MD Cleaning and Restoration

Insurance coverage is probably the most misunderstood and under utilized utility in a water damage situation. And if you have mold damage, it is even more confusing. Here, we will try to address some of the most common questions about insurance coverage for water and mold damage losses. (Please note: we are not insurance agents, adjusters, brokers, or consultants. This information is general and may not pertain to your specific situation. Please contact your insurance carrier for detailed information on your individual policy.)

“My washing machine supply line burst and flooded the first floor of my house. Will my insurance pay to dry the structure and replace damaged furniture?”

Yes. Your standard homeowner’s policy is designed to cover losses created by a single, onetime event such as a pipe bursting or a drain line backup. Even if you live in an apartment and the water originated from another unit, your homeowners policy will cover your loss. Once your claim has been paid, your insurance carrier will most likely subrogate against the insurance policy of the homeowner where the loss originated. This will reimburse your carrier for your payout, and eliminate the possibility of your premium increasing. In either case, you will be responsible for paying your deductible, at least initially. (more…)

What are those black spots on the bathroom ceiling?

In Hawaii, because of the excellent trade winds and beautiful weather, many bathrooms are built with only a window to evacuate moist air. This is all that is required by building code, but in many cases, it is not enough. Warm, moist air rises, and condensates on the ceiling above the shower and throughout the bathroom area. Without proper ventilation to evacuate this air, microbial growth can occur.

Is this dangerous?

It can be. Mold is an allergen, and everyone has a different reaction to amplified microbial growth. There are several factors to take into consideration when trying to determine if this growth is a danger to the occupants of a residential structure. Dangerous or not, the original design of the house most certainly did not include the presence of amplified microbial growth on the bathroom ceiling. (more…)

In light of the recent heavy rains, many homeowners are finding themselves trying to deal with the aftermath of leaking windows and flooded living rooms. They are concerned about the health and safety of their families, and are wondering if they can dry their homes themselves, or if they need professional intervention.

In order to address these issues, we not only need to know where the water came from, but what did it pass through before it entered the structure. According to the IICRC S500 – Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, rainwater by itself is considered Category 1 water, water with little or no contamination. If rainwater enters your home directly through the windows, or through a leak in your roof (as long as your roof is clean), it is possible to restore wet material to its original condition by the use of forced-air or open-air drying methods. (more…)