Basics About Hiring Home Damage Restoration Company

By the time you're in the market for a home damage restoration company, chances are pretty good that the worst has already happened, and you're now looking for the best way to cope with the disaster and salvage as much as you can of your house and personal possessions.

These companies are often your first call after your home has been damaged by flood, hurricane, tornado, fire, or smoke. In most cases, the quicker you're able to get someone out to survey the damage, the better the chances that your house will be more easily and successfully restored to its former condition.

After an accident or another tragic event, most people are in a state of shock and have no idea how best to even begin coping with the destruction left in the wake of the tragedy. A reputable home restoration company is not just out to make a profit from your family's misfortune, and should always be there, fighting for your interests.

Quality service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is able to get to the scene of the damage fairly quickly. Once there, the company will take photographs and speak to you about the best course of repair. They'll advise you what needs to be done, how quickly it needs to be done, and how much the restoration is going to cost you.

Since it's not only the fact of the devastation to a family's home that causes anxiety and a sense of loss but the stress of figuring out how to pay for the repairs, a restoring company will work with you to file your insurance claim and get it approved quickly. The specialists who work for the company see loss and damage every day, and they have experience working with the system to help get their clients the results they need, figuring out how best to cope with the difficulties in the meantime.

Although most people don't have the time or presence of mind to shop around for a home restoration company in the wake of major damage, it's important to remember that all companies are not created equally.

Choosing one that is a preferred vendor, works with virtually all insurance companies, offers a payment plan, and has all the relevant industry certifications is essential for success. If you're a homeowner, your best bet is to do your research and choose a restoration company you'd trust if the worst should ever happen. Hopefully, it's a call you never need to make, but if you do, you're prepared and able to start rebuilding from the first moment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Stratton/83489

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4622551

Happy Holidays!

May the holiday season bring only happiness and joy to you and your loved ones.

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NFPA requires that smoke alarms are located in several locations throughout the home. This video identifies where they should be placed to ensure adequate protection in the event of a home fire.

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Water and Smoke Damage: Restoring Your Belongings and Home

Smoke damage and water damage can ruin your belongings. Restoration services can save you time and headaches after a sump pump failure, fire, or flood. Don’t be unprepared in case you need water or smoke damage services.

Water Damage: Test Your Water IQ

What can damage your home in many ways. Do you know what is covered and what isn't? This video explains the different types of coverage from burst pipes to torrential floods. Spokespersons: Jeanne M. Salvatore, Insurance Information Institute; Ed Connor, National Flood Insurance Program.

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How To Fix Leaky Faucet - Cartridge

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Triple-I's Mike Barry Discusses Water Damage and Insurance

Triple-I's Mike Barry discusses water damage and insurance on WIOD-AM.

Questions for Your Contractor: Ask These Before You Hire

Your house is your biggest asset so you should do as much as you can to avoid a hiring disaster. But do you know how to conduct the interview with a potential contractor or what types of questions you should ask?

Disaster Preparation Tips for Your Home

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Home Remodeling After a Catastrophe

After a tornado, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster there can be significant damage to a house. This can cause a serious need for repairs and restoration but hopefully, insurance will be available to cover the costs. Instead of simply putting things back to the status quo, why not take the opportunity to do some long-awaited home remodeling and not just fix things but also improve them?

Home remodeling is usually done by demolishing or stripping out the materials in a room or section of the house, so why not just look at the damage as nature's demolition crew. In a way, you might save time and money by having the weather do the dirty work.

After a flood is a great time to look into installing wood floors or renovating a basement. Tornado damage to a wall of the house may be the perfect time to begin that addition or redesign you have been considering. Also, perhaps the loss of many shingles to high wind and heavy rain means that the time has come to re-roof the house. Home remodeling may be the silver lining of the tragedy and catastrophe that has been foisted upon a property owner.

Home remodeling may not be entirely covered by insurance because these liability companies often seek to pay just enough to restore things to the way they were before. That does not mean that a little extra investment or creative use of the insurance settlement cannot be used to improve things. If the building flooded, it is probably worth paying for shoring to lift it and prevent future problems of that kind. If the windows blew out in a hurricane maybe higher wind-speed-rating units can be invested in. In situations where an earthquake cracked the foundation, it can be assessed, sealed, and perhaps retrofitted to prevent against future shifting. Maybe the building even needs to be leveled.

This is not meant to diminish the severity and upsetting aspects of a disaster. Home remodeling instead offers a chance to focus on something else. It is easy to get tied up in worrying and grieving for what was lost in an unexpected disaster. While nobody should entirely ignore and repress their grief, at some point everyone needs a distraction to help them return to normal life. While it may not be able to repair the emotional damage of experiencing these events, perhaps it offers a diversion to heal and move forward. If nothing else, it is a chance to improve the protection of structures from similar future problems.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7014676

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher | Consumer Reports

A fire extinguisher might seem like a simple device, but you would be surprised how many people don’t know how to use one. Consumer Reports’ expert explains how they work.

Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to accessible, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

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Why Are Firetrucks Red?

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Flood After Fire - The Second Disaster

While it may not seem so now, the fires burning all over California will soon be extinguished. And although it may feel like that will be the time to let out a sigh of relief, another threat is close behind. FEMA reminds those living downhill and downstream of burn scar areas are at an increased risk of flooding, and this risk can last for years after a fire. Flooding can be a hazard even if you are not living in what is currently a high-risk flood area.

In the aftermath of wildfires, burn scars are left without the vegetation that can help absorb rainfall. In addition, the soil itself can be left with a hardened crust, almost acting like concrete when redirecting water. These conditions can turn what would normally have been a simple thunderstorm into a flash flood event. These events can come with very little warning.

An additional hazard exists in the form of mudflows, where water picks up ash and debris that have been left behind after a fire. These mudflows can inflict a great deal of damage to your home and property.

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What to Do After a House Fire

These four steps can help you and your family recover.

After suffering a house fire, it might be difficult to determine what to do next. These steps will help you get back on your feet.

• Find a safe place to stay. No matter the amount of damage, you likely can't stay in your own home. If staying with friends or family isn't an option, talk to your local disaster relief agency, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. These organizations will help you find a safe place to stay temporarily.
• Contact your insurance agent. You'll need to start a claim and address your immediate needs. "Loss of use" funds from your insurance policy will cover living and other daily expenses. If you receive these funds or an advance on your claim, save all receipts and keep a detailed record of all purchases. Your insurance agent should also be able to help you secure your property and offer recommendations for cleaning up or restoring salvageable items.
• Address your finances. You'll still need to make mortgage payments — even if your home is destroyed. Your insurance policy, which should cover your home's value and mortgage, will make payments to you and your mortgage lender. Remember: Pay the bank first and put leftover funds toward rebuilding or purchasing a new home. You'll also need to continue any car payments and replace any credit or debit cards that may have been destroyed in the house fire.
• Recover your possessions. Items destroyed in a house fire are usually covered by insurance. Typically, the homeowner's policy is a replacement cost policy. When a loss occurs, you will receive the actual cash value of your damaged items at the time of settlement and may recover the replacement cost once the items have been replaced. To help ensure everything is accounted for, keep an inventory of your possessions. This inventory should include the date of purchase, cost at purchase and description of each item, wherever possible.

Before you find yourself dealing with a loss, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and its coverages. You can understand ahead of time what will be taken care of if a loss occurs — and what your responsibilities are.

Article Source: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/what-to-do-after-a-house-fire

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How Do Homes Burn Down in Wildfires?

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Triple-I Summer 2020 Consumer Poll

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Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to accessible, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

Tips on Returning Home After a Disaster

Tips on returning home after a disaster from the American Red Cross.

Tips on Additional Living Expense Coverage (Wildfire)

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What to Do if Your Property is Damaged or Destroyed in a Wildfire

California is once again dealing with devastation -- more than two dozen major fires and lightning complexes across the state.

For those who have suffered damage to their homes, there is help available.

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Returning To Your Flood Damage Home

Returning home after a natural disaster. This video will discuss how to return to your home for the first time after a natural disaster. This phase normally follows the immediate aftermath and clearances from authorities.

The video goes through a checklist of things to do and look for to ensure the safety of you and your family. The video will highlight things like: what to do if you smell gas, protecting yourself from electrical injuries, wearing waterproof boots to avoid floodwater touching your skin, preventing carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping fuel burning devices outdoors and away from windows, only eat and drink food and water that you know is safe, etc.

What Are the Steps Involved in a Water or Flood Restoration Service?

Water or flood damage can lead to a range of issues, from excessive house humidity levels to structural damage to mold growth. Find out how a professional disaster restoration specialist can help you get your home get back to normal after severe water damage.

Water damage is never a good thing for a home, but severe damage from a flood or a major leak is even worse. The good news, though, is that professional water and flood restoration pros are available to help you through the steps of a successful cleanup process. From initial assessment to professional humidity control procedures, these experts will be able to get your home dried out and restored to a stable state in a timely and thorough manner.

When your home has been severely damaged by water, the first thing to do is to get a water damage restoration professional into the building to perform a comprehensive assessment of the situation. These experts have both the knowledge and the tools to catalog the full extent of the damage, especially when it comes to issues that you can't see. They will also be able to identify burgeoning problem areas--such as a compromised structural element--and will be able to create a restoration plan that targets the most vital areas first so that your home does not sustain any more damage.

Once your restoration team has assessed the situation and designed a plan, they will proceed through a targeted process of water extraction, drying, and home humidity control. The various steps of this water removal process are key. Not only will they get rid of any standing water that has collected, but they will also extract water from porous materials (drying) and from the air (humidity control). A restoration team won't just get rid of the water you can see--they'll use every resource at their disposal to remove all excess moisture from your home in a comprehensive way.

Once the moisture removal steps are dealt with, the actual water restoration work can start. Your restoration pros will do everything they can to make sure your home looks and feels as close to its original state as possible, including:

* Disinfection and mold cleanup
* Deodorizing
* Stain removal
* Contents pack outs and storage

Restoration work means much more than just water or moisture control. It actually means restoring your home to its pre-damage state. Once your home water damage restoration professionals are done, you should notice almost no difference between your home before and after the damage occurred.

The first step in water or flood damage restoration services is assessment and planning, followed by water extraction, dehumidification, and then comprehensive restoration work. When your restoration pros are through, your home will be as close to its original state as it can possibly be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Penny_Q_Jones/1265376

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6940165

Your Home and Wildfire. Choices That Can Make a Difference.

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4 Steps To Help Recover Immediately After A Home Fire

Watch and learn four steps from the American Red Cross to help recover immediately after a home fire.

How To Fix Leaky Faucet - Cartridge

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Disaster Prep: A Simple Way To Make Sure You Recover Your Stuff | Consumer Reports

In the case of a disaster like a house fire -- the more detail you have about your valuables, the more you'll be able to recover in an insurance claim. Consumer Reports says it's a pretty easy thing do to: use your smartphone!

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Happy 4th of July!

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” 

-William Faulkner

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Proper Location of Smoke Alarms

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How to Salvage Your Valuables After Serious Flooding

Saving family keepsakes after a storm can be painstaking, but it's worth it

Heavy rain and severe weather can upend your life. And if you're faced with mucking out your house and tearing out saturated drywall, recovering keepsakes and family treasures might seem like a task for a later day.

But saving your valuables can be a race against the clock—mold can form within 48 hours. To help, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, cosponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, has developed guidelines for how to salvage what you want and dispose of what can’t be saved.

The first step is to determine what type of water you’re dealing with—salty, dirty, or contaminated by sewage or chemicals. If your valuables have come in contact with toxic water during flooding, you might have to call a professional conservator because trying to clean them yourself can be a health risk. If the water was untainted, then take steps to reduce the humidity around your items as you work to clean and dry them. Here’s how from FEMA’s checklist:

Save Your Valuables

Prioritize. You may not be able to save everything after flooding, so focus on what’s most important to you, whether for sentimental or monetary reasons.

"We always hear about dollar-amount damages, but often the losses that affect us the most are the ones to which a dollar amount cannot be assigned," says Lori Foley, administrator of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force. "What do you own that you’d miss terribly if you lost it? Photographs of loved ones in frames, albums, or shoeboxes? Books and paintings passed down through generations? Grandma’s recipe box?"

Air-dry. Gentle air-drying indoors is best. Weather permitting, open your windows to increase indoor airflow. If it’s too hot and humid, use fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Avoid using hair dryers, irons, ovens, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can do irreversible damage.

Handle with care. Delicate items can be especially fragile when wet, so be careful when you handle them. Separate sodden materials by removing photographs from damp albums and taking paintings and prints out of their frames. Place white paper towels between every few pages of wet books.

Clean gently. Loosen dirt and debris on fragile objects carefully with soft cloths and brushes. Avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.

Salvage photos. Clean photographs by rinsing them carefully in clean water. Air-dry photos on a plastic screen or paper towel, or by hanging them by the corners with plastic clothespins. Don’t let the image come into contact with other surfaces as it dries.

Cold storage. Damp objects and items that cannot be dealt with immediately should be put in open, unsealed boxes or bags. If you can’t attend to items within 48 hours, you can put photos, papers, books, and textiles in the freezer and clean them later.

"In general, you can freeze many items that cannot be dried out in 48 hours – photos, books, documents, textiles," says Foley. "Freezing stops mold from growing, ink from running, and dyes from transferring. Freezing items allows you to buy some time to devote to other activities. When you are able, you can return to the frozen items and recover them on your own time."

Dispose of the Debris

Once the waters recede, residents will be able to go back into their homes and start cleaning up, and piles of ruined household belongings will be put on the curb. Cleanup can take months if not years.

Because mold creates a serious health risk, it’s important to remove wet items from your home as soon as possible. FEMA recommends not waiting for your insurance adjuster before cleaning up. Instead, document the flooding damage on your cell phone or camera. Before dragging debris to the curb, check with your municipality on how it wants you to separate items for the garbage haulers. FEMA recommends sorting items into the following six categories:

• Bagged household garbage such as food, packaging, and paper.
• Building materials and furniture, including drywall, carpeting, and mattresses.
• Vegetation debris such as tree branches, plants, and leaves.
• Hazardous household waste, including batteries, paints, and cleaning supplies.
• Large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, and air conditioners.
• Electronics such as TVs, computers, and stereo equipment.

For more information and resources, see FEMA’s After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures.

Article Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/how-to-salvage-valuables-after-flooding/

How to Prevent Water Damage From Household Fixtures - This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows ways to detect and stop common plumbing leaks.

Basics About Hiring Home Damage Restoration Company

By the time you're in the market for a home damage restoration company, chances are pretty good that the worst has already happened, and you're now looking for the best way to cope with the disaster and salvage as much as you can of your house and personal possessions.

These companies are often your first call after your home has been damaged by flood, hurricane, tornado, fire, or smoke. In most cases, the quicker you're able to get someone out to survey the damage, the better the chances that your house will be more easily and successfully restored to its former condition.

After an accident or another tragic event, most people are in a state of shock and have no idea how best to even begin coping with the destruction left in the wake of the tragedy. A reputable home restoration company is not just out to make a profit from your family's misfortune, and should always be there, fighting for your interests.

Quality service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is able to get to the scene of the damage fairly quickly. Once there, the company will take photographs and speak to you about the best course of repair. They'll advise you what needs to be done, how quickly it needs to be done, and how much the restoration is going to cost you.

Since it's not only the fact of the devastation to a family's home that causes anxiety and a sense of loss but the stress of figuring out how to pay for the repairs, a restoring company will work with you to file your insurance claim and get it approved quickly. The specialists who work for the company see loss and damage every day, and they have experience working with the system to help get their clients the results they need, figuring out how best to cope with the difficulties in the meantime.

Although most people don't have the time or presence of mind to shop around for a home restoration company in the wake of major damage, it's important to remember that all companies are not created equally.

Choosing one that is a preferred vendor, works with virtually all insurance companies, offers a payment plan, and has all the relevant industry certifications is essential for success. If you're a homeowner, your best bet is to do your research and choose a restoration company you'd trust if the worst should ever happen. Hopefully, it's a call you never need to make, but if you do, you're prepared and able to start rebuilding from the first moment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Stratton/83489

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4622551

Grilling Fire Safety Tips

This grilling season, NFPA tests your knowledge and demonstrates the proper way to use your grill safely to prevent fires.

CSLB's Easy Way to Find a Licensed Contractor Near You

CSLB shows you how to find a licensed contractor that lives near you. This video was recorded in Davis, CA during one of CSLB's Senior Scam Stopper Seminars.

The Dangers of Consumer Fireworks

Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

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Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to accessible, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

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Whether an air purifier has a replaceable HEPA filter, a permanent filter or a combination of both, they all need regular upkeep. CR walks you through taking care of several different types.

What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

The New Diamond Certified Directory

You’ll find local companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise. Use your Diamond Certified Directory. Performance is Guaranteed. You’ll feel confident choosing with Diamond Certified.

CSLB Shows You Why You Should Always Get 3 Contractor Bids

Contractors State License Board has a perfect example of why you should always ask for bids from at least three different contractors. This video was recorded in Davis, CA during a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar.

10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Drop, Cover, Hold On! What to do When an Earthquake Strikes

With recent earthquake activity in California, Cal OES wants to remind residents to practice the Drop, Cover and Hold On drill. Seismic Hazards Branch Chief Ryan Arba explains the proper way of learning this technique, along with the do’s and don’ts for earthquake safety once shaking commences.

Disaster Preparation Tips for Your Home

With many people at home more often now, prepping your home is a perfect task to do that you may have not had time for before.

Restoring Your Home After Fire and Water Damage

Here are some important things to remember when your home has fire and water damage

NFPA Spring Cleaning

For many of us, springtime means deep cleaning our homes inside and out. As you prepare for the warmer months ahead, keep fire safety in mind. Did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? With a few simple safety tips you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire. NFPA has more safety tips that can help you through your spring cleaning tasks and safety checks.

Why Choose a Diamond Certified Company?

The mission of the Diamond Certified Resource is to define excellence and identify for consumers the highest quality companies in the Greater Bay Area. Only local companies independently rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise earns Diamond Certified.

Six Things You Need to Do After a House Fire

Written by Heidi Petschauer 

You may think a house fire will never happen to you. But what if it does? Are you prepared?

Figuring out what to do after a home fire can be a very stressful and overwhelming process, and it can be hard to decide what to do first. With a little help from your insurance agent, though, you may be able to settle your claim more quickly and get your life back to normal.

Here are the six things you should do after a home fire.

1. Call your insurance agent immediately. You will be getting calls at all hours of the day from public adjusters and contractors who will try to offer you a deal on putting your house back together. These calls can create a lot of stress and confusion. I suggest you speak to no one but your agent to discuss your options at this point in the process.

2. Ask about restoration companies that can help with cleaning up soot, boarding up windows, and other construction. Immediately after a fire, especially if it is a minor one, you’ll need to clean up any soot or water damage. It is important to hire a reputable service to deal with these issues. Ask your agent or insurance adjuster to recommend a few different companies. They deal with these situations more often than you do and likely know of some businesses that fit your needs. Many of these restoration companies have connections to good contractors, engineers, and architects, as well.

3. Separate damaged property from undamaged property. The insurance company will need a detailed inventory list from you after they inspect the loss. Separating your damaged property from your undamaged property will make it easier for you to make a list of your damaged items. This list needs to include the date you purchased each item, the brand name, the price you paid, and the serial number, model, or description of each item. If the item was a gift, be sure to indicate that as well.

It’s a good idea to submit your receipts with this inventory list. If the receipts were destroyed in the fire, or you didn’t keep any receipts, request copies of prior bank statements. This can make obtaining duplicate receipts easier. Keep in mind that photos of any damaged items are always helpful if receipts are not available.

4. Save undamaged property from further destruction. Any items that are not damaged should be put in a safe place, even if it means putting them in storage. Insurance adjusters are typically fair when it comes to adding additional costs for storage.

5. Cooperate fully with the insurance company’s investigation. When a fire claim is reported to an insurance company, it is given top priority. Usually, the adjusters come out to see the loss within 24 to 48 hours. To help settle your claim in a timely manner and to your satisfaction, be sure you are available and on time for all meetings, that you return calls promptly, that any requested paperwork is completed as quickly as possible, and that you contact the company or your agent immediately with any questions.

6. Find somewhere to stay if you can’t live in your home. Most homeowner’s policies include “Loss of Use or Loss of Rents” coverage, which will pay for the food, clothing, and shelter that you and your family may need for a specified period of time. Keep in mind that your policy will pay for “like kind and quality” living arrangements. You may want to save the Ritz for a special occasion and instead stay in a more reasonably priced hotel.

What to do before disaster strikes

• Review your homeowner’s policy to be sure you have replacement cost coverage, loss of use coverage, and adequate dwelling coverage. The last thing you want to hear after a fire is that you were underinsured.

• Save all your receipts and put them in a metal fireproof box or in a storage facility off the premises, such as a safety deposit box. Better yet, scan the receipts and save them to a computer file. Taking a video of your entire home and the possessions within it is the next best thing to receipts. This will show the insurance company what sort of lifestyle you had prior to the claim.

• Be sure to have smoke detectors in every room of your home to ensure that everyone gets out of the house or apartment safely in the event of a fire. Have exit ladders and fire extinguishers handy, and know how to use them.

• Discuss escape strategies and plans with your family prior to a fire, and consider a fire drill to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Article Source: https://blog.equifax.com/credit/six-things-you-need-to-do-after-a-house-fire/

Hire a Professional Fire Damage Cleanup to Restore Your Home

After your house, or a part of it, has been razed and damaged by fire, cleaning and restoring it back to its former glory will be your main concern. However, most homeowners find the task extremely time-consuming, stressful, and dangerous that they would rather hire a professional fire damage cleanup expert to do the job instead.

Repairing and restoring your home back to a habitable state depends on the extent of the damage to your home. Some homes only need a few days of work while severe structural damages take several months to accomplish. With the help of a team of experienced professionals, repairing a fire damaged home is always easier.

Don't be Tempted to do it Yourself, Hire an Expert

You might be tempted by the idea of cleaning the fire damage in your home by yourself. However, doing so can worsen the fire and water damage and even threaten your health. When determining the best way to deal with cleaning fire damage in homes, it can be helpful to know some of the best options available to you.

Perhaps the best thing that you could do after a house fire is to enlist the service of a professional restoration company. Since they are expert in this kind of work, they could surely take good care of your home's cleanup, repair, and restoration in no time.

Choose expert cleanup professional

When hiring for fire cleanup damage, be sure to hire a team who holds impeccable reputation and shows pertinent license, experience, skills, and equipment that will help them perform their task and restore your home back to its former glory.

The SOP after fire damage is to conduct a fire damage assessment to find out the extent of the damage and to plan out the necessary steps to be taken for a successful cleanup. Most of the time fire cleanup professionals begin by taking away the excess moisture as soon as detected. Failure in this aspect will make your home susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew, which in turn makes it a breeding ground for diseases that could harm the health of your family.

Stop Fire Damage from Destroying your Home

Though you can't prevent fire from razing your home, the good thing is you could stop fire damage from further eating up your house with the help of a professional restoration company. Now, restoring your home from fire damage should no longer be a serious cause of concern since there's a team of professionals that are willingly offering their hands for your home's benefit. This does not only unburden you from the heavy responsibility of cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing your home. It also saves you time and money in the long run, especially if your homeowner's insurance is generous enough to cover the cost for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Will_Wallace/729105

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5607062

Fire Safety Considerations for Hand Sanitizer

With the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, more hand sanitizer is being used and stored than ever before. In this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal®, we learn what safety considerations should be made when storing this flammable liquid, especially in large quantities.

Water and Smoke Damage: Restoring Your Belongings and Home

Smoke damage and water damage can ruin your belongings. Restoration services can save you time and headaches after a sump pump failure, fire, or flood. Don’t be unprepared in case you need water or smoke damage services.

Diamond Certified Resource Commercial – Home Improvement

When you use Diamond Certified Resource you can find local companies rated highest in quality and helpful expertise. Performance guaranteed.

Things to Consider If You Need a Restoration Service

When you find yourself the victim of a natural disaster or fire and water damage, it is only natural to feel as if you have lost everything. Don't despair and lose hope. When disaster strikes, don't assume that all is lost. Simply contact a restoration service and let them take care of everything. Keep in mind that at first, you may be shocked about what has happened to your home, but with the right team of professionals on your side, you can and will get through this ordeal.

You are going to need to do some things before the restoration service can get started. One of those things is to file a police report so that your insurance company will cover the cost to fix any damaged components of your home. A reputable restoration service can get things back to normal the fastest way possible. If some part of your home needs to be rebuilt because of extensive damage or if some part just needs to be remodeled, you don't have to go out looking around for a company that would be willing to take on your home with the type of damage it has sustained.

There are several reasons why you should hire a professional company. One is because emergencies and disasters can happen any time of day or night. You don't want to have to wait for assistance if it is after hours. By hiring a professional team, you have assistance available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are there at your beck and call to help.

Because there is so much urgency in times of dire need, it may not be possible for you to properly screen all contractors that offer a restoration service. That is why you should hire a restoration service that has employees. A reputable company will be certified by several government agencies, in addition to having all of the required credentials and insurances for your protection. When you are faced with this type of situation, it is best to get started right away to reduce the severity of your loss or damage. The right company will get your property secured and cleaned up in no time.

You want to hire a company that will work with your insurer so you don't have any unexpected or out of pocket expenses. They can fill out the necessary paperwork and speed up the processing time for your claim. This will help you to get back on your feet.

Keep in mind that you need to hire a restoration service that is available around the clock. They need to have workmen's compensation insurance and liability insurance on all of their workers. The longer they have been in business shows how well they cater to the needs of their customers. Ultimately, you want a company that can take care of all of your needs from start to finish, which will make the whole process less stressful and easier to deal with.

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

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Home Restoration Services - Different Types, Services and Precautions

Restoration can be defined according to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (1975) as a process that is 'a bringing back to a former position or condition.' Restoration is a necessity for antique lovers when it comes to preserving the beautiful framework, historical importance, and aesthetics. Yet sometimes it is just an unavoidable process due to natural calamities or other damages. At times there can be some sentimental or traditional memories to be taken care of. But regardless of the reason behind restoration, it is always the highest concern of both the restorer and the client to return back into the home's original shape and design.

Types of restoration services:

Three major types of damages affecting the homes can be mentioned, for which home restoration services are needed:

1. Water Damage restoration services

Water damages can range from natural catastrophe to simple faults in household contents, like floods, heavy rains, toilet overflow, plumbing leaks, dishwasher leakage etc. Whatever the reason is, it causes great damage to homes and is often followed by molds.

2. Fire and Smoke Damage restoration services

Fire damages can take place due to heavy lightning strikes to simple candle fire, even smoking. It also includes faulty wires or electrical equipment, natural gases and fireworks. It is the most dangerous form of damages, as it can spread out so easily and frequently destroying even a whole city.

3. Mold Damage restoration services

Due to poor ventilation, high humidity and darkness molds start to grow at homes. Molds are also side-effects of water damages. And sometimes it occurs to a greater extent because of not taking it seriously at the very initial stage.

Steps in restoration services:

Whatsoever the damage type is, at first the restoration team will monitor the place thoroughly and after analyzing they will make a plan to execute. Then they will take the necessary steps according to the damage type. Generally, the steps include limiting the damage, draining out excessive water (if any), evaporating contents, helping family members in disinfection, odor treatment, cleaning up the residues and lastly decontaminating everything.

Precautions to be taken:

Both a huge amount of expenses and effort can be saved if several precautions can be maintained. Using waterproof materials for household contents and raising the electrical systems' level can prevent severe water damage. Incorrect cleaning and using defective electrical appliances should be avoided. Smoke alarms and fire exit doors should be planned for each and every house. Using organic materials and controlling moisture at home can prevent molds to grow.

Health hazards:

There are possibilities of being highly infected by these damages, especially molds. It can be allergic reactions, fungal infections, asthma problems and also inflammatory infections. So molds must be taken care of at the early stages.

Time plays a vital role in affecting the walls, rooftops, furniture, electronic appliances and everything else as a result of these damages. So it should be treated with high priority as soon as possible, as it spreads out fast with time. Also the right procedure and appropriate materials usage count regarding this. It is highly recommended to contact with home restoration professionals in all above cases. At the time of restoration process, some factors should be kept in mind with high priority, such as: using cheaper painting, mixing different types of materials, lack of knowledge etc. can even lower the durability.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9189026

Top Reasons To Contact A Water Damage Restoration Company

Water damage restoration companies know how to restore a structure after a flood or storm. They can help you if you have a flood because of a leaky pipe, plumbing problem, broken appliance, or a leaky roof. A flood can cause a myriad of problems. Here are the top reasons why people should turn to water damage restoration companies when tragedies strike.

Prevent Structural Damage And Mold

Water and excessive moisture can cause structural damage to a house, apartment, or building. That' why you need to hire a water damage restoration specialist. Leaving a serious mold problem untreated can also cause structural damage. Water damage and a mold problem can cost you thousands of dollars to fix, so make sure you hire a professional before it's too late. If you are not sure if you have a mold problem, a specialist can inspect your home and check this for you. After a rainy season, it is always a smart idea to get your home checked for mold, leaks, and other problems.

Professionals Have The Right Tools

The professionals have specialized equipment and all the right tools to get the job done. They use high-powered vacuums, drying equipment, professional cleaning supplies, and other high-tech equipment, and they will make sure the water gets extracted from your home quickly. They will also dry out your home and deodorize it when they are finished. You can contact a water damage restoration company if you need to extract water from your furniture, rugs, carpets, basement, bedrooms, kitchen, or living room. A professional will decide what kind of technique is needed based on your needs and situation.

Fixing Water Damage Can Be Dangerous

Please remember that water damage jobs should be left for the experienced professionals. If you aren't an experienced professional, you can hurt yourself or someone else. Don't take any risks when it comes to your safety and the safety of your family and pets and get the help that you need. The professionals are experts when it comes to water damage restoration and they will send a clean-up crew to your home, so you will feel good knowing that the job will be done quickly.

Prevent Damage To Your Home And Belongings

You can prevent permanent damage by contacting a professional right after you have a flood or emergency. Fixing water damage can cost you a lot of money, so don't procrastinate.

Get Rid Of Bad Odors

A reliable company will eliminate the bad odors from your home. Not only will they will extract the water, dry your home out, clean your furniture, rugs, and carpets, but they will also deodorize your home and make sure it smells clean and fresh when they are finished with the job.

Other Services These Companies Offer

these types of companies also offer other services including fire damage repair, air duct cleaning, wind damage repair, storm damage repair, smoke removal, odor removal, upholstery cleaning, duct cleaning, home inspections and things of that nature.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5737857

What To Do After A Fire: Think Straight And Sort It Out

Experiencing a fire at one's residence is very frightening, disturbing and upsetting. However, once the fire is out, there are a few very important things one needs to do. Recovering from the fire may take some time and many of the things that need doing are probably new to the home-owners. The damage caused to the property is not only from the fire itself but also the secondary damage from the smoke and the water and chemicals that are used to put out the fire. Here is a short guideline on what to do after a fire.

The first thing that is to be taken care of is protecting oneself from further losses. You will want the site protected from further damage by weather, theft or vandalism. The site left unsecured, could result in further damage. If the house has been left unsafe by the fire and one has to stay elsewhere, then the local police is notified before you leave, so that they can keep an eye on the property. Also, you will want to remove all valuables from the house.

Next, watch out for the electric wiring, gas or fuel, and any structural damages such as weakening of walls, roofs, etc. because of the fire. Power should only be turned back on after seeking professional advice. Edibles and medicines were probably damaged by the fire, and so check them and discard if needed in the proper way.

If you have insurance, collect all the receipts for the money spent on the fire loss and keep them for the perusal of the insurance company. You should keep all the damaged goods as well, until after they are shown to the insurance people. The sooner you contact the insurance company, the quicker they can process the claims as the damage is more easily investigated. If one has to leave home, one should leave the alternate contact options with the insurance professionals. You could also ask the insurance people to recommend the best fire damage restoration companies according to them.

Depending on the type of fire damage that occurred, the type of restoration done is also different. The restoration work could be done by property management teams, building maintenance staff or the homeowners themselves, if the damage is minimal, however, it is best to ask for professional help. This is because they are trained on fire damage restoration, not to mention their extensive experience.

To sum up, one shouldn't lose one's head after a fire. You want to take action to secure the site and the necessary precautions are taken care of. The insurance company and the police should be notified at once. In case one has to leave the premises, one should take identification, vital medicines and valuables along, and tell the important people of the new contact details. Let's not lose our heads over what to do after a fire.

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 the details like what to do after a fire, damage repair 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/expert/Ariel_Norton/975691

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Home Remodeling After a Catastrophe

After a tornado, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster there can be significant damage to a house. This can cause a serious need for repairs and restoration but hopefully, insurance will be available to cover the costs. Instead of simply putting things back to the status quo, why not take the opportunity to do some long-awaited home remodeling and not just fix things but also improve them?

Home remodeling is usually done by demolishing or stripping out the materials in a room or section of the house, so why not just look at the damage as nature's demolition crew. In a way, you might save time and money by having the weather do the dirty work.

After a flood is a great time to look into installing wood floors or renovating a basement. Tornado damage to a wall of the house may be the perfect time to begin that addition or redesign you have been considering. Also, perhaps the loss of many shingles to high wind and heavy rain means that the time has come to re-roof the house. Home remodeling may be the silver lining of the tragedy and catastrophe that has been foisted upon a property owner.

Home remodeling may not be entirely covered by insurance because these liability companies often seek to pay just enough to restore things to the way they were before. That does not mean that a little extra investment or creative use of the insurance settlement cannot be used to improve things. If the building flooded, it is probably worth paying for shoring to lift it and prevent future problems of that kind. If the windows blew out in a hurricane maybe higher wind-speed-rating units can be invested in. In situations where an earthquake cracked the foundation, it can be assessed, sealed, and perhaps retrofitted to prevent against future shifting. Maybe the building even needs to be leveled.

This is not meant to diminish the severity and upsetting aspects of a disaster. Home remodeling instead offers a chance to focus on something else. It is easy to get tied up in worrying and grieving for what was lost in an unexpected disaster. While nobody should entirely ignore and repress their grief, at some point everyone needs a distraction to help them return to normal life. While it may not be able to repair the emotional damage of experiencing these events, perhaps it offers a diversion to heal and move forward. If nothing else, it is a chance to improve the protection of structures from similar future problems.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7014676

How to Disinfect Your Remote | Consumer Reports

With the coronavirus spreading, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine cleaning of any "high-touch" surfaces in your home, including your remote control

3 Insurance Rules After Disaster Hits Your Home

I. Avoiding Insurance Disaster.

It seems like whenever catastrophe strikes, insurance problems rear their ugly head. It might be your home isn't sufficiently covered to pay for repairing the damage. Or, you might be the victim of unfair adjusting practices, such as a carrier that would rather fight than pay its fair share.

In a disaster such as fire, flood or earthquake, you might not even know who your insurance company is, since your policies and other important documents may well be cold ash or soggy trash.

If you suffer a disaster and have to make a claim on your insurance, keep these three principles in mind:

II. Get a Copy of Your Policy and read It.

Insurance always begins with a written contract. So, the first thing that needs to be done when getting ready to make a claim is to get a copy of every policy that might possibly provide coverage for your damaged property and read them all from front to back.

If you don't have the policy forms because they were lost, destroyed or are otherwise unavailable, you'll have to get policy reconstructions from the insurance company. Requests can be made to your agent or directly to the insurance company's policy services department. If you don't remember who your insurance company is, you'll need to do a little detective work. Start with your checking account. A review of your banking records may well lead you to every insurer that might provide coverage for the damaged property.

III. Check your coverages.

Your insurance policy provides coverage for certain types of loss and excludes coverage for others. That's why it's important to get a copy of the contract right at the beginning.

One issue that frequently arises following a catastrophic loss is the damaged property was not adequately insured in the first place. Where an agent or broker provided you with professional advice on the appropriate coverage or bound coverage based upon their own professional expertise, there may be a claim for professional negligence where the property isn't properly protected.

IV. Watch out for Time Limits

Property insurance contracts generally have their own time limits, called "statute of limitations," built in, and the period in which to file suit to enforce the contract is generally less than the period that applies to a plain vanilla written contract.

When in doubt, consult a legal professional about what time limits will apply to your claim. Be proactive. Once you have a loss, there is a clock ticking somewhere that might limit your ability to recover policy benefits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/586228

How to Sanitize Your Home | Consumer Reports

You can use common household products to fight the novel coronavirus.

Every Second Counts in a Home Fire!

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds.

This video is intended to convey safety messages in a light hearted entertaining way. It is not intended for children. (Adults should play an important role in reinforcing safety messages for children.) This video highlights critical elements of home escape planning and practice that can ensure a safe escape, as well as missteps that waste precious time and jeopardize safety.

Categories of Water Damage Explained

Water can enter a building in many ways. Local flooding, leaking roofs and broken plumbing are all potential water sources that can cause damage to belongings and possible structural damage as well as create potential indoor environmental and indoor air quality concerns.

It’s important for people to understand what type of water has entered a structure so that it can be properly remediated and appropriate measures can be taken to protect workers and building occupants from any potential hazards.

Depending on the water source and possibly the length of time it remains in a building, it may contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, protozoa and even parasites. There are three categories of water that are typically used when classifying a water damage or flooding event. These include:

Category 1 Water, also known as Clean Water, does not typically result in an immediate health threat to building occupants. This type of water is considered clean at its point of release. Examples include broken water supply lines and the overflow of a sink or tub. Even in properties with this type of initial water damage, mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 hours. It may also become increasingly contaminated over time and as it interacts with materials in the property.

Category 2 Water, also known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidentally consumed. Examples include water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, that is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant for some time, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.

Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water.

These are just a few things to know about categories of water in water damaged buildings, to learn more about this, please contact the professionals at Jimmy Garza Emergency Water Removal today.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. Alltek Restoration specializes in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well-executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

We serve the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Merced, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus

https://alltekrestoration.net