Mold, Water & Fire

Water, Fire and Mold Remediation/Mitigation

It can be very stressful having mold, water damage or a fire in your home. Our company has all of the proper knowledge, certifications and equipment to help you with your restoration needs. We carry certifications through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification) in Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Journeyman Water Restorer, Certified Mold Inspector, Mold Remediation, Applied Microbial Restoration, Fire & Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Journeyman Textile Cleaner, Carpet Cleaning, and Upholstery & Fabric which ensures you have come to the right place.

Water Restoration/Mitigation

Having water indoors is an abnormal condition and can contribute to a number of issues. The damage to the wet areas and health implications increase the longer the materials remain wet. Always contact a professional such as America's Best Cleaning & Restoration Services to dry out the structure properly. Hiring a professional really makes a difference ensuring the area and structure is properly dried out.

We use state-of-the-art drying equipment such as industrial carpet dryers and dehumidifiers. Each water damage situation is unique and may require different steps in remediating your home during the process. Water damage can catch you off guard and usually happens at the most inconvenient time. When you call us, anytime, day or night, you will have peace of mind knowing you called the right professionals.

Effect of Abnormal Water: Water indoors is an abnormal condition and can cause or contribute to a number of problems. There are progressive stages of indoor water damage:

1.) Water migrates into areas not originally affected. Water spreads laterally into adjoining rooms, penetrates materials below, and/or wicks up into porous materials above. It is best to evaluate all affected areas, not just areas with visible saturation.

2.) Saturated materials begin swelling as they absorb moisture. In many situations, drying and restoration will restore them, but in others, the damage may be permanent. Rapid drying will help reduce the chance of permanent damage.

3.) As water evaporates it causes abnormally high humidity. High humidity can damage some porous materials, if allowed to continue. It is best to reduce the indoor humidity to between 25% and 45% RH quickly, to help prevent humidity damage and reduce the likelihood of fungal growth.

Mold Remediation

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require a certified professional. Caution must be used when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the wallpaper.

There are many ways to control moisture in your home. We recommend the following steps to prevent mold in your home:

  • Fix leaks and seepage.
  • Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces.
  • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
  • Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
  • Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.
  • Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.)
  • Open doors between rooms, especially closet doors, colder than the room they are located in.
  • Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
  • Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet on concrete flooring can absorb moisture.
  • Use area rugs which can be removed and washed often.

Fire/Smoke Remediation

America's Best has experience in fire/smoke damage that may occur in your home or business. America's Best provides board up services to protect your investment from further harm. A fire can leave you subject to further damage if the situation is not dealt with in a proper manner. Call the professionals today!

Typically fires cause serious damage to the structural integrity of a home or commercial building. This may leave the interior of your home or business exposed to the elements and thieves. In order to restore the security of your property, America's Best sends certified professionals to perform an emergency board up. This will seal the interior and reduce the chance for further damage.

Most board up procedures are complex because of fire's erratic nature and the damage it causes. Holes often appear in areas that are difficult to cover up with a simple wood panel. In order to best protect your investments, these affected areas need to be sealed tightly and securely. We have the knowledge and equipment to secure your property from unnecessary damage.

Our company is available for board up services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call any of our office numbers to speak with our office staff any time Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If the emergency occurs after business hours, call our office number at any of our locations and you will be connected to a live, on-call technician immediately.

  • In Place Structural Drying
  • Water Restoration
  • Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
  • Board Up Services
  • Mold Remediation
  • Thermal Imaging Analysis
  • Infared Camera Inspection
  • Mold Testing
  • Water Removal

Emergency Water Damage Tips

DO'S

  • If the temperature outside is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
  • Use a fan to circulate the air and assist in drying.
  • Remove as much water as possible by mopping or blotting.
  • Wipe furniture dry.
  • Lift drapery off the carpets.
  • Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.
  • Open furniture drawers and closet doors to enhance drying.
  • Move photos, paintings and art objects to a dry location.
  • Remove wet fabric and dry them ASAP. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
  • If damage occurs during a cool season, leave the heat on; if in the summer, use an air conditioner when available.

DON'TS

  • Do not use a house hold vacuum to remove water.
  • Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or floors.
  • Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Incorrect lifting could promote shrinkage.
  • Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is on. Shut off power ASAP.
  • Do not wait to call for professional help. Waiting could cause further damage. Damage from water and bacteria growth could begin within hours.

Rochester: (507)-280-8171
Austin: (507)-433-6995
Owatonna: (507)446-8101
Winona: (507)-454-6995
La Crosse: (608)-782-6995