Mold occurs naturally in the environment and it typically only causes a problem when it affects health or properties. You may assume that mold is only a concern if it occurs inside your home, but there are other ways it can affect you and even others in your neighborhood. A highly overlooked area of mold dissemination is the types that grow on roofs.

Roof mold infestations occur throughout the nation, but Florida residents are particularly at risk due to the state’s humid climate. Roofs that receive a significant amount of shade are at increased danger. Mold can be growing on roofs for quite some time before it becomes blatantly obvious. It often appears as a green or brown organic mass, but can also display in the form of unattractive black streaks.

Mold Moves

Mold spores are easily and effectively disseminated to other locations through the wind. If your home is infected, the problem needs to be addressed promptly for the health of your own family, the structural integrity of your home, and the safety of other homeowners in the community. If you see an infestation in another home nearby, it’s imperative that you employ measures to prevent its spread to your home.

Home Damage

Mold isn’t just unsightly. It has the ability to damage the roof, spread to other areas, and impair the structural integrity of your home. It eats away at roofing material and provides an opening for mold to move indoors into attics through leaks. Given humidity and moisture, mold will quickly multiply in attics and can be spread throughout the home behind walls. Mold also grows in gutters and can be transferred to roofs.

Compromised Health

Mold is a type of fungi that can lead to ill health and it’s especially dangerous for anyone with respiratory conditions or a compromised immune system. It also has the ability to affect the health of pets.

Mitigation Measures

If mold is a problem for you or a nearby neighbor, call in mitigation and restoration professionals. They know where to look for spreading infestations and how to remove it without contaminating other areas. They can inspect roofs, treat infestations, restore areas of damage, and suggest preventative measures such as additional ridge vents or roofing materials that discourage mold growth.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Water damage is seldom an immediately noticeable occurrence. It typically happens over an extended amount of time. It’s only when the damage has become extensive and widespread that individuals realize they have a problem. However, there are early signs that can be detected by observant individuals. The following are five ways to identify water damage.

Stains

If left long enough, water from roof leaks will drip down and begin to discolor ceiling materials and even walls. Individuals should use caution if their ceilings or walls are becoming discolored, as it may be mold that’s causing the staining – as a result of a water leak. All mold needs to thrive and expand is warmth, darkness, and moisture.

Changes in Walls, Floors or Ceilings

A change in the appearance of walls, floors or ceilings is never good news. Water damage can manifest in several ways. Paint may begin to sag or peel and floors and ceilings can begin to bow or warp. The trim around doors and windows may exhibit bowing and there can be visible breaks and cracks in caulk lines.

Unusual or Musty Odors

Molds and bacteria have a gassing off effect as they grow that’s responsible for what’s described as a musty smell. It’s a definite giveaway that mold is growing somewhere in the structure. Mold isn’t the only substance that may cause unpleasant odors. There are a great many modern building materials that emit an undesirable or unusual odor when they get wet.

Increased Utility Bills

Leaks and water damage can affect utility bills in various ways. When the leak is the result of a faulty appliance or pipe, water bills can increase. Roof leaks can saturate insulation, rendering it ineffective and electric bills will increase as cooling units become less efficient.

Water Sounds

Listen for the sounds of dripping, running water, or a hissing sound. The sounds will be most obvious when a home or business is quiet and no water is being used. Structures make a wide variety of creaks, groans and moans as they settle at night due to temperature fluctuations – but the sound of water isn’t one of them.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Developing a leaky roof is something that everyone dreads. Repairs can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance policies, depending on the cause of the leak. What people don’t understand is that by the time a leak is detected, it’s typically been occurring for a significant amount of time and there are a variety of unknown dangers associated with a roof leak.

Mold and Mildew

It requires very little time for mold and mildew to begin to multiply. All it needs is moisture and warm conditions which are plentiful in South Florida. There are about a dozen naturally occurring molds that ordinarily affect structures and some can begin growing in as little as 24 hours. Mold and mildew can affect the health of people, pets, and is especially dangerous for those with asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions.

Structural Damage

Moisture entering through a leaky roof soaks into the wood of roof supports and causes rotting that impairs structural integrity. The moisture also runs down roof supports to collect at the ceiling level. Over time, moisture will seep into spaces behind walls to damage wallboard. Water collecting at the ceiling or floor level can result in collapsed flooring.

Fire Hazard

Water seeping through the roof and behind walls will eventually come into contact with electrical wiring. It can result in shorts that can ignite a fire.

Increased Utility Bills

Water doesn’t stay in just one place. It will run and drip to saturate insulation, thereby reducing it’s insulative properties. The effectiveness of insulation can actually be depleted with a long-term leak and result in higher heating and cooling expenses.

Prevention

The best way to prevent leaks is to have the roof inspected once a year. It can be particularly advantageous after a damaging storm has rolled through. Roofing naturally deteriorates over time and wind can loosen roofing materials. It’s always a good idea to schedule an inspection if large branches have fallen on the roof. The inspection will identify areas that could potentially cause a problem in the future.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

No one wants a mold infestation in their home and there are specific measures that you can take to control the growth of the fungi in your house. Mold lives in outdoor and indoor environments and there are over a dozen of types of fungi that may typically be found in a home.

There’s always a certain amount of mold in any atmosphere and it can enter your home by multiple routes. A mold infestation can cause mild to severe symptoms, but it can even be deadly for those with a compromised immune system. The following are tips for preventing mold growth.

Humidity Levels

It’s essential that you control the humidity levels in your home. It should be no higher than 50 percent and air conditioners and dehumidifiers will both help accomplish that goal. It’s a good idea to buy a meter to monitor levels. They’re very inexpensive and a good investment.

Free Flowing Air

Construction that facilitates good air flow isn’t automatically designed into homes. It can be a good idea to open windows on a breezy day if the outside humidity level isn’t too high. Use exhaust fans while cooking and when bathing or showering to draw humid air outside. Also, make sure clothes dryers are vented outside the home.

Leaks

A leaky roof, pipe or water heater should all be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of mold. It only takes 24 hours for mold to begin to grow in moist conditions. Cleaning products that kill mold are especially beneficial in bathrooms.

Flooding

Severe rains and hurricanes that can result in flooding are both situations with which Florida residents must contend. After flooding has occurred, it’s imperative that you dry your home out as soon as possible.

Call a Specialist

An emergency mold remediation company should be called anytime that you have a leak or flooding. Leaks often aren’t immediately noticeable and mold growth will probably already have begun by the time you find it. The professionals will remove spoiled furnishings and belongings, remove the water, and treat any mold problems.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

One of the most little known facts is that homeowners can have mold growing in the house without even knowing it. The fungi can flourish under floors, air conditioning systems, ductwork, and in basements and attics. There’s a myriad of naturally occurring mold in the environment that can be brought in your home on shoes, clothes, and other items, along with you, your children, and pets.

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your house when mold spores are deposited in favorable surroundings, it begins to multiply. Mold requires a moist, dark place to grow and can infest your home and grow for weeks or even months before it’s discovered. Some of the most common locations and ways mold spreads through your home include the following:

• Air conditioning systems
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Clothes dryer vents
• Condensation
• Damp clothes left to dry in the house
• Ductwork
• Leaks from plumbing or water heaters
• Poor outdoor drainage
• Rook leaks
• Steam from showers and spas
• Ventilation from stove hood exhausts

Mold spores are extremely small, lightweight, and are present in the air. They can be circulated through ventilation systems, by ceiling fans, and ductwork as air conditioners blow cool air through your home. The fungi can be disseminated through your home through open doors and windows. Many of the cellulose-based materials that are routinely used in homes foster mold growth. Even the soil in potted plants can be a breeding ground for the fungi.

There are dozens of ways in which mold can spread throughout your home and for people with respiratory conditions, it can even be dangerous. If you suspect mold, engage the services of a professional mold remediation company. They will identify the exact type of mold that’s present, ensure no cross-contamination takes place, and address the fungi problem throughout your entire home.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Mold is naturally occurring everywhere in the world, but no one wants it in their home or commercial spaces. Individuals should never attempt to take care of a mold infestation on their own. It can make people very sick and without the proper safety precautions, it can easily be spread throughout the environment.

Mold easily grows in damp conditions. The first step is to determine where the moisture is coming from that’s spurring its growth and eliminate it. Common causes are wet basements, leaky water heaters or pipes, and leaks around windows or roof areas. The fungi can flourish in any location, even AC filters and ductwork.

The second step in mold remediation is to determine exactly what type of mold is growing by submitting it to a laboratory and having it professionally analyzed. There are more than a dozen different common fungi that can infect homes, workspaces, and commercial enterprises. The exact treatment will depend on the type of mold.

A professional mold remediation company will ascertain the area of growth and establish a plastic barrier to contain and isolate it from the adjoining area. A variety of precautions will be taken to ensure there’s no cross-contamination during the entire removal process.

Individuals don’t typically have to leave their homes during the process and businesses won’t have to suspend operations. An exception to that would be if the infestation was especially widespread and posed a hazard to pets or people.

Anti-microbial agents and negative air machines are just some of the tools and technology available to a professional mold remediation company. They’ll treat the area and stop further mold growth, ensure the safe removal of infected materials, and prevent infection of other areas. The professionals have access to methods that aren’t readily available to others and are specially trained in all available safety precautions.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Millions of people suffer the ill effects of mold growing in their homes and they’re not even aware of its existence. The potential for mold growth increases in humid climates such as South Florida and can affect your lungs, along with your eyes, nose, throat, and even your skin.

When you breathe in mold, it typically causes the same symptoms as an allergy. It can result in watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. You may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest, along with sore throat and worsening of any existing allergies or asthma.

Mold can generate symptoms ranging from mild to severe. When mold spores are inhaled, your immune system immediately begins working overtime trying to fight it. If you have a weakened or compromised immune system, you’re at greater risk and can even develop pneumonia that produces symptoms similar to the flu.

High humidity levels can make symptoms worse. Compounding the problem is the myriad of different types of mold to which you may be exposed. There are more than 100 varieties of the fungi, with about a dozen that you may typically come into contact in a home or work environment.

Mold is a highly adaptive fungus that can multiply in dark conditions with a humidity level of 50 percent or higher. It can flourish in basements, air conditioning systems, and ductwork. It grows behind walls, in attics when there’s a roof leak, and in carpet pads and carpeting. People that work in wineries, greenhouses, farming, bakeries, and carpentry are at increased risk.

If you have mold or suspect you have, don’t try to eradicate it yourself – you could only make it worse. Hire a professional mold remediation company. They have the ability to test and identify the exact type of mold that exists and take appropriate measures. They’re also skilled in removing it without contaminating other areas of your home.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Water damage from any source is cause to immediately contact the professionals to begin the restoration process. Mold, mildew, and bacteria begin to grow within a few hours and that timeframe can be accelerated in the humid conditions found in South Florida. When addressed immediately, many furnishings, equipment, and even electronics can be saved, sanitized, and restored to their previous state.

The same processes and procedures are applicable for damage to structures. The first 24-48 hours are a critical time for addressing water damage. Time is of the essence and the success of remediation efforts will be directly impacted by how quickly they’re initiated.

A leak behind walls and moisture that seeps under flooring is a health hazard in the making. The same is true when the water comes from the fire department when extinguishing a blaze or a hurricane that causes flooding. Just because moisture isn’t immediately visible, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and isn’t causing damage.

Any type of unwanted moisture that enters a home or business has the potential to damage the structural integrity of the building. It’s just one of the reasons why individuals should waste no time in contacting a professional restoration company that extracts the water and dries any applicable areas on the premises.

When the drying process is completed, they’ll be able to remediate the damage. The professionals will have the experience and expertise to remove wallboard and other affected materials in a manner that minimizes the potential for spreading spores and contaminating other areas.

The success of the drying process and remediation efforts require a fast response to minimize damage. Restoration and recovery professionals are able to access technology and equipment that home and business owners can’t, but are essential for addressing damage from any type of water damage and restoring property and possessions to their previous conditions.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Complications from mold exposure include nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, skin and/or eye irritation, and upper respiratory infection. Really, anyone who comes into contact with mold can experience these symptoms. However, there are groups of people who are at higher risk of developing more serious complications from mold exposure.

High-Risk Groups

It is believed that there are three types of people who are far more susceptible to mold exposure than others. Here are these groups.

1. People with respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, sinusitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This makes sense since mold causes breathing problems; those who already struggle to breathe are going to be more impacted by mold exposure.
2.  People who have a compromised immune system. This includes those with cancer and HIV.
3.  The very old or the very young, as well as pregnant woman, can be affected by exposure to mold spores. In young children their immune systems are still developing, so exposure to mold will have a greater impact on these immune systems. In older people their immune system is run down and likely already stressed by other things having to do with their age. This makes them much more susceptible to the symptoms that come with mold exposure.

These issues are not only limited to these groups of people, though. Anyone who comes into contact with mold can be harmfully affected.

If you are unsure if you are affected by allergies to mold, one sure-fire way is seeing if your symptoms subside when you leave the home or area where you experience these symptoms. It’s possible you could have an undetected mold problem that you’ll want to have addressed.

If you fall into any of the above risk groups and have been experiencing any symptoms of mold exposure, then contact your physician. It’s important to keep the areas that you are aware have mold clean and dry. Bathrooms and basements are often breeding grounds for mold, so make sure you address these areas of your home by creating better ventilation and removing the moisture from these areas. Clean and dust free are going to be your first steps in combating mold problems and the spores that might be negatively affecting you.

Those sensitive to the effects of mold should avoid things such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Indoors controlling humidity in the home will help to keep the mold at bay. Removing the mold that you can see from hard surfaces can be done with soap and water or with bleach mixed with water. If you use bleach, be sure that you are in a well-ventilated area and never mix bleach and ammonia.

Being proactive with the exposure to mold is what’s going to be the best defense against any mold complications you experience. Knowing that you’ll have to be more diligent if you or someone you know falls into the above risk categories is going to go a long way to keeping everyone breathing normally and healthy. So do what you can to limit your exposure to mold, even if you are not a part of the high-risk group for mold exposure.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Mold can be found anywhere. It will sometimes hide in the most unexpected places. Having said that, mold can only grow in areas where there’s moisture. Here is a list of places to look if you suspect that you may have mold in your home.

1. Chimneys – The spaces between the bricks collect water and dirt. This makes it a great place for mold to hide out. To remove the mold, replace any rusted caps and call a chimney sweep. They will be able to get the mold out of the chimney and they’ll also get any dangerous creosote. This will help your chimney to work properly.
2. Refrigerator Drip Pans – Underneath your fridge you’ll get a lot of moisture from spills and from condensation. This makes it a prime place for mold to collect and grow. To remove the mold, spray the pan with hydrogen peroxide. Then, wipe the pan clean with white vinegar. For best results, clean the floor underneath the refrigerator too.
3. Front Loading Washing Machines – The door of a front loading washing machine will get wet when in use. When it’s not in use and the door is closed, mold can and will collect on the door. To remove the mold, wipe the door and gasket before closing. If you see mold collecting, run some warm water with chlorine bleach. The mixture should kill any mold that has collected.
4. Window Seals – Condensation collects there and with the mixture of water and dirt, the windows are a great place for mold to multiply and grow. To remove, open the window after a heavy rain. Wipe the moisture from the windows. If the seals between the windows are failing, replace them. Cleaning your window on a regular basis will prevent the growth of mold.
5. Dishes – When you stack dishes that are still wet, it provides the perfect environment for mold to grow. To remove the mold, place the dishes in a dishwasher. You will want to wipe the cabinets with some vinegar to kill any mold that may be collecting there too. When done washing the dishes, dry them completely before putting away.
6. Air Conditioners – When running, these trap dirt and dust and then collect moisture from the air. This provides food and moisture for mold to grow. To remove the mold from your AC, remove the front plate and use a HEPA vacuum to get rid of the mold. Then, clean the drain pan with bleach and water.
7. Bathroom Tub – After taking a shower or bath, moisture has collected on the sides of the tub. This makes it a perfect place for mold to collect and grow. To remove, mix bleach and water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the affected area. Wipe off after a couple minutes.

If you think you have smelled mold in your home or if you suspect it may be in your home, these are good places to look. Mold can hide anywhere, which makes it hard to find. But just remember that mold can only grow where there is moisture for it to grow. If mold is found, remove it as soon as possible.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070