Water Damage

Water damage, disaster restoration, and more from Americlean Iowa

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After a Disaster, Americlean Helps you Get Back to Good as New

Water is a strong force of nature and when it shows up in your home where it’s not meant to, it can have catastrophic results. Even with regular maintenance and the best preventative measures, natural disasters can damage your home. Heavy summer rains can cause flooding, storms can cause trees to fall on your home, and even pipes or your water heater could fail and leak water into carpets and drywall. Knowing how to respond when disaster strikes can turn a major issue into a manageable situation.

Disaster often Means Water Damage

Summer storms in the midwest often bring strong winds, heavy rains, and even tornadoes. Pools of rainwater can fill your basement or soak through walls where water doesn’t belong. Water damage can ruin your treasured belongings and cause dangerous mold to grow in your home. Fallen trees or branches from high-speed winds can weaken or break holes in roofs, allowing water to seep into upper-level rooms and interior spaces that are hard to see.

Natural disasters can be scary, and after making sure everyone is safe, the added stress of repairing damage to your home can get overwhelming. It’s important to get back to normal as soon as possible to heal and rebuild.

Get Back to Normal with Americlean

Even very minor water damage to your home can change your daily routine. Calling for an estimate, clearing the area, and making sure important items are moved away from the damage and cleaned correctly are all essential to keep your home healthy but can take time. Our experienced technicians at Americlean value your time and take extra care to make sure estimates are accurate and any cleaning and restoration is done right the first time.

Calling Americlean immediately after a disaster gets things moving in the right direction and
takes the stress of figuring out next steps off your hands.

What to Expect from Water Damage Repair at Americlean

If there is water damage to your home or business, a certified technician will inspect and assess the damage and give you an estimate. Once the work is approved, any standing water will be removed. If necessary, carpeting and padding will be removed. The damaged area will be cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized and dehumidifiers are used to dry the space. It’s very important that any water damaged areas are cleaned and dried completely to avoid mold from spreading on surfaces in and out of your walls, ceilings, and floors. For more severe water damage, our technicians can also provide demolition and complete reconstruction. From start to finish, we take care of the problem and make things right again.

After a disaster, contact Americlean at 1-(800) 716-0604 to schedule an appointment and get things back to normal ASAP.

Americlean water and mold cleaning, remediation, and restoration

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Don’t let frozen pipes become a bigger problem

Frozen pipes are a pain, and if they burst, they can put a freeze on the rest of your life as you repair, clean things up, and prevent further damage. Having an expert on your side to guide you through the process and prevent damage is an important step! In this blog, we’ll explore what pipes are more at risk for freezing and bursting, what to do if it happens, and why it’s important to act fast.

Are your pipes at risk of freezing and bursting?

Technically, any pipe could freeze and burst if it gets cold enough, but there are several factors that make it much more likely:

  • Really cold temps. This one’s a no-brainer, but if the temperature drops well below freezing (below 20°F) for at least 4-6 hours in an unheated environment, the risk of pipes freezing increases.
  • Poor insulation. If your home isn’t well insulated, the pipes on outer walls are going to be much colder than pipes in walls that are better protected.
  • Older homes. Besides often having less insulation, older homes can have older plumbing that can’t take the expansion of water freezing in pipes and are more likely to leak or burst.
  • No moving water. One way to prevent freezing pipes is to keep a tap open very slightly during sub-zero temps, especially for water whose pipes are along outer walls. Even a small, steady drip can be enough to keep water moving and temperatures above freezing.

How do I know if my pipes burst?

You may not see water right away, or at all, if a pipe has a small leak. Other signs to watch for include unexpected water pressure changes, water that smells or looks off, noises from pipes in the wall when water isn’t running, and if it’s a long-term problem or serious leak, a higher water bill. And of course, water where it shouldn’t be can cause mold – which may be a sign that you’ve got a leaky pipe.

Damage can accumulate and become dangerous fast, so it’s important to call an expert who can clean up and guide you through what you need to do next, including getting a plumber on scene for repairs and restoring damaged walls and floors. 

Frozen, burst or leaky pipes are a big pain and a big deal. Know you’re investing in a safe and effective solution when you call the experts at Americlean.  

Mold 101: Know Your Stuff to Prevent Problems, Save Money, and Stay Safe

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Mold 101: Know Your Stuff to Prevent Problems, Save Money, and Stay Safe

How Does Mold Grow?

Mold is a type of fungi that grows by spreading its spores. Mold spores are in the air all around us, and usually they’re harmless if your home or business is clean and dry. If the spores land on a wet surface, such as a floorboard underneath a leaky pipe, they can multiply quickly. Mold can even become a problem if the air is too humid. As mold spreads, it releases more spores into the air – breathing too many spores can cause allergic reactions or may even be toxic. Because mold can grow so quickly and it’s sometimes difficult to spot, even the thought of it can seem scary or overwhelming. Americlean takes mold very seriously, and that’s why we’re here to help.

Why It's Important to Act Fast When it Comes to Mold

Mold is an allergen – If mold spreads, it can quickly become a hazard. When a person inhales mold spores, their eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs can become irritated. Some types of mold can even be toxic and cause more severe symptoms.

Mold causes damage – Anything mold grows on (such as drywall, floorboards, wood, cardboard, or carpets) can break down because the mold gets inside the material. Mold can also stain material even after it’s removed. The earlier mold is caught, the less damage there is to your home or business. 

Mold can grow very quickly – In some cases it can take only 24 hours for mold to start growing once the spores have landed on a wet surface. Once mold grows and matures, it spreads even faster as it releases more spores.

What To Do When you Spot Mold

If mold grows so quickly and is so dangerous, what can be done to stop it? Remember, mold can only grow where there’s moisture. Here are some steps to take to avoid mold growth:

  • Make sure any plumbing leaks are fixed as soon as possible – in the meantime, try to dry as much of the water from the leak as you can and keep it dry if possible. If you have a serious leak or water damage, call a professional like Americlean to get the area clean, dry, restored, and prevent mold problems before they start.
  • Increase ventilation and clean humid areas often. Damp places, like bathrooms, can be prone to mold. Installing ventilation, opening a window, or turning on a fan can all help keep the area dry and keep mold at bay.
  • Have a plan so you can act quickly. When in doubt, a professional can ease worries and keep things on track. Because mold spreads so easily, spot cleaning can sometimes leave room for the mold to come back. If you find mold and are unsure how to clean it or what to do next, it’s the perfect time to call Americlean. Our friendly technicians will walk you through every step of the process and make sure your home is thoroughly treated.

Calling Americlean as soon as you spot mold can help save you time and avoid costly repairs – we can stop the mold before it gets out of hand. Contact us today for a mold inspection or to talk to one of our experts. 

Mold testing, inspection, and remediation from Americlean

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Water and Mold: Keep Your Spaces Healthy

Did you know mold is all around us, all the time? Tiny mold spores, in the air both inside and outdoors, are a normal part of our environment. If your home or business is clean and dry, mold levels generally stay under control and don’t cause problems. But mold thrives in wet environments, multiplying and spreading, growing into colonies that can cause odor, damage, and even serious health issues.

How to Know Mold is a Problem in Your Home or Business

If mold is everywhere, how do we know when mold growth is out of control?

Allergies

Sniffling, sneezing, and asthma can be caused by mold in your home or business. Getting mold under control can literally help you, your family, or customers breathe easier. Mold can sometimes grow in hidden spaces and without odor, making it hard to find. 

Odor

Musty smells are an easy way to know mold growth is a problem. Mold can be growing in or under carpets, in air ducts, inside walls, ceilings, and more. While not every mold overgrowth has a detectable odor, if you notice mold or mildew smells then you likely have a mold problem.

Visible Mold

We all see mold from time to time, maybe on old food, on a tub that hasn’t been cleaned recently, or at the bottom of a pile of wet leaves in the fall. But when you see mold on a wall, ceiling, floor, or other area that’s not usually wet, there’s a problem with water in your home or business that needs to be addressed. 

Not sure if you need a professional? Americlean’s mold experts can inspect your home or business and determine if mold is a problem in your spaces.

How Does Mold Get Out of Control?

Mold needs two main things to grow: water and some kind of “food” like wood, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, insulation. Remember, mold is present in tiny amounts most of the time, so the reason you don’t get mold on your couch is that it’s dry Sometimes high humidity environments (over 45% humidity for some molds) can be enough moisture to cause a mold problem. If your home or business is generally dry and you see mold growth, you know there’s a leak somewhere there shouldn’t be.

Don’t wait to call for help when you have water damage! Mold can become a problem in as little as 24 hours if materials like wood or carpet stay wet. The best way to address mold is to stop it before it becomes a problem! Americlean is fast and efficient, removing water from your home to keep damage to a minimum. 

Main causes of water damage in homes and businesses include:

  • Broken Pipes
  • Damaged Roofs or Structures (damage from the Derecho caused water damage and mold in many buildings)
  • Foundation Damage or Wear
  • Flooding

If you see mold, the first step is to remove the water from the equation. Our experts can help you find the source of excess moisture in your home, preventing further damage and starting the remediation process.

Americlean’s Mold Remediation Process Keeps You Safe

Americlean does things right, and we take mold remediation seriously. We follow IICRC S520 Professional Mold Remediation Guidelines, the top-of-the-line process for safely cleaning mold. Why are these guidelines important? First, these standards are internationally recognized and are created by a collaboration of microbiologists, public health professionals, industrial hygienists, remediation contractors, and restoration service companies for the highest possible industry standards. Second, if you use a company that doesn’t follow these guidelines, they may use ineffective or even dangerous cleaning methods, allowing the mold to come back or even spread throughout your home. 

Our inspection experts can find hidden mold in air ducts, walls, floors, and more. We can also assess problems you see or smell and help you deal with the issue. Different levels of mold problems require different types of remediation. No matter how serious the mold issue in your home or business, our processes keep mold spores out of the air, remove existing damage safely from the premises to avoid further contamination, and help with repair or restoration when the water source is gone and surfaces and materials have been properly cleaned. 

Americlean will be with you for every step of this process, ensuring your property is safe, clean, and comfortable when we’re done. 

Mold and water is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be scary when you’ve got experts on your side! Contact us today to schedule an inspection or talk to an expert about your mold concerns.

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Indoor Air Quality: Dangers of Mold

Mold inspection and mold removal from water leak water emergency n Iowa from Americlean
Mold inspection and mold removal in Iowa from Americlean
Mold inspection and mold removal in Iowa from Americlean

What is the quality of air you are breathing at home? Your health is important and poor indoor air quality can have major affects on that! Have your allergies been bothersome? Does someone in your home have asthma? Is there a musty odor? Have you had any recent water damage? There are many signs that your home may have mold and we are here to help!

Understanding Mold:

  • Mold is everywhere: outdoors and indoors
  • Water feeds mold
  • Excessive moisture: dry wet materials within 24-48 hours
  • Humidity: keep relative humidity indoors between 30-60%
  • There are many different kinds of mold

Mold Prevention:

  • Vent all moisture sources: bathrooms, dryers, etc.
  • Keep your gutters clean and clear
  • Direct water away from your home
  • Start drying and cleanup immediately if water damage has occurred

If you have concerns of mold in your home, you may want to start with an inspection and sampling. This will determine if there is mold, the type of mold present and the severity of the problem. If it is determined that there is a problem in your home, professional remediation will be the recommendation. Our staff is certified and will help you every step of the way! Don’t risk your health, call Americlean today!

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Freezing Pipes and Melting Snow=Water Damage

What is every home owner’s worst nightmare? We’d say water damage ranks high up there! Even a small amount of water can cause serious damage. If water damage strikes your home, you want to get a professional clean-up started right away.

Read these helpful tips to be more prepared if you unfortunately have this happen in your home:

  • Locate your main water shut-off valve: This is important if you have a pipe burst. The faster you can get this turned off, the less water damage!
  • Turn off electrical power to affected areas: You don’t need a risk of electrocution!
  • Contact a professional water restoration company: Do you know what to expect when we arrive? Here are a few steps that will have you prepared for what is about to happen in your home.
  1. Inspection and Assessment: Identification of the type of loss and extent of damage
  2. Content Moving: Moving or disposal of content items and furniture to prevent more damage/loss
  3. Removal of Water: Extract excess water with truck-mounted equipment and/or use of pumps
  4. Drying: Moisture meter affected building materials, install commercial dehumidifiers and air-movers
  5. Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of drying process
  6. Completion: Final cleaning of contents, flooring, walls, etc.
  7. Repairs/Reconstruction: We can handle the rebuild of your home for you!

Be prepared for a worst-case scenario by using our helpful tips. When water damage strikes your home, call the company you’ve trusted to get the job done right and to prevent worse damage in the future!