Frequently Asked Questions:
Have a restoration-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!
Why should I use a certified technician?
Professional restoration technicians understand the need for a quick response. Immediate remediation is key to controlling any escalating costs. The longer the remediation is delayed, the higher the cost of restoration. Certified restorers have the knowledge to test materials and apply the restoration techniques required to return the items to their pre-loss condition. Look for the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) logo when choosing a technician. Contact our water damage company in Orange County today to learn more.
I need water damage restoration. What happens now?
Technicians will determine what areas were affected, the water damage source, and if there are any safety concerns. Structures built before 1978 will require testing by a certified environmental hygienist for lead and asbestos before any cutout of affected materials, per California law. Our team will document the drying process from beginning to end and take photographs for our job records and insurance claim filing. Daily monitoring will be arranged. We work with all insurance providers and will request your claim number and best-used email address to ensure we provide the proper documentation and billing. You may send this info directly to our field manager if you have not already provided it. Get in touch today with our mold removal company in Orange County.
What happens during mold remediation and removal?
Technicians will determine what area is affected by mold. Pre-mold testing is usually not required. However, structures built before 1978 will require testing by a certified environmental hygienist for lead and asbestos before any affected materials are removed. If built in 1978 or after, the team will begin with containment and air filtration. They will remove and discard any non-salvageable affected porous materials. Exposed framing will be addressed through a combination of wire brushing, sanding, anti-fungal treatment, and in some cases, application of a mold-resistant encapsulant. Sub-flooring on upper levels will sometimes be compromised as a result of wet and/or dry rot and may also need to be replaced. A combination of dehumidifiers and air filters will be strategically placed and should remain operating 24 hours a day until satisfactory results are achieved. Learn more about our mold removal company in Orange County by giving us a call.
Do you offer repairs and reconstruction?
Yes! We are a full-service general contractor and would love the opportunity to show you just how great we can make your space look again. We do not provide up-front estimates for reconstruction until after the mitigation and/or remediation is complete. In order to accurately determine the cost to rebuild the damage, this is always done after mold remediation and removal. Get in touch with our water damage company in Orange County.
What are some of the most common materials to be affected and removed?
Mold and/or water damage can have a major impact on all organic porous materials inside your home or office. Some materials will be simply dried in place, while others will need to be removed and discarded. Occasionally, some materials will simply have to be pulled away to allow drying access. The most common materials to be affected and potentially removed include your baseboards, sheetrock or drywall, cabinetry, and countertops. When it comes to countertops, we work with natural stone, tile, laminate, and more. In regard to flooring, we have experience with carpet, laminate, hardwood, and tile. To learn more about how these materials can be affected, call our mold removal company in Orange County.
Do I need testing for asbestos, lead, or post-mold clearance?
There are a few scenarios where our mold removal company in Orange County will recommend testing. Some scenarios will be required by law, some for insurance or liability purposes, and others will be optional for property owners and management. If you have already received a pre-mold inspection air quality test, you can provide the results to us. In most cases, pre-mold testing will not be required, as visible surface growth will automatically come back positive. For lead and asbestos, technicians will determine what areas were affected, the water damage source, and if there are any safety concerns. Structures built before 1978 will require testing by a certified environmental hygienist for lead and asbestos. Drying may begin while awaiting results. For post-mold clearance, a post-air quality test will sometimes be paid for by insurance if you have coverage for mold remediation. Other requests for post-mold testing may come from the property or business owner. This test will provide a lab analysis of types of spores and counts comparable to outdoor air quality. This determines if the remediated area will likely harbor mold growth or is unsafe for human occupancy.
What is mold?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth. Some of the most common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus, according to Habitat for Humanity. Questions for our mold removal company in Orange County? Give 24/7 Restoration a call today.
What else can you tell me about mold?
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link between early mold exposure and the development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.
Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year-round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors, they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation are decomposing. Indoors, they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers. Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If you suspect mold growth in your home, you should always have it assessed by a certified professional before trying to clean it up yourself.
We advise that you keep humidity levels as low as you can. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep your humidity levels low. We recommend you use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and make sure your home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans. It may be wise to add mold inhibitors to paints before application. Always remember to clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. Questions for our mold removal company in Orange County? Reach out today.
Is my home insured for water damage?
If water damage is sudden and accidental, there’s a good chance you are covered by most standard home insurance policies. There is also a chance you have endorsements for sewage backups and mold included. It really depends on the type of insurance you have.
To determine if you’re covered, review your homeowners or renters insurance policy. The declarations page has important information regarding your policy’s water damage coverage, deductibles, limitations, or exclusions. It also should list any deadlines. You can also contact your insurance agent to inquire about specific coverage. They can answer further questions and provide a copy of your declarations if the original is missing or damaged. These are the recommended first steps before calling in and filing a claim.
When filing a claim, you may need to provide information about the source of intrusion and the areas affected. The source of intrusion should be determined by a licensed plumber, roofing contractor, or appliance repair professional, depending on your loss. In most cases, the plumber or other provider will have written a small report on what was broken and/or fixed and replaced.
The affected areas should be determined by a certified damage restoration company. Any experienced water damage company in Orange County, like 24/7 Restoration, will have mapped out the materials affected and the category of water and determined if anything will need to be removed in order to be properly dried or cleaned. It’s best to make sure whichever company you use is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification).
What is the IICRC?
The IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, aims to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration, and installation industries. The IICRC certifies and develops certifications and standards for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC also serves as a valuable consumer referral source for certified technicians and firms. There are currently more than 53,000 active certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 certified firms around the world.
The mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration, and installation industries. The IICRC serves as an independent certification body that sets and promotes high standards and ethics and advances communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. The IICRC also ensures that when consumers hire a CleanTrust-Certified firm or technician, they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry’s standard of care. Get in touch with us today and speak with an experienced team member at our water damage company in Orange County.