What to Expect With Fire & Water Restoration

Some disasters cannot be planned for or expected such as fires and floods. For a homeowner, water damage and fire damage are expensive and stressful problems to deal with. Luckily, there are several services out there that offer help. Fire & water restoration can refer to many different things and being aware of what this entails is very important in preparing for the unexpected.

Restoration services refer to everything from disaster preparation to construction and repair work. It has to do with property damage that occurs due to water, fire, smoke, or mold. These kinds of damages result in timely and costly repairs that can be disastrous in themselves. However, fire & water restoration services work with insurance companies and some even offer insurance policies to help people recover quickly and efficiently from these types of disasters.

So what actually goes into the job? The very first step should take place before a the problem occurs. There are preventative measures you can take to help protect your property in case of a disaster. Many insurance companies will take an invested interest in some of these simple but effective preventative measures that can be done to help protect your property.

There is only so much you can do to prevent damage in preparing for the possibility of a disaster. Once a disaster occurs your professional service provider will help you to work with your insurance company to restore your property and return things to normal. You will need an appraisal or assessment of the damage that has taken place. This involves discovering the extent of the damage and what recovery measures are needed.

Once the damage has been assessed and a plan of recovery has been laid out, the next step is carrying out those plans of recovery. Depending on the extent of the damage, construction restoration and cleaning can be either minor or extensive. Most companies that offer fire and water restoration services have crews that are able to handle a variety of construction demands.

What sort of construction demands might arise in the face of extensive water or fire damage? One of the first restoration projects of flood damage is repairing or replacing the floors. In wide scale floods, it is most likely that the floors will need to be completely replaced, especially carpet. With fire, smoke, and mold damage, there are different repairs that will be needed.

With fire, smoke, and mold damage there are a different set of concerns for restoration. One major concern is with repairing walls and ceilings. This is due to the fact that both smoke and mold can penetrate a structure in disasters. While all of the construction is being carried out, you must be sure to protect your property from the elements while repairs are taking place.

One way many companies do this is to shrink wrap a structure to shield the building from exposure to the outside elements. Repairing fire and water damage can be extensive. Fire & water restoration services are set up to help people return to their everyday lives as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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After the Water Recedes: What to Expect During Restoration of Big or Small Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage in a home can be a frightening prospect. Whether the damage is from a storm or from a leaking pipe, the water can cause untold amounts of damage to the structure as well as all the belongings inside it. Time is not your friend when you're dealing with water damage - if you have or suspect you have water damage, do not delay in calling for help and repair from your trusted contractor.

Water Categories

One of the first things that need to be determined when there is water damage is what kind of water caused it. There are three categories of water, rated on their contamination level.

Category One is clean, sanitary water, also known as clear water. This most commonly is found in clean water supply lines, such as those leading to a faucet, or in bottled drinking water. While this water has little or no contamination in itself, it can degrade into a higher category quickly if it comes into contact with outside contaminants in the environment.

Category Two, also known as grey water, is water that is mostly clean but does contain some contaminants. This kind of water is found in washing machine or dishwasher overflow, as well as toilets and bathtubs. This category of water may cause discomfort or illness if ingested, and can degrade into category three if it comes into contact with further contaminants in the environment.

Category Three water, also known as black water, is grossly unsanitary, containing a high level of contamination. It can cause severe illness or even death if ingested. Sources of this kind of water include sewage, flooding from rivers, wind-driven rain, and standing water that supports bacterial growth. If left untreated, all water will eventually reach this level of contamination as it comes into contact with bacteria and other microbes.

Extent of the Damage

Once the water contamination level has been determined, it is next necessary to determine the extent of the damage.

Class One water damage generally only affects a small area, or affects an area with very little porosity such as concrete. With no wet carpet or other highly porous materials, class one damage is the least dangerous and the easiest to repair.

Class Two damage can affect an entire room, and often includes carpet. Water may also have soaked into the walls up to 2 feet. There may be moisture in the structural materials of the building.

Class Three water damage is total saturation of walls, ceilings, insulation, carpet, and walls. Water often comes from overhead in these situations.

Class Four damage is reserved for unique or specialty drying situations, in which materials with low porosity (such as hardwood, plaster, brick, stone, or concrete) have become saturated. There may be very deep pockets of saturation.

Repair Procedures

Repair will begin with inspection of the area with water sensing equipment, including probes and infrared tools, to locate the source of the damage and its extent. The source of the water will be repaired if possible, such as a leaking pipe. Some damaged materials such as drywall and carpet will be removed and replaced, while other materials such as structural beams or concrete will be dried. Other restoration services will include sanitizing contaminated areas and deodorizing the affected area.

After this labor is completed, equipment for drying such as air movers or scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and specialty floor drying systems may be left in your home for a few days, to ensure that the area is completely dried. If any water is allowed to remain in the area, contamination will continue, causing mold and bacteria growth. After two or three days (or however long is necessary), the area will be reevaluated to be sure that the drying process is complete, and drying equipment will be removed.

We hope you never have to undergo the experience of water damage in your home. But if that day comes, don't wait and let the damage compound.

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Fire Damage Clean Up: Restoring Your Home With the Help of an Expert

Having a flooded home is never a great experience, especially if the damage is too much that you'll have to spend weeks to work on it. Water damage is not only a source of frustration, it could also threaten you and your family's health. Just to think of mud-soaked carpet and cracked walls makes you very, very upset. But what is more difficult is to repair and restore a flood-damaged home since it may cost you a small fortune in remodeling or even rebuilding your home, depending on the severity of the damage.

No matter what your neighborhood handyman is capable of doing, always remember that water damage clean up is always an overwhelming job that is best left in the hands of expert professionals. Since restoring damaged property usually calls for time and expert attention, water damage clean up could be done faster with the help of someone who knows how to do it best.

The Need to Call a Water Damage Clean Up Expert

Should there be water damage in your home, a damage restoration specialist or company should be called immediately to remedy this condition. Using proper equipment, a restoration professional will not only restore your home back to its former glory, he could also see to it that your home's indoor environmental quality (IEQ) stays at a safe level.

Ideally, a restoration process should begin 24-72 hours after the water damage. This is to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. If a sewage leak causes the damage, extra care should be taken to prevent toxins and bacteria from contaminating the home environment. Remember, water extraction and restoration does not end up the process; your home still needs disinfection to keep it free from harm brought by the growth of mold and mildew.

Other than moving out the furniture and fixtures out from the room, you also need to remove carpets and padding and disinfect the area using strong disinfectants and chemicals. The work may also call for the removal of molding and the lower parts of the wall or coverings. The affected area - the walls, ceilings, floors, and vents - should also be dried using high-power air movers and dehumidifying equipment to hasten the work. Since this job requires a lot of care and expertise, tapping the service of a restoration expert or company is most practical.

Since neither you nor your ever-reliable handyman could do much to restore your home after a flood or water damage, the best thing that you can do is to hire a reputable flood cleanup professional. You could ask for referral from your neighbors or friends who, like you, also experienced the same devastating situation. In this way, you can have the hand of a reliable, experienced, and skilled individual who will restore your home to an even-better look.

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Water Damage Restoration Saves Your Home From Mold

Mold and water go together like an old married couple. If you have water standing inside your home, then mold will surely follow. Few people understand how damaging and dangerous mold can be inside your home. Mold has a tendency to continue to grow and spread unless it's halted. That's why you should deal with mold immediately upon first discovering it. One way to deal with it is to perform water damage restoration. Repairing the damage reduces the chances of mold developing.

The most obvious danger associated with mold in your home relates to the structure. Walls and other surfaces to which the mold attaches can become unstable. Not only can it damage your home, but it also makes it unsightly. This really should be enough to encourage you to take action.

Yet another dangerous situation concerns the effect of mold on your health. People simply don't realize that mold causes a lot of allergies in people and pets. Various respiratory diseases have also been associated with mold. If you value your health, and that of those who live in your home, it is important that you take steps to repair problems that have arisen.

You can hire a company to help or you can fix the problem yourself. It depends on the severity of the situation. Water damage restoration isn't always simple, but it can be. If the damaged area is small and confined, it might make sense to deal with it yourself. However, if your gut instincts tell you that you really have a problem on your hands, it is best to hire professionals.

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Useful Information And Tips About Fire Damage Restoration

A house fire can break out at any time, and even if you are prepared, it can still cause a lot of damage. Once the fire department has extinguished the flames, it is time for the fire damage restoration process to begin. This long and complex job involves restoring your home to a livable condition again.

To keep the damage to a minimum and speed up the process, you need to call in the experts as soon as possible. Even a few hours can make a big difference in some cases. Ashes and soot can start to damage and discolor surfaces in your home almost immediately. The sooner that the professionals are able to start cleaning up, the better.

When your home is going up in flames, you may not have the presence of mind, or the opportunity, to find a reputable fire damage restoration company. If you have to waste time afterwards finding the right people for the job, the damage can be more extensive. Spend some time researching your options so that you will be prepared should a fire break out in your home.

Once you call the company, they will send a team to your home to start assessing the damage. As soon as the fire inspector says that it is safe to enter your home, they will begin conducting a top-to-bottom inspection of the property, looking for signs of damage. Smoke and fire damage can often be hidden, so they need to be as thorough as possible so that nothing is missed.

One problem often caused by fires is the smell of smoke that can linger long after the fire has been put out. If you do not want your home to smell like smoke for months, or even years, afterwards, you need to call an experienced company right away. The sooner that they are able to start cleaning up your home, the sooner the smell of smoke will vanish.

Be sure to get a written estimate from the company before they start doing any work. This estimate should be based on a detailed assessment of the damage that was done. If they discover any new damage that will require additional work, they should tell you about it right away. A good company will be up-front about all of its charges so that you do not find yourself paying a lot more than you bargained for.

It is important to remove as many of your items from your home as you can to minimize the damage. If you leave undamaged items in your home, the damage can spread to them. As soon as it is safe to do so, have your possessions removed from your home. This will also make it easier to determine what can be salvaged and what will have to be discarded.

The fire damage restoration company will also conduct a thorough inventory of the contents of your home so that you know exactly what will need to be replaced. This way, you will not wonder where certain items went. The company should tag and track everything in your home so that nothing gets lost.

Make sure that your insurance company is willing to work with the restoration company that you choose. You should file your claim as soon as possible to get the process underway. This will help you avoid any unpleasant financial shocks later on.

Finding a good company to restore your home after a fire is vital. If you delay action, the damage can become significantly greater. Get the restoration process started as soon as possible.

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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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How to Choose a Contractor for Your Home

When you choose to renovate your house, you're investing a lot of time, money, and faith in the contractor you hire to complete the job. The work that they do will affect your day-to-day life, the efficiency of your home, its longevity, and its resell value. So don't just choose the contractor you see first-spend some time questioning them so that you can determine if they're the right person for the job. After all, you're not just trusting them to enter your home-you're trusting them to come at it with a drill and sledgehammer.

Things to Consider Before You Choose a Contractor

• Do they have a good reputation? The surest way to choose a contractor is to ask the family and friends you trust. If they don't have any recommendations (or maybe you've recently moved), try the Internet and websites like Angie's List. You want a contractor who is pleasant to work with, has repeat customers, and always leave clients satisfied.


• Do they have experience? Ideally, you'll find someone who has been in this business for years and has a high level of hands-on knowledge. However, if your budget is smaller or the project's quality isn't crucial, someone with less experience might be a better fit. Also, be sure to ask if they've worked on similar projects to the one you'll be hiring them to take on.


• Do they subcontract? Sometimes you assume that the person you talk to is the one who will show up at your house on Monday. That's not always the case. Ask if they subcontract and if they do, ask how long they've worked with their subcontractors so that you can establish trust.


• How many projects do they take on at once? If they take on a handful of projects at one time, be sure to ask what sort of schedule they'll be keeping. It's likely that they'll be away from your house for days or weeks at a time, and it's important that you know when you can expect them to be working.


• How will they react when complications arise? When complications occur (as they always seem to), ask what the procedure will be. How will they adjust their schedule? Do they ever charge extra? How much?


• How will they minimize the inconvenience for your family? Home reconstruction can be loud and annoying. Talk to the contractor beforehand about what working hours are appropriate and when they are allowed to enter your home. Consider asking them to use a garage or a sidedoor for an entrance to minimize the amount of debris in your home.


• What are the details of the contract? Never choose a contractor before you've discussed the contract in detail. Be sure to ask about the following: cost, payment terms, start date, completion date, and a description of the work. You want strong, open communication.


• Do you trust them? Finally, it's important that you instinctively feel that you can trust this person. Your gut tells you that they'll do the job right and you can trust them in your home. And if you want to be especially careful, you could always do a background check.

Do you homework and ask a lot of questions to be certain that you're going to choose a contractor well suited to your home renovation needs.

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Three Familiar Water Damage Issues

Water Damage is not something that a home owner wants to be familiar with, and yet for many, I'm afraid that it is a dreaded reality. The basic maintenance to keep a house up and in good condition can be hard enough on your schedule and your wallet, but when you throw in something unexpected like an issue with water damage popping up out of nowhere, then your world is going to be turned completely upside down. Preparing for the unexpected can be done by becoming more knowledgeable of possible threats, so I'm going to take this opportunity to share with you what the three most familiar water damage issues are for the home owner today.

The roof can be your home's best friend or it's worst enemy, depending on whether it has holes in it or not. The problem with most major issues that stem from leaks in the roof is that they build up over a period of time and you don't realize that there is a problem until quite a bit of damage has already taken place. A fact that you need to realize is that many times you cannot tell that roof damage is present by simply looking up at the roof from outside. Just because shingles are in place and all are accounted for does not mean that water cannot get in. There are other issues to consider. Your gutters can fill up with debris such as leaves and cause rain water to seep into the side of your roof when backed up. The items on your roof that stick out are sealed by pieces of rubber that can deteriorate over time. It would be good for you to make a habit out of occasionally going into the attic when it rains and inspecting the roof from the inside to ensure that there are no water leaks present.

Another thing to pay close attention to will be the basement or crawlspace under your house. This is the part of your home that is located closest to the ground, which is where rain water is going to eventually drain to. It only makes sense that without proper preventative measures being taken, issues related with water damage will soon develop. The foundation of your home should never have water resting up against it, and this can be prevented by utilizing a good gutter system that empties by way of downspouts that are turned away from the home. The use of splash blocks are a good idea to assist in routing the water away from the home, rather than saturating the ground next to the foundation. If you have a crawlspace, be sure that the earth located directly underneath the house is completely covered with plastic. This will prevent moisture from coming out of the ground and lingering in the air. If you have a basement, you need to go along the walls and floor and ensure that there are no cracks allowing water to leak through. Your best plan of action here is to fill any cracks that are present and then use a good sealer that will not allow water to penetrate the concrete. If you have done all you can do and water still proceeds to invade your crawlspace or basement, the use of a good pump that will turn itself on when water is detected is a must. This process will remove water out of the area as it arrives to avoid the water settling and creating damage.

The last familiar issue to the world of water damage is your plumbing. This is probably the most common area that water damage comes from in most homes. Over time, everything that makes up your plumbing system from faucets to pipes and fittings is going to wear down and will require maintenance or replacement. The best way to avoid this problem is to routinely inspect the pipes and fittings for anything that has come loose and possibly even started to drip. It is also a good idea to occasionally replace the washers or other types of seals that may be present in all of your faucets. This will prevent slow drips from starting, which will help you to avoid a large problem that could stem off of a small one very quickly. Get familiar with these common problems that are related to water damage in the home so that you are better equipped to prevent them from happening in your home.

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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.

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