Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries.  It is managed by a Board of Directors, comprised of 15 industry leaders elected by the IICRC’s Shareholders.

The IICRC-S500 says regardless of the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of the material(s) in the structure, the material(s) cannot be at an EMC that would support microbial growth.  An acceptable dry standard is within 10% of what the other similar materials in the facilities were pre-loss.

Satisfaction; be prompt; conduct business with honesty, integrity, and fairness; build consumer confidence in the industry; and promote good relations with affiliate industries.

Yes.

In addition to technicians being IICRC certified, the entire company is also IICRC certified.

IICRC Certified Firms are known for their high level of technical experience and professionalism.  Due to the increased levels of dishonest, unqualified, unlicensed, and uninsured individuals/companies that are quick to take your $$$$, property managers, homeowners, and business owners need high-quality contractors.

By hiring an IICRC Certified Firm, you are provided with a level of comfort and assurance that cannot be replicated.

Water Damage

It depends on the cause of the water damage. If your business suffers water damage from a roof leak, pipe bursting, or toilet overflow, each one of those require a different immediate response. Tarping your roof will not mitigate damages of a pipe burst, and shutting off your water supply will not mitigate damages of a roof leak.

For the sake of this question, if the water damage was caused by a pipe bursting act immediately b/c every second counts:

  • shut off the water supply if you can safely do so,
  • turn off electricity in the affected areas to eliminate electrical hazards, and
  • keep everyone clear of danger zones — hidden structural risks and contamination are real threats.
  • Most importantly, call a trusted, professional restoration company – PUDDLES Restoration — right away.

Swift, expert response is your best defense against escalating damage and costly business disruptions — protect your investment and the people who rely on you.

CLICK TO SEE BEFORE

Generally, commercial water damage restoration does take longer than residential projects because commercial spaces are often much larger than typical homes. However, there are exceptions—some homes may have more affected square footage than a small storefront in a strip mall. The actual restoration timeline depends on several factors: the size of the affected area (not just the overall building size), the volume of water involved (classified by severity), and the type of water (categorized by contamination level). While some restorations can be completed within a few days, more complex situations—such as those requiring extensive structural drying or mold prevention—may extend the process significantly.

For example:

This Car Dealership in Ocala, FL took 72 hours: 

https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration/posts/pfbid0JMirLoDAS4WYyhoHDHAyVkhUP2XDbUxbCysbk6YubDT8g9FAbB2b2m5BGrHDMn9nl

This Dental Office in The Villages, FL took 15 hours: 

https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration/posts/pfbid02hpokmRaBGcnt6nn5Z5t8oiZNPezzfMeKPQ9aHrmzC8tfQCjQqMPPYmS3YUd7EW2xl

This house in Ocala, FL took 3 days:

https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration/posts/pfbid028WLJbyu3vvzRr4jkhkQJBFyVCjbFc7UB6v7iMo2KMb3xCdwu4FouhML1mZu4ruMxl

Assessing the water category will determine what is needed to address the damages adequately.

Category 1 = clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows.

Category 2 = gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness of ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause category 2 water damage.

Category 3 = black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

Yes, b/c Category 1 water (a.k.a “clean water”) comes from a clean source, but unless you are certain it is Cat 1 water, don’t risk it.

Cat 1 water, before it comes into contact with outside bacteria and other matter, poses no health risk, but again unless you are certain it is Cat 1 water, don’t risk it.

Affected objects such as carpet, padding, and drywall/sheetrock must be removed and disposed of.  A biocide must be applied to kill microorganisms on site.

Cat 3 water damage refers to water that contains dangerous matter, ranging from pathogenic to toxic agents.

Contact with Cat 3 water is potentially harmful (e.g., flood surges during a storm/hurricane, sewage, septic backup, or any contaminated ground surface water.)

Mold Remediation

Mold grows when moisture is present. If your home or property has excess humidity, water leaks, roof leaks, plumbing failures, flooding, or past water damage, mold can begin growing, often without being immediately visible.

Mold spores are microscopic and are constantly present in the air. They only need one thing to grow: moisture.

Control moisture, and you control mold.

Mold reproduces via tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air. When those spores land on wet surfaces like drywall, wood, insulation, cabinets, and flooring, mold begins growing.

There are many types of mold, but none of them will grow without water or elevated humidity.

Recommended indoor humidity levels: Keep indoor humidity below 60% (ideally between 30%–50% relative humidity).

Absolutely.

Significant mold issues will usually develop in hidden areas like:

  • Behind walls near plumbing lines (kitchens and bathrooms)
  • Behind base cabinets
  • Beneath flooring
  • Inside attics
  • Inside HVAC systems

If you smell an odor and cannot determine the source, you should strongly consider a mold test.

Yes. PUDDLES Restoration strongly recommends hiring a licensed professional to conduct mold testing after any roof leak or flooding event.

These events force moisture deep into hidden areas of your property such as: behind walls, under flooring, and inside attic spaces where mold can quickly grow and spread out of sight.

Even if visible mold is not immediately present, lingering dampness creates an ideal breeding ground for mold colonies. By conducting mold testing promptly after water intrusion, you can:

  • Catch problems early
  • Protect your family’s or employees’ health
  • Prevent long-term structural damage
  • Strengthen insurance documentation

Real Example

Here is mold growth that developed within just a few days after Hurricane Helene flooding: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration/posts/pfbid02uXSN5ZrcKNjuedkSDPM9GgSknN86jE4RwFjyTqKr6GeFPfGiy4cSznHY1bnHKQPUl

Contrary to popular belief, mold testing itself is fast when handled by experienced professionals.

Sampling a typical home from start to finish can take less than an hour, depending on equipment and scope. Getting these results can take time because:

  • Samples are mailed to a laboratory
  • The lab places them in queue
  • Microscopic analysis is performed
  • A formal report is generated

We typically receive laboratory results within 1 business day. If you require a mold remediation protocol, that can take additional time to prepare properly.

Short answer: No. DIY mold test kits will almost always confirm mold is present because mold is everywhere. The real question is whether you have elevated mold spores resulting in a Condition 2 or Condition 3 environment that requires professional remediation.

DIY kits are reliable at confirming mold exists. They are highly unreliable at determining whether remediation is necessary.

CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE.

Hire a Florida-licensed mold assessor who can perform proper testing and have those results confirmed by a reputable laboratory. This allows you to make informed decisions based on data, not guesswork.

See Examples

https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration/posts/pfbid0hfJiVnAr6Roo3RQ2qJaECqRBLRqFvvonESzhGyghC1ZV9o1o7HKLYPSrNhvnC1rUl

https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration/posts/pfbid0YnbhLc72gniWGUHzWbxWFBWegpQScwCA7tv4ABN5GgMbT5auqf1vYabFEKeexTuzl

Yes. 

Mold gradually destroys the materials it grows on. The longer mold is present, the more damage it causes.

  • Drywall deteriorates
  • Wood weakens
  • Insulation becomes compromised
  • Structural integrity can be affected

Controlling moisture and eliminating mold early prevents very expensive repairs and it protects your property value.

If the underlying moisture source is not properly identified and eliminated, mold will almost always return, no matter how thoroughly it is cleaned from the surface. That is why it is critical to:

  • Identify the source of the moisture
  • Fix it properly
  • Perform remediation correctly

Do not settle for temporary cosmetic fixes.

No. Porous materials such as drywall that are contaminated with mold typically must be removed and properly disposed of.

No. 

  • Paint and caulk do not eliminate mold.
  • Bleach does not properly eliminate mold inside porous materials.
  • Surface cleaning does not fix the moisture source.

If the moisture issue remains, the mold will return.

Always address: the moisture source, proper containment, and professional remediation.

No. Bleach does not properly eliminate mold embedded in porous materials. It may lighten the appearance, but it does not resolve the root issue. Proper remediation requires appropriate biocides, containment procedures, and moisture correction.

Yes. Mold produces allergens and, in some cases, mycotoxins.

Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Common symptoms of a reaction include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Red eyes
  • Skin rash (dermatitis)
  • Hay fever–type symptoms

Allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed.

Yes. Molds produce tiny spores that act as allergens or irritants. In individuals with asthma, especially those allergic to mold, inhaling spores can trigger inflammation in the airways and lead to asthma attacks.

Even individuals who are not allergic may experience respiratory irritation.

Mold does not cause asthma in everyone, but it can absolutely trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.

Yes.

Avoid breathing mold or mold spores, which are airborne when disturbed. Protection is not optional. At minimum, you should wear:

  • An N-95 respirator
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection

Professional remediation crews use full-face respirators, proper filtration cartridges, gloves, and protective clothing. We use a 3M 6900 Full Face Mask with two 929… filters, gloves, and eye protection.

Mold containment is the process of isolating the contaminated area to prevent spores from spreading to unaffected areas (cross-contamination). When mold is disturbed during remediation, spores become airborne. Without proper containment, those spores can travel throughout the structure. Containment typically includes:

  • 6 mil polyethylene plastic sheeting
  • Tape (single or double-sided)
  • Zip poles
  • Zipper openings for controlled entry and exit

All openings, including doors, windows, and vents, must be sealed. HVAC vents are also covered because duct systems efficiently spread spores. Containment may also include:

  • Negative air machines
  • HEPA filtration
  • Air scrubbers
  • Decontamination chambers (larger projects)

Containment protects occupants and ensures the problem doesn’t spread.

“Need” is a strong word.

If you plan to file an insurance claim, the insurance company may require:

  • Professional mold testing
  • A written mold remediation protocol
  • Post-remediation verification testing

A mold remediation protocol is a detailed written plan outlining:

  • The scope of contamination
  • Containment requirements
  • Removal procedures
  • Air filtration requirements
  • PPE requirements
  • Post-remediation verification procedures

The protocol should be written by a licensed mold assessor who is independent of the mold remediator to avoid a conflict of interest.

PUDDLES advises clients to never rely on a remediation protocol written by the contractor performing the remediation work.

Odor Removal

Ozone machines can be implemented to neutralize odors caused by mold and mildew, but to our knowledge, Ozone machines do not remediate mold.

Miscellaneous

Absolutely! We Understand That Dealing With Insurance Claims Can Be Overwhelming, And We’re Here To Help. Our Team Has Experience Working With Various Insurance Providers, And We Can Assist You Throughout The Claims Process, Ensuring You Receive The Compensation You Deserve For The Restoration Work.

Certainly! We Strive To Accommodate Your Schedule As Much As Possible. During The Booking Process, Let Us Know Your Preferred Time, And We’ll Do Our Best To Arrange The Restoration Service At A Convenient Time For You. We Also Offer 24-Hour Emergency Services.

Yes, All Our Technicians Are Certified Professionals With Extensive Experience In Property Restoration. They Undergo Regular Training To Stay Updated With The Latest Industry Standards And Techniques. Additionally, We Are Fully Insured, Providing You With Peace Of Mind Knowing Your Property Is In Capable Hands.

The Cost Of Our Restoration Services Varies Depending On The Extent Of The Damage And The Specific Requirements Of Each Project. We Offer Free Assessments And Estimates, Allowing Our Experts To Evaluate Your Property And Provide You With A Transparent And Accurate Quote Before Proceeding With Any Work.

The Duration Of The Restoration Process Depends On The Nature And Severity Of The Damage. Minor Issues May Be Resolved Within A Few Days, While More Extensive Restoration Projects Can Take Longer. Rest Assured; We Work Efficiently To Complete The Restoration Process Promptly, Ensuring Minimal Disruption To Your Daily Life.

No.

 For Emergency Services, You Can Reach Us 24/7 By Calling Our Dedicated Hotline At (352) 722-3790. Our Customer Support Team Is Ready To Assist You At Any Time Of The Day Or Night.

Alternatively, You Can Also Contact Us Through Our Website To Schedule A Non-Emergency Appointment Or Request More Information About Our Services.

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