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How to Tell If Water Damage is Permanent

Water damage is a nightmare that you’ll want to take care of right away before it causes permanent damage. However, sometimes it can be hard to tell how bad water damage has gotten. 

Can you clean up the water damage without consequence, or do you need to replace what’s been damaged? Water damage gets worse with time, so the faster you find it and fix it, the better your chances of getting it completely restored.

Keep reading to learn more about water damage and how to tell if it’s permanent. 

What is water damage?

In its simplest definition, water damage is any water that gets into your home and causes damage. Water damage can result from a rainstorm, a burst pipe, or an overflowing toilet. 

Categories of water damage 

There are three categories of water damage, each type being worse than the last. If you have Category 1 or 2 water damage, it’s likely permanent damage. 

Category 1– water damage doesn’t have toxins or sewage in it. It’s clean water. It’s not a biohazard. It won’t make you or your pets sick. It most often comes from broken supply lines and pipes or overflowing sinks. Generally, you can dry out Category 1 water damage with minimal consequence. 

Category 2– water damage has toxins and sewage in it. It’s known as gray water because it’s dirty, containing sump pump backup water, toilet water, and washing machine water. Category 2 water damage usually involves chemicals, bacteria, or mold.

It’s a biohazard, so it’s essential to be careful. You’ll want to hire a water damage restoration specialist to come to your home and remediate the damage.

Category 3– water damage involves black water and is a serious biohazard containing toxins and organisms that carry disease. Water from a toilet bowl or backflow from a sewer can cause Category 3 water damage. Like with Category 2, you’ll want to hire a water damage specialist to remediate the damage. 

Can you tell if the water damage is new or old?

How long the water damage has been in your home can affect whether the damage is permanent. There are a few steps you can take to determine this:

  • The age of the house – It’s a good idea to become very familiar with your home’s interior and exterior, so you can locate hidden spots where water damage might be. Don’t assume the damage is permanent – a water damage restoration specialist can make that determination for you.
  • Examining the damaged spot – If the area is wet and there are dark spots, it’s newer damage that hasn’t had a chance to absorb into your home’s materials. If the site is mushy and squishy with rings around it, it’s older. If you spot different colored rings, the area has been soaked and dried multiple times.
  • Inspecting for mold – If you spot mold, it’s safe to assume the water damage has been there for two to three days. You’ll want to act immediately to remediate as much damage as possible.
  • Decay – Decay indicates exposure to standing water or flooding. This damage doesn’t happen overnight. An older house with decayed areas is likely to be permanently damaged. 

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

Structural damage can begin within 24 hours of a leak, making it critical to remediate it as soon as it starts. You can begin by dehumidifying the area, turning on fans, and air drying the area. Combining these methods can be highly effective. Once you have started drying out the area, it should completely dry within five days. 

The longer it takes to find the water damage, the harder it will be to remediate it, and the more likely it is that you have structural damage. Whether that damage is permanent depends on how bad the damage is. 

What happens if water damage goes untreated?

If you don’t spot water damage immediately, serious structural damage can compromise your home’s integrity. If you spot water damage, you should immediately call a water damage restoration company. They will come to your home, assess the damage, and recommend a treatment plan to restore your home. 

Even if the water damage went undetected for a while, don’t assume it’s beyond repair. Calling a restoration company is always your best bet. 

How do I know if my house is structurally sound?

There are a couple of ways to determine whether your home is structurally sound. One way is by opening up your walls and testing the structure of your home. However, this is invasive and not ideal in a lot of situations. 

The other solution is to inspect your home visually. If you can’t see any telltale signs of water damage, your home is likely structurally sound and hasn’t suffered permanent damage. However, if you suspect damage you can’t see, it’s a good idea to call a water damage restoration company. 

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

Water damage in and of itself is harmful to your home. The longer it goes undetected, the worse it becomes. The biggest concern with water damage is mold and mildew, which can start growing almost immediately. 

The concern surrounding mold and mildew isn’t just about the structural integrity of your home and the damage they can cause. Mold and mildew can also make you and your family sick. 

Breathing in mold can cause respiratory problems and other health issues that won’t go away until the mold does, making immediate treatment imperative to you and your family’s well-being. 

If you spot mold in your home, we recommend calling a restoration company specializing in water damage and mold removal. 

Black Diamond Restoration

Black Diamond Restoration is a restoration company based in Murray, Utah, that serves the surrounding areas. Our licensed, certified professionals will come to your home, remediate the damage, and restore your home. Whether your home needs repair or replaced parts, Black Diamond Restoration will take care of you.
Call 801.512.4194, or visit our website for more information.

What You Need to Know About Natural Disaster Cleanup

The thought of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes is enough to scare anyone. No matter how prepared you are, there’s no way of knowing exactly how much cleanup will be involved until the disaster is over. 

But what you can know is how natural disaster cleanup works. That way, no matter how minor or vast the cleanup might be, you’ll know what to expect and feel prepared. 

What Do You Need to Prepare for a Natural Disaster?

Preparing for a natural disaster can decrease its impact on you. The best way to prepare for a natural disaster is by packing an emergency preparedness kit. 

Every kit should include drinking water, nonperishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, sanitation supplies like toilet paper, soap, disinfectants, trash bags, and a local map.

For drinking water, we recommend one gallon per person daily. A family of four should have four gallons of water per day multiplied by how many days you think you might need it.

You might also need baby food, bottles, diapers, pet food, prescription medications, extra glasses or contact lenses, dry clothes, and blankets. 

These supplies will ensure that no one goes hungry or thirsty or without necessities while you’re waiting for help. 

What You Shouldn’t Do During a Natural Disaster

As scary as it might seem, you need to get through the worst of the disaster. Whether you’re facing a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake, there are things you should avoid doing to stay safe. 

We recommend avoiding the following:

  • Running outside or anywhere else while there are high winds or shaking
  • Standing in a doorway
  • Getting into the triangle of life where you “drop, cover, and hold on” — it’s been proven ineffective
  • Turning on the gas after turning it off
  • Using matches, lighters, barbeques, or electrical appliances when there could be gas leaks

Additionally, keep these myths in mind to keep yourself safe:

  • Buildings don’t always collapse.
  • Not all furniture gets crushed when buildings collapse.
  • It’s not a good idea to move to a better spot while there’s strong shaking.
  • Don’t get out of your car or onto the ground next to it, as you could get crushed by your vehicle or other drivers who can’t see you.

How Long Does It Take to Clean Up After a Natural Disaster?

There’s no single answer to this question because it depends on how severe the natural disaster was. Your home could be in the most heavily hit area, or you might have lucked out and been on the outskirts. Better yet, you might have been completely unaffected. 

Disaster cleanup can last anywhere from a day to weeks or months. Exercising caution is the most important aspect of disaster cleanup since the cleanup crew could be exposed to chemicals, contaminated flood water, downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris. For that reason, personal protective equipment is needed. 

Once the damage has been assessed and everyone is armed with PPE, cleanup can begin. 

What Do You Need to Clean Up After an Earthquake?

It doesn’t take much from an earthquake to cause severe damage to your home. Even a magnitude of 1 or 2 on the Richter scale is enough to cause gas leaks, fire hazards, and structural damage. 

After an earthquake, it’s a good idea to walk around your property to see if there’s a gas smell. Turn off the outside main valve if you smell gas or see a broken line. Keep matches far away since this could cause an explosion. 

Checking for fire hazards should be your next step, followed by securing any part of your home’s structure that’s been damaged. Inspecting your home is a good way to protect yourself until help can come. 

What Do You Need to Clean Up After a Tornado?

Post-disaster tornado cleanup often involves heavy debris from buildings, which you shouldn’t try to remove on your own. This debris is often hefty and filled with nails and other sharp objects like broken glass that could severely injure you. 

You’ll need to be cautious around potential musculoskeletal and electrical hazards, exposure to carbon monoxide, heat stress, motor vehicle, and large machinery accidents, hazardous materials, fire, and confined spaces. 

Before you begin debris removal, you’ll want to dress for the job — a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and thick-soled shoes. 

What Do You Need to Clean Up After a Hurricane?

Keep in mind that your home could be full of fallen debris, and the outside could be blocked by power lines, gas lines, and large tree limbs. So, please don’t rush to return to it the moment the hurricane is over. 

Please wait until it’s been declared safe, and be sure to wear protective gear, so you don’t get injured. You’ll want flashlights in case the electricity is out and N95 masks and gloves to protect yourself from bacteria and mold. 

What Supplies Do Natural Disaster Victims Need Most?

The necessary supplies for natural disaster cleanup will vary based on the type of disaster, but the following supplies are almost always recommended.

We recommend cleaning supplies like:

  • air fresheners 
  • bleach 
  • household cleaner 
  • clothes pins 
  • laundry detergent 
  • dish soap 
  • latex gloves 
  • work gloves 
  • N95 masks 
  • scouring pads 
  • scrub brushes 
  • sponges 
  • cleaning towels
  • heavy-duty trash bags

We recommend tools like axes, chainsaws, hack saws, hammers, nails, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and ropes. 

Your first aid kit should include aspirin, adhesive bandages, a first aid booklet, gauze, sterile gloves, antibiotic and burn relief ointments, soap, SPF 30 sunscreen, a thermometer, and antibiotic wipes. 

Having food, water, and snacks like breakfast cereal, granola bars, cookies, crackers, jerky, dry food, canned vegetables, nut butter, trail mix, infant formula, baby and toddler food, hard candy, vitamins, and dry foods for your pets.

We also recommend having a can opener, metal pans, cooking utensils, aluminum foil, plastic wrap and utensils, paper plates and napkins, storage bags, paper towels, garbage bags, and an ice chest. 

For personal hygiene, we recommend alcohol-based hand sanitizer, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bath towel, and a washcloth. You should have one of each for every member of your family. 

Having all these supplies on hand after a natural disaster will help you get through the aftermath. 

Black Diamond Restoration 

Do you live in an area where there was a natural disaster? Whether it was a hurricane, earthquake, or tornado, Black Diamond Restoration is here to help you clean up and get back to normal life. 

We have all tools and supplies to repair and restore your home. Natural disaster cleanup is no joke, so leave it to the professionals! Call us at 801.512.4194 for more information. 

Places Mold Tends to Grow

Mold growth in your home can cause health problems and look unsightly. Rather than waiting to clean up your mold problem, you might want to check some places in your home that are more prone to growing mold. 

Where is mold growth in home primarily located? It is typically found in places near or around sources of water. So you may want to look for mold:

  • Around appliances that use water, like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. 
  • Near water sources like sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers.
  • In old or leftover foods.
  • Near windows.
  • Around your leaky plumbing.
  • In air vents.

Routinely checking these areas can help eliminate mold before it becomes a health risk. Here’s what you should look for.

What Mold Looks Like

Mold begins to grow when its pores land in the local environment conducive to growth. This is usually a moist, warm, and dark environment. 

Mold spores are everywhere. It is impossible to clean your home in such a way as to eliminate any trace of mold. 

When mold appears, it will look like a cluster of tiny dots. As the conditions become right, multiple spores start to grow and multiply. As they grow, they release more spores that land and begin to grow and expand their own colonies.

In other words, mold growth is sporadic. However, if you find a cluster of discolored spots somewhere moist, secluded, and out of direct sunlight, chances are high that it’s mold. 

Mold doesn’t have a unified texture. Some mold can be slimy, and others are fuzzy. The color of mold can include a full spectrum of colors, including white and black. Generally, if it looks out of the ordinary, it probably is.

A Quick Note on Cleaning Chemicals

When it comes to mold damage repair and mold cleanup, we strongly advise you to refrain from getting creative with mixing chemicals. For example, mixing cleaning chemicals like vinegar and bleach can create toxic gasses harmful to your health. Instead, it is often best to use store-bought chemicals or water-diluted potent chemical mixtures when cleaning up mold spots.

  • Check Your Appliances

Your water-using appliances are prime real estate for mold. They use warm water, maintain a moist environment, and are easily overlooked when cleaning day comes around. 

You may see spots of mold inside your dishwasher and washing machines. This is because the insides are exposed to warm water frequently. If they frequently stay warm and moist, they become brewing grounds for mold.

Mold growing inside your appliance is a fairly common problem. You can use household chemicals like bleach or vinegar and baking soda to kill off mold colonies growing inside your appliances.

You will probably want to check your hose connections as well. If the dishwasher was installed incorrectly, there may be a leak around the water intake or drain. Be sure to check these out every once in a while to be sure no mold is sheltering in the dark spaces behind and under your appliances. 

  • Look Near Water Sources

Water sources like sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets all make excellent environments for mold growth.

Bathrooms are the mixing ground for all things water in your home and can help create many places for mold to grow. Likewise, your kitchen area is fertile ground for mold spores, especially around your sink. 

In bathrooms, make sure to close your shower curtain and routinely clean your floor mats. These objects are often the most susceptible to retaining moisture on their surfaces. Making sure these items are cleaned regularly and allowing sufficient time to dry thoroughly reduces the possibility of mold. 

Be sure to regularly clean under your dish mat in your kitchen area. This area is probably the moistest place in your kitchen and a hot spot for lingering moisture. 

Another prominent place to look for mold is in your shower. Mold spores love to hide in the corners and grout where water collects. You can clean these areas using bleach or vinegar and some scrubbing tools. 

  • Throw Out Old Food

Mold primarily breaks down organic material. Give it long enough with your food, and it’ll start to make it into a moldy soup. 

Mold can grow almost anywhere. You can find it in food left on your kitchen table, out on countertops, or growing on food in containers you left in the fridge. Be sure to clean out your leftovers frequently before they become a biome unto themselves. 

  • Give Your Windows a Quick Scan

Mold can sneak into the gap between the two panes of your window. However, this mold is not likely to cause too much harm as it is primarily contained between your window panes where circulation with the outside world is limited. 

Though harmless, getting mold in your windows is a bad look. Chances are these windows are old and need replacing regardless. 

  • Look For Leaks

Slow leaks are the worst kind of leaks. They typically don’t let out much water, but they prime the area around them for mold. This can cause mold problems in places you’d never think to check. Without you knowing, the insides of your walls can become saturated with mold.

Be vigilant about finding leaks. Look for the telltale signs of water damage in your sheetrock. If you find a problem, address it as soon as possible.

  • Check Your Air Vents

Though it’s not common for dry states such as Utah to have problems with moldy ventilation, it can still happen. 

If warm air causes condensation around the vents or you have a leak, it may cause the air in your system to become moist and lead to moldy vents in your home.  

One way to check for mold is by looking for mold growing on the vents in your home. If you find small colonies of mold growth on the shutters of your vents, you may have a mold problem buried deeper in your system. 

As mold grows and releases spores, they can land and stick to the vent covers on their way out. If the air your furnace is blasting is warm and moist, anywhere along the vent system is fertile for mold growth.

Black Diamond Restoration — A Local Mold Damage Restoration Company

A professional should handle big mold problems that cover more than 10 square feet. When mold spreads as much as that, getting rid of it can be difficult.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration today if you have mold restoration needs. We’ll get you back to normal in no time. 

Preparing For an Earthquake in Utah: Your Total Guide

Anyone who has grown up in Utah has been taught to prepare for earthquakes since they were a child. The dangers presented by earthquakes in the state of Utah do not fade as the years pass. In fact, the threat level remains nearly consistent, prompting Utah residents to be vigilant about their level of preparedness.

If you are preparing for an earthquake in Utah, there are some things you should keep in mind when preparing your home and family for that rare yet earth-shattering event. 

  • What is the likelihood of an earthquake in Utah?
  • What areas are the most vulnerable?
  • What are the biggest hazards from earthquakes?
  • How do you keep your home safe in an earthquake?

The answers to these questions can potentially lead to life and money-saving practices that will help protect your family and home from the dangers of earthquakes.

Expected Earthquakes in Utah

According to some geological studies of tectonic activity in Utah, the Wasatch Front, comprised of most of Utah’s population, is overdue for a large earthquake. 

Over the last 7000 years or so, a large earthquake between magnitude 6.5-7.5 has occurred roughly every 270 years. The last of these big earthquakes occurred around 300 years ago near Nephi. 

The next big earthquake in Utah was due almost 30 years ago!

Technically speaking, the next big earthquake could happen at any time. Earthquakes are impossible to predict. Our best tool for predicting earthquakes is making educated assumptions based on historical data. 

Our best estimates say Utah should be experiencing a large earthquake soon. It is best to act now to ensure your home and family are prepared!

What Areas in Utah Are the Most Vulnerable?

The areas at greatest risk are along the area near the I-15 corridor from Logan and Ogden all the way down to St. George. These areas are near the faults that produce the largest earthquakes. 

Consequently, this means the areas near this fault are at the greatest risk for violent shaking in the event of an earthquake. 

The soil composition of the cities along the Wasatch Front further compounds the damage caused by earthquakes. Most of Utah’s infrastructure in Northern Utah is built on the ancient lakebed of Lake Bonneville, a lake that covered most of the state, the remnants of which are Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. 

The areas around Salt Lake, Provo, Toole, Ogden, and Logan are all built where the lakebed once was. The eroded soil, silt, and sand never went anywhere; they stayed where it was deposited and compacted over thousands of years.

The sand that makes the foundation of many Utah homes and buildings can make earthquakes worse. Sand tends to amplify the shaking felt during an earthquake. Compacted sand can also cause liquefaction, a danger we will address later.

Greatest Hazards From Earthquakes

According to the Utah Geological Survey, the greatest hazards from earthquakes are ground shaking, soil liquefaction, slope failure, surface ruptures, and flooding.

  • Ground shaking — This is the most common hazard associated with earthquakes. The sudden mass displacement of earth that is the earthquake causes massive surface tremors which rattle buildings and critical infrastructure. This instant violent shake can cause damage to roads, buildings, and nature.
  • Soil liquefaction — When seismic waves propagate through sand and topsoil, their movement is like a sudden settling that expels water to the surface. The topsoil becomes an effectual soup of water, soil, vegetation, and man-made structures. Areas around Salt Lake are severely at risk of this hazard.
  • Slope Failure — Commonly referred to as a landslide, slope failure poses a great risk for communities built along the slopes of the mountain. Be sure the area you build in isn’t right next to a big drop; otherwise, your house may make an unexpected downhill trip.
  • Surface fault ruptures — The cinematic ground-splitting earthquake cliche is real, particularly for earthquakes greater than 6.5 on the magnitude scale. This isn’t a major problem unless you live near a fault line.
  • Flooding — Earthquake-induced flooding is often the side effect of a landslide or dam breakage. We don’t need to worry about tsunamis in Utah due to our distance from the sea.

How To Keep Your Home Safe in the Event of an Earthquake

Knowing about earthquakes and the danger posed to your home is only half of the issue. There is an urgent need to apply this information to your personal property, adding safety features that will help protect you, your family, and your property in the event of a massive seismic event. 

Before an earthquake, you should:

  • Check your water heater. The typical water heater is about 40 gallons of heated water sitting in your basement. Plumbing laws in Utah require water heaters to be installed with earthquake straps. Be sure your water heater has these.
  • Ensure your gas appliances have flexible connections. The appliances in your home can get shaken around quite a bit. If the gas appliances are hooked up to a static mount in the wall, an earthquake can cause a deadly gas leak. Be sure your appliances have a flexible gas connection.
  • Know where water and gas shutoffs are located. Any leak involving a gas or water line merits your immediate attention. These leaks can be threatening to your health and can be the catalyst for extensive and irreparable damage. Be sure you know where the shut-offs are in case of an earthquake.
  • Store hazardous materials in an area they will be safe. If you keep chemicals or other hazardous materials around your home, be sure they are stored in a place where they won’t be damaged or mixed.
  • Anchor your home to your foundation. This may seem odd to think about for many Utah homeowners, but some homes are not anchored to the foundation. Instead, they rest on top, relying on the weight of the house to keep them anchored. Check your foundation to make sure your home is sturdy.
  • Anchor heavy objects. Where you can, ensure that heavy objects are properly anchored. This means bookshelves, dressers, and other large pieces of furniture.

Recover From Earthquakes With Black Diamond Restoration

Earthquakes literally and figuratively leave you and your home shaken and sometimes broken. When you are at the disaster’s epicenter, you need someone you can trust to pull you out. 

Here at Black Diamond Restoration, we specialize in helping people make sense of their new reality by assisting them in cleaning and restoring their homes. If you are preparing for an earthquake in Utah or are recovering from one, contact us now so we can help you get back to normal. 

Can I Do a Mold Test Myself? What The Experts Say

A mold test determines whether you have mold growing in your home, but is it something you can do on your own, or do you need professional help? 

Mold grows wherever it finds a welcoming home. Sometimes, we provide that home without knowing it and have a problem to resolve. Short-term exposure isn’t likely to cause many issues, but it will if you don’t take care of it promptly.

A mold test is one of the best ways to determine whether what you have is mold or something else. Keep reading to learn more about mold, the difference between mold, dirt, and mildew, and how you can identify mold in your home.

What Is Mold?

Let’s get started by defining mold. A fungus that grows from floating spores, mold can grow wherever those spores land if it’s moist and between 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You might be surprised at how many places in your home fit these criteria, so it’s vital to be proactive in preventing mold. 

What Does Mold Look Like?

There isn’t a single universal color for mold because there are different kinds. Some are green, brown, black, or even pink! Let’s take a closer look at the type of mold so that you’ll have an idea of what you’re looking at. 

Cladosporium is brown, green, or black. It grows on wood, carpets, fabrics, and heating/cooling ducts. 

Penicillium is blue, green, or yellow. You can find it under carpets, basements, and insulation.

Aspergillus is a powdery green, white, or gray with dark spots. It grows on fabrics, walls, attics, basements, and dry foods. 

Alternaria is white with black spots. It grows on fabrics and wallpaper.

Aureobasidium is pink with black spots. It grows on wood, walls, caulking, and grout.

Stachybotrys chartarum is greenish-black and grows wherever there is cellulose. Examples include paper, fiberboard, and drywall. 

Trichoderma is creamy white but will become green when the spores release into the air. It grows on wood and windows. 

The Difference Between Mold and Dirt

It’s easy to look at dirt and wonder if it’s mold because they often look the same unless you notice Trichoderma or Aspergillus. 

The fastest way to tell whether mold is growing in your home is to dilute bleach with water (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall with a Q-tip or swab. No difference indicates that it genuinely is dirt, not mold. It’s mold if the spot quickly grows lighter or reappears a few days later. That means it grew back. 

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Both mold and mildew are fungi — microscopic organisms that thrive in moisture and have digestive enzymes to consume everything organic that they can find. Both will grow wherever conditions allow, as discussed earlier in this blog. 

Mold has a higher profile and grows fuzzy over time, while mildew lies flat on the surface. Mold’s colors are darker, while mildew starts out white before turning brown or gray. Mold is often mistaken for dirt, but mildew is more evident with its powdery, dotted look. 

DIY Mold Test Methods

As we mentioned, you can test an area with diluted bleach to see whether it’s dirt or mold. But that’s not the only way to test for mold. Here are a few more options.

Screwdriver Test

Do you suspect mold in the structure of your home? You can test the area with a screwdriver to see what’s happening. If there’s softness or crumbling, you’ve got fungi that have been growing and are rotting away at your home, requiring immediate remediation. 

Look for Leaks

Do you suspect mold growing on an outside wall? Or perhaps your ceiling? Look for leaks! If you notice one, you likely have mold growing in the area from rotting wood. Check vents, roof flashing, decks, and window wells for signs of leaks. 

Inspect Ductwork

Mold will often hide in ducts, which easily act as breeding grounds for mold. It’s no wonder, with the warm, moist air trapped in ducts — condensation forms in uninsulated ducts or ducts that don’t have a vapor barrier. 

Removing Mold

Removing mold is a process that you must follow very carefully to ensure you don’t get sick from the mold. You’ll want to wear old clothes that you can throw away and an N-95 or P-100 respirator. You’ll also want to wear goggles over your eyes and gloves on your hands. 

Ventilate the room before you start. The more air you have circulating, the less likely you are to get sick from the mold. Use a fan you don’t mind throwing out after you’ve used it since it will likely attract mold spores you can’t get off. You don’t want to blow mold spores into other areas of your house. 

After you’ve removed the mold, clean the area with an antimicrobial spray or soap and water. This will sanitize where the mold was. You’ll want to dispose of moldy carpeting and debris carefully. Use 6-mil plastic for the carpet and double-bagged garbage bags for debris. 

Be sure to throw away your clothes and shower once you’re done to ensure no mold is left behind in your home. 

Call Black Diamond Restoration Today

Do you suspect mold in your home? Have you conducted a mold test that confirmed it? While you can try removing mold from your home yourself, it’s a dangerous task you might want to leave to the professionals.

Instead of bagging up your rotting, moldy debris, stay away from the scene while the professionals take care of it. The experts at Black Diamond Restoration know how to handle mold damage in all its forms. We’ll repair, remediate, and restore your home so it’s good as new.
Call us at 801.512.4194 to schedule an appointment with Black Diamond Restoration and get rid of that mold once and for all. Get started today!

Long-Term Effects of Mold You Need to Know About

After years of study, the long-term effects of mold are being discovered, and it’s not good news.

Various scientific and government organizations have investigated the effect of mold on the health of humans and have discovered that there are significant short-term and long-term health risks to consider about mold exposure. 

Conditions for Mold and Mold Exposure

Mold is a unique organism as different from plants as much as we – humans – are different from micro bacteria. Oh, also, it’s literally everywhere. 

Mold and other fungi are everywhere. They are in our food, our clothes, and even the air we breathe. The reason we don’t notice them is that they need specific conditions to flourish. 

For example, mold lives in bread. No airtight container can “keep it out” because it’s already there. After sitting in the warm and moist environment of your bread long enough, the mold spores are able to grow and multiply enough to become visible. 

What made it possible for the mold to grow and expand? The warm and moist environment it landed on.

Once mold begins to grow, it throws out millions of spores that drift in the air until they land on a suitable host. From there, they just need to wait for the right conditions to begin forming.

How Mold Grows in Homes

Most homes are safe from mold growth. 

There are circumstances where mold can easily grow. Areas where water frequently condenses on cold surfaces, like on your pipes, cooling devices, and the areas near humidifiers, are at risk for mold growth.

Mold can grow on almost any surface if the humidity is high enough. Homes that maintain a humidity level of 70% or above for frequent stretches of time will almost definitely see mold growth. 

Short-term Effects of Mold

Although this article is more specific to the long-term effects of mold, it is prudent to recognize the short-term effects and how they can harm health if exposure continues. 

Short-term symptoms of mold growth can include:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Skin irritation
  • Eye irritation
  • Trouble breathing

For individuals with mold allergies, both mild and severe, these symptoms are often more severe. 

Long-term Health Effects of Mold Exposure

Individuals exposed to mold for long periods of time (up to two and a half years) reported having the following recurring symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Recurring Bloody noses
  • Nausea
  • Frequent sore throats
  • Headaches
  • Congestion
  • Lung infections
  • Chronic cough
  • Bronchitis
  • Skin rashes

These are just the symptoms reported by people exposed to mold. Clinical testing discovered that mold exposure had a significant impact on brain function as well.

Mold exposure was said to decrease physical speed and response times. People exposed to mold for long periods of time performed poorer in finger-tapping motor speed tests. Mold exposure reduced the rate at which they could physically function. 

There were other mental impairments that afflicted a person’s ability to think. When people with high mold exposure were tested for cognitive impairment, doctors discovered that the following were all impaired:

  • Verbal learning and comprehension: The ability that people have to comprehend and remember things spoken to them. This can make it hard for students to learn, workers to understand instructions, or people generally not being able to remember conversations with loved ones.
  • Spatial learning abilities: Our ability to remember directions and locations is stored in our spatial memory. Mold exposure makes it more difficult to learn new locations and routes.
  • Visuospatial memory: Most individuals are capable of seeing objects in their minds. When asked to picture a table, they can remember what tables look like or make an approximation of one. Those who have a visuospatial impairment are not able to conjure up a mental image as easily, if at all. 

The amount of permanent damage mold can cause to your health depends on your exposure and physical health leading up to that time. 

You can recover from small exposures after a few days. Longer exposures may take weeks, months, or even years to recover from. In a few cases, as will be discussed later, the damage can be permanent.

Respiratory Issues in Children

The most significant health risk from mold exposure is related to our respiratory health – our very ability to breathe. 

As mentioned previously, mold can irritate individuals with respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Respiratory problems for individuals without a chronic illness are still common. Healthy individuals without allergies can still experience discomfort in breathing, tightness of the chest, and coughing. 

Children are prone to long-term damage if they are raised in a home with mold problems. 

A child’s lungs are in a constant state of development and do not fully mature until early adulthood. When exposed to environments or circumstances that can irritate the lungs, the disturbance may temporarily or permanently damage the lungs and airways.

Mold spores can contribute to lung irritation leading to a lifelong infliction of asthma and other respiratory problems. In fact, living in a damp or mold-infested environment can increase the chance of asthma-related issues by 30% to 80%.

Mental Health and Mold Exposure

A loose but not unrelated connection exists between mold exposure and depression. 

Prolonged exposure to mold can increase the likelihood of developing depression. The connection is not entirely clear. Whether increased exposure to mold can negatively impact your emotional well-being is still being researched.

Individuals tested for mental impairment from mold exposure also tested high for symptoms of depression. While some symptoms of those with depression may be similar to the long-term effects of mold exposure, there is a distinct enough difference to conclude that they are uniquely caused by mold.

Mold exposure may amplify feelings of depression in other ways. Bad health can lead to discouragement and depressive thoughts. So, existing conditions of depression can worsen as mold exposure continues. 

Clean Up Mold With Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration

Mold flourishes in the aftermath of water-related disasters. That’s why proper cleanup is essential. Here at Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration, we want to make sure your home is a healthy and clean place to live. 
Call us today to prevent the long-term effects of mold in your home.

A Water Leak Can Cause Mold. Here’s How

Mold relies on excess moisture to grow, and water leaks often lead to unwanted mold growth in your home. No matter the water source or the type of leak, the best way to prevent mold from growing is to stop the leak and dry the area as quickly as possible. 

Unfortunately, water leaks can often go undetected for a while and cause water damage before they are discovered — this is especially true if the leak happens underneath a layer of construction materials such as drywall or flooring. 

The longer the water leaks, the more likely water damage will occur, and mold will begin to grow, causing both structural problems for your house and health problems for those living there. In fact, mold can start to grow within 48 hrs of a leak, so finding and fixing a leak as soon as possible is essential to preventing water damage and mold.

Here are a few specific circumstances to be aware of when it comes to water leaks and mold. 

Flooding

Water damage can begin within minutes of a flood and with just an inch of water. Obviously, the more water that gets into your home, the worse the damage. The same goes for the length of time the flood water is in your home.

Some preventive measures, such as sandbags, can be taken when a flood occurs after a storm. However, severe storm floods usually result in property damage. If possible, any submerged area should be thoroughly dried and disinfected within 24-48 hours.

You should be especially thorough in drying if the flood water contains sewage. All areas that have been in contact with black water — water containing human waste — should be considered contaminated and treated with additional precautions.

Carpets, walls, and ceilings may require extra effort and specialized equipment to dry completely. Even if the top layer seems dry, it is important to ensure that all sub-layers are dry. For example, this means lifting the carpet and drying the padding underneath or removing the ceiling panels until they are completely dry.

Suppose you cannot completely dry the flooded area within 48 hours. In that case, there is a good chance that structural damage has occurred, and an expert must professionally restore the area to ensure structural integrity and appropriate decontamination.

Smaller Leaks

A variety of different circumstances can cause leaks. Damaged roofs, unsealed windows, changes in water pressure or faulty plumbing fixtures are all examples of water leaks that can cause water damage.

The biggest problem with leaks is that they often go unnoticed until after damage begins. Small leaks are often more destructive than obvious ones simply because water can creep in undetected for longer periods.

Some signs that your home may be leaking are increased water bills without a change in water usage, bubbling walls or ceilings, changes in water pressure, or changes in the color of the water from the pipes. 

Mold and mildew are also examples of water damage that can often reveal a leak that goes unnoticed. If any area of ​​your home develops a strong musky smell, it is likely that mold has begun to grow because of the excess moisture in your home.

You can reverse most water damage if the leak is detected and repaired within a few hours. But even small, slow leaks can start damaging your home in minutes. The biggest reason for this is that many leaks occur in the hidden layers of your home building or in areas where more than one construction layer is affected.

For example, a toilet leak can run down the toilet’s base and soak into the materials of the floor and below. If the leak is slow and small, you may not find the damage until a lot of space has been soaked — this includes baseboards and floorboards or ceiling drywall below.

Humidity

Water vapor in the air can also damage your home if there is too much moisture present for mold to thrive. Humidity is measured as the percentage of water vapor in the air. To prevent water damage, especially mold, the moisture in your home should not exceed 50 percent.

It can be challenging if you live in a humid climate. However, there are some great devices that can help maintain good humidity, such as dehumidifiers or air conditioners.

If the humidity rises for a long time, mold can develop even in your HVAC system and spread throughout the rest of your house. If you suspect mold has contaminated your heating, air conditioning, or any part of your ventilation system, be sure to contact professional restoration specialists to address the issue before running the system.  

High humidity can damage furniture, especially wooden pieces. It can also damage your paint and drywall if exposed to too much moisture for a long time.

Absorbent Materials

Some materials in your house are more susceptible to mold and water damage than others. If water leaks onto things like carpet, ceiling tiles, linoleum flooring, or some softer tiles without being resolved quickly, there is a good chance that you will need to replace them with new materials rather than restore the original materials. 

While this may mean spending unplanned time and money on home improvement, it is much better to take care of the root of the problem and accompanying damage appropriately rather than risk the health and well-being of the people under your roof. 

Black Diamond Water Damage & Restoration

Whether you discover the water leak quickly or after extensive water damage has already occurred, be sure to call the experts at Black Diamond Water Damage & Restoration. Not only do we clean up and restore your mold-damaged areas, we determine the cause and make sure to prevent further mold growth.

If you or someone you know needs professional help to deal with water damage in a home or office, contact us today!

How To Stop Rainwater From Coming Into My House

Rainwater is one of the many sources of water that can find its way inside your home and cause water damage. There are multiple ways rainwater can get into your house, so identifying how it gets inside can be a bit tricky. 

Unlike a plumbing issue like a burst pipe that can be identified and addressed by shutting off the main water valve while the necessary repairs are made, leaking rainwater may not be readily apparent before water damage occurs. 

The best way to prevent rainwater from coming into your house is to maintain the exterior of your home from top to bottom. Both the structural and functional components of your home’s exterior should be inspected at least once a year, if not semi-annually or with seasonal changes. 

During this inspection, you should look for damaged or worn areas and pieces, collected dirt or debris, overgrown trees and plants, and any unsealed openings to the interior of your home. If repairs or replacements are required, it’s a good idea to resolve issues as quickly as possible because you never know when rainclouds might visit. 

If the exterior of your home is properly sealed and maintained with the correct materials, there is no reason why rainwater should be a problem. Here are some of the most common issues that can lead to unwanted rainwater in your home. 

Run-Down Roof

Most roofs can last 20 to 30 years, but that doesn’t mean you can count on that amount of time before taking a closer look at your roof. A quick inspection a couple of times each year can alert you to small issues that can quickly and effectively be resolved and extend the life of your roof.

Roof shingles are the first level of protection on the top of your home and can be damaged by extreme weather conditions, overgrown foliage, climate, or other factors. Because of the way shingles are laid in an overlapping design, even a couple of damaged shingles can be problematic. The good news is that replacing shingles can be a pretty simple project.

It’s also a good idea to inspect the status of the waterproofing material underneath the shingles just to maintain the integrity of your roof and prevent water damage to the structure underneath. 

Garbage in the Gutters

Attached to your roof is a system of rain gutters that functions to collect water run-off from your roof and direct it to specific locations to drain properly without collecting and causing water damage to your home. Making sure the entire system is functioning properly is crucial to preventing rainwater from entering your home.

A common problem that occurs with these rain gutters is blockages created by collected leaves and other debris. It’s particularly important to address this issue during the autumn season as the leaves are falling and blown into different areas, but detritus can collect at any time throughout the year.

Because it usually requires getting up on a ladder and can be a tedious task, cleaning your gutters is probably not your favorite task on your to-do list. However, the more often the gutters are cleaned out, the less likely they will get clogged or overflow and cause flooding and water damage to your home.

Directed Downspout

A specific piece of your roof’s drainage system is the downspout. This pipe-like device is installed on the side of your home and connects to the gutters on your roof to create a pathway for water to drain properly. 

When decluttering your gutters, it is also important to ensure that water flows directly to the downspout. Once that is complete, the next step is to make sure water is flowing down through the downspout. Sometimes dirt and debris, or even a spider, might make its way into the downspout and may need to be flushed out. 

The final part of inspecting and maintaining your rain gutters and downspouts is to make sure the water is being directed to the correct area for proper drainage.

If the downspout is not aimed in the right direction, it can send water toward the foundation instead of away from it. While they are installed with hardware to secure the structure against the side of your home, the downspout can be moved or angled by weather, pets, a stray soccer ball, or any myriad of other causes. 

This problem can usually be fixed quickly by twisting the downspout back but may require some additional hardware to keep it in the correct placement.  

Weeping Windows 

Windows are a valuable asset to your home. They provide natural light, a view to the outside from the comfort inside your home, and dynamic design elements to both the exterior and interior of the house. 

Windows are also a common source of water leaks into your home. When sealed properly, windows should not let water or air in or out. This sealing is accomplished using the correct size of window and frames and weatherstripping or caulk. 

The entire perimeter of the window should have an airtight, waterproof seal using caulk. If a window opens, there should be an airtight, waterproof mechanism for when the window is closed. This is usually a layer of weatherstripping. 

Damaged Doors

Similar to windows, doors also require the correct installation and maintenance to ensure water does not leak into your home. 

In the case of doors, it is important for the weatherstripping to be effective and still allow the functionality of doors opening and closing. Choosing the right threshold and door sweep is extremely important, and weatherstripping should be applied to the entire door jamb. 

Apply the weatherstripping in one continuous piece, if possible. If the entire perimeter can’t be done in one pieces, ensure that each individual side is one continuous piece. Having breaks in the weatherstripping material, even if the pieces overlap, can prevent the seal from being both waterproof and airtight. 

Black Diamond Water Damage & Restoration
The best way to stop rainwater from coming into your home is to stay up to date on your home’s maintenance and repairs. However, if you do discover water leaks and accompanying water damage, call Black Diamond Water Damage & Restoration today!

7 Easy Ways to Detect Mold In Your Home

Detecting mold in your home is challenging. These often microscopic lifeforms manage to remain elusive until their numbers grow too big to be ignored. But mold spores can cause health problems before you even notice them there.

A primary part of taking care of your home is ensuring a safe and clean environment. Long exposure to mold increases your risk of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, memory loss, and insomnia. It can also increase the likelihood of lung problems.

Keeping your home clear of mold is vital for maintaining your health in the short and long term.

Here are some ways you can test for mold in your home.

  1. Visual Test

Mold is often visually apparent. Although it is made from microscopic organisms, it is often visible once a mold infestation has enough time to grow and spread.

The most common shape for a mold infestation looks like a pattern of droplets or splashes. These round splotches come from mold spores that stick to and grow out from a moist surface.

The color and texture of the mold will differ by species. Generally, mold can be black, green, red, or green. It will typically be covered in a fuzzy texture, but some mold species are known to appear slimy, fluffy, or spongy. If it looks out of the ordinary, there is a chance it is mold.

A closely related cousin of mold is mildew, which grows white and fuzzy and elicits similar consequences as mold.

Patches of mold may be mistaken for dust, harmless water damage, or grease. A visual test isn’t always reliable, but more often than not, you can identify mold early on visually.

  1. Health Test

One of the reasons mold is such a hazard is because it causes health problems.

The symptoms of mold spore exposure aren’t unique enough to be able to positively confirm the presence of mold by physical health alone. In fact, the symptoms may just seem like common allergies or cold and flu symptoms.

A good way to use your health as a mold indicator would be to measure how you feel based on where you are. If you are away from home for a day and notice a measurable improvement in how you feel, the cause may be mold.

But, other environmental factors could make you feel ill at home. Allergies, air quality, and humidity levels may all affect your physical health.

Health may not be the most reliable way to test for mold growth, but it can alert you that a problem exists and lead you in the right direction.

  1. Smell Test

Mold feeds on degrading biological material. Essentially, mold eats living and dead things. Fungi provide an essential role in our environment. They break down biological material into base components that are recycled back into the environment.

One of the downsides of human civilization is our use of dead things in our infrastructure. Millenia ago, our ancestors discovered that dead organic material makes great building material. Thus started the era of tools made from wood and other organic materials.

Being organic, wood decomposes. Modern methods of construction delay that degradation as much as possible, but our raw materials are still at risk of funguses.

Like all other living things, fungus creates waste when it feeds. Much of the waste mold produces is gaseous. If there is enough mold in an area, the average person may be able to detect mold by its smell.

Depending on the species of mold, you may smell something:

  • Musty
  • Earthy
  • Rotten
  • Sour
  • Chemical
  • Sweet
  • Metallic

There are numerous smells associated with mold. The bottom line is that it doesn’t smell like the air fresheners you put out at Christmas!

As with the health test, being sensitive to the changing smell of your home can lead you to discover mold.

  1. DIY Mold Test

If you want to be more scientific about diagnosing your mold problem, grab your white coat and goggles and prep yourself for an in-home test!

Scientists will often take small samples and allow them to grow in an optimal environment. When enough of the organism has matured, determining the source of the problem, if there even is a problem, becomes much easier.

At-home DIY mold tests are easy to use. You may use them to test the air quality in your home or to check an area for mold growth.

To test a patch for mold, a swabbed sample of a surface will be incubated for a few days to allow the fungus to grow. If anything grows, you know you have a mold infestation that needs cleaning. If not, you’re likely safe!

  1. Bleach Test

A crude but more scientific approach to testing for mold and fungi is using a small amount of bleach on a portion of the surface you suppose is covered with mold.

Bleach will kill fungus. When testing for fungus this way, apply a small amount of bleach to the suspect area. If the area in question clears after a couple of hours, you likely have a mold problem.

  1. Routine Inspections for Mold in Your Home

You may want to do routine sweeps of areas that are likely to develop mold. This involves all the different methods we mentioned before but in a proactive way.

Routinely look for mold in areas that are likely more warm, moist, and dark. When in these areas, look and smell for anything that would make you suspect mold. Use your most comfortable testing method to determine what areas are infested with mold requiring immediate attention.

  1. Call a Pro Like Black Diamond Water & Disaster Restoration

When all else fails, you can detect mold in your home by calling in the professionals to help.

Of all the methods you can use to uncover mold in your home, calling in a professional is among the easiest and most sure ways to diagnose and resolve a problem.

If you suspect there may be mold in your home, call us now to help you clean it up. Helping you maintain a safe and healthy environment is our priority.

This Is How Much Water It Takes to Cause Water Damage

In reality, water damage can quickly occur in your home with very little water. Many factors can determine how much damage will happen and how fast, but as a general rule, all excess water should be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Another critical factor is the humidity both outside and inside of your home. Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air and can be a catalyst for water damage in your home if not properly maintained inside your home. 

Most water damage is a result of flooding or leaks, neither of which can be anticipated, so they often catch us unprepared. If these problems are not identified and resolved quickly, your entire home can be at risk for damage and your household at risk for health complications. 

We will address these issues and more, but first, let’s break down just how much water it takes to cause water damage in each of the following common circumstances.

  • Flooding
  • Leaks
  • Clogged Drains
  • Humidity

There are two main concerns when it comes to water damage — structural damage and mold growth. Both can be dangerous to your home and your household in different ways. 

Flooding

Water damage can start within a few minutes of flooding and with as little as an inch of water. Obviously, the more water that floods into your home, the worse the damage will be. The same is true for the time the excess water is inside your home. 

When flooding occurs as a result of a storm, you can take some preventative measures such as sandbagging. However, extreme storm flooding usually results in damaged property. If possible, any area that has been flooded should be thoroughly dried and disinfected within 24-48 hours. 

This is especially true if the flood water includes sewage. All areas that have been in contact with the black water (water that includes human waste) should be considered contaminated and approached with extra precautions. 

Carpets, walls, and ceilings may all require some additional effort and appliances to dry completely. Even if the top layer appears dry, it is crucial to ensure all the sublayers are dry. 

This means pulling up the carpet and drying the padding underneath or removing ceiling tiles until they dry completely. 

If you cannot dry the flooded area completely within 48 hours, there is a good chance that structural damage has occurred and should be restored professionally to ensure structural integrity and proper decontamination. 

Leaks

Leaks can result from a variety of different circumstances. A damaged roof, unsealed window, a change in water pressure, or faulty plumbing fixtures are all examples of interior leaks that can cause water damage. 

The biggest problem with leaks is that they often go unnoticed until after the damage has already begun. The smaller leaks can often be more destructive than obvious ones simply because they can leak water for much longer without being discovered. 

Some signs that there may be a leak in your home are an increased water bill without a change in water use, bubbling walls or ceilings, a change in water pressure, or discoloration of water from pipes. 

Mold and mildew are also examples of water damage that can often unearth a leak that has gone unnoticed. If an area of your home develops a musty smell, there is a good chance that mold has begun to grow and thrive off excess moisture present in your home. 

Most water damage can be reversed if a leak is caught and resolved within a few hours. But even small, slow leaks can start to cause damage to your home in a matter of minutes. The biggest reason for this is that many leaks happen in the hidden layers of the construction of your home or in junctures where more than one layer of construction is impacted. 

For instance, a leaking toilet can run down the toilet’s base and soak into the flooring and layers of materials underneath. If the leak is slow and small, you may not find the damage until a much wider area has been soaked through — this includes the floorboard juncture of the wall and floor or the drywall of the ceiling below. 

Clogged Drains

Water doesn’t just collect inside of your home. Multiple structures on the outside of your house are designed to drain water efficiently away from your home. These include the gutters, drain pipes, downspouts attached to the roof, and the window wells surrounding basement windows. 

Similar to leaks, these clogged drains are usually not noticed until after they’ve created a problem. 

If your gutters become clogged, there is a good chance that water will collect and overflow during the next rain storm or when the snow on your roof melts. Instead of following the designed path to drain properly, water can flow over the side and collect on window sills or the ground near your home’s foundation. These areas are not designed to handle excess water, so flooding or leaks into your home can occur. 

Humidity

Even water vapor in the air can cause damage to your home if the amount of excess moisture gets extreme. Humidity is measured by the percentage of water vapor in the air. To prevent water damage, particularly mold, the humidity level inside your home should not exceed 50 percent. 

This can be challenging if you live in a very humid climate with a lot of rainfall. However, some great appliances can help maintain the proper humidity levels, such as dehumidifiers or air conditioning units.

If humidity increases for an extended period, there is a greater chance for mold to begin to grow since mold is found almost anywhere and needs moisture to grow. High humidity can also damage furniture, particularly pieces made of wood. Even your paint and drywall can be damaged if exposed to too much humidity for too long. 

Black Diamond Water Damage & Restoration

Do you suspect there is water damage in your home or office? The industry experts at Black Diamond Water Damage & Restoration can help clean up the damage, restore your property, and prevent further damage from happening in the future.

Contact a professional for a quote today!

About us

Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration is ready to serve all your restoration needs, 24/7. Based out of Murray, Utah, we proudly serve Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Our licensed and certified professionals will help you through the restoration process, restoring your home or commercial space to exacting standards. With over twenty years of Disaster Restoration experience, we do it all, and we do it right!
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