When Mold Strikes: Understanding the Effects of Mold Damage on Paintings

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can cause serious damage to artwork, call a professional at the first sign of damage to savage your property.

Mold can be a serious problem for any type of artwork, including paintings. When mold grows on a painting, it can cause discoloration, deterioration of the canvas or paper, and even permanent damage to the artwork. In this blog, we'll explore what happens to a mold-damaged painting and what steps can be taken to restore it.

Why does mold grow?

First, it's important to understand how mold grows on a painting. Mold spores are always present in the air, and they need moisture to grow. Paintings can be particularly vulnerable to mold growth if they are stored in damp or humid environments, or if they are exposed to water or moisture.

Variety of Damage

When mold grows on a painting, it can cause a variety of damage. The mold can cause discoloration, which may appear as black or brown spots on the surface of the painting. This discoloration can be difficult or impossible to remove, depending on the severity of the damage. Additionally, the mold can weaken the canvas or paper on which the painting is created, causing it to deteriorate over time. In extreme cases, the mold can eat away at the paint itself, causing permanent damage to the artwork.

What can be done?

So what can be done if a painting is damaged by mold? The first step is to remove the mold as quickly as possible. This can be done by carefully wiping the surface of the painting with a soft, dry cloth. It's important to wear gloves and a mask during this process to protect yourself from exposure to the mold spores.

Use a Professional

If the mold damage is extensive, it may be necessary to take the painting to a professional art restorer. A professional restorer will be able to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action for restoring the painting. This may involve cleaning the painting, repairing any damage to the canvas or paper, and repainting any areas that have been damaged by the mold.

Preventing mold 

Prevention is the best course of action when it comes to protecting paintings from mold damage. Paintings should be stored in a cool, dry environment, away from sources of moisture. If a painting does become exposed to water or moisture, it should be dried as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.

In conclusion, mold can cause serious damage to a painting, including discoloration, deterioration, and permanent damage to the artwork. If you suspect that a painting has been damaged by mold, it's important to act quickly to remove the mold and prevent further damage. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to take the painting to a professional restorer for repair. With proper care and maintenance, however, paintings can be protected from mold damage and preserved for generations to come.

Fire Insurance for Buildings: Is it a Necessity or a Luxury?

4/20/2023 (Permalink)

Business insurance is just one aspect of protecting your property.

Owning a building, whether it's a residential or commercial property, is a significant investment. Protecting that investment should be a top priority. One of the ways to protect your property is through fire insurance. But do you really need it? Let's explore this question in more detail.

Firstly, it's important to understand what fire insurance is. Fire insurance is a type of property insurance that covers the damages caused by fire. It usually covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the property, as well as replacing damaged or destroyed belongings. Fire insurance policies can also include coverage for smoke and water damage caused by the fire.

Now, let's get back to the question at hand: do you need fire insurance for your building? The answer depends on a few factors.

First and foremost, it's important to consider the value of your property. If you own a high-value property, it's highly recommended to have fire insurance in place. The cost of repairing or rebuilding a high-value property after a fire can be astronomical, and having insurance can help cover those costs.

Next, consider the location of your property. If you live in an area with a high risk of wildfires or other fire hazards, having fire insurance is crucial. Even if your property is not directly in the path of a fire, it could still be at risk of damage from smoke or water.

Another factor to consider is the age and condition of your building. If your property is old or in poor condition, it may be more susceptible to fires. In this case, having fire insurance can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Finally, consider your financial situation. If you have the financial means to cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your property in the event of a fire, you may not need fire insurance. However, most people don't have the financial resources to cover such costs, which is why fire insurance is a wise investment.

In conclusion, whether or not you need fire insurance for your building depends on a variety of factors. If you own a high-value property, live in an area with a high risk of fires, have an old or poorly maintained building, or lack the financial means to cover the cost of repairs, fire insurance is highly recommended. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and having insurance in place can provide peace of mind and protect your investment in the long run.

Remember, fire insurance is just one aspect of protecting your property. It's also important to have a comprehensive insurance policy that covers other types of damage, such as water damage, theft, and natural disasters. By taking steps to protect your property, you can ensure that it remains a valuable asset for years to come.

Water Issues are common in Commercial Buildings.

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

Water issues can leave you feeling at a loss.

The most common causes of water damage in a commercial building are leaks, flooding and condensation. Leaks can occur in a building's plumbing system or through appliances like air conditioning units. Flooding occurs when water from sources like storm surges or roof leaks enters the premises. Condensation also causes costly damage as it forms when indoor temperatures are too high to allow stagnant water vapor to escape through the ventilation system. To avoid these issues, you should closely monitor your building for signs of moisture damage and take immediate action if something occurs that could cause extensive damage.

Water damage is one of the most expensive types of losses in commercial buildings.

Water damage is one of the most expensive types of losses in commercial buildings. Water damage can cause mold and mildew, and other secondary damages. If water enters electrical equipment, it may cause an electrical shock or fire that damages equipment and leads to downtime for your business operations until repairs are made.

If there's enough water present on a surface long enough, it will begin seeping into cracks in floors, walls and ceilings causing structural damage over time and can be very costly.

The most common causes of water loss.

When it comes to leaks, they can be caused by several different factors including aged fixtures and pipes, poor installation practices or damage from freezing temperatures. Leaks are often undetected until they cause major damage to the building or its contents. It's important to have regular checks done at least once a year by an experienced plumber who can identify any potential issues before they become a problem.

Flooding occurs when water from a source such as a storm surge or roof leak enters into your building through doors or windows that aren't sealed properly or have been left open during inclement weather. If you notice any signs of flooding after these types of events occur in your area then it could mean there's been serious structural damage done somewhere within your structure, which needs immediate attention before more serious issues arise down the road.

Condensation is common.

Condensation is a common problem in commercial buildings. Condensation forms when indoor temperatures are too high to allow stagnant water vapor to escape through the building's ventilation system, which causes water droplets to form on surfaces such as windows and walls. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including temperature and humidity levels, as well as how well your building is ventilated.

In addition to being unsightly, condensation can lead to mold growth and secondary damages. Condensation can also cause structural damage if left untreated, this happens when moisture seeps into wood or other materials over time and causes them rot away from within.

Water damage can be costly.

Water damage can be costly. Act quickly upon noticing the damage to quickly prevent future problems. If you have any questions about how to prevent water issues in your commercial building, contact SERVPRO of Haywood & Transylvania for your commercial water damage. Our technicians are available 24/7 and upon arrival begin the restoration process to get your doors back open as soon as possible.

Is your Dishwasher Leaking?

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of water damage in your home or business caused from a leaking kitchen appliance.

It's no fun to come home from work to find a damp mess on your kitchen floor. If you've been noticing water underneath or around your dishwasher, it's possible that you have a leak.

Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

A number of factors can lead to water spilling out of the bottom, including clogged drains, damaged hoses and faulty door seals. A leaking door seal or faulty latch on the door are other possible causes for leakage. The most common reason for leakage is a clogged drain which carries water into the dishwasher and out through its bottom during operation.

What Causes a Dishwasher to Leak?

The first step to fixing a leaky dishwasher is determining the cause of the leak. There are many reasons why a dishwasher could leak. The installation process is crucial. If the  dishwasher isn't level or installed properly, it can cause the machine to malfunction and cause a water loss.

The drain line for your sink and air gap for your plumbing may not be installed correctly, causing water to back up into your dishwasher and leak out onto your floor.

Clean the Dishwasher Drain

If your dishwasher is leaking, the first thing to do is check for a clog in the drain hose. This is usually done by removing the hose from where it connects to the sink, turning on hot water with soap and letting it run until there's no more suds coming down. If this doesn't work, use a snake or wire hanger to clear any blockages from inside of the drain itself (you may need to do this with hot water running). If that still doesn't help, try using a small brush or sponge to clean out any debris stuck in your drain hose and make sure that it isn't damaged. Keeping the dishwasher drain clean can help prevent future water damage.

Simple Repairs

If you are experiencing a leak, it's best to troubleshoot the issue before calling a technician. You can save time and money by performing some simple repairs yourself.

To begin your troubleshooting process, check for any obvious problems:

• Check if there is anything blocking or restricting the flow of water in your dishwasher. Make sure all drains are cleaned out and free from any debris that may have accumulated around the pump seal or drain hose connections under the sink.
• Make sure that all hoses are fastened securely so that they don’t rub against each other when pushing in downspouts. Also look for any missing or loose gaskets on connection points like pumps and hoses where they connect together with rubber washers or clamps

There are many reasons a dishwasher can leak, from faulty installation to poor maintenance. If you’re experiencing a leak in your dishwasher, don’t panic! Just remember to start by checking for signs of water damage and then try these simple troubleshooting tips to repair the problem before it gets worse.

The Top 3 Areas of Your Home to Check for Mold Growth on a Regular Basis

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

The best way to control mold is to control moisture.

Regular Basis

When it comes to mold remediation, you can’t afford to wait and see if your home is affected. That’s why it's important to be proactive and regularly check for mold growth. Having a professional do this job for you is even better because they have the training and experience necessary to find any signs of mold in their earliest stages of growth. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it will be to get rid of it — and prevent further damage down the road.

1. The Areas Around Windows

Windows are a common area for mold growth. The corners of window frames are prime locations for mold, as the wood is more likely to be damp and therefore more susceptible to mold growth. Mold can also grow on the seals that fit around your windows, as well as on any screens you may have installed in your home. Even if you don't have these types of covering on your windows, there are still ways that mold could be sneaking into your house! If you live near water (such as being close to a bay or ocean), then it's possible that moisture from outside air creeps into areas where it's not supposed to go through small holes in walls or floors.

2. The Kitchen

The kitchen is the second most common place for mold to grow in your Waynesville, NC home. The moisture from cooking as well as any leaks or improper ventilation can make this an ideal breeding ground for mold spores.

Foods with a high water content are particularly prone to attracting mold, such as fruits and vegetables, cheese, breads, and pastries. If left out too long or stored improperly in the refrigerator, these foods can become a feast for growing fungi.

Mold also loves to grow on walls due to their porous nature and large surface area that can easily collect moisture from condensation of heaters or appliances such as refrigerators/freezers; dishwashers; heating units (furnace/boilers); showers/bathtubs; sinks; faucets.

3. The Bathroom

The third area of your home to check for mold growth on a regular basis is the bathroom. Why? Because bathrooms tend to be humid, damp areas that are ideal for mold growth. The combination of warm temperatures and moisture makes this room particularly susceptible to molds and mildew.

Mold can grow in places like grout between tiles, as well as on their surface. Another common place for mold is behind sinks and toilets because it's an enclosed space that traps moisture inside.

How To Prevent Mold Growth

• Keep humidity levels low
• Keep the area clean and dry
• Use a dehumidifier
• Use air purifiers
• Use fans to circulate air

Call SERVPRO for Mold Remediation Services

If you have mold in your home, SERVPRO of Haywood & Transylvania is here to help. We are a full-service restoration company that provides 24/7 emergency service, and we can respond within an hour of receiving your call.

SERVPRO has the experience and training necessary to properly clean up your property after a mold infestation. Our certified technicians have been trained to remove mold safely and efficiently so that your home will be restored as quickly as possible.

Call 828-452 -2111 today for more information about how our team can help you with any mold removal needs that you may have at home or work!

Mold can be a serious problem, but it doesn't have to be. You can make sure your home is free of mold by using the tips above and being proactive about monitoring areas that are more susceptible to it.

How Long Does the Water Damage Restoration Process Take?

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Haywood and Transylvania Counties have all the equipment needed to help you after water damage.

Steps In the Water Clean Up and Repair Process

Water damage is a serious issue that you don’t want to take lightly. Water can cause a variety of issues, including mold growth, structural damage and more. It’s important to hire a professional water damage restoration company who can help you assess the extent of the damage as quickly as possible and then take steps to rectify it. At SERVPRO of Haywood & Transylvania, we provide 24/7 emergency services for all types of residential and commercial water damage situations.

Step 1: Assess the damage

The first step of water damage restoration is to assess the damage. Before your restoration company can begin treatment and repair, they need to know what kind of damage has occurred and how severe it is. It's important to note that this process will be different depending on what caused the water problem in your home or business.

Water damage can be caused by many things, including:

• A burst pipe
• A broken dishwasher hoses
• Faulty sump pump maintenance
• Heavy rains or flooding due to natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes

Step 2: Containment and extraction

Containment and extraction are the two most important steps in the water damage restoration process. After you call us, we will come out to your home or office and start the containment process immediately. The goal of containment is to prevent further damage from occurring by creating a barrier between the wet area and any dry areas nearby that could be affected by water damage.

Containment can be done in a few different ways: using tarps or other waterproof materials, moving furniture away from walls and repairing broken windows or doors so that moisture does not continue to enter an area it shouldn't (like through cracks around windows). If there is standing water present after these actions have been taken, then we will also place absorbent pads underneath rugs/carpets where they rest on subfloors/panels so they do not become saturated as well (this can lead to mold growth if left untreated). Once all these things have been completed then we begin extracting excess moisture with specialized equipment designed specifically for this purpose!

Step 3: Drying and dehumidification

Drying and dehumidification are two separate processes that can be done simultaneously. Drying refers to the process of removing water from the structure, while dehumidification is the lowering of humidity in your home or building. The purpose of this step is to prevent mold growth.

Step 4: Cleaning and sanitizing

After water damage has been removed, your next step is to clean and sanitize the affected area.

Cleaning usually involves using a mild detergent (such as dish soap) and water to remove any remaining residue from a cleaning solution. In many cases, simply wiping down an affected area with warm running water will be enough to clean most surfaces.

Sanitizing is more involved than simply cleaning because of the pathogens still present in your Dellwood, NC home after cleanup efforts begin. The purpose of sanitizing in this stage of restoration is primarily disinfection: killing off bacteria and other microorganisms that may be living on your walls or floors after flood damage has been removed. 

Step 5: Restoration

Once the water damage has been removed, it's time to start the restoration process. Restoration can be done by a professional contractor or by the homeowner with the help of a professional. Restoration can be done to the interior or exterior of a structure, such as flooring and walls, or it can be done on smaller items like furniture and electronics — even jewelry!

If you're looking for a way to save money and get your restoration completed quickly, hiring a professional is always recommended because they have experience in working with all types of water-damaged properties. If you want to do all your own work but still want help from someone who knows how long this process takes on average (and why), consider contacting us today!

The time it takes for water damage repair depends on a variety of factors.

To get an idea of how long it will take to restore your home after a water damage event, consider the following factors.

• The size of the area affected. If you have only a small amount of water damage in your house, then the process should be straightforward and take a minimal amount of time to complete. However, if there is more extensive damage throughout most or all parts of your home, then this may require more time and resources to repair (and thus cost more).
• The extent of the damage. Water can cause significant destruction when it seeps into walls or floors—even if there isn't much visible evidence initially.
• Type material damaged by water contact: For example: wood floors are sensitive because they absorb moisture easily – so less dampness means less wear-and-tear over time – whereas vinyl floors tend not suffer much at all.

The time it takes for water damage repair depends on a variety of factors. The amount of water that was spilled, the amount of damage to your property and how quickly you act will all impact how long the restoration process will take. If there is significant damage or if you wait too long before calling in professionals, then this could lead to more extensive repairs down the road.

When I Take a Shower the Toilet Overflows?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your toilet overflows, it can be a very stressful situation.

When I Take a Shower, the Toilet Overflows… What Should I Do?

“My toilet overflows when I take a shower. What do I do?” It sounds like your pipes are getting backed up due to the extra water pressure in the system. Luckily, there are some easy ways to fix this problem, so you don't have to worry about expensive plumbers or sewage overflows.

Sewage Overflows

A sewage overflow is a situation in which the amount of water and waste that your pipes can handle is more than they can handle. That’s why they overflow.

It happens when there isn't enough room or time for all the wastewater to leave your home through your plumbing system. You may notice this if you see water coming out of floor drains or toilet, especially during heavy rainstorms. It's important to note that household plumbing systems are not designed to store wastewater; rather, they're intended to move it away from your home as quickly as possible before it causes damage—which means that any blockage will lead to an overflow condition somewhere along the line.

Tips for preventing toilet and clogged pipe overflows

You may have tried a few of these tips before and they didn't work, but I'm going to show you how they can help you prevent toilet and clogged pipe overflows.

• Don't flush anything but toilet paper and human waste. No matter how hard it is to believe that something else will go down the drain, don't do it! This includes hair, wet wipes, paper towels or rags, and all other kinds of debris. 
• Don't pour grease or oil down the drain either; fats only clog things up faster than needed so don't make matters worse by pouring them into your drains too!

Know where your main shut off valve is and how to turn it off.

If you have a shower or bathtub, you have an overflow drain and a shut off valve. You also have an emergency shutoff valve in case of flooding. This is the one that’s going to save your bathroom from disaster if something gets clogged up in the pipes or if there’s a leak.

The main shut off valve is located close to where the water lines come up through the floor and into your house. The emergency shutoff valve is usually located near where they exit out of your house again. If you can't find them, ask someone who knows their way around plumbing (a plumber), or call a licensed professional who can help locate them for you.

Do not flush chemical products such as baby wipes, paper towels and feminine products into the pipe.

It is important to know that baby wipes, paper towels and feminine products are not safe to flush down the toilet. These items can clog the pipes of your home’s sewage system and cause a serious sewage overflow. Furthermore, they can cause other problems in your home.

You should never flush these items down the toilet.

If your toilet is overflowing, it can be a very distressing situation. You need to know where your main shut off valve is and how to turn it off. If you have not been prepared ahead of time, then there may be some damage done by the time you get there. It is important that you know where this shut off valve is before an overflow occurs so that you can quickly deal with any problems in your home.

How Do I Prepare My Company for a Fire?

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Train your employees on how to safely evacuate from the building during an emergency.

Reducing the Impact and Harm Caused by a Fire

Fire can be a devastating event for any business, but it's far less catastrophic if you're prepared. Here's a checklist of steps you can take to:

Designate a person to be responsible for fire safety.

It's important to have a designated person in charge of fire safety. This can be a manager or someone else on staff, but they need to oversee making sure that all required safety measures are being followed and that the building is kept up to date with any new regulations that may be put into place.

The responsibilities for this person include:

• Making sure that all employees are aware of their role in keeping the building safe from fire hazards
• Ensuring that all workers know how to properly extinguish small fires using a fire extinguisher, sand, or other non-combustible materials (if possible)
• Inspecting the premises every month for any signs of fire hazards

Conduct a walk-through of your workplace to identify potential fire hazards.

Conduct a walk-through of your workplace to identify potential fire hazards. Identify where a fire could start and consider where it might spread in your workplace. Think about what would be damaged in a fire, and what steps you'd take if there was one.

If you have an office building, think about the following:

• Electrical outlets (especially near flammable materials like paper)
• Heating systems (like furnaces or vents), which can cause fires if they aren't working properly
• Chemical storage areas (such as cleaning supplies or deodorizers)

Train employees on their responsibilities in the event of a fire.

The first step in preparing your company for a fire is to train employees on their responsibilities in the event of a fire. To help you do this, it's important to first understand that it's not enough to simply tell your employees what they should do if there's a fire; they need to know what their role is and how they can successfully carry out that role. This can be hard if you're not sure exactly what the roles are or where employees might look for them! So, we've outlined some basic steps below:

• Train your employees on how to safely evacuate from the building during an emergency.
• Train them on which exit routes (exit doors) lead directly outside, so that in case of an emergency evacuation every employee knows which exit door they should always use.
• Show all your staff members where the nearest fire extinguisher is located, as well as how best time should be used when using one (e.g., don't waste too much time trying one extinguisher when another one might work better).

Develop an evacuation plan and practice it.

Develop an evacuation plan and practice it. Ideally, your company will have a contingency plan in the event of a fire or other disaster. If you don’t have one, develop one now. Your best bet is to keep it simple: get everyone together and discuss how to leave the building safely, where everyone is going after they evacuate (a local restaurant that has wireless internet), who will contact emergency services, who will call your insurance company. The more organized and accessible this information is—the easier it is for employees to reference during a crisis—the better off you are when something happens.

Know what to do in case of a fire with this checklist.

• Know your exit routes.
• Know where your safe location is.
• Know where your fire extinguishers are located.
• Know the location of your fire alarm and how to use it.
• Be familiar with using a fire extinguisher in case one breaks out before you can get out of the building safely.
• Be able to call 911 in case you need help evacuating from the building.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use these tips. But if you do, it’s important to have a plan in place. You can prepare your company for a fire by designating a person responsible for fire safety, conducting regular walk-throughs of the workplace to identify potential fire hazards, training employees on their responsibilities in an emergency and developing an evacuation plan with practice drills.

Positioning Your Fire Alarms

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Photoelectric systems can provide a little extra warning time to prevent smoke damage to your home

Fire Detection System

Your home in Hazelwood, NC, may not be adequately covered by your current fire detection system. Read on to learn about proper fire alarm distribution and other fire safety tips.

1. Rooms and Halls

Because a home fire can begin in any room, the denser your smoke detector coverage, the better. Home inspections standards suggest at least one detector per bedroom. This is especially important for the safety of the occupants, since many fires occur during the night when residents may be sleeping and unaware that there is a problem. Every floor of the home should have at least one detector even if there are no sleeping areas, since this will speed up emergency response and reduce the total amount of fire damage.

2. Working Order

Remember to test each fire alarm in the house every few months. Most models will have a small button that sounds the warning, allowing you to make sure that the speakers are still functional. Depending on the type of detector, a low battery may cause it to blink or make infrequent, short beeps. Some detectors may also require complete replacement after a roughly ten year lifespan has elapsed. If you notice either of these indicators, replace the relevant part as soon as possible. Most batteries and detectors can be obtained for under $20 at your local hardware store.

3. Photoelectric Alarms

A photoelectric fire detection system can provide a little extra warning time to prevent your home from incurring unnecessary smoke damage. These detectors have an internal beam of light whose intensity is changed when smoke scatters the rays. This allows the detector to trigger when smoldering or smoky fires are just beginning, before the home fire becomes a total conflagration.

Remember that no fire alarm is a substitute for adequate fire safety and a solid escape plan. Retain contact information for a professional residential fire restoration service and do not attempt to enter a property that has burned recently.

How To Treat a Burn

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Treating a skin burn in Dellwood, NC

How to Care for a Burn

If you experience a fire at your business in Dellwood, NC, it is important that you know what to do next. After first aid has been administered, you should call a fire cleanup and restoration service to repaid the fire damage.
Before administering any burn first aid, you will need to know the severity of the injury.

Minor Burns

• Small area
• Redness
• Pain
• Blistering

Major Burns

• Large area
• Deep
• Changes in skin texture
• Discoloration

Treating Minor Burns
Minor burns will not require emergency care and can be treated with first aid. You will want to cool the area with cool running water or compresses until pain subsides. Next, you will want to remove anything restrictive, such as jewelry, from the area, in case the burn swells. After the area is cool and unobstructed, you may want to apply soothing creams and bandages to reduce pain and protect the injury.
Infections can be avoided by applying antibiotic ointments and leaving blisters in tact. If you notice any signs of infection, you may want to seek medical attention.

Treating Major Burns
If someone experiences a major burn, you should call for emergency assistance immediately. You will then want to remove the source of the burn, if possible, and check their vitals before attending to the injury. If the person is breathing and does not have more severe injuries that must be treated first, you should then remove anything restrictive in case the area swells. Gently cover the burn with a cool cloth to protect it and remove heat. The burn should not be submerged or placed under running water, as that could cause further injury. Try to elevate the injured body part and closely monitor the person until help arrives.

Next Steps
After injuries have been tended to, you should assess the building's fire damage. Photograph the damage and list everything that was lost to make filing an insurance claim easier. You may then call a restoration service to come repair the damage.
Knowing how to administer burn first aid and who to call for restoration assistance will help you minimize injuries and losses due to fire damage.