Water Damage - The Types of Water Damage

Flooding and water damage can be devastating to your home and belongings. Many people do not consider the fact that there are different types of problems related to flooding and different causes. The type of damage caused by water in your home will determine the appropriate course of action to get the problem resolved so you can go back to normal life in your home. One of the first considerations is how the flooding occurred. Flooding can happen in storm periods or near bodies of water from the outside environment surrounding the house. Flood damage is a common problem after a fire, because what is necessary to put out the fire affects multiple areas in the home. However, flooding can also originate within the home, from broken or malfunctioning plumbing or pipe work.

When you find the source of excess water, you can determine the type of water causing damage in your home. There are three main categories of water: clean, gray, and black. Clean water has very few harmful substances in it, such as when water supply lines are broken, spilling forth clean, fresh water. It can still cause water damage, but there is little chance of bacteria or chemicals causing disease in the wake of the flooding. When sinks or tubs overflow, the water is also usually considered clean.

Gray water, formally known as category 2 water, can cause sicknesses and physical problems because the level of contaminants in the water is significant. These contaminants may be chemical, biological, and/or physical. Gray water will have micro-organisms present as well. Some examples of water damage with category 2 implications are sump pump failures, discharges from dishwashers, malfunctioning washing machines, or overflowing toilets (containing urine but not feces). Black water, or category 3 water, has a severe level of contaminants and is very unsanitary. This water is highly disposed to cause physical problems, diseases, or discomfort.

Black water has bacteria, fungi, chemical contaminants, and other dangerous substances. Category 3 water damage may come from lakes, streams, rivers, seawater, ground surface water, sewage leaks, overflowing toilets with feces, and stagnant water that stands for 48-72 hours after a category 1 or 2 flood problem. The standing of the water increases its dangerous contaminants. Black water clean-up requires the use of protective gear and special equipment to prevent disease or health problems as well as preserve the structure. Trusting clean up and restoration to professionals can help you get your home back quickly and safely.

The Water Damage Team serves states nationwide with 24hr service 7days a week.You can get help fast on our website http://waterdamageteam.com for any of your sewage or water damage emergencies.You also call us at 800-533-0626 anytime day or night for free advice.Our phones are answered by actual water damage restoration consultants who care about whats best for the customer.

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Why Alltek Restoration?

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Restoration, Reconstruction, Renovations and Remodels. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek Restoration 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.

"Your Satisfaction is Our Expectation"

Getting Quotes for Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage can be devastating. Although it is possible to minimize damage to any area by simply extinguishing the flames, there are still consequences associated with even the smallest of fires. That's why it is critical to call in professionals to help you get your home back together. Though your insurance company may be paying for the cost of this restoration, you still need to consider what steps to take to ensure your home is getting the best possible care. For this to happen, you need to turn to the right provider and know what types of services you need.

Removing Debris

To get started, the restoration team will need to remove the debris. Fire damage can ruin appliances, furniture, and carpeting. You need to know if a company will handle the disposal of these materials. You will want to be sure they will haul it away quickly and efficiently.

Water and Smoke Risks

The next thing to consider is whether or not they will help with smoke and water damage. Many people do not realize is that the water used to extinguish a fire can often be one of the most damaging elements. Additionally, the smoke from the incident has likely gotten into the HVAC system, and this means it has spread throughout the home. You need a company that will ensure all damaged surfaces are removed. Steps must also be taken to rid your home of smoke.

Restoring Your Home

Generally speaking, you may need to rebuild components of your home. You may need to strip your building down to the bare studs, or it could just be a matter of repainting or refinishing floors. Whatever remodeling is required, you'll need to ensure the right company is taking every step necessary to remove any presence of mold or bacteria. These growths are very common in situations where there has been significant water saturation.

What's the Goal?

Finally, as you walk through your damaged home with the inspector, ask about the realistic outcome. Can this situation be remedied? What are repairs going to cost? You need to have all this in writing, and you need to know everything that is included in this estimate.

Restoring your home after fire damage can be challenging. With the help of a professional, the restoration process can go smoothly. You can take back your home and enjoy living there again. However, for this to happen, you need to find a company that can legitimately make it happen.

Do not feel overwhelmed when you have Dallas fire damage. Instead, hire a professional team to assess the damage and restore your home to its former state. For more information, please see the following: http://www.servicemasterdallas.com.

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Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home - Why You Should Use The Services Of A Fire Restoration Company

If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.
To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.

New Jersey Fire and Water Restoration We are the experts 24/7 Emergency Service Free Estimates
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How You Can Benefit From Hiring Fire Damage Restoration Professionals

Home and property owners who have experienced property damage of any kind have felt distressed especially with the expenses from fire damage restoration and other finances. After suffering from money losses due to the expenditures, taking the restoration alone will most likely be a personal choice.

But did you know that personal restitution projects are not recommended? Although it seems more cost-effective to personally address the problem, several of these homeowners choose to abandon the project and hire professionals instead. It's mainly because they don't know what to do or have worsened the situation instead of improving it.

So before you decide to do things on your own and make matters worse, here are some benefits you can gain from hiring fire damage restoration companies.

• · Expertise and skills

- Professional fire and smoke damage restorers have many years of field experience. They have seen different types of fire damage situations through the years which gave them ample knowledge in tackling unique problems. Deciding to restore your own property will require of you to learn the ropes which will take too much of your time. Fire damage restoration work is more effective when immediately done by the experts.

• · Insurance assistance

- Aside from dealing with the expenses, you will also need to deal with the insurance company, with some who might be uncongenial of the situation. Instead of being helpful, they'll bury you with too much paperwork, and a long, frustrating process.

Fire and smoke damage experts, on the other hand, will provide insurance specialists to take the burden off your shoulders by doing the process on your behalf. Additionally, they will work to come up with an agreeable claim amount to cover the losses. Many insurance companies undercut homeowners but fire damage restoration companies will do otherwise.

• · Right tools, manpower, and approach

- With regards to restitution works, specialized equipment and approach is necessary. Professionals sent out will work together to address the situation in the best and most effective way possible. Such companies will also have the equipment the problem asks for.

• · More personal time- Doing the restoration by yourself may result in you losing valuable time by leaving work or being unable to attend to your business. This, furthermore, results in more financial problems and headaches. But hiring fire and smoke damage experts will give you enough time to go on with working and living your daily life. Peace of mind and assurance is well on your way with these professionals.

Choosing the right company if you have water damage in Raleigh, NC can be one of the most important choices you make. Emergency Reconstruction has the expertise, facilities and equipment to help you resolve your emergency fast. Our team of professionals are certified, bonded and insured -- not to mentioned trained to help you get your property back to its original state as soon as possible.

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Things You Might Have Not Known About Water Damage Cleanup - Leave It to the Professionals

A lot of homeowners think that water damage control to their property is something that they can easily fix on their own. They assume that the water control is a simple process that will involve pumping out the water and drying out the area.

Though a flood cleanup contractor will employ the same principle in their control process, there are several finer details that can easily be missed out by homeowners. Some of them are mentioned below.

If you did not know about any of the following details, it is best that you let a commercial flood cleanup contractor carry out your basement flood clean or other water damage cleanup.

Types of water categories that can cause damage

There are 4 different categories of water that can cause damage. Category 1 is water that is pretty safe. Examples of this water are water from a broken pipe or a broken sink valve. Category 2 is water that contains some levels of harmful matter such as chemical pollutants or biological contaminants. This is also popularly known as grey water. Examples of water that belong to this category are water from toilets that will have urine in them. Water from the sumps will sometimes flood a house due to machinery malfunction and this would also be water control that will be categorized as 2. The last category which is the worst form of water that can cause damage will be category 3 or what is called as black water.

This is water that has high levels of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that can cause severe health problems. Water from sewages or natural sources such as rivers and streams are perfect examples of category 3 water. Only a commercial flood cleanup contractor will know how to tackle each category of water damage in the most appropriate manner possible. For example, he will use EPA approved chemicals in the water damage cleanup process where category 3 water might have been involved.

Types or intensity of damage that can be caused by water

There are 4 classes of water damage, with 1 being the least damaging while 4 is the worst kind of water damage that can be sustained by a property. Class 1 is when there is very little carpet and other porous materials that are affected. Class 2 water damage is when there is a considerable amount of carpet that is affected. A class 1 and class 2 cleanup is often used for a basement flood cleanup as there are no carpets or little carpet used in the construction of a basement. In addition to carpet, other porous construction materials such as wood, particle board and even plywood can be affected by moisture.

Class 3 is when the water has a very fast evaporation rate and when it can affect the ceilings, walls, flood, sub floor and even the insulation of a particular room. Class 4 is the worst form of water damage where even non porous materials such as hardwood, plaster, brick and even concrete are affected by stagnated water. Class 3 and 4 will require heavy duty water damage control that can be carried out only by an expert flood cleanup contractor.

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Water Damage Can Be Dangerous to Your Home and Family

Owning a home can be a wonderful experience, but the biggest drawback to owning a home is that you are responsible for any repairs that need to be done. Any type of repairs can be costly, but it is usually the unexpected ones that seem to be the most expensive. In the event of any type of water damage, it is best to call a professional to handle the cleanup and repair.

There are a number of circumstances that can cause water damage to a property, including floods, fires, a leaky pipe, storm damage, or a leaky roof. It is best to call a company that specializes in residential and commercial restoration to handle these problems since the cleanup process can be quite thorough. If the problem is not addressed as quickly as possible, it can lead to further problems over time. One example of this would be mold. Mold can develop anytime there is excessive moisture or humidity. If there is long-term exposure or inhalation, this can become a health risk for people.

Water damage is often hidden, so many restoration companies will use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to track moisture. Finding these sources of hidden moisture can prevent further problems such as mold from developing. It is often necessary to use extraction tools and structural drying equipment to complete a repair job. This equipment is the fastest way to return a property back to being livable. Most restoration companies will provide 24/7 service to ensure that their customers get the best service possible.

Obviously, the extent of water damage varies depending on the situation. Once it is safe to enter a property, professionals can begin to stabilize it. Stabilization includes boarding up windows and doors, repairing or tarping roofs, and then performing extraction and drying techniques. They will then repair any electrical service and heating systems. Once this process is finished, an estimator can write-up an estimate and settle with the insurance adjuster. After the cleanup is finished, the rebuilding process can begin. Crews from the restoration company will usually stay on board until the job is finished. This allows for a smooth transition for the property owner.

No one likes to think about their home or business sustaining any type of water damage, but accidents and natural disasters happen every day. In the event that something does occur, it is important to find a company that you can trust to fix the problem. It is always a good idea to make sure the company you decide to hire has a good reputation and is licensed and insured. These professionals will be spending a bit of time in your home, so you want to make sure they are someone you can trust in your home and around your family. When there is an emergency, you want to know that someone is there for you to rely on. Finding a company that offers emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be a huge benefit.

If your home has taken on water damage, Grand Rapids MI company VanDam & Krusinga Building and Restoration can help. For more information: http://www.vk1call.com.

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Tips on Choosing a Good Fire Restoration or Water Restoration Company

Fire restoration and water restoration work is a very critical nature of work, especially because it involves the home or property of families that might have live in a house for several years. Thus, choosing the right restoration company is very crucial and this article will hopefully give you a few important tips or guidelines with which you can choose a company that will be right for you.

• Your first step should be to check with your insurance company if they have any recommended restoration providers in the area. However, you have to a little careful here as insurance companies will often suggest a particular company because they have a history of carrying out work at lower costs. If you are not satisfied with the recommendations made by your insurance company, go ahead and choose a reputed name that will allow you to be assured of quality. Your insurance provider will have to honor any licensed restoration company and it is not necessary that you stick to their "recommendations".


• Next, pay attention to the history of a water restoration or fire restoration company before you hire them. Look up their website or inquire about them to find out about their past work and reputation. Some companies will have a trusted name and will generally be the go to name in the community. It is advisable that you stick to such companies. Avoid restoration companies which are essentially one man teams as you will rarely get professional work quality out of them. They might lure you with cheap prices although you definitely do not want to compromise on quality of work when it comes to fire restoration or water restoration work. Also, stay away from restoration providers who do not work around the clock. The good ones will have a rapid response team that will come to your property in the middle of the night if they have to.


• Feel free to ask for a free quote. Most restoration providers will provide you with a free estimate. Get at least a couple of quotes as there can be a significant price difference in some cases. Try to gauge the strength of the personnel, their equipment and general customer service before you decide to hire them. A good restoration company should ideally have a knowledgeable staff that will be equipped with the best, state of the art restoration equipment.


• Finally, make sure that the restoration company you are choosing will provide you with a solid helping hand with the insurance process. A good restoration provider will provide you with a full insurance assistance service where they will take care of everything from submitting the claims paperwork to carrying out liaisons with the claims adjustor with the insurance company, to ensure a hassle free settlement from your insurance provider.

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Water Damage Restoration - Common Mistakes That Will Be Avoided By Professional Contractors

Water damage restoration is not an easy task although a lot of homeowners think that it is. There is much more to water damage repair than just getting the water out and drying up the property. Here are some common mistakes that are repeatedly made by do it yourself homeowners who think that they can save money by taking up restoration work on their own. The fact of the matter is that these mistakes often cost the homeowner dearly in the long run as the restoration expenses just begin to pile on top of one another. Bad restoration work can have a cascading effect on your expenses as you will often have to spend more and more fixing your previous mistakes.

Common mistakes made by homeowners during water damage restoration

Waiting too long - Many homeowners are too shocked and stressed about water leaks that they try to put things off for a day or two. They will also be severely handicapped by the lack of equipment and knowledge that will be necessary to carry out the restoration work. For example, someone might find out about a leak in the basement at 2AM in the morning. Not knowing what to do, the homeowner will most probably turn off the source of the water leak and deal with the problem on the next day. However, those crucial hours where no restoration work is carried out will result in hundreds or even thousands of Dollars in additional expenses that could have easily been saved if restoration work had started right away. A professional contractor will be able to go to work on your property as soon as you give them a call since most of them work around the clock.

Lack of expertise and equipment to deal with water damage - This is the biggest drawback when it comes to self restoration efforts. Homeowners spend too much time trying to learn about how to carry out restoration work when they should rather be actually doing it. Proper water damage repair will require a large amount of knowledge. For example, you might have not known that there are four different classes of water than can damage your property. There are also 4 different categories of water damage. Each type of damage will have to be treated differently. For example, black water is a type of water that leaks from sources such as backed up toilets. This type of damage will require the use of EPA approved chemicals that will kill dangerous bacteria and microbes that can cause many types of diseases and health hazards. A homeowner will also find that he is woefully short when it comes to having the right equipment to carry out restoration work. For example, a property with several feet of stagnant water will require powerful water extraction units. A commercial contractor will have more than a handful of these pumps and will use them all at the same time to get the water out of your property in the fastest time possible.

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Restoration / Reconstruction - Alltek Restoration

Post loss conditions of a structure can be minor to severe predicated on the type of loss and its severity. Both small and large losses will require trained professionals to perform mitigation & restoration pertinent to the specific loss, followed by reconstruction to return property to pre-loss condition. It is imperative that your loss is assessed and the initial restoration efforts are performed correctly preventing further damage or distress to property and structure. Reconstruction is a very critical part in the process of restoring your property back to pre-loss condition.

All of our workers are trained, properly equipped and supervised by certified staff while handling all restoration & reconstruction projects. We produce high efficiency, quality work accompanied with superior customer service. We specialize in insurance restoration & reconstruction for damages resulting from Fire, Water, Smoke, Storm, Vandalism and Vehicle impact.


Water damage restoration: There are two large certifying bodies, the IICRC and the RIA, that recommend standards of care. Most companies in the restoration industry use the IICRC procedural standard, which is known as the S500. The S500 indicates the standards and techniques related to the current technology and proven service required to perform water restoration.


Fire damage restoration: Fire losses are often the most complex, after a structure or property has suffered fire damages they typically are accompanied by smoke and water damage. Smoke damage occurs as a direct result from the combustibles being burned and the water damages are a result from the excessive amount of water to extinguish the fire. The combination of these three can leave a property and structure severely distressed and damaged.

Smoke damage restoration: Smoke damage to a home and the restoration/remediation efforts used to properly restore structural or property are predicated and based on the type of combustibles that have produced the smoke and severity of the damage. Having a restoration professional performing the smoke damage remediation using the industries techniques and supplies will ensure the highest quality or removal of stain and odor removal.

Storm damage restoration: Structures or property damaged by rain, wind, hail, or the combination of any fall into this category. Storm damages often result in roofing components being compromised which could result in water intrusions resulting in interior damage. Strong winds can cause structural components to fail and long rains resulting in super saturated soils can also cause water intrusion. Storms can also cause trees to fall and impact a structure. The severity of damages a structure receives from a storm will greatly be impacted by the intensity of the storm and the deficient condition the storm has created. A timely response by trained professionals can often quickly remedy or reduce damages caused to a structure or property.