FAQ

Check out our Mold, Foundation Waterproofing FAQ in Baltimore, MD

For your convenience, we have gathered some of the molds and foundation waterproofing FAQs from our Baltimore, MD clients. Please take some time to read through the questions AND answers below and if you have questions as well, please give us a call and we’ll be more than willing to answer any and all of your waterproofing-related questions.

Flood Damage

  1. What causes water damage?
  2. What are some hidden signs of water damage?
  3. Can water damage cause mold?
  4. What about sewage contamination?

Mold Removal

  1. What do I do if I am getting sick?
  2. What Is Mold?
  3. Why Should We Hire You To Treat The Mold?
  4. How does mold get inside of buildings?
  5. Can’t I clean up mold myself
  6. Does Our Work Include A Warranty?

Waterproofing & Sump Pumps

  1. I have a sump pump but there is mold growing and water seeping in, what do I do now?

Flood Damage

  1. What causes water damage?

    • Some of the reasons why homes and business establishments experience water damage include (but are not limited to):

      • Toilet overflows
      • Water heater leaking or breaking
      • Pipe bursts
      • Floods, heavy rains, and storm damage
      • Sprinkler breaks/busts
      • Fire damage
  2. What are some hidden signs of water damage?

    • Although walls and ceilings may look dry after a water damage, water (in most cases) may have already penetrated the structure.

    • Using a moisture meter can help you determine moisture within or behind walls. Once this happens, chances of having mold formations in the future becomes higher (often within 36 to 72 hours). Unknown wet insulation is actually a common place for odor and mold development. A moldy odor in your house may be a sign of moisture, or worse, mold formation. Please don’t forget that water damages computers as well. Office equipment, paper files, furniture, art work, and musical instruments may look dry on the outside, but might contain unwanted moisture creating permanent damage in the future. Call us at the number above to assist you in water damage clean up.

  3. Can water damage cause mold?

    • Water damage is the leading cause of mold formation. Mold, like other bacteria, animal or plant life, needs water to grow. Remove the moisture and water, then you may prevent the mold from growing (not stopping the mold formation, just the continual growth).

    • It takes 3 main ways for mold to develop:

      • Moisture
      • Food source ( drywall , carpet, organic dust )
      • Warm temperatures

    • BLTMR Restoration Company can assist you with water damage clean up and also provide mold remediation (removal) services. Please call us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the number above.

  4. What about sewage contamination?

    • Hard surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized. Affected items that cannot be sanitized require disposal. Porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, particleboard, paneling, etc. that have been directly affected should be removed during the emergency service visit.

Mold Removal

  1. What do I do if I am getting sick?
    • Itchy Throat
    • Water Eyes
    • Headaches
    • Memory Loss
    • Irritated skin
    • Excessive Coughing
    • Excess mucus
    • Bleeding in the lungs
    • Mold in the bloodstream
    • Possible mild strokes
    • Fatigue

    • These mold-related health problems can vary, depending on the individual. According to mold inspectors, after conducting several tests, they found out that everyone has a different reaction to molds.The black mold health symptoms should be known, but also should be understood that there are very different levels of exposure. Here are some of them:

    • Mold-related health issues can be more severe for younger children and older adults.

    • Immunocompromised individuals could have more mold health problems.

    • Length and severity of Mold exposure is also an important factor in the development of these health issues.

    • However, Mold Symptoms lessen as you receive fresh clean air.

    • If you think you have allergies from an indoor mold problem but aren’t sure, try going outside and getting some fresh air. If you notice your allergy symptoms lessen in 15 to 30 minutes, it could be your home making you sick. It’s time to get the mold problem cleaned up immediately. If you’re unsure what is causing these symptoms, or where the mold is coming from, you can call a trained mold inspector who can assist you in locating it; usually in an attic, basement, crawlspace or near a leaky pipe.

  2. What Is Mold?

    • Mold is a generic name for over 200,000 different kinds of fungus.

    • Molds exhibit hundreds of different colors and textures. They reproduce by releasing spores, regenerative cells surrounded by a very tough coating that can survive most detergents, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

  3. Why Should We Hire You To Treat The Mold?

    • Just like in all professions, there are contractors out there looking to make a quick buck. Many handymen, and roofers alike, think they know how to remove mold. I’ve seen roofers who advertised “mold removal services” and then tell the homeowner they have to replace their roof.

    • Compared to the many unsatisfied customers that they have serviced, you could save over 10,000 dollars by not taking this route, it is unnecessary and in some cases, INSUFFICIENT! In fact, we’ve actually arrived after a roof has already been replaced because of mold, but the mold came back because the underlying moisture problem was never fixed, (which was why we were there in the first place)! Some contractors use nothing more than bleach, ozone, and the like to make you believe that the mold is gone, while leaving the roots intact like a farm waiting for the first water/moisture source. Even if you don’t hire us, we hope you hire someone who is in the specific business of attic mold remediation. Of course, you wouldn’t want getting your engine fixed at a brake shop who ‘says’ they can do it, when there’s the engine specialists down the street. In the same logic, you shouldn’t get your mold taken care of by a roofer who doesn’t specialize in mold remediation. If you hire us, you can join the 100’s of pleased homeowners who we’ve helped over the years.

  4. How does mold get inside of buildings?

    • Mold grows when there are moisture problems as a result of building materials being constantly dampened by water. Poor air circulation or inadequate ventilation can also contribute to excess moisture. One of the best sources of food for mold is cellulose, which is the primary constituent of wood and paper products. Modern building materials such as gypsum wallboard, acoustic ceiling tiles, wallpaper, fiberboard, and particleboard are all likely to encourage mold growth if they become exposed to high humidity levels, condensation, or water.

  5. Can’t I clean up mold myself

    • Many considerations must be examined before attempting to self-clean mold amplification. Improper removal of large mold infestations can disturb the mold and cause the release of large amounts of excess spores and toxic chemicals into the air. The amount of visible mold, the health of all the occupants and future occupants, and the source of the mold amplification must be examined. These are only a few factors to be considered. If you have concerns about mold in your home it is best to seek a professional. On a further note, we don’t recommend anyone attempt to clean up a large mold problem without the use of the proper tools, chemicals and personal protection equipment for your own safety.

  6. Does Our Work Include A Warranty?

    • Yes, All Work Comes with a 2 year transferable warranty should you sell your home so long as our recommendations for correcting the cause of the attic mold is taken within 30 days and you have a receipt for the work.

Waterproofing & Sump Pumps

  1. I have a sump pump but there is mold growing and water seeping in, what do I do now?

    • First of all, stay calm and do your research. Be smart about making any major decision. When a company comes in, let them do the talking, let them educate you.

    • -Sump pumps fail!

    • -Electric goes out!

    • -Open gap in floor with waffle board can back up and cause water seepage and moisture to come through and cause mold to grow.

    • –Water coming into your home seeping into the drain tile, goes into your sump pump then pumped back outside?!?! Say what?

    • Why endure all these? Why not keep water outside where it belongs? Besides, water coming into your foundation will cause issues and cracking which leads to bigger problems in the long run.

    • Our company believes that sealing up your home from the inside, taking out the waffle board, making your basement sealed all the way, installing a french drain to the outside while sealing up any cracks, holes etc. can provide you with great immediate and long term benefits.

    • Let’s keep the water outside where it belongs, or if you have no landscaping just some point up, crack repair and cement work will make your home last for years and years.
    • Call us today for your basement waterproofing inspection!
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    • Still have questions? Feel free to Contact Us

 

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BLTMR Restoration Company has been servicing both residential and commercial customers for more than 10 years. Our professional, high-quality service has allowed us to become the Best Home Services choice for many local residents and business owners.