Disaster Recovery News

“The New York Times” recently reported that the Department of Housing Preservation and Development issued over 14,000 violations for mold infestations in residential buildings in 2010. Not just found in NYC’s older buildings, the Stachybotrys chartarum strain of mold was found along with other molds linked to respiratory tract illnesses in buildings that are not even five years old. New York City investigates approximately 500 cases of mold each year.

The cause of the mold infestations in newer buildings in the city is linked to water damage caused by poorly installed plumbing or insulation. While one may think that the mold problems are isolated to low-income neighborhoods, the “Times” states that spores were recently found in brand-new, multimillion-dollar condos.

Mold-Resistant Drywall

To help prevent the growth of mold, some contractors are looking to mold-resistant drywall, which they install in kitchens, bathrooms or near HVAC units. These areas tend to have the most water damage or are more prone to leaks. Mold-resistant drywall is a little more expensive than its, gypsum board counterpart, but its use can save thousands of dollars in mold remediation in the future.

In 2010, the Green Codes Task Force proposed requiring contractors to use mold-resistant drywall in new buildings. The city council is still considering the proposal. “The New York Times” adds:

“The use of mold-resistant drywall alone is not enough to ensure that a home will be mold-free. The exterior needs to be impermeable; all the building materials need to remain dry during the construction process; and condensation should not form inside the walls.”

Many mold problems in a home are out of sight as the family within it blames their coughs and breathing problems on allergies, viruses and unexplained asthma. If you see mold in your home, call a mold remediation specialist in the near future for mold removal services. Chances are that the visible mold is only the introduction of a widespread mold infestation.

Learn about mold prevention.

[photo: Angela Schmeidel Randall]

Growing in walls, old books, wet documents and old carpets, mold is a problem that invades homes, schools and businesses when there is any hint of humidity. This summer the Florida Mold Bill became a law to establish standards for professionals who do mold assessments and perform remediation services in the state.

When you find a mold infestation, according to the state of Florida, there are three things you should do:

1.       Make sure the remediation specialist holds an American Council Accredited Certification. This agency provides remediation contractor licenses for several states.

2.       Make sure the remediation professional has liability insurance coverage that has a mold specific pollution-liability rider.

3.       Keep in mind that the state you are in may not allow the contractor who performs the mold assessment be the same contractor who remediates the mold. This helps make sure there is a high level of accountability among contractors to make sure mold is remediated according to the state protocols in place, damage to property is prevented, there are less chances for economic injuries and health risks are reduced.

When it comes to mold damage in a home or building, individuals should take measures to ensure safety and welfare, particularly when it comes to those with weakened immune systems, young children and the elderly.

Read about mold remediation.

[photo: Elizabeth]

Photo by thirteenthbat

Several areas of the United States were affected by water damage and mold recently, and the damage was substantial enough to make headlines.

Water Damage at the Missouri Historical Society

The Missouri Historical Society suffered water damage, reports KansasCity.com, when the sprinkler system failed and turned itself on without the presence of a fire.

The water damaged documents include state documents and agency reports from the 1970s to 1980s. Fortunately, the damaged documents were all copies and no original materials were damaged.

San Diego Condo Suffers Water Damage

A fire at a San Diego condo near Petco Park caused water damage in about 24 condominiums when the sprinkler system went off.

SignonSanDiego.com reports the fire may have been started by an electrical malfunction. The blaze greatly affected about 4 condos and caused severe water damage. The other 20 condos suffered only from water damage.

Water Damage Causes Sickening Mold Growth

The Courier-Post reported on a situation at the Baldwin’s Run Townhomes about how water damage needs to be dealt with quickly.

Residents began unexplainably falling ill with allergy problems, headaches, rashes, asthma, stomach aches, and other maladies.

Residents had complained to their property manager about known water damage to the homes and even spoke up about their suspicions of mold growth for about a year. Leaks, caused by a construction error, were found throughout the townhouses during the last year and have been slowly fixed. However, the issue of mold was glanced over and the property managers did not test for mold because they did not think there were be any health hazards from the water damage.

Officials, in the very near future, will test for mold and moisture in the homes. If mold is found, the property management company will have to remediate the water damage and mold or face court fines.

Water damage can be frustrating for any person no matter how long the water has been around. New water damage causes one to act quickly when personal or business items have become wet. Water damage that is old or unseen can quickly develop into mold that can affect the integrity of a building and one’s health.

 After what is considered “massive amounts of snow” by Seattle residents, the area is now under a flood watch as it all begins to melt.

Seattlepi.com reports: “Meteorologists predict that the combination of rising temperatures, rainfall and the last week’s snowfall could cause flooding in the city.” City officials are anxious about the costs the floods could incur after already having spent nearly $1 million during the recent snowfall and ice development in the city.

The temperature is expected to rise this weekend in the Pacific Northwest. This is a problem because there could be a lot of standing water on the roads as drains are clogged by sand and gravel placed to provide traction in the snow and ice.

It is also feared that rain falling into the snow could weigh-down flat roofs, therefore causing them to collapse.

Read the full story.

Click below to learn about the following about flooding:

• How to prevent mold
• Steps to take after a flood
• Flood restoration specialists