Saturday, December 31, 2016

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

3 Steps to a Cleaner (and Safer) Dryer | Consumer Reports


Is your dryer taking longer to dry? The culprit could be a build up of lint and other debris. Consumer Reports experts show you how to keep your dryer running at peak performance and reduce your risk of a dryer fire.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas!


Wishing You the Gift of Good Cheer this Holiday Season... 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Water-Related Disaster? Safety First


When it comes to emergency water removal, mold removal, and flood damage restoration, leave it to the pros. Your professional disaster restoration specialist has the industry knowledge, experience, and credentials to guide you and your family through the entire process. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific nature of the damage in your home and will be tailored to meet your specific needs.

But homeowners, often feeling helpless in these situations, may ask what they can do to help during this time. The answer is simple but important: safety. Taking measures to ensure the safety of your family and your home is advice to heed. Let's take a look at some safety do's and don'ts.

Is The Home Safe?

Determine whether the house is structurally safe to enter or live in; professionals may refer to the structural integrity of the home. If you're unsure, don't enter the house and make arrangements for shelter with the help of local agencies, neighbors, and friends. Contact your insurance company, too.

If it's determined that the home is safe to enter, turn off the power by disabling the main circuit breaker; turn off the main water supply as well. A flooded basement could damage your furnace if the water reaches a dangerously high level. If you have a natural gas supply line, turn that off also; better still, leave that for a professional.

Of course, keep children and pets away from flooded areas; you don't want accidents from slippery, wet floors.

Don't operate televisions, computers, vacuums or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially concrete surfaces.

Be sure your valuables are safe. If you will not be living in the house due to the unsafe conditions, remove your valuables including documents and treasured items such as photographs and other keepsakes; store them with a trusted friend or relative. If you are able to stay in your home, move valuables to a dry, safe location.

Is There Mold?

Mold growth is often one of the ensuing problems created by flood damage. The damp conditions in your home after a flood are an ideal breeding ground for these microscopic organisms that spread by producing airborne spores. Those mix with the air inside your house and can lead to health and safety concerns for you and your family. Typical symptoms resulting from mold exposure include everything from respiratory problems and nasal and sinus congestion, to skin, eye, nose and throat irritation.

(Be on the lookout for signs of mold. They vary considerably but may include a smelly odor, a white and thread-like growth, clusters of small black spots; mold can be grayish-brown, grayish-green or white in color.)

Do treat all flood water as contaminated. The water and water-impacted surfaces may not be contaminated but until determined by a professional, don't take chances. Don't track contaminated materials and items into undamaged areas. Do keep children and pets, who are especially vulnerable, out of suspect areas. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and drywall may be unsalvageable after contaminated.

Implementing these tips will put you into action mode versus feeling helpless. More importantly, it will ensure the safety of your family and your home.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Felecia_Drake/1284157

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Monday, December 19, 2016

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.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_E_Smith

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Friday, December 16, 2016

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!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Yang

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tips on Hiring a Contractor After a Flood Disaster


What type of contractor do I need to repair my flooded home?

If your home has been damaged by a flood, you may need to hire the services of professionals to mitigate the damages, handle any damaged personal property, or perform repairs. Typically, contractors who specialize in flood mitigation and repair are most familiar with the techniques and processes that this type of work requires. Contractors who specialize in flood damage remediation or "flood restoration contractors" understand the proper procedures necessary to restore and/or dry out a home or building and its contents. Some of the specialized equipment they may include: truck mounted and portable vacuums or water extractors, high velocity air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to monitor the drying process.

Residential home re-modelers or custom home builders may not have the experience that flood restoration contractors have in this field and may not have the expertise to properly mitigate the damage and/or prevent increased levels of microbial growth (mold). If mold becomes a concern, you may need to hire a certified industrial hygienist to test for mold and provide a restoration protocol or guidelines to mitigate any mold issues. Keep in mind that if you have insurance, your homeowners' insurance policy may have very little or no coverage for mold remediation, so contact your insurance company to find out if you have coverage and what your limits are. Mold remediation can be very expensive!

Usually after a flood, the restoration process will have three main components:

  1. The first is the structural drying phase. This is where the water and moisture is removed along with any materials that cannot be saved such as warped or damaged flooring, baseboard, wet drywall, etc.
  2. The second component is the handling of any personal property. This may entail packing up all of the contents of the home including clothing, furniture, or other items and storing and/or restoring them offsite until the structural repairs are completed. This phase also may require the creation of an inventory to document or list any personal property that may have been damaged beyond repair and that needs to be replaced.
  3. The third phase in the restoration project is the structural repair. This entails the restoration of building elements that need to be repaired or replaced, including insulation, drywall, baseboards, cabinetry, flooring, painting, etc. In some cases a single restoration contractor may offer to perform all three phases or you may want to choose one company to handle the drying while other companies handle the contents and structural repair.

Before you sign a contract for flood remediation services, consider the following:
 
  • Read every word of the contract and be sure you understand the terms and conditions.
  • Review any fee schedule that details what the charges will be for labor and equipment.
  • Get an estimate of what the drying process may cost before any work begins. Any costs or charges that your insurance company does not cover or pay for, you may be held personally responsible to pay.
  • Obtain copies of certificates of general liability and workers compensation insurance and be sure the policies are current and in force.
  • Obtain copies of any Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) if the contractor intends to use any chemicals, anti-microbial agents, or other substances in your home that could cause adverse health effects.
  • Check references and affiliations with trade organizations and the Better Business Bureau.
  • Photograph and document your home, its contents, and the extent of any damages prior to anything being done or moved.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sean_Monroe_Scott/1290184

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Saturday, December 10, 2016

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips from NFPA


Did you know, between 2007-2011 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year? NFPA's Lisa Braxton has a few simple safety tips to consider this holiday to keep you and your family safe and sound.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Water Damage The Cleanup And Repair Procedure


Water damage can be quite disastrous as it can cause extreme damage to the building. During a flood many unwanted things can come into your home like sewage, debris, chemicals, mud and other types of contaminants. All these unwanted materials are dropped and left behind as the water recedes.

Even if the water damaged is caused from a source of clean water like bathtub overflow, an unattended faucet or a refrigerator water line break, the water mixes with the dirt and other substances on the floor and carpets of your home.

Shorted-out electrical systems, ruined carpets and soggy drywall are common after-effects of water damage, making the matter even worse. If the cleaning work is not done in a proper and swift manner, then the mold will likely sprout and cause more damage to your home.

Whatever the cause of the flood, you must ensure that the affected area is quarantined as soon as possible.

Safety Should Be Priority

Where there is water damage the safety of your family should be given high priority. Ensure that all the main power switches are turned off and are not in contact with the water. It's recommended that you should leave affected until the water is removed completely.

Stop the Water Flow

Once you are sure that the area is safe to enter again it's important that you stop the flow of the water. If the water is still flowing then of course any cleanup effort will go waste. You should shut down the water mains if the water damage occurred due to a mishap while plumbing.

If nature and weather conditions are the reason for the water damage then you will have no choice but wait for the conditions to improve. Damage can be minimized by doing emergency, quick repairs. Wherever it is possible try to limit the amount of water coming inside your house. You can use buckets, tarps, storm shutters, sandbags and other tools to limit the water flow.

Cleaning and Drying

Mopping and drying your home is very important. The sooner it's done, the better. If neglected, the water will soak into the carpets, walls and floors making it an ideal environment for mold to flourish. It's advisable that you use proper protective clothing like gloves and a breathing mask. This should be done to avoid spreading disease due water contaminated with sewage or chemicals.

Depending on the level of damage caused, you may need to remove the carpets or furniture. For insurance purposes be sure to list any goods you have to dispose of. You must clean all items in your home that have come into contact with water. Electronics devices might not work properly again so it's better if you replace them.

It is recommended that you hire professionals who are expert in handling all types of water damage. The professionals will use various tools and techniques to clean your house in the right way. If you are searching for professional expert in handling water damage repair.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jason_Kimbel/1918928

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Sunday, December 4, 2016

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.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Ayana

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

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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