Tips To Fight Mustiness In Your Home

Must Removal & Mold Remediation In Gainesville, FL

Musty, stale, and rancid: these three words are frequently used to describe the smells created by mold and mildew in an enclosed area. Unfortunately, when these smells are present, so is the need for mold damage restoration. Often, mold grows to the point where only the tools and techniques used by professionals such as Maven Construction Group can effectively clean and repair the damage.

Musty smells that permeate through a home usually have a source traceable to a single room. The common thread these rooms have is high amounts of moisture which means if you smell an unusual odor, start by examining the bathroom and kitchen.

Moldy Odors In The Bathroom

Leaky Plumbing

Standing water from leaking plumbing can create quite a stench. Periodically check behind and under sinks and toilets for leaks along with cabinets and floors for soft spots. These are frequent signs of water damage. Fix any plumbing leak as soon as possible to avoid water damage and mold cleanup.

Dirty Shower Liner

It’s not surprising shower liners are a frequent cause of musty-smelling bathrooms. A spot or two of mildew begins to grow on the bottom hem and before you know it, the bottom of the liner is covered. Prevent this by putting the liner through the spin cycle on a washing machine with detergent and a half cup of white vinegar. Once complete, soaking the liner in a saltwater solution overnight should stop mildew growth.

Damp Towels

The smell of damp towels is one most people know without seeing the towels themselves. Dry damp or wet towels as soon as possible, whether by hanging dry or in a clothes dryer. If your towels still have a musty smell after they’re dry, these tips may help banish the odors.

Wash Towels With White Vinegar: Towels should have the washing machine to themselves for this trick. Put one cup of white vinegar in the wash without detergent or fabric softener and wash the towels with hot water. Once the cycle is complete, leave the towels in the washer and use the standard amount of detergent for a regular wash cycle.
Heat Up Hand Towels: Kitchen and hand towels can develop an array of foul smells. Dampen a towel and microwave it for 30 seconds. The heat is enough to kill the bacteria and get rid of the smell.
Launder In Baking Soda & Vinegar: Washing stinky towels twice — once in baking soda then in white vinegar — in the hottest water possible is generally effective for bacteria and mold removal. Use a quarter cup of baking soda for the first wash cycle then a full cup of white vinegar for the second.

Moldy Odors In The Kitchen

Debris-Filled Drains

Not all food debris flushes out of the drain every time the faucet turns on. Get rid of ensuing smells by pouring a mixture of baking soda and salt — one cup of each — down the drain. Pouring a quart of near boiling water down the drain once a month should stop the smells from returning.

Spoiled Refrigerated Foods

Leftovers are slowly pushed toward the back of the fridge and a stink ensues. The best way to prevent this is with a food or fridge audit and by throwing away expired or old food. If the stink lingers, deodorize the fridge with one of these tactics.

Lemon & Salt: Place half of a lemon in a bowl, facing upward, and sprinkle a small amount of salt on the lemon. The combination dissolves the smells over several days; more than one bowl can be used at the same time.
Dampened Newspaper: Crumple one or two newspaper sections and lightly spray with water until the pages are damp then place in the refrigerator. Generally, smells are gone overnight.
Coffee Grounds: Place two or three bowls of fresh coffee grounds in the refrigerator and leave them for several days. The grounds slowly absorb odors and smells and should be thrown away when the refrigerator has a slightly sweet smell.
Baking Soda: Dump a full box of baking soda — a small box is enough — on a baking sheet and place the sheet on a refrigerator shelf. Leave it alone for a day or two then remove the sheet once the smell is gone.

Standing Dishwater

Standing dishwater can occur in the dishwasher and sink at the same time. Dump water from containers and dishes left in the sink; the longer water is stagnant, the more likely it will develop smells. Dishwashers begin to smell when food particles from dishes clog the drain and cause water to back up into the machine. Remove and clean the dishwasher filter with hot water, soap, and a scrub brush. Then, pour one cup of distilled vinegar in the dishwasher bottom and run a full cycle on the hottest temperature setting. This should remove any lingering odors.

Schedule Professional Mold Remediation

A good way to prevent mold and mildew growth in your home is to keep the indoor humidity at an ideal level. Generally, this level is between 30 percent and 60 percent. Dehumidifiers are great appliances to help remove extra moisture from the indoor air, especially in humid climates such as Florida. Allowing mold to grow unabated can cause many health issues for occupants of the home. If there is a lingering musty smell in your home, call Maven Construction Group to schedule an appointment with a mold inspector in Gainesville.

What You Need to Know About Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers

Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers in Gainesville

The word “humidity” often has a bad connotation in Florida as the humidity levels can become unbearable. At 35 percent to 45 percent humidity, the air feels comfortable — not too dry or muggy, but just right. Humidity in this range also has benefits on health; it keeps skin soft, lips moist, and respiratory allergies at bay. But humidity fluctuates from its ideal 40-percent average due to changes in the climate, season, and other natural factors.

It’s at these uncomfortable levels where humidifiers and dehumidifiers play a role and adjust humidity levels. Yet while these devices raise or lower humidity levels to desired levels, they also pose risks for mold and fire damage in homes. Maven Construction Group Inc explains what you should know about humidifiers and dehumidifiers, including when and how to safely use (and avoid) them.

How Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers Function

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers share the same purpose: to adjust the humidity levels in your home. Where the devices diverge is in their operations and effects on humidity levels.

Humidifier

A humidifier uses a superheated coil to vaporize water in a tank. A fan then blows the vapor into the air to increase the humidity levels. One tip from Gainesville restoration experts, who understand how humidity affects items of property made of different materials, is to use humidifiers in rooms where there are delicate wood items like guitars and antique furniture to prevent warps or splits in the wood.

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier works like an air conditioner: moist air enters the machine, an evaporator coil cools that air and causes it to discharge its water content into a container, and the now-dry air blows into your home. Dehumidifiers have many health applications in humid areas. Moist air is hospitable to dust mites, mold, and mildew. By reducing the humidity levels indoors, dehumidifiers also decrease the likelihoods of inhabitants suffering respiratory irritations caused by allergens. Also, for purposes related to water damage or mold remediation, restoration specialists may use dehumidifiers to dry the affected areas in homes.

Which Do You Need?

Many people own both a humidifier and dehumidifier and alternate using them based on the season. Humidifiers are often used in winter to combat dry air and dehumidifiers in summer to prevent the outdoor mugginess from affecting their home or business. If you’d like to make a more scientifically based decision, you can refer to a hygrometer, which is a device that measures humidity. Measurements below 35 percent humidity suggest a humidifier is required, and readings over 45 percent humidity make the same case for using a dehumidifier.

Common Problems With Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers must be operated according to the instructions in their respective owner’s manuals. This includes following the technical guidelines such as filling the water in a humidifier to the correct level, or cleaning a dehumidifier as frequently as suggested, as well as being vigilant about monitoring the devices when they’re operating. When these steps aren’t taken, humidifiers and dehumidifiers can pose safety hazards of various kinds.

Mold

Following the rainy season in Gainesville, mold damage restoration services reach their zenith. The reason is simple: mold. Mold stems from numerous types of fungi (including deadly strains) and thrives in moist conditions. Mold also loves biological hosts, such as the wood building materials that comprise your home. And when mold spreads, it does so with impunity. Humidifiers exacerbate the risks of mold in two ways. First, when the humidity level isn’t monitored, a humidifier can create overly damp areas where mold festers. Second, but equally startling, is that mold can grow in the humidifier itself, blowing mold spores into the air. Breathing in these spores, furthermore, can cause respiratory illness, lung inflammation, and other effects on your health.

Fire

Some models of humidifiers and dehumidifiers have been known to self-combust. Of course, when they’re used correctly, the chance of a device starting on fire is low. But as fire damage restoration experts know all too well, humidifiers and dehumidifiers that are left running unsupervised can build up enough heat to melt and ignite. The fire danger from these devices is even worse when they’re dirty; the bacteria, mold, and other grime that accumulate in neglected humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be highly combustible.

Maintaining Your Humidifier or Dehumidifier

There are two ways to avoid having mold develop in your home due to a humidifier. First, monitor the humidity levels in your home with a hygrometer (many thermometers have these built in). When the humidity level indoors approaches 45 percent, turn off the humidifier. Second, clean the humidifier every day; don’t stop at changing the water but also disinfect the surface and between the vents.

Cleaning humidifiers and dehumidifiers is likewise a way to reduce their fire risks. But, most importantly, you must also heed the advice of people who specialize in fire damage reconstruction in Gainesville and never leave on a humidifier or dehumidifier that’s out of your sight. You can also prevent devices from overheating by limiting the duration they operate. If a machine needs to run all day to be effective, it’s probably too small for the area.

At Maven Construction Group, we confront damage to a home or business without a moment wasted. Where some people see a mess or even devastation, we see a pathway to restoration. For mold, fire, and other remediations services, contact Maven Construction Group Inc today!

Hurricane Season Is Prime-Time for Water Damage & Mold

Hurricanes can wreak devastation on both coastal and inland landscapes. Many of the dangers from Florida storm damage are small and exist inside your home. These risks pertain largely to indoor water damage and mold. Maven Construction Group discusses the realities and dangers of water damage from hurricanes and provides tips on how storm damage restoration can help.

Hurricane Mold & Water Damage in Gainesville, FL

Facts About Hurricane Damage in Gainesville

How Water Infiltrates Buildings

During a hurricane, interior damage to a home or business starts with water that infiltrates from outside in one of several ways.

Broken Windows

When hurricanes occur, high-speed storm winds pick up and carry loose items, such as trash, tree branches, and aluminum siding. When these pieces of swirling debris strike a home’s exterior, they can break windows and crack doors. Through these new openings in the building, heavy rains pour in. The water proceeds to splash against walls inside the home and form stagnant puddles on the floors.

Roof Leaks

Roof shingles protect a home’s interior from outside moisture. But hurricane winds are strong enough to rip shingles off roofs. Without that layer of protection, roofs become susceptible to water leaks. Hurricane damage to a roof from a fallen tree or powerline, meanwhile, can result in even larger holes through which higher volumes of water can enter.

Flooding

Flooding is always a major concern in communities susceptible to hurricane damage. Coastal properties face the risk of rapid flooding due to storm surges of ocean water during strong storms. These enormous waves can submerge multiple stories of buildings. Meanwhile, inland properties with low-lying topography, such as Gainesville, FL, storm damage can result from slow-rising floods of brackish waters. Formed by the mix of rain and downward-flowing groundwater, these inland floods can inundate a building’s first level.

Salt Inundation

Plumbing issues and leaking appliances are two of the most common causes for Gainesville restorations. But the difference between water from a burst pipe and that from a hurricane is the amount of salt. The salinity of ocean water is much higher than that of fresh water. And in a hurricane, salty ocean water travels with the storm and is dispelled in the form of rain. In the context of water-damage to property, salt is problematic because of its ability to corrode metal and wood. Because salt water imposes severe effects that often exceed effects from fresh water, ocean water is a vital consideration for storm damage repairs.

Water Damage from Hurricanes

You might expect water damage after a hurricane to be visibly apparent, but that isn’t always the case. If a home had flooding, there could be curled floorboards, stains on lower walls, and other visible signs of damage. Most people in Gainesville don’t experience such blatant damage. Instead, the water damage they confront tends to be subtle and hidden away in areas of the home where water has slowly leaked in.

With the help of a restoration company that offers leak detection, Gainesville, FL, residents can pinpoint water damage in their homes. Minor details, such as an ill-fit window or worn out door seal could be the reason that enough moisture got inside to cause real damage. The location of this water damage tends to be hidden behind walls, under floors, or in basements. As a result, it often takes a restoration technician doing an inspection to find the damage.

Mold Damage

When excess indoor moisture is left unaddressed, it can turn into mold. In fact, it only takes 48 hours after water infiltrates a home for mold to develop. Residents who live nationwide invariably report indoor mold outbreaks after a major hurricane passes. Performing mold removal early prevents this hazard from spreading. Yet anything short of total extirpation, and the mold will revive and spread.

In terms the appearance of this unwanted specimen, colors range from black to green to orange. But while it’s unsightly, mold’s real danger is that it poses health risks to humans. Upon noticing any mold growing in their homes, people should immediately contact a restoration company that offers mold remediation Gainesville, FL, residents trust.

Gainesville, FL, Storm Damage Restoration

Water damage after a hurricane can happen to anyone. But after the storm clears out, count on Maven Construction Group to restore your home or business to pristine condition. Our services include leak detection to identify and remediate hard-to-see damage from moisture. We also perform safe mold removal, so your indoor area remains healthy to live or work in. And in extreme cases of water damage, we offer emergency clean-up and restoration.

For storm repairs and restoration in Gainesville, contact Maven Construction Group today!

How to Keep Your Bathroom Mold-Free

Getting rid of mold growth in any part of your home is a hassle, but it can be especially troublesome to remove from dark, damp, moisture-rich areas where mold thrive, such as the bathroom. Gainesville mold damage restoration can be inconvenient and time-consuming, so it’s smart to take preventive measures and regularly inspect the house for signs of potential trouble.

5 Tips For Preventing Bathroom Mold

Bathroom mold is one of the most common problems that affects homes, but can be remedied with the right tips. Maven Construction Group provides five tricks for keeping your bathroom mold-free all year long.

Gainesville Bathroom Mold Removal

Increase Ventilation

The main cause of mold growth in bathrooms is the constant, regular presence of moisture. Since most bathrooms are not well ventilated, wet surfaces that retain moisture become ideal homes for mold colonies. Steam can cause paint and wallpaper to bubble, form wet spots and encourage mold growth. Restoration experts recommend keeping bathroom humidity below 55 percent to avoid mold growth on walls and ceilings. A bathroom fan should be installed and allowed to run during the shower and about thirty minutes afterwards, to draw out excess moisture.

Fix Bathroom Clogs

When drains and pipes are clogged and prevent water from flowing properly, mold can start to grow and spread. To clean mold from pipes, scrub them as far as you can reach with a brush and pour mold-killing solution down them. If your toilet, sink or bathroom drain is clogged, contact a plumber to remove the blockages right away to avoid excess water from lingering and mold from growing in them.

Spot Hidden Water Leaks

Hidden water leaks in walls, ceilings and floors can lead to disaster if they go unfixed. Leaks or bursts in pipes create perfect conditions for mold growth in bathroom walls and floors. It’s important to check that pipes are sealed properly. To spot leaks, inspect spaces under cabinets, on walls, and floors for dark spots, dampness, loose tiles, moist floorboards and bubbling in walls, as these can be signs of leakages. When you spot a leak in your bathroom, call the plumber right away to avoid further water damage. Leaving leaks unfixed will only make things worse, especially if mold begins to grow, requiring professional mold removal in Gainesville.

Wash Rugs & Towels Often

Bathroom rugs, bath mats and towels are ideal spots for mold to grow, especially if these go unwashed for long period of time. To remedy this, be sure to wash your towels and bathroom rugs at least once a week. It’s useful to have a second set of bathroom linens available for when used linens are being cleaned. Ensuring you have clean bathroom linens means a cleaner and overall healthier bathroom

Clean Surfaces Regularly

Invest time in regular bathroom cleaning to prevent problems down the line. After showering, spray surfaces with shower cleaner containing bleach or another mold and mildew fighting agent. Make a plan to clean your shower or bath at least once a week to ensure these surfaces stay mold-free. For other moisture-rich surfaces, such as bathroom floors, sinks and toilets, set a few minutes aside every few days to spray them with cleaner, scrub them down and remove moisture.

How to Spot Mold Growth

Regular cleaning, proper ventilation and keeping your home leak-free can help you keep mold at bay. But what should you do if mold has already begun to grow? To decide if a home requires professional mold remediation Gainesville, FL residents should check for these signs of water damage:

A persistent damp musty smell, even when the bathroom is completely dry
Tiles that appear muddy or slimy
Discoloration, crumbling plaster, blistering paint, cracked or loose tiles
Floors that are soft, unstable or spongey
Visible mold

Expert Mold Removal in Gainesville, FL

It can be costly and time consuming to remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors and bathroom fixtures, especially if it spreads. If you spot bathroom mold or water leaks, contact a mold inspector in Gainesville, FL at Maven Construction Group before the situation becomes worse. Because disaster can strike at any time, our team is available 24/7 for emergency situations. Call us today!

How Florida’s Summers Encourage Mold Growth

Getting rid of mold growth in any part of your home is inconvenient, but it can be especially troublesome to remove in Florida homes during hot, humid, moisture-rich summer months. Gainesville mold damage restoration can be a difficult process, so it’s a good idea to be prepared in advance by inspecting your home for mold on a regular basis.

How Florida Summers Cause Mold

5 Tips For Preventing Summer Mold Growth

Florida summers contain all the essentials for mold to grow and thrive. Though mold can grow at any time, summer conditions allow mold to grow easily and spread rapidly, requiring professional mold removal in Gainesville. Maven Construction Group offers five tips for ensuring your home stays mold-free all summer long.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

A lack of adequate ventilation is one of the most common contributors to mold growth, airborne allergens and the accumulation of bacteria in a home. Areas that harbor moisture on a regular basis, such as the kitchen and bathroom, require ventilation to reduce the likelihood of mold growing and spreading to other areas. When summer arrives, every room in a home is susceptible to mold. Make sure your AC unit is running efficiently and that there are no obstructions preventing proper air flow near the vents.

Install Dehumidifiers

A great way to reduce humidity is to install dehumidifiers. Restoration experts recommend keeping humidity levels at a maximum of 55 percent. Dehumidifiers work in conjunction with your cooling system to maintain an adequate air balance in your home, reducing the likelihood of mold forming and spreading.

Use High-Quality Air Filters

Restoration experts at Maven Construction Group recommend residents change their home’s air filters regularly to ensure your AC system runs smoothly during the hottest months of the year. When humidity is at its peak, opt for high-efficiency particulate air filters. These filters are made to absorb tiny particles of dust, allergens and other bacteria to prevent them from refiltering into your home.

Switch to Mold-Resistant Materials

To keep mold at bay, choose household items made of mold-resistant materials, such as plastic, metal and glass. Materials like wood attract mold easily, especially in the summer months.

Clean & Disinfect Regularly

Cleaning your home frequently helps reduce the amount of mold spores circulating indoors. For areas of the home that are most susceptible to mold growth, such as bathrooms and kitchens, set time aside to do a thorough cleaning at least once a week to prevent mold growth. Scrub surfaces with cleaners containing mold-killing formulas.

What to Do If You Spot Mold Growth

Any amount of persistent moisture can make it easy for mold to grow and spread. To ensure your home doesn’t have mold, inspect it regularly. If you notice any musty smells, discoloration, blistering or bubbling in walls, soggy flooring, or a visible slimy coating on home surfaces, call Maven Construction Group for mold remediation Gainesville, FL residents can rely on.

Expert Mold Removal in Gainesville, FL

It can be costly and time consuming to remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors and structural surfaces, especially when mold spreads to large areas of your home. If you spot bathroom mold or water leaks, contact a mold inspector in Gainesville, FL at Maven Construction Group before the Florida’s summer weather allows the problem to become worse. Because disaster can strike at any time, our team is available 24/7 for emergency situations. Call us today!

Fire, Water & Mold Damage in Gainesville, FL? Call Maven!

iStock-157485438 (1)

Emergency is one word home and business owners dread hearing. Whether it is caused by fire, water or mold, an emergency is a stressful situation. Fortunately, no matter the time of day, Maven Construction Group responds to calls and begins assisting property owners with damage restoration.

Remediation After a Fire Emergency

During a property fire, the flames may seem to cause all the damage. But many times, the smoke, soot, ash and water used to extinguish the flames can be just as destructive. Maven Construction Group, a Gainesville restoration company, offers 24/7 emergency service and self-funds all recovery projects. This means we arrive promptly and work tirelessly until your home or business returns to pre-fire condition.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You’ll most likely need to be in contact with your insurance company throughout the remediation process, so it’s best to call it as soon as possible. Maven Construction Group has more than a decade of experience advocating for property owners during the claims process. Once the fire marshal gives the go-ahead, we’ll make an inventory of items damaged and/or lost in the fire.

Start Fire Damage Reconstruction

The next step is repairing the smoke, soot, ash and water damage from items in the home or building. Unless the items are professionally treated, these fire by-products will linger and possibly cause respiratory and other health issues with long-term exposure. Fire damage reconstruction begins with demolition and removal of the affected property. The licensed general contractors at Maven Construction Group are skilled in completing reconstruction projects while meeting local building codes.

Restoration After a Water Emergency

Unfortunately for many properties, fire and water damage go hand in hand. To put out flames engulfing a building, the fire department often needs hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of water. Other homes or businesses need water damage restoration after flooding caused by burst pipes or a natural disaster.

Gainesville Water Damage Restoration

Whatever the cause, Maven Construction Group follows the same six-step process to return your home or business back to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible. During the first inspection, our team learns the class and category of the water damage. This determines whether and how personal belongings and areas of the property can be repaired or need to be replaced.

Water Damage From Burst Pipes

Walls and flooring are especially susceptible to water damage from burst pipes. If the damage occurs when the home’s or business’ occupants are away for a few days — on vacation, for instance — mold and mildew may begin to form. This happens often in Gainesville and other areas with a humid climate.

Mold Damage? Do This.

Even if you discover mold damage long after a fire- or water-related emergency has been taken care of, call Maven Construction Group. Our team uses professional mold containment and air filtration procedures for effective mold removal in Gainesville. This includes inspecting the property to find the source of the mold. Call us for leak detection Gainesville, FL, residents know and trust.

Mold Remediation in Gainesville, FL

If your property has suffered from fire, water or mold damage, you can count on professional restoration service from Maven Construction Group. Our team has the training and skills necessary to bring a property back to pre-damage condition in a timely manner. We will communicate with you through every step, from contacting the insurance company and filing a claim to planning the property’s reconstruction and getting your life back to normal. Call Maven Construction Group today to begin!

Common Causes of Water Damage in the Winter

Water damage in homes is a hassle at any time of the year, but it can be especially troublesome during the winter when dropping temperatures make certain home features more fragile and prone to letting in unwanted water. Florida water damage restoration can be inconvenient and time-consuming, so it’s smart to take preventive measures and regularly inspect the house for signs of potential trouble.

Worried Man Calling Plumber While Leakage Water Falling Into Bucket At Home

Frozen Pipes

Bursting frozen pipes is one of the most talked about causes of water damage. When temperatures drop significantly during the winter, pipes are at risk of freezing, especially those in the most exposed areas of the home such as garages, sheds, crawl spaces and attics. Pressure builds inside frozen pipes, which can lead to cracks and ruptures that can cause floods. Make sure you shield exposed pipes from the cold by wrapping them with insulating tape, tubular sleeves or old towels. Moreover, if a freeze is forecast, leave faucets lightly dripping to relieve some pressure and open the cabinets under sinks to allow warm air from inside the home to circulate around the pipes. If your pipes have burst, call a professional for water extraction. The sooner the water is drained out, the better the chance of salvaging items.

Clogged Gutters

Sometimes water damage sneaks into your home in slower and less noticeable ways than pipes bursting violently. For instance, water or ice dams can form on top of roofs after precipitation. Leaves and other debris can accumulate during fall and winter and clog gutters, sending water pouring down the side of the house or under the roof. You may want to clean the gutters at least once this season. Also, if there is a freeze, ice may form on the roof and obstruct runoff into gutters. Pooling water can then seep into the house through shingles and sub-roofing and cause water damage in rarely visited areas of houses, such as attics. To reduce risk, conduct a water damage inspection in every room of your house at least once each year.

Leaks

Early water leak detection can make a big difference in the extent of the water damage and repairs. Water can leak into homes through roofs, walls and various fixtures. We recommend giving your house leak checkups at least once a year, inspecting all water supply lines and appliances. Look for signs of wear and tear in washing machine hoses, hot water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, ice machines and any other appliances that may leak. You may need to replace rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses to make them more durable. Also, seal any cracks or gaps you find with caulking to prevent heat loss and water transfer.

Beware of Mold

Pooling water can quickly lead to mold infestations, especially it if happens in low-light, high-humidity areas and/or goes undetected for a while. If you recently had water damage or spillage in hard-to-reach areas of your home, a damage restoration company can perform a mold inspection. If you suspect you may have mold damage, it’s best not to postpone remedying it because mold can be resilient and multiply rapidly.

Prevent Mold Damage

Given that water damage and mold damage often go together, there are some things you can do to prevent and mitigate the appearance of mold in your home. For example, eliminate clutter that could enable your HVAC system to circulate air properly. Shut windows and doors when the AC is on to prevent humid air from coming inside and causing condensation. Evaluate the AC to make sure that the coils are clean, the thermostat is set not too high or low, and the condensate drain pipe is working correctly without accumulating water inside the unit or on your floor. Purchasing devices such as humidity monitors and dehumidifiers is an other option. Finally, always look out for standing water or chronic dampness that may be increasing indoor humidity and providing an ideal environment for mold. Inspect basements and crawl spaces for moisture coming from groundwater vapor. If you find anything unusual, call professionals immediately for mold damage repair to prevent the infestation from spreading.

Water Damage Restoration in Gainesville, FL

When DIY solutions don’t seem to be enough to solve the flooding and humidity problems in your home, contact Maven Restoration Group to receive help from local experts. We provide residential water damage and mold remediation Gainesville, FL residents can rely on to set their homes back to ideal conditions. Call us today!

New Home Woes: Mold & Water Damage

Make Sure Your Home is Free of Mold & Water Damage

When people move to a new home the last thing they want is to have to deal with pesky repairs. Repairs will take more time, effort and money for water restoration and mold remediation services. The whole point of upgrading to a new home is to relax and enjoy it. But during the chaos of purchasing a home it is easy to overlook serious problems that will soon haunt you. Gainesville restoration specialists at Maven Construction Group share tips on what to look for before moving into a new home to avoid the disasters that are water and mold damage.

What to Look Out For in Your New Home

Plumbing: When looking at your new kitchen, don’t just glance over the top, take a look at the plumbing underneath. Check for any leaks in the pipes, water damage to the walls or floor, and any particular humid and foul smells that could be a sign of mold.

Vents: Examine every vent in the home and make sure that nothing is blocking the airflow, they are working properly, and that there is no damage or missing parts to them. Any cracks in the vent seals can cause water to seep through.

Humidity: It is important to check that humidity in the house is at an appropriate level, especially in Florida where humidity is high even in winter. Check for wet stains on walls and ceilings that could potentially lead to severe damage, condensation on windows and stale odors. Air conditioning units help control humidity indoors so make sure that they are working correctly and are the appropriate size for the home.

The Roof & Gutters: Any damaged or missing roof tiles could eventually lead to leaks. Gutters should be in good condition and free from any holes or cracks so they can direct the flow of water correctly.

Drainage: It is sometimes hard to tell if the exterior of a home has good drainage, but poor drainage can lead to serious foundation issues. Check that pools of water don’t accumulate on the lawn and that there are no cracks in the foundation or exterior walls. Exterior walls should stay painted and well sealed. Also, minimize the amount of water sprayed onto walls from irrigation systems.

If water damage is left untreated it can cause mold to grow very quickly. Mold is not easily discovered but it can cause serious health problems and mold remediation can be costly. Apart from checking for the water damage signs listed above, it is crucial to have a home professionally inspected before purchasing and even once you’ve been living there to ensure that everything is in good shape. If water and mold damage is found in your home you might be able to file an insurance claim. Maven Construction Group will work directly with insurance companies to deliver an accurate claim. It is also a good idea to look through your home’s contract to see if anything is covered.

Water Restoration & Mold Removal in Gainesville, FL

Water damage can lead to severe structural issues as well as mold growth that can turn your dream home into a nightmare. If you have experienced any of these issues in your home you need not keep looking through water restoration companies in Gainesville, FL, to resolve your damages. At Maven Construction Group we are water restoration and mold removal specialists ready to help you get your home back. Contact us today and get help now!

Tips to Prevent Water & Fire Damage This Holiday Season

Disasters Don’t Take Holidays — Prepare For & Prevent Damage From Water, Mold & Fire

Disaster can strike when you least expect it, and certain safety hazards tend to spike during the holiday season with so many preoccupations surrounding us. Fire and water damage are two of the most common and troublesome mishaps that occur. The Gainesville restoration specialists of Maven Construction Group would like to offer our advice on how to prevent and prepare for the unimaginable this holiday season.

Structure Fires & Restoration

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), structure fires were responsible for $10.3 billion in property damage in 2015. At Maven Construction Group, we specialize in fire damage restoration to restore your property after a disaster, however, it’s always best to try and prevent disasters.

Plug in only one high-wattage appliance at a time to avoid overloading.
Do not pinch extension cords between furniture and other tight areas to avoid shock or damage to the wires.
Remove any flammable objects on or around a chimney when in use.
Turn pan and pot handles inwards to prevent accidents in the kitchen and never leave cooking appliances unattended when in use.

Have A Plan For Fires

No matter how many precautions are taken, it is important to always be prepared in case things take a turn for the worse. According to the NFPA, only one-third of Americans have prepared for a fire by both developing and practicing an escape plan.

Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly.
Set up at least two escape routes from every room.
Designate a meeting area away from any danger.
Practice escaping a fire at least twice a year.

Water Damage & Prevention

What is easier than hiring water restoration companies that have extensive training with water damage restoration? Preventing water damage! Maven has the tools and experience necessary to offer cost-effective clean-up solutions due to water damage but we want to help you avoid any unnecessary disaster restoration this holiday season.

Clean out roof gutters to avoid uneven spillage around your foundation. This can be done before you hang up your holiday lights or host your annual bash.
Inspect and repair any missing or damaged shingles on your roof.
Check for any dark stains under pipes, sinks and ceilings that could be caused by dripping water.
If leaks are found on water heaters, air conditioning units or pipes, repair them immediately or contact a professional.

Mold Assessment & Removal

Mold is caused by moisture and is often a consequence of water damage. Mold is also a prominent issue in humid climates such as Florida, even in the winter months. Be alert for signs of water leakage, such as water spots, peeling paint, rust or an irregular water bill, that could result in the creation of mold. Maven offers mold assessment and mold remediation services for both residential and commercial buildings.

Disaster Restoration Specialists in Gainesville, FL

The holidays are a time for enjoyment, not for worrying about repairs and restorations. Take some time from your busy schedule to take precautions to avoid fire, water and mold damage this holiday season. Maven Construction Group is Gainesville’s one-stop service for disaster restoration with experts on water & mold restoration, fire damage, storm & wind damage, and roof repairs & reconstruction. Contact us for 24/7 emergency service.

Water Damage Gainesville Florida

Water damage can lead to mold contamination if ignored or not dried within 24-48 hours. Some water damages in Gainesville Florida happen quickly and are obvious, causing significant amounts of water. Others may happen slowly for longer periods of time going unnoticed. The presence of such uncontrolled water damage can allow mold to grow. Often times homes have hidden, slow plumbing leaks and the homeowner or building occupants are unaware of this damage for months. Slab leaks are example of hidden plumbing leaks which can lead to serious structural problems and mold growth.

Moisture from Construction: Moisture contained in the materials used to construct a building needs to be removed, by using drying materials, once construction has been completed. During the construction process building materials are often water damaged by rain and then installed and covered up before dried properly. Contractors are generally behind schedule due to rain delays which often times results in the use of wet building materials as they try to complete their project on time. This increases the chances of mold contamination within the home or building. Most building contractors have little to no understanding of psychrometrics which is the science of understanding how moisture behaves when it is a vapor contained in the air. The following defined terms must be understood for one to have a better understanding of psychrometrics.

Dry-bulb temperature: The temperature of air read on a standard thermometer.

Relative humidity: (RH) The ratio of moisture content in the air.

Specific humidity: The weight of water in each pound of dry air. Generally discussed in GPP (Grains Per Pound) of Dry Air.

Wet bulb temperature: The temperature of air read on a standard thermometer that is covered by wet wick and exposed to air moving across it at 1000 feet per minute.

Mold Growth Inside Buildings: Mold will begin to grow in and on building materials when humidity levels within the building reach 70 % or higher. This can result from water damaged building materials not being dried properly or HVAC system failure. When a building’s HVAC system is failing it can result in surface mold growth which can be remediated easily early on. Serious mold problems are usually the result of some form of water damage such as plumbing leaks or roof leaks which go ignored or are mishandled. Property management companies and condo associations in Gainesville Florida are known to ignore and mishandle water damage and mold damage. Property management companies are paid by property owners to minimize damages and cost and maximize profits, leaving building occupants at risk. Property management companies definition of mold remediation is covering mold contaminated drywall with paint or primer. Maintenance staff often perform these tasks with little to no knowledge about mold contamination and proper structural drying. Water damage is a very serious issue and many residents are living inside mold contaminated apartment buildings with little to no knowledge.

If you suspect you have mold in your residence, contact professionals who can help you identify and eliminate the problem. MAVEN Construction Group is a licensed General Contractor AND licensed Mold Remediator with over a decade of experience in handling water and mold related issues in residential and commercial buildings.