Mold Remediation and Removal

Yes. No. Maybe. The single most confusing element related to water, fire, and mold damage is what is and is not covered. Find out what you have, or don't have, and learn what you need when it comes to water damage and your insurance.

Homeowners Policies

Water damage is probably the single most common reason that people make claims on their homeowner's policies. Unfortunately, it is only then that they actually discover what is and is not covered. Flooding is not usually covered under insurance, and if water damage can be in any way traced back to negligence on the part of the homeowner, it will not be covered. Sudden and unforeseen problems are usually covered.

You need to take the time and sit down with your insurance provider and determine the extent of your coverage. Making too many insurance claims for situations that are not covered can come back to haunt you when you try to shop for different insurance in the future.

Secure your property to prevent additional damage. Make any temporary repairs necessary, such as putting a tarp over your roof or boarding up your windows. Do not remove any evidence of damage and this may cause you to have your claim denied because you did not follow the correct policy procedures.

NorthStar Restoration Services provides these temporary services as well as full-service water, fire, mold and storm damage restoration. Call us today for help with tarping and board-up services.

Every situation is different. The amount of time it takes to clean fire, water, mold or storm damage depends on the extent of the damage, how many rooms were affected and other factors. NorthStar Restoration Services will clean as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete the job and get your home back to normal.

The cost of increased electrical usage is usually less than people think. It is often a cost that is paid for by your insurance provider if your policy allows for it. Usually, the cost is between $25-75.

Talk to your claims associate about what you should do and should not do before the clean-up team arrives.

Check your policies and speak to your insurance professional to learn exactly how your particular deductibles work.

Depreciation is the amount by which the value your home or personal property has decreased in since you bought it. Depreciation is caused by a combination of factors including:

• Age – how long ago something was purchased
• Condition – the amount of wear and taer or other damage
• Obsolescence – whether newer models have been released

Based on this, recoverable depreciation is the portion of the depreciated amount that you can get back or "recover" from your insurance company when you make a claim on a policy with replacement cost coverage.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on plants and fibers, primarily in damp, musty locations, and serves as a natural recycling agent, breaking down dead organic matter. It is a natural and important part of our environment. Mold reproduces by way of spores, which travel through the air, and take root in places where there is ample moisture for them to grow.

Under natural conditions, mold is harmless and poses no threat. When mold is present in an enclosed, inhabited area, such as a home, everything changes.

Yes, mold is divided into three types:

• Allergenic Molds
• Pathogenic Molds
• Toxigenic Molds

Allergenic Molds do not usually produce any life-threatening issues, and will normally be a threat mainly to those who already suffer from some form of allergies or asthma. The physical responses are relatively mild, usually scratchy throats, eye and nasal irritations, and skin rashes.

Pathogenic Molds can produce some level of infection. People with depressed immune systems are usually the hardest hit, and high levels of exposure can result in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Toxigenic Molds are the ones everybody naturally fears. Commonly known as Black Mold or Toxic Mold, they can cause serious health effects for almost everyone. Toxic Molds can cause cancer, lung disease, and in rare, high exposure cases, even death.

Yes. No. Maybe. The single most confusing element related to mold damage is what is and is not covered. Find out what you have, or don't have, and learn what you need when it comes to mold damage and your insurance.

The EPA and CDC do not recommend sampling for molds. Because the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly, the type is not important. If you are susceptible to mold and if it is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk. Therefore, no matter what type of mold is present you need to arrange for its removal. Call NorthStar Restoration Services or fill out our contact form to schedule a mold inspection.

Mold inspections without evaluation as to what has caused the mold to grow is a concern. Your certified mold technician should provide an opinion as to what caused the mold and what to do to prevent it from coming back in the future.

Contact NorthStar Restoration Services for mold remediation services today.