Common Mold Types That Can Be Found in Homes and Offices

There are different types of molds which can be found in our homes, even in offices. Whatever type of mold is present n your home, exposure to them is potentially harmful not only to our home but especially to our health. These molds contain mold spores which in turn contains allergens, toxins, and irritants. However, most mold types cannot affect a healthy individual. They can only become dangerous once they grow indoors in an alarming number. ServiceMaster by Lovejoy provides solution to this problem  with our mold remediation services.

If you are a victim of mold exposure, watch out for symptoms such as cough, chest or sinus congestion, runny nose, eye irritations, and aggravation of asthma.

Take note of the following types of mold and where they can be mostly found.

Cladosporium

One of the most common types of mold is cladosporium. They can be green, brown, grey, or black in color which can be found in places such as walls, wood, dust, and insulation. This type can be classified as either Hazard Class B or C. Class B molds can cause allergic reactions while Class C, although not causing health risks to humans, can still cause structural damage.

Aspergillus

Can come in grey, brown, yellow, green, white, or black, aspergillus is also a common mold. This type typically includes in Hazard Class A or B. Class A are those directly hazardous due to risk of infection or creation of toxins. They can cause infection especially for people whose immune systems are weak. They can be found on walls, insulations, paper products, soil, clothing, and many other possible places. This type of mold should be immediately removed.

Ulocladium

Can fall into Hazard Class B and C. They are usually black or grey. Their favorite places to grow are damp areas usually on walls or around windows and in dusty areas.

Stachybotrys

The infamous black mold which brings ill health effects is called stachybotrys. It is a Hazard Class A because of toxins it creates. It grows on damp areas.

If you noticed molds growing in your home, you need the professional mold remediation services of companies such as ServiceMaster by Lovejoy. Mold remediation is not something that anyone can do. If you failed to take the necessary steps, the problem may still persists or even worsen.

For mold remediation services near Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle and DeKalb County, call us at 678-293-0297.

How to Get Rid of Smoke Damage Traces

Smoke damage is perhaps one of the most difficult household problems any homeowner can have. One of the most obvious traces of smoke damage is the discoloration of your walls and ceilings. Even though only a part of the house was affected by a fire, it is possible to have smoke damage all over your house. You can try to fix it yourself or call for a help, but it is advisable to call for a professional company if the damage is too severe. Here are some tips on how you can get rid of smoke damage traces.

Step 1.

Never enter your residence right after a fire incident. Get permission from a fire marshal to re-enter to your home. There may be structures which are not safe and may collapse at the slightest movement. If it is safe and the marshal allows it, then you can start to assess the damage caused by the incident. Determine whether cleaning by yourself is a reasonable option. Some damage may require more than just cleaning and may need complete restoration. If that is the case, call ServiceMaster by Lovejoy for smoke damage remediation.

Step 2.

After a fire, the smoke may still linger in the air, thus, as soon as possible, allow fresh air to circulate. Open all openings in your home such as windows or doors in every room to increase ventilation. If possible, use a small fan for a faster and increased amount of air flow into the room. This will lessen the odor in your home and allow you to breathe freely.

Step 3.

Before you clean items affected with smoke damage, first, make sure to dry wet items. However, do this only if there are few or small items you need to dry. Do not try to dry up your home alone especially if it involves large appliances or pieces of furniture or if a large part of your house needs to be structurally dried. Call the service of a professional restoration company to do these kinds of work.

Step 4.

Call for a professional help. The process of cleaning up after a fire is a dangerous job and often takes a lot of time. For most of the time, it is better to consult a professional restoration company since they have the knowledge and the right equipment to handle the restoration.

For smoke damage restoration services, call ServiceMaster by Lovejoy near Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle and DeKalb County. Call 678-293-0297 now!

How to Deal With Residential Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common household problems. Aside from flooding, there are other ways which can cause water damage such as broken appliances, broken or leaky pipes, broken toilets, etc. There are different ways to deal with water damage by yourself.

In dealing with water damage, you should first identify what causes the problem and stop it immediately. If the flooding is caused by a broken or leaky pipe, shut the main water line for your home. If you cannot detect where the cause of the problem is, it is better to ask for help from an expert.

Second, immediately turn off your power source. Electrical hazards are mostly common during this circumstances. Never handle electrical appliances unless you are properly insulated as much as possible, call for an electrician. Contact with live parts can cause shocks and burns.

Third, you might want to determine the amount of damage your property has gone through. Do you need rebuilding or reconstruction? Document the damage by taking photos to show them to your insurance company. If the damage is too severe,you can call a service company like ServiceMaster by Lovejoy. We will take care of your water damage restoration needs.

While waiting for help, secure your important documents as well as valuable possessions such as jewelries, money, heirloom, etc. Save only those you can and not overexert yourself. The damage might get worse and you can be hurt.

If possible, get rid of standing water. The longer it stays, the more damage it will cause. Wear your protective gears while pumping out water. If the water damage is caused by natural flood, it is possible that it also brings mud. The mud often contains toxins and might be hazardous when it dries, especially those which can be found in air ducts and tight corners.

When you think you did everything that you can do, you can count on a trusted restoration service company to continue the job. Dealing with water damage is difficult and can be very dangerous. You do not have to do all the hardwork by yourself, call ServiceMaster by Lovejoy at 678-293-0297. For water damage restoration needs near Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, and DeKalb County, we will be at your location within 45 minutes of your call.

How to be Safe After a Disaster?

General Safety Tips

Prior to entering a building, must check the building for a structural damage of if it is safe to enter. Make sure that the structure is not weakened or shifted.

Turn off any gas lines. Open the house to let the gas escape.

Wear protective gears such as gloves for hands to avoid injury, mask to avoid inhaling any remaining gas, hard hats to avoid any falling debris and sturdy shoes to not to step on any debris (watch out for nails, broken glasses, holes, splinters and falling plaster).

When entering a damage building only use a flashlight. Matches, lighters and torches sparks can ignite the gas and cause a fire or an explosion.

Never use any appliances, they may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire. Make sure everything has dried up and all appliances are repaired and safe to use.

SAFE Water Supply

Flush plumbing features with a bucket of water to be sure they are open.

Septic tanks that overflows might mix with the water that flows through our house’s plumbing. 

Check if tubes and pipes have leaks. Call a Plumbing expert for the repair.

Do not drink the water from faucets. Let the authority inspect the water for sanitary reasons.

Private water is also not safe, boiling the water thoroughly before drinking must be done first.

Electrical Safety

Do not use the electrical system in a damaged building until it has been checked by a professional electrician.

Start the Clean Up: Contents Cleaning

Start the general clean up as soon as possible, especially after the flood. Make sure to completely dry and clean the whole house before living in it.

Moist areas can be a home for molds. Before molds build up, call a backup for Structural Drying.

Delay permanent repairs until buildings are thoroughly dry.

Keep the Children Safe

Keep the chemicals, disinfectant, poisons for insects and pests control out of children reach.

Be sure children are safe and kept in a cool dry place. Never leave the children or let them play around the damage buildings or any unsafe place.

Boil and sanitize children’s toys, cribs, playpens and play equipment. Toys that are hard to wash and clean can be discarded.

Do not allow children to play in contaminated water or sand. Cleaning buckets are not to be played with children, even with small amounts of liquid and if they topple into a bucket, it may not tip over and they could drown

Each situation should be handled with caution to keep the safety of valuables. Whole House Cleaning should be performed by an expert to prevent serious issues later. ServiceMaster by Lovejoy Reconstruction Team is licensed and insured as a general contractor to handle all your repairs and reconstruction services for damages due to storm, natural disasters and more.  Contact ServiceMaster by Lovejoy, a service provider, near Atlanta, Sandy Spring, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, DeKalb and surrounding areas. Call 678–293–0297,

·         Water Damage

·         Dehumidification

·         Structural Drying

·         Fire Damage

·         Contents Cleaning

·         Fire Damage Reconstruction

·         Soot and Smoke Damage

·         Storm and Disaster Emergency Team

·         Mold Inspection & Remediation

·         Water and Storm Damage

·         Water Removal

·         Construction and Repairs