Restore Your Home - Fire Or Flood Damage

Having a home damaged by fire or water (or both) is a stressful and confusing experience for the homeowner to go through. After the initial shock of the situation and securing the safety of your family and personal belongings, you can assess the damage and start to figure out your restoration options. Your home is one of the most important investments you'll make in your life, so it is imperative to begin the restoration process as soon as possible to prevent other potential damages (such as mold growth, etc.) from occurring.

Water damage can happen in many different ways. A basement can flood after a storm or a pipe under your kitchen sink could be burst. Even a small amount of water damage from a leaky pipe can develop into a major problem if not dealt with at the start. Even if you dry the area yourself using a space heater to speed the process, or even use bleach to clean the area, mold will grow under the surface of the carpet or inside the walls. Mold growth can begin within hours of being wet, so water damage needs to be addressed immediately to keep the damage from growing. Find a restoration company who will work quickly to rid your home of excess water and thoroughly dry all affected surfaces. Make sure all new construction is inspected to prevent mold growth and the restoration team is licensed in Mold Remediation.

A fire can devastate you and your family and take a toll on your emotions as you deal with insurance adjustors and insurance companies. Fire damage restoration and smoke damage restoration may not be an easy task, due to the uniqueness of each fire situation and in part due to the toxic gases that are released from the burning of construction materials, such as glues and solvents. Having an experienced fire restoration company quickly assess the damage is important, as they can detect and neutralize these chemicals and help secure the building, safeguarding and protecting valuable personal belongings. They can work with you insurance company to get the work done quickly and professionally, helping you concentrate on the security of your family. There are may aspects of restoring your home and possessions to pre-loss conditions, including air duct cleaning, deodorization, wall & floor cleaning, carpet repair and reinstallation of cleaned items.

Finding a restoration company can be a daunting and discouraging chore, especially when dealing with all the emotions that come along with the devastation and loss from a fire or flood. You need to make the decision on what company you'll contract to restore your house quickly, but you also need to be sure you're making the right choice. Choosing an inexperienced contractor can have serious negative personal property effects and can actually make the damage worse as time goes on.

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How Water Restoration Services Can Help Your Home

Water damage can be found anywhere in your home and not only can it cause a lot of frustration, it can also cost money to get it repaired and restored. Some people think that all it takes is to get a wet vac and suck up the water and dampness.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. You will find out that there are other hazards that come from water damage which can affect you and your property.

You may not be able to see all of the damage, but it's there. A lot of times, it may just be too much for one or two people to deal with. If you're dealing with a leak that was ongoing or a severe inclement weather, then rest assured you will need to have professional help.

If it's due to severe inclement weather, you may have to deal with more than just water seeping into your home. Along with the water comes mud and debris piled up together. In this case, there's no doubt that you will need the services of a professional company that specializes in water damage restoration.

Some people don't realize what kind of damage that water on its own can cause. Carpets can be soaked, items can be soaked or damaged, and the water damage level can reach an unprecedented level. The material used for the home, such as drywall or wood, can be damaged. Once the water seeps in and makes contact, it's crucial that the water is removed as soon as possible.

Another thing that you can be faced with is the presence of mold. Mold is toxic and can cause allergies to trigger and even cause the onset of asthma. A lot of companies that specialize in water damage restoration know the perils of having mold in a home. They work very quickly to remove the affected material so that it won't spread. They also try to remove it prior to it starting up.

If it gets to the point where mold has made contact with items in the house, then they are no longer salvageable. They use special equipment to get rid of the mold that is already growing inside of the home.

They also work to get rid of any water and dampness that is still there. The technicians work to fend off mildew, which can leave a horrible smell. They use a special cleaning solution and deodorizer to make it look and smell fresh.

The water restoration company is also in the business of restoring and repairing parts of your home that were damaged. Of course, your house has to be livable in order for this to happen. When looking for a water restoration company, look for one that has experience in all areas of water damage. They should be reputable and willing to do what it takes to get you back on track.

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Fire Damage Cleanup - 4 Reasons the Professionals Should Handle It

Fire damage cleanup is never an easy job to get completed and a lot of people like to attempt it themselves. This shouldn't be done if you don't know how to do it right, but instead should be left up to the professionals that know what they are doing.

There are many reasons why cleanup should be left to the professionals. Knowing what the reasons are will allow you to see why the professionals are the ones that should do the cleanup.

Here are the main reasons you must understand.

One: Fire cleanup can be dangerous - Most people don't realize that after the fire has been put out, there is still danger in your home. Most times the fire will cause damage you can see, but it can also cause damage that you can't see.

This could include foundation damage to your house. If you make one wrong step in your home without understanding the remaining dangers, then you can end up with your home falling down and you getting hurt or worse.

The professionals know what danger and damage signs to look for because they have experience with cleaning up after fires. They also know how to avoid the fumes and smoke that linger in your home after a fire that you may not know to avoid.

Two: Run the risk of causing further damage - If you are inexperienced with fire cleanup, then you have a very real risk of causing further damage. This can do you and your home more harm than good.

The professionals have the knowledge to prevent further damage and will get the job done right in a timely manner so you can resume your life as quickly as you can.

Three: Physical and emotional instability - Fire in your house can be very physically and emotionally hard for anyone to deal with.

Cleanup on your own house and belongings is more than some people can handle because it is very hard to deal with the mess left behind.

You can easily avoid this by letting the professionals handle the cleanup for you. They will do the job right so that the fire can be become a part of your past as fast as possible.

Four: The professionals have the equipment to restore your property instead of having to replace everything. This will allow you to save some money and make sure that any traces from the fire are gotten rid of.

Now that you understand why fire damage cleanup is best left to the professionals, you need to decide for yourself if this is the right thing for your cleanup. Just remember that anyone that doesn't have experience with this will have to learn how to do it before it can be done, so if you want it done right and without delay, then hire the professionals for it.

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Dealing With Disaster and Planning Restoration

Disaster can strike any commercial building or residence at anytime. Whether it is a storm that strikes or a fire that engulfs the building, disaster in any form is often severely damaging to the property, as well as to the people who live or reside inside it. However, for a quick and efficient recovery, restoration needs to be taken up in a professional manner, at the earliest possible time.

All across the US, there are thousands of commercial and residential buildings that fall prey to unforeseen disaster, like fire or water that infiltrates walls and floors, and floods the entire facility. If your home or office has suffered from mishaps like these, then you are at the receiving end of emotional trauma and financial loss. A water or fire disaster may lead to destruction of interior structural materials, furnishings, and electrical equipment and in the worst case, precious metals, jewels and cash. That is why, in the case of any sort of disaster, you need to gather your wits and focus on restoring as much as you can.

You need to act immediately to stabilize the loss and mitigate damage. Only then can you achieve the maximum recovery of items like furniture, carpeting, electronics, machinery and documents. Rapid action is needed to minimize replacement costs, as well as prevent the facility or home from getting exposed to further damage like mold. In most cases, restoration is best handled by professionals. They can carry out the entire task speedily and effectively. Add to that their trained crew who use the latest equipment, and you will see the logic behind hiring a restoration company as soon as damage occurs on your property.

However, when one does need to look up a disaster restoration company, they are often quite shaken up, even more so in the case of residential disasters. However, choosing a restoration company needs to be done very carefully as it is probably the one chance you get to fix whatever you can, post disaster. That is why we've listed below a few essential services that you must expect from a damage restoration and maintenance company.

• Providing The Solutions: The company must have skilled staff that can judge the amount of damage and determine what can be saved. They must also be able to recommend the equipment required for restoration, the process and the expected results of the same.

•Managing The Operation: The damage control company must be able to have a dedicated team that will be able to handle your case. They must also define a time period within which the restoration work will be completed with guaranteed results.

• Using The Latest Techniques: Whether it is to remove soot and clean the smoke laden walls after a fire,or dehumidification and drying of a facility post a flood or seepage, they must be able to limit indoor air quality problems and make the room/office/facility habitable quickly.

• Comprehensive Cleaning and Disinfecting: Post disaster, there are chances of allergies and infections due to remnants left behind. The company must sanitize, disinfect interior surfaces, and also eliminate contamination from mold, bacteria, mildew, and other potential biological hazards.

• Efficient Disposal and Minimal Demolition: The company must try to save as many items as it can. If however, certain portions have to be demolished, then that needs to be done in a cautious manner.

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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.

Penny Jones is a home improvement specialist. She is also an online marketing professional for Prospect Genius, working to provide affordable SEO for local businesses.

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Fire Restoration and Water Restoration - Seek Professional Help for Best Results

Fire damage and water damage are the two most common types of property damage occurring in the U.S. In fact, it is estimated that almost 20,000 people are killed or injured in various fire accidents across the country. This can only mean that there is extensive property damage as well. As for water damage, it is estimated that almost 20% of property insurance claims are related to costs incurred in water restoration.

However, a professional fire restoration service or a professional water restoration can do a great job of bringing back your home to its pre-accident state. Here is a brief summary of what a professional fire restoration or water restoration contractor will be able to do for your property.

Professional fire restoration services

• The contractor will first analyze the type of fire that has occurred in your property. This can be identified by the type of smoke that has been generated. Fire damage and smoke damage go hand in hand and only a contractor will know how to treat smoke damage of various kinds. Smoke can penetrate porous materials such as ceilings, walls and other materials and can stay for several months unless they are treated by a fire restoration company.


• The fire and water restoration contractor will also decide what can be salvaged and what will have to be discarded. Scorched furniture or singed carpets can probably be restored with various chemicals.


• A good fire restoration service will also treat your property for damage caused by an extinguisher such as a foam extinguisher. If water was used to put out the fire, water restoration will also be carried out accordingly.

Professional restoration of water damage

• There are many different types of water damage and they are usually classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4. A contractor will analyze the extent of damage and take steps accordingly.


• Professional restoration services will give you the best chance to recover from water damage as they will have a lot of manpower and all the heavy equipment that will help with a speedy recovery. For example, they will have many dehumidifiers, water pumps, dryers and portable pumps that will be used collectively to get the water out as soon as possible. When it comes to water damage, the best recovery is possible only when the restoration work is carried out immediately after the damage has occurred. Restoration contractors and their teams work around the clock and will be at your property in no time once you give them a call.


• The restoration company will also solve any mold problems that might arise out of water damage.

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An Overview of Water Damage Classifications and Categories

Water damage comes in a variety of forms that can be merely annoying or potentially dangerous, depending on the source of the flow. Today, we will go over the general categories of water leaks, the type of damage they can cause and the recommended steps to treat them. Water damage is split up into various categories and classifications according to standards set by the IICRC.

Category 1 (Clear Water)

This type of water damage occurs when a pipe or appliance springs a leak or overflows when left on unattended. Fortunately, in these types of situations, the water is usually clean and does not pose any real risk to you immediately. Clean water damage typically is an issue for the surrounding environment, such as carpets, books and other belongings which are not waterproof and may need restoration work done if the flooding happens over a long period of time. Additionally, water damage can potentially lead to more severe issues such as mold growth that will need the attention of a professional mold inspector and remediator.

Category 2 (Grey Water)

Gray water damage involves some degree of contamination, whether it's physical, biological or chemical. In layman's terms, gray water is dangerous but not hazardous and needs some form of remediation in order to ensure that the environment is properly restored for human inhabitation. The most common household gray water situations come from toilets, dishwashers and washing machine leaks, where detergents or food particles are mingled in with the water supply. Gray water, like clean water, may also cause mold damage in unattended situations and can also potentially lead to other structural issues depending on the type of contaminant in the water.

Category 3 (Black Water)

This is the most uncommon form of water damage as well as the most dangerous. Black water contains extremely unsanitary agents including bacteria and fungus, and contaminate all surfaces it touches. Black water damage is usually caused by natural disasters such as storms and floods, where debris is washed into the water, or from ruptured sewage lines or septic tanks. This type of water damage must be handled by a professional restoration firm and potentially the state environmental protection agency, as the consequences of leaving the situation untreated or improper treatment can be devastating to many others besides the property owner.

In addition to the types of water damage, there are also various classifications to specify the rate of evaporation for a water damage scenario. This information is subsequently utilized by the technicians to determine the proper method of dryout and an approximate timeline.

Class 1 (Slow Evaporation Rate)

This is the most benign level of water damage in which only a part of a room or area is affected, or the materials involved are relatively low permanence or porosity such as particle board, structural wood or plywood. In these situations, there is usually a minimal amount of moisture absorbed by materials and restoration time is typically fast.

Class 2 (Fast Evaporation Rate)

This class generally involves an entire room, or flood damage where water has wicked up to 24 inches on the wall. Moisture can be present in the structure as well. These scenarios are middle of the road as far as the work and time involved.

Class 3 (Fastest Evaporation Rate)

Class 3 situations commonly involves water that comes from above, either from an upstairs room or outside during heavy rain. In these scenarios, water has saturated more than 24 inches above the wall, posing severe structural risk and potential damage if not immediately addressed.

Class 4 (Specialty Drying Situations)

In this class, the surrounding structure and materials have very low permance/porosity, causing water to remain in saturated pockets throughout. Examples include hardwood, brick, concrete or other materials that do not have a high amount of absorption rate for moisture. These scenarios require very specific low humidity and ventilation solutions in order for water to be effectively removed.

While the class and categorization of a water emergency can usually be quickly inferred, be sure to double check with your water technician when they arrive on site to get the full scope of the situation after a professional inspection has been conducted. Your technician should be able to provide you with an approximate estimate of the timeframe, as well as details on the exact work that needs to be done to bring everything back up to speed. We will cover the various methods of water damage restoration in our next article so be sure to stay tuned!

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Emergency Service Response - Alltek Restoration

We are here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24 / 7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages. Post loss condition of a structure or dwelling can vary and is specific to each type of loss and the severity of the damage that has occurred. Determining the cause of the loss and the effected area is the first step and often most important. How and what steps are taken have can major impact further damages and what is necessary to prevent or limit further damages to a structure. Alltek Restoration provides all emergency or temporary service solution which your property may require.

Board Up Services Board Up Services

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

Temporary Weather Proofing

Your property may require temporary weather proofing as a result of a loss. Both storm and fire damages can leave your property exposed or vulnerable to weather elements which will cause further damage to your property. Preventing additional damages is key as secondary damages can exceed the preliminary damages.

Contents Services

Contents service is process in which the contents of a structure are processed. Depending on the type of loss and severity will determine what needs to be done.

Services can include the following: manipulation, both salvageable and non salvageable / total loss inventory, packing for on or off site storage, cleaning and restoration, and pack back after repairs.

Mitigation Services

After a loss a structures utilities can be interrupted or shut off until safe operation or use can be confirmed. All utilities are subject to interruption which can make your home uninhabitable or unsafe. After a fire if the electrical system is damaged emergency personnel will have the utility provider interrupt service to prevent the risk of injury and further structure damages. We can provide emergency repair or provide temporary utilities that are required so repairs can begin.

Temporary Utility Services

Includes initial loss assessment, determination of cause and source, water category / classification, moisture mapping, and determining the affected areas that require structural drying. Removal of both salvageable and non-salvageable building components, and the placement of required drying equipment as well as monitoring the drying progress until completed so the repairs can begin.

Piece By Piece: Rebuilding Homes And Lives With Fire Damage Restoration

The devastation a house fire leaves in its wake is unimaginable, unless you've experienced it firsthand. The abrupt nature of the disaster is perhaps what contributes the most to the tragedy; a family might be going about its everyday business as usual, and within only a few hours their home and way of life are swept out from under them in a bitter blaze. After the firefighters put out the flames, a fire damage restoration crew can make all the difference in what is lost and what is saved.

The Role of the Crew

Firefighters are heroes, and the restoration crew is a team of angels. This group of workers enters the home once everything is clear. Their mission is to save as much of the home as possible. Their work must be quick, thorough and efficient; they must be knowledgeable about the various methods used to save and restore a family's home and possessions. These skilled and dedicated people work on the burned home until they've done everything possible to restore the household's belongings.

Initial Cleanup

Clearing the soot is key when fire damage restoration experts start their work. They clean any objects around the home that are found intact. Even light fixtures and lampshades are cleaned. Ozone deodorization or thermal fogging is performed to rid the home of any smoky smell. If the smell is too strong to be removed completely, the objects in question are sealed with pigmented lacquer that protects their integrity and traps the odor. Soot is eliminated thoroughly with smoke-residue removal tools. The key goal is to remove soot and deodorize the home within 24 hours of the disaster. If the home is not treated within this sensitive time period, the building may sustain irreparable damage.

Storage, Restoration, and Reconstruction

Once the extent of damage is assessed and the initial cleanup completed, a restoration crew will pack and remove the household's belongings. Whatever can be saved will be brought to a storage facility. Certain objects, such as electronics and clothing, may be taken to a facility where advanced restoration is performed. Technicians can revive electronics using anti-static HEPA vacuums and filtered air compressors.

Back at the home, extensive sanitization efforts take place. Water damage due to microbial amplification often causes a secondary layer of damage that must be removed with turbo dryers. The home is properly ventilated and dehumidified, at which point reconstruction can begin.

Fire damage restoration crews are passionate about helping families return to their normal lives after an unforeseen disaster. Their efforts, combined with their specialized technology, allow them to work quickly and efficiently to reverse the effects of the catastrophe as much as possible. Although their work cannot erase the event entirely, it enables families to move on and adopt a new state of normal instead of facing the pain of losing everything they own.

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Water Damage - It's Not the End of the World

When it comes to things that can wreak havoc upon the safety and structure of your home, water damage is undoubtedly one of the more devastating issues that may need to be addressed. Unlike a fire, it can be a very complicated and multi-faceted process, because there are many other issues that must be considered when making the repairs. It isn't enough to simply remove the wet items and address any destruction that may have been left behind on the surface, because the parts of the home that aren't visible and are rarely considered may have been affected. Because of this, it isn't advisable for homeowners to tackle repairs without at least a basic level of professional help.

Although flooding from hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters is the primary reason most water damage repairs are necessary, there are a number of other things that may cause your home to fall victim to destruction. It is able to easily seep through cracks in the walls and floor, as well as weaknesses in your foundation. Minor problems may occur from leaky pipes, or you may experience full blown flooding as a result of broken or burst pipes. Related appliances such as your water heater are common sources of destruction, as well as backed up drains or even a leaky roof. There's no way to prevent your home from suffering some of the catastrophic side effects, but you can help keep the repairs and the cost minimal by acting quickly at the first signs of a problem, and through making sure your home's insurance policy includes flood and water damage coverage.

If your home has been damaged by flooding or other problems that have resulted in flooding inside your home, the first step in dealing with the problem is to remove all household items and furnishings affected by the accident, including furniture, personal mementos and homed decor, storage boxes, linens, clothing, window treatments, and anything hanging on the walls. After this step is complete, begin to remove the excess moisture from the home. Depending on the volume of liquid inside the house, this can be accomplished with a mop and bucket, a wet/dry vacuum, or through calling a service to handle the removal of water from your home. Only after these things have been accomplished can you get a true sense of the extent of the damage, and call in both your insurance company and repair professionals.

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