Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Cost of a Mold Cleanup

The Cost of a Mold Cleanup

Dealing with the fallout from a mold infestation is something homeowners prefer to avoid. But when it happens, it needs to be dealt with in a timely manner so the health of your family isn’t affected. The cost of mold remediation can be intimidating for homeowners, but PuroClean of South Charlotte will help ease the potential sticker shock of your mold remediation.

The first thing taken into consideration is the extent and amount of mold in your home. A small amount may only run you a few hundred dollars, but a large contamination can be costly. The mold cost and cleanup is broken up into three parts - inspection and testing by a professional, remediation, and final inspection and testing.

Areas in which mold commonly emerges - attics, basements, crawl spaces, etc - are checked thoroughly to gauge the full extent of mold damage. Most initial consultations are free and will estimate the total cost of the remediation. Mold can be tested, depending on the severity of the infestation.

The cost of the remediation covers things like the extent of the damage, whether or not building materials such as drywall or lumber need to be replaced. The infestation could possibly be superficial and might easily be cleaned via HEPA vacuuming and cleaning with an antimicrobial agent. Larger contaminations often require the removal of mold-affected materials (such as drywall, carpeting, etc) and the use of HEPA vacuums and HEPA air scrubbers to filter the air and capture the spores.

After the elimination of all mold, a final inspection by PuroClean of South Charlotte may be conducted if the infestation was severe enough.


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Not All Water Damage is Created Equal

Not All Water Damage is Created Equal

Nobody wants to deal with water damage, especially when it can be detrimental to your health.

Water damage can be broken up into three categories, cleverly called Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 water damage. PuroClean of South Charlotte deals with all three.

The first two (Category 1 and 2) deal with more minor contaminations. Category 1 damage is the safest of the three - the contamination doesn't pose a serious threat to health, but the water in this category can change to a higher level due to contact with things like soil or building materials. This kind of water usually comes from a clean source, such as a broken pipe or the ice-maker line to the refrigerator.

Category 2, mildly contaminated water, such as discharge from a washing machine, has more potential for more minor health risks because it contains more notable contamination in comparison to Category 1. Both Category 1 and 2, after a period of time (usually 48-72 hours) can escalate into a Category 3 situation if not addressed quickly.

Of all three categories, the most dangerous is Category 3 “Black Water” damage, which includes sewage and stormwater runoff that enters the home. This damage can contain harmful pathogenic or toxigenic agents. If exposed to or ingested, Category 3 water damage can cause serious discomfort and sickness.

At PuroClean of South Charlotte, we will work to evaporate any excess black water, dehumidification and temperature control followed by precise monitoring of the structure in question. Every aspect will be inspected - the level of obvious damage, the integrity of the floors along with the potential health risks - to make sure you and your family are safe from contaminated water damage.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tips to Remember When Grilling

Grilling Safety

Even though Labor Day has officially signaled end of summer, families are still utilizing grills as the warm weather lingers for one last hurrah. Grilling all summer long may have left you or someone you know with a false sense of grill safety whether you’ve cooked a single chicken or hosted a barbecue every weekend.

It’s always important to remember these basic grilling safety tips:

  • Grilling should only take place outdoors and in a cleared space. Grilling in an enclosed space such as your home or garage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which may potentially be deadly.
  • Be aware that just because you’re outside, you’re not necessarily safe. Grilling should take place at least 10-feet from your home with no dry brush or leaves nearby that may catch fire.
  • Keep your distance while grilling by using long-handled tongs or grill forks. Never squirt an accelerant directly onto the grill and always keep clothing tucked away.
  • Grills should never be left unattended when lit. Always be prepared to put out a fire with a nearby garden hose or a fire extinguisher, and be sure no unattended children are left near the grill.
  • The most common cause of grilling injuries is the fuel line. Whether it’s broken, contains faulty hoses, or unbalanced venturi tubes, an unchecked fuel line can be dangerous.
Keeping these points in mind for the last few weeks of the grilling season will help you avoid the most common causes of grilling accidents. If your home has recently been damaged by a grilling accident or other fire-related disaster, contact PuroClean of South Charlotte at (704) 644-8686 or visit www.puroclean911.com immediately.