Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Things to Consider If You Need a Restoration Service


When you find yourself the victim of a natural disaster or fire and water damage, it is only natural to feel as if you have lost everything. Don't despair and lose hope. When disaster strikes, don't assume that all is lost. Simply contact a restoration service and let them take care of everything. Keep in mind that at first, you may be shocked about what has happened to your home, but with the right team of professionals on your side, you can and will get through this ordeal.

You are going to need to do some things before the restoration service can get started. One of those things is to file a police report so that your insurance company will cover the cost to fix any damaged components of your home. A reputable restoration service can get things back to normal the fastest way possible. If some part of your home needs to be rebuilt because of extensive damage or if some part just needs to be remodeled, you don't have to go out looking around for a company that would be willing to take on your home with the type of damage it has sustained.

There are several reasons why you should hire a professional company. One is because emergencies and disasters can happen any time of day or night. You don't want to have to wait for assistance if it is after hours. By hiring a professional team, you have assistance available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are there at your beck and call to help.

Because there is so much urgency in times of dire need, it may not be possible for you to properly screen all contractors that offer a restoration service. That is why you should hire a restoration service that has employees. A reputable company will be certified by several government agencies, in addition to having all of the required credentials and insurances for your protection. When you are faced with this type of situation, it is best to get started right away to reduce the severity of your loss or damage. The right company will get your property secured and cleaned up in no time.

You want to hire a company that will work with your insurer so you don't have any unexpected or out of pocket expenses. They can fill out the necessary paperwork and speed up the processing time for your claim. This will help you to get back on your feet.

Keep in mind that you need to hire a restoration service that is available around the clock. They need to have workmen's compensation insurance and liability insurance on all of their workers. The longer they have been in business shows how well they cater to the needs of their customers. Ultimately, you want a company that can take care of all of your needs from start to finish, which will make the whole process less stressful and easier to deal with.


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Sunday, May 27, 2018

Damage Restoration: Putting the Pieces Back Together Again


If you are looking for assistance cleaning up or rebuilding after a sudden disaster, a damage restoration company that has a proven record of putting things back together the right way may be the choice for you. With representatives that are well trained in fire and water mitigation as well as construction, you can get the assistance you need to put the pieces of your office or home back together.

If you have suffered through a stressful and scary disaster situation and are wondering if it is possible for your home or office to return to its previous state, call the offices of experts in damage restoration and set up a consultation. No matter the degree or the type of disaster you have experienced, these professionals have the knowledge that is necessary to get things back together efficiently. They will also assist you in the area of working with your insurance company while great efforts are made to get your home or office in order again.

The best, truly dedicated companies and professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A disaster never occurs at a convenient time. You are also going to want to work with a company that will provide a guarantee on their work. This way, if you are not satisfied with their work for any number of reasons -- whether the work was done incorrectly or never completed -- they will make it right. Some of the services offered through a professional company may include:

Water Cleanup

Professionals in water mitigation and the construction aspects of a site will clean up any amount of destruction to walls and floors. Timely and efficient work is especially crucial for this effort.

Smoke & Fire Cleanup

Professionals will repair, remove, and replace destroyed or ravaged belongings and structures. They will also eliminate the smoke and lingering smell.

Odor Control Services

In this case, they remove severe odors as a result of smoke and fire damage using a variety of specialty equipment, systems, and professional products. Odor could also be created by mildew or other unwanted presences.

Reconstruction Services

These particular services may include building stabilization, consultation and design, project management, scheduling, and planning, controlled demolition, estimating services, and much more. This is typically the most comprehensive effort.

Trauma Cleanup

This entails fast responses to clean up violent crime and accident scenes.

You do not have to feel overwhelmed by the wreckage that was left after a sudden disaster. Let professionals in damage restoration assist you with the adversity you are facing. These professionals can be available to assist day or night, 24/7 to provide you with the help you need.


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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Restoration Contractors - How to Choose the Right Restoration Contractor


Restoration Contractors are specialists in the repair of buildings damaged by perils such as fire, windstorm, flood, water damage, hurricane and tornadoes. They are also specialists in the repair and cleaning of personal property from homes and businesses.

These kinds of cleaning processes and repairs require specialized equipment and knowledge that a normal General Contractor will not have. In addition, the restoration contractor uses estimating software that is acceptable to the insurance companies in the calculation of the repair estimate.

Many times, a claims adjuster who represents the insurance company will bring his favorite contractor with him when he inspects your damages. This is not necessarily bad, but can easily become a conflict of interest for the contractor.

I recommend that you, the policyholder and owner of the property, find a restoration contractor of your own to write your damage repair estimate. Customarily, the contractor will write this estimate at no charge, hoping that he will get the repair job. But even if it cost you a couple hundred dollars for the estimate, it could mean the difference in thousands of dollars of repairs.

But, how does a policyholder with damages locate a reputable restoration contractor?

1. Using your computer search engine, look for "Restoration Contractor" or "Disaster Repair" and your zip code or state.

2. Note which contractors in your area are advertising on TV and radio in your area. A big advertiser is usually having some success. Some national companies, like Servpro, advertise heavily and will have offices nearby.

3. Ask friends and business associates for a referral.

Once you have located two or three contractors in your area, interview them with these questions:

1. How many years have you been a Restoration Contractor?

2. Do you have a specialty, like homes or commercial losses?

3. Can you provide a list of at least ten satisfied customers with phone numbers?

4. Do you have documentation of your success in insurance settlements?

5. Have you ever had a complaint filed against you with the Department of Insurance or the state Office of Consumer Affairs?

6. Please explain your fees and how you are paid.

7. Please provide a copy of your repair contract.

Based upon the information you glean from your interviews, you can make a choice of the best Personal Injury Attorney to consult.


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Monday, May 21, 2018

Water Damage Restoration - In Fact, Water Damage is Downright Hazardous to Your Health!


When your home has water damage, be it from a burst pipe, overflowing sewer, leaking roof, or natural flood, it is in dire need of restoration. There's more to water damage restoration than simply mopping up and drying out the home. In fact, water damage is downright hazardous to your health!

First, if your home is flooded, the immediate danger is electrocution. In addition, structural damage to the building could cause injuries due to falling debris and unstable footings. The water itself may be carrying dangerous chemicals, raw sewage, or microorganisms that can make you sick.

Even when the home has been declared safe to enter, damage restoration isn't easy and is best left to a professional. Time is of the essence as well. The longer water soaks your home and belongings, the more damage occurs. Plus, mold starts to grow in moist environments making it essential to dry out the home ASAP. You can minimize losses and future damage by acting promptly.

What's involved in water damage restoration? Stabilizing the environment, cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and repairing.

Before you can begin cleaning up, you must stop the inflow of water. For example, if your damage is the result of a hole in the roof, you must secure the roof so that the water stops flowing inside. Likewise, if a burst pipe is shooting water into the house, turning off the water supply to the home is your first step followed by emergency repairs.

Other issues involve removing water-soaked insulation, determining if asbestos is present in water damaged walls or ceilings, and reinforcing damaged floors and ceilings. Opening windows and setting up a ventilation system such as fans is also an important step for stabilizing the environment. Depending on the nature of the flooding, this step may come after cleaning.

Next, standing water, mud, and debris must be removed. This cleaning step should be followed by disinfecting because rarely is water damage "clean." For example, floodwaters from swollen rivers carry fertilizer, sewage, chemicals, and other hazards. When the water recedes, not only is the residue left behind muddy and messy, it's dangerous. Disinfecting all surfaces is a must. Even if the damage is due to a broken washing machine hose, the clean water that spills soon mixes with the dirt and grime embedded deep within your carpet and carpet pad.

Once everything has been cleaned, dried, and disinfected, the water damage restoration job is not over. Now, it's time for repairs. You may need to replace or repair carpets, floorboards, baseboards, wallpaper, drywall, electrical systems, pipes, insulation, cabinets, and other building materials. In addition, the contents of your home may need to be repaired or replaced.

Cleaning up water damage is a major project requiring speed, expertise, safety precautions, equipment, cleaners, disinfectants, and reconstruction know-how. Don't do it on your own. Instead, water damage restoration companies are equipped to restore your home promptly and professionally. Let the experts handle the mess - they'll prevent further damage and dry out your home ASAP.

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Friday, May 18, 2018

How To Prevent A Home Fire | American Red Cross


Learn how to prevent a home fire as well as evacuate when one occurs with these five prevention tips and three evacuation tips from the American Red Cross. Watch now to better protect your home and family.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

A Guide to Understanding Water Damage Restoration


Whether it is after a fire, burst pipes, or the result of a flood, your home must be restored from all the destruction caused by moisture. Water damage restoration will repair the house and make it safe to live in again. There are several steps to repairing your property after this type of devastation.

Assessing the Damage

The first step to repairing your home after any type of flooding is the loss assessment. This procedure is how the technicians know exactly what to do in order to repair your home. Technicians are required to work with insurance companies to determine property's injuries. Only then can a plan be devised on how to go about refurbishing it.

During the assessment, the water damage restoration company will assign one of three categories. Each of these categories signifies a different manner in which the devastation is handled and reversed. These categories are:

Category One: This is water without any contaminants such as urine or feces. The liquid comes from a clean source such as pipes or sinks. It may also come from toilets, as long as it was free of contaminants.

Category Two: The liquid comes from dishwashers, washing machines, or toilets with urine and has some minor contamination.

Category Three: The impairments are caused by an unsanitary source such as flooding, toilets with fecal matter, sewage lines, or has been standing for some time and may contain microbes.

Drying and Decontaminating the Area

Once a category has been set, the water damage restoration team can start the process of drying out the area. If the damage has been categorized as a two or a three, the area must also be decontaminated in order for the area to be livable again. It is important to understand that an entire house may not contain contaminated liquid. In some cases, it is only specific pockets of the space that must be decontaminated.

If the area is small and has little moisture absorbed into the surrounding materials, the process is much quicker. Dehumidifiers and blowers may be all that is required to restore the space to its natural state. However, a larger area with carpet or one that has deep saturation may require more equipment such as scrubbers and subfloor drying devices.

Finishing the Job

Of course, during the process, you should expect the technicians to be available on site during the duration. They must constantly monitor the equipment to ensure that the area is drying evenly. They should also verify that the entire site is completely dry before removing the dryers. The company should also be observing the area to spot any other problems that may arise once the water has been removed.

Water damage restoration is not something anyone wants to go through. However, with the right company and the proper equipment, your home can be restored to its former glory. When looking for the right group to handle the job, make sure you do your homework. Look at reviews and check out the Better Business Bureau to see if the business is accredited or has any outstanding complaints.


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Saturday, May 12, 2018

Where Should a Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Mounted?


Dick Roux answers a live audience question from his NFPA Live talk on NFPA 72 and installation of CO detection and warning equipment.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Fire Damage - Help From Fire Restoration Services to Resurrect Your House


It is hard to see your hard earned money turn to ashes in a fire. However, instead of not knowing where to begin to address the problem, get help from professional fire restoration services. They will help restore your belongings, plus clean and make it livable again. Read on for more information.

It's hard to face a disaster. Depending upon the intensity and nature of the damage, it can cause many recoverable and unrecoverable damages. Be it a hurricane that brings down destruction on the whole city or a fire that causes severe damage to your house and affects you in several ways. After a disaster, like a sudden outbreak of fire, people are often shocked and do not know how to react or cope up with the effects of the disaster and go on with their life again. Be it a small fire or that of a greater intensity, it is not easy to deal with the after effects of the disaster and where to begin when all you can see is soot everywhere and your belongings in a burnt condition. Along with the destruction part, the foul smell of burnt materials makes it almost impossible to enter the house.

The best thing to do in this case would be not to try and clean it on your own. The damage resulting from even a small fire can be too great and it requires an enormous amount of both time and energy to clean it. Even the articles that are not burnt get a dark black coat of soot due to the smoke in the house. Once you begin with the cleaning you would realize how time consuming it is to get a house back to living conditions. However, as far as restoration of articles and cleaning of the house is concerned you can get some help. Contact professionals who can work efficiently in cleaning the house completely and taking every possible measure to make it livable again.

Fire damage restoration services have the expertise and experience in dealing with the problems caused by a fire and can deal with it more effectively. They assess the damage caused by the fire; evaluate all the areas carefully including the structure of the house, flooring, insulation and so on. They also separate the articles that are not damaged or partially damaged and can be restored from the ones that cannot be restored. The house is also a place full of chemicals, gases and water used for extinguishing the fire. Thus, the area must be dried and cleaned, allowing for ample air and letting out the gases that have accumulated inside. The soot should be completely removed. Finally, it is essential to get rid of the awful odor that fills the whole house. They apply disinfectants in the whole house for that purpose. They have all the essentials needed for restoration and know quite well how to do it best.

If you are in need of a restoration service for fire damage, you can get in touch with a professional company providing this service via the Internet. While you may have a hard time dealing with the problems of essentials and cherished items being destroyed, a professional company can help relieve an awful situation to make your home how it was.

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Sunday, May 6, 2018

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.

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Thursday, May 3, 2018

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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