3 Types of Toxic Mold

Mold is something most homeowners are terrified of, and at Utah Flood Cleanup, we fully understand why. Everyone has heard the horror stories of toxic mold growth and about how living in moldy environments can potentially lead to a range of different health problems. However, the truth is that there are more than 100,000 different types of mold and only very few of these are actually toxic.

Of course, to the untrained eye, all mold looks to the same. This means that it's always a good idea to hire a mold remediation specialist, as otherwise, it will be impossible for you to know if you're facing one of the many harmless species or one of these truly toxic varieties.

Stachybotrys

Typically referred to simply as black mold, Stachybotrys is by far the most dangerous type of mold for human health. Unfortunately, it is also one of the toughest types of mold to fully get rid of once it has fully set into a building. In fact, while bleach is often effective at killing most other species, it seems to have virtually zero effect on Stachybotrys.

Worse still, decreasing the humidity levels in the home, which is important in helping to dry out any wet spots, generally makes black mold problems even worse. This is because the lower humidity levels cause the mold to release its spores, thus spreading the problem throughout the house.

Exposure to this type of mold can lead to a range of serious health problems, especially in infants and young children. Typically, the first signs of exposure are similar to a cold or flu and can include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, rashes and diarrhea.

There are actually numerous types of black-colored mold, but this particular species is actually more of a greenish-black color and is generally slimy. As well, it is only ever found on wood, paper, and other cellulose products.

Aspergillus/Penicillium

These are the two most common types of mold found in water-damaged indoor environments. Although it is what penicillin is made of, penicillium is nonetheless toxic and can lead to asthma, pulmonary edema, bronchitis and, in cases of long-term exposure, emphysema. Similarly, aspergillus also typically leads to pulmonary infections and asthmatic sensitivity.

Chaetomium

Not much is actually known about this rarer mold species. However, what is known is that it can potentially lead to permanent DNA damage and neurological damage. Like most other species, the first symptoms of exposure tend to be the same as other allergic-type reactions. Chaetomium usually thrives in wet drywall and generally emits a very strong, musty odor, which at least makes it slightly easier to diagnose.

In the long run, it doesn't really matter what sort of mold problems you're facing, as the most important thing you can do is to immediately attack the problem at the first signs. Acting quickly is one of the keys to successful mold remediation. Not only will this help prevent the mold from spreading and thus minimize the amount of damage it does to your home, but it will also prevent any serious damage to you and your family's health in case you are dealing with one of these toxic species.

About the Author:

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Tips for Home Fire Prevention

Despite having the word "flood" in our name, we also understand how an unchecked fire can lead to damage either from something catching  fire and burning a home down or from the smoke that results from a strong blaze and leads to ruined furniture and valuables. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 11,000 civilians were injured in 2015 from fires that started within the home. Below, we have provided a trio of tips to bear in mind in order to prevent a potential fire from affecting your home.

Tip #1: Be Mindful of Potential Heat Sources

Make sure that you have the house's heating system regularly checks by professionals. The term "heating system" includes any area where heat, flames or smoke are common, such as a fireplace or chimney. You want to make sure that all heat sources are clean and kept free of particulates that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.

It is also important to remember that a clothes dryer is a potential fire hazard if the lint trap is not regularly cleared. Should a clog develop in the dryer's filter or its lint trap, temperatures inside the dryer can grow beyond the rate that air escapes and the lint can be forced into contact with the dryer's heating element; resulting in a fire hazard.

Tip #2: Minimize the Chances For A Blaze Around the House

Keep potential sources of kindling as far away from the home as possible. Remember that this can include:

• Piles of firewood or dead tree limbs.
• Leaves either bagged up or left on the ground.
• Any form of trash or debris that can potentially work as an accelerant, such as anything oil- or paper-based.

Even a small patch of grass can lead to a massive blaze if it makes contact with any of the above, which may then spread to your house if left nearby. When disposing of hot ashes, toss them into a metal container far away from the home and any garage or tool shed.

As for mindfulness inside the house, keep vessels of cooking oil far from the stove. When cooking something that involves oil, you should always pay attention to the stove. If a grease fire flares up, immediately cut off the burner and then suffocate the blaze by covering it with either a lid or generous amounts of baking soda.

Tip #3: Be Mindful of Your Electrical Needs

Be exceedingly mindful of heating devices commonly sold during the winter season. While space heaters are great for warming a room, they can elevate temperatures to levels sufficient for starting fires. Be mindful of outlet extensions and power strips; too many active devices can overload circuitry. Always replace old or distressed power cords.

If you have any issues or concerns with fire or smoke damage, please don't hesitate to contact us at Utah Flood Cleanup. We can be reached through our website or over the phone at (801) 416-2666.

About the Author:

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Common Household Fire Hazards

Household fires are a common problem not to be ignored. Not only can fires cause a huge amount of damage to your home but they put the lives of you and your family at risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are over 350,000 house fires every year in the United States alone.

Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of fire, as many of the major causes of fire can be eliminated with proper safety precautions and a little bit of common sense. Below are 3 of the most common household fire hazards to watch out for.

1. Cooking

The majority of household fires are a result of cooking accidents. When people leave a hot stove or oven turned on, they put their home at risk of fire.

To prevent these risks be sure to use common sense and practice basic safety precautions.

Make sure to turn off any cooking equipment after using. Follow all cooking instructions closely, and be careful when using kitchen items.

Be sure that there are no flammable materials around cooking areas and surfaces. Unplug portable kitchen appliances when not in use and clean up all grease and oil spills immediately.

2. Electrical Systems

Electrical systems, particularly lighting sources, are another major cause of household fires. Lighting sources account for the majority of electrical fires and offer a considerable risk for your home.

Each year, more than $1 billion of property damage occurs each year due to electrical issues.

Be extra careful when setting up and maintaining the electrical systems in your home. Make sure that a qualified professional takes care of all of the wiring in your home and assure that electrics are properly installed.

Also, be sure to avoid using frayed and damaged cords. Be extra wary of overloading any power outlets in your home.

3. Candles

Candles can also offer a risk for your home. It can only take a few minutes of leaving an open flame unattended before an immense amount of damage is done.

Believe it or not, candle fires are quite common and the NFPA has found that from 2007-2011, candles started an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S, leading to many deaths and injuries as well as property damage.

A pet or child can easily nudge or knock over a candle. Be sure not to leave candles unattended and never use a candle too close to flammable materials. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable. Never leave a candle burning when you go to sleep at night.

The above list is just a few of the main fire hazards that we have found to be the most common, but there are many others. Be sure to take all of the preventative measures you can and you will be sure to never go through the pain of a household fire.

If the worst should happen, be assured that here at Utah Flood Cleanup we offer a full range of fire damage services that will help protect your home.

We offer a range of fire restoration services and can help restore your property and repair any stains, soot, or structural damage issues that occur. We also have services to help with damage from mold, flooding, and sewage backup. Call 801-876-5225 today for a free consultation.

 About the Author: 

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Signs of Black Mold

Discovering black mold in your home can be scary and frustrating. It's a toxic fungus that grows in damp areas, such as basements, and can severely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Black mold can be the result of flooding due to extreme weather conditions, poor ventilation, plumbing leaks or burst pipes.

A constant moist environment will only feed mold growth and lead to an infestation that will require professional remediation from the pros like us at Utah Flood Cleanup. This could cost you a lot of money or even your home. Not to mention cause respiratory illness or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. However, paying attention to the warning signs could get black mold out of your home before it gets too bad. Below are the three main warning signs of mold you should look out for.

Black Mold Can Be Seen

Mold usually appears as stains on the walls, furniture or other items. It comes in a variety of colors, but black mold obviously appears to be black. The stains or spots you see are actually a collection of mold spores. Spores are released into the air, and can be expelled through the ventilation system and inhaled deep into the lungs. So, if you see black mold stains on your wall this means there are a lot of mold spores around.
Dark mold that's found along baseboards and the lower part of the wall and accompanied by dampness of high humidity levels is most likely black mold, especially after flooding. If you discover this, you'll need to contact us immediately.

It Has a Musty or 'Moldy' Odor

Black mold is often smelled before it's seen. A musty or 'moldy' odor is an indication of microbial growth before any visible growth is detected on walls and other structures. This smell is often wafted through the ventilation system and can even be an indication that there's mold in the vents. If you smell a persistent pungent musty odor, then you must likely have some black mold growth in your home.

Black Mold Causes Health Problems

Respiratory issues is also an early indicator of black mold. Mold spores can be inhaled through the mouth and nose. This can cause coughing, congestion, sneezing, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, constant colds, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, bronchitis and more.

Black mold is the most toxic form of mold and it can cause extreme issues and even be fatal to people with respiratory problems. Because it's so detrimental to the IAQ of a home and causes so many health problems, home's with black mold must be evacuated immediately. When we come into your home to re-mediate the mold, we'll make sure its all clear and livable before inviting you back in.

If you've been the victim of flooding or have seen signs of black mold growth, then you should call us at Utah Flood Cleanup immediately. Our certified specialists will come in, perform a mold inspection, clean things up, dry thing out and re-mediate that mold. We'll make your home like new and have you back in it in no time - safe and sound!

About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Reasons to Choose Professional Mold Removal

Mold is never a word you want to hear regarding the inside of your home. Unfortunately mold and mold spores can't be prevented from entering a home. It can grow on any surface as long as there is ample moisture. In this situation, professional help is definitely advised.

Serious Health Hazard

Mold poses health risks to everyone exposed, young or old, healthy or ill. Depending on the type of mold, reactions can vary. According to the CDC, some common health problems reported are:
•    allergic reactions - sneezing, coughing, rash
•    fever
•    fatigue
•    flu-like symptoms
More serious health hazards that can occur are lung infections and fungal infections. Sometimes the illnesses can be tricky to diagnose if mold isn't immediately suspected or known to exist in the home. Yours or your loved ones health aren't worth risking. When mold is found, it's safest to have it removed correctly, right away.

Small Spores Can Be Hard To Locate

Mold spores, the form in which mold spreads and multiplies, are microscopic. It's not until mold has established growth that you will be able to see it. As trained professionals, we are able to locate the problem areas - whether from flood damage, a leak, etc. - and properly clean and repair the damage. This includes mold removal. The task can be daunting, especially without proper equipment and cleaners. Not to mention it's not something you will want to have to do again, especially if the problem area is behind a wall or in another hard to reach spot.

Home Value

If you have ever shopped for a used car, you probably checked to make sure it wasn't previously wrecked. There's a feeling that once something major has happened, the damages may never be fully repaired or cause recurring issues. The same often goes for homes. If your home has been affected by mold, or has been flooded and not checked for mold, a potential buyer could see that as a red flag, thus delaying the sale. Having your home and any issues arising with it properly and professionally handled gives assurance that all is well. A buyer wouldn't have to worry about future problems and your home value elevated.
Home is most likely where you spend most of your time. It's where your family and friends congregate, where you entertain, relax and maybe even work. You expend time and money to make it the best it can be. Any time something goes wrong such as a natural disaster, water pipe burst, mold growth, it is always best to get it taken care of quickly and effectively. At Utah Flood Cleanup we pride ourselves in getting your home, your life, back to normal. We have friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to make your clean up issue a distant memory, keeping your health, peace of mind and home in excellent condition.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

Flood Damage vs Water Damage

Of all the possible catastrophes that can damage a house, floods are the least predictable in terms of the damage that they might cause. Some property owners have the ability to restore their houses even if they have to get rid of some furnishings, devices, and items such as rugs and drapes. Other house owners find themselves confronted with to hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. Even then, mold might still grow behind walls and in other locations where water damage cannot quickly be seen.

Unfortunately, lots of people do not recognize that their homeowner's insurance coverage will not cover flood damage till it's far too late. While some of these property owners may qualify for catastrophe relief assistance or a bank loan, these sources of money frequently fall short of the actual expenses of making a terribly affected house safe, sanitary, and livable again.

Flood Damage vs Water Damage

For the functions of insurers, a flood is defined as a short-term rising of water on land that is usually dry, causing broad damage to numerous properties. Flooding can happen due to:

• The overrunning of a body of water, such as a river, ocean, or lake
• Heavy rains that cause water to flow into the basement of a home since of the soil's inability to absorb it quickly enough
• A mudslide triggered by heavy rains

The sort of water damage covered by the majority of house owner's insurance plan does not increase from the ground, but rather enters contact with the home before it hits the ground. For example, if a heavy rain causes water to seep through your roofing or water escapes into your home due to a burst pipe, the resulting damage will probably be covered by your house owner's insurance.

Where to Begin

Flood survivors are not required to wait on an inspection from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or their insurer to start cleaning up and make repairs. FEMA inspectors and insurance coverage claims adjusters will be able to verify flood damage after cleansing has begun.

It's essential for survivors to take pictures of any damage and keep recovery-related invoices. Insurer might require both products, while FEMA might require receipts.

Survivors should examine for structural damage prior to entering their homes and report any damage. They should likewise instantly get rid of damp items like bed linen, carpeting, and furnishings since of health problems that might emerge with mold.

Know Your Policy Terms

The vast majority of property owner's insurance coverage water damage and flood damage, covering losses caused by the previous and not by the latter.

If you live in a high-risk flood risk location and have a mortgage from a federally backed or guaranteed lender, then you already have flood insurance as a condition of your home mortgage. If, nevertheless, you do not have flood insurance, you might need to think about alternative ways of funding the flood repairs to your home.

Whatever the case, you ought to call your insurance coverage agent right away to discuss what is and exactly what is not covered by your insurance policy. Even if your policy does not cover flood damage, it may cover other damage sustained by your home during a flood, consisting of theft of individual products and damage triggered by electrical fires.

To emphasize it again, only flood insurance coverage will protect you from damage triggered by a flood.

Flood Cleanup Tips

Every year, floods kill more individuals than lightning, twisters and hurricanes combined. They can also ruin homes and businesses, requiring everything from new drywall and furnishings to completely brand-new structures.

If your house or business location has been flooded due to a natural disaster, your first concern is safety. Stay away from the location til government authorities state it's safe to return. When you can go back, take emergency materials and money with you. If you can get to a phone, call your insurance provider and, if essential, a flood and water damage restoration contractor.

Then, you can begin on examining the mess. Be careful with every step, since the threat of slips and falls is high. Also, be extremely mindful around appliances, gas lines and electrical devices. Using them too soon might trigger electrical shocks as well as surges. And remember that wet items can be extremely heavy. Don't injure yourself by overdoing it.

Where to Start When Inspecting Flood Damage

Your house and its contents might look beyond hope, but much of your valuables can be restored. If you do things right, your flooded home can be cleaned up, dried out, rebuilt, and reoccupied earlier than you think. While you are getting the job done ahead, you ought to remember these three essential points:

1. Play it safe. The risks are not over when the water goes down. Your home's foundation may have been damaged, the electrical system may have shorted out, and floodwaters might have left things that could make you sick. Many flooded items, such as wallboard and bed mattress, will hold mud and contamination permanently. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't risk injury or infection.

2. Request for aid. Lots of people can do a great deal of the clean-up and repair work talked about in this book. However if you have technical questions or do not feel comfy doing something, get expert help. If there is a federal catastrophe declaration, a telephone "hotline" will often be advertised to supply details about public, personal, and voluntary programs to help you recover from the flood. Federal government catastrophe programs are there to assist you, the taxpayer. You're paying for them; check them thoroughly.

3. Floodproof. It is highly probable that your house will be flooded again sooner or later. Floodproofing means utilizing products and practices that will avoid or reduce flood damage in the future. Numerous floodproofing methods are economical or can be easily integrated into your rebuilding program. You can save a great deal of money by floodproofing as you repair and restore. You need to also get ready for the next flood by buying flood insurance and writing a flood response strategy.

In Conclusion: Don't Underestimate Flood Damage

Don't underestimate flood water in unwanted locations: even if your basement only has an inch of water in it, or is just damp, it can provide the ideal breeding place for mold. Mold development not just ruins walls, furniture, carpets, flooring, etc., but it can also cause bad indoor air quality triggering respiratory problems including asthma, and can cause severe sickness. Avoiding mold development is essential to keeping your home's air clean and healthy. So after the location has dried out, especially wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., utilize a good disinfectant to get rid of any germs that might have turned up through sewers, toilets, etc. Gloves Off Disinfectant, is a non-toxic but effective disinfectant. Disinfect all areas impacted by the flood waters consisting of walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that were stained by flood water.

About Us

Utah Flood Cleanup is a 5-star disaster cleanup service centered in Ogden. We’ve been in business since 1992 and are available 24/7 for your damage restoration needs!