Mold May Result In Demolition Of Florida Condos...

There’s a fungus among us, at least in the city of Orlando, FL, where out of control mold growth is ravaging the Catalina Isle condominium community.   Some residents have complained that the mold growth in adjoining vacant units is so bad that they have been unable to remain in their own homes as a result.

The 89 unit complex may be condemned this week following a code enforcement sweep that founds dozens of cases of mold in high concentrations.

The problem was first reported in the news on March 9^th, since then other cases of water related damage including ceilings, pipes, and broken windows have been reported.  The problem of course is the number of residents who will be displaced with no place to live if the property is indeed condemned.

The problem in Florida illustrates with remarkable clarity the problems that can arise when water damage goes unchecked for too long.  Mold is one of the most common byproducts, appearing in as little as 48 hours following water damage, spreading rapidly, and proving next to impossible to remediate. 

Mold also brings along its own share of health hazards, from mild allergic reactions such as sneezing, watery eyes, and skin irritations, to more serious neurological disorders such as lung disease and if the level of exposure is high enough, even death.

Most mold growths can be eradicated fairly easily if they are only a few feet in circumference.  Once the growth get of considerable size, you may need to contact professional help.  Treating mold is not as simple as just removing the growth.  It is important to properly treat the affected area to make the environment secure against the growth returning.  This includes making sure that the area is dry, well ventilated, and preferably well lit. 

It is not at all uncommon for homes, businesses, or even entire city blocks to be condemned and torn down because of mold.  Mold remediation is a project that should be undertaken by a qualified, certified professional.

Certified water cleanup and damage restoration companies will be available 24/7/365, with a full staff of trained professional technicians, and able to have someone at your door within an hour of your call.  They will be equipped with the latest in water damage restoration equipment, and offer a full range of service from water extraction and drying, to carpet cleaning and mold removal, to structural repair and restoration.

Certified companies will also be prepared to work with your insurance and claims adjuster, to determine what is and is not covered, and see to it that repairs are completed in the most timely and efficient manner possible.

Of course no certification is going to be a guarantee of competence, but it does demonstrate that the company in question has spent time, energy, and financial resources to make sure their personnel are properly trained and equipped to take care of your home.  Certification provides accountability and credibility for water damage companies, and peace of mind for homeowners who already have enough problems to worry about.