Fire, smoke, water, & mold

Types of Damage

Water Damage

Water damage becomes worse the longer it goes unaddressed. Many building materials are prone to absorbing water, as well as furniture, upholstery, and cabinetry. Wooden fixtures will warp and become misshapen, while plaster and drywall start to crumble and fabrics become host to mold and bacteria. Water damage can be more extensive than immediately apparent; if not cleaned up quickly, moisture seeps deeper into the structure and becomes harder to remove. Unchecked, water damage can cause a building to fall apart.

Water damage restoration is possible and successful if started quickly. A rapid response can save waterlogged belongings and preserve the integrity of your house. Restoration companies like Interstate Restoration have teams of professionals that know how to act effectively and decisively, using state-of-the-art equipment and consultation from outside experts to drain, clean up, and refurbish damaged regions of your home or business.

Storms, Floods, & Sewage

In the wake of natural disasters like heavy storms or flash floods, excess moisture is only one facet of the problem. Leakage from a broken faucet or water line is generally clean, at least initially, but flooding often brings in water from less sanitary sources. Contaminated water presents its own set of safety concerns. Water damage restoration experts classify water leakage in one of three categories as such:

• Category 1 – Clean water that doesn’t carry health hazards for humans. An overflowing sink, broken faucet, or faulty appliance would likely produce this kind of damage. However, depending on the surrounding environment and how long the water has been present, it can drop into another category. The remaining moisture can also produce health hazards just as easily.

• Category 2 – “Gray water”: water that is contaminated and presents a risk of illness. The contamination usually includes some strains of bacteria and viruses but can also include urine or some chemicals. A backed up toilet or overflowing dishwasher would produce gray water, as would a broken sump pump in the basement. Rainwater is often classified in this category, too, as it is untreated but not necessarily contaminated in the way standing water would be.

• Category 3 – “Black water”, the most severely contaminated water. Extreme flooding that brings in untreated water from rivers or lakes creates black water damage. Sewer backups also produce dangerous quantities of black water, and water left standing for long enough can easily become contaminated. Containing sewage, harsh chemicals, or deadly microorganisms, black water puts occupants at risk of severe illness or death if they’re exposed.

Begin to address water damage by evacuating loose items and removing excess water, severe flooding or the presence of black water requires professional help. Preserve what you can, but focus on keeping occupants safe until technicians arrive.

Mold Remediation

Even clean water from supply lines can lead to contamination in a building. Humid, stuffy air and damp or soaked surfaces are the ideal conditions for mold to begin growing. Mold spores are present almost everywhere, often hitching a ride on clothes or in the fur of pets, but don’t generally pose a health risk. However, water damage that leaves excess moisture can allow spores to grow; wet building materials, in particular, give mold easily accessible nutrients. Mold growths break down infested materials, swiftly degrading structural integrity if left unchecked.

Though rumors about toxic molds, especially “black mold”, often oversell the hazards, the presence of mold can still be a health concern as well. Allergic reactions to mold and high concentrations of airborne spores are common; symptoms include irritation of the skin and eyes, sinus congestion, and coughing. Fever and shortness of breath indicate a more severe sensitivity, and mold spores can aggravate asthma attacks.

If water damage has occurred recently, you should be sure to check for possible mold in affected areas. Musty scents can signal the presence of mold, but this isn’t always reliable. The best bet is to consult with experts; they can conduct an investigation with air and surface samples, then perform removal with tested methods based on the type of mold and its environment.

Fire Damage

A fire in your home or business can be a devastating event with far-reaching consequences. The fire itself can destroy belongings and structural components on its own, but the radiant heat can also damage appliances, flooring, and walls as high temperatures cause materials to deform. Smoke is another concern; it spreads rapidly and lingers well after the fire, getting trapped in fabrics or porous surfaces and leaving the interior smelling of smoke for years. Soot and ash stains are hard to clean without leaving behind permanent residue, and smoke particles that get into air vents can compromise HVAC systems and create a risk of lung damage.

DIY work may not be enough to fully restore a building in the wake of a fire, but there are professionals you can count on. Interstate Restoration is equipped to address fire damage at all levels, from initial repairs to cleaning and air treatment. The ultimate goal is to remove all traces of the fire, reconstruct any damaged structures, and restore the contents. Our team will work to help you through what can easily be a traumatic experience and ensure that your house can be a proper home once again.

Commercial Services

Water, fire, and mold can easily put your business to a halt out of nowhere. The building has to be closed for repairs, and repair work has to be thorough to guarantee safety for customers and workers. Not only is the damage to property costly in itself, but every hour waiting is an hour of lost productivity.

At Interstate Restoration, we understand what such a scenario means for your business, and that’s why we strive for an immediate and thorough response when you call on us. As soon as we arrive, we secure the site to assess damage, then get to work:

• Cleaning up remaining water or ash

• Preemptively cutting off mold growth by extracting moisture and treating damaged surfaces,

• Using industrial-strength blowers and dehumidifiers to restore air quality

• Evacuating removable items and equipment to be cleaned and disinfected, inside and out, so that as much can be restored as possible, minimizing replacement costs

• Restoring any damaged structural supports, flooring or carpeting, paint, ceilings, and other elements both inside and outside

This means that, as soon as our work is done within a few days, your building is ready to be opened up for business again. Don’t put your clients and staff at risk by putting off restoration or attempting it yourself; contact Interstate Restoration today.