One Call Services understands the crucial importance of beginning the water damage restoration process as quickly as possible. As each minute passes, secondary water damage escalates the severity of the damage and expands the scope of the cleanup and restoration process. When the secondary damage advances due to delay, the property owner should be aware that the cost of the restoration project increases significantly.
Waiting a day or two can complicate the recovery process even more. After 48 hours, carpet and padding cannot be salvaged but must be removed and replaced with new products, increasing the restoration expense by thousands of dollars. Mold and mildew may grow and spread. Water-logged windows, doors, and studs swell and warp. Rust and corrosion begin to impact metal surfaces. Furniture warps and displays signs of mold. Finishes on the furniture blister and permanently stain the carpet. Upholstery colors bleed. Painted surfaces start to blister. Wood flooring swells and warps. Serious biohazard contamination becomes a matter of concern.
Delaying the start of the water extraction and removal process beyond 24 to 48 hours causes the health risks related to mold to be elevated significantly. After one or two days, mold has enough time to grow and take hold in the moist environment, adding another layer of complexity to the property damage restoration. Not only is the project much more expensive due to the need for mold remediation, but the health effects can be harmful to the occupants, especially those persons with mold allergies or asthma.
The importance of engaging a water damage specialist as soon as possible is seen most vividly when mold is introduced into the water damage situation. A property owner who wants to resolve a water damage issue as a DIY project should consider the secondary damage that will occur if the restoration process moves too slowly, and the water and moisture are allowed to linger in the structure. An effort to save money could end up costing many times what could have been saved.
Understanding the health effects of a mold infestation illustrates the importance of having certified, highly trained, and experienced water damage professionals handle the restoration. Commercial-grade equipment, proven techniques, and advanced technologies create the efficiencies that are needed to stay out in front of a mold infestation after a water damage incident.
Health Symptoms Indicating a Potential Mold Infestation
Mold allergy causes signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions caused by mold allergy can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough and postnasal drip
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Watery eyes
- Dry, scaly skin
Symptoms of mold allergy are different from person to person and range from mild to severe. They may be year-round, or they may flare up only during certain times of the year. Symptoms may be more noticeable when the weather is damp or when indoor or outdoor spaces have high concentrations of mold.
Mold Allergy and Asthma
People having a mold allergy and asthma may find their asthma symptoms triggered by exposure to mold spores. Some people may experience a severe asthma attack when exposed to certain molds. Signs and symptoms of mold-induced asthma include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
When to See a Doctor
A person may need to see a physician if they have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms that persist.
Solutions to Mold Issues
One Call Services can mitigate mold colonies before they even have a chance to become a major household issue. Their services will also help maintain the good condition of a home or business. Keeping household surfaces free of mold is a positive investment in a house because heavy mold infestations can warp walls and flooring. A home that is mold-free, fresh, and clean will sell more quickly and at a better price.
One Call Services is the place to call for total household cleaning and maintenance needs. The trained personnel make certain that all household surfaces are sparkling clean and fungus free. One Call Services offers complete mold inspection, testing, and air quality sampling to ensure the home and office are free of mold and pathogens.For more information about water and sewage damage cleanup and restoration, along with mold mitigation, visit the One Call Services website at https://www.one-call-services.com. Contact the office by phone at (510) 394-1606 or by email at marco@one-call-services.com.