Friday, March 31, 2017

Consumer Reports: 3 CO Alarms Pose Safety Risk | Consumer Reports


Carbon monoxide alarms are a critical safety device for homes. Consumer Reports' recent testing found three off-brand alarms that failed to respond correctly.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

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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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Fire and Water Restoration Services - Hire Only Professionals to Minimize Your Losses


You probably found this article when you were searching for fire and water restoration services. If your property was the unfortunate victim of a fire mishap or damage due to water, it is imperative that you seek the help and assistance of a professional fire and water restoration service company. They will use their expertise and knowledge to minimize the losses you have sustained. Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with these problems as the worst damage can usually occur well after the fire has been put out or after a water leak has stopped.

This article will hopefully allow you to realize the benefits of hiring a fire and water restoration contractor. Many people make the mistake of attempting to restore the damaged parts of their home on their own. While finances can be tough in the midst of losses caused by property damage, it would still be a very wise decision to hire professional fire and water restoration services for the reasons mentioned below.

Damage due to fire - What you might have not known
  • Even after a fire has been put out, smoke will continue to be absorbed by various parts of a building structure. Furniture and furnishings will also continue to absorb smoke. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to minimize these damages and will also be able to treat the damaged furnishings in such a way that they are back to their original condition or better.
  • Strong odors will often remain for weeks and even months after a fire unless they are treated by specialized chemicals and ozone which only a professional fire and water restoration company can do.
  • Smoke can come in many different forms such as wet smoke, dry smoke or fuel smoke they will all have different kinds of damage that will need professional remedial measures to remove.

Damage due to water - What you might have not known
  • There are 3 categories of water that can cause damage to your property. Category 1 is water that is essentially clean, coming from sources such as a broken pipe or a sink overflow while category 3 is far more problematic, containing bacteria and fungi, coming from sources such as toilet back flows. Damage caused by different categories of water will have to be treated accordingly and it is best that you allow an expert in the fire and water restoration business to deal with the damage caused by water leaks in your property.
  • Water damage has an ability to indirectly damage the structure of the property as water will evaporate and be absorbed as moisture. Different kinds of water have a different evaporation rate and different materials will be affected in various ways. A fire and water restoration contractor will quickly be able to assess the relevant damage to your house and take the necessary steps to minimize the loss.

As you can see from the article above, cleaning up and fixing up a property that has been damaged by fire or water is best approached by hiring a professional. The help and expertise of a professional fire and water restoration company will help you minimize your losses and expenses.


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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Restoring Your Home After a Fire - Types of Smoke and Smoke Damage


It pays to be aware that not all smoke is the same, the type of smoke damage that has affected your house will differ depending on the type of fire that has taken place. Each of the following types of smoke require a different type of smoke damage restoration approach.

A smoldering fire will give off a thick smoke that coats the surfaces of the room completely. The result is a sticky, smeared smoke pattern that resembles a web.

A high-temperature fire that burns very rapidly will produce a lighter smoke pattern, although there is a far greater likelihood that there will be significant charring in the room.
Plastics and chemicals give off a toxic smoke that becomes almost invisible when it stains the walls but it is extremely pungent. This kind of smoke will stain the paint or varnish on the walls.

A blocked furnace or fireplace flue will force an oily soot back into the living room. It can also result in a fire at the blockage point. Either way you are left with an oily deposit that is particularly difficult to clean.

Smoke will generally result in two types of damage. Firstly, the visible staining of walls and other surfaces is immediately noticeable. Just as pervading is the unmistakable odor that has become deeply embedded in hard surfaces and soft furnishing alike. Knowing how to deal with each type of smoke damage is the specialty of a fire damage restoration company and they will be able to advise on the best way to deal with smoke damage and can then carry out the necessary work to remove it.

Importantly, surfaces left untreated with smoke or soot damage can become increasingly discolored as time goes by. Painted or varnished surfaces will discolor considerably and can go from restorable to unsalvageable in the space of a week. For this reason it is important to remove fire residue as soon after the fire as is practicable.

The best way to deal with fire damage is to get some professional assistance from those who know the correct fire and smoke damage cleanup procedures.

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Sunday, March 19, 2017

Three Home Renovation Projects to Increase Property Value


At some point, a homeowner will consider updating their property with a home renovation or landscaping project. Not only will these projects add to the appearance and curb appeal, but they can also provide more comfort and functionality. Additionally, they can prove to be an excellent investment when the time comes to put the house on the market. Some projects are more desirable for a higher return on investment. Expanding the useable space of a property will always add value. Installing new tile and fixtures are just a few small changes that improve the look of a bathroom. And replacing cabinets and countertops are just two ideas to get started in remodeling a kitchen.

Adding On

Adding square footage will always equal an increase in value. Homeowners may invest in a new addition on the first floor, or can even turn a one story house into a two story by building up with a room over a garage or sunroom. Whichever a person chooses, this addition can be highly functional as a guest room or recreation room for both the individual and future buyers. When considering an expansion, one should discuss the plans with an experienced contractor to be sure the new rooms blend well with the architectural features and flow of the space.

Renovating the Bathroom

If a person is considering selling their house, they should know that bathrooms are one of the areas that buyers notice the most. Luckily, many real estate agents would suggest focusing on cosmetic changes rather than the entire layout, so an individual considering this home renovation project may notice that small changes like replacing fixtures, adding new tiled flooring, or updating the shower and tub can make a huge difference in the bathroom's design and first impression. However, choosing quality materials like granite and modern tile is essential to making this project worthwhile.

Designing the Heart of the Home

Many remodeling experts and real estate agents will say that when it comes to home renovation, a homeowner can never go wrong with updating the kitchen. As with a bathroom remodel, updating a kitchen may not require huge changes to increase the value of the house and make the right impression. Surprisingly, even simple changes like new paint or updated fixtures can go a long way. However, other additional updates like adding raised panel wood cabinets and drawers, purchasing modern appliances, and replacing countertops and floors can create an entirely new and improved kitchen.

Numerous home renovation projects can increase the value and functionality of a house. While additional rooms and updated kitchens and bathrooms are a good start, a person can also consult with an interior designer or contractor for other creative ideas that add value and curb appeal.

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Thursday, March 16, 2017

Prevent Fires in Your Home and Avoid Fire Damage Repair


One of the simplest ways to avoid fire damage repair on your home is to educate yourself on common elements within your home that can cause a fire.

By far the most common cause of home fires are due to the overuse of extension cords and power strips. When multiple electronic devices are running off of a single outlet, usually along with an extension cord, danger is inevitable. One power surge could potentially set off a series of sparks. These can ignite near by carpets drapes and other flammable furnishings.

Another general safety tip is to keep lighters and matches away from children. It sounds very obvious to follow this simple rule but this is a situation that has caused severe fire damage to homes. The damage is rarely done intentionally, however, one wrong move in a child's experimentation and curiosity can set off a chain of events that can be catastrophic.

It is also important to properly use electric heaters and open flame heaters. If these products are left on, near a combustible element, that most likely spells disaster. These fires usually happen when one is asleep by the heater during the winter time. While asleep we don't notice the initial signs of trouble, and by the time we do, it is too late. Responsibly placing these heaters as well and maintaining them properly will provide a remedy for the potential danger.

It is important to use the same responsible behaviors while in the kitchen. While cooking it is always easy to forget that an item is in the stove, or that, while using the stove top, a combustible element may be near. Caution and thought out preparation are always the key for fire safety within the kitchen.

Using this information makes it much easier to prevent having to go through fire damage repair within your home.


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Monday, March 13, 2017

Top 6 Tips For Home Renovations


Are you going to do some home renovation projects? If so, you may be looking for a good professional. Given below are our top tips for you to get the renovations done without breaking the bank. Read on.

1. Set a Budget

It's important that you know what you can get for your budget. If you know how to price the required skills and material properly, you can save a lot of money. Yes, each builder is different and builders need to know what your expectations are.

You should get at least 3 quotes and don't go for the cheapest professional. Your selection should be based on the experience, personality and the reputation of the home renovation expert.

2. Make decisions in a timely fashion

You should make each decision before the work begins. Good builders will let you know about all the situations, but delays don't happen because of the decisions as to the situations.

Delays happen when the work stops because of something that is not available. For instance, if your faucet is late, your plumbers will stop working and you will have to give them a new schedule. So, make sure you get everything ready for the work.

3. Don't change your decisions too often

If you change your mind over and over again during the course of the project, problems will happen. Changing decisions frequently will not only add to the overall costs it will also delay the project. Therefore, you should change your mind only when you have no other option.

4. Buying materials

You may want to save money. You may think that the builder is going to give you a higher estimate of the cost of the materials and pass the additional cost onto you. In some cases, this may be true. But the point to keep in mind is that the builder may get the material at cheaper rates than you. So, you are going to pay the same price at the end.

5. Kids and pets

While the construction is going on, make sure you don't have kids around the workers. The workers may try to take care of the kids and pets while doing their chores; they are not supposed to do that. So, make sure you don't allow the kids to walk around the construction site.

6. Live somewhere else

The majority of homeowners don't pay attention to this rule. It's true that remodeling costs a great deal of money and the cost goes up when you decide to move to another house. If you can't afford to move to another house for the entire project, you can try to spend some time away from the home so that the workers could work comfortably.

So, these are some useful tips for you if you are going to start a renovation project for your home. Keep in mind that starting the work without a plan in place can cost you thousands of dollars later on. Therefore, make sure you have a plan before hiring a good builder for the renovation task.

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Friday, March 10, 2017

Why Restoration Services Should Be Done Immediately


Hiring a restoration service as soon as you possibly can after your home has been damaged can be important for many different reasons. It could mean the difference between keeping your house and not keeping it. You shouldn't let water or fire damage sit for too long for safety reasons to your health, and because the integrity of the home can suffer greatly shortly after the damage has been left. Water damage should especially be treated immediately after it occurs because of the complications that arise quickly after a flood has happened.

If you leave water sit in your home, it can ruin the wood, foundation, structure, and livability of your home in a hurry. Drywall is easily ruined by water damage, so getting it removed and replaced to prevent the spread of dampness and mold is very important. Mold can ruin a home and be very unhealthy to breathe on a day-to-day basis, so this is the main reason why when you have water damage that you should get it fixed immediately.

Fire damage and smoke damage can be very serious to a home. As soon as you can, you should call a restoration service to assess the damage that has been done, and get them to fix it as soon as you can. You shouldn't leave your home damaged after any event if you want your house to maintain its integrity. Time is really the most important thing when it comes to fire and water damage to your home. Even after a fire is put out, or water is removed, it can still be damaging your house in ways that you cannot see, so be sure to get things fixed and back to normal in a timely manner.


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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

An Explanation of the IICRC Water Damage Classification Used in Flood Restoration



The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is one of the largest non-government organizations in the United States that sets standards for people in the field of flood restoration. Among its many contributions to the fields of inspection and cleaning, the IICRC has created a Water Damage Classification (WDC) system, to better assist the treatment of damage in buildings or homes that have been overexposed to water. In the event that your home is damaged and needs to undergo flood restoration, it is important that you understand the WDC, as doing so will allow you to be aware of the potential threats to your property.
The WDC is broken down into four classes, each one determined by the volume of water present in a designated area. These grades go from 1 to 4, with 4 having the most severe consequences in regards to property deterioration and potential health threats.
Class 1: Limited Intrusion
A minimal amount of liquid has been introduced into the area. The area might also have a high potential for evaporation, with little extenuating damage to furniture, walls, carpet, and carpet cushions. For some Class 1 situations, it might be possible to dry out the area with fans.
Class 2: Some spread
This grade indicates that some moisture has spread beyond a single spot in the room. It might have risen into the walls, where it can be absorbed into the insulation or structural materials, such as timber, concrete, or particleboard. It might also have been absorbed into the padding beneath the carpet or flooring. These areas have the potential to grow mold or other growths if left unchecked.
Class 3: Invasive Liquid
In this grade, most surfaces in the area, including walls, ceilings, flooring, and furniture, have been soaked with moisture. Lines or marks on the walls indicating moisture can be found more than 2 feet above the floor. Damage like this is often caused by burst plumbing in a second-floor room leaking into the ceiling or through the walls. In cases like this, it is sometimes necessary to remove some of the building materials, as the extensive damage will render them irreparable. Special drying and dehumidification equipment will be required to return some remaining stuffs to their pre-damage state.
Class 4: Inaccessible Material
In some cases, flooding to the area is so severe that items not normally exposed or accessible are saturated with liquid. This makes it extremely difficult or impossible for traditional flood restoration techniques to save these materials. Special drying and dehumidification equipment, as well as more advanced techniques, can sometimes be used to dry components in crawl-spaces, under oil-based paint, behind cabinets, etc. It is also sometimes the case that these materials are not salvageable.
In addition to assessing the severity of damage in a location, an inspector must also determine the quality of the liquid permeating the area. "Clean Water" is much easier to address than a situation with "Black Water," or water that can contain potentially life-threatening organisms. The presence of Black Water might affect your space's grading.
After an inspector has assessed the nature of the damage to your property and belongings, he or she will work with a team of certified IICRC-certified technicians to begin bringing your home back to its original state. They will use everything from old-fashioned scrubbing to microbial remediation to rid the space of moisture and any potentially threatening organisms. The IICRC's WDC grading will help make this an easier process, should your home ever need flood restoration.

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Saturday, March 4, 2017

How to Prevent Fire Damages in Your Home by Following Some Simple Tips


It is very difficult to recover fire damage issues. Both emotional and financial damages occur due to fire. Though you can recover a lot of furniture and other properties by restoration professionals, it is better avoid any chances for fire in your home. We can avoid any kind of unnecessary fire damage in our home by following some simple steps. The steps are provided below.

1. Never accumulate fire vulnerable goods in our home
2. Do not allow children to play with match box, lighters etc
3. Do not smoke in your home
4. Insure your house against fire damages
5. Keep fire control instruments in your home
6. Avoid the chances of short circuit issues

As I said we should never keep any kind of fire vulnerable goods like paper, plastic etc in our home especially in kitchen. If we keep these kind of goods in kitchen the chances of fire damage is high. So we should not keep any goods vulnerable to fire in kitchen as it can increase the total damages by fire. Another important point is about our children. We should not let our children to play with lighters, match box etc. Any careless action with these things can cause a fire in your house. So we should keep match box and lighter away from children in your home.

Now let us come to the adults in a house. Smocking is one of the major reason which cause fire in a house. Any carelessly dropped cigarette buds can set fire in your house. So always do not smock in your house to prevent fire in your house. One better precaution you can take against fire damage issues is to insure your house and properties. Though insuring your house cannot avoid the mental tension fire caused, you can have a relief from financial issues. So it is advised to take an insurance against fire damages to save any unexpected financial problems caused by fire.

You should always keep safety instruments in your house. Better ask advice from experts to know more about appropriate fire extinguisher you should buy. There should be a proper fire exit in your house to avoid life damages. It is advised to check your electrical wiring in every year to avoid possible electric short circuit issues. If you are ready to follow the points described above in ninety percent you can avoid fire damages.


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Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Why Water Damage Needs Repairing within 48 Hours - Is it to Prevent Mold Formation?


You will hear constantly that when it comes to water damage, everything will need to be dried within 48 hours. The problem is, you may not know why this is and what the health risks are if this does not happen.

The main reason why the water damage needs to be dried within 48 hours is to prevent the growth of mold. Mold is extremely damaging to the health but will start to form quickly. Once it does form, you will find that it grows quickly. However, you will hardly notice that the mold is there until it is too late.

Mold like dark and warm places, which is usually in the carpet or in the corner of a room, behind something. You could even find that the severe damage has caused the growth of black mold in the drywall.

Mold causes a number of health problems linked to the lungs. The particles can be breathed in very easily and often makes asthma and allergies worse; it can also create some of the asthma and allergies. There are also a number of problems that are physically visible when severe damage has caused mold, such as eczema or blisters on the hands.

There are many different types of mold that can occur in your home and not all of them will be from damage caused by the water. Different types of water damage will also cause the different types of mold. Black flood water damage is usually linked to the growth of black mold, which is more toxic. This can make it extremely difficult to create a form of medication to help those that are struggling with mold problems.

While mold removal is possible, it is usually best to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This is done to ensure that the water damage is dried within the first 48 hours. You can also use a dehumidifier in your home to help to keep the area cool, since mold prefers warm and moist areas to grow.

If your water damage cannot be repaired and dried within 48 hours then you should look at replacing it instead; this will save you a lot of money in the long run. With some items, the only thing that you can do when mold appears is replace it anyway. This is especially the case when it comes to carpets and drywall water damage.

Now, you may realize that mold formation is fatal to your health and you need not to worry when there are experts for black mold removal, you can avail their services early to save you and yourself from any health issues.

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