Water Damage and Preventing Mold in Florida

Water Damage in Florida

Water damage in the home can come from many different sources and they can be presented in many different ways. Damage to dwellings and items within them that is caused by water, is the most frequently filed claim by insurances. Every year an average 37 to 40% of homeowners will make a water damage claim in the U.S.  Florida is the second highest state for water damage claims in the U.S. with approximately 225, 222 according to NICB.

If you live in Florida, you are too familiar with the amount of rain endured across the state each year. Large amounts of rain can cause flooding and other problems such as leaky pipes can damage your home. Mold can start growing in 24 - 48 hours if water damage is left untreated.

Potential Causes of Water Damage

The primary causes of water damage include:

• Overflowing sinks, toilets, tubs, etc.
• Broken or leaky water heater system
• Burst or cracked water pipes
• Damage caused by cold, heat, wind, etc.
• Rain water from storm runoff
• Leaky roofs and canopies
• Local flooding and runoff water
• Water from neighboring sources or properties
•Storm damage allowing water to enter the home

 

After a flood or water leak your home may dry out, but there can still be problems left behind that are not visual. Damp areas can cause mold to grow.  Sometimes the damage is obvious as is the case with rotting wood under soaked carpet, and other times it may take a while before the full extent of the water damage is known. This is why it's important to have a mold inspection in Florida by a reputable company.

Prevent Mold and Mildew in Your Florida Home

When water damage occurs it is important to take action immediately in order to keep mold at bay and salvage whatever you can. As soon as you safely can enter the premise again start with drying things out with fans, opening windows and doors where possible. The less water left in the carpets, walls, and furniture, the less moisture there will be in the air and the less chance there is for mold growth.

Within as little as 24 hours, mold can begin to form; it is important to act right away to protect your home from mold. Mold is a major health concern and can make people very sick; especially children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems. This is why having a mold inspection in Florida is such a big deal after your home has been damaged by water.  Even when you think there is no mold after water damage; there can be places it lurks under floor boards, in walls, or attic space.

How to Choose a Mold Removal Company

When searching for a mold specialist, it's important to choose a company that is licensed and insured. Reputable mold removal companies also will work with your insurance company directly. At Authorized Services we have been providing mold remediation in Florida for over 20 years. This is why we want to provide consumers the best information about mold removal and handling mold. There are many companies out there that have mold removal scams, so look for companies that are licensed, insured, and bonded. Never try to remove mold yourself because it can make you very sick. Professional mold specialists take extra precautions when removing mold and making sure it doesn't return.

 

What is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew in Florida?

Is it Mildew or Mold Growing in Your Florida Home?

Like two similar members of the same dysfunctional family, mold and mildew share some keen similarities: Both prefer to live in moist, warm areas that fuel their fungal growth and spread. They can attach themselves to a multitude of surfaces where they can grow- your food, your shower walls, your note paper, and even your home itself.

Mold and mildew both are two types of fungi that a homeowner never wants to see setting up residence. Despite their similarities, mold and mildew do have their difference in terms of size, color, and texture. The first step to mildew removal is to be able to identify so that is what we are going to do here.

Mildew basically is a surface fungus which is usually identified as a patch of soft fungal growth, usually grey or white in color that attaches itself to the surface of a moist area. Mildew is most often treated quite easily with a good general cleaner, a scrub brush, and a little bit of elbow grease.

Mold, however, can be black or green, is thicker in appearance, and is often present in larger quantities which tends to mean a larger fungal infestation. This type of fungus is often described as being fuzzy in appearance, especially when it is found on food, or slimy, especially when it is found in wet areas.

Being able to properly take care of a mold or mildew infestation requires being able to identify what you are dealing with so you can determine what the best course of action will be. Mold removal is usually bit harder than mildew removal but both can be made easier when you go about it the right way. Protect yourself and your family and do not let mold or mildew call your home theirs any longer!

As experts in mildew and mold removal in Sarasota, Clearwater, and all over Florida; we know the health issues that it can cause.  At Authorized Services, we care about our customers and want to provide important mold facts and information. Check back with us for more information about mold problems in Florida and solutions.

Should You Be Scared of Black Mold in Your Florida Home?

What Is Black Mold and How Does It Impact Your Health?

The term black mold or toxic mold is used to describe certain types of fungal growths in dwellings that have poor air quality. While the CDC clarifies that it isn’t the mold itself that is toxic, there is some chance that the mycotoxins produced by the mold could be inimical to health. 

More importantly, the presence of black mold indicates poor indoor air quality that ought to be a warning bell for anyone concerned with the health and well-being of the inhabitants of any interior space. Mold is known to trigger allergies and exacerbate existing respiratory problems. Researchers have found that exposure to mold could trigger problems in healthy kids and that early mold exposure increases asthma risk. 

Do You Need to Have a Mold Inspection?

Many Florida homes have moisture and when air conditioning is not being used; mold can grow fast. Mold can also grow rapidly within 2 days after a water leak or flood.  Opting for mold inspection could help determine your indoor air quality and whether or not your will need mold remediation. 

If your mold inspection reveals you have mold in your home, it's important to have licensed and insured professional mold remediation. At Authorized Services, we have been providing mold remediation Sarasota and all over Florida for over 20 years. When you choose a company for mold remediation it's important that they also guarantee their work. We stand behind our mold remediation services, which is why we have a top notch reputation throughout Florida.

Authorized Services offers a coupon for free mold inspection when you visit our site. If you think that black mold or other mold is growing in your home, don't wait.

Mold Decontamination in Florida

After any incident of water intrusion in Florida, it is important to have the right services performed to remove growing mold or to prevent it. In addition to this, residential decontamination services FL is essential.

What Is Mold Decontamination?

Mold remediation Florida is an important service that ensures all areas of your home or business that were affected by mold are decontaminated. Removing contamination from mold will help protect you, your family, your workers or your customers. Mold has harmful effects regardless of where it grows and that is why professional mold remediation is used to remove it and ensure it doesn't return. For example, mold that starts growing in your commercial HVAC system will result in contaminated air. If the air is contaminated with mold, your customers and workers could become ill. Mold can grow in home HVAC systems, the result may be family members developing illnesses from mold. Our professional mold decontamination services remove the mold and sanitize the areas it affected.

Do I Need Decontamination After Water Intrusion In Florida?

It is smart to have mold remediation and decontamination services performed after any water intrusion event. Florida is a very humid state, which contributes to the growth of mold. Using a fan or dryer after water enters a home or business is not a sufficient method of preventing mold. If any water seeped under the carpet, into the wood, under furniture or into an HVAC system, mold is likely to develop. Our inspection specialists have plenty of experience in identifying and treating mold problems following water intrusion.

If you need residential or commercial mold remediation and decontamination services, call us for quick service. Do not try to use DIY or home methods of removing mold and decontaminating affected areas. Some of these methods involve harmful chemicals or ineffective methods that will only leave you with a growing mold problem and a possible health hazard. For the best protection of your family and business, professional remediation and decontamination is the answer.

We think the best way to help you solve your possible mold problem is a free mold inspection in FL. If you have been searching for a free mold inspection in FL, call us to come look at your property. In most cases, insurance covers mold remediation and decontamination. We have over 20 years of experience in dealing with insurance companies, and our free inspection helps determine if your mold damage is covered. After any water intrusion from leaks or flooding, call for our reputable services.

Avoid the Dangers of Mold with Remediation from Authorized Services

Certain items that lurk out of sight in your home can be hazardous to your health. For example, mold may be growing behind the walls of your house. Even though it may be hard to detect, it is important to recognize the dangers of mold in homes. When an outbreak is suspected, it is essential to consult with professionals who specialize in mold remediation in Sarasota and the surrounding areas of FL.

Mold remediation in Venice is essential to clean up and remove mold from your home. If mold accumulates in large quantities, it can cause a number of health problems, especially in people with mold sensitivities. This fungus produces allergens that can cause a person to experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, or rashes. In people with strong allergies, fevers and breathing difficulties may arise. Besides these minor symptoms, mold can cause major asthma attacks as well. With prolonged exposure, individuals with chronic breathing problems may develop mold infections. To combat the dangers of mold in homes, it is crucial to hire experts who understand how to perform mold decontamination in Clearwater.

At Authorized Services, we are a company dedicated to effective mold removal in FL. This state commonly deals with damp and moist conditions that lead to mold formation. With the high humidity and frequent summer storms, most Florida residents are bound to struggle with mold at some point in time. When prevention does not work, it is necessary to get to work and begin professional mold remediation in Venice and nearby locations.

Since there are multiple types of mold, we will identify the particular kind plaguing your home and use effective methods to remove it in the safest way possible. We have the equipment necessary to eliminate the entire problem so that the air becomes healthy to breathe.

Authorized Services is dedicated to excellent customer service. We have been in business for over two decades and offer top mold remediation in Sarasota and mold decontamination in Clearwater. Thanks to our affordable prices, you can return your home back to a comfortable and healthy place to live. 

Welcome to Authorized Services Blog

Welcome to Authorized Services your Florida mold remediation specialists blog. Our company offers mold remediation, mildew removal, water extraction, and many other restoration services. Our mold remediation blog will help you prevent mold and what to do when you have a mold or water disaster. Check back with us soon.