How to Kill Mold: Vinegar or Bleach and Prevention Tips

Which is More Effective, Vinegar or Bleach to Kill Mold?

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At Action 1 Restoration, our company is committed to helping homeowners recover from flooding in their homes. While many of these properties have straight-forward cleanups, others require more care because mold is present. In situations like these, it’s crucial to kill the mold in addition to taking the normal steps that are required for successful restoration. While this means more time and work, it’s essential for creating a safer home that doesn’t put homeowners and their families at risk for mold-related illnesses.

Is Your Home at Risk for Mold?

FEMA estimates that mold will appear inside of a home that has been damaged by water within 24-48 hours. This is why homeowners must act fast and have their homes dried as soon as possible. However, we know this isn’t always possible for homeowners who are dealing with inclement weather or surprise leaks. In these situations, it’s likely that mold will already be present and potentially growing in several different parts of the home.

If you’ve had water that has been in your home for more than a few days, mold has likely started growing. It’s easy to identify this by looking for fuzzy black or brown dots on your floors, walls, or even furniture. However, mold can also be hidden underneath floorboards, behind walls, and on top of the ceiling, making it difficult to spot. This is why mold removal is crucial if you’ve recently had any degree of water damage in your home.

Where Can Mold Grow?

Mold thrives in environments that are humid, warm, and wet. These are the qualities that make a recently flooded home, which is filled with standing water, the perfect grounds for mold growth. Unfortunately, this is also why mold can grow just about anywhere in your home that water has touched. This includes basements, attics, and other hidden and difficult-to-reach spaces. Mold can even grow on the foundation of your home if water has flooded outside and seeped into the ground around the base of your house.

Why is Mold Dangerous?

When mold grows inside of a home with water damage, it will destroy drywall, wood, and any other materials that it’s growing on. If it’s not taken care of, mold will continue to destroy these materials and eventually weaken the structure of a home. Making mold even more dangerous is the fact that it can negatively impact the health of your family by causing mold asthma and other allergic reactions. Breathing in the spores of mold will continue to worsen your health over time, which is why we never recommend living in a home with active mold growth.

Bleach vs Vinegar to Kill Mold

When it comes to killing mold, vinegar and bleach are some of the most common solutions that are used. With both being easy to find, homeowners can quickly buy them to tackle the mold in their homes as soon as possible. While some individuals prefer using one over the other, most just want to use the solution that works the best. While both can have a place in a clean home, when it comes to killing mold we recommend using vinegar.

What’s unique about vinegar in relation to mold removal is the fact that it can kill mold at the base by penetrating through porous materials. This is different from bleach, which will only kill surface mold and will not penetrate through the materials that have been affected. This means vinegar will ultimately kill the growth at the root, which is crucial for fully eliminating mold. If you only clean the surface, then the mold will eventually return in days or weeks and you’ll be right back where you started.

According to the EPA, bleach should not be used during mold cleanup because mold spores will remain in the pores of the impacted material. They also urge homeowners to practice safe cleanup practices by not mixing bleach with other cleaning solutions, including those that contain ammonia, because these can produce fumes that are dangerous and toxic. Instead, use vinegar that will penetrate deep into the materials and get rid of mold in the most effective manner possible.

 Learn about the cleanup steps by visiting the original post on Action 1 Restoration. 

Ceiling Damage from a Water Leak? What You Can Do

Ceiling Water Damage: Follow These Steps to Help With Repairs

At Action 1 Restoration, we see many types of water damage in the homes that we’re called to service. One of the areas that we see impacted the most frequently is the ceiling. While dripping water is an easy way to see there’s a problem, water damage can also be identified by brown spots on the ceiling, blistering paint, and sagging drywall. If you’ve noticed any of these issues caused by a leak in your home, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. We recommend following the steps below to minimize the damage you experience.

Step 1. Determine the Cause of the Leak

Identifying where the leak is coming from is one of the most important parts of handling this type of situation. However, that can be easier said than done. If you’re not sure whether the leak is the result if a failed roofing system or a broken pipe, you may not even know how to get started. To help you identify the root cause of the leak, take a look at the signs below.

Signs of a Failed Roof Causing a Ceiling Leak

– The leak occurs after it rains
– Soggy or wet drywall is present in the attic
– The water is coming from an attic (there’s no piping above it)
– Discolored water (this is common with water falling from the roof)

Signs of a Broken Pipe Causing a Ceiling Leak

– Steady dripping that continues day and night
– Continued leak no matter the outside weather
– No moisture or dripping coming from the attic

2. Address the Cause of the Leak

No matter what the cause of the leak is, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Waiting will only result in worsening damage as additional moisture seeps into the drywall. This can increase the amount of damage you have to restore, whether it’s in the ceiling or on the floors where the water has dripped. Since FEMA estimates the growth of mold can occur just 24 hours after initial exposure, this also means your risk of mold growth will increase every hour.

Water Damage Caused by Bad Weather

If your ceiling water damage is the result of inclement weather such as a rainstorm, you won’t be able to do much until the storm is over. However, if you do have access to your attic, it’s a good idea to place a bucket underneath the leak in your ceiling to prevent it from getting into the drywall or the ceiling of the floor below. While your roof will still be damaged, this can help minimize excess damage by preventing additional moisture from going into the ceiling.

Once the storm is over, it’s important to repair the opening that allowed the water to enter your home in the first place. This may require the help of a roofer, especially if you’re not able to see the damaged area for yourself. We always recommend hiring a contractor if you’re not comfortable climbing on your roof or just need advice making sure the repairs are done the right way.

Water Damage Caused by a Bad Pipe

If your ceiling has been damaged because of a broken pipe, then we highly recommend turning off the main water line in your home as soon as possible. While the leak may continue to drip for a short amount of time afterward, the water should eventually dissipate as the pipes are cleared. Once this has happened, it’s a good idea to have a plumber take a look at the problem. While some homeowners can do repairs on their own, finding the source of the leak and doing repairs can be difficult without the right tools and experience.

At Action 1 Restoration, we know the relief you can feel once the source of water has been identified and repaired. While this is an important part of the journey to recovery for your home, it’s not the last one. It’s important to continue with the steps below in order to ensure your home is restored properly and is safe to live in.

3. Get the Damaged Materials Out

Allowing drywall to sit until it dries can cause mold, mildew, and discoloration. This can also result in the moisture seeping into other areas of the ceiling, which will cause more damage than what you started with. It’s also important to note that the materials inside of your ceiling can take weeks or even months to fully dry. This can mean it will take a long time to see the full extent of the damage if you wait.

To avoid running into problems associated with allowing drywall to naturally dry, we recommend tackling the damage right away. This should begin with carefully cutting out the drywall that has been damaged by the water. It’s best to use a sharp tool that will precisely cut the section you want to remove so that you don’t run the risk of making the damaged area larger. It’s also important to be careful while cutting to ensure that you avoid hitting any wiring that might be located above the ceiling.

4. Dry Out the Wall Interior

Removing the damaged drywall will uncover the moisture that remains inside of the wall. We understand that it can be disheartening to see this, especially if you’ve never dealt with water damage before. However, by moving forward with industrial fans, you can work to quickly dry this moisture and get your structure back in good condition once again. If the area is small, one fan should be enough for adequate drying. However, if you have a large space to address, then you’ll want to add one or two more industrial fans to the mix.

No matter how many fans you end up using, make sure they are pointed directly at the damaged area on your ceiling. We also strongly encourage the use of a dehumidifier in the room to help get additional moisture out of the space as rapidly as possible. Leave these on for several days, periodically checking to make sure the area inside of the ceiling is continuously drying.

5. Assess Damage and Replace Materials

Waiting for the structure to dry is perhaps one of the most difficult parts of fixing a ceiling leak. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do until the structure is fully dry and there is no more moisture left behind. However, once this happens, you can get to work assessing the damage that has occurred. Use a flashlight to look around and identify any materials inside the ceiling that are warped and structurally unsafe. This should include any materials that have mold or mildew growth present, including softwood and insulation.

Once you have a full view of the damage, it will take time to remove the materials that cannot be saved. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, don’t hesitate to hire a contractor for help. However, if you are confident in your abilities, you can get started with the careful removal of damaged materials. Once finished, it will be crucial to replace anything that was removed, which may also necessitate help from a professional.

When the inside of the ceiling has been recovered to its original state, you’ll need to replace the drywall that makes up your ceiling. Once it’s set in place and secure, it can be painted to match the color of the rest of the ceiling.

Do You Need Fast and Immediate Home Restoration Services?

Many homeowners rely on help from trained and experienced restoration technicians when ceiling damage from a leak occurs. If you’re not comfortable dealing with this on your own, never hesitate to hire a professional to help you. Someone who is trained to do this type of work, such as our team at Action 1 Restoration, will be able to make sure the restoration is done the right way. We even have a full inventory of tools, such as industrial fans and dehumidifiers, that we bring with us, so you don’t have to invest in appliances you’re unlikely to use again.

While drying is an important part of the service that a restoration technician offers, it doesn’t stop there. A huge part of our job is to protect the structural integrity of your home. This is why we replace materials that have been damaged and must be removed. This includes the drywall that had to be initially cut out, which can be difficult to re-install if you don’t have the right experience or tools. Once this has been painted, it will look just like it did before the damage ever occurred.

Recovering from Ceiling Water Damage

Water damage on your ceiling has the potential to leave your home weak and unsafe. This is why it’s crucial to quickly address the leak as soon as you notice it. While many tasks you can do on your own, our team at Action 1 Restoration strongly encourages you to hire a professional if you don’t feel comfortable taking on the job. Restoration technicians in particular, will be there to help you throughout your journey in making your home whole again.

Originally posted on the Action 1 Restoration Blog at  https://www.action1restoration.net/water/water-damage/ceiling-damage-from-a-leak-follow-these-5-steps/

Action 1 Restoration is Expanding Quickly to Provide Emergency Mitigation Services

Action 1 Restoration, due to an increased need for water damage mitigation and restoration, is pleased to announce that they are expanding across the country into new states and cities. Due to this expansion, they are also looking for new local remodeling company partners to help them provide the same high quality water damage restoration services they have come to be known for at their other locations.

The company has a strong focus on helping their clients return to their normal lives as quickly as possible by dealing with whatever damage their home or business may have sustained. They focus on minimizing the effect of the loss as much as possible through their 24 hour emergency water and flood damage restoration services, available all across the country. Water can seriously damage a home if left unattended or if not properly removed and dried, making it very important for residents to get the help of a professional when dealing with water damage.

“If you are experiencing water damage caused from appliance malfunctions, frozen pipes, broken pipes, failure of a sump pump, foundation leaks, heavy rains, or a power failure, call Action 1 Restoration today,” says the company. “Our experienced team of professionals are available to respond to any emergency, big or small, at any time of the day or night. We aim to minimize your damages in the fastest way possible. All our technicians are highly qualified and trained in handling areas such as flooded basements, building materials, carpeting, hardwood floors, ceilings, or drywall. We specialize in professional restorations and can assist you in minimizing water damage. We can prevent the spread of mold growth, odors, and airborne bacteria. Find one of our locations near you for fast water or flood damage repair services.”

Since they work with some of the best local contractors in the country, Action 1 Restoration can provide fast and emergency response services to help restore their customers’ homes or businesses. By arriving at their client’s property promptly, Action 1 Restoration ensures that no further damage occurs and all potential threats are eliminated. This also lowers the cost of water removal, dry out, and repairs.

Water and flood damage to one’s home or business is always unexpected, and can be disastrous if one does not have the right contacts on hand to deal with it. The Action 1 Restoration team and their contractors are always available to help their clients through such disasters. “In some areas, our team of experts provide us a 30 min response time after the initial phone call. Rest assured we have you covered, day or night, we’ll be there,” says the company.

In order to do the job correctly, experience is important—and the specialists at Action 1 Restoration have plenty of it. The company is equipped with a deep understanding of the importance of emergency services and fast response times. Using state of the art equipment, Action 1 Restoration strives to help clients extract water and dry out their home or business. They also have access to the most modern specialist tools to help test the moisture in the air to help prevent the growth of mold.

Action 1 Restoration offers free estimates on water damage repairs and restoration. Any type of water damage problem can be potentially costly and stressful, so Action 1 Restoration is always available to help in any way they can. Those looking for a professional to help them deal with damage caused by water are encouraged to contact Action 1 Restoration for a free estimate today.

“If your home is under the threat of water damage from either leaks or flooding, our teams have the necessary expertise to mitigate, or even prevent, any related issues,” says Action 1 Restoration. “We aim to assist you in the preservation of your home, and provide innovative and effective techniques in restoration if necessary. We have the skills and the equipment to handle challenging situations regarding water damage. In addition, you can call us 24 hours a day for a speedy response to your water damage emergency. Our repair services include drying, disinfecting, and deodorizing your damaged and flooded areas.”

Interested parties may contact Eduardo Sapp of Act 1 Restoration to make further inquiries. More information can also be found online at the following link: Action 1 Restoration company info.

First seen published on PressAdvantage for Action1Restoration.