Expert Insulation Services

October 25, 2016, 2:37 pm

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Reactic Restoration Insulation Services - Preparing for the Worst in Attic Cleaning

The attic is at the top of the house, and usually the last place you think of cleaning. However, when you eventually get around to attic cleaning, you might find that the clutter you find is not all inorganic.

Why?

Attics usually have some type of insulation, either to keep heat out or in. Insulation materials are peculiarly suitable for building nests. Since most people are seldom in attics for any length of time, it can be a haven for critters and a handy repository for their droppings.

Critter comfort

You might find any number of animals getting cozy in your attic. It may be mice, rats, bats, or even squirrels. If you’re lucky, the only thing you will see is about a thousand droppings decorating your floor and all flat surfaces. Clean droppings and you should be fine, right?

Well….

If critters are living in the attic, it is almost certain that insulation is no longer intact. The best-case scenario is they have nibbled off some parts of the insulation and pulled the material off to make their nest. The worst case is they are living in the insulation itself.

What does this mean?

It means that these critters are not only pulling your insulation to shreds, making them all but useless, but also pooping and peeing in it. It makes attic cleaning a lot more complicated, and a lot more urgent. Critter droppings and urine don’t have to smell to be dangerous to your health, so you need to do something about it at once.

Attic disinfection

The first thing you need to do is get rid of the critters. Attic cleanup and disinfection is useless if they are still in residence. Use traps or call professionals to do some heavy eviction before cleaning up the mess.

The next thing you need to do is inspect the insulation. Chances are you’ve already had to tear in there to get at your uninvited house guests, so insulation removal is probably inevitable.

The good news is stripping off all the old insulation means you can be sure there are no more critters hiding up there. It gives you the chance to find any holes through which they can get in and plug it up o prevent future infestations. It also justifying insulation replacement newer and more efficient materials.

Benefits of attic cleaning

You might even find that all this trouble over cleaning out your attic a blessing in disguise. You might not have realized you needed insulation replacement. You might not have had insulation at all. Proper insulation can save you a ton of cash in heating and cooling costs in the long term.

Attic cleaning also gives you a chance to get rid of all that junk and discover treasures you might be able to use or sell. You might even be able to convert the space for something more than storage, such as a bedroom or rec room if it has enough head room.

Conclusion

Cleaning out your attic might be a chore you’ve been putting off for a long time, but you can turn it to good account. Getting rid of your rodent problem and replacing your insulation are just two of the long-lasting benefits.

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Professional Reconstruction Service

October 25, 2016, 2:38 pm

≫ Next: Tips to installing an exhaust vent

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THE BEST REMEDIATION YOUR STRUCTURE CAN GET

What do you do when you are in dire need of home or office reconstruction services? Well, first, you need to read the next article, which presents you with the best professional reconstruction services for your personal residence or for your commercial property – provided by Reactic Restoration. What do we offer? A full restoration package as a required solution for damaged structures due to water, storm, fire, or mold infections.

Perfectly Reconstructed

We are all aware of the damage stormy winds can cause our house or of the damage mold caused by dampness can bring about in attics or basements. Have you ever had mold accumulated around the corners of your ceiling or on the walls of the bathroom? Everyone who had experienced such damage knows that sometimes it runs so deep that you have to get the assistance of professionals to remove it, as a part of a comprehensive reconstruction service.

Reactic Restoration is the company to call, as we handle both residential and commercial structures. So, if your office has been hit by a flood or the sewage system got clogged and overflowing, Reactic Restoration will come fully equipped with the proper tools and machinery to deliver a perfectly done reconstruction service, in each and every room.

Expert Solutions

Amongst our reconstruction services you can enjoy:

Repainting
Flooring, carpeting, tiles
Electric appliances fix
Professional work estimation
cabinetry & carpentry
Drywalls, baseboards
Small to large scale remodeling
Debris removal

Qualified and Licensed

Our professional team of experts is well trained and capable of handling all kinds of reconstruction services, as they are certified and accredited with the appropriate certifications and licenses required in this field.

Not only that, but they are also fully insured, as an integral part of the 100% satisfaction customer service Reactic Restoration provides their clients with. Reconstruction and restoration services insurance is not something to settle on as a customer in need. Why? Because you don`t want to rely on luck, and you shouldn’t, when you are facing that kind of damaged structure, which is an ongoing hazard until fixed by professionals.

Reactic Restoration is certified according to all relevant regulations and prerequisites and maintains high standards of work quality and safety. When dealing with structural damages there is no place for even the slightest chance of negligence, so that is why we hire only reliable and professional experts, the best in the market, for that matter.

For professional reconstruction services call us now at (510) 275-3708.

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Tips to installing an exhaust vent

July 18, 2017, 1:14 am

≫ Next: Why Should You Board-up After a Fire?

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Tips to installing an exhaust vent

The purpose of an exhaust vent is to improve air quality inside a home by venting excess moisture that might accumulate in living spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. Beyond removing moisture and potentially smoke from the air in the case of a stove vent, an exhaust vent also helps prevent mold from growing in these same spaces as the result of moisture build up.

It’s surprising the number of do-it-yourself homes that exist where a kitchen renovation resulted in a stove vent not venting outdoors, or a new bathroom with a shower stall and no venting. If your home doesn’t seem to have the exhaust vents it should, or if you’re adding a bathroom or completing a renovation that may call for the addition of a new vent, here are some simple tips to help you along the way. The tips here are fairly general, assuming some knowledge, and providing merely general reminders. Some jobs, particularly those that are difficult to reverse if something goes wrong, are best left to experience after all and, depending on your knowledge and skillset, this may just be one of them.

Venting to the outside

The whole point to an exhaust vent is that the moisture or smoke you are trying to get rid of must vent to the outdoors, or you’re only redirecting the problem from one space to another. People for instance, who think they can vent to an attic to avoid venting through a wall are simply forcing the excess moisture into that space where, yes, it will cause problems.

Gaining access to the outside can be done through a side wall, through the roof, or through the soffit (the underside of the roof for instance), depending in part on access and location, and in some cases perhaps, to aesthetics.

Mark the location

Let’s assume you’re going to install a bathroom vent and that you can do so easily because there is an attic space above. First, from below, you’re going to mark the location you want to install the fan by standing in the bathroom and drilling a hole in the ceiling, right through to the attic space. Then, when you’re in the attic, you can locate the hole and know exactly where you want to position the vent. Understand that you may need to adjust the location slightly if there are pipes or other structures in the way once you get into the attic to view the space and the likely position. You also want to try to position the vent roughly center between joists so be prepared to have the vent shift slightly one way or the other from where you had imagined it would be.

Measure twice

Before you cut the hole, measure the inside dimensions of the intake port so you know how big a hole to cut. And don’t forget the old saying, measure twice, cut once. The work you’ll go through if you accidentally cut the hole too big, or worse, crooked, is worth the time spent measuring and remeasuring. Speaking of crooked, a framing or layout square can ensure that the hole you cut is exactly that. It doesn’t matter how many holes you have cut in the past, or how accurate you think you eye is, there is always the chance you may be a little off and with something like this, even slightly off doesn’t work.

Safety first

Before you cut, be sure that you are equipped with the proper safety gear. Remember that cutting drywall and into a dusty attic space can release all kinds of things into the air, so goggles and a mask are essential. Make sure anyone who may be assisting, holding a ladder or just looking over your shoulder to see what you’re doing, is also equipped, just in case.

Installing the fan

Get the fan ready for installation following the manufacturer’s instructions, including attaching the duct elbow and the cable connector. Fans should be equipped with extendable brackets that will allow you to adjust and to connect properly with the joists. You’re going to want to use foil duct tape, rather than fabric duct tape on all of the connections requiring taping, because it will better stand the test of time.

Venting

Now comes the important part – venting to the outside. From inside the attic find a spot within 6 ft. of the fan and between two wall studs where the duct can exit. You’re going to want to take multiple measurements for reference so you can locate this spot next from the outside. Again, measure, measure before you actually cut through the spot on the outside.

Cut the hole in the siding or soffit, again making sure safety – goggles and ladder safety – are a priority.

Connecting the pieces

Once you’ve cut the exterior hole and installed the wall cap, you can move back inside to attach the exhaust duct. Don’t forget to add a foam-rubber gasket to fill any gaps and help secure the duct on the outside and to make sure you aren’t creating a space that new moisture can enter. Then add some silicone adhesive to ensure it all stays in place.

Wiring

The next step involves wiring the fan so it actually works. If the key words white to white, black to black, green grounding screw, and electrical receptacle make you pause for even a second, you may want to call in professional help at this point. Not intending to be overly vague, wiring is another area you really want to be sure you have expertise, before you start so let’s just leave your tip at that.

Finishing

The final steps involve raising the blower motor and plugging it into the receptacle inside the housing you’ve installed, securing the motor with screws, and adding the finishing piece – the grill – and then testing to be sure everything works.

Professional help

As mentioned earlier, these steps and tips have been deliberately vague, in part because there are some things that require a bit of knowledge and experience to handle safely. If you know some of what you’re doing, what we’ve shared will explain itself.

If these tips did not completely make sense, it is probably worth bringing in a little professional assistance. While we love helping people make their homes better and healthier, the extra cost homeowners face when we have to not only install but fix a do-it-yourself project gone wrong, is a tough one. If you have a venting project to be done and you aren’t completely sure how to handle all of the aspects – from locating and cutting to wiring – call us to help before you try it yourself.

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Why Should You Board-up After a Fire?

August 23, 2017, 11:38 pm

≫ Next: Your home could be harming your child

≪ Previous: Tips to installing an exhaust vent

Why Should You Board-up After a Fire?

Across the globe, across communities, across cultures, everyone shares a common fear: fire.

Nowhere is this truer than in the home. Your sanctuary, your retreat from the world, should feel safe and secure at all times – and a house fire can shatter that illusion within moments.

In 2015, over 501,000 of the 1m+ fires reported across the USA were structure fires. These caused more than 2,600 deaths, and cost over $10.3bn in damage.

Many of us take precautions to secure our homes and loved ones against the threat of fire. We install smoke alarms, we keep fire extinguishers in our kitchens, and we may even come up with an ‘escape plan’ so every member of the family knows exactly what to do in the event of a fire.

However, as the above figures show, house fires remain sadly common. If your property is damaged by flames, the damage can be absolutely devastating – physically and emotionally.

Items with immense sentimental value may be lost. Months and even years of hard work around the home, making it unique, can be undone in mere seconds.

In many cases, though, homes can be saved and restored with a lot of hard work, but before that, you’ll need to find somewhere else to stay. It’s vital that you board your home up after a fire – but why?

Protection from the Elements

One key reason to board up your windows and doorways is to keep the weather outside, where it belongs.
Flames can completely destroy doors and windows, leaving your interiors (smoke-damaged and ruined as they may be) vulnerable to the elements. Rain, wind, sleet, hail, and more can easily get inside, exacerbating the disrepair.
This will only make the clean-up and restoration process even more difficult and time-consuming, particularly if left for weeks. Be sure to cover up every single access point, including any structural damage that may have resulted from the fire.
A thorough inspection can identify potential flaws needing reinforcement.

Deterring Burglars or Vandals

Nobody likes to consider the possibility that your home may be burglarized or vandalized at any time – not least after a fire.
There’s something particularly heartbreaking about the prospect of criminals or vandals taking advantage of your misfortune, rooting through your damaged property for anything they could make a profit from or destroy for their own amusement.
Sadly, it does happen.
Boarding your property up after a fire will make it far, far harder for thieves or vandals to gain access. Not only would they physically need to remove the boards – which would likely require tools – but doing so would attract more attention than if they simply slipped in through an open window or doorway.
It’s important to bear in mind that any security systems you had in place – alarms, sensors, lights, would be extremely unlikely to continue working after a major fire. You can’t rely on them in place of boarding your property up.

Preventing Animals Gaining Access

Another reason for boarding your property up after a fire is to prevent local wildlife from getting inside. Neighborhood cats, dogs, birds, and other animals may all see a fire-damaged home as a place to find shelter or search for food.

It goes without saying that they may cause more damage and delay the restoration process.

Other Precautions to Take

As well as boarding up windows and doors, there are a number of other precautions to take to minimize the risks of further damage.

First and foremost, examine locking systems on any doors left standing. Is the lock still in working condition? Does it appear likely to break when used, or does it seem able to perform its proper function?

If you have a working lock on any doors, be sure to use it. However, you may want to board the doorway up anyway, for added peace of mind.

Another step is to search for any valuables that may remain in the home and survived the flame with minimal damage. As mentioned above, morally-bankrupt individuals may see your damaged property as ‘easy pickings’ – no working security alarm, nobody home etc. – but if you leave salable goods available, you’ll only be making their task easier.

If your property is deemed unsafe to enter, you’ll obviously be unable to search for valuables yourself, but if you are given the all-clear, do this immediately. Remove objects which you think others might not even see as worth taking – such as electronic items – as internal components may still be worth something beneath superficial damage.

If you’re staying at a hotel or with a friend, you may be unable to keep many valuables with you, especially if you’ve managed to secure a lot of them. Consider asking friends and / or family if they would be willing to store them for you, just until your home is restored, or look into hiring a storage unit. This may mean a little extra expense, but can save you more money and heartache in the long run (especially for items with sentimental value).

Boarding up your home after a fire can be a time-consuming task, but it’s well worth doing. This will ensure your property stays in its ‘purest’ post-fire state, and allow the specialists you hire to restore your home to work without having to contend with weather-damage, vandalism, or any other extraneous damage.

Fire-damaged homes are usually boarded with plywood, but other woods may be used. However, depending on the number of windows, doors, or structural holes to be covered, the cost of this wood may mount up quickly.

At Reactic Restoration, we’re an experienced team dedicated to the very best fire and smoke damage restoration services. We perform immediate board-up services to reinforce your home against the above risks, and we’ll also inspect and evaluate all contents and structural damage, remove acidic smoke & soot, and restore your property.

Want to know more about how we can board up your property and tackle the damage caused by smoke and fire? Call us on (510) 275-3708 now.

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Your home could be harming your child

November 19, 2017, 3:27 am

≫ Next: 🔥 Wildfire and Smoke Damage: How Do They Affect Your Home?

≪ Previous: Why Should You Board-up After a Fire?

Your home could be harming your child

While the goal of parents includes providing their children with a home that is safe, where they are protected and can grow and flourish, all too often there is a risk to a child’s health and well-being hiding right there within those very walls.

More common than you think

A paper published on by the National Institutes of Health suggests that one cause of the growing incident of asthma and other breathing related issues in children is household mold and cites a direct connection to dampness and mold and lung function.

The article notes: “About 30 investigations from various countries around the world have demonstrated a close relationship between living in damp homes or homes with mold growth, and the extent of adverse respiratory symptoms in children.”

Symptoms

Some of the early symptoms that may indicate your child, or someone else in your home, is developing asthma or another lung related issue includes:

Frequent, intermittent coughing that is not cold related
A whistling or wheezing when breathing
Chest congestion, again not cold related
Chest pain
Shortness of breath

Trouble sleeping because of coughing or wheezing, delayed recovery of respiratory infections, trouble breathing when playing or exercising or fatigue can also be signs that something more serious is going on.

Sources of mold

While many people understand and will be aware of the signs of mold in bathrooms and showers – the black discoloration that may appear – there are other sources of mold that may be less obvious.

Windows can be a great place for mold to grow, especially when temperatures cause condensation inside or when vaporizers or humidifiers are in use. Regularly check around window frames to check for signs of mold and behind furniture that may be up against outside walls.
Kitchen sinks and under sink areas, around washing machines and refrigerators, and in basements are also places moisture can accumulate and mold can develop. Where leaks or minor cracks may exist in a foundation, mold can even grow underneath rugs.
Remember also that plants and appliances such as humidifiers and vaporizers, where water is added on a regular basis, can be sources of mold growth.

Prevention

Beyond checking for and ensuring leaks and seepage are repaired as quickly as possible, and that spills are cleaned up quickly, there are a few things you can do to discourage mold growth in your home.

Use de-humidifiers to pull excess moisture from the air and run bathroom fans after showering to ensure steam and moisture are pulled out of the room.
Running a hood fan in the kitchen while cooking can also be an easy way to pull excess moisture out of the area.
Ensure proper ventilation and air flow. When possible, opening windows is a good way to encourage air flow and to disperse moisture. When that is not possible, a table fan can work just as effectively to dissipate and eliminate moisture from settling.
Don’t forget outdoor water build up. Outside, it is important to keep water from building up around the home that may find its way in. This can include installing extensions on spouts to direct water away from the home and cleaning and repairing roof gutters so that water does not sit and find its way in.
Avoid creating places for moisture to sit. It’s a good idea to avoid storing potential sources of moisture, such as firewood, inside a home. And, where items are being stored in basements or closets, opt for plastic storage bins over cardboard to avoid an issue of something picking up a bit of dampness and turning into a source of mold over time.
Ensure proper heat circulation to avoid rooms that are cold and can encourage condensation.
Keep furniture away from walls and windows to avoid moisture build up there.

Clean up

If you do spot mold in your home, it is important to clean the area as soon as possible, in order to avoid its spread, and to avoid your family from coming in contact with the harmful spores that can trigger reactions. Clean up, however, comes after you identify and repair the source of the moisture to prevent it from coming back again.

Use protective gear to ensure that as you remove the mold, you are not inhaling spores yourself. Gloves, a mask and goggles are all a good idea. Most areas can likely be cleaned with detergent and water, although there are also stronger chemical options available on the market for heavier staining.

Things that may have absorbed mold that cannot be cleaned properly, such as carpet, ceiling tiles, mats or shower curtains, may need to be replaced.

Get help if you need it

If the area is large, or if you’re not sure you have or can get to all of the mold, get professional help. You should also seek assistance if you have cleaned an area and find the mold is coming back as it either means the issue was not completely resolved or that the mold is hidden in a place that will need professional attention to access.

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🔥 Wildfire and Smoke Damage: How Do They Affect Your Home?

December 18, 2017, 10:36 am

≫ Next: The Vital Role Thermal Cameras Play in Moisture Detection

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Wildfire and Smoke Damage: How Do They Affect Your Home?

Wildfires are devastating on numerous levels.

First and foremost, there is the tragic loss of life among wildlife, civilians, and first responders. More than 40 lives were lost during the recent California wildfires, while billions of dollars’ worth of property damage was caused. At least 245,000 acres of land were burned, across Napa, Lake, Mendocino, and other areas,

Secondly, even if homes and businesses are not destroyed during a wildfire’s rampant spreading, they may still suffer extensive damage as a result. The flames may devour properties and destroy their foundations, while smoke is an obvious side-effect; both pose a very real risk to humans and animals alike, and are strong enough to damage properties too.

What Damage May Be Caused?

Flames and smoke from wildfires can affect the following areas of the home or business property, including:

Fabrics (carpets, rugs, clothes, upholstery) may become discolored
Furniture can be damaged, depending on the material used
Walls may become damaged by heat transfers
Windows can become discolored or warp
Plants and soil may become harmed or contaminated by smoke
Concrete can crack because of dehydration or prolonged heat-exposure
Roofs may become damaged by burning embers drifting from nearby flames

Even if you manage to escape the wildfires and their smoke, returning to your home or business only to find it severely damaged by flames can be incredibly upsetting.

Wildfires may destroy premises you have built yourself or invested a lot of money into, or at least render them unsafe. Smoke can get inside and render your personal belongings and décor unrecognizable.

Fortunately, you can consult experts who are able to make your property safe and habitable again (depending on the extent of the damage caused). At Reactic Restoration, we offer:

Expert property fire damage restoration
Fire cleaning
Immediate boarding-up (for security and to prevent further damage from the elements)
Removing smoke and soot from surfaces throughout the property

The best way to minimize destruction caused by wildfires’ flames and smoke is to take fast action. Calling experts in to help as soon as your area is confirmed safe to return to is the first step.

Fire and soot residue will start to settle onto your property immediately, and any discoloration of porous materials tends to be permanent. However, we can effectively clean other surfaces, removing any discoloration that has occurred.

Acidic soot can stain various different surfaces quickly if not treated in time. Within hours, all of the property’s surfaces and rooms will start to show the effects of being exposed to smoke and nearby flames. Wooden surfaces and furnishings may need to be refinished, and metal will start to rust and / or corrode.

Smoke will also start to turn walls bearing paint yellow, and clothes exposed will likely carry permanent stains. If you stay away from your home for weeks, the damage will have had longer to set in, and the restoration process is likely to take longer. Calling experts in to begin fire and smoke restoration in as soon as you possibly can will help to reduce the amount of time required to get things to a habitable level (if this is possible).

Taking the Right Precautions

If you find yourself in an area which may become affected by a wildfire and / or its smoke, it may be tempting to stay in your property to combat damage. However, it’s vital to remember that your safety, and those of your loved ones and pets, has to come first.

Take any essentials you may need and leave the property together, taking the safest route possible. Depending on the wildfire’s path, your home or business may well avoid the worst of it, enabling you to move back in in only a few days.

However, regardless of the amount of damage you believe your home or business site may suffer, you can take certain steps to reduce the effects. Some of them may be more obvious than others, but they can all contribute:

Move any combustible objects or materials away from the outside of the property; anything which may ignite or be flammable only adds to the danger posed.
Keep every window and door shut, to combat smoke and soot penetrating the property as much as you can.
Be sure that any external furniture is either covered or moved inside, to try to stop them becoming damaged; outdoor furniture can contribute to the overall cost of replacing goods.
Avoid throwing damaged items away, as some may be able to be repaired or cleaned.
Switch off your air conditioning systems.

Reactic Restoration uses eco-friendly cleaning machinery in our fire and smoke restoration work, such as deodorizing organic tools especially made for these jobs, as well as ozone generators. We endeavor to work around the clock to achieve the best results for your property, restoring it to a habitable condition.

The recent wildfires have reminded the world (if any reminders were needed) that such natural events can be incredibly costly to combat, considering lost lives, destroyed habitat, and money. For people who live and work in area at risk of wildfires, taking whatever steps you can to reduce the impact they have on your property is key.

However, there are only so many precautions you can take. Wildfires leave their mark on properties of all kinds, of all sizes, whether burning them to the ground or inflicting smoke damage. Provided they are still safe to enter and undertake work upon, houses and business properties can be improved through fire and smoke restoration services.

If your home or business premises has been damaged by fire and / or smoke, you can trust Reactic Restoration to help put things right. Our team is experienced using the latest equipment and working around the clock, in properties of all kinds. Our eco-friendly working methods are kind to the environment too.

You can call us in emergency situations on 1-888-989-0Reactic Restoration, and we’ll do whatever we can!

Get help if you need it

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The Vital Role Thermal Cameras Play in Moisture Detection

September 19, 2020, 3:31 pm

≫ Next: Importance of Ventilation and Reducing Humidity Indoor to Prevent Mold on Surfaces

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The Vital Role Thermal Cameras Play in Moisture Detection

One of the most common challenges that a lot of property owners face is moisture hidden behind walls, under floors, or over ceilings. Water in these parts of your home or property can be difficult to detect since it’s not visible to the naked eye. If left undetected and untreated, excess moisture can lead to mold infestation, which can also lead to more problems, including health risks.

Mold can begin to accumulate in as little as 24 hours. This is why it’s important that you detect and treat the problem the minute you see signs of moisture in hidden areas in your house. One of the most effective and advanced tools used to detect moisture or water damage in walls or ceilings is a thermal scanner or imager.

Signs of excess indoor moisture

Aside from that familiar musty smell, there are other telltale signs you’ve got to watch out for to know there’s excess moisture somewhere inside your house.

Damage on walls and ceilings

Peeling or cracked paint and lumps in the wallpaper can be caused by too much moisture inside your house. Take a closer look at your wall. If you notice any discoloration of the paint, then you can have a moisture problem at home.

Musty smell on furniture

Furniture items kept too close to the walls can have molds in them if there’s excess water in your walls. This is because air cannot circulate properly and can cause condensation if moisture is building up behind your walls.

Visible mold growth on baseboards and walls

If an area has excess moisture, such as in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms, mold will normally appear on walls, baseboards, and ceilings. So be sure to have it checked by a professional right away.

Preventing damage

Water damage is the number one problem that can weaken a home’s foundation, which can lead to serious structural damage in the long run.

Here’s how to prevent water damage in your home.

Make sure you have a good drainage system.

Downspouts should direct water 5 to 10 feet away from your home. Gutters should be kept clean at all times to prevent clogging. Your yard is sloped at least 6 inches over a 10-foot span to keep water from getting down to your foundation, causing cracks and leaks.

Test the sump pump regularly.

You want to make sure that your sump pump works when the storm comes. Check it at least once a year and perform tests before the heavy storm seasons. To do this, fill the pump pit with water. Wait for the float to rise to turn on the pump. Check to see if the water level falls.

Inspect for leaks.

Leaks will lead to mold and mildew, as well as termites and ants. Inspect walls, cabinets, under pipes, ceilings, and toilets for dark spots or stains. You should also check your roof for missing or lose shingles. Have all leaks and other damages fixed immediately to prevent moisture and mold.

How does thermal imaging work?

Infrared cameras or thermal cameras can detect moisture, as well as other building failures, saving property owners and contractors thousands of dollars on repair. This is why these gadgets are becoming more and more available and affordable. Insurance carriers are also using these modern tools for the identification and detection of moisture in interior walls.

Infrared thermography (IT) is a method that uses a thermal camera to capture an image that’s invisible to the human eye through infrared light emitted by a particular object’s thermal condition or the heat or lack thereof. This tool looks like a camcorder that produces a live television picture of heat radiating an object. More sophisticated cameras can even measure the temperatures in the image. It will then produce false-color images, called thermogram or thermograph, to interpret thermal patterns easier.

How to measure correctly

A thermal camera can be used in the detection of moisture. It will detect infrared energy and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed by the device to produce a thermal image on a monitor. It is used in recent innovations because it delivers cost-efficient thermal analysis.

However, using an infrared camera is only part of the solution. You will need temperature measurement tools or moisture meters to provide accurate data, which in this case is the presence of moisture inside walls and ceilings. The thermal camera will help locate areas with potential water damage. Moisture meters, on the other hand, will help check the depth of water infiltration.

Do not compromise on quality

If you suspect that your home is suffering from water damage somewhere, you should immediately call the experts to find the problem for you. Be sure to contact a reputable company to ensure that you do not compromise on quality.

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Importance of Ventilation and Reducing Humidity Indoor to Prevent Mold on Surfaces

March 21, 2021, 1:59 am

≫ Next: Hardwood Floors Can Be Saved, Even After Being Damaged By Water

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Importance of Ventilation and Reducing Humidity Indoor to Prevent Mold on Surfaces

Everyone hates molds. Be it in our homes, workplace, or any other place that we go to, the sight of molds brings disgust that we just want to get rid of them right away. But more than being an eyesore, the harm molds pose to our health cannot be set aside. Mold removal is a must as soon as mold growth is detected in any part of a house or building. In this blog, we will talk about how to best stop molds from building up.

What are molds?

Molds are microscopic organisms that belong to the Fungi kingdom. A part of the natural environment, molds play an important role in the ecosystem. They help supply food and nutrients to organisms of other kingdoms. They are the decomposers and recyclers in which, without them, the food web will be incomplete.

There are many different types of molds but the most common that are found indoors are:

Aspergillus – grows in air-conditioning systems and on food, this type of mold is fairly allergenic.
Cladosporium – commonly found on painted surfaces, at the back of toilets, and on fiberglass air ducts. This type appears to be a green or black substance.
Stachybotrys Atra – grows on high cellulose materials like paper, fiberboard, and gypsum board. It is also known as the “black mold” or “toxic mold”.

What causes mold growth? Molds can grow on surfaces where the following conditions are present:

Oxygen: Because molds are living organisms, they need oxygen in order to survive.
Water: Molds grow and spread on water. They thrive on moisture. Condensation, high humidity, flooding, and water leaks all provide moisture that can cause mold buildup.
Temperature: Molds grow between 77° F and 86° F. Within this temperature range, their growth is faster if the air is humid.
Food: Molds grow on cellulose because they eat the sugar and starch from it. But this does not mean that molds do not grow on non-cellulose materials. They also grow on concrete, metal, or plastic whenever a food source is available on the surface of the material.

Are molds health hazards?

While molds are needed outdoors, having them indoors can cause a threat to human health. Going back to the most common type of mold that can be found indoors, Aspergillus is fairly allergenic; Cladosporium, although non-toxic, can set off common allergy symptoms like rashes, red and watery eyes, and sore throat; and the toxic Stachybotrys Atra is believed to be the type that causes mold poisoning or mycotoxicosis.

Mycotoxins, the cause of mycotoxicosis, are the toxic substances that some fungi genera produce. Aside from causing mold poisoning, exposure to mycotoxins can lead to more serious health concerns such as cancer and immune deficiency.

Although not all molds are toxic, long-term exposure to them is unhealthy for people. Infants, children, elderlies, and those with pre-existing health conditions are the ones who are more at risk of developing symptoms of mold exposure.

Overall, people who have existing allergies are more sensitive to mold. Those with existing respiratory conditions will experience worsen lung problems upon exposure to the substances that molds produce. And people whose immune systems are weak are prone to getting fungal infections.

How does proper ventilation prevent molds?

In any environment, proper ventilation is vital. If the ventilation is good, clean air goes inside buildings and houses that air keeps moving. And with the circulation of clean air indoors, viruses, as well as allergens stop spreading.

On the opposite, poor ventilation promotes the growth of molds. So, in case you’re not sure, you will know poor ventilation when you see any of these signs:

Heat build-up that does not go away.
Strong odors that do not go away.
Molds start appearing and growing on walls, wood, or even fabric surfaces.
The floor and/or wall tiles and grout have discoloration.
The glass windows and shower doors look cloudy.
Metal pipes show early signs of rust staining.

As soon as you see those signs either in your home or office, it is best to fix what causes them. Most of the time, not enough vents or obstructed vents decrease the airflow. Sometimes, just opening windows and doors are all that is needed to have good indoor air circulation.

Good ventilation can help prevent molds by drying up wet areas fast and reducing moisture indoors.

How does reduced indoor humidity prevent molds?

As mentioned earlier in this article, molds thrive on humid surfaces. It is therefore obvious that reducing the humidity indoors can help prevent mold growth.

To ultimately prevent the growth of molds, indoor relative humidity needs to be kept between 30 to 50 percent if possible or below 60 percent at most.

The following are ways to decrease indoor humidity:

Opening windows
Using exhaust fans
Using air conditioners
Using dehumidifiers
Using charcoal briquettes to absorb moisture
Not putting in too many indoor plants
Drying laundry outside
Fixing leaky pipes
Keeping gutters clean
Taking cooler showers

Keeping humidity down not only prevents molds from growing and spreading but can also save the materials they are growing in from getting destroyed. And most importantly, people’s health will not be put at risk from the harm that molds can bring to anyone.

When to call a mold removal specialist?

Sometimes, even if we do everything to keep our homes and offices or buildings clean, molds just find opportunities to grow. And when not being acted upon soon, there might be a need to seek assistance with mold removal.

The following situations call for the help of a mold remediation specialist:

The mold is evident with plain sight.

The mold is noticeable with the sense of smell.
Indoor humidity is very high.
There is water damage that was not detected for a while.
The mold keeps coming back.

Prevention is key in avoiding molds. But if molds are already spreading and we can no longer solve the problem on our own, it is best to let the experts handle and solve the problem. When all is clear, we will have the chance to maintain good ventilation and reduced indoor humidity to prevent molds from growing and spreading again.

The post Importance of Ventilation and Reducing Humidity Indoor to Prevent Mold on Surfaces appeared first on Reactic Restoration.

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Hardwood Floors Can Be Saved, Even After Being Damaged By Water

March 28, 2021, 2:50 pm

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Hardwood Floors Can Be Saved, Even After Being Damaged By Water

Water damage can significantly impact the different areas of the home. Not to mention, it is quite detrimental to items and objects in the house, including your hardwood floors. Floors made out of this material can be damaged once they come in contact with water, which might sink it into disrepair. Nevertheless, they can be saved with the right solutions. However, before diving into the solutions, it is essential to understand the levels of water damage first.

Level 1: Broken pipes, water overflows, and rainwater

Water damage with these types of accidents often ensues health risks that are not critical yet in need of immediate response in less than 48 hours. In some cases, it may even cause major headaches, which can exacerbate the situation if left unattended. After 48 hours, there is a high risk of exposure to various contaminants, which can level up the damage by a notch.

Level 2: Equipment discharges and chemical wastes

This level of water damage often causes the emergence of greywater, which comes from equipment discharges and chemical wastes like detergent, soap, and laundry. This, in return, gives rise to mild to severe risks of contamination. This is because greywater often produces microbial growth, where the condition’s severity can escalate within a particular timeline. Direct and indirect exposure to this fluid can significantly impact residents’ health and properties.

Level 3: Sewage water

Water from the sewers or those that contain grease, urine, oil, and other substances belong to the category of black water. This type of water holds various types of bacteria, viruses, and other toxic allergens, which is contagious to anyone who comes in contact with it. More than 90% of the vulnerability of acquiring infection or illness is from direct and indirect contact to black water.

How can you save your hardwood floor from any of these damages?

Consider the Time of Response

As with medication, the time it takes to take action to deal with a particular accident is essential to the chances of possibly saving something. Water damage can be significantly decreased depending on how fast you respond to the problem at hand. According to experts, molds in the water can grow in just over 24 to 48 hours on almost all organic objects in the house, given that they have a particular level of moisture of at least 16% or higher.

When it comes to damage caused by water on your hardwood floor, it is essential that you consider the essence of time, as the moisture, the temperature, and even the layer of dust under the wet wooden floor can produce an ideal environment for the production of fungi, along with a wide variety of other problems.

Consider the Type of Wood

The proper drying of a hardwood floor to save it from damage is dependent on its type. You have to get to know its makeup before deciding what to do with it. With that said, the following are the most common types of hardwood floors:

Strip wood
Plank wood
Engineered wood
Laminated wood

Determining whether the wood floor is salvageable after the water damage had occurred, is depends upon the way it was installed, construct, and the surface below it.

Strip and plank wood types are normally installed with no padding or vapor barrier under, therefore more likely to be saved, using the proper equipment and machinery.

On the other hand, laminated and engineered wood, although it may be common among homes, is not considered a type of hardwood flooring, and requires different types of installation which include another layer. Hence, Moisture will be trapped in between. This type of flooring should be replaced in the case of a flood because of its incompatibility with moisture leading to irreparable damages.

Consider the Amount of Moisture

The moisture provided by the damage can affect the different types of floor in various ways. As such, the normal moisture content in a wooden floor may change between 6% and 12%. On the other hand, a flooded floor may acquire up to 40% of moisture content, which can be retained well above the normal level of moisture for a couple of weeks if it is left to dry on its own. In this situation, the nails on the wood may begin to loosen, where the glue may cause a separation between the other pieces of flooring, and the groove and the tongue may even cup or buckle when the moisture has been soaked.

Tips for Water Removal and Drying:

Remove the surface water first.

For efficiency, you can use a water vacuum cleaner to get rid of the flooded water as much as you can. Use the “wet mode” in this type of vacuum for circumstances like this. However, if there isn’t much water present, then a mop may suffice.

Scrub the floor.

You can use a mild detergent with a disinfectant that goes well with the mixture with clean water placed in a bucket. After which, you can scrub the floor and other related wood items that might have been affected by the water. A stiff brush may be needed for this task, where you have to rinse it from time to time using the water in the bucket. However, do not pour the water directly onto the floor. All you need to do is to remove the dirt, silt, and other organic materials that could produce mold on the hardwood.

Tend to moldy areas.

Molding can be detrimental to the health and quality of the floor. To prevent this, you have to clean the areas that might exhibit signs of the mold with trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a TSP substitute that is mixed with clean water. You then have to scrub these areas thoroughly until the discoloration caused by the mold has been eradicated. Afterward, remove any remnants of moisture on the surface using a clean and dry cloth.

Other tips and steps for water removal and hardwood drying include the following:

Find and stop the source of the damage.
Save the items in the area, those that have been in contact with the water already and those that have not.
Use a wet vacuum cleaner to absorb the remaining water.
Clean the floor with a disinfectant to avoid contamination.
Use a dehumidifier to remove any excess moisture in the air.

Oftentimes the damage is so extensive that a general contractor specialized in remodeling is needed. In those cases we work with the following contractor:

“Home Quality Remodeling”

The post Hardwood Floors Can Be Saved, Even After Being Damaged By Water appeared first on Reactic Restoration.

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Connection between Asthma and Mold

May 28, 2021, 1:50 pm

≪ Previous: Hardwood Floors Can Be Saved, Even After Being Damaged By Water

Connection between Asthma and Mold

Health is always the top priority of everyone especially since these days, there has already been an increase of panic and death to people with weak immune systems because of a single virus. It is evident that this world’s paranoia with viruses and bacteria that causes sickness has been worsened because of the threat of the coronavirus.

Though not as famous as coronavirus, mold has always been seen as a silent killer for those who have weak immune systems. This little fur-like substance might be small, but it can cause severe physical damage to those who are unaware of its presence, especially those who have allergies to mold.

What causes Asthma?

Most people conclude that asthma is something that is hereditary, unfortunately, it’s not. Asthma can be developed when you have a weak immune system that can’t fight infections, or you are sensitive to allergens, and even air pollution.

People who have asthma are prone to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest pains which are caused by the lack of sufficient air that comes to the lungs.

What is Mold made up of?

Mold is known to be a part of a group of organisms called fungi or fungus if singular. It thrives in damp places which are why it is mostly seen in basements, attics, or other corners of the house that are damp. Moreover, they can also be seen on food that has been left for a while and if not careful, a person might digest it and cause food poisoning or severe effects depending on the kind of mold.

Mold would multiply by spreading its pores like an airborne virus that latches itself to the nearest surface. This can’t be dried out and dies, so a mold would only remain still and wait for it to become damp and grow once more.

Can mold affect a person with asthma?

Multiple studies have been made regarding the effects of mold on people who have asthma. There is such a thing as Mold-induced Asthma, and this occurs when a person who is allergic to certain molds would unconsciously inhale the spores produced by the mold and could trigger an asthma attack.

There are people who have severe mold allergies that once they go near mold or even touch it just a little bit, they would have an allergic reaction, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes on their skin. These symptoms would eventually lead to an asthma attack which, if not treated immediately, could lead to severe complications, which is why it is best to make sure your surroundings are mold-free.

Your health must be a top priority, as well as the health of those who are around you, especially children because there is such a thing as developing asthma by being exposed to molds multiple times during childhood.

Never risk your health or anyone’s health by letting mold grow in your homes or things. Hire experts to thoroughly sanitize your place so you’ll have a cleaner and safer environment.

Reactic Restoration expertise and services

If you are looking for experts that can sanitize your homes and offices, then Reactic Restoration is the one for you. Reactic Restoration is a business that specializes in eliminating any mold and spores that could cause harm to you and your family.

Reactic Restoration’ offers special services like:

Mold inspection and removal

When inspecting for molds inside a house or an office, the first thing to do is look for the places that are damp. Reactic Restoration makes sure that their teams are trained to locate possible hiding places of molds and remove them without damaging your personal space.

Mold remediation

This is the process after the mold removal where our experts make sure that the area that the mold has been on will properly be sanitized so that it won’t grow back. Since molds have microscopic pores, removing them on your own would only cause the pores to spread, thus causing molds to grow more in different places.

However, mod remediation eliminates these fungi directly from its main core without spreading the pore unintentionally.

Water damage restoration

When your property has been invaded by water, you need to make sure that aside from securing electrical outlets, after the water has been fully removed, make sure that there will be no damp places inside your house.

Reactic Restoration makes sure that all the water is gone so that there will be no place for mold to develop and grow. Every place will be inspected and thoroughly cleaned to prevent possible mold formation.

Air duct cleaning

Air duct cleaning must be done at least every two years to make sure that the air inside your home is clean and free of any bacteria, pollen, dust particles, and other possible specs of dust.

Therefore, our expert staff will make sure that mold will not grow around or inside your air duct to ensure that no one will be affected by its spores that could cause asthma-flaring or severe allergic reactions.

Reactic Restoration doesn’t just offer these services. They also offer multiple services from water damages, to carpet cleaning. The goal is to make sure that their clients are satisfied with the cleanliness of their space.

Reactic Restoration is the best problem solver for your home and office sanitizing needs

Cleanliness will always benefit you. That is why Reactic Restoration is a business that takes extra care in making sure that the service they offer is the best. Hence, they don’t just clean your homes or offices; they make sure that your surroundings will not be a problem, but a place of comfort.

Reactic Restoration makes sure that they have expert cleaners that have equipment that also protects them from the bacteria and mold that they are removing; and encountering. Though a mold may seem harmless and easy to remove, the experts make sure that when they remove the mold, it will not grow back anytime soon.

That’s why instead of risking yourself while cleaning the molds on your own, contact Reactic Restoration and let them handle your mold problems for you.