As a trusted service provider of mold removal in Brandon, we help clients keep their homes safe and comfortable. By learning the telltale signs of infestation, you can save both time and money by getting professional help right away.

Dark Spots on the Wall

If you start noticing dark spots on the walls in the bathroom or basement, your space may have mold. These blackish-green spots on surfaces could be black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). These like to grow on fiberboard, gypsum board, and drywall, where it lives off organic matter.

Molds are not always black. Some molds appear white, others gray-green, and even pink. Even black mold, in its early stages, can appear gray or green, only becoming black when it releases spores. If you notice any discolored patches or stains on your walls, and more of the other signs of infestation in this article, you may have a mold problem and should contact a professional.

Signs of Water Damage/Pooling

Areas of water damage, like where you might have a leak  can create an environment suited for mold growth, so it’s important to have those fixed immediately.

According to FEMA, mold can develop within 24 – 48 hours of water exposure. What’s worse, mold will continue to grow unless properly and completely removed—areas that had a mold infestation can get more growth in the future, if there are any lingering spores.

Other signs of water damage may be cracks or warping in the paint on the walls or ceiling, or peeling wallpaper. Properties with a history of flooding are also prone to mold growth. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, for example, homes that survived the flooding had to deal with serious mold outbreaks, with particularly serious cases leaving the city government with no choice but to demolish the infested buildings.

After any particularly heavy rainfall or storms, it’s worth the effort to look around your house for places where water may have collected, especially in enclosed areas where it may take a long time to evaporate on its own, like basements, especially if you have basement windows where water may have seeped in. These are prime candidates for mold-growing areas.

Presence of Mold Odor

Some molds often give off a strong earthly or mildew-like odor. The Environmental Protection Agency explains that mold produces compounds called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) which cause the odor. mVOCs can cause irritation in the eyes and upper-airways, and trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

The mold odors are typically more pronounced in areas like:

• above the ceiling tiles
• in walls with insulation
• behind curtains
• under the carpets

If you notice a musty smell in these areas, even if they’re faint, it may be a mold problem, even if there are no visible signs of mold growth.

Condensation

When warm air meets a cold surface, condensation happens. This results in the formation of water droplets on surfaces like windows, walls, and air ducts. If this happens regularly, the moisture can cause mold growth.

Properly regulating your home or building temperature is a good way to combat the condensation and mold growth it usually causes. Installing dehumidifiers in humid areas like bathrooms are also a good way to prevent mold growth, but they won’t help much if mold is already present.

Unexplained Allergic Reactions

According to the CDC, moldy environments can cause a variety of health effects. However, people who are sensitive to mold can experience symptoms like stuffy nose, wheezing, itchy eyes, and red skin.

People with mold allergies or asthma may have intense reactions that include fever and shortness of breath.

If you or anyone in your family starts showing these symptoms, chances are you may have a mold allergy and your property has an infestation. Contact a professional to deal with the infestation as soon as possible, as mold removal requires a total cleansing of the area to clear out not just the mold but residual spores.

Trusted Mold Removal experts

For mold removal services in Brandon, get professional and reliable experts to help you. With Water Damage Brandon, we provide an honest and reliable approach when it comes to your mold problem. Reach out to us today to know more.

The post Early Signs of Mold Infestation To Make Mold Removal Easier appeared first on Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the common causes of water damage. We’ll also discuss how they can be prevented, and why water damage restoration is vital for your home or business.

Why is Water Damage Restoration and Prevention So Important?

Any kind of water damage to a home or business is a problem that demands immediate attention. Left unchecked, water damage can result in:

Mold infestation

Black mold can affect the health of your household or office, causing respiratory problems and allergic reactions for some. If the water damage is caused by or affects your HVAC systems, this spreads spores where your air is circulated.

Structural weakness

Water can warp or weaken walls and floors, which can cause structural problems in the building. Wood and drywall are particularly vulnerable to water damage, which can lead to rot and warping.

Further damage in the future

Even if the water damage is addressed, failure to identify and address the root cause can lead to more damage and cost down the line.   

Here are some common causes of water damage and how you can address them:

Leaking Pipes and Fixtures

Issues with the plumbing are often the cause of many water damage cases.

Water pipes have fixed life spans. Supply pipes, for example, are under constant pressure, making them likely to burst or leak. Depending on the type of pipes you have, their life expectancy can range from 20-50 years (galvanized steel) to 40-70 (brass, copper).

A 1/8 inch pipe crack can leak up to 250 gallons of water in a day, which can easily wreak havoc on floors, walls, and ceilings if there is no drainage. That’s why it’s important to have your plumbing systems inspected at least once a year.

Another good way to notice any plumbing issues is by checking your water bill. If you notice an unusual spike in usage, that might indicate a possible leak and resulting water damage.

Weather

With increasingly common heavy rainfall, flooding, and extreme snow seasons, the weather is also placing a strain on where we live and work.

Strong winds and heavy rain can damage your roof and rainwater down in your house or business. It is wise to prepare for inclement weather by making sure rain gutters and downspouts aren’t clogged. Also check your building after the rain to check for areas where water might pool but not evaporate quickly.

These are areas where water can be forced in by weather:

• where the footer and your walls meet
• under doors and windows
•  wall seams
• ceilings
• roofs

Look for pooling water immediately after the storm, and for discoloration, peeling paint or wallpaper, or distortions of the surface later on. These can point to the presence of water that has seeped in.

Appliances and Equipment

Old and faulty appliances can also lead to water damage. A damaged washing machine hose or faulty connection could spill out 600 gallons of water in an hour.

The average lifespan of a washing machine is 10 years according to Consumer Reports, but it is advisable to replace the supply hose at least once every five years to prevent leaking or bursting.

Even small leaks from appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers can cause damage over time and lead to serious mold growth, because mold favors the damp and heat from these appliances. Proper use and maintenance of your appliances go a long way in preventing water damage.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

Water Damage Brandon looks out for your best interests by providing you with quick responses and unparalleled quality or service. Contact us today for more information.

The post Water Damage: What Can Cause It, How to Prevent it appeared first on Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay.

Fortunately, knowing where to check for mold can help you prevent it from growing and contaminating your home.

Here are a few common locations:

Kitchen

Examine your sink and its surrounding areas. This includes any of your sponges, rags, and dirty dishes you may have left unwashed. Then, proceed to inspect directly under it for one of the most common sources for mold — leaking pipes.

Go through your appliances one by one. Excess grease and food droppings in or around your microwave, oven, or on your stove tops are prime candidates for mold growth. Make sure to deep clean your refrigerator every few months and toss out old or expired food. Don’t forget to empty out water dispensers and drip trays as well.

Bathroom

Mold thrives in wet environments. This means that your shower or bathtub are the most prone to accumulating mold. Take the time to rinse and wipe down nearby objects such as shampoo and conditioner bottles, loofahs, and your shower curtain, too. Maximize ventilation options like exhaust fans and windows to keep humidity levels low.

Bedroom

Insomnia, snoring, and excessive daytime sleepiness have been linked to mold in the household. This gives you all the more reason to inspect your room’s heating and air conditioning vents — both dark areas that may house mold when left unattended.

You may also find mold on your mattress, especially if its underside doesn’t get space to breath. Investing in a mold-resistant mattress or a slatted bed frame is often a good solution to this.

Living Room

Mold is most noticeable on your curtains and couches when a musty smell seeps out of the fabric and upholstery. Check these areas regularly. In addition, make sure you avoid over-watering any indoor plants and drain your plant saucers of any excess water to lessen the moisture in the room.

General Areas

Be wary of any signs of potential mold on your ceilings and walls, and behind tiles. While they may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, condensation on these surfaces or peeling wallpapers are usually bad signs.

You can also perform your own test on the area to double check any suspicions you may have. In order to do this, simply place a doormat on the part of the floor you want to examine or tape a doormat to your chosen patch of the wall.

Then, leave it alone and return to look it over in one or two days. Your home is at risk of developing mold if its bottom side is damp and you notice moisture on the area you placed it.

Maintaining a Mold-Free Home

Sometimes, despite all the practices you follow, an area of your home may be overlooked, exposed to spores, and contaminated. Prevent any health risks and contact experts in mold removal in Brandon to get your home mold-free once more. Get in touch with us today.

The post Preventing Mold Growth in Every Room of Your Home appeared first on Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay.

One dreaded household problem is water damage. It can be costly and time-consuming to repair if you don’t address the issue early on. To help you keep expenses down, our experts at Water Damage Brandon have compiled a list of telltale signs you should look out for to identify water damage in your place.

Musty Odor

A house that feels unreasonably damp and humid, as well as smells musty indoors most probably has water damage. This is because the humidity level and dampness encourage mold growth, which in turn causes the odor. You’ll find this indicator in places that have water pipes running through it, such as the bathroom or under the kitchen sink.

The “musty odor” caused by water damage is similar to the smell of wet cardboard boxes or paper. So, you’ll notice this smell in old houses, too, especially in the basement or attic.

Appearance of Mold

Mold in ceilings and walls is more often than not a sign of water damage, and it would have spread from a certain point. This epicenter is where your water damage is, or at least where it started. You’ll usually see this sign near kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms — areas in your house that also sees a lot of water usage. After all, mold thrives in moist surfaces.

Note: be sure to call in experts when you spot mold growth at home! You aren’t just dealing with property damage. Mold can also affect people’s health, so it’s in your best interest to address this quickly.

Changes in the Appearance of Flooring, Walls, and Ceiling

Wet flooring is a sign of water damage that can be easily overlooked in the less-used room corners. These areas can house mold and cause irreversible damage to sub-flooring if left unattended for a long time.

Dry walls or ceilings bubbling or flaking are more signs of water damage. Your walls and ceilings can also swell or bloat and be malleable to the touch. In a similar vein, water rings on your walls or ceiling can be a sign of a pipe leak.

Outdated Water Supply System

An outdated water supply system doesn’t immediately mean that your home has water damage, but it certainly makes the property more susceptible. So, keep an eye for the signs we’ve already mentioned.

Better yet, have an expert inspect your home regularly. We recommend that you have your water supply system checked every year. You might also need to schedule checkups and maintenance for appliances, such as air conditioning and furnaces.

Additionally, cut off the source of your older water supply when you are out of town for long periods.

High Utility Bill

It is not always easy to spot the signs of water damage, particularly in big houses with several attics. In situations like this, a surge in your utility bill could be a good indicator of water damage.

Restore Your Damaged Properties with Water Damage Brandon

Water Damage Brandon is a Florida-based company that offers fire, mold, and water damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties. We also provide emergency restoration services, sewage system cleanup, and more. You can trust our licensed professionals to address your problems quickly and effectively.
Reach out to us today to speak with one of our experts.

The post 5 Telltale Signs of Water Damage in Your Property appeared first on Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay.

However, leaving black mold on your walls, ceilings, or floors is dangerous to you and your family. Understanding the dangers of black mold is essential in properly identifying its signs and knowing when to hire a black mold removal service.

Health Hazards of Black Mold

Mold is found everywhere, even in the natural environment. However, certain types of this fungus pose minor to major health risks to people. Black toxic mold, otherwise called Stachybotrys chartarum, is known to present several health hazards.

Allergies and Irritation

Exposure to black mold often results in the inhalation of mold spores. If you or anyone in your household has allergies, these spores can trigger an allergic attack. Prolonged exposure to black mold can result in the following symptoms:

• watery or irritated eyes;
• a dry cough;
• a sore throat;
• a runny or blocked nose;
• wheezing; and
• sinusitis

The symptoms may worsen depending on how severe someone’s allergy is. For people with pre-existing lung problems, prolonged exposure to black mold can result in an asthma attack or shortness of breath.

Infections

It’s rare for black mold to become the source of infections for people with healthy immune systems. However, if you or anyone in your household has a compromised immune system—such as transplant patients, cancer patients, or HIV patients—there is a high risk of fungal infections brought on by black mold.

How to Identify Black Mold

Different signs help identify black mold. Be familiar with it to eliminate or prevent the problem.

What does black mold smell like?

Black mold only assumes its distinct dark color once it has fully grown. This is why it’s difficult to identify without the proper training. Experts have advised people to be cautious of musty odors in their homes. This smell is indicative of black mold growth.

What does black mold look like?

Black mold starts with a dark greenish hue. As it grows and worsens, it takes on the common black color. Also, black mold is not fuzzy like other types of fungi. It often looks like dirt or mud. When inspecting your home, look out for dirty-looking walls or ceilings.

Where is black mold found?

Black mold feeds on cellulose, making it a common sight on poorly maintained wood walls and ceilings. However, it is also known to grow on the drywall as it feeds on the paper coating. If there’s black mold growing on your drywall, you can expect to find it on the other side as well.

Black mold thrives in damp places such as the bathroom, attic, basement, and garage. In addition to these places, be on the lookout in rooms with poor ventilation. Look at the tight corners of rooms and the edges of the ceilings.

Black mold is difficult to identify when it’s still in its starting stages. But if you know how to recognize the signs, you can get a headstart in preventing its growth. Don’t live with the dangers of black mold; contact the professionals today.

The post The Dangers Of Black Mold appeared first on Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay.

Failing to address water damage immediately will lead to bigger problems. It’s important to hire water damage repair services as soon as you discover it. Here are the possible consequences of water damage when you don’t act sooner.

Effects of Water Damage to the Home

Flooding

Flooding, considered one of the worst consequences of water damage, can ruin floors, walls, and furniture. Wooden floors will swell and buckle, warping the surface and making it unattractive and risky.

Floodwater can climb up walls as the surface absorbs it, leaving ugly marks on the paint or wallpaper. Water-damaged furniture will require extensive repairs and restoration, or will be unusable and you have to throw it out.

Decay or Corrosion

Most residential properties are made of wood and metal, providing structural integrity. Although both are usually treated to be water-resistant, they can deteriorate under extreme circumstances.

Prolonged exposure to water will cause these materials to break down. When left unaddressed for too long, the damage can put the entire household’s safety at risk. A ceiling might collapse, or termites might invade the walls.

Electric Shock

In addition to floor, wall, and furniture damage, water crawling through the walls may reach electrical outlets. It may lead to electric shock, putting your entire household in danger.

For instance, stepping in a puddle of water that has been electrically charged will result in electrocution. In these cases, it’s best to vacate the affected room and contact a company that provides water damage solutions.

Mold and Mildew

When porous materials, such as wood, are exposed to moisture for a long time, they may develop mold and mildew.

Both can grow out of hand, exposing your household to health risks such as allergies and irritation. Prolonged inhalation of mold spores is dangerous to people with severe allergies or a compromised immune system.

Contamination

Pests, such as termites, cockroaches, silverfish, mosquitos, and centipedes, are drawn to damp places. Any of them can turn pockets of moisture into their breeding ground, easily taking over your home.

In these cases, you must hire professional services to address water damage and pest infestation. Water damage may result in structural destruction, which would need expensive repairs. Pest infestation may present health risks, such as Lyme disease, allergies, and strep.

The Importance of Water Damage Solutions

Water damage is not something to leave for another day. If you notice a small leak or dampness in certain areas, you need to identify the source immediately. Doing this can help you fix the problem before it gets worse. If you encounter burst pipes, call plumbing services right away to avoid potential water damage.
Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay helps you manage water damage in your home. Get in touch with our team in Brandon, FL, to book an appointment.

The post Understanding The Consequences Of Water Damage: Why It Requires Immediate Action appeared first on Restoration 1 of Tampa Bay.