How do molds affect people? What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

Some people, like infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are more sensitive to molds. According to the CDC, symptoms of mold exposure include, "nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation." If you have an allergy to mold, then your symptoms may be much more severe. If you are experiencing these symptoms and suspect mold, call immediately to protect your health!

Where are molds found?

Molds are found just about everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Molds prefer a warm, humid environment. In your home, common areas for mold growth are in the shower and bathroom, basement, and attic. If you have recently experience a water leak, burst pipe, or sump pump failure, you should also be on the lookout for musty odors, which are a sign of mold growth.

I found mold growing in my home. Can I get rid of it with bleach or other household cleaners?

This depends on the situation, but in most cases, NO. You should NOT use bleach to eliminate a mold problem. Bleach is meant for cleaning hard, non-porous surfaces like kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs, and shower glass. Many times, mold grows in wood floorboards, walls, and ceilings. Bleach is not effective on these surfaces.

I have a mold problem and I've contacted a mold remediation company. How long will the process take?

Our professional mold remediation technicians at Family First Restoration. have a vast amount of knowledge. We promptly arrive onsite to assess the situation. We will inspect the affected areas, test for the types of mold present, and then begin the mold removal process. The timeframe for complete mold remediation depends on the size of the problem. In most cases, a basic mold problem in an attic or basement can take approximately one and a half to two days.

Do I need to leave my home while the mold remediation team works?

No, you do not need to leave your home during the mold remediation process. However, products used to combat the mold can emit a slightly unpleasant odor.

My home or business has been affected by water from a flood or leak. What can I do to prevent further damage?

Depending on the amount of water, you may need professional water damage restoration services. However, there are steps you can take to help the restoration company and ultimately reduce damage to your property. This includes removing as much water as you can with a wet-dry vacuum, removing loose items and rugs from the floors, and removing any valuables.

How do I know if my floors need to be replaced after a flood or water leak?

An evaluation can be performed once a professional restoration team has removed all the water and has begun the drying process. If you have carpeted floors, there are a few different factors like delamination, loss of adhesion, and permanent stains that affect whether or not they need to be replaced. If you have wood flooring, the drying process can take up to three weeks due to the wood's density and urethane finish. An insurance adjuster will be able to assist you in making the final decision as to whether floors will need to be refinished or replaced.

I've experienced a sewage backup. Can my furniture, flooring and possessions be saved?

After a sewage backup, hard surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized. However, porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, and paneling that have been affected should be removed and disposed of in order to avoid the spread of disease and mold growth.

I had a small fire in my home and the smoke smell is still lingering. What should I do?

If you have any remnants of fire damage, it is a good idea to call a professional fire restoration company. At Family First Restoration, we take care of the water, soot, and smoke damage after a fire. Our technicians use specialized techniques to detect, neutralize, and remove hazardous odors from the air.

What is the cost of restoration and mold remediation services?

At Family Restoration, we understand that after a disaster you have enough to worry about. That's why we accept all insurance companies. We also offer FREE direct insurance billing, which means that (in most cases) you won't pay any out of pocket costs.