Miami is full of moisture all year round and that is why mold growth is very prominent everywhere. Mold and mildew thrive off of warm and wet areas which means if you have a leaky a/c, broken drain lines, plumbing and roof leaks mold might be present in your home. These damages are very expensive to fix and insurance companies usually do not cover mold damages. If you are filing a mold damage claim through your insurance company, especially in Miami, here are some tips to remember and make sure you speak with a public adjusters for mold damage:
- Stop All Repairs: stopping repairs will help you and your insurance in the long run because if you’ve filed a damage and you’re currently repairing it then your insurance company won’t reimburse you for that. Make sure that you are getting the right amount for the damages and ask if you can make the repairs. If they tell you to make the repairs, hire a professional for the job because different kinds of mold can spread airborne.
- Save Everything: as always, document everything. This includes, the damages, pictures you’ve taken, any receipts, list and write down everything in details so that you can get the maximum value for all the damages.
- Contact a public adjuster: hire one of Churchill’s public adjusters! We will save you the time and stress and help you with the claims process. Mold and mildew damage is harmful if not taken care of so let help you with negotiations while you just focus on making sure your family is safe!
Prevention of Mold
We are exposed to mold every single day. But some mold and mildew are not harmful. It is important to also be aware that there are preventative measures you can take so that you don’t increase the chance of exposing yourself to mold. To prevent from harmful mold exposures:
- Clean up any spills that have been done for the past 24 hours. Mold thrive off of wet things so cleaning up a spill can mitigate mold growth and exposure in your property and surroundings.
- Wet materials from the property should be dried out within 24 hours.
- Use a dehumidifier to diminish humidity levels.
- Throw out any carpets that may have had a lot of moisture
FAQ
What happens if my mold damage claim is denied?
Dealing with insurance company can be a rather lengthy process especially if you filed a mold damage claim. Now, if you filed a mold damage claim and you’ve been denied, hire one of our public adjusters and we can help negotiate and settle your claim! If you’re wondering why your insurance claim has been denied here are a few reasons:
- You didn’t pay your insurance in time
- Did not provide enough evidence or documents about the damage
- Not filing the right claim
- And the list goes on.
What is mold?
Mold thrive in wet and humid climates. They are a type of fungi that typically grow in natural surroundings or environment. Molds can be found anywhere and everywhere and are common on business buildings and homes. Molds also create spores that are microscopic cells that easily spread through the air. They may not be harmful, but you shouldn’t wait too long to take preventative measures to mitigate them. If they are not handled in a timely manner, they can be hazardous to your family and your health.
How long does it take to get rid of mold?
It depend on how bad the damages are, it will usually take a professional about 1-5 days to remediate mold from your property.
Is there a way to find out if mold exists in my property?
Buy testing kits that you can get from any home improvement store such as Home Depot. It is advisable to contact a professional because the testing kits aren’t reliable.
What’s the difference in mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew are different types of fungi that can be found in every home. The difference is that they vary in texture and color. Mildew can be easily removed by using a cleaner and scrubbing brush whereas, mold cannot be removed. Many people think that using bleach to remove mold does not, in fact, mold spores will spread quickly because mold thrive off of wet and humid environment.
How can I know if I’ve been exposed to mold?
If you’re having symptoms of irritated or itchy eyes, have constant headaches, congestion, a runny nose and are coughing instantly, you may have been exposed to mold. Contact your doctor to further assist you on any mold exposures you may have had.
Can I test for mold in my home?
Most home improvement stores have mold testing kits. However, these kits are not a reliable source in testing one. If you feel like you have a mold problem, contact a specialist to find out if you’re in need of mold remediation. Taking care of mold problems can be helpful and help you in the long run.
