Mar

13

My next door neighbors and I have a very serious problem. Our landlord has been renting out the duplex we are living in, knowing full well of the many problems that are currently plaguing our respective homes. Among these problems are collapsing roofs, collapsing shower floors, and water damaged kitchen sinks. But most of all, he is fully aware of the mold problems that are currently going on. The fact that he knows about it is bad enough. However, he has been advised by both tenants in the last several months that it would be in his best interests to find a way to remove the mold infestations. Both bathrooms have visible mold throughout. It has become difficult for me personally to even shower and bathe regularly because of this, for I fear that my health is worsening. Despite these advisements and concerns being voiced, our landlord has deemed the mold problem a low priority matter. While he has deemed it a low priority matter, I have noticed that the occupants – myself included – have suffered from increased illness, including sinus infections, coughing, headaches, nausea, and other varied illnesses. My roommate, who has a strengthened immune system, has even suffered through similar symptoms. Short of going behind my landlord’s back and reporting him to the health department, I see no other course of action to improve the situation. Thankfully, I am moving out soon, as is my roommate. My only hope is to help others by finding a way to resolve the matter, and spreading the word to others to watch for mold and other problems when looking at apartments or houses to move into. Mold is a very serious matter and is not to be taken lightly.

Sep

24

It really is a sad tragedy when an event such as a house fire takes something that is near and dear to your heart. Family photos, memories, personal belongings, and other items could easily be taken away. And in times like these, with the recent Herriman wildfire, we are often reminded of the potential for damage fire can bring. Not only must you take into account the damage the fire itself can bring, but also soot and smoke, as well as the water it takes for the firefighters to put out the fire. And as we all know, with that water comes the potential for water and flood damage, not to mention mold damage.

Utah Flood Cleanup can help you to go through the process of cleanup and remediation of a house fire. Granted, Utah Flood Cleanup can’t really bring your lost photos or belongings back, but they can help you go through the process of calling the insurance company to see if fire damage is covered along with water and flood damage (shocking as this may seem, not all insurance companies cover both fire and water damage), emergency board-up if needed, and the fire, smoke, water, and mold damage cleanup process itself.

Just know that Utah Flood Cleanup is here and can help in times when a house fire takes over your home.

(Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families that lost their homes in the Herriman wildfire this past weekend. You are in our hearts and our prayers.)

Jul

17

No matter where you find it in your home, mold is a scourge that we all want to eradicate. Black mold in particular has gained national attention in recent months because of the illnesses it has caused. However, with some careful work, such as mold remediation, and some preventive maintenance, mold does not need to be the horrible foe that it is made out to be.

First you should know some facts about mold and where it can be found. Mold will grow on virtually any organic substance and only needs a trace of moisture and some oxygen to get the reproductive process started. Buildings are really airtight these days, and they do not allow for venting, which gives mold a better chance of gaining a stronghold. Vigilance is very important because of this; watch for and eradicate any signs of moisture. Monitor water pipes and replace them if there are any leaks. If you do this you may not need to employ mold remediation.

Keep the humidity levels of your house down to at the very most 60%, but lower would be even better. Make sure that your home is well insulated and allow air to circulate to keep things dried up. Make sure that your appliance drip pans are emptied often. Because your dryer can raise humidity in your home, vent it outside and use an outdoor line as much as possible. If moisture is a huge problem in your area, consider limiting the number of houseplants to a bare minimum and skip the aquarium altogether. If you don’t you might then have to employ mold remediation.

Mold remediation may be an involved and dangerous process, especially for those susceptible to the illnesses that the mold spores can cause. First, you must decide whether or not certain family members will need to be removed from the home during this process. Those that are very old, very young or have weakened or compromised immune systems should probably go stay somewhere else until the mold removal process is completed.

Also be sure to contact a professional mold removal company to do all mold removal projects, as dealing with mold can prove to be quite hazardous. They will help you go through the process of drying the area and then determining the best possible solution to remove the mold, making your home habitable for those family members once again.

Another big reason why you should consult a professional mold removal company is insurance. Dealing with insurance companies, as some of you can attest, can be quite challenging, especially in matters relating to water and mold damage. However, most – if not all – professional mold removal companies handle the process of dealing with insurance agents for you, so all you have to worry about is staying safe and keeping those you love safe as well.