Water Damage Clean Up: Do's and Don'ts

It has always happened to someone else. However, this time it is you. Whether your child left the water on, your pipes broke, your washing machine leaked, or there was a storm that decided to make its presence known inside your house; you now have a lot of water where it should not be. You know that what you do now can impact whether or not parts of your house and your belongings can be salvaged. However, you are probably not sure of exactly what to do or not to do when it comes to water damage clean up. Thankfully, these types of events do not happen very often, but that means not many know what to do when it does.

Safety First

First and foremost, be sure that you and anyone helping you remain safe while trying to clean up from water damage. Many types of hazards can be present with water leakage, including the potential for electrical shock. If you are ever unsure if the area or situation is safe or not to enter, to stop water loss, or to begin clean up, wait for the professionals to arrive.

Prevent More Damage

Remember to stay calm. Losing your head during an urgent situation such as this can lead to more damage, more problems, and the potential for you or others to get injured. If possible, stop the water loss. This may require the services of a professional plumber or your local water department. Locate and turn off the breaker to the affected areas before you remove or unplug any and all electronics.
Use aluminum foil to prevent furniture stains on your carpet by placing it under furniture legs. If the water is deeper, you can use plastic bowls or buckets on the legs of the furniture. Remove any draperies and rugs from the area. Also remove any wall decorations if the walls are affected. Empty drawers and cupboards of all items in order to help them dry quicker and easier. Turn on your air conditioning unit to help decrease drying time, but only if the unit is not located in the affected area.

Dont's

Do not use your vacuum cleaner. This can cause electrical shock and can damage the unit. Use a mop or s squeegee if the area allows. Do not place newspaper in the area as the ink can be transferred to the wet carpet and cause a permanent stain. If the ceiling is wet, do not turn on light fixtures or ceiling fans.

A water leak and subsequent water damage can be a very stressful situation and lead to many uncertainties. However, it is important to remain calm and make safety a priority when this happens. Following these tips for dealing with a water leak can help prevent further damage from occurring and give you peace of mind that you did all.

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Overcoming Fire Damage to Your Business

Fire damage to your business can be so disheartening. When this happens, you will have to stop your business for a time, and this probably will mean lost money. If you find yourself in a situation like this, you would be wise to call some type of restoration services to help you get your business back on its feet. It may be a long road, but hopefully you will be able to have most things restored.

As you look for a company to help restore your business from the fire damage, you should consider several aspects of the companies that you find before choosing one. You should make sure that they are trustworthy, client-centered, and efficient. Each of these areas will help your experience to be a better one in the restoration process.

It is important to find a trustworthy restoration company because of the many items in your office to which the company will have access. Depending on your business, you may have a lot of personal information of individuals that needs to stay protected. Thankfully, computer systems help keep things hidden a little better than in the past. There will still be the need for discretion. Make sure the company guarantees the integrity of their workers.

Finding a client-centered restoration service for fire damage is also important. When you are going through something like this, you want to have good customer service. A client-centered approach will put your needs ahead of the company's. They should work with your timeline and strive to get things done by the date you set. They should also be sensitive as they deal with you concerning the loss of materials from your business. Everything in an office is not professional. You may have lost items of personal value.

Efficiency is also something to consider. The company should come in, give you a quote as to the cost, take the items they believe can be restored, and give you a prospective time frame for restoration. You should also give them a time for when you desire the items to be returned, and hopefully they will be able to work with you on that.

All of these areas are important traits of a restoration business for fire damage. No business owner wants to even consider having the office burn. It really could be a nightmare. Thankfully, with the right help that is available today, the nightmare may be cut short, and hopefully, the items that you thought would be lost will not be.

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Get Professional Help for Renovation After a Disaster

Nowadays, global warming has become a major cause for frequent natural disasters. Disasters like floods and tornadoes leave homes in a miserable state. Without professional help, restoration would become quite a difficult job. Therefore, it is advisable to hire professional help to restore your home.
A few benefits of hiring professional help are:

Expertise & Experience

Professional firms have years of experience of restoring houses and will be able to mend your damaged house more appropriately. Their expertise in this field will enable them to clean up your house and utilize the waste more efficiently. The trained crew will be able to perform the job much better than you as you probably lack the required knowledge and expertise in the area.

Equipment

If you plan to restore your home yourself, you will have to purchase tool sets or other equipment to help you with the task. Professional teams have all the required tools and equipment needed for the job. Moreover, their professional equipment will have better features and will be able to execute tasks more efficiently and quickly than tools and equipment you may have bought for yourself.

Finance

Restoring the house yourself may cost you more than you may have calculated. You may be missing a few resources like nails, drill, paint etc. which you will be required to buy. A restoration company has all the required resources and will cost you a reasonable amount of money.

Professional Support in Legal Matters

After a disaster, you may want to file a claim with your insurance company to receive compensation for the restoration costs of your house. Filing a claim is a lengthy, time-consuming and hectic process. Having professional help in such matters will help you get through all the legal processes and formal documentation. They will also get you a fair price for your claim than you would have been able to get for yourself as insurance companies usually try to exploit the lack of knowledge of their customers and underestimate the value of the destroyed property.

Compliance with Official Construction Guidelines

A professional restoration company will be aware of all the guidelines set by higher authorities for home restoration and will adhere to them. Their compliance to those guidelines will reduce the possibility of your house getting damaged by a disaster in the future.

Lastly, and most importantly, hiring a professional team to carry out the restoration of your home will give your mind some rest. You will already be undergoing trauma and recovering emotionally from the tragedy. A professional restoration firm will take a portion of your stress away.

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Water Damage FAQ

What causes water damage?

The most obvious causes of water damage, and those that cannot be avoided, are severe forces of nature, such as hurricanes or floods. Water damage also can occur when a fire is extinguished, from leaking pipes, and malfunctioning washing machines and heaters, as well as leaks in your roofing and siding and from defective gutters, which will cause water to pool around your property and potentially leak into your basement.

What areas of my property should I watch regularly for damage?

Water damage can occur in every area of your home and property, but there are certain areas that, if damaged, are more problematic and should be watched closely. Check the plumbing pipes and connections in your home's bathrooms and kitchen as well as any pipelines in your basement or crawl spaces for standing water and leaks.

What are some hidden signs of water damage?

Some of these signs include peeling paint and wallpaper, splotches of mold, moisture and condensation, a musty smell and moisture in your carpet or other flooring.

Are there any tools or pieces of equipment that are important for detecting and dealing with water damage?

Moisture detectors are important since moisture can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Leak detectors are used for finding hidden water leaks, including those in walls and crawl spaces. Other tools you can use are dehumidifiers and water extractors to help repair water damage.

What actions do I take when I first notice the damage?

Immediately following a water-related incident, call your insurance provider to inform him/her of the damage. If your home is severely damaged, determine whether it is structurally safe to enter. If not or you are unsure, immediately make arrangements to stay elsewhere.

What steps can I take to minimize the damage?

If your home is structurally sound and before the restoration professionals arrive, turn off your home's power, water and natural gas supplies. Cover damaged windows, doors, walls and roof areas with plywood or plastic sheeting to protect your interior from the elements.

Does water damage cause mold?

Water damage certainly has the potential to cause the growth of mildew and mold. Because mold thrives in moist and warm environments, any place that is wet (and especially humid) is a perfect place for mold to grow.

How can I prepare for expected water intrusion from a storm?

The best way to keep water from becoming a major problem is to prepare your property before the damage occurs. One thing you should be sure to know is how to cut-off the power in your home in case of a flood. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

How can I help speed the repair of my home and property after a storm?

Documenting your property's damage and relaying the information to your restoration professional can make for a speedier repair. Inspect the exterior of your home for damage. Check out your roofing structure and document any shingles missing or in need of repair. Also note if your chimney or the flashing surrounding it is damaged or missing and list any damages to your gutters. Check your home's siding for warped or loose boards. Note signs of water intrusion through your home's windows and doors and don't forget to check the access points to your basement.

How can I remove standing water easily?

The first step to removing standing water from within your home is to sweep it outdoors. Any standing water left on carpeted areas should quickly be removed with a wet-vac. The removal of standing water is crucial for salvaging your home's carpeting and could save you money.

How does the water removal process work?

Several steps are taken to remove water from your property in the event of a flood, hurricane or other water-related disaster. First, the water will be removed from the property. Once the water is removed, a dehumidification process will begin to dry the wet areas. Next, evaporation of the water will occur, and, finally, the air will be tested to ensure that all water and moisture is gone from the property and won't cause any further problems.

Other processes involved with water damage restoration include wet carpet restoration, odor control, fabric restoration, mold remediation, and dry wall and wood floor restoration.

What are the different categories of water?

There are three basic categories of water. The type of water in your property will help determine the extent of the damage and how the water will be removed.

The first category of water is clean water than poses no harm to people. This includes water damage caused by a sink or bathtub overflow or an appliance malfunction.

The second category of water is called gray water. This category includes water that has a significant amount of contamination, which can be chemical, physical and/or biological. Gray water can cause harm and illness to those who are exposed to or drink it.

The third category of water is known as black water. This water is very unsanitary and contains pathogenic agents coming from other contaminated water sources. It can cause discomfort and illness to those who are exposed to or who drink it. Black water can come from sewage and flood waters from rivers and streams.

What should I do to protect my valuables?

If your home is too damaged to secure, remove valuables to a storage facility or the home of a trusted friend or family member. If your home is secured against intrusion, transfer valuable belongings to a safe and dry place within your home. Relocate water-damaged items, such as furniture, clothing and rugs, to an area of your home that is dry.

Does home maintenance really make a difference in preventing water damage?

Even the most highly conceptualized and well-built home cannot protect you 100 percent from water intrusion and the resulting damage, but a well maintained home can protect you from most water incidents, excluding severe emergencies. Routine maintenance and seasonal inspections of roofing and siding as well as other vulnerable areas can pinpoint potential problems before they can allow for water infiltration and damage.

How do I hire a professional restoration company?

Hiring a professional restoration company is important to ensure proper care for your property. Most insurance carriers will specify a list of restoration companies available to you and some may allow you to choose a restoration company from your own research.

Professional restoration companies will have available to you a list of industry organizations to which they belong and certifications they carry. Many professional restoration companies will also have examples of their work for you to view. In the case of disaster restoration, checking references may not be advantageous. But, rest assured that industry associations have strict guidelines and verify that members follow them.

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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 different 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.

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Easton Construction Service Solutions

Easton Construction Group, Inc has three divisions. We offer both Emergency Service / First response (DIV I) and Complete Restoration / Reconstruction (DIV II) services for both property and structure claims. Our General and Electrical Construction (DIV III) services cover all phases of residential and commercial renovations, remodels, improvements, and maintenance. Our knowledge and experience in residential and commercial field allows us to serve you with high quality installations and job performance, making the project flow smoothly from permit application to final inspection.

Surviving Home Disasters, Major or Minor: Fire/Water Restoration and Other Pro Services Can Help

Damage from fires, floods, and other incidents don't have to mean your home is beyond repair. Turn to fire, water, and other restoration professionals to preserve your house and weather the storm with minimum loss and maximum peace of mind.

Your house is your biggest investment, but it's very often so much more than just an inhabitable savings account. It's also your home, the place were lives are lived and memories are made. Which is why when disaster strikes, the devastation can be doubly costly. When your property has suffered from a fire, flood, or other incident, major or minor, you need to act quickly to not only preserve the structure in terms of a financial investment but also to restore your house into a home that's safe and welcoming for you and your family.

Water Damage Restoration

Natural disaster, roof leaks, burst pipes: no matter how the water entered your home, when you're dealing with a flood, you've got a real mess on your hands. It might be easy to just throw your hands up and call your property a total loss, especially with both fire and water damage, but instead of giving up on your home, bring in a professional flood restoration company. You'll be amazed at what these experts can do to evacuate standing water, dry out absorbed moisture, and stop the damage in its tracks. You may have to replace soggy drywall and refinish your floors, but when you call for water damage restoration in time, you'll be surprised at how well this professional team can contain the damage and stop the problems from compounding with concerns like mold growth and wood rot.

Fire Damage Restoration

When you have a fire in your home, you typically end up with the double trouble of both damage from the fire itself and damage from the water used to extinguish the flames. However, even these dual concerns don't always mean the space isn't salvageable. Modern technology offers a full range of fire restoration techniques including structural drying, smoke and soot removal, and odor elimination. Fire/water restoration companies in your local area have the necessary tools and training to tackle these problems and help you minimize losses.

Additional Services

In addition to the large-scale drying and cleaning services offered by nearly all fire and water damage restoration companies, you may also find yourself in the market for specialized services such as mold removal, carpet cleaning, or tile and grout cleaning. These additional options can help you to clean away evidence of the incident from walls and floors that are in good enough shape to preserve. By revitalizing these finishes, instead of tearing them out and starting over, you're able to help keep the cost of the job down while still returning your home to a clean, beautiful condition.

For major home disasters such as extensive flooding or serious fires, you might want to ask around until you find a disaster restoration company that is also a general contractor. That way, if/when your project requires rebuilding walls, reinstalling flooring, and other major changes, you won't have to deal with juggling multiple service providers. Working with a general building contractor from the get-go who also specializes in fire and flood restoration can help make your life just a little easier during this stressful time.

 

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How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company

Water damage after a burst pipe, rising river, hurricane, overflow, or similar situation often impacts more than the immediate area and also the home's content which might be in its path. The process of restoring a property to its pre-damaged state is referred to as water damage restoration,  which many companies specialize in. Any water damage to a home can be a destructive and stressful time, but having it repaired need not be a difficult process.

Here are of the several steps which might help in searching for the right water damage restoration service:


Use the services of a specialist water damage restoration company: In an unfortunate situation like this, it is important that you are able to hire the services of a company that specializes in treating water damaged properties, whether this might be from internal damage (burst pipes) or external damage (floods, storms, hurricanes). It is often the case that certain carpet cleaning companies might claim to offer a water restoration service, however they are likely to lack the required expertise that you would need for such a significant job of this type.

Make contact with several local companies: In the process of searching for the right contractor to hire it is important to contact two or three different companies to determine the type of services that might be available to you. Even in such a distressful situation like this, it is still important to invest the necessary time to establish whether a company is a good hire or not. If able, get personal referrals from family members or friends who might have been in a similar situation, or go online and search for local companies that have a good number of positive comments next to their business name. Finding the right highly trained staff is imperative to having a property dried and restored to a high standard.

Obtain multiple estimates: after receiving several estimates for the repair work, you can compare each of those are side by side to establish which he is able to offer a high standard of work at a reasonable price. A temptation might be there to opt for the cheapest estimate; however it is important to consider all factors in the decision-making process, as it is important that the company is able to offer a qualified team that is able to get the job done the right way.

Don't delay in getting repairs carried out. If placed in a situation where significant water damage has been caused to property, it is important that the work is carried out as soon as possible. Water damage if left is only likely to worsen, which can lead to damage to the integrity of a structure as well as the development of a mold infestation.


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Fire and Smoke Damage and Restoration

This article will tell you everything about fire and smoke damage and why you need a professional fire restoration service to return your home, business, and yes your life back to normal.

A fire in your home or business can be the scariest experience of your life. The damage caused by a fire is just as bad as flood damage.

Fires are classified into two groups. There are two types of fires. Simple fires and complex fires Simple fires are caused by pure fuels and result in complete combustion. Complex fires are the most common household and business fires. They are usually started by synthetic materials such as furniture, carpets, toys, wiring, cigarettes, etc. This kind of fire usually results in smoke and soot damage and odor.

Immediate response is needed in the following areas to get everything back to normal. Removal of soot and odors, Stabilizing and securing the structure, Minimize existing damage, packing of any content that's salvageable, cleaning, deodorizing, sanitizing, restoring your content and the structure, and also performing any structural repairs necessary.

Residual removal is also considered emergency services because soot is naturally acidic and the longer it stays, the more difficult it is to remove. The odor will remain until it is contained. Fixing damage that has been created after a fire requires knowledge and expertise in fire restoration services. Smoke and soot can damage other rooms affecting paint, carpets, upholstery, curtains, and other family or business belongings.

Whether it's a small heater disaster or a large heater disaster, you need to get your home, your business, and life back together again. Fire and smoke restoration, cleanup, and replacement is a complex and intricate process. It needs to be done by a professional fire and smoke restoration service. They can evaluate and determine the type of fire that has occurred and the damage that has been done. The professionals then know what type of cleanup, restoration, and replacement needs to take place. A professional fire and smoke restoration service will help you get peace of mind and your life back.

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First Step in a Successful Home Remodel: Finding the Right Contractor

You may have recently purchased a new home that needs some work done to it prior to your moving in, or you might be living in a home for several years and decide to embark upon a home remodel. As you plan your project, you will want to employ the services of a remodeling company. Although at times you might have heard bad stories about shoddy services provided by an unscrupulous home remodel contractor, there are ways to avoid that. Here are a few tips for finding an excellent professional home remodel contractor.

The next time you visit friends who has had remodeling work done to their home, ask them who was the remodeling company that provided the services. Then pay attention to their responses. You will learn first hand, through word-of-mouth, which companies offered superior service and which dropped the ball. Some of the best remodeling firms rely primarily on word-of-mouth referrals in order to procure their next jobs, and so those that are doing excellent work are the ones that are busy and working most of the time.

You will also find out which companies you will want to avoid as well in this manner. Another way to find a good contractor is to stop the next time you notice a home that has recently been remodeled in a way that you like, and ask the owners who the contractor was who did the work. They can also offer a recommendation, or not, which is valuable information to you.

When you find a home remodel company that you think you might want to work with, interview them and find out the specifics of the service they provide. Superior building contractors should offer to contact you throughout the entire project on a regular basis, in order to inform you regarding how the work is going and to make sure that you understand what is happening at each step of the remodel process.

They should also provide timely status reports to keep you up to date on the project timelines and budget. Find out what happens at the end of a remodel with their company. They should not consider that their job is done until you say it has been completed to your satisfaction. Better companies will also want your feedback after they have completed their work, and may offer you a project evaluation form to fill out.

It can take a bit of research to find an excellent home remodel contractor, but the time spent is truly worth it, knowing that your remodeling work will be done well.


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Dealing With Fire Damage Properly

A fire can be one of the worst things that could happen to anyone. In some ways, having a thief breaking in to your place would be better than having a fire. At least a thief can't carry off everything, but when a fire breaks out then there is a very real chance that your place will burn down to the ground, taking everything with it.

Even if the fire is put out, the damage that it can cause can be substantial. Aside from the actual property that it destroys, a fire would usually mean that you need to spend thousands of dollars in repairing and renovating your place. It can be very stressful to deal with the aftermath of a fire, to say the least.

In case of a fire in your place, here are some of the things that you can do in order to deal with the damage that it has caused. The important thing is to keep your head because it would never do for you to panic at such a difficult time like that.

Do Not Re-Enter-Once the fire has been put out do not re-enter the house right away. The fire would have weakened the structure of the house and you could be putting yourself in great danger by going in. Then there is the possibility that you can do further damage there and besides, there is nothing that you can do there except to look at what you have lost.

Insurance Agent-Instead of checking out your place after a house fire, the first thing that you have to do is to call your insurance company to report what has happened so you can find out what would be covered by them. They will send over an adjustor in order to inspect the place and the estimate of the coverage will come mainly from the findings of the adjustor. It is possible that your insurance would cover the full cost of rebuilding and repairing your place, but that would depend on the kind of coverage that you have.

Restoration Companies- There are companies that specialize in repairing and restoring what has been damaged by fire and water is used for extinguishing the fire. You ought to call one after you have gotten in touch with your insurance company. It is important that the repair and the restoration should start right away because the longer that it takes the more damaged could be caused.

What They Can Do- Dealing with fire damage in your home can be extremely stressful, that's why it would be better if you hire a restoration company for that. Besides, handling the damage caused by fire and water requires experience and expertise that you might not have. Soot, for example, can be extremely hard to deal with as days pass by without them being removed.

Water soaked walls and posts would have to be treated using special machines and the structure of the whole place has to be checked in order to be sure that it would still be safe and sound.

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Water Damage Clean Up - Why Is A Fast Response So Important?

When it comes to water damage, the experts agree that the first 24 to 48 hours are critical for the prevention of permanent damage and the growth of toxic microbials such as mold and bacteria. In one study, wet drywall that was left untreated for 48 hours already showed evidence of microbial growth.

That's why you need a restoration and cleanup contractor who will get on the scene quickly, assess the extent of the damage, and begin the all important first step of remediation, which is to remove as much of the water as possible. Water removal may include water extraction, and or removing and discarding wet building materials such as carpet and carpet pad, sheet rock, and insulation. Once the water has been removed from the affected areas, drying equipment, including high efficiency dehumidifiers and commercial air movers, can begin pulling the remaining moisture from the structure and the air. The sooner all this is done, the less permanent damage will occur, and the less need there will be for additional repair.

The water damage restoration contractor should take moisture readings in all affected areas throughout the drying process to ensure that everything is thoroughly dry before they begin any repairs. It is important that the moisture levels are also monitored in hidden areas, such as wall cavities and behind cabinets, to ensure that there is no remaining moisture to promote microbial growth.

To summarize, the success of water damage remediation is greatly affected by how quickly it is begun. A restoration company whose phones are answered day or night and who can have a truck in route to you immediately to begin the clean up, will make your life a lot easier.

When it comes to water damage restoration, time is of the essence.


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Finding Help When Your Home Has Fire Damage

If your home has ever burned even a small amount, you know the problems that smoke and water can cause. If you are in a situation like this, it is important to find a restoration company that works with fire damage. Choosing a company quickly is important so that mold does not set in, and so that the smell of smoke does not settle even more into your belongings.

Fire damage is something that no one wants to think about. Having a plan of escape is important, but no one usually has a plan for the clean-up. It is a good idea to have a company that you believe you could trust in the event that you might need restoration. Some things to consider with a company like this are availability, cost, and expertise.

It is important that the company you choose as a part of your clean-up plan in the event of having fire damage is always available. They should have 24/7 emergency services, so that they can at least begin the process of helping you as soon as it is safe to enter your home.

It is also important that the company you hire has experts who know how to use the equipment in order to restore your home of much of the damage. Technology and equipment combined should help in the extraction of water and hopefully the smoke that is in your belongings. The workers should have experience at this, and they should be known for doing their job well.

Once you find a company that has the traits that you desire, you will be on your way to having a complete plan in case of fire damage to your home. You of course hope that you will never need to use it, but if you do, at least you will have a plan. If you are already in the midst of damages from your home burning and you do not know where to turn, check online and in your phone book for restoration services. Hopefully you will be able to find a company quickly that will help you.


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Water Damage Requires Fast Action

In the unfortunate event, you find yourself with water damage from a flood or broken pipe in your home, quick action is required to prevent further damage to your home and property. When your home is damaged by water it is important to get clean up and restoration assistance from professionals. The professionals will decrease the possibly of contamination, including any dangerous bacteria, mold, or fungus, that could result in serious health issues or permanent property damage. Mold can form extremely fast and can be difficult and costly to remove. There are several steps you can take just prior to contacting a professional. There are several steps a professional clean up and restoration company will take to assure your home is restored.

First you should evaluate the water damage. You should determine the origin and cause of the water damage. Turn off the water from the main water supply. During a flood you can't turn the water off, however water from a natural flood typically contains clean water.

Next you should turn the electricity off, to prevent further damage or injury.

Then stop the water. Ventilate the house, use fans or open windows. Get the water out of the house. Use a wet vacuum or mop to start the process while you are calling the professionals.

Once the professionals arrive they will evaluate the damage with water sensing equipment. They will use probes and other infrared equipment to determine the extent of the damage, and begin the drying out process.

The drying out process may include several steps in addition to the steps you have already taken. The professionals may use air movers. Air movers are huge industrial fans that circulate the air. They may use dehumidifiers and air scrubbers. Large floor dryers are often used as well. A subfloor drying system may be used to dry the sub flooring, to decrease possibility of mold. Carpet is usually pulled up and completely dried, along with the carpet padding. The vinyl may need to be pulled up to dry underneath, between it and the subfloor. The baseboard may need to be removed, and large holes may be drilled into the sheet rock to aid in drying and eliminate the possibly of mold. Large air circulating fans are used to aid in drying out the sheet rock. It may take several days to dry out the house, usually 2 to 3 days. You may be required to stay in a different location due to the heat, air and noise of machines used to complete the process. Keep in mind that some things can be damaged during this process, for example if you have candles anywhere in your home you should remove them, as they will melt form the heat used to dry out the house.

The professionals will reevaluate the house to determine if it is dry. They will again use probes and other infrared equipment to reevaluate the house. During this process and procedure personal property may need to be moved, restoration companies will charged an hourly rate to accomplish this task. The professional company will also evaluate whether or not items require treatment including sterilization, sanitization, deodorization or salvage work (throwing out).

It is extremely traumatizing to have your home flooded. Using a good clean-up and restoration company can make the event less traumatic. It is very reassuring to know that your home is fully restored, with no possibility of additional damage or health concerns.


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After A Fire - Call A Fire Damage Restoration Company Immediately

Fires usually occur in residential homes more than other types of buildings. Just recently, a fire in California left behind over $450,000 worth in damages to the property, although no one was injured. In many cases, damaged homes can be restored. The best thing to do if this happens is to contact a professional fire damage restoration company. If you contact a professional, they will arrive at your home within an hour or so.

This type of company will save you money and time. When the professionals arrive at your home, they will take quick action to restore your property and prevent further damage. It is very important that you contact a professional immediately, because smoke, heat, and residues have damaging effects to the contents and structure of a building. These professionals will save your personal belongings so that you do not have to replace them and they will start cleaning your home immediately. They will also eliminate the smoke and smoke odors to improve the air quality in your home.

Keep in mind that it's highly unlikely that homeowners can handle the cleanup that is needed to restore their homes to their original condition. A professional clean-up crew will help you preserve your valuables and the value of your property. It is also important that you contact your insurance company after you have a fire. Your insurer may cover the financial aspect of restoration. You can document the incident by taking pictures and videos of the damage.

Fire damage restoration professionals will help you prevent further damage to your valuables and home. They will remove the water, smoke odor, and soot for you in a short period of time, and they will help you save your curtains, carpets, rugs, mattresses, furniture, linen, and clothing. They will help you return your property to its original condition. State-of-the-art equipment is used to restore your home. They will help you eliminate the smoke, debris, and odors and they will clean and sanitize your home.

Fire damage in a home is an overwhelming incident. You can lose valuables and cause damage to your floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, doors, clothing, and fixtures. The restoration and cleaning must be done properly after the disaster. Although this can be very depressing, if you contact the professionals, they can make this situation easier for you.

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Common Terms Associated With Damage Restoration

It is crucial to follow up on damage control after your home has suffered from water damage, fire damage and/or mold damage. Here are some common terms that are used in the damage restoration business and explanations as to what they mean. It is important for you to know some of these terms in case you ever need to have your property restored after damages.

Air Scrubbers - An air scrubber is a device that has a fan with several filters that separate contaminants from clean air and recirculate the air back into the atmosphere. These are commonly used in mold remediation and remove air bourne spores from the air.

Absolute Humidity - Absolute humidity is the amount of water vapor that is presented in a unit volume of air after water condensation has taken place. It is usually expressed in kilograms per cubic meter.

Airlock - An airlock is a small compartment that enters a contaminated space without affecting the other areas. It uses air pressure to contain the air that is locked in.

Back Pressure - Back pressure will take place when the drying process has been done improperly. It happens when the air movers have been placed incorrectly. This can cause the air to be pushed downward and the moisture from the air will saturate the air in the walls or floors thus causing severe damage.

Bio-hazard - Bio-hazard is a pathogen that is potentially hazardous, dangerous and harmful if it is exposed to humans.

Black Water - Black water is water that has been contaminated from sewage or a septic tank. It enters your home due to a backup or a back flow. Black water can also come from other sources as well, such as flooding. It is very hazardous to one's heath and must be removed immediately.

Classes Of Water - The class of water is described in stages of 1 to 4. Class 1 water damage means the area was not severely affected and it will not take a long time to clean up the affected area. Class 2 water damage means, the same but has a little more water damage and may take a longer time to dry. Class 3 and 4 are similar but Class 4 is the worst of the stages and will take the longest to clean. Class 4 also has the most damage.

Fire Restoration - Fire restoration consist of cleaning all areas of the house that has been affected by fire. Including smoke, soot, stains and other chemicals. It is imperative that you hire professionals to clean your home entirely after it has damaged by a fire.


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State Farm® Preventing Water Damage to Your Home

Water leaks can happen anywhere in the house, but they occur most frequently in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry rooms. Whether it's a slow drip or sudden burst, water leaks can cause extensive damage throughout your house.

The first signs of water leakage might seem trivial. But warnings like water stains on the ceilings or a leak under the kitchen sink can lead to real problems. Why take a chance? Learn where your home is most likely to suffer water damage, and what you can do to help prevent it.

8 Tips for Home Kitchen Remodel

Many homeowners take advantage of kitchen remodeling to increase their home's value and buyer pool.

Kitchen remodels often sell a home quicker and at a higher price thanks to kitchen updates.

Homeowners looking to sell their home anytime soon, may want to first update their kitchen. It is generally a 100% return remodeling project, helping increase the interested home buyer pool and usually compete better in a tight housing market. Kitchen remodeling projects don't have to cost mega investment dollars. With wise planning, homeowners can gain a return of $2-3 on every $1 invested. That means remodeling a kitchen can actually earn money. Not all home remodeling investments carry the same high return; however, kitchen remodels are one of the best places to start.

Flipping the TV quickly shows the many options for today's trendy cooking shows. Homeowners are enamored with the idea of being culinary masters like never before. Where budgets and location allow for high-ended kitchen investments, upgrading to a professional-style kitchens may capitalize on the cooking craze. Small to medium kitchen investments are almost certainly paying off. Expensive kitchen remodels can also gain higher numbers of potential buyers and attractive returns when the homes sell - if the right home designer and updates were made and marketed well.

Homeowners can create a completely new look with an up-dated kitchen remodel, transforming the room from closed off to vibrant, mulch-functional, and inviting:

* Add a custom island. A granite and quartz counter-tops is a favorites of home chefs. Create proper working space and surfaces that are attractive, durable and popular.

* Install a back-splash using natural stone

* Adding fun storage extends your kitchen and makes it so much more useable

* Use a fun new painting technique on your cupboard. New paint says "fresh and clean" in an instant, and is one of the most cost effective improvements. Hiring a pro can make all the difference cutting in edges and gaining "wear and tear" length of life. For selling faster, consider a neutral color such as light tan - think of coffee with cream.

* Change up your cupboards. Add a glass front to showcase favorite dishes. Try attaching a thin veneer to the cabinet's surface, replacing the doors, and add new hardware for a finished and fashioned look.

* Install a new kitchen sink with a stylish faucet head. Sleek stainless resists scratches and is easy to maintain.

* Updated kitchen appliances to later models with energy saving features

* Hardwood or Laminate Flooring

The length of time a homeowner should plan for the project to take will be determined by:

1) the extent of the project
2) having the right materials ordered and on hand on time
3) your remodelers availability - it is good to schedule your project with the flexibility of fitting into your contractor's calendar.

A kitchen remodel should reflect the home's style. Be sure to enlist a professional home designer when attempting to go "modern" in a traditional or historic home. Homeowners can successfully add to the home's value when there is an excellent flow, are comfortable, functional, and maximize the available space in a stylish manner.

Today, the kitchen may be used for many facets of home life. Such as: a family gathering spot, meal-planning area, computer base for projects, and entertainment center-stage while hosting friends and family.

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Realizing the Hazards of Water Damage and Calling the Right Experts

When you find yourself in a flood or an issue where sewage is flooding an area, you need to be concerned about the damage from the moisture as well as the toxicity of the materials. If you have a problem like this, it is important to find someone quickly to help you keep the mess from spreading and to help keep you and your family safe from the toxins that could be involved.

There are some steps you should take before you even get a chance to call for help. If you are able to get to your home's power source without going through water, you should shut off all power. This will help you and your family to be safe from possible electrocution. You should also try to cut of the source of the water. If it is a leaking pipe, try to somehow stop the flow. That could mean using duct tape or using some type of container. It will depend on the speed of the leak. If the moisture is spreading to living areas, try to get furnishings up and out of it. If it is more than water that is leaking, it is important to have your family get as far away from the problem as possible, and you should disinfect your hands and anything that has touched the fluid that is leaking.

You will need to choose a company quickly if you are in the middle of a problem. You will not have time for research. These are the types of companies that are good to research in advance and have their name and number stored in your phone and in some type of book that you can easily access. If you have the time to do this before you have a problem, there are some traits to consider in a water damage and restoration company. Look at experience, cost, and reputation.

As you search for a company to have on file in case of a problem, you would be wise to look at the experience of those who do the work. There are many facets of this line of work, from the removal of the moisture to the restoration of the home and belongings. Make sure that you find someplace that has workers who have been doing this for several years.

The cost of the job is also a consideration. Companies can take advantage of people in desperation. Try to compare the cost of work between companies. If you like several attributes of one company, but they are more expensive, explain why you would like to go to them, and ask if they will come close to meeting the lower price.

Make sure to check out the reputation of a company because this will tell you about their customer service as well as the results. Begin now in your search for water damage experts that will be available to help when you need them.


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Overcoming Fire Damage Takes Professional Help

Fire damage to any structure, residential or commercial, will need the help of a professional team to get the building back into usable condition. Although it is possible to clean up a minor problem on your own, those homes with significantly damaged walls, roofing, and flooring are best left in the hands of a professional. Though you may think it is as easy as pulling out everything that's scorched and replacing it, there's much more to think about with this type of project. With the aid of a professional, though, you will have the best possible opportunity to reduce your chances of a total loss.

Cleaning Initial Debris

Not only is the initial fire damage and debris going to be toxic for you to inhale, it will be hard to remove. Sometimes, removing this material is simply too hard to do on your own, especially since you need a place to store it. After the inspector looks, you'll want to have on hazmat suits to protect your lungs when cleaning up such a mess.

The Water Damage

Sometimes the water used to control the flames can be even harder to deal with. The water sprayed into your home or around the building can be very difficult to manage in terms of cleaning up. Any surface saturated for more than 18 hours is already growing bacteria and mold. Most often, it needs thrown out rather than cleaned. It's not easy to clean up this type of water mess in an effective manner to ensure that there's nothing left that can cause you respiratory problems months down the line.

Then There Is Smoke

Smoke does an incredible job destroying a building. Not only does it darken surfaces and create a smell that doesn't go away, but it also gets into HVAC systems. It's difficult to remove. You'll need to use specialized products to clean it up as well as to cover up the visible signs of it. Smoke can often spread throughout the home even if there is only a small area that the fire occurred in. This means you'll need to ensure that every wall and surface in your home receives specific treatment to help you to avoid the repercussions.

It is not easy to manage fire damage. Even in the best situations where the flames did not spread, you still have to deal with smoke and water. All three combined can be very devastating on the structural components of the building. That's why it is critical to leave this type of cleanup and restoration work to those who know it well and who can help you to restore your home.


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Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company After a Natural Disaster

It is difficult when you have to go through a natural disaster that causes major flooding. The water damage that can ensue from something like this is catastrophic. If you find yourself in a situation like this, or you know you are at risk for it happening, you will want to call experts who restore homes after flooding.

When your home first floods, you may or may not be home. Perhaps you have evacuated. When you do go back to your home, it is important to make sure the electricity has been turned off to your home. You can call your electrical company and ask them to do this remotely. You should also not enter your home without the right protective clothing. There could be raw sewage mixed in with the flood waters, and this could be very detrimental to your health. At this point it is a good idea to call for help. There are several things to look for in a water damage restoration company. Look for a company that is always available for emergencies, dries structures, and also has the equipment to pull out moisture. A thermal imaging infrared camera is a piece of technology that would also be helpful.

Having a company that has the right equipment to detect moisture and get rid of it is so important. If even a little bit of moisture is left, mold can grow, and then you will have an entirely different problem that will necessitate more work.

If you have never heard of a company, and they come to you offering to help after a flood, you should be very cautious. Some places might come to help people from other cities or states, but others may simply come to prey on those who will have a hard time saying no due to their circumstances. Before you say yes to someone like this, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau, compare their prices to others in the area, and make sure that the background of the employees is clean. After natural disaster, there are likely a lot of crimes such as theft. It is important that you can trust the company to be in your home without removing anything from it except for restoration.

Once you find a water damage company that you believe you can trust, you will want them to get started as soon as possible. It takes a lot of work to clean up a house as well as dry out the contents. Doing so quickly may help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.


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Our Specialties at Easton Construction Group

Easton Construction Group, Inc. ( ECG INC ) specializes in property and structure restoration. ECG INC is a full service restoration provider.

ECG INC provides a single claim solution (SCS) for all property and structure damages resulting from fire damage, water damage, smoke damage, storm damage, Vandalism and structures damage cause by vehicle impacts.

Tips To Find a Water Damage Restoration Company

Are you looking for a restoration service for repairing the damage caused by water seepage in your home or office? If the answer is yes then you are reading the right article. In this article you will find some tips which will surely help you to find the right restoration company.

The effects of water damage can be very harmful for your possessions. Water seepage not only damages your possessions but also affects the health of the family members. One should always deal properly with water damage and it`s bad effects.

It is very important to get rid of unwanted water as soon as possible because water stagnation can promote growth of mold and fungus in your home or office. Growth of mold can cause serious health hazards like allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Mold can be very dangerous for the family members specially children.

Porous materials like floors, pads and carpets are at the greater risk of damage caused by water and mold. You can surely lose your valuable belongings if water leakage is not treated promptly.

If you really want to prevent water leakage and the damages caused by this leakage then it is a good idea to do regular inspections of the house. You can easily prevent many hazards by regular maintenance and inspection of your home or office.

You should always call a restoration company if you find any signs of water leakage. The choice of restoration company depends on the nature of water causing the damage in your home. The water causing damage to your home can be clean, gray or black. The water seepage due to pipe burst does not cause health hazards because this type of water is clean as compared to black or gray water. But you should be very prompt if you find dirty water in the premises.

It is a smart idea to buy an insurance which can help you to cover the cost of repairs and maintenance of your home or office.

If you are looking for a restoration company then it is a great idea to spend some time on the internet. There are many companies with reputed websites on the World Wide Web. It is a good idea to go through them one by one. One should always go through all the services offered by the company before taking any further steps.

There are many more things which should be considered before choosing a water restoration company but above tips and techniques can help you a lot in making the right choices.


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Your Local Fire and Water Damage Restoration Experts Can Help You in Your Time of Need

Fires and floods are the things of nightmares. Thankfully, your local fire and water restoration team will be there for you during every step of your recovery, from drying out soaked furniture to removing soot to remodeling your building.

No one ever thinks that fire or water could possibly ravage their home. It always seems like something that happens to someone else or an event that only would take place in a movie. In fact, even after it has happened, many people still feel as though they are in a movie, as if this horror couldn't possibly be happening.

Tragedies are hard enough to get through without having to worry about hiring many different professionals to help you get your life back on track. That's why your local damage restoration service professionals offer fire, water, and remodeling services--for your convenience and emotional ease.

Water damage

There are so many ways that water could enter your home. Through cracks in the basement walls, a burst pipe, a leaky roof, spray from putting out a fire...the list goes on. But in the end, water is water, and it can cause serious damages to your property and harbor unwanted visitors such as mold, mildew, and dangerous pathogens.

Your water damage restoration professionals will begin the process by first vacuuming all standing water from the premises. After it is determined which possessions and structures can be salvaged, the permanently damaged materials will be hauled away, and the drying process can begin. Using professional tools such as air scrubbers, air movers, and dehumidifiers, the restoration professional will make sure that all carpets, furniture, and other materials are completely dried. Then, the area will be disinfected and deodorized. If necessary, mold remediation processes can begin to quarantine any outbreaks of mold and prevent future occurrences.

Fire restoration

Fire restoration often involves many of the same initial steps as water damage restoration, as many times a copious amount of water was used by the firefighters in order to combat the blaze. After the premises are dried out and all unsalvageable areas are identified and removed, the fire restoration professional can begin removing ash, soot, and other fire byproducts. Then the remodeling can begin.

Your remodeling contractors can handle both interior and exterior remodeling and can make your home look as though tragedy had never struck. These professionals can:

• Install replacement windows
• Paint
• Perform framing and drywall work
• Install doors
• Install flooring
• Perform siding contractor work
• Replace electrical components
• And more!

Above all, your local water and fire damage restoration team with treat you with patience and compassion. After all, you've suffered unthinkable losses. It is time to grieve, and to rebuild. Your local restoration and remodeling team is here to help you.

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How to Get the Best Return on Investment for Your Home Improvement Remodeling Projects

A home improvement remodeling project can actually make you money in the long run. Also, there are returns on your investment that have nothing to do with financial gains. The most important thing about remodeling your home is that you should have something in the end that is more valuable to you than it was in the beginning. There are several ways to improve your ROI.

1. Choose the right home improvement remodeling project.

Select a plan that will make a big difference in the value of your home. The two most profitable changes are updating your kitchen and remodeling you bathroom. These are the rooms with the most cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances.

When someone wants to buy your home, they will be impressed by a modern, beautiful kitchen. They will also pay strong attention to a well-designed and nicely-appointed bathroom. Not only will these two home improvement remodeling projects add to your home's money value, but they will increase its intrinsic value to you as well.

2. Do not make mistakes.

If you spend extra time and money doing the job, you may end up with a huge investment in the project. Your home improvement remodeling job will only improve your situation financially if you spend less doing the project than the value you gain from the results. Sometimes extra costs can run up when you make mistakes in doing the job. You might buy the wrong supplies, break the supplies you get, or install them incorrectly.

However, hiring a home improvement remodeling company will assure that the job gets done right the first time. It may appear that you are getting the job done for less when you plan it out to do it yourself. Yet, if you have many false starts and wasted materials, you will probably profit more from using skilled remodelers in the first place.

3. Make sure you finish.

Many people start home improvement remodeling jobs only to leave them half-completed. Perhaps they do not have the spare time to do the work required. They might not make the financial commitment to getting the job finished. Maybe they just lose interest in the project.

For whatever reasons, there are large numbers of homeowners who have partially done projects making parts of their homes nearly unlivable. If you have started a project and do not see an end in sight, it is probably time to hire a home improvement remodeling company to finish it for you. They can put their full concentration on the job rather than having to think about it after work like you do. There is no shame in seeking help; the only shame is in leaving your home in chaos indefinitely.

Your home will bring more money on the market if your home improvement remodeling projects are completed, and completed meticulously. If you have the skills, ability, time and desire to plan a project, start it and keep it going through to the end, you may be able to make that return on investment a reality. If so, you can make it better, both in the increased price your home is worth and in the value you get from you home while you live there. If not, it is a good idea to think about hiring a home improvement remodeling company to help you out.


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