Sunday, February 26, 2017

Should You Do Water Damage Cleanup Yourself Or Hire a Professional?



Has your home gotten water damaged and now you need to do water damage cleanup, but are not sure if you should do this yourself or hire a professional? The answer is completely up to you, but to help you make the smart choice for your cleanup you need to know some important information about water cleanup.
Before the water cleanup can be done it is important to determine all the areas that will need to be cleaned. If you have carpet where the water damage was then the carpet will need to be pulled up to remove the water underneath it. Then if the carpet can be cleaned you can clean it or if it is damaged beyond repair then you will have to remove it.
You will also need to watch for water in the walls which can be very hard to clean up if you don't know how to do it correctly. The professionals have the knowledge and expertise to cleanup water from anywhere it is found. This is knowledge that you will have to take time to learn before you can do cleanup if you want to ensure that it is done right.
Another thing that will have to be done is to check the ceilings for sagging, dampness and brown stains. If the problem is really bad then the ceiling will have to be replaced. Insulation will also have to be discarded if it is wet so that the joists can dry and then new insulation will need to be installed.
No matter where the water cleanup needs to be done you have to always be conscious of the wires and electrical outlets because water around these areas can easily cause electrocution. For many people this is reason enough for them to hire professionals because not knowing what you are doing can be really dangerous for you.
Professionals know the dangers and are prepared to deal with them without injuring themselves or someone else. Plus, any areas of your home that are wet will have to be sanitized and this can be hard to do if you don't have the knowledge for it.
If you don't sanitize the area then you can end up with mold and bacteria which will be unhealthy for anyone living in your home.
Now that you know this important information about water damage cleanup; all that remains is to take the time to decide if you want to attempt the cleanup yourself or if you are going to hire a professional to do it for you. Just remember that this type of cleanup can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and this will help you make up your mind about the smart choice for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4707460

Thursday, February 23, 2017

How To Find A Reliable Company For Resolving Fire Damage Repairs



Disasters can happen at any moment. They can come in the form of floods, earthquakes, or fire outbreaks. No matter the reason for the disaster, it is essential to resolve the damage to bring your regular life back to normalcy. If you see huge loss due to fire in your home, it might be the time to call a professional restoration company to handle the fire damage repairs.
Unfortunately, many people lack necessary information about choosing the right company. Some homeowners choose the very first company they come across. However, this is not the right way to go about this task. You could end up putting a big hole in your budget if the company charges you exorbitantly for its services. Similarly, you won't be able to enjoy top class restoration services if the chosen company is not a professional one. To avoid such scenarios, it is advisable to stay away from such companies.
Instead hunt for a company that can give quality restoration service for fire damage repairs. Finding such a company is certainly not an easy chore. In fact, it can take a toll of any person to spot the right company. Still, you can ease your search and save time by acting prudently. First and foremost, enquire with your relations and acquaintances. People who have hired any company for fixing their fire damages will certainly come handy in this matter. They can let you know the contact details of the company. Moreover, they will give a brief overview of the company and its services.
Seeking help from your coworkers and colleagues at your workplace is another great idea. If any of these people are familiar with a reliable company that renders restoration services for fire damage repairs, they will direct you to that particular company. Similarly, people living in your neighboring areas are also worth enquiring in this respect. If you are unable to find a reliable company for resolving fire damages through offline sources, hit the internet.
A number of reliable companies you can find on the net that offer restoration services for fire damage. Surf the web using relevant search terms, and pen down the names of trusted companies that are popular for rendering quality services at affordable rates. Obtain detailed quotation from these companies to choose the best one for your particular problem. After comparing different companies, settle with the company that provides effective and quality restoration services for fire damage repairs at pocket-friendly rates.
We all hope to never be there, but when a disaster happens to your home you want to be sure that you have the right coverage on your insurance to help you through those tough times. You don't want to have to think about all of details like fire damage repairs, restoration assessments, and insurance claims. Finding a great company online to handle all of this for you would be the best option for you and your family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7935535

Monday, February 20, 2017

Minimizing the Damage - Tips For Handling a Home Flooding Emergency


Homes can get flooded for a variety of different reasons: natural disaster, broken water pipes, snow melt, and many more. Regardless of how the water got there, it is absolutely essential to get it out as soon as possible. Here are some tips that will help you handle a home flooding emergency with a minimal amount of damage.

Safety First

Make sure that all family members are safe and accounted for: no matter how much you value your belongings, your loved ones are the only things that are absolutely irreplaceable! If you have small children, make arrangements for them to live elsewhere while you tend to clean-up efforts. Even if your water damage is confined to just one area (such as the basement), you need to turn off your gas and electrical supply immediately for optimum safety. Once your gas is turned off, do not attempt to start it up again yourself: leave it to a utilities professional.

Ventilate

To minimize dangerous and possibly toxic mold and mildew growth, start ventilating your house as soon as possible, even while you still have standing water. Open all the windows in your house and let as much air in as safety allows.

Photograph Everything Then Salvage

Before undertaking salvaging efforts, make sure to take plenty of photographs to use as proof for your insurance company: proper documentation will be essential if you plan on filing a claim. Prioritize the importance of your belongings, and start salvaging the most important hard-to-dry items first such as photographs.

Call a Disaster Cleanup Service Immediately

Most experts agree that severe water damage sets in within 48 hours, so it is critical to contact a disaster cleanup service in your area immediately. They will get rid of standing water using the latest technologies, repair and restore existing structures, and advise you on how to best salvage your precious possessions. They will dry and disinfect your home, making it a safe sanctuary for your family again. Cleaning up after a flooding incident can be overwhelming as well as dangerous: a disaster cleanup service will be a valued ally in helping you get your life back to normal.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carolyn_Ethington/466816

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

Water Damage Restoration: Assessing Damages to Your Home


Water damage can occur in a home or business for a variety of reasons such as a leaky roof, burst pipes, a flood, or even as part of an effort to put out a fire. Once your home or business incurs water damage however, regardless of the source, you must act quickly to control and contain the damage.
Water damage restoration is done by professional companies with the goal of restoring property back to its original, non-damaged condition. The company will come in, assess the damage and what was affected and place a value on your loss and their service to restore your property.

Your water restoration company will determine what category of water damage you have from a scale of one to four. Level one damage is light water damage to one area or one room where the carpet is not saturated. Level two damage usually involves at least one entire room with saturated carpet and wicking up the wall 12 to 24 inches. Level three water damage generally involves overhead damage such as from a leaky ceiling and a saturated room. Level four is the highest damage number and is reserved for deep saturation such as from a flood.

In addition to determining the level of damages to your home, the water damage restoration team will also need to determine the level of water contamination. Level one water contamination, for example, is classified as clean water such as from a broken water pipe. Level two water contamination may contain some contaminants that may cause illness if ingested and is considered grey water. This can be from a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher overflow or a toilet bowl overflow that does not contain feces but may contain urine, for example. Level three is considered black water and is considered the most unsanitary. This can come from a toilet overflowing with feces, sewage spillage or flood waters from a river or canal for example. Black water is considered unsanitary and has the potential to cause illness or death if ingested. Standing water can also fall into this category regardless of the source.

Once these assessments are made, your water damage restoration team will work to get the water out. This may require pumping standing water out of the home and sucking the water out of the carpet and flooring. The next step will be to remove any dry wall that has wicking and potentially removing and replacing insulation and structural beams if damaged. Flooring may have to be removed to be dried out or replaced depending on the type of water contamination that has occurred.

Once the company dries, deodorizes and sanitizes they will leave their equipment in place for a few days to continue drying the home and returning the temperature and moisture levels to normal. After two to three days they will reassess the home. If it has reached pre-water damage dryness, the equipment is removed and your home is restored.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Aaliyah_Arthur/663273

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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Home Smoke Alarm Basics



NFPA's Sharon Gamache discusses the latest information on types of smoke alarms you need, their placement and special features. Working smoke alarms give you early warning to help you escape a fire.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

What Are the Steps Involved in Water or Flood Damage Restoration Work?


When it comes to water damage, the major issue is that you usually can't see the full extent of the problem with the naked eye. This is where a professional water or flood disaster restoration team comes in. With their specialized tools, equipment, and knowledge, these experts will be able to properly assess the situation, fully dry and restore your home, and check in afterward to make sure the restoration is complete. That means that you don't have to worry about lingering dampness, mold, or bacteria growth. Instead, you can get back to enjoying your home in comfort.

If you've experienced water damage in your home and you call on a water and flood restoration service for assistance, the first thing they will do is to perform a moisture assessment. Your restoration company will determine the location or source of the moisture and the extent of the area affected. This part of the process ensures that all the damage is taken into account--even the parts not visible--before the restoration process begins. Once the assessment has been made, your restoration professionals will use specialized equipment to remove standing water, complete drying with air movement, and clean any carpeting thoroughly. With these different steps, your restoration professionals will be able to totally dry your home and sanitize the area.

After the core drying out work comes the most important part of the water damage restoration process: the follow-up. Water damage is a very difficult problem to deal with because it can be so hidden. Even if you get the most thorough flood or water damage remediation company in to take care of the problem, it's possible that there will be a lingering issue or dampness somewhere. However, most restoration professionals offer follow-up services because they know of this potential. After completing the restoration and drying work, and depending on the severity of the damage, they will either come back for a post-job assessment, or you can call them if you notice any issues. This crucial stage in the restoration process should not be skipped. If there's any chance that some dampness may have gone untreated, get it taken care of immediately so that it doesn't lead to more serious issues down the line.

Experiencing flood or water damage in your home is unpleasant, but it does not have to be an impossible situation. With assessment, restoration, and follow-up services provided by a professional water restoration company, you can get your home back to normal in no time.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Maria_Allen/914516

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Wednesday, February 8, 2017

House Fire Damage - What to do Before & After



There is no such thing, though, as being too prepared in the event of any sort of unexpected loss.

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Fire Safety - Have Two Ways Out


Plan and practice home fire drills at least twice a year. Make sure you know two ways out of each room.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

How to Avoid the Biggest Remodeling Mistakes | Consumer Reports


Consumer Reports surveyed more than 300 general contractors to find the missteps they see homeowners make. Here's their list, and some tips to help you sidestep those errors.