Amerestore Blog

Mold, as an organism, has been on this earth for millions of years and occurs naturally virtually everywhere. It’s important to know how to remove mold, as it can pose serious health issues.  

In this blog, we’ll cover what causes isolated mold growth, how to properly remove mold once discovered, share tips for cleaning it on your own and suggest when it’s recommended to call a pro. Be educated and read more about how to remove mold.  

How Did Mold Get Here in the First Place?  

As mold removal experts, we know a lot about mold – how and where it grows and how to get rid of it. Spoiler – it’s not bleach. The truth is mold exists in nature and is inside your home right now. 

Similar to humidity, there is such a thing as official “safe” or “normal” levels. When a home or commercial building has too much humidity or suffers water damage, however, it’s at risk for excess mold formation. Common situations include: 

• Heavy rains
• Natural disasters
• Broken ice maker line
• Washer hose break
• Water heater leak
• Toilet overflow
• Tub overflow
• Supply line break
• Leaky pipe or garbage disposal discharge

Basically, anytime there’s water in a place where it doesn’t belong and it has the right conditions, mold grows. Mold prefers the dark, like a cabinet under a leaky sink. The back of a closet with excess humidity and low airflow provides the perfect conditions for mold to flourish. 

If you’ve experienced water damage with standing water in a crawlspace or basement, the amount of water saturation and length of time the water is there leaves a higher risk of mold growth. Let’s review some other common questions…

Why Do I Need to Know How to Remove Mold Quickly?

It’s critical to tackle water damage quickly to reduce the chance of mold. The longer the water sits, the longer it has to permeate porous surfaces. 

Therefore, the longer it sits, the worse the risk. Porous surfaces are anything water could penetrate. Damp or wet wood, drywall, flooring and furnishings provide a perfect medium for mold growth. 

How to Remove Mold with a Dry Out

A dry out is what it sounds like. Expert mold remediation specialists use sophisticated equipment to dry the space. These include moisture meters, air movers and heavy-duty dehumidifiers.  

In many instances, air-scrubbers are utilized that capture mold spores during a dry out or demo of an affected area to protect occupants and to curb the spread of mold spores. 

Penetrating and non-penetrating meters are used throughout the process. An affected area that may feel dry to the touch, may have a moisture content far above the dry standard throughout the rest of the structure.

While every job is unique due to the many variables present  – time, amount of moisture, length of exposure, etc., the dry out process can typically be accomplished in 3-5 days.  

The dry out starts immediately once equipment has been set on the job.  Our technicians will monitor progress and will adjust equipment to most efficiently dry the space in the shortest amount of time possible. 

Will Mold Make Me Sick?

Different people react differently to exposure to mold spores. Some people are sensitive and may experience cold symptoms or a rash. 

For those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women and children even short-term exposure can cause serious health complications. Long-term exposure may contribute to respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, especially for children. 

How to Remove Mold On My Own

A homeowner can typically remediate an affected area of 10 square feet or less on their own. The following steps provide a general outline of procedures to safely remediate a small area of mold:

Step One: Put on a pair of disposable gloves and cover the mold with plastic. Even a trash bag will work okay. Tape the plastic to the wall. 

Step Two: Cut out the drywall in the affected area and quickly place it in a trash bag. Remove it from the area unless…

Step Three: If there is mold inside the wall cavity or on the backside of the drywall, place the drywall back into the hole. Tape up the seams and leave it for evaluation by a professional. If there is mold inside the walls or the overall surface area is greater than you realized, we recommend calling professionals. 

Don’t risk your health trying to do it alone. We know how to remove mold safely and discreetly. 

If you have a slight haze of what appears to be mold growth on surfaces, use a mild dishwashing detergent with water and wash it off. Nothing else is needed. Most people think bleach will work, when in reality it does not. 

When You Need to Know How to Remove Mold – Call Mold Remediation Pros – AMERESTORE

In conclusion, call a tested restoration company like AMERESTORE. We’ve served people in their time of need for more than 30 years. We take care of homeowners and business and property owners with safe, efficient and discreet service. We’ll be there for you with a quick response. 

We take our work seriously and give every job 100 percent, whether at home or responding to a disaster many states away. When you have a need due to water damage, fire and smoke damage, storm or hurricane damage or mold remediation, call AMERESTORE. 

Understandably, people rarely think about water damage restoration until they need it. Water damage can be devasting. It’s not just homes and businesses on the coastline or in a flood plain. Floods destroy homes and businesses yearly all across the U.S., even in areas that have never flooded in the past. 

But what about simple everyday floods? Many people need water damage restoration after simple mishaps, such as a toilet overflow, a broken ice maker line, a roof leak, a malfunctioning sump pump or broken water line to the dishwasher. 

Every year, for example, we talk to property owners who find the outside hose bib froze and busted during the winter. Unfortunately, they don’t realize it until they use the hose for the first time and find there’s a flooded basement, crawlspace or even a part of the house. Imagine filling a pool or power-washing only to discover water has flooded the inside of the property too!

According to insurance industry research, 14,000 commercial property owners and homeowners in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency each day. That’s a lot of soggy drywall, insulation, flooring and furnishings. 

Read this blog to learn about the water damage restoration process. Should you ever need water damage restoration, you’ll be better prepared in case of an emergency. We’ll review the steps to expect from a reputable water damage restoration company. 

Water Damage Restoration Step One:  Stop the source, call an I.I.C.R.C. certified restoration company. 

If possible, stop the source of the water damage. If this cannot be completed inside of the home or building, locate the water shut off valve and turn it off. Call a plumber and advise them you have a water problem and need a repair. 

While waiting on the plumber, call a restoration company to respond to your loss. We also recommend you contact your insurance company to start the claim process. 

Be advised, in most states YOU CAN CHOOSE THE RESTORATION COMPANY OF YOUR CHOICE!  Do not let your insurance company choose for you. Those restoration companies work for the insurance company, not the home or property owner. 

Choose someone who works for you, like AMERESTORE. We respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Water Damage Restoration Step Two:  Extract the water

This is the most important part of the restoration process. To begin the dry out phase of the loss, as much of the water as possible must be removed. The right equipment is critical to extract water from the carpet, pad, tile floors, etc. This is the fastest way to get everything back to the established normal moisture content (dry standard) and to reduce residual loss to the structure and contents.

Short term exposure to water will not destroy carpet. In most instances, carpet can be saved and dried if saturated from a (clean) water source. Long-term exposure, however, can delaminate carpet to the point that it is not salvageable.

Remediation to standing water in a crawl space or basement must be completed carefully. Many of the mechanicals in a building are located there and require special attention. In addition, it’s important to assess insulation, if present, and the structural integrity of the other building materials.

You can count on experienced and reputable restoration specialists like AMERESTORE to provide a thorough assessment. Your restoration company should also handle any necessary demolition. If the water damage is minor, few, if any, repairs will be necessary. 

In serious cases, unsalvageable drywall, baseboards and flooring must be removed and replaced/repaired after the completed dry out phase. 

Water Damage Restoration Step Three: Dry Out

After water extraction is complete, we establish air movement and dehumidification in the affected space. The type and amount of equipment are established by mathematical formulas according to I.I.C.R.C. (industry) standards. In most cases, daily monitoring takes place throughout the remainder of the dryout until all affected materials have reached the dry standard. 

Amerestore also uses tools like moisture meters throughout the process. Initially, to identify levels of affected areas and later to gauge the daily improvement of the drying.

Porous materials, like wood, drywall, carpet and other furnishings may still be heavy with moisture even if they appear dry. It’s important to monitor moisture levels throughout the drying process with moisture meters to know when the structure has returned to normal moisture content. It’s the only way to know if the job is “complete.” 

Water Damage Restoration Step Four: Dry out complete, repairs begin.

Once a certified technician determines everything is back to normal moisture content (dry), it is time for repairs. Our team compiles a detailed estimate and sends it to the home or property owner. If you plan to file an insurance claim, Amerestore sends the estimate to your carrier for you. Upon approval of the estimate, work begins to restore the affected areas to pre-loss condition.

When You Need Water Damage Restoration, AMERESTORE is There for You

Regardless of where you live or work, water damage is a risk. Take steps to protect valuables before and after an incident. 

For example, if your home suffers major storm damage and it’s uninhabitable, be sure to remove jewelry, money and other valuables. 

If you own or operate a business, have an emergency plan for your company’s most valuable assets. For many business owners, it’s IT equipment including computers, servers and proprietary data storage. Prepare plans if the servers go down. If they are located in a basement, they should be elevated. If they are on an upper level, put something over them in case of water damage from above. 

For more than 30 years AMERESTORE has provided restoration for water and sewage damage, fire and smoke damage, storm and hurricane damage as well as biohazard/trauma cleanup and mold removal. 

Near or far, AMERESTORE performs an exemplary job and acts as your liaison with your insurance carrier. We communicate directly with your insurance adjuster to handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovery. You are never required to use a particular restoration company. Remember, it is always your choice. 

Call us for help 24/7. AMERESTORE has three locations serving the Midwest: Indianapolis, Indiana (corporate office), Terre Haute, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky. We also travel throughout the U.S. to assist after natural disasters. 

There are thousands of mold varieties naturally occurring on our planet but once someone realizes “I have mold in my house,” they freak out. Why? In this blog, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions relating to where mold comes from, why it’s a problem and what to do about it. Stay safe and read more in case you discover mold in your home or business.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Mold in my House or Business

How Can I Keep Mold from Growing in my Home?

As mold remediation experts, we frequently hear questions like this. Mold has been on Earth before us and will exist long after we’re gone. It can grow anywhere and everywhere. In humid,  dark environments or dry and cold, the key is to keep it out of our living areas.

What is the Easiest Way to Keep Mold from Growing?

Control the moisture. So much depends on the climate and your specific home or property. Mold forms when a commercial property or house experiences water or flood damage, Mold also forms around high humidity due to an inefficient or oversized HVAC system. Sometimes the AC is turned off, moisture runs rampant and mold forms. Trigger events include:

• Heavy rains
• Leaky pipe or garbage disposal
• Broken ice maker line
• Supply line break
• Water heater leak
• Roof leak
• Toilet overflow
• Tub overflow
• Washer hose break
• Toilet supply line break
• Natural disasters
• HVAC system not working properly

Mold can grow anywhere. An office manager once discovered the industrial coffee maker leaked water into a cabinet below. No one knows how long it had been leaking but when it was discovered, mold had already started to grow.

Why is it Important to Address Water Damage and Mold in my House or Business Quickly?

Not addressing water damage quickly gives mold the head start it needs to begin its growth.  Given the right conditions, mold growth starts in as little as 72 hours. Once the dryout process has started, it greatly reduces the conditions for mold growth. Tip: When water damage happens, start the dryout process quickly.

What’s the Difference Between Mold Removal and Mold Remediation?

The short answer is, very little. Some people use the term “remediation” to mean “cleaning.” Some use the terms remediation and removal interchangeably. It’s important to have a mold expert because there are a lot of misperceptions, even among providers.

Mold “remediation” from one group simply means they cleaned the area and now you can’t see the mold anymore. In some cases, like non-porous surfaces, mold can be cleaned away.

The majority of water damage strikes porous surfaces and soaks through drywall. If someone cleans the inside, how do you know what’s happening on the inside where you can’t see?

President of Amerestore Mike Adams knows. In business for more than 30 years, Adams established one of the first restoration companies in the country to remove mold from building materials properly. He’s also spent several years traveling the U.S., Canada and Australia teaching proper techniques for mold removal.

Adams also contributed to the first mold remediation standard published by the I.I.C.R.C., a certification agency for restoration professionals.

Mold may be cleaned, but it’s crucial to get the root of the mold spore. This may mean removal of the building materials in order to fully complete the task. Painting over mold does not mean it’s gone.

Will Mold in my House Make Me Sick?

Maybe. Some people are more sensitive than others. They might experience congestive cold symptoms or a rash. For those allergic to particular mold spores, they’re vulnerable to more severe reactions.

There are thousands of mold varieties so, it’s hard to broadly define. Scientists have determined, however, continued exposure, especially for children, often leads to respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.

Is Black Mold the Only Mold in my House to Worry About?

This is a question we hear a lot. The truth is, black mold, or Stachybotrys, is the mold with all the bad press. It is the most toxic mold known to man at this time but you may not be allergic to Stachybotrys but another type of mold. Because mold affects people differently, there are no official federal regulations on “safe mold levels” or ones to avoid.

Some black molds are toxic and if another mold makes you sick, it’s toxic too, no matter what kind, color or shape. It should be remediated.

Call Mold Removal Pros Amerestore When There’s Mold in your House or Business

In conclusion, call mold remediation and removal experts Amerestore if you have mold in your home or commercial property. We’ve served people in their time of need for more than 30 years. We’ll be there for you with a quick and discreet response. As mold removal experts, trust us with your mold removal.

We take our work seriously and give every job 100 percent, whether a home or business. When you have restoration needs because of flood or water damage, smoke and fire damage, storm or hurricane damage or mold, call Amerestore, America’s Restoration Team. We’re available 24/7 and travel as needed.

Amerestore Restores Flood Damage in Homes and Commercial Buildings

When heavy rains arrive, are you ready for the potential of water damage? It may seem unlikely, but there are a lot of reasons to be informed. In this blog, we’ll cover how to check a sump pump, why it’s important and the flood and water damage restoration process.

One of the most important points to know, however, is if you experience water damage, you have the choice of restoration companies. You are under no obligation to use a company your insurance company suggests. It’s not like in network or out of network healthcare. It’s always your choice.

How to Check Your Sump Pump

Once the water reaches a certain level, the pump kicks on and begins pumping the water from the pit away from the foundation. If your basement or lower level is finished, it’s best to have a backup sump pump as well.

Locate your sump pump pit in the lower level of your home or building. You should be able to see the sump pump inside the pit. Make sure there is no debris in the pit. Debris often impedes the float switch that operates the pump. 

There are several different ways to activate the pump. One way is a float that rises with the water and at a certain height, turns on. When the water level falls, the pump shuts off. 

If the float is attached to the pump and slides up and down, make sure it can move freely. Make sure rust does not keep the float from sliding. Fill the sump pit with water to confirm the pump activates if water is not coming into the pit. If it removes the water, it is working. Call a plumber immediately if it does not operate.  

If your pump is over five years old or you have no idea how old it is, it would be a great idea to replace it with a licensed plumber. 

Why It’s Important to be Prepared for Water Damage Risk

Sump pumps are inexpensive compared to the expense of water damage. Most insurance deductibles, for example, are a minimum of $1000.00 and some do not cover all of your belongings. At renewal, your rates are likely to go up or they could cancel your insurance. 

Depending on the type of water and furnishings, some may be salvaged. Otherwise, you might have to replace drywall, flooring, baseboards and furniture.

What will the water damage that can not be replaced? Many people store memorabilia, business records and other content that might not be replaceable in lower levels and basements. 

If you own a business where’s your server? On the lower level? If it’s not, is it protected from a water leak from above? Water heaters, HVAC and other expensive appliances are often found here as well. 

Probably the most important thing lost is your time. Time spent going through contents, time lost by not having the space or the need to stay at or run your business at another location. Water damage is a disruptive hassle. According to WaterDamageDefense.com, 98 percent of basements in the U.S. experience some type of damage during their lifespans.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowner claims due to “water damage and freezing,” which includes damage from mold, averaged $10,234 during the years 2013-2017. These figures are based on materials and material possessions.

Businesses average higher based on electronics, equipment, loss of business and productivity, among other things.

Again, sump pumps and backup sump pumps are inexpensive but most people do not think about them until they step in water. Do not be that person, check your sump pump and replace if needed.

Water Damage Sources

Water damage comes from many sources. It’s produced from sump pump failures, broken water lines, washing machine hoses, and toilet supply lines, or sink, toilet or tub overflows. In some cases, it’s a broken water heater, dishwasher or water line to the icemaker. Or it’s simply flooding from heavy rains.

So, what to do if you experience water damage? Let’s review the steps a property owner should take to handle it.

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step One: Survey and Call Helpers

1. If the water damage source is from a plumbing issue, your first step is to stop it. Shut off the water. Call your plumber. 
2. Call a reputable restoration company, like Amerestore. They assess the water damage and determine the scope of work based on guidelines set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification (I.I.C.R.C.). 

Amerestore also works with ALL insurance companies and adjusters. Our team uses insurance industry pricing guides and pricing program Xactimate (R).

This is important – you can use any restoration company you want. Choosing a restoration company is YOUR CHOICE. There is no rule saying you have to use a specific company suggested by an insurance provider. 

Ask yourself if you want a restoration company that works for someone else or one that works for you? Amerestore works for you.

Step Two: Water Removal

It’s critical water removal is handled correctly and quickly. Removing the water correctly greatly reduces the drying times and the cost of the dry out. Experts and reputable restoration specialists like Amerestore know how to do this. 

If handled correctly, very little repair, if any, will be necessary. If the removal of building materials is needed, the restoration company handles it. In more severe cases, drywall, carpet, carpet pad and baseboards may need to be removed. It’s important to prevent mold growth or spread.  

Step Three: Dry Out

Did you know there’s a big difference between what “feels” wet and an acceptable level of moisture? Throughout the process, Amerestore uses tools called moisture meters.

Porous materials often appear dry to sight or touch. More often, however, their moisture levels are off the charts! It’s critical to monitor moisture levels because it’s confirmation the job is finished.

To dry out water damage, Amerestore uses industrial air movers strategically placed inside the rooms. Your Amerestore rep checks in once a day or every other day to verify the drying.

Avoid the temptation to move the air movers yourself. Their locations are carefully planned. Let the Amerestore rep move the air movers, dehumidifiers and other equipment.

Step Four: Finishes

Once it’s determined the area is back to normal moisture content, the repair process begins.  

Heavy Rains Often Bring Water Damage – Be Prepared with Amerestore

In conclusion, it’s best to be prepared and test your sump pump regularly. Otherwise, after water damage, follow the steps to mitigate it to get back to normal as soon as possible.

Call your plumber, if applicable, and call a tested restoration company like Amerestore. We’ve served people in their time of need for more than 30 years. We’ll be there for you with a quick response.

We take our work seriously and give every job 100 percent, whether at home or responding to a disaster states away from our own beds. When you have a need due to water damage, fire and smoke damage, storm or hurricane damage or mold remediation, call Amerestore. 

Preparation is Key

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. Such expansion can put tremendous pressure on pipes – whether metal or plastic. Pipes most susceptible to freezing are those exposed to severe cold with little or no insulation.

• Pipes that run against exterior walls
• Unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and garages
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines
• Water supply pipes
• Outdoor faucets

Some Simple Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes:

Outside

• Drain and disconnect any garden hoses – A frozen garden hose can actually burst an interior pipe.
• Exterior faucets – close the interior shut-off valve leading to each faucet. Open and drain the spigot, install a faucet insulator.
• Seal air leaks around incoming electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

Inside

• Turn up the thermostat – especially in old homes built over an uninsulated crawl space.  The extra expense on heating is less than repairing extensive damage from frozen pipes.
• Install fiberglass insulation – Assess and install insulation in attics, crawl spaces, over and around poorly protected pipes.
• Install heating cable – on or around vulnerable pipes.
• Open cabinet doors – Open cabinet doors under sinks along an exterior wall.

When standing in a flooded basement or after experiencing the devastation of a house or office fire, hiring the first restoration company you find or your insurance company’s restoration company could prove disastrous. In an unregulated industry like damage restoration, you must do your homework before hiring a contractor. For example, there are many carpet cleaning companies who claim to be a restoration company when, in fact, they really are just a carpet cleaning company. Owning a wet/vac does not make you a restoration company. Construction companies think they can perform restoration work but do not have the training and expertise it takes to be a restoration company. Restoration means to “bring something back to an earlier and better condition”, not “rip out and replace” as most construction companies like to do.

When hiring a restoration company, first be certain they are I.I.C.R.C. (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified technicians in water damage and/or fire damage. The restoration professional should be able to present an identification card listing their certifications. Ask for their rating on Angie’s List and/or with the Better Business Bureau. Forgetting these simple questions could make a bad situation MUCH worse.

If a house sustains fire damage, proper cleanup is crucial as the ash, soot and water will wreak havoc on what remains.  It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.

If your frozen pipe has burst causing water to spread all over your home or business causing water damage, give Amerestore a call immediately! The sooner our Amerestore Team arrives the less long-term damage will occur.

Call 317-894-8055 immediately and our Emergency Response Team will respond to your call.

• Simple, low-cost measures can improve heating system performance and reduce winter energy bills.
• Start with a heating system inspection and continue with regular maintenance and duct sealing.
• Weatherize the building envelope and check for proper insulation levels.
• Duke Energy has many incentives for energy efficient HVAC equipment. Learn more here.