Mold Damage Checklist
Fall Weather is approaching…
This Quick Checklist Helps Prevent Water or Mold Damage
It happens every year in the Pacific Northwest. The beautiful late summer weather transforms to cooler temperatures, rain and more rain. Is your home at risk of water/mold damage this year?
Enviroshield encourages you to find the 24 hour number to your insurance company to prepare for a possible problem with water and mold caused by the onset of winter weather. We have more than 20 years of experience working with insurance companies and owners to clean up damage from rain, water and freezing temperatures. Enviroshield specializes in water damage and mold remediation. Remediation is a fancy term for the unique training and knowledge to not only dry out water damage but also eliminate a dreaded four letter word that brings fear to homeowners - MOLD.
Enviroshield recommends in the case of an emergency such as a broken pipe or toilet flood, its best to immediately call your insurance company. The company will then refer you to a Water Damage Company. For a non-emergency such as a leaking roof, drainage issues or water in a crawlspace you’ll need to ensure the company is prepared to handle the job. One of the more common occurrences we encounter with homeowners is a discolored ceiling, wall or floor from a water leak. Unfortunately, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. Since there is no state or federal regulations in this area, most Water Damage Companies who claim to do this type of specialty work do not have the training and experience to remove mold safely.
Now is a good time for a review. Answering yes to one or more of the following checklist items should prompt action:
- If your home was built before 1995 the building codes were often below current standards for sustaining the effects of rain, snow, ice, etc.
- If your roof is in need of replacement and/or if you have a flat roof.
- If your water heater is at least 5 years old. A hot water tank should be inspected every 5-7 years by a reputable plumber.
- If water lines connecting your dishwasher, toilets and refrigerator are old, cracked or breaking. Water lines should be inspected every 2 years by a reputable plumber.
- If you can see water rings on a ceiling, discolored paint, or vinyl floors changing colors. You should contact a water damage restoration company.
Most Common Areas Mold Lives in Your Home
Attic:
-Leaking roof due to improper installation of roofing material, vents or flashing.
-Poor ventilation.
-Blocked Vents.
-Venting of appliances and fans directly into the attic.
-Heating line that has been disconnected which creates humidity.
Bathroom:
-No exhaust fan, lack of use of an exhaust fan or poor ventilation.
-Pipe break or leak.
-Excess water seepage into the floor or walls from showering and other bathroom activities.
Bedroom:
-Dead air or poor air circulation
-Improper installation of windows or sweating windows
-Pipe breakage or roof leak
-Siding problems
Laundry Room:
-Poor installation and ventilation of the dryer vent
-Malfunctioning and leaking washing machine
Kitchen:
-Leaks produced from the sink, drains, fixtures, garbage disposal or dishwasher
-Poor ventilation around appliances
-Malfunctioning or leaking refrigerator
Living Room:
-Dead air or poor circulation
-Broken or leaky pipe (possibly from the exterior spigot)
-Siding issues
Crawl Space:
-Absence of a ground vapor barrier
-Water intrusion due to poor construction of foundation, sill plate, siding, vapor barrier, flashing and drainage system
-Broken or leaking pipe
-Rodent or animal invasion
-Poor Ventilation or blocked vents
-Water seepage from toilet, shower, etc.)
Garage:
-Water intrusion through the foundation or garage door
-Dead air or poor circulation
-Leak from the water tank
-Disconnection of exhaust vent from water heater or furnace
For more information regarding mold or water damage, contact us or call 1-866-222-1775