Mold Removal

Any time there is a flood of any kind, it’s a problem, but when there is a flood involving sewage, the cleanup is not only more disgusting, but it is also more dangerous and a much bigger cleanup. Sewage cleanup is no simple task and it can pose health risks so it is important to hire an experienced restoration company. As we will explore below, some cleaning tasks are simply best left to the professionals, and sewage cleanup is certainly one of those tasks.

Expertise That Matters

Sewage backups are not your everyday spills; they bring a host of contaminants and potential health hazards that require professional expertise to properly clean. It is essential to work with professionals that are certified by the Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) because it ensures that they have undergone the necessary training and are equipped with the latest techniques and best practices to properly restore your property.

Comprehensive Sewage Cleanup

Sewage backups can contaminate areas far beyond the visible damage. The professional restoration process goes beyond just cleaning up the mess you can see with your eyes. Sewage cleanup requires professional expertise and tools to ensure that every nook and cranny is properly sanitized which will prevent bacteria from growing and cross-contaminating other areas. 

Odor Control and Sanitization

At this point, if you’re like most people, you are probably thinking that sanitizing is essential but…what about the smell from a sewage backup? Long-lasting odor can be a problem after a sewage backup but it is important not to just mask the smell – odor must be eliminated at the source. Proper and thorough sanitization is an essential step in preventing airborne illnesses and ensuring that your space is safe. 

Equipped for Success

Proper restoration after a sewage backup is more than just hard work; it also requires specialized tools and equipment. A quality restoration company will have all the necessary tools such as air movers and dehumidifiers, subfloor drying equipment, wood floor drying systems, and more to efficiently and effectively complete your sewage cleanup. These professional tools 

Professional help is not just recommended—it is essential when it comes to sewage cleanup. At Premier Restorations, our certified team, quick response, comprehensive cleanup, and state-of-the-art equipment guarantee that your property will be restored to its pre-damage state, allowing you to return to your normal life with confidence. We are available 24/7 to assist you so, when disaster strikes, do not hesitate to call us.

If there is one thing every homeowner dreads, it is a flood. No matter what the cause of a home flood is, be it a natural disaster or plumbing issue, the aftermath and cleanup can feel daunting and stressful. A prompt response is essential in minimizing damage and preventing further complications like mold growth, rot, and other issues. But, most homeowners have no idea where to start when cleaning up after a flood. For this reason, if you experience a flood, it is extremely beneficial to hire a professional restoration company that has the expertise to properly and quickly clean up after a flood. Below, we take a look at some best practices and strategies for cleaning up after a flood.

How to Clean Up After a Flood:

• Ensure Safety:
  • Before you enter a flooded area, it is important that you make sure it is safe to do so. First, turn off the main power supply if there is a risk of electrical hazards. Also, you should wear appropriate protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots to avoid contact with contaminated water. Once it is safe to enter, you should ideally contact a professional restoration company to initiate the cleanup process because they have the necessary tools, equipment, and knowledge to properly remove any remaining water and mitigate the damage.
• Extract Water and Dry the Area:
  • Professional restoration companies have advanced equipment designed specifically for extracting water from various types of flooring, including hardwood, Pergo, and laminate. This high-tech equipment ensures that water is efficiently and, most importantly, thoroughly removed. Then, high-velocity airflow is directed into the affected area to dry everything from the bottom up, preventing cupping and warping of hardwood floors.
• Ensure Structural Drying:
  • Structural drying must be thorough to prevent long-term damage and mold growth. A professional restoration company will use industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture from walls, floors, and other structural elements. This step should not be overlooked because it significantly reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and rot from developing which are some of the last things you want to deal with in your home because they are costly, frustrating, and dangerous.
• Address Sewage Contamination:
  • When flooding includes sewage contamination, it certainly complicates the cleanup process but a professional restoration company is equipped to handle the cleanup safely. They use special techniques as well as strong disinfectants to eliminate harmful pathogens that are often found in sewage-contaminated water so that the affected area is thoroughly sanitized.
• Insurance Assistance:
  • Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially after a flood. A reliable restoration company can assist you with the insurance claim process, providing documentation, photographs, and detailed reports to support your claim and help expedite the settlement.

Most homeowners know that mold is bad and shouldn’t be ignored but many may not realize just how common it is to find mold in their homes, even if they cannot see it. Mold is toxic and tends to grow in damp environments but can be found virtually anywhere in a home. There are many different mold varieties that not only cause damage to your home’s physical structure but also can cause many short and long-term health problems. Because of this, it is essential to hire a professional mold remediation service if you suspect or know that you have mold in your home. 

Health Issues Related to Mold Exposure

While some health issues related to mold exposure can be treated, others may be permanent. Studies have shown a link between mold exposure and the development of asthma in children, memory loss, fatigue, lung issues, and other long-term health effects. The most common health issues resulting from mold exposure include breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, headaches, persistent cough, cold symptoms, skin irritation, burning in the eyes, throat, nose, and lungs, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Why DIY Mold Remediation is Unreliable & Often Ineffective

Mold must not be ignored but many homeowners think if they just use bleach to clean mold and they can no longer see or smell it – it is gone. Unfortunately, simply wiping away mold with things like bleach is not enough – if even a single microscopic pore is left behind, it can grow back. That is why mold must be professionally remediated. Whether you know you have mold or think you might but want to be certain, professional mold inspection and remediation are essential. 

Importance of Professional Mold Remediation

Mold is often hidden in unexpected or hard-to-see locations. A professional inspection will not only address the areas of known mold infestation but will also thoroughly check your property for other signs of mold, ensuring your home has been completely remediated. Professionals identify and remove the mold: Experienced professionals will identify the type of mold present, remove it, and – most importantly – completely remediate the affected area. They will ensure that not even microscopic spores are left behind which prevents the mold from recurring.

There are few things worse for a homeowner than discovering you have mold. And, even after you have had it professionally remediated, you may still have a lingering mold odor in your home. The musty, mildewy, damp smell is unpleasant and can be tricky to eliminate. Be certain to hire a remediation company that uses the latest techniques and tools that will fully scour your property for any sources of foul odors and completely eliminate the cause of those odors.

Identify the Source of the Mold Odor

First, you need to ensure the mold has actually been completely eliminated. If the odor goes away temporarily and then returns, it could be that there is still mold growing somewhere. If even a tiny spore of mold is left behind, it can grow again. It’s important to note that mold can grow in areas that are not visible, such as behind walls or under flooring. Once you have identified the source of the mold odor, you can take the necessary steps to completely eliminate it.

Clean and Disinfect Affected Areas

Once the source of the mold odor has been identified, it’s time to clean and disinfect the affected areas. A remediation company will use professional technologies and tools to clean the affected areas thoroughly. This will help to kill any remaining mold spores so that they can no longer grow and spread.

Remove Damaged Materials

If mold has caused damage to walls, flooring, or other materials in your home, it may be necessary to remove and replace these materials. Mold has a tendency to grow inside walls or other hidden areas, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent it from spreading.

Use an Air Purifier

One of the most effective ways to eliminate lingering mold and mildew smells is to use an air purifier. Air purifiers work by filtering the air and removing any particles that may be causing the odor. Look for an air purifier that has a HEPA filter, which can capture even the smallest particles.

Every homeowner dreads discovering a burst pipe in their home. Dealing with it quickly is essential in minimizing damage, but that is not always possible. When a pipe bursts, water rapidly floods your home and as soon as it does, water damage occurs and quickly lays the groundwork for mold and mildew growth. It is extremely inconvenient and destructive but, with quick action and the proper restoration steps, you can minimize damage and get your home back in working order. 

The moment you discover a burst pipe you should immediately turn off the water. This will stop the flow of water and help minimize potential water damage. If there is standing water, it is best to turn off the electricity in the affected areas because there is a risk of electrocution if you step in standing water. The next thing you should do is remove valuables from the affected areas. Your home can be restored but some valuables are irreplaceable so if you think there is anything that cannot be replaced or is extremely valuable, now is the time to remove it. 

Once you have stopped the flow of water and addressed the immediate concerns after a burst pipe, the next thing to think about is minimizing damage. The faster you work to get rid of water and take proper restoration steps, the better. That is because, aside from water damage, mold and mildew grow very quickly and can lead to very costly repairs. Now is the time to call a professional restoration company for emergency burst water pipe repair and restoration. Your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover water damage and a high-quality restoration company will help you handle your insurance claim and get to work on the water damage quickly. 

It is important to hire a professional because mold and mildew can be hard to detect and even harder to get rid of. The last thing you want with water damage is to cut corners on restoration because it can lead to higher repair costs and even more important – it puts the health of your family at risk. A professional burst pipe restoration company has the necessary tools and expertise to remove all standing water, dry out your property as quickly as possible, address any hidden damage, and make the necessary repairs. A burst pipe is a stressful emergency for a homeowner but with a fast response and effective professional restoration, your home will be back in working order in no time!