Question 1

What is Flooding Mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Is the act of preventing flood damage risk either before or after a flood has occurred. Flooding mitigation encompasses reactive as well as the proactive measures aimed at minimizing the impact of floods on communities and infrastructure. Flood prevention is commonly used, and for some, the term is confused with flood mitigation.

Question 2

What events can cause water damage?

Accepted Answer

Many things can cause San Diego water damage. A hurricane, tornado or flood can cause water damage, but so can a broken pipe or even a small leak not caught quickly.

Question 3

Can you prevent water damage?

Accepted Answer

Proper maintenance of all parts of your structure can help. This includes water pipes, gutters, appliances and more. Monthly inspections of your septic tank, if you have one, is also important.

Question 4

Do I really need mold remediation after Water Damage?

Accepted Answer

After any water damage inside a home or business, it's essential to assess the extent of water damage and the potential for mold growth. Here are some factors to consider:

Duration of Moisture Exposure: Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage has begun to go unrecognized. If your home or business has had wet, damp, or leaking water for an extended period, there's a high likelihood of mold growth.

Extent of Water Damage: If the water damaged areas were rapidly removed, and affected only a small area, you may be able to clean and dry the area yourself. However, if the water was contaminated or if the water damage was extensive, it's best to seek professional water damage remediation services and have them evaluate for mold risks, testing when necessary.

Hidden Mold: Mold often grows in hidden areas, such as behind walls, under flooring, and in air ducts. A professional mold inspection can identify hidden mold and ensure thorough remediation. If you have had extended water damage, you should consider getting a mold testing and air testing.

Preventive Measures: Even if you don't see visible mold growth, it's advisable to have your home inspected for mold after water damage to prevent future problems. Mold growth can be quite devastating for home values and for your health.

While not all water damage scenarios require professional mold remediation, it's essential to assess the situation carefully and consider the factors mentioned above to determine the best course of action for your home and your family's health. Taking fast action is best as mold will rapidly begin to spread when moisture is present in your home.

Question 5

How long will the water damage clean-up process take?

Accepted Answer

Orange Restoration technicians do their best to work as effectively and as efficiently as possible. They will set up state of the art drying machines as soon as they begin the project to expedite the drying process. However the drying time can vary from project to project. Factors such as what kind of building material is affected, how saturated it is, and the extent of the flood damage all contribute to the time needed to bring your property back to pre-flood conditions.

If we are working on your restoration project and are concerned with timeline, call us, we are available 24/7 for our customers and are standing by for emergency services.

Question 6

Why is water damage so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Water Damage is not expensive, the ignoring the damage is what causes the most expense. The time factor is imperitive, within 6 hours the water can saturate some of the wooden pieces of your home that are essential. If you procrastinate on water damage, you will have massive loss up to nearly the entire value of your home as the structural integrity is absolutely compremised. Be sure to handle water damage ASAP as it will become a nightmare financially and with the mess physically.

Question 7

How long does it take for water to cause structural damage?

Accepted Answer

Time is critical; within six hours, water can saturate essential wooden structures in your home. Delaying action on water damage can lead to significant losses, potentially up to the full value of your home, as the structural integrity will be severely compromised.

Question 8

What is a mold remediation protocol?

Accepted Answer

A mold remediation protocol is a structured plan used to safely remove mold from a building. Traditional mold remediation often involves antimicrobial treatments, encapsulation, or disinfection, whereas medically sound remediation focuses on complete mold removal without the use of antimicrobial agents, ensuring a safer environment for sensitive individuals.

Look into our Medically Sound Remediation & Small Particle Cleaning services if you have sensitivities to mold or have particular health concerns.

Question 9

How do you clean items exposed to mold?

Accepted Answer

Hard-surface items can typically be cleaned with proper HEPA vacuuming and wiping. However, porous materials are more challenging to clean, and in some cases, replacing them may be more cost-effective.

Question 10

What is CIRS-Safe Remediation?

Accepted Answer

CIRS-safe remediation follows the same principles as medically sound remediation, ensuring that no antimicrobials, sealants, or chemical treatments are used while focusing on complete removal of mold contaminants.

Question 11

How do you get rid of fire damage?

Accepted Answer

Getting rid of fire damage involves several steps, including assessment, cleaning, and restoration. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Safety First: Ensure the property is safe to enter. Wear protective gear such as masks, gloves, and eye protection. Contact local authorities to confirm it’s safe to re-enter the premises.

Assessment: Contact your insurance company to report the fire and start the claims process. Hire a professional fire damage restoration company to assess the extent of the damage.

Ventilation: Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and reduce smoke odors. Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and help dry out the property.

Soot and Smoke Removal: Clean soot from surfaces using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid spreading particles. Use a dry sponge (chemical sponge) to wipe down walls and surfaces. Avoid using water initially, as it can make soot stains worse. Clean affected items with specialized cleaning products designed for soot and smoke removal. Water Damage

Mitigation: If water was used to extinguish the fire, address water damage immediately. Remove standing water using pumps or wet/dry vacuums. Dry out the area thoroughly with fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters to prevent mold growth.

Structural Cleaning and Restoration: Remove damaged materials, including drywall, flooring, and insulation that cannot be salvaged. Clean and sanitize the structure to remove smoke residues and odors using specialized equipment like ozone generators or thermal foggers. Seal and repaint walls to cover any remaining stains and seal in odors.

Repairs and Reconstruction: Repair or replace damaged structural elements, such as framing, drywall, and roofing. Restore electrical and plumbing systems as needed. Rebuild and refurbish the interior, including flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures.

Final Steps: Conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire property, including air ducts and HVAC systems, to remove lingering smoke odors and soot particles. Inspect the property to ensure all damage has been addressed and it is safe for occupancy.

Professional Help: Consider hiring professionals for certain tasks, such as electricians, plumbers, and restoration experts, to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.

Prevention: Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Create and practice a fire evacuation plan. Consider fire-resistant building materials for future renovations. Addressing fire damage promptly and thoroughly is crucial to restoring your home and preventing further issues.

Question 12

What is the Best Fire Restoration company is San Diego County?

Accepted Answer

ORANGE RESTORATION IS THE #1 SMOKE AND FIRE DAMAGE REPAIR SAN DIEGO

It is essential to undertake each step of the property restoration process with intense keenness and ensure it is done correctly since failure of the procedure or overlooking a simple thing can give rise to additional problems. The fire restoration process is a dangerous endeavor that should not be done by homeowners. It should, however, be handled by someone qualified with enough training in dealing with scenarios such as these. If you need your home restoration to be handled by qualified staff with enough experience in salvaging valuables, then Orange Restoration in San Diego, CA is the perfect place to go. Our company is certified by Clean Trust and is always ready and willing to handle all your fire, smoke, water, and mold restoration requirements. All you need to do is make a phone call to (619) 376-6838 and wait for our technician, and within an hour the technician will be on your doorstep ready to lend assistance.

Question 13

Can Orange Restoration Assess the Fire Damage of My Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We can do that! Once you have contacted us or any fire restoration company, their first step will be to assess the extent of the fire damage. We will evaluate how far the fire, smoke, soot, and water have spread throughout your property. This assessment will reveal the impact on your ceilings, walls, and furniture.

The assessment process is crucial for us to fully understand the damage and quickly develop a plan of action. Our team will work hard to provide you with an accurate cost estimate and a timeline for the restoration work.

We have a blog article on Urgent Fire Damage Repairs and Medical Concerns written because of our recent training in Medically Sound Remediation. With this recent upgrade in our training, we simply have more value to add. For example,  with our fire damage restoration services, we have all the experts needed for full restoration. This includes a master plumber, team of electricians, mold remediation, and an expert reconstruction team. We have these experts on our team because when we do medically sound remediation, we need to be absolutely sure no third part comes in and does something to negatively impact a project's containment.

Question 14

How do you perform small particle cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Small particle cleaning is a critical step in mold illness recovery. It involves HEPA vacuuming and a wet-wipe/dry-wipe sequence to remove fine particulates from all surfaces.

Question 15

What makes Orange Restoration different by specializing in this Medically Sound Remediation services?

Accepted Answer

Medically Sound Remediation is not like traditional remediation, with our medically sound remediation protocols, we can leave no mold behind. Traditional remediation protocols allows for mold particles, and dead spores to remain after remediation. If you work with Orange Restoration, you can be sure that we will work hard to pass your Post Remediation Verification (PRV) test on the first attempt to reduce costs, length of our work, and get you back in your home as soon as it is safe again.

Question 16

What is the Shoemaker Protocol?

Accepted Answer

The Shoemaker Protocol for mold is the medical aspect of your recovery journey, designed to help individuals affected by mold-related illness through a structured medical treatment plan. Medically Sound Remediation and Small Particle Cleaning is only part of the Shoemaker Protocol.

Question 17

How long does the Shoemaker Protocol take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of the Shoemaker Protocol varies depending on the individual's health condition, severity of exposure, and response to treatment. It can take several months to years for full recovery.

Our Medically Sound and Small Particle cleaning service is only part of the healing process. Please look into finding an IEP or a medical doctor to discuss this this protocol in more depth.

Question 18

Does the Shoemaker Protocol work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Shoemaker Protocol has been proven effective for individuals suffering from mold-related illnesses by addressing inflammation and removing biotoxins from the body. Science is increasingly validating Dr. Shoemaker’s work as larger medical institutions recognize its success in treating thousands of patients with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). These patients, each with unique experiences related to mold and VOC exposure in their homes, have found relief through his approach. While conventional Western medicine often falls short in addressing CIRS, Dr. Shoemaker’s integrative method, combining naturopathic principles, medical training, and specialized protocols—has helped many on their path to recovery.

Question 19

What is the Shoemaker Protocol treatment?

Accepted Answer

The Shoemaker Protocol treatment involves a structured medical approach that includes diagnostic testing, biotoxin removal, and steps to reduce inflammation, all aimed at restoring the patient’s health.

Question 20

What is the difference between Medically Sound Remediation and Traditional Mold Remediation?

Accepted Answer

Medically sound remediation does not involve disinfecting, killing, or encapsulating mold but instead focuses on completely removing it from building materials. It adheres to higher standards to prevent re-exposure and ensure a safe environment for recovery.

What are the key elements of Medically Sound Remediation Services?

No use of antimicrobials

No encapsulation

No sealing of cavities

White glove test for thorough cleanliness

All discoloration must be remediated

Mandatory decontamination chambers

Continuous negative air pressure

Strict PPE protection

Full 6-mil containment barriers to prevent cross-contamination

The key differences between Medically Sound Remediation and Traditional Remediation lie in the level of detail, the protocols followed, and the ultimate goal of the remediation process. Here’s a breakdown of the main distinctions:

1. Focus on Health vs. Structure

Medically Sound Remediation prioritizes occupant health, especially for those with conditions like CIRS, mold sensitivity, or other environmental illnesses.

Traditional Remediation primarily focuses on structural integrity and preventing further damage.

2. Cleaning Standards

Medically Sound Remediation goes beyond visible mold removal, addressing ultrafine particles, biotoxins, and airborne contaminants to create an environment safe for hypersensitive individuals.

Traditional Remediation typically follows industry-standard guidelines (like the IICRC S520) to remove visible mold and prevent regrowth but may not eliminate the small particles that continue affecting health.

3. Testing and Verification

Medically Sound Remediation often includes detailed post-remediation verification (PRV) testing, such as:

ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) testing

HERTSMI-2 (Health Effects Roster of Type-Specific Formers of Mycotoxins and Inflammagens-2)

ATP testing for biological contaminants

Airborne and settled dust analysis for small particles

Traditional Remediation may only include standard air or surface sampling post-remediation, primarily checking for visible mold presence rather than microscopic contaminants.

4. Use of Biocides and Cleaning Agents

Medically Sound Remediation avoids harsh chemicals, using medical-grade HEPA filtration, mechanical cleaning, and safer products to remove contaminants without introducing additional toxins.

Traditional Remediation often relies on chemical biocides or fungicides, which may kill mold but can leave behind harmful residues.

5. Cross-Contamination Prevention

Medically Sound Remediation follows strict containment, negative air pressure, and decontamination protocols to prevent cross-contamination of fine particles throughout the home.

Traditional Remediation typically uses containment but may not account for the smallest particulate spread.

Question 21

Is PRV Testing Only in Medically Sound Remediation?

Accepted Answer

PRV (Post-Remediation Verification) testing is not exclusive to medically sound remediation, but the type of PRV testing differs.

Traditional Remediation PRV: Oftenn includes visual inspections and standard air or surface mold testing.

Medically Sound PRV: Incorporates more advanced testing like ERMI, HERTSMI-2, & particle counts to ensure the environment is truly safe for sensitive individuals.

Question 22

What is an environmental inspection on a home?

Accepted Answer

An in-home medically sound IEP inspection is crucial for identifying all affected areas in a property, ensuring that no hidden mold remains undiscovered, which is essential for successful remediation.

Question 23

What do Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) do?

Accepted Answer

Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) assess indoor air quality, provide general guidance, and develop remediation scopes based on forensic testing, including indoor air and surface sampling.

Question 24

What is an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP)?

Accepted Answer

An IEP is a specialist who assesses properties for mold and indoor air quality concerns, conducting forensic testing to identify hidden contamination and guide remediation efforts. A qualified IEP must have extensive knowledge of building materials, construction defects, fungal ecology, and environmental science to properly assess contamination risks.

Question 25

What is fine particle cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Fine particle cleaning refers to the process of removing ultrafine mold and dust particles, typically ranging from 2-20 microns, from surfaces to prevent contamination. We offer Small Particle Cleaning services to help with removal of these ultrafine particles.

Question 26

How do you get rid of small dust particles?

Accepted Answer

The best method for removing fine dust particles is a combination of HEPA vacuuming, thorough surface wiping, and maintaining proper air filtration. if you need help, we offer Small Particle Cleaning services.

Question 27

How to tell if your house is toxic?

Accepted Answer

The most reliable way to determine if your house is toxic is by hiring a certified and experienced IEP. Standard home inspections or environmental assessments often miss hidden contamination due to testing limitations. An IEP will work as an advocate for your health, they will do many lab tests and physical inspections to find the source of the problems.

Home Testing for mold or any DIY testing for mold is not recommended.

Question 28

What are the signs of Mold Sickness?

Accepted Answer

Mold sickness can manifest in various ways, including changes in the health of a home’s occupants, family members, pets, or even plants. A persistent musty odor in the home may also indicate mold issues. If you suspect mold, call an Indoor Air Quality Testing professional or an Indoor Environmental Professional, if you need help with this, call us!

Question 29

What are the Symptoms of Mold Sickness?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of mold sickness in individuals can include chronic fatigue, respiratory issues, brain fog, skin rashes, headaches, and sinus congestion.

Question 30

What is Mold Sickness Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Mold sickness treatment typically involves removing exposure sources, detoxifying the body, and following medical protocols such as the Shoemaker Protocol. Look at a recent blog post about Mold Sickness Treatment we recently published.

Question 31

How to clean your Belongings after Mold Remediation for CIRS?

Accepted Answer

While hiring a third-party vendor for fine particle cleaning is common, homeowners have also successfully completed this process themselves using HEPA vacuuming and surface wiping techniques. We offer Small Particle Cleaning services to get you started and can work with your belongings to help restore all back to normal.

Question 32

How long should you stay out of the House after Mold Remediation?

Accepted Answer

If financially feasible, it is recommended to stay out of the exposure area until an IEP has re-inspected the home and confirmed that remediation was successful. The testing provided by an IEP will help you to determine all contamination has been removed.

Question 33

How likely is Mold to come back after Remediation?

Accepted Answer

Mold requires moisture to grow, so maintaining a dry and clean environment is crucial for preventing regrowth after remediation. Mold can grow anywhere there is neglected areas with moisture, dampness, or warmth. Mold should not re-occur after remediation if it has been done correctly with Medically Sound Remediation and Small Particle Cleaning, there should be a removal of absolutely all mold. So, chances of regrowth after medically Sound are significantly reduced, while traditional remediation risks the reoccurrence because some mold is left behind.

Question 34

What do professionals use for Mold Remediation?

Accepted Answer

Traditional mold remediation professionals use commonly accepted methods, while medically sound environmental professionals adhere to significantly higher standards to ensure safety for sensitive individuals.

Medically Sound Mold Remediation standards:

No use of antimicrobials

No encapsulation

No sealing of cavities

White glove test for thorough cleanliness

All discoloration must be remediated

Mandatory decontamination chambers

Continuous negative air pressure

Strict PPE protection

Full 6-mil containment barriers to prevent cross-contamination

Question 35

What is the most Problematic Environmental Issue for Homeowners?

Accepted Answer

One of the most significant environmental concerns in buildings is moisture intrusion, which can lead to mold growth.

While this may not always compromise structural integrity, it can severely impact indoor air quality and pose serious health risks, particularly for hypersensitive individuals.

The EPA has reported extensively on mold sensitivities and the health impacts of water-damaged buildings, yet standard remediation practices often fall short in addressing the needs of those with severe sensitivities.

Question 36

Flood Mitigation or Flood Prevention?

Accepted Answer

A reason for this confusion might be that for some flood mitigation is a constant action in some areas that have recurring flooding or active sump pumps to keep water out of their basements or other water sources. In essence, flood mitigation involves both preventive actions taken before a flood occurs and responsive strategies implemented during or after a flood event. Flood prevention involves preemptive measures to reduce the risk of flood damage. For instance, homeowners may install sump pumps or conduct annual inspections of vulnerable areas such as basements and chimneys. By regularly maintaining these systems and structures, individuals can help prevent water intrusion and minimize potential damage.

Question 37

What is Flood Prevention?

Accepted Answer

If homes have sump-pumps, basements, or chimneys it is important to check them annually, this is an example of flood prevention. The same time, during a flood state or heavy rains, you will want to also check your flood prevention techniques to make sure they are keeping the flooding out, any reinforcement efforts would be considered flood mitigation. However, flood prevention is not synonymous with flood mitigation, although the two are closely related. While flood prevention focuses on averting flood damage before it happens, flood mitigation involves actions taken during or after a flood to mitigate its impact. This can include reinforcing existing prevention techniques, such as installing additional barriers or improving drainage systems, to better withstand the force of floodwaters.

For example, during periods of heavy rainfall or when a flood is imminent, homeowners should assess the effectiveness of their flood prevention measures and make any necessary adjustments or reinforcements. By proactively addressing weak points in their defenses, they can enhance their resilience to flooding and minimize the potential for damage.

Question 38

What is the Difference Between Structural and Non-Structural Flood Mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Structural Mitigation of Flooding:

Often dams, levees, jetties, and the use of temporary sandbags to block or manipulate water direction, are all structural mitigation efforts. Often the state, city, and local community will have a flood mitigation strategy and use of flood drainage sewers and water runoff channels.

Non-Structural Mitigation of Flooding:

The people are the integral part of the non-structural elements of flood prevention. The communities, municipalities, and governments are the key to planning for natural flooding with planning, implementation of policy, stormwater management systems, system maintenance plans, and in depth community planning of codes for buildings and conducting business. Non-structural mitigation is preventing humans from being in bad flood states before we build a community or allow for new structural development.

Question 39

What are the mitigation strategies for floods?

Accepted Answer

Floods pose significant threats to communities worldwide, exacerbated by climate change-induced extreme weather events. Effective mitigation strategies are crucial to minimize flood damage and protect lives and property.

Mitigation Strategies:

Structural Measures: Dams, Floodwalls, levees, floodgates, temporary Sandbags, and elevation of structures are essential for reducing flood impact.

Non-structural Measures: Green infrastructure, property limitations, zoning regulations, and building codes help mitigate flood risk by relocating vulnerable populations and regulating development in flood-prone areas. Also, community planning and municipal stormwater management systems and maintenance plans could be included.

Flood Mitigation Planning:

Expert-driven flood mitigation plans, including floodplain mapping and forecasting, are essential to identify at-risk areas and prioritize mitigation efforts.

Community engagement is vital for developing tailored solutions and ensuring effective implementation.

Tools and Technologies:

Advanced tools like GIS systems enable effective flood management by analyzing map data, visualizing flood risk, and facilitating decision-making for mitigation strategies.

Flood Mitigation Services of Professionals

Mitigating flood risk requires a multifaceted approach encompassing structural and non-structural measures, expert planning, advanced tools, and community collaboration. By implementing comprehensive mitigation strategies, communities can enhance resilience and minimize the devastating impact of floods. After all prevention tactics and strategy have been implemented, you may still need flood mitigation services from professionals.

Question 40

What Are the Three Types of Mitigation Plans?

Accepted Answer

Diverting water using landscaping or natural elements to channel waterways or divert water away from sensitive areas like homes, roadways, or other structures.

Prevention with structural measures such as french drains, dams, retaining walls, barriers, jetties, and other measures to divert water from building up.

Emergency flood mitigation which includes using temporary sandbags as barriers, installing temporary dykes to prevent water from accessing homes or alleys that will lead to downstream flooding. Any tactic to remove flooding from a structure or roadway could be considered emergency flood mitigation, even temporary dams, french drain unclogging, or installing dykes.

Question 41

What is the best approach to reducing flood damage?

Accepted Answer

Strategically seek the vulnerabilities in any scenario that might be susceptible to flooding, as you discover these issues address them with water build up prevention, sealing, and hardening surrounding leak areas. Address any possible systems for supporting the riskier areas like a sump-pump system as a backup for basements and spaces near waterways that pose recurring flood threats.

Water sealing and enveloping the building with protection could also be a consistent start to reducing water damages. Also, in areas where flooding is common, think to elevate essential components of the home above water levels, for example electrical systems can be raised up to make basement or other outlets a little bit higher than normal.

Planning preventative measures and maintaining systems is essential to avoid unnecessary flooding. For example, many ways to prevent flooding is by maintaining French Drains, rain gutters, weather stripping, checking sump-pump systems, and other systems that prevent flooding.

Question 42

What are the three methods of flood control?

Accepted Answer

A large part of flood control is about knowing the environmental norms for an area and planning to control seasonal variations in flood water. So a large part of this planning would be about the landscaping and drainage. These landscaping and drainage methods include planning the right vegetation for retaining water and maintaining hillsides; gradually terracing hillside slopes to slow water flow downhill; and man made physical drainage of floodways such as french drains, dykes, dams, drainage canals, and floodways leading to larger public utility maintained sewerage systems.

Question 43

What plants help control flooding?

Accepted Answer

In southern california, most landscapes start with the lawn, but the best advice is to mix the terrain with a mix of naturally occurring wild vegetation from the native environment. Just like native grasses, native plants meant to grow in the southern California climate will grow better root networks that will help with water absorption. For grass suggestions for SoCal, drought tolerant grasses are also often preferred because they can tolerate various soil conditions, have many fibrous roots that grow quickly.

Grass suggestions: Zorro Annual Fescue, Vulpia Myuros Blando Brome, Bromus Mollis Cucamonga Brome, and Bromus Carinatus.

Often these grasses are chosen for revegetation of slopes that have in past experienced fires. If working to stabilize a property for flood or past fires, consider mixing the landscaping with various plant types, a mix of plant heights, and root depths.

Tree and Shrub Flood Prevention suggestions:

Drought Resistant Trees with SoCal roots: Coast Live Oaks, Quercus Agrifolia Redbuds, Cercis sp., Catalina Cherry, and Prunis Lyonii.

Shrubs and Ground Covering plants that impact Flood Prevention: Prostrate Myoporum, Myoporum Parviflorium Capeweed, Arctotheca Calendula, Cultivar “Twin Peaks” Baccharis Pilularis, Descanso Rock Rose, Cistus Crispus Periwinkle, Vinca sp., Trailing African Daisy, and Osteospermum Fruticosum.

Working with a landscaping professional is recommended to plan your drainage methods that will work with your terrain and the various plant needs of your property.

Question 44

What is one way to control flooding?

Accepted Answer

Call an emergency flood response team like Orange Restoration! If you are seeking the quickest way to solve your flood problem on the internet, you are better off getting a professional to step in and navigate the mitigation process.

Your insurance company advises to take immediate action to prevent loss or damages during a flood. Your procrastination will become a liability when dealing with the insurance company as they may claim your damage came from “seepage” also known as water damage that occurs over time. In most policies, the insured has an obligation to mitigate their loss in damages.

Take action by calling a professional who knows how to deal with insurance.

Question 45

What prevents flooding during heavy rain?

Accepted Answer

In the case of heavy rain, it is best to properly inspect gutters, french drains, sump-pump systems, downspouts,  and other established flood prevention systems already set up to insure they are ready for the heavy rain. In Emergency Flooding situations, often sand bags will be deployed by local municipalities and made available. Using anything like sandbags to divert water from entryways or sensitive areas can greatly reduce water damage from flooding.

Question 46

Why does my house keep flooding when it rains?

Accepted Answer

In Southern California, we do not often think about flooding due to rain, but it can happen especially due to our negligence or poor maintenance of flood prevention systems. Often flooding that reoccurs due to rain can be detected and prevented. When the heavy volume of the rain is upon your home’s exterior, it may impact the systems to fail. For example, a downspout could be poorly positioned to remove water from your roof, but when the water has no escape, the groundwater builds up and can cause flooding. Before heavy rainfall it is important to inspect drains, gutters, and other flood prevention systems to ensure they are in good conditions. Also, during the heavy rain you may want to observe the flooding area to see what is the culprit to the excessive water. Often rain gutters can be impacted by trees and the sheer weight of the water causing them to dump and not flow to the downspout drain. After noticing the problems with your flood prevention systems, get a professional to repair it! Also, it may be wise to check for mold by getting professional testing done.

Question 47

Do I really need mold remediation?

Accepted Answer

After a flood in a building or home, it's crucial to assess the extent of water damage and the potential for mold growth. Here are some factors to consider:

Duration of Moisture Exposure: Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after a flood. If your home or business was flooded and remained wet for an extended period, there's a high likelihood of mold growth.

Extent of Flood Damage: If the floodwater was clean and quickly removed, and affected only a small area, you may be able to clean and dry the area yourself. However, if the flood water was contaminated or if the flooding was extensive, it's best to seek professional flood remediation services.

Hidden Mold: Mold often grows in hidden areas, such as behind walls, under flooring, and in air ducts. A professional mold inspection can identify hidden mold and ensure thorough remediation.

Preventive Measures: Even if you don't see visible mold growth, it's advisable to have your home inspected for mold after a flood to prevent future problems. Mold growth can be quite devastating for home values and for your health.

While not all floods require professional mold remediation, it's essential to assess the situation carefully and consider the factors mentioned above to determine the best course of action for your home and your family's health. Taking fast action is best as mold will rapidly begin to spread when moisture is present in your home.

Question 48

How do I protect my house from heavy rain?

Accepted Answer

Protecting your house from heavy rain involves several preventive measures and maintenance tasks. Here are some steps you can take:

Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear: Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Remove leaves, debris, and any blockages that could prevent water from flowing freely away from your house.

Extend Downspouts Away from the House: Use downspout extensions or splash blocks to direct water at least 3-4 feet away from your home's foundation to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. Also, consider french drain systems to move water away from areas that may be at higher risk for flooding.

Inspect and Maintain Roof: Regularly inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, and repair any issues promptly to prevent water from leaking into your home. Water coming from above is the worst for damages.

Check Seals and Caulking: Inspect seals around windows, doors, and vents, and reapply caulk as needed to prevent water from seeping into your home. Weather stripping is highly effective at stopping water damage around windows.

Grade the Land Around Your House: Ensure that the ground slopes away from your house to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. Add soil as needed to create a slope away from the house.

Install a Sump Pump: Consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to remove excess water and prevent flooding during heavy rain.

Inspect Foundation for Cracks: Regularly inspect your foundation for cracks or gaps, and seal them with waterproofing sealant to prevent water from entering your foundation.

Install Flood Barriers or Sandbags: If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider installing flood barriers or using sandbags to redirect water away from your home.

By taking these preventive measures and regularly maintaining your home, you can help protect it from water damage during heavy rain and reduce the risk of water infiltration and flooding.

Question 49

What is the #1 cause of basement flooding?

Accepted Answer

Often basements are where we will find the hot water tank, the sump pump, and the main water supply line. If any number of problems occurs, like a burst pipe, the basement can easily flood.

If you have a basement, you should consider flood proofing it and work to maintain the plumbing as a basement flood can be quite costly.

Question 50

Why is water coming through my walls after rain?

Accepted Answer

You are experiencing some sort of flooding. It is likely that you have a roof leak or a rain gutter problem that is leading water to inside your home’s walls and/or the space above your head. It is important you call a flood mitigation expert as soon as possible to help you figure out the issue and put a stop to the leak.

Question 51

How do I divert water from my house on a slope?

Accepted Answer

If your home is on a slope, you will want to create grading to keep the water moving away from the foundation. Also consider installing a French Drain system as with a slope you can experience a great amount of water accumulation very rapidly, and keeping this water away from your home is important to avoiding flood or water damages.

Question 52

Will a dehumidifier help a flooded basement?

Accepted Answer

A deep flood in your basement will need professional mitigation services, a dehumidifier is only meant to help remove moisture in the air after a flood cleanup. The dehumidifier device alone will not do the work needed to restore your home to pre-flood conditions.

Question 53

Does flooding damage walls?

Accepted Answer

Drywalls are meant to stay dry, so any moisture can damage them and lead to moisture to turn into mold growth. If you have experienced a flood, you will need to act fast. Drywall will begin to deteriorate when moist, and if so, it will need to be replaced.

If walls are wooden, or other materials, it is likely that moisture will damage them as water will cause wood rot, will lead to mold development, and lead to a need for extensive repairs. When you have a flood, it is best to hire a professional to manage these expectations and take on the liability for resolving the issues in a timely manner.

Question 54

Is it normal to have water under house after rain?

Accepted Answer

Rainwater entering the crawlspace should not be a normal occurrence, even with heavy rain. If there is rain in the crawlspace, make sure it is draining out and returns to a dry state. Standing water in the crawl space is concerning as this could lead to humidity in the confined space which will accumulate and likely become a mold problem given the nature of the crawl space.

Question 55

What happens if water gets into a crawl space?

Accepted Answer

When water drains into the crawl space, it is important to make sure it drains out. If this water does not drain away, it is important to handle it manually. Water cannot be left in the crawl space as it will rapidly lead to the degradation of your home.

First, the water will become humidity, then moisture will cause the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold growth and the moisture will lead to attracting pests, pests getting into your home will also degrade your home’s structure. Now we have more than one battle to fight, mold is spreading from the crawl space into walls, bottom of the flooring, and possibly onto joists that directly support your home. Pests will move around too, and when they do, they bring more problems such as smell, breeding, and access to your home.

Letting moisture get into your crawl space is likely to allow for many more problems, so be wise to call for help if your crawl space has been flooded or has signs of moisture build up.

Question 56

How long does it take for mold to grow in walls after a flood?

Accepted Answer

Mold can begin to grow in the walls of your home within 24-48 hours after a flood. The walls of your home can work like highways for transferring the mold spores from one area to another. Even though you do not see the mold spores, it can be present. Mold colonies that are large enough to be seen can take 18-21 days to form, but the mold can still be present as early as 24 hours after a flood.

Question 57

What kills mold after a flood?

Accepted Answer

As mold killing experts, Orange Restoration has been doing mold remediation for 20 years, so we recently upgraded our skill set to do Medically Sound Mold Remediation, this means we kill 100% of mold for these jobs. Traditional remediation work will only remove living mold cells, and may leave behind broken fragments of mold or dead mold spores.

Mold can be killed by using bleach, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to dilute the solution of bleach, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide down to meet the needs for the space you are working in, as often you do not need to use too much to get the removal to happen and the mold spores will die also with just a little solution and agitation. It's important to use of them properly and safely:

Bleach: A solution of bleach and water (usually one cup of bleach per gallon of water) can effectively kill mold on hard surfaces. It's important to dilute the bleach properly and to ensure proper ventilation when using it. However, bleach may not be suitable for all surfaces and may cause discoloration.

Alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can also be effective at killing mold on hard surfaces. It's typically used in concentrations of 70% or higher for maximum effectiveness. Like bleach, alcohol should be used in a well-ventilated area.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill mold on various surfaces. It's typically used in concentrations of 3% or higher. It's less harsh than bleach and may be a better option for porous surfaces.

Regardless of which substance you use, it's essential to follow safety precautions, including proper dilution, ventilation, and using protective gear such as gloves and a mask. Additionally, it's essential to address the underlying cause of the mold growth, such as moisture or water intrusion, to prevent future mold problems.

Question 58

Do walls need to be replaced after flood?

Accepted Answer

The damage to your walls, ceiling, flooring and otherwise can only be determined by an expert. To avoid the heavy costs associated with flood damage, consider calling a professional as soon as possible. The sooner action is taken, will determine the needs for replacement walls, flooring, and other structural materials.

Question 59

How do you tell if there is moisture behind a wall?

Accepted Answer

Most building inspectors will have a pinless moisture meter on hand, this is the easiest way to determine if there is moisture on hand.

If you notice signs of water damage on the wall, such as rusty water stains, bulges, sagging walls, bloating of the walls, or mold growth, these could be signs to confirm the moisture. If these signs exist, make sure to call for a professional to come figure out the source of your moisture problem.

Question 60

What is the difference between flood control and flood management?

Accepted Answer

Flood control is the act of ending the flood or stopping it from happening with the use of systems to prevent the flood such as dams, dykes, or water channels.