they can be long-lasting, the earlier the better when it comes to taking care of mold in the home. Children are susceptible and often more sensitive to these mold spores in the home. If they don’t usually experience allergies, and have these symptoms, it may be time for a mold test. Health Effects of Mold in Children - Skin & Eye-centered Symptoms Children can experience intense health effects of mold around their skin and eyes. Because their skin and eyes are often more sensitive, these symptoms can be especially present for our younger ones. Some of the skin and eye-focused symptoms that children may experience from mold include:
Because of these symptoms, it is imperative to rid your home of mold as soon as possible. If any of these symptoms are present, it is time to take action. Responding to the Health Effects of Mold on Children - What Moves to Make?When it comes to the health effects of mold, it is not to be taken lightly. Hence, it is best to reach out to a team of professional and certified mold removal technicians.
First of all, these certified technicians can conduct tests in your home to identify the presence of mold in your home. If found, they can begin the process of mold removal and mold remediation. Although it may seem easy to ‘get rid of mold’, it is a much more daunting task than it may seem. With a team of professionals, it is possible to ensure that all effects areas are removed and taken care of. If not done carefully, it is possible to leave spots of mold behind. Or, in the removal process, mold can get dispersed to different areas of the home. In order to protect your children in the best way possible, reach out to our team at County Action Restoration. The peace of mind is worth it. Don’t let these symptoms affect your children when preemptive or early action could change lives.
However, there’s no need to fear; mold is actually much more common than most people think. Although there can be mold anywhere in your home, crawl space mold is one of the most common. According to a Washington State University Energy Program Report, the humid air in crawl spaces significantly increases mold and moisture problems. The spores of different types of mold often settle in these dark, moist areas, and can grow exponentially if not addressed. Before you go diving in your crawl space on the hunt for crawl space mold, take a few moments to read about the types, potential dangers, and possible solutions regarding crawl space mold. Why should crawl space mold be a concern for me or my family?Crawl space mold can be extremely variable in terms of what kind of mold is growing in the area, which ultimately impacts the potential dangers. Hence, the crawl space mold should be addressed as soon as possible. Some of the potential causes of crawl space mold include:
If any of these issues arise, and they do in Chester County, there is a chance that you have crawl space mold. If not addressed, this crawl space mold can travel through the air via vents or cracks. Especially if asthma or allergies are present, many types of crawl space mold spores can lead to increased respiratory difficulties for you or members of your family. Crawl space mold can range in type, including:
Furthermore, excess moisture or crawl space mold can lead to a decrease in the structural integrity of your home. Plus, moisture and crawl space mold, if not taken care of, can compromise the integrity of wood structures or lead to cracks in structures. In many cases, it is recommended to reach out to a team of professionals to conduct a mold inspection and testing to ensure that your home is free of crawl space mold. If crawl space mold is found, it is strongly recommended to have a professional team take care of the mold damage and removal. Now that you are aware of the potential dangers of crawl space mold, let’s discuss what you can do to make sure that your home and family are safe from these dangers. Does crawl space mold have any preventative action that I can take?Crawl space mold can often be difficult to address due to the naturally dark, humid, and moist nature of crawl spaces. However, there are measures that can be taken to hedge your bets against the crawl space mold invading your home, including:
As mentioned, these measures can lessen the likelihood of crawl space mold entering your home. Does crawl space mold have any preventative action that I can take?As soon as crawl space mold is discovered, you should reach out to a mold specialist ASAP.
Ultimately, mold removal can be a lengthy and complex process for individuals with no prior experience in mold removal, especially with crawl space mold. If attempted without a professional, the crawl space mold could be inadvertently spread to other areas, not entirely eliminated, or cause health problems for the individual attempting removal. By reaching out to a mold specialist, it is more likely that:
If these steps are taken, your home will be safe from crawl space mold and back on the track towards health and peace of mind for you and your family! And What If I Have A Crawl Space? If you smell an earthy musty odor, it’s not a good sign. If you cannot see mold develop on surfaces in your crawl space, connect with specialists to test and investigate. Remember, if crawl space mold is spotted in your home, reach out to mold remediation experts to take care of the problem as soon as you can. |
