Showing posts with label Water Damage Restoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water Damage Restoration. Show all posts

Monday, January 26, 2015

Remediation process starts with assessment

Mold is fungi that grow in damp places and also inside houses when moisture control is insufficient. The growth of mold must be immediately controlled because apart from damaging everything it grows on; mold can also cause health problems including allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Mold remediation is the process by means of which mold growth can be effectively controlled. It is important to target the source of moisture or else mold can easily return. In other words, treating the symptoms would be useless and it is the source that must be completely removed so mold re-growth can be avoided. Some sources of mold may be found in water leaks, building maintenance problems and HVAC system. Remediation process involves consultation with experts in the field as well as health professionals. Occupants’ safety should not be overlooked as during the remediation process, they may face increased exposure to fungi.

Remediation process starts with assessment of the size of the mold and extent of damage. The remediation manager must first start with water and moisture control. Carefully check each and every building material damaged by mold and also household items which may be have seen mold growth such as furniture. Use personal protection equipment when starting the remediation process in order to avoid direct contact with fungi. A plan is needed to target each and every infected section and may need revisions as new discoveries are made. Health and safety should be the first concern of the remediator and temporary relocation may be required for occupants during the process. During the process HVAC system must be completely turned off as it may be contaminated too and air ducts must be checked before the system can be turned back on.

Hidden mold growth is a huge problem which must be kept in mind during remediation. It may not always be visible and hence can cause regrowth problems once the building material has been cleaned and disinfected. Some common areas where mold may hide include back of a wall, behind wallpaper, in between ceiling tiles, carpets, pads and more. Mold remediation involves use of wet vacuums to drain out water from damp areas. The area is then cleaned using water and regular detergent, HEPA vacuums may be needed for final cleaning. Once this is done, some disinfectant might be required in certain cases and an expert can guide remediation team in this matter. Usually use of biocides and chlorine bleach is discouraged but may be needed in some cases.

Water leaks in a pipeline system

The most economical and efficient way of transporting gases, oils and other fluids is through a pipeline network. The pipeline should be highly maintained in order to uphold the demand of reliability and safety, if this is not done then there is a high probability of leakage. So how are these leaks formed? There are a number of things that may lead to pipeline leaks. They include: accidents; earth movement (geophysics); damage from excavation tools; sabotage etc.

Water leaks in a pipeline system lead to low water pressure which is not only frustrating but also leads to the damage of equipments and also financial loss. The leak can be detected using the following methods:

Gas Filling: This method is effective when access to the pipe is easy. The procedure includes the introduction of an industrial gas into a pipe and the track is inspected with a device sensitive to that compound. With the gas being pumped at high pressure, if there exists a leak then the detector immediately detects it.

Radar Detection: Usually efficient outdoors, this method identifies not only the leak but also its size.

Geophones: Similar to a doctor's stethoscope, these items have the same working policy. The device catches and amplifies sound identifying the leak by listening to the ground. Finding the sound means finding the leak.

When it comes to Plumbing leaks, this type of leak is diagnosed when a person notices drips of water in their walls. The water travels through the pipes in the wall and when they encounter a damaged area then they leak through the concrete. When this is noted the owner of the building should tag it a major gravitation to not only the pipes but also the structure of the walls especially since the leaks give the ultimate mold breeding ground. When one encounters such a leak then they should embark on finding out the defective pipe.

Sewer leaks are the most loathed form of leaks as they are usually incorporated with foul smells. The leaks are also accompanied by sewer blockage either due to crushed pipes or root intrusions. The faulty lateral can lead to the leaking of waste to a yard and subsequently the growth of bigger plants due to the nutrient absorbed from the soil. It's important that to avoid this leak a video inspection is carried out to determine whether there are any faulty lines and what the remedial options are.

Leaks have a number of financial and health repercussions therefore individuals should set up ways to detect them early if not, then to be able to resolve them easily, effectively and efficiently. In addition, it is highly advisable that one is able to call upon expert services from those who possess the knowledge and expertise.