Archive for the ‘water damage restoration’ Category
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Water damage is often one of the costliest and most troublesome problems which can plague a homeowner. It can destroy almost everything in a home from hardwood to carpet to expensive or valued possessions, and can take months to fix. But still it remains a problem that few people put much thought into until it becomes too late. Thankfully it is usually possible to avert this type of damage by taking the proper precautions. Below are five simple and easy precautions one can take to drastically reduce the risk of one’s home being damaged, and save a large amount of money, time, and anguish.
Keep All Appliances Updated
If you have any appliances that use water, such as a washing machine or a water heater, make sure that they are in good working order and under ten years old. This is generally the time frame in which these machines consistently work effectively. If they are older they are much more prone to breaking down, which will be a much bigger problem later if you wait for that to happen.
Check All Your Hoses
A faulty hose is one of the most common ways damage can occur. This is also one of the easiest problems to avoid or fix. Regularly make sure that none of the hoses connecting your appliances have cracks, kinks, leaks, or bulges. If they do, make sure to replace them right away. A replacement is generally extremely inexpensive and easy to put in. It also may be advisable to switch from rubber hoses to stainless steel, as they last longer and are much more durable.
Never Leave Appliances Running
Never leave the house while a dishwasher or washing machine is still running. Usually if you are at home and something goes wrong with an appliance’s operation, you will be able to notice and shut it off before any real damage is done. If you leave these running while away, what could have been a simple problem to avert can turn into a huge mess and a large amount of damage done by the time you get home.
Look Out For The Attic
Particular attention should always be paid to anything on the roof or in the attic, such as a humidifier or a cooler. These appliances have the most potential to cause a major problem because any leaks will travel downward through the house, ruining any walls, floors, or possessions below as well as those in their immediate area. You should be extra wary of anything on the rooftop, since it will be constantly out in all kinds of conditions, making it much easier for them to get damaged. These appliances should always be inspected at least once each year, and any problems addressed immediately.
Install Water Alarms
Almost everyone has the foresight to install smoke detectors, but few people consider a water alarm, which works on the same principle. This is a simple device that can alert you to water leakage, enabling you to stop the problem before it becomes a major disaster. It is usually no harder to install than hooking up a garden hose to a nozzle would be.
Taking these simple precautions against water damage can save you a huge amount of both money and time. It is always better to be proactive than to be too late and place your home in a state where it will take months to repair and you lose many valuable possessions. It takes little time or effort to perform these steps, and is well worth it.
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Monday, July 26th, 2010
Water Damage describes any loss to property caused by an intrusion of water where the systems or the materials can be temporarily or permanently affected. It can be slow and unnoticeable or it can be sudden and catastrophic, like the flooding in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
There are many causes for damage of this sort: broken pipes, backed up sewage, foundation cracks, overflow drainage from household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and storms.
It is often categorized into three groups according to the contamination present in the water and the threat to public health it poses. The first group is Category 1 in which the water is clean and does not represent a threat to human health. Category 2 is when the water is called gray water and does have significant levels of contaminants present in the water such as urine in overflowing toilet water. Category 3 is black water, grossly contaminated water, which poses an immediate health hazard. An example of this would be backed up sewage.
It can also lead to long term health problems such as illnesses caused by mold ranging from chronic coughing, migraines, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Water damages claims are the largest group of claims filed by homeowners. Then they discover what the insurance companies will and will not pay.
Proper maintenance of the plumbing system and other water drainage systems in your home can make the difference on whether or not your claim gets settled or rejected. For example, the pipes in your house freeze during a cold spell and burst. You are covered for the damage but not the replacement costs for the pipes. However, most insurers will not pay the claim if you left the house unoccupied and unheated and then the pipes froze. You were negligent and therefore must pay for both pipes and the damage.
When dealing with the insurance company, it is very important to describe exactly what happened in the most truthful manner. What is said at the beginning of the claim process can affect the outcome of your claim. Remember that the insurance company has a very narrowly defined meaning of what a flood is. To the adjuster, a flood means an overflow of water from an outside source such as a river, lake or stream. If the pipes burst in your basement, then what happened was not a flood. Neither is sewer backup or seepage from a septic tank, which is considered a fault of poor maintenance.
When water damage happens in your home, move all belongings away from the affected area as soon as possible. Use a video camera to document what has happened. Contact your adjuster but this is where it gets difficult. Some financial advisers caution against filing a claim if the amount is under $1000. Some homeowners have actually lost their coverage simply because they phoned their insurer to see if they could make a claim. Once your home has been blacklisted by insurers, it is extremely difficult to sell it in the future.
Insurers put these properties in a central database called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange and other insurers can access this information too. Some companies are so nervous about water damage claims that even a single claim of this type is enough to be refused further coverage. Loss of coverage can make it extremely difficult for homeowners to be able to sell their homes in the future.
If the claim amount is under $1000, it is recommended not to contact the insurance company. Clean up is still a top priority since mold can set in as early as 24 hours after the water damage has occurred. Water damage cleaning companies specialize in this type of damage and they are usually available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Keep all receipts, keep your fingers crossed, read your policy thoroughly and then contact your agent.
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Sunday, July 18th, 2010
Time is money when it comes to dealing with water damage. It does not matter if the source is a flood or just dropping your book in the pool. Speed counts. Every hour that a liquid remains in contact with your property means greater restoration will be required.
If flood waters are still submerging your home, there is little you can do except talk with your agent. Planning what you might be able to do once you do get access is helpful.
If there is debris in dwelling then remove whatever you feel comfortable moving. You could shovel away mud or sludge. Clear what is blocking access if you are able. If professionals are coming then the less they have to do before their expertise is put to use, the more they can save. Sort through what you find at hand but be careful.
The more quickly you can remove any moisture from the area, or the article from the water, the greater your chance of saving it and money. If the floor is wet then throw every towel you can grab on it to soak up the water. Stick them in the washer and turn on the spin cycle if you need to use them again. Again, speed is what is needed. Every minute moisture is not on the surface counts.
Now that the water has gone, receded or been mopped up, what is the damage. Do you need a professional because the floor was inundated for 2 days? Or, was the sink overflowing and you managed to keep it contained to the bathroom or kitchen. It could be as simple as a fan or require chemicals and specialized equipment.
If the damage is greater than a soaked paperback or single item and involves structures such as furniture or your home, then read your home owners policy and talk with your agent. If you are not a demolition expert or a remodeling specialist, then a licensed, bonded and insured restoration professional may be your best bet. But read your policy carefully. It may well cover many of your costs.
If the only water damage you are dealing with is a soaked paperback, then just start up the fan and begin putting paper towels between the pages. Be sure you keep the air circulating but not flapping the pages. Just a breeze will do the job. Once it has dried, press it flat with other books or bricks. Use whatever is handy and heavy. Just be sure to place something between the book and the weight that is smooth and will not stick. A cutting board should do.
Speed in dealing with any level of water damage can save your property and save you money. Extracting or drying articles as quickly as you can is really important to the eventual restoration. If the amount of moisture is more than you can handle on your own, check the Better Business Bureau for information on companies you might want to use. They can tell you if a complaint has been lodged or a compliment too.
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Saturday, July 10th, 2010
When looking at water damage restoration endeavors, there are plenty of variables to examine. Such a process can be rather easy, or quite daunting depending on the type of problem. Some of the general concerns include damage assessment, repairs, and preventative measures. All three of these steps are vital in making sure that the destruction is not only fixed, but that the damages will not reappear over time. This examination will look at all of the steps in this process, going in depth into the issues related to this task.
Water damage can come about in a variety of locations, yet there are particular areas more likely to be affected. Roofs, constantly exposed to the elements, are always vulnerable to destruction from heavy moisture. This same logic applies to other places as well, such as windows and window frames. Yet another common area that can be injured by water is the interior of flooring and walls. Also, any areas close to pipes, faucets, or drains are perpetually in danger.
The most frequently seen type of moisture damage is erosion and deterioration. Yet there is the possibility of a much more serious problem. Mold for example, is a consequence often associated with water destruction. Many types of mold can be toxic, and most can have a negative effect on the human respiratory system. Mold can be more difficult to identify, but also more life threatening than other types of damages.
Trying to assess the destruction for restoration purposes requires the observations of a professional. For minor problems, owners can assess the damages on his or her own. For more complicated and dangerous issues, such as mold, professional assessment and repair is highly recommended. As part of assessing, it is also vital to figure out what exactly caused the damage.
The repair process can be extremely easy, or incredibly complex for property owners, making assessment all the more important. A patch job for example, is rather easy whereas replacing an entire area can be a huge ordeal. For internal damages to walls, it might be necessary for demolition and replacement of entire structures. The key is, the more serious a problem, the more vital professional services are.
Once an individual has made a decision regarding repairs, is is then necessary to shop around. This means that you must seek out the cheapest materials, obtaining deals and sale items when possible. In addition, it is wise to use price comparisons when seeking professional services, attempting to haggle for the lowest rate. Despite these tactics, one must ensure that all of the work is done with a high degree of quality.
The final step in repairing water or moisture damage is to ensure that the damage will not return. Thus, preventative measures must be taken with regards to the affected property. The last thing one wants to experience is the need to duplicated the repairs once again in the future.
It should be clear to you now that there is much to think about when you approach a water damage restoration project. An accurate assessment of the damages is the primary concern. Then, a cost-efficient and practical means of repair must be followed, while also protecting against damage in the future. We see from these broad objectives that this sort of project requires an informed and diligent approach.
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Tags: flood damage, home, home repair, water damage, water damage restoration
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Monday, July 5th, 2010
It seems impossible to believe that water can do so much damage to a home, and cause such a loss of property as it can ruin many items which can be very upsetting. Making sure that Water Damage Restoration is done by an expert can potentially alleviate long term damage to property as well as making what can be an upsetting time far less stressful. An expert will have all the knowledge, training and equipment to make the cleaning up process go a whole lot more smoothly.
The first place to start is the insurance company as they may well have a list of approved contractors that they want you to use. This not only saves the hassle of trying to find someone good to do the work, but also means that the restoration can probably proceed without having to get quotes which then have to be approved by the insurance company.
There are two different types of water that can damage a property. The first is fresh clean water which is fairly straightforward to deal with as everything will just need to be dried out. The second kind is more complicated as it is black water that has come from a sewer and which contains many potentially harmful bacteria.
The name black water is given to water that is found in sewers, which means that it will have many potentially harmful organisms present within it which could cause health issues if not properly dealt with. This is why all black water should be cleared up by a professional who has the training and equipment to do it safely and effectively.
Any soft furnishings, carpets and carpet pads that have come into contact with black water have to be removed and disposed of in a safe manner by an expert. If the damage that has occurred is form clean water then it is a lot more simple as furnishings and carpets can be left in place and dried out with water removal equipment. This saves any cutting of the carpets and so lessens the damage.
A professional will have specialist tools that can test the moisture levels in something that appears dry to ensure that it is fully dry right the way through. They will also have the experience to test areas that might have otherwise been missed such as hidden basement areas and crawl spaces.
Drying out a property as soon after the water damage has occurred is extremely important as there is a risk that mould could develop. Mould spores are naturally present in the atmosphere and will start to develop on wet furnishings and the structure of the house after about the first forty eight hours of saturation. If left to develop then they can cause health issues.
Water damage Restoration that is carried out by a professional will be a great deal more effective than if an area is left to dry normally. The damage to the property will probably be less, and once dry then a proper assessment can be made of what is needed to put it right. A homeowner may be able to do some of the work themselves, whilst other work may need a trained professional. A good insurance policy should cover the cost of putting right the effects of water damage.
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Tags: floods, home, home flooding, home improvement, water damage restoration
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Saturday, July 3rd, 2010
People who live in areas with frequent floods are not the only ones who need to know about water damage restoration. Everyone should be prepared to take care of water damage since your house can be damaged by burst pipes, hoses, overflowing sinks and even humidity. Water damage isn’t always life threatening but it can often have adverse effects to health, so it’s important to clean and dry damaged areas of your home as quickly as possible.
Wood is easily ruined by prolonged exposure to water and is particularly susceptible to carrying fungi and bacteria, so water damaged wood should be taken care of as soon as possible. Steel and other metals found in many homes can also be rusted by water, and paper is of course easily ruined by exposure to water. For all the above reasons, you should initiate restorative efforts as soon as you can.
Health risks involved with water damaged areas can be very severe. Black water refers to water with a high amount of bacteria and fungi, which can cause potentially fatal illnesses like tuberculosis and pneumonia. Black water often comes in the form of sewage water, river water and sea water.
Less severe classifications of water damage are clean and gray water. Clean water damage is the least threatening and is not contaminated. It can refer to overflow from a tub or sink, or a leaking appliance, for example. The water may be sanitary, but it can still damage the house and furniture, so the compromised area should be dried quickly.
Grey water is a more serious classification than clean water. It contains a significant amount of bacteria, though not as much as black water. Since gray and black water can cause illness in animals and people, if you think you may have this kind of water it’s best to call your environment protection agency or water bureau so your home can be investigated. If you end up staying in a contaminated, bacteria-carrying area, you are more at risk for serious illnesses.
After floods particularly, drinking contaminated water is a mistake many people make. Even if you’re not sure the extent of contamination, it’s best to play it safe and boil all drinking water, or have it filtered through a water purification system.
Any wood items that are severely damaged by water should be discarded, since mold can quickly collect there. Be sure to wash all dishes in hot water and dry them. The faster you dry your walls, furniture and floors, the less likely mold and bacteria will be to keep growing.
Water damage can be a very serious threat so people should all be prepared, know the risks, and know how to minimize them. By having items such as dehumidifiers, vapor steam cleaners, rubber gloves, boots and masks already in your house, you will be ready to clean and dry areas of your house damaged by water at any time.
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Tags: floods, home, home flooding, home improvement, water damage restoration
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Thursday, July 1st, 2010
The process of restoring a building to a pre-loss state after sustaining damage by water is widely known as water damage restoration. This procedure comprises the cleaning, refurbishment and renewal of the exterior and the interior of the entire building and the rebuilding of any severely damaged external structure.
Although the United States government has no policies prescribing these procedures, certain standards are recommended by two certifying institutions, namely the IICRC and the RIA. The IICRC standard is known as the S500. Most of the companies involved with the restoration process adopt the recommendations of the IICRC. They are based on sound research, reliable principles of restoration and vast experience collected over many years from countless sources.
The data is collected from such diverse sources as local and international trade associations involved with restoration work, scientific organizations, chemical companies, equipment suppliers, insurance companies and trades professionals with expertise in the field of restoration. The S500 standard is constantly under review so that it keeps pace with new technology, processes and testing procedures.
A set of standards have been drawn up for the restoration process to homes, buildings and other water or sewage damaged structures requiring specific, specialised precautions.
Materials affected due to serious water contamination are usually documented by professional restoration services who use industry standard costing tables to work out the exact value of those materials and their service lost or damaged.
In order to inspect any damage, specialised water sensing equipment, such as sensitive probes and a range of infrared sensors, are used to detect the sources of the damage and exactly how widespread it is.
The process of restoring the building by first drying it out, then sanitizing the affected areas, followed by deodorizing the areas and all materials may now be commenced. Once the work has been completed, specialized equipment developed for water problems may now be employed. This equipment may include air scrubbers, air movers, dehumidifiers, drying apparatus for wooden floors and similar tools for under floor drying. The apparatus is left in the building for about two or three days after which the site is re-evaluated to check on the drying process. Any tools not needed after the evaluation, are removed to keep costs down.
The personnel involved in the restoration work often have to perform their duties while surrounded by the personal effects of the home owner. These include such items as electronic appliances, books, furniture and any other items that have been affected by the water contamination. If these items have to be moved around, the restoration firm often charge for this by the hour. House contents may also require specialized treatment to restore them after being damaged by water.
Once moisture content, humidity and temperature have been brought under control, all apparatus would be removed and the restoration procedure would have been completed. Many homeowners, building supervisors and property managers use their own people to recover their premises for financial reasons but, in the long run, hiring professionals is highly recommended.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
When you have encountered water damage in your house, it is probably time for you to call in a water damage remediation specialist. Devastation caused by floods can occur rapidly, whether this includes harm to household items or mold advancement. For this reason, read more about how to guard your house, and when to get in touch with a professional.
There are many different ways water can bring problems to a house. Plumbing could freeze and break open, a hurricane or heavy storm can enable flooding, or perhaps a basic mistake such as overflowing the bath tub or kitchen sink can occur. For those who have homeowner’s insurance coverage, you will likely end up being taken care of, nevertheless, you will need to check to make sure before any of these problems take place.
Because of this, you will be aware whether or not you’ll be able to be assured and contact a water damage restoration professional immediately, or should you cope with it all on your own to save money.
One of the first solutions to fix the problem is find what is triggering it. If your bathtub or sink flows over, make sure it is off before you decide to make an attempt to clean up. If it involves plumbing or a washer, see how to shut off the water. After you end the flow, you can start resolving the problem.
When the amount of water on your carpet is manageable, like not more than one or two inches, you can start by taking all the towels in your house and placing them on the carpeting. Jump on them to help take in the moisture, and then dry all of them out, either in the dryer or outside, and start over again.
When you do this, try to have any fans inside your home on, and also start the heater if it’s cold outside the house. If it is a bit warmer, for example over sixty degrees, start the air conditioner to get rid of some of the moisture.
When the level is up to several inches, you will probably have to get in touch with a professional. Sometimes, doing every one of the above steps, including using a wet/dry vacuum, is not enough in severe situations. Mold could develop plus wood could go rotten quickly after getting wet, and so you must act fast.
If you think you are unable to dry the wet areas out in a reasonable time frame, such as in a couple of days, it is likely the perfect time to find help from a water damage restoration expert if you are insured through homeowner’s insurance or not. This may eventually end up being the least expensive course when compared to comprehensive damage to the home.
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Flood and water damage is a huge catastrophe to the contents of any location. But making sure to take quick measure to call a specialist in water damage restoration will ensure that your life gets back to normal swiftly. Ignoring the correct procedures to clean up can set a perfect place for mold and mildew to come in and bring more destruction.
There are standards that have been set for this important clean up technique. In the industry of water damage cleaning there is are levels to read the impact of the damage. Deciphering where the water came from and what type of water it is would be the first step in the process. The standards set are to make sure that every specialist takes the same steps to ensure a thoroughly cleaned and properly maintained environment.
Cleaning up the mess of water damage is more than just because of the mess but also for safety. First find the cause of the damage and make sure that it will not be affecting the area any longer.
How dirty the water is decides how cleaning up need move forward. Water that is pure can be easily cleansed. However, the other two types of polluted water need more work to ensure a healthy environment to others. Any water that can cause ill effects to humans needs to be attacked with purification.
Taking action quickly to dry the location is imperative. Mold and mildews can begin to grow within two days. The risk of these organisms is not only to wood and the base of the building but to people as well. The fumes are noxious and can cause bad reactions to humans to their lungs, skin, and well being.
While one can contain the problem themselves there is a need for a specific course of action. Once the water is sopped up you must clean, purify, sanitize and deodorize the location. There are water damage restoration experts that know how to contain and clean with the utmost precision. Returning the humidity level to fifty percent is crucial to make sure that errant molds and mildews do not occur. Trying to move forward in doing this alone will mean that mistakes will not just be soggy things but can be a haven to very dangerous organisms that will create illness and problems with the foundation of the building.
To restore the property you must get rid of the water and air blowers or dryers work quickly to achieve this means. Then the air must be purified and sanitized to get rid of any mold or mildew organisms. There needs to be a steam cleaning to disinfect any items that have been saturated. Once you have finished all these steps there is a very deep cleaning.
All items that cannot be dried and effectively cleaned need to be disposed of. The location needs to have the humidity restored to at least fifty percent as hazardous organisms cannot survive at that level.
No matter how the damage happens it is mandatory that you remember that your safety and the health of the other occupants rely on a quick clean up. Finding a professional to follow the correct procedures for water damage restoration might be the best bet to make sure that no repercussions occur.
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Tags: floods, home, home flooding, home improvement, water damage restoration
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Sunday, June 27th, 2010
When a property is damaged by a leaking pipe, roof or just an exceptionally heavy storm, it is important to deal with it quickly. Fast action will help contain the damage that has already been done and can help to prevent any lasting damage being done to the structure of the building. Water Damage Restoration is best dealt with by an expert as they will have all the necessary knowledge and specialist equipment to deal with it effectively.
Hopefully any damage will be covered by insurance, so the first thing to do is to phone the insurance company or the broker to ask for their advice. It is helpful to have the policy to hand so that they can help more quickly. The insurance company will want to start the repairs on the property as soon as possible so as to lessen the damage already caused.
Ask for a list of approved contractors that the insurance company is happy for you to deal with as they may just be able to proceed with the work without having to get time consuming quotes. Their approved contractors can then assess the damage and get on with sorting out the best way to proceed. The drying out process should start within the first forty eight hours of the home becoming water damaged.
It is very important to get it dried quickly to lessen the chance of any mold developing. Mold is classified as belonging to a group of micro organisms that are called fungi, so in other words it is similar to mushrooms or a yeast product, and will be familiar to most people as the substance that appears on food that is going off.
While mold spores are found naturally in the atmosphere they need moisture in order to take a hold and develop. In a saturated house they would easily be able to find enough moisture to develop on soft furnishings, and carpets or rugs and also on books and clothes.
If mold is present in houses then it can cause health problems such as breathing difficulties, allergies and also headaches. In a house that has sustained water damage then it is obvious that quick action could help to avoid mold becoming a problem.
Water that has penetrated a house can sometimes be found in areas which are inaccessible or difficult to see such as basements, crawl spaces or in fitted carpets. The contractor will be able to see what is able to be saved an what has to be removed in order for everything to be thoroughly dried out. Once everything appears to be dry then the contractor can check all the areas to make sure that there is no lingering damp.
All areas that have been soaked need to be thoroughly dried out before they can be repaired, as any that are done over still damp places will not be any good. There should not be a damp smell, or a moldy smell. Any good contractor will be able to make this process a painless as it can be, so it is worthwhile using an expert for Water Damage Restoration.
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