A recent report by the Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center shows that since 2006, every county in Maryland has been affected by at least one weather related disaster. Not only is Maryland one of the hardest hit states in the nation, but it also receives a greater range of disasters than most other areas of the country. In fact, in the past several years Maryland has experienced a disaster in every category tracked:
- Severe storms
- Coastal storms, including hurricanes and tropical storms
- Extreme snow
- Floods
- Fires
These disasters can cause damage to homes and business through a variety of means- every disaster is different. For example, in August 2011 Hurricane Irene’s heavy rains caused water damage through roof leakage, sewage backups, and local flooding. Just one week later Tropical Storm Lee came through and the problem became widespread flooding.
Our experience in Maryland emergency restoration services has shown us that one problem often leads to others.
- Water Damage. Severe weather can cause water damage to all areas of the home, and the damage does not go away when the water dries. Depending on the extent of the damage, structures may be weakened, making future (and more severe) water damage likely. Many Maryland residents rely on TriState Restorations’ emergency restoration services for water damage and related problems because of our deep experience, many certifications, and courteous, professional attitude.
- Mold Damage. Mold spreads, often behind the walls where it can’t be seen. Mold also attacks carpeting, floors, and ceilings – basically anything that has gotten wet. Water damage and flooding raise the risk of mold damage since untreated water carries all types of organisms, bacteria, and mold spores, all of which can be a serious health hazard. Only experienced professionals like TriState Restorations’ certified, uniformed, cleaned representatives should attempt to mitigate mold damage.
- Sewage Damage. When systems are overwhelmed by severe weather events like major rainfall or freezing temperatures, sewage backups occur. Sewage backups cause water damage, and it is almost certain that affected areas will develop dangerous forms of mold if emergency restoration services are not used. Few contractors in Maryland are adequately trained and equipped to restore sewage damage and treat mold. Many contractors only restore the damage, meaning mold colonies can form under replacement surfaces without the building’s occupants even knowing it until odors or adverse health effects begin. TriState Restorations treats both the damage and the potential for mold with all of our sewage-related emergency restoration services.
- Fire and Smoke Damage. Fire and smoke damage can be difficult to handle, and weather disasters make structure fires more likely when residents turn to alternative sources of energy like kerosene heaters and candles until the power supply comes back on. TriState Restorations knows that fire is an emotional situation and we do our best to handle the physical aftermath timely, efficiently, professionally, and courteously to help return things to normal.
TriState Restorations specializes in emergency restoration services in Maryland and the tri-state area, but emergency restoration services don’t only apply to disasters. Everyday emergencies like burst pipes, sewage backups, and fires can wreak havoc at any time of the year. If you are in need of emergency restoration services, or even if you are just planning ahead for a time when you may require our services, please call TriState Restorations’ experienced, certified, highly trained representatives at 1-866-231-3880.
Great question Marsha. Water daamge in your home is bad enough. The daamge left behind can make your happy home look more like a war zone, and the clean up process will take a lot of time and effort. You may even find yourself displaced from your home for a while, which would depress anybody.Unfortunately, there is a far more nefarious problem lurking, namely the problem of mold, the single most common byproduct of water daamge.Mold occurs all the time in nature. It is a natural part of the outdoor environment, acting as nature’s recycling center, breaking down dead plant and animal tissue. In fact, we encounter mold almost on a daily basis, even inhaling mold spores, with no ill effects. That is because the mold spores are properly dispersed over a wide area and the concentration isn’t enough to cause serious harm.That all changes when mold occurs in the home. Mold can appear in as little as 48 hours following a water daamge event, and sooner than that if the water is sewage based. Mold establishes itself, spreads rapidly, and can prove almost impossible to remediate. What’s worse, mold brings with it all kinds of health hazards. In many cases, it may be something as mild as allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, or you may experience more serious problems such as respiratory issues, neurological problems, or in rare cases, lung disease.So why the change? Because in interior settings, mold spores are found in much higher concentrations. Inhaling large amounts of an element that is designed to break down tissue can only have less than desirable results.While smaller mold growths may be successfully removed by homeowners, larger growths, say those over two feet in circumference, should be handled by a mold remediation professional.The trick to treating mold goes far beyond simply removing it. Just removing the mold means it will be able to return. The environment has to be treated to make it imposable for mold growth, namely by properly cleaning the affected area and taking steps to improve the ventilation. A dehumidifier may be used to bring down humidity levels in the area. Humidity should be kept to a level less than 50% to ensure that mold does not return. Some people spend a lot of money to have their homes tested for mold. This isn’t necessary in many cases. Mold presents itself as a fuzzy, greenish black growth on walls or pipes, usually accompanied by a noxious, acrid smell. In short, if you suspect you have mold, chances are pretty good that you do. Most water daamge restoration companies offer mold remediation as one of their many services. They have the personnel, equipment, and are trained on where to look for mold and what to do with it when they find it. They can remove the mold and properly treat the area to prevent it from returning. This means a minimal interruption of your life and your family can be back in your home in no time.Don’t let mold get a foothold in your home. Call your local mold removal professionals today for an inspection and estimate.