Learn How to Repair Water Damage Behind Shower Tiles

Water damage in bathrooms, specifically on tiled shower walls, is typical in old homes. Usually, in aged homes, tiles were set in place directly on drywall without coating a waterproof barrier between them. So when moisture reaches the tile's grout joints, drywall's structural quality decreases.

However, water damage can still happen even a moisture barrier is coated between the tiles and drywall. Inefficient maintenance of grout joints and poor caulking allow dampness to seep beneath the tiles, making them faulty. As a result, water leaks, the development of mold and mildew, and wood rot occur.

A homeowner like you must know how to solve this kind of water damage problem. In this article, you will learn effective tips on stopping water damage from occurring behind your shower tiles.

Know the Signs of Water Damage Behind your Shower Tiles

Water damage behind your bathroom tiles is not always noticeable. Here are the minor signs to consider when determining whether something unpleasant is taking place beneath your tiles: 

• Uncontrolled water increase around the shower area

• Damp walls or ceiling

• An undesirable odor (due to mold and mildew infestation) that stays even though you do your best in cleaning and sanitizing your bathroom

• Cracks or holes and even discolorations on the grout lines

• Caulk is peeling off.

• Tile is loosening

How to Mend Water Damage Beneath Your Shower Tiles

This Do-It-Yourself job requires more time to finish. Drying the materials during the process is necessary. Ensure to have suitable tools and items before you start, such as:

utility knife, putty knife, flat pry bar, wallboard saw, cement backer board, cement board screws, notched trowel, thin-set adhesive, mesh tape, tile grout, durable gloves, and electric fans

When you have got all the equipment needed, you may begin the repair task by following the helpful tips below.

1. Assess the Damage in the Bathroom

The first thing you will have to do is assess the damage to find out the cause of the issue. If you notice the water comes straight behind the tiles, the reason may be a plumbing leak. In this situation, seeking help from a professional who can repair the damaged pipe is highly recommended.

2. Uninstall the Tiles Carefully

Pick a putty knife or a flat pry bar to detach the bathroom tiles carefully from the impaired backer board. Take out more tiles to show two to three inches of drywall around the affected site. Then, soak the tiles in warm water with detergent liquid or powder to clean them up. 

3. Remove the Damaged Drywall

Remove the damp drywall in pieces using your hands. Remove another two inches of wall material around the impaired site. Also, take out all the revealed nails or screws.

4. Deal with Wood Framing Appropriately

Take off any rotted wood in the area and replace it with a new one. As for the undamaged framing, use a water-and-detergent solution to scrub it. Use heavy electric fans to dry them out completely. The drying process may take a few days, so please wait until it gets dried thoroughly to prevent mold from generating into the new backer board.

5. Install a New Cement Board Patch

Begin installing your new cement board, which should be as thick as the first backer board. Pick a utility knife to score and cut the patch. Allow a 1/8-inch gap between the cement board and the original wall material. Fasten the patch to the wall framing using appropriate screws designed for the cement board.

6. Tape and Fill Wall Joints

Pick a self-adhesive mesh tape (designed for cement board) and place it between the original backer board and the board patch. Use a drywall knife to fill the joints around the patch with a thin-set adhesive.

7. Reinstall, Grout, and Caulk the Clean Tiles, then Seal for Protection

With a notched trowel, coat another layer of thin-set adhesive to the wall. Next, put the clean tiles onto the adhesive, aligning the grout joints with the existing bathroom tiles. Once the glue or adhesive dries, fill the tiles with a grout similar to the former grout.

When the grout has been set and hardened, seal grout lines by applying an appropriate tile grout sealer. Allow it to dry before using pure silicone caulk to caulk the joints and the gap between the tile and the shower pan. 

This process protects your shower tiles and walls by preventing your cement-based grout from absorbing moisture, therefore keeping stains and grease from infiltrating.

Learn How to Prevent Water Damage Behind the Shower Tiles

Here's what you need to do to ensure your shower walls are always in good shape:

• As much as possible, abstain from using acidic products or harsh household cleaners in cleaning your bathroom.

• Make sure your shower room is well-ventilated to prevent accumulating lots of moisture. 

• Invite fresh air to come into your bathroom by opening the windows there. 

• After using the shower room, wipe the walls. Don't forget to place damp towels into the laundry basket. 

• Apply a good tile grout sealer to reseal grout joints every year or two. 

• Purchase a high-quality epoxy grout if you know that your home, especially your bathroom, is prone to having excessive moisture. 

If You Need Assistance to Deal with Water Damage Behind Your Shower Tiles, Contact Superior Restoration

Sometimes, repairing the issue behind your shower tiles on your own is challenging. No worries, Superior Restoration is here to help you deal with your water damage problem. 

Our company handles all types of water damage issues, from minor to severe ones. We have trained specialists who are ready to turn your property back in order. Superior Restoration is always available in emergencies 24/7. 

For further inquiries about our water damage and mold remediation services, contact us today!

 

How To Protect Your Roof From Mold Growth

Your roof protects you from anything. It shelters you from any natural disasters, rainstorms, or scorching heat of summer. But what can you do if the thing that protects your home has been ruined by mold growth? Here are some tips on how to protect your roof from mold growth.

What is Mold?

Mold, outdoors, is a vital microorganism that helps in breaking down dead organic materials like dried leaves or dead trees. However, indoors, is it is very harmful. It is one of the enemies that are difficult to conquer. You cannot beat them unless it shows in front of you. Mold grows in places with a lot of moisture. They can enter through open doors, windows, and vents. Mold starts to grow on a surface within 24 to 48 hours. Thus, it is crucial to act fast when dealing with mold growth inside your home.

Signs That There is Mold Growth on Your Roof

1. Roof damage. Roofs are supposedly made to protect you and your property against elements. But strong wind, rainstorms, and other severe weather can weaken your covering, pulling shingles out of their nails or causing other types of damage. Any of this damage allows mold to enter through your roof and eventually colonize the rest of your home. 

2. Roof leaks. A leaking roof is often a sign of poor insulation or damage to your roof. This condition allows moisture to seep through your roof and gives the perfect conditions for mold to grow inside your home. So, when you are dealing with a leaking roof, it is certain that your home has been infested by mold. 

3. Nasty smell. If you notice a musty odor in your home, it is an indication that there is mold present in your home, even if it is not visible. 

4. Visible mold. Some mold is hard to identify as it has manifested as dirt or stain. But, they may appear in many different colors, including gray, green, white, brown, and black. If you see visible mold in your home, you may be in a very difficult situation. Check your attic because it might be your roof that you have to blame.

1. Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are common when you get exposed to mold. When you feel an itchy throat or possible health risks, there is a possibility that the mold has spread throughout your home.

How  to Protect Your Roof From Mold Growth

• Check Your Drainage System 

A clogged drainage system may cause mold growth because of the water that stays in the pipe coming from the rainstorm. Clear any debris or dirt in the system to make sure that the flow of the drainage is in good condition and will not go through your foundation.

• Regularly Maintain Your Roof

One of the most important ways to prevent your roof from possible mold growth is to have it maintained. Make sure to check and repair it regularly to prevent mold from growing and damaging your roof.

• Get Rid of Standing Water

Look for standing water, as sometimes it often causes mold growth on top of the roof. If you find any pooling water on your roof, it means that your drainage system is not working. It usually happens if you have a flat style roof.

• Install a Humidifier

Since the mold can travel, there is a possibility that it can risk your health. Installing humidifiers is one of the best options if you want to prevent mold growth on your roof Mold thrives in warm and moist environments, like in your attic. Dehumidifiers can remove the excess moisture from the air and prevent the mold from staying in the area.

• Regularly Inspect Your Roof 

Schedule a regular roof inspection to identify if there is a possible problem such as mold growth, weakening of materials, and even leaks. It is a good idea to check the temperature of your roof regularly to know how to assess the damage properly.

• Secure your Roof

Securing every corner of your roof is one of the best ways to prevent mold from entering your roof. If the water passes through the edges, it may develop moisture and possible mold growth. In some cases, unsecured roof edges may result in severe damage, like the parts of the roof may come off due to natural disaster. 

• Check the Ceiling

Make sure to inspect the ceiling area to identify if there is any water damage that can cause mold growth. Through this, you can prevent leaks and standing water on your roof.

• Ensure Working HVAC System

Prevent mold growth in your room by making sure that your HVAC system is in good condition. If mold happens to infest under your room, there is a possibility that your HVAC system is contaminated with mold spores and that it is spreading throughout your home. Have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected regularly. It may prevent mold from growing inside your air ducts.

• Trim Trees

One of the best options to prevent it from infesting your roof is to clean the area around your home. Sometimes, tree branches, leaves, and dirt may result in mold growth. Make sure to trim tree branches, clean debris, and upgrade shingles.

Contact A Professional Mold Removal Company

With proper roof maintenance, you can prevent mold from growing on your roof and penetrating inside your property. But, in case, mold has started invading your home, contact a mold removal company like Superior Restoration. 

Superior Restoration offers mold remediation and removal services to businesses and residential properties. We have trained and skilled technicians who can completely remove mold from your property. Call us today.

How To Protect Your Home From Winter Storm Damage

 As winter approaches, it is crucial to take ways to protect your home against winter storm damage. The freezing weather, accompanied by snow, ice, and wind can wreak havoc on your property. Winter can be the worst season for your home. Even homes or properties located in areas with mild winter, like in Southern California, can still become a victim of winter damage. To keep your home, as well as your family and personal belongings safe this winter, follow these preventative tips. 

Tips To Protect Your Home From Winter Damage

A snowstorm may seem peaceful, but it can greatly impact your home. In fact, a winter storm can leave billions of dollars in damage. Thus, as a homeowner, you want to make sure that your property can withstand the inclement weather of winter. 

1. Take care of your roof.

Aside from the hurricane season, the winter season can also damage roof elements due to strong wind storms. Strong winds can loosen, tear off, or break off shingles, siding, and roof flashing. When this happens, the damaged area can allow moisture from snow, sleet, and meltwater to seep inside your property. If not attended to immediately can lead to serious water damage. 

What to do: Before the first winter storm occurs, inspect your roof and do the necessary repairs. You may also consider trimming trees that are overhanging your home and removing any dead branches that could possibly break off and damage your roof.

2. Keep your gutters and drainage clear.

In winter, some areas in the U.S. experience increased rainfall, which will result in high cases of water damage. Thus, it is important to make sure that your gutters are ready for them. Gutters and drainage with accumulated debris can lead to blockage which can cause rainwater or meltwater to seep into your home. 

What To Do: Clean your gutters, as well as your drainage system, before the winter sets in. Use a shovel to remove dirt and debris and dispose of them properly. You can also use a garden hose to clear out your gutters. You may also need to consider extending your downspout to ensure that water is directed away from your home.

3. Prevent ice dam formation. 

Ice dams form when the meltwater runs down to the colder part of the roof and refreezes. As the ice continues to form, it causes blockage and prevents snowmelt from draining properly. This can result in water seepage and damage to your insulation, walls, ceilings, and other nearby areas. Worse is, ice tends to be very heavy and can damage your gutters which can present danger. 

What to do: Eliminate any heat sources under your roof, like heaters and lights, and keep your attic well ventilated and cool to prevent or slow down the refreezing cycle. Ask a roof professional for help if an ice dam begins to form. 

 

4. Prevent water damage.

The winter weather can bring an increased risk of water damage to your home. Aside from ice dams that can cause water to leak through your roof, uninsulated pipes may freeze and burst, and thawed snow can cause flooding to your basement, which can lead to water damage. Fortunately, there are many ways to help prevent it from happening this winter. 

• Insulate pipes that are located in unheated areas of your home like the basement, garage, attic, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. 

• Insulate the attic floor and properly ventilate the attic itself to keep warm air from melting snow or ice on your roof. 

• Trickle water from faucets that are connected to the exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. 

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet door to allow the circulation of warm air around the pipes. 

• Caulk holes and cracks in the outer part of your home’s foundation and walls, including those holes used for cable installation. 

• Lastly, if you have to leave your home for a day or an extended period of time, make sure to turn off the main water valve, drain pipes, and water-related appliances, and turn the heat down to at least 10 degrees Celsius. 

 

For Professional Water Damage Restoration Services, Contact Superior Restoration!

These preventative measures can help you protect your home or property from winter storm damage. But, if your home sustains water damage this winter, the professionals at Superior Restoration are available and ready to provide you with high-quality water damage cleanup and restoration services. We are here to help you 24/7.  Call us anytime if you need us. 

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What You Need to Know About Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common indoor problems. It is also the worst problem you may encounter after a flood or water leakage inside your home. For some instances, it is also one of the leading causes of home insurance claims and is responsible for millions of damages every year. When talking about the effects, water damage contributes to the structural and foundation problems which can actually destroy your personal belongings and decorative finishes. Worst, water damages lead to another problem for it creates a perfect environment for mold growth.

 

What to do in case of water damage?

Water damage can be in the form of water leakage due to broken pipes or water lines, sump pump failures, wall leakages, or a weak structural foundation. Before these things ruin your property, it is better if you know the things you need to do when any of these occur.

1. Know where the problem is coming from. 

Before you start your water damage restoration, you have to look for the source of the problem. Mostly water leak sources can be identified depending on its classification:

a. Clean water: This classification of water comes mostly from rain or leaky pipes. It does not contain any harmful chemicals, if this is the source of your growing problem with water, it is safe to handle yourself.

b. Gray water: This is the water leak from home fixtures like your dishwasher, toilet, or washing machine. Unlike clean water, this water can be slightly contaminated. If you wish to clean this by yourself, you would have to know proper precautions.

c. Blackwater: Lastly, the most harmful type of water, blackwater. This comes from the sewer or flooding from nearby bodies of water such as rivers. The important thing to know about this water is that it often contains health hazards. It is unsafe, so you might need help handling this.

2. Disconnect outlets. 

The next thing you need to know when handling water damage is to unplug all necessary electronic appliances immediately.  Even when you still haven’t checked the damage it has caused or may cause, it is very important to be careful with the electronics and gas lines. This could prevent possible electric accidents and explosions from your property.

3. Remove damaged belongings. 

Materials, such as carpets, insulations, and the like, can cause mildew when exposed with water. Hence they should be disposed of. It is important to focus on the floor and ceiling materials first.  They are possibly made of wood and other materials that need to be addressed and replaced immediately to not affect the structural integrity of the property.

4. Dry the affected areas. 

Before the water damages a larger portion of your property, eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. This won’t guarantee a hundred percent prevention of mold growth in the areas affected, but a proper drying out of the area will help lessen the damage and its cost.

5. Disinfect and restore. 

The worst part of dealing with water damage is its power to encourage the growth of mold in your property. In line with this, it is advised to sanitize and disinfect the remaining areas immediately before you begin the restoration process. Dealing with water damages unproperly could lead to health problems, so, if you are taking on your own restoration, it’s important to properly assess the situation first.

 

For a safer restoration process, or if your assessment reveals that the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to look for guidance and leave water damage restoration to a trusted restoration company.

Connect today to inquire and learn more about dealing with water damage remediation.

What Do I Need to Know About Water Damages?

Water damage is one of the most unwanted types of damages that can affect, and even destroy, your property. And when the damage occurs in your property, it can be highly expensive, dangerous and unhealthy, most especially when it is allowed to develop and progress.

Conversely, water damages are caused by water to your property, being where it should not be. For some instances, these damages may be caused by a flood or of some kind of malfunctions—a bursting of a pipe, water main leakage, in some cases, will commonly lead to water damage that is highly acute and requires immediate attention.

When understanding the risks of water damage, one must learn that water damage can be a result of three (3) different types of water, namely:


Category 1: Clean Water. As you would expect, clean water typically is a result and comes from a sanitary source, for example, water pipes, steam lines or rainwater. For the water to be categorized as category 1, it should smell and look just like tap water. Basically, this type of water is not health risky at all, unless you are in an old building and the water makes contact with contaminants. However, dealing with category 1 still requires you to respond quickly because the microbial growth can occur in as quick as 24-48 hours.


Category 2: Gray Water. Hence, the sources of gray water vary widely, as do the potential contaminants. So, when the source is not sanitary, it is advised to proceed with caution. Regardless of whether the water is clear or cloudy, or if it smells good or bad. Storm drains, treated cooling water, some surface water, water from fire suppression systems and even discharges from equipment are some sources of gray water. Unlike clean water, gray water can be slightly to severely contaminated with microbial growth. Any direct or indirect exposure to gray water could potentially result in health issues.


Category 3: Black Water. Infectious viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxic and allergenic materials can all lurk in black water, which could include water coming from sewers, rivers or the sea so always use caution around it. Black water typically smells bad and is often cloudy. Since it poses such a high health risk, it’s best to keep employees and customers well away and it’s likely that you will need to replace most materials that it comes into contact with.

While water is very important for people’s lives, it can also be very dangerous if it gets in your home and causes damages. In some cases that your home is affected by water leakage or flood, here are five things that you should keep in mind about water damage:


Water damage grows fast. Water damage is a lot challenging because it can grow very fast. Once a property has been flooded and subjected to water, things like the carpets, hardwood floors and drywall might result in mold growth. When the water caused mold growth, it is quite harder to be treated quickly. It is common nature to assume that a small problem is just small. But unfortunately, water is a great solvent. Small leaks can cause major damages to one’s property.


Prevention is easier than to clean up. When it comes to water damage, the most effective solution is to prevent it in the first place. Although guarding your property every time against every possible cause of water damage is quite impossible, proper and regular maintenance will decrease the chances of damage. Moreover, if the water damage is extensive and mold has started to grow causing other damages, restoration can be very expensive. Proper precautions are highly recommended.


Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover all water damage types. Depending on where you live, the water damage may be covered by insurance. Insurance companies will cover quite a few things on water damage. Homeowners and businesses should know what types of water damage their insurance company will cover. Most of the time, insurance companies do not cover any damages caused by groundwater, natural incidences such as rain or snow, and the owner’s negligence. This includes the owner’s failure to repair previous damage or take actions to prevent the damages in the future.


Water damaged things can be salvaged. For the homeowners and businesses, one important thing that you should know about water damage is that damaged things can be salvaged. When water occurs in your property, it is better if you attend to it soon enough, in that case, everything that is damaged could be dried out.


Call a professional. If otherwise, the water damage seems to be too much, and not just a small water leakage. Do not try any improvised restoration methods, instead, call a professional restoration team to inspect your property, including the walls, floorings and basement, etc. This is a must know and must do if the situation is a lot more serious and if you do want to stop the damage to spread.

When water damage is more gradual, then you will need the services of a water damage restoration company on a less urgent basis—but you should nevertheless aim to get it looked at as soon as possible to ensure that you prevent it from spreading and to protect your health and the health of your family. Moisture in the air and particularly mold spores can otherwise be very bad for you and your family. At the same time, it can end up undermining the structural integrity of your building.



Moreover, when the restoration company reaches you, the technicians will start by finding the source of the water and stop it when possible. This may be repairing walls or roof damages or may involve fixing a pipe or water main. Either way, the company will prevent the water from flooding to larger regions. From there, the water damage restoration company will begin to calculate the extent of the damage and its costs.

Essential Steps That You Should Take In The Event Of Flood Damage

Most people normally value their homes. However, accidents normally happen when you least expect. Your home can get flooded at any time. This mostly happens to those people who live in areas that are normally affected by storms and so forth. Floods are a common phenomenon in such places. Flood damage happens when water damage occurs from a water intrusion from outside your home structure. If your insurance policy covers flood damage, you can easily get compensated.
You will note that most policies normally exclude flood coverage because they are costly to purchase. Flood waters are normally considered contaminated waters because they can cause damage that is more expensive to fix than just regular water that comes from a kitchen pipe in your house. There are several steps that you should follow in the event of flood damage. These include:

1. Make an insurance claim
This is one of the first steps that you should take after you have experienced flood damage in your home. You should make a claim with your insurance company. You will realize that they will require a general description of the damage to the property. Depending on the level of destruction, your insurance company will get back in touch within a few days.

2. Hire an insurance adjuster to look at the damage.
It is important that an adjuster visits the property to evaluate the issues. He or she will determine if the problems were caused by wind or water. This decision will greatly affect what the agency will cover. If you do not have a flood insurance as part of your policy and the problem was due to water invading your home, you have to fight for your flood restoration damages to be covered.

3. Ensure that you document all the damages.
You should document all the damages caused as a result of flood damage before making any repairs. This can include the destruction of things such as: furniture walls, ceilings and so forth. If water rose significantly, your electrical system may require to be checked. You can also take photographs and videos of any structural destruction as well as any contents that were affected.

4. Take measures to mitigate further problems.
Once you have made an insurance claim, you should make temporary repairs to your home in order to prevent additional issues. If your windows had been broken, you should cover them with plywood. If your roof had been damaged, you can hire a professional to repair it. This can prevent your property from getting damaged. However, you should save the receipts for this work so as to recoup the costs. It is important that you keep the undamaged windows and doors open so that your house can dry out. This can go a long way in preventing the growth of mold.

5. Schedule permanent repairs.
Once everything has been evaluated you should begin to schedule the repair work. In this case, you can get a reputable contractor to help you out.
Flood damage can be detrimental to your home. You should follow the above-mentioned steps in the event of flood damage in your home.