What You Should Know About Mold and Humidity

A lot of people believe that temperature and mold go hand in hand. They feel that the warmer the temperature is, the more likely there will be mold. If this were the case, why isn’t there mold in saunas? Saunas average around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason is because saunas consist of dry heat. Mold must have moisture in the equation to grow. The moisture doesn’t have to be in liquid form either. It can be in vapor form, commonly referred to as humidity. Mold can grow when humidity levels exceed 60%. If humidity levels are maintained below 60%, mold simply cannot grow and becomes dormant. It can stay dormant for many years. When another source of moisture is introduced to the dormant mold, it immediately begins to grow again. Mold doesn’t just die on its own. The only way to eliminate it is by either killing it with chemicals such as biocides or antimicrobials or by physically removing it. This is known as remediation.
 

 

So how do you make sure that your home or business isn’t taken over by mold? Remember moisture must be present in order for it to grow. Don’t give it the right conditions and it can’t thrive. Many people turn their thermostats down in hopes to deter mold growth. Does this work? Do a/c units actually deter mold growth? They do but they only dehumidify while they are running. Thermostats are preset to a temperature that is comfortable for the individual.  Once the thermostat reaches that temperature, it shuts off, regardless of indoor humidity levels. Let’s say the thermostat is set for 75 degrees. One day it can be 75 degrees with a humidity level of 80%. The next day it can be 75 degrees with a humidity level of 20%. It is called relative humidity. It is relative to that particular temperature at that particular time it was tested. There are a few options available for maintaining indoor humidity levels.

 

A dehumidifier can be installed in the interior. A dehumidifier works on moisture only. It doesn’t care what the temperature is. Its only concern is to maintain humidity levels at the pre-set level. Many people believe that they run constantly. They only run when the humidity level exceeds the preset limit. They are also cheaper to operate than an HVAC system. Most dehumidifiers run on 110 volts while most HVAC systems require 220 volts. There are a few downfalls to dehumidifiers. They do emit some heat when they operate. The longer they run the more heat they would emit. Run time will vary by region and weather conditions. They also purge periodically. Most dehumidifiers have the option of adding a drain hose to the unit. When it is time for the unit to purge the excess water that has accumulated, it drains thru the hose into whatever drain system you choose (tub, sink, condensate drain line etc.). If a drain hose in not an option then the reservoir inside the dehumidifier must be dumped manually as needed. There is a float switch that will shut the unit off when the reservoir becomes full. This will keep the unit from purging water onto the floor. This method is not recommended if you will be gone for extended periods of time. Once the dehumidifier shuts off it is no longer able to maintain humidity levels. The water that has collected in the reservoir then begins to evaporate into a vapor form, becoming humidity once again.

 

The other option would be to install a dehumidistat in conjunction with the existing thermostat. Let’s say the thermostat is set at 78 degrees and the dehumidistat is set at 55%. If the interior temperature is 74 degrees the thermostat will not kick on. But if the humidity level reaches 56%, the dehumidistat will over-ride the thermostat and turn the HVAC system on. This uses the HVAC system as the actual dehumidifier. The downfall to this is higher electric bills. Remember that the HVAC system requires 220 volts.

 

  
Think of mold like a plant. Plants need water to survive. So does mold. Plant a seed in the ground and water it once. It will not grow. Water it on a regular basis and the seed will sprout. If mold is present and you feed it moisture (liquid or vapor), you will have your hands full. No moisture = no mold. 

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

You should always go over your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you are covered for all casualties. Most residents in Florida who carry homeowners insurance make the common mistake of not knowing the difference in flood damage coverage and water damage coverage. They cover entirely two different types of water damage that can be associated with heavy rains and storms. Flood insurance is a coverage that you purchase separately from your homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance only offers water damage coverage. Do you have an appropriate amount of coverage for your home and family?

Do you know what you are covered for and what damages will be excluded from your coverage? Water damage coverage can get tricky. It would be an ideal world if we bought one policy and it covered everything, however, life is not that simple.

For example, water that backs up through sewers or drains is not covered unless you buy sewer backup coverage separately. Damage from sewer backup would most likely be covered under your flood damage policy. Although, it will be denied if the sewer backup was not caused by a flood in the first place. Insurance companies can deny your water damage claim if you do not file in a timely manner.

You must report a water loss within 14 days to your insurance company or they could deny your claim. The 14 day rule can complicate a situation such as a water leak that you cannot visibly see. Such situations can become highly frustrating and unpredictable for the insured.

Useful information about coverage and exclusions:

• Flood insurance will only apply if either the flood affects two acres of land or it affects two homes, one being yours.
• Your personal contents may not be covered under a standard flood or water damage policy - get the details!
• Know the specifics - if a hot water heater springs a leak, the damage should be covered under your homeowners insurance. However, if the hot water heater springs a leak as a direct result of a flood, that would only be covered if you have flood insurance. 
• Mold may not be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Usually with water damage comes mold damage. Know if your policy excludes mold or not. 

You can purchase the coverage for personal belongings but usually there is a limit to how much you can cover. Floods and leaky pipes bursting can damage and ruin valuable items. Keeping a list of your valuable items and their worth will make it easier when it comes time to recover money for your losses.

Valuable items such as artwork, rare books, jewelry, etc. may fall under a different property coverage limit. There may be a maximum coverage of $2,500.00 for such valuables.

Flood Damage Coverage and Water Damage Coverage - What's the Difference?

If water damages your property it will either fall under flood damage or water damage. The question to ask yourself is "Did the water that damaged my home make contact with the ground before or after it entered my home?"

Flood damage: Water that damages your home after it has already made contact with the ground. 

Examples of flood damage:

• A river overflowing
• Flooded streets
• Mudslide
• A sewer back up caused by a storm

Water damage: Water that damages your home prior to it making contact with the ground. 

Examples of water damage:

• A broken water pipe spews water into your home
• Heavy rain causes your roof to leak 
• Rain enters your home through a broken window caused by a storm

Rule of thumb: Flood insurance and water damage coverage offered under your homeowners insurance policy does not mean you are duplicating coverage. Instead, they complement each other. 

Your homeowners policy should cover for additional living expenses for up to two weeks if you are denied access to your home by the civil authorities. Property damage to your home caused by a tornado and high winds is usually covered under your policy. Hail damage is generally covered under your homeowners policy as well. You should always do your research and fully understand what your policy covers before a storm arrives. 

What To Ask When Purchasing Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is very valuable to have to ensure that your finances do not take a hit due to unexpected damages to your property. Before purchasing homeowners insurance there are some questions you should ask and research in order to get the best deal. This article will take a look at 10 important questions you should ask before making a final decision on a new homeowners insurance policy.

1. Am I getting the best deal?

Shop around for the best deal when looking for homeowners insurance. Insurance companies are competitive and will offer different deals to different people, so make sure you get quotes from multiples providers.

2. Do I have a security system?

Having a security system may get you a discount with certain insurance companies. Before purchasing homeowners insurance you should look into which providers offer the best discounts.

3. Can I get a discount for my age?

Yes, insurers often offer discounts to seniors. Some insurance companies start giving discounts to those that are over the age of 50. It never hurts to ask if you are eligible.

4. Do I have a working smoke alarm?

A working smoke alarm in your home is not only protecting you and your loved ones but it also can get you a discount on your homeowners insurance. Some companies will knock off 10% off your premium for having a working smoke alarm.

5. How hard is it to file a claim?

This is the most important aspect in choosing the right insurance company. If the homeowners insurance company takes too long or is often willing to fight you until you give up when you file a claim then you are probably looking at the wrong company. When you need the money for repairs the last thing you want is a hard time filing the claim. You should ask around and see if you can get any positive feedback on an insurance company's claim process before you decide to purchase your policy.

6. What kind of policy do I need?

There are many different types of homeowners insurance policies. Before shopping for homeowners insurance you should see what coverage you need and figure out all what you want the policy to cover. Providing the insurance agent with as much information as you can may help them to provide you with a more accurate quote.

7. How much can you afford?

This may seem obvious but you need to be able to afford your policy before you can purchase it. Picking an insurance premium that will set you in debt will hurt you in the long run. Look for a plan that fits your financial budget. Look for a plan that has a higher deductible with a lower premium to save some money. Increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a significant difference in your homeowners insurance premium.

8. Does your homeowners insurance plan cover water damage?

Flooding and water damage are two of the most common problem when purchasing a house, they are unexpected and can be very costly. It is important to understand that water damage coverage and flood damage coverage are not the same thing. Homeowners insurance will not cover damages that were the result of a flood (water that made contact with the ground prior to entering your home). You must purchase flood insurance separately. Rule of thumb: You should purchase flood insurance and homeowners insurance to make sure you are covered in all aspects of water damage to your home.

9. Did I just update the electrical system and/or plumbing?

If you just updated the electrical system and/or plumbing system you could be entitled to saving hundreds on your premium. Both of these updates can prevent possible costly damages and will make your home cheaper to insure. Remember to include any updates or recent repairs when getting a homeowners insurance quote.

10. What coverage are you really getting?

Make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing when you choose a policy. For example, many people do not realize that homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You should always look at what the exclusions are to make sure you are purchasing the right policy for you.

What You Need To Know About "Black Mold"

The color of mold alone is not an indication of toxicity. The toxic "black mold" has been publicized frequently, however, you should not always believe what you hear on the news. Stachybotrys is the type of mold they are referring to with the term "black mold". The media explains that this mold is deadly and while it can cause health risks for certain people, there are many other types of mold that can cause similar side effects.

The term "toxic black mold" was popularized by news reporters in New York who were referring to an outbreak of a medical condition found in several children from a small neighborhood.

Stachybotrys is the type of mold that most people refer to when they say "black mold". Mold can come in many colors. When it comes to mold color and toxicity are not related. When a homeowner sees mold that is black in color they immediately assume they now have "black mold". This is not always the case. It is important to know that the longer the mold has been growing on a surface the more dangerous for your health it will get over time.

Three Stages of Mold Growth

Penicillium and Aspergillus are common first-stage molds that can begin to grow within 24 hours of the introduction of moisture to a nutrient base.

These two molds are some of the most common molds found in the world. Aspergillus is a first-stage mold and ranges in color from green to black.

If moisture is sufficient, secondary molds are likely to appear, including Cladosporium, Alternaria and some varieties of Aspergillus.

Over time with continued ample moisture, the tertiary molds develop such as Stachybotrys and Chaetomium.

All molds can trigger allergic reactions and sinusitis. As well, all molds can trigger asthma attacks.

Is Mold Toxic?

First, the term "toxic mold" is not accurate because mold itself is not toxic or poisonous; although, certain molds can be toxigenic, meaning that they produce toxins called mycotoxins.

It is the mycotoxins of Stachybotrys that are believed to be the key to this mold's toxicity to humans, and the theory makes sense, though as we said it's unproven. Stachybotrys produces trichothecenes, which are suspected of being able to cause bleeding in the lungs. It also emits an enzyme which digests protein (a protease), which some research suggests may combine with trichothecenes to wreak even more lung havoc.

Mycotoxins are believed to be part of the coating on mold spores, meaning that in the case of Stachybotrys the spores need to become airborne in the living space for people to inhale them, before they can be affected by toxins.

Earlier we mentioned that stachybotrys is slow to grow. That's because it is what's known as a "tertiary" mold, meaning that it arrives as the third stage of mold growth in an ongoing infestation. It requires a stable, very moist environment with the right food in order to thrive.

Many molds produce mycotoxins, whose purpose is primarily self-defense. Penicillin, for example, is a mycotoxin from the penicillium chrysogenum fungus. It's a powerful antibiotic, because bacteria are molds' chief competitors for food. Take a petri dish with a thriving bacteria culture in it, drop it in the right species of Penicillium, and the bacterial culture will die off in a circle around the fungus.

Aflatoxin B1, a known carcinogen, is a product of Aspergillus flavus, which grows commonly on stored nuts, grains and peanut butter. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has this to say about toxic mold:

"Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (mycotoxins), but the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house or workplace. Contradicting research results exist regarding whether toxigenic mold found indoors causes unique or rare health conditions such as bleeding in the lungs. Research is ongoing in this area. Mold growing is buildings, whether is it stachybotrys chartarum (stachybotrys atra) or another mold, indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem that needs to be addressed."

Emergency Water Extractions

When you are in dire need of water emergency extractions, you should automatically call for help. When there are signs of flooding at home or at a business establishment, you have to make the call immediately. Always make sure that you get the proper assistance for emergency extractions.

Emergency Extractions by PRS of Tampa Bay, Inc. 

When in or near the Tampa Bay area, you can always contact Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. The PRS hotline is open 24 hours at 7 days a week. PRS offers emergency extractions. Whether it’s a broken pipe, sewage back up or rising water from a storm PRS can handle whatever situation you are faced with. They can bill your insurance directly and also accept credit cards if there is no insurance coverage. PRS makes it easy for you to be serviced.

With 5 State licenses (including State Certified Building Contractor) and multiple certifications, PRS has the capability to finish the entire rebuild process once the damage has been mitigated. PRS is a one stop shop that can bring your property back to pre-loss condition quicker than most.

PRS has state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the fastest and most complete emergency extractions. PRS will not only provide emergency extraction services, but prevent secondary damage and restore any damage sustained.

Immediate Response during Flooding

Flooding has always been the main reason for water damage. Flooding can be caused by a number of mishaps and natural occurrences. Most flooding is caused faulty plumbing, sewage back-ups or rising water from storms.

At the first sign of flooding, you can do your best to minimize the damage to your property. These are some of the things you can do just as the flooding starts:

1. Do not panic and keep your family safe at all times.
2. Turn off the power at affected areas.
3. Locate and stop the water source.
4. Call PRS and let them know of your emergency.
5. Locate and remove precious items that are vulnerable.

It is very important that you let the experts deal with worsening situations. Opting to do it on your own may cause delays that can bring more damage.  Water requires immediate response because of the progressing damage it will inflict. Every moment counts during these situations and PRS emergency extractions will give you the best options.

Immediate and Secondary Damage

Emergency extractions can only manage to save you on immediate damages that water brings. This includes floor and wall damages that will greatly depreciate your property’s structure.

People have to be aware of the secondary damage that flooding and other types of water damage bring. Moisture when unattended can give you headaches with damages on furniture, books and other items – it can also bring mold growth, a serious health hazard. It is important that moisture is contained to limit secondary damage and avoid further costs to property. This is where structural damage and thermal imaging comes in, techniques that only professional service providers can offer.

Immediate Response is Critical

Your immediate response to flooding situations can prevent damage. Moments spent trying to resolve the crisis on your own will also be moments taken for the assistance that professionals can bring in saving your property. Immediate response on the servicer’s end is also crucial. Always call an extraction service that has 24 hour coverage with the right services.

Preventing Heating Home Fires

If you live in Florida you know that we do not get to experience the change of seasons like most of the world does, however, we do get hit with cold fronts this time of year. One day we are enjoying a nice day on the beach when the next we are experiencing freezing temperatures that were brought in with a cold front. With the temperatures dropping into the 20s-30s all over Florida, we are all looking for a way to stay warm. Many people reach for their space heater during a cold night but are unaware of the dangers and risks they pose. 

January is the peak month for portable heater fires. Only 2 percent of heating fires in homes involve portable heaters, however, portable heaters are involved in 45 percent of all fatal home heating fires. An estimated 900 portable heater fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property loss. 52 percent of home portable heater fires occur because they are too close to items that can burn. 

For the safety of you and your family you should take a moment to review these important safety tips. 

Space Heater Safety Tips

• When purchasing a electric space heater only buy ones that have been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Look for the UL mark on the electric heater. 
• Only use heaters that have a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. 
• Heaters are not dryers or tables; do not dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. 
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
• Always unplug your electric heater when not in use. 
• Inspect the heater's cord periodically to look for frayed wire or damaged insulation. DO NOT USE a space heater with a damaged cord. 
• Heaters should be placed on a flat, level surface. Do not place heaters on furniture since they may fall and become damaged or break parts in the heater. 
• Unless the heater is designed for use outdoors or in bathrooms, do not use in damp, wet areas. 
• If you have a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. The wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment was designed for and cause a serious fire. 
• When refueling, turn off the heater and let it cool down completely before adding fuel. Wipe any spills promptly. 
• Before you buy a kerosene heater, check with your local fire department to ensure that it is legal.
• If you have a kerosene heater, never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Use ONLY crystal clear K-1 kerosene. 
• Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room. 

Fireplace Safety Tips

• Make sure to clean out your fireplace frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. 
• Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. 
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. 
• Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 
• Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. 
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. 
• Allow ashes to completely cool before placing them in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from your home and any other nearby buildings. 

* Always have a working smoke alarm and a home escape plan. Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice your home escape plan frequently with your family. *

Avoid Using These Sources to Heat Your Home

1. Turning on the oven and/or stove top.

Why it's a bad idea:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a invisible, odorless gas that could be hanging around in your kitchen. The EPA says at moderate levels it causes headaches, dizziness, nausea and fainting - and at high levels it can be fatal.
• The risk for a fire. Leaving your gas or electric stove top/oven on poses a risk for fires. Do not use your oven or stove top for heat.

2. Running the shower. 

Why it's a bad idea:

• It won't be very effective and it will fill your home with unwanted moisture. Moisture can grow into a mold problem.
• It wastes a lot of water and any benefits are short-lived. The little if any heat that is produced from running your shower will disappear once the hot water runs out. Running your shower for a long period of time is not environmentally friendly and will add an unnecessary increase to your water bill. 

3. Burning candles. 

Why it's a bad idea:

• They are not effective. Candles do add some extra warmth to a close surrounding area but it is certainly not enough to do the trick if your heat is not working properly in your home. 
• They pose a high risk of fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended. 

What is Perc? What are the Risks?

Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, or perc, is a chemical that is widely used in the dry cleaning and soft contents restoration industries. Up to 85% of U.S. dry cleaners use this solvent and it is also used in the cleaning of metal machinery and to manufacture some consumer products and other chemicals.

Perc is a clear, colorless liquid that has a sharp, sweet odor and evaporates quickly. It is an effective cleaning solvent and is used by most professional dry cleaners because it removes stains and dirt from all common types of fabrics. Perc is also a toxic chemical with both human health and environment concerns. While EPA does not believe having your clothes dry cleaned with perc will result in an increased risk for adverse health effects for you or your family, the disposal of this harmful chemical is what raises major concerns.

How is Perc Released into the Environment?

During the cleaning, purification, and waste disposal phases of dry cleaning perc can be released into the air, water and ground.

Outdoor Air
Perc can escape into the outdoor air through open windows, vents and air-conditioning systems at facilities using perc. Once outdoors, perc can remain in the atmosphere for several weeks. After a few weeks, perc breaks down into other chemicals, some of which are toxic, and some of which are suspected to deplete the ozone layer.

Ground
Perc can enter the ground in liquid form through spills, leaky pipes, leaky tanks, machine leaks and from improperly handled waste. Significant amounts of perc have been found in waste resulting from dry cleaning, which is considered hazardous waste by the EPA. Perc is known to be toxic to plants.

Water
Perc can seep through the ground and contaminate surface water, groundwater and potentially drinking water. A small amount of perc can contaminate a large amount of water and people can be exposed by drinking or using the water. EPA has a limit on the amount of perc that is allowed to be in drinking water. Well water can be tested to be sure it is below the EPA standard. Small amounts of perc in the water can be toxic to aquatic animals and can be stored in their fatty tissues.

Is It Safe to Live or Work Near a Dry Cleaning Business?

People who live or work in the same building as a dry cleaner can have greater potential for exposures to perc. High perc levels in residences would be of special concern for occupants who are at home a lot and might be exposed to perc for extended periods of time, such as the elderly, young children, or pregnant women. To address this issues, the EPA finalized a rule under the Clean Air Act in 2006 that requires operators to control perc emissions at individual dry cleaners. The rule includes a phase-out of perc use at dry cleaners located in residential buildings, along with requirements that already have reduced perc emissions at other dry cleaners.

The Esporta Wash System - The Eco-Friendly and Green Approach to Textile Restoration 

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. is a proud owner and operator of an Esporta Wash System. The Esporta Wash System does not use perc or other harmful chemicals during any part of the cleaning process. All of the detergents and disinfecting agents are natural and organic. They are completely safe for the environment and raise no concerns or health risks when emptied into the environment post wash.

In fact, it would be more dangerous for our environment if a can of soda was poured down a drain compared to what is emptied out of the Esporta Wash System after a wash cycle. Not only does the Esporta Wash System bring items back to pre-loss condition, the Esporta Wash System is able to restore a much larger range of items than a dry cleaner is capable of cleaning.

The Esporta Wash System uses organic products, hydraulic action of the machine, and a specific wash recipe designed to restore items from a leather jacket covered in mold to a stuffed animal covered in smoke/soot. The list of restorable items is endless! Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. is using their Esporta Wash System to change lives and is doing this all while keeping the environment safe.