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Hidden Structural Damage in Hoarded Homes: What Cleanup Experts Often Discover

According to the American Psychiatric Association , 6.1% of Americans are believed to struggle with compulsive hoarding. In New Jersey, this means tens of thousands of households suffer quietly in the severe clutter of their own homes, mostly behind closed doors. While the visible conditions of hoarded homes may be alarming, what lies beneath these conditions can be even more shocking; exposure reveals hidden structural damage that poses a risk to the safety of these homes. Hoarding in New Jersey is much more than a problem with clutter; it can be a deadly premises for decay, pests, mold, and dangerous living conditions. When remediation experts enter a hoarded home, it is not uncommon for them to discover structural deficiencies a homeowner or family member would not have been aware of. This blog will outline the most common, shocking types of structural damage seen in hoarded properties and why it is necessary to trust a professional like Doctor Fix-It to restore these homes sa...
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How to Safely Restore a Child’s Flooded Bedroom: A Parent’s Guide

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection , over 20% of properties in NJ are vulnerable to flooding due to sea level rise, increasing rainfall, and outdated drainage systems. Nothing weighs heavier on a family than watching their child’s bedroom get flooded, which often brings on heaps of anxiety and uncertainty. As a parent, you are hardwired to protect, and when that protection feels out of reach because your child’s bedroom has been compromised, you need to act fast and smart. Not only does flooding damage furniture and bedding, but it also introduces pathogens, mildew, and structural damage. This blog will provide a safe course of action you can follow as you restore your child’s bedroom to its former glory while limiting the risk of health hazards and emotional trauma.  Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Flooded Spaces Unwanted flooding is unfortunate, but the restoration process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It doesn’t matter whether the flooding ...
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Emergency Sewage Cleanup Services in New Jersey: What to Expect

Dealing with a sewage backup is one of the most unpleasant situations a homeowner can face. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 40,000 sewage overflows occur in the United States each year, most of which are due to aging infrastructure, heavy rainfall, and clogs.  For New Jersey homeowners, it’s important to be aware of the risks and understand the need for a professional response. In this article, we are going to discuss what to expect from emergency sewage cleanup services in New Jersey , the process, health risks, and how to select the right partner for the service. Why Emergency Sewage Cleanup Requires Immediate Action When sewage backs up into a residential or commercial property, it involves far more than an unpleasant odor or messy cleanup. Blackwater (sewage-contaminated water) contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, biohazards, and other hazardous materials. Even limited exposure can have serious health consequences for the occupants of ...
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The Delayed Disaster: Why Storm Damage Can Surface Weeks Later

In 2024, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reported that the US experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, with storms accounting for the majority. In Mount Laurel, NJ, residents routinely experienced heavy rain, high winds, and flash flooding multiple times that year. Nearly 35% of the damages appeared on properties weeks or even months after the storm had passed. A recent case in Bergen County, Mount Laurel, NJ, demonstrated this perfectly. After a major storm, one homeowner inspected their property with an insurance adjuster and found very minor shingle displacement. However, several weeks later, mold began to spread along the attic ceiling, drywall started failing on the upper floor, and the home developed a musty smell.  This roof leak, which had initially seemed so minor with slight shingle damage, ultimately led to water saturating materials, insulation, and interior framing, causing deterioration and mold. The result? No...
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The Silent Soak: How Insulation Traps Moisture After a Leak

According to the Insurance Information Institute , a research study found that in 2024, almost 1 in 60 homeowners filed a water damage claim in the United States. This number is expected to increase as infrastructure continues to age, weather patterns are set to change, and hidden plumbing leaks go undetected. Over 40 percent of homes with water damage developed mold inside insulating ducts, often in less than 30 days after a water leak happened. A home in Passaic County, Mount Laurel, NJ, appeared to suffer from a minor leak, experiencing several weeks of inconvenience due to water coming in from an upstairs bathroom pipe. Water ran between the wall cavity and was absorbed into the fiberglass insulation.  After stains were noticed on the ceiling, it was discovered that the insulation was saturated and developing mold. The entire wall had to be opened, treated, cleaned, and reinsulated—an expensive repair that might have been avoided if detected earlier. This blog will discuss h...
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5 Hidden Places Mold Might Be Lurking in Your Home (And How to Find It)

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You might think your home is clean, but mold could be playing a dangerous game of hide-and-seek. As a homeowner, you take pride in maintaining a tidy and healthy living space. But what if we told you that mold might be secretly thriving in areas you rarely see or think about? At Doctor Fix-It , South Jersey’s premier damage restoration company , we’ve seen firsthand how hidden mold can impact homes and families. That’s why we’re sharing our expert knowledge to help you uncover these sneaky intruders and protect your home and health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore five hidden places where mold might be lurking in your home, signs to watch out for, and steps you can take to address these issues. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your home mold-free and know when it’s time to call in Doctor Fix-It, your trusted mold specialist . The Dangers of Hidden Mold Before we dive into the hidden hotspots, let’s talk about why discovering and addressing...
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Prevent Mold Growth After a Flood: Effective Tips for Water Damage

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Have you experienced flooding in your home? Don’t let mold threaten your family’s health and your property’s integrity. In this post, we’ll share expert advice from the Doctor Fix-It team on how to prevent mold from growing , clean up properly after a flood, and restore your home to a safe, healthy condition free from mold . The Dangers of Mold After a Flood Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours of a flood , posing serious risks to your health and your home: Health risks : Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and long-term health effects, especially for those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions. Structural damage : Mold can weaken and deteriorate building materials, compromising the integrity of your home’s structure. Rapid growth : Mold spores thrive in damp, humid conditions and can spread quickly throughout your home if not addressed promptly. Signs of Mold Growth Be on the lookout for these warning signs of mold gr...
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