Category: Mold Remediation Gainesville Florida

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.

Water Removal Gainesville Florida

When removing water from commercial and residential buildings you must understand the science of drying. The science of drying requires understanding of thermodynamic properties of air and water vapor mixtures. Measuring and evaluating these properties enables restorers to better analyze and manage conditions during drying. Rapid drying requires the proper equipment and understanding of the elements listed below.

Although equilibrium is not the primary goal in structural drying, the forces that continually seek this state are the same forces used to achieve drying goals. Managing psychrometric conditions influences the rate at which moisture moves from wet building materials to the air, when seeking equilibrium. The objective of drying is to minimize the amount of time materials spend in an abnormally wet state. This time can be reduced by better understanding the forces that move moisture through materials.

Evaporation is the transfer of moisture from water damaged building materials to the air. This can be achieved by rapid air-movement by using high velocity air-movers. When a building suffers from water damage the humidity inside the building goes up. Because of the the wet building materials inside, the moisture has no place to go once the materials are saturated. Elevated humidity levels means excess moisture in the air which leads to secondary water damaged building materials. For example, water may flood a building as a result of a plumbing malfunction but only go 6 to 12 inches up the drywall. The elevated moisture within the air-space of the building will rise causing wet air to damage upper cabinets and other building materials that were not actually touched by water. Elevated moisture levels or elevated Relative Humidity or (RH) can lead to mold contamination in areas of the dwelling that were not actually touched by water. The best way to reduce elevated (RH) is the installation of dehumidifiers. Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the air. In closed drying systems dehumidifcation is essential for removing evaporated moisture from the air to minimize or prevent secondary water damage.

Once structural drying is completed and the drying goal is achieved, inspection of damages is performed. Building materials such as drywall can lose structural integrity once damaged by water. Often times insurance companies think that drywall can be saved once dried however, if the structural integrity of the drywall has been compromised it should be replaced. Drywall is considered to be a porous and should always be removed if the category of water is 2 or 3 (which means it is an unclean source). Drywall that is contaminated with mold should always be removed no matter the situation.

Water Leak Detection Gainesville Florida

North Central Florida has chronic issues with hidden plumbing leaks, known as slab leaks,which are a failure of copper plumbing lines located within the foundation in residential and commercial buildings. Often times slab leaks can take 15-20 years to develop. Slab leaks will start off with a hole in the copper line so small it can’t be seen by the naked eye. Although small, slab leaks can cause serious water and mold damage to your property. They can go undetected for weeks, causing mold damage inside wall cavities and behind cabinets or under wood flooring. Mold typically thrives in damp, dark places like water damaged wall cavities. Slab leaks will often lead to mold damage.

Slab leaks are usually detected by homeowners when water bills are increased with out explanation. Often times homeowners will notice a wet spot in the middle of a room or a warm spot under a tile floor. Plumbing companies often lack the proper leak detection equipment needed to locate slab leaks. Leak detection for slab leaks is performed using specialty equipment such as thermal imaging devices, moisture detection devices and sonar guided listening devices. Using this specialty equipment to locate the leak, reduces demolition and damage to the property. Once the slab leak is located, a plumbing company can be contracted to repair the leak. Slab leak repair is often times covered by homeowners insurance policies and resulting water and mold damage from slab leaks are usually covered as well. Gainesville Leak Detection is owned and operated by the licensed General Contractors at MAVEN Construction Group. They locate hundreds of slab leaks every year in North Central Florida. If you have a hidden water leak call Gainesville Leak Detection at 352-246-8667.

Remove Mold To Avoid Delayed Or Lost Home Sales In Gainesville, Florida

The word “Mold” can invoke fear in buyers, sellers and real estate agents. Potential buyers are becoming aware of it and have a concern, sellers don’t want to deal with it and real estate agents are stuck in the middle. Mold can be the cause of delayed or lost sales in real estate transactions – especially if it’s discovered during an inspection. However, mold doesn’t have to end in a lost sale of property.

To avoid lost real estate sales, arm yourself with facts about mold. Explain to your clients that not all molds are toxic, contrary to what they may have heard. It’s important to always explain that mold only grows where it has access to moisture. If just one spot in a home has mold, that doesn’t mean your client needs to tear apart the entire house. If you are selling a house with mold, you can avoid pitfalls by consulting a licensed mold remediation specialist, like Maven Construction Group.

The trained mold remediation specialists at Maven Construction Group understand mold problems and use their vast experience, the latest equipment and highly trained professionals to find the source, remediate the mold and return the home to pre-loss conditions. We work with a sense of urgency and have helped many real estate agents in Alachua County save sales with our fast, but thorough, water damage restoration and mold remediation services.

We provide comprehensive photo documentation to all parties involved so that they can be rest-assured the home was restored to pre-loss conditions. By addressing mold problems quickly and completely, you will lessen the chance of legal action against yourself or anyone else in the transaction. And, you can turn a potential liability into a selling point — the seller has taken the necessary steps to rid the house of mold.