How to maximize water damage claim

May 19, 2022

If you have suffered a flood in your home or business, it is important to act quickly. The quicker you contact a water damage restoration company, the better your chances of saving your property and belongings.In addition to calling a professional water damage restoration company, there are additional steps you should take:Call your insurance company right away. They will provide you with an adjuster who will assess the damage and help you file a claim.Take photos of all damaged areas and make note of their locations on your property. You may need this information later when filing your insurance claim.Be prepared to wait long periods before receiving any money. Insurance companies can take months before they reimburse their customers for their losses. The wait is frustrating but necessary for them to make sure no fraudulent claims are being made against them by unscrupulous people who do not deserve reimbursement for … Continued

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How to Test a Ceiling for Asbestos

May 13, 2022

Asbestos seemed to have almost magical properties — highly durable, resistant to fire, corrosion, dust, and pests, as well as useful in soundproofing, it was also affordable. It’s no surprise that around half of all American homes contained asbestos at some point, then, but when it became apparent that this naturally-occurring compound also posed serious health risks, its use was gradually rolled back.  Starting from the 1970s, new asbestos ceiling materials were no longer being manufactured. Pre-existing ceiling materials were installed throughout the 1980s and even into the early ‘90s, however. While older popcorn ceilings are the most likely to contain asbestos, some ceiling tiles have asbestos in them, too.  If you have recently bought a new home, and it hasn’t been refurbished in decades, chances are that you could have an asbestos ceiling. That poses a huge problem, especially because popcorn ceilings have well and truly gone out of style — … Continued

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How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?

April 30, 2022

 Once you become aware of a mold infestations on your property, it is critical to take proactive steps to remediate the problem as soon as possible. Molds, which can be allergenic or toxic, pose a serious threat to human health, after all — and the consequences become increasingly severe with increased exposure. A mold infestation can additionally cause property damage, which becomes more extensive over time if the problem is left untreated.  When it comes to getting rid of mold, you have two basic options. You can attempt to remediate the mold infestation yourself, or you can hire a professional mold remediation process to carry out the entire process. Similar steps are required in both scenarios. Because mold remediation companies have developed effective protocols, and are unlikely to miss any spots that would become the beginning of a recurrence, they will do the job faster.  What Steps Are Involved in the Mold … Continued

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Does Water Damage Decrease Home Value?

April 11, 2022

 Does water damage decrease the value your home? We could just say “you bet!” and leave it at that, because that about sums it up. If, on the other hand, you’re here to find out what you can do to fix it, keep reading.  Water damage is shockingly common — nearly all basements get flooded at some point, and around 37 percent of homeowners have experienced losses as a result of water damage. Water damage exists in many forms, of course, and you also have to consider its secondary consequences.  A Look at the Types (or Categories) of Water Damage According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), water damage within residential properties can broadly be divided into three distinct categories, depending on the nature of the water: Category I water damage is damage caused by clean or sanitary water — think an overflowing bathtub, rainwater coming in through a damaged … Continued

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How To Remove Lead Paint

March 24, 2022

Lead-based paint was outlawed for use in residential homes in 1978, after the dangers associated with lead — like seizures, organ failure, joint pain, cognitive impairment, and even death — had become apparent.  Homes built before the ban are, however, highly likely to contain lead paint. A shocking 87 percent of homes constructed prior to 1940 will feature lead paint in the United States. Even after health concerns were raised, lead paint was still used, and 24 percent of homes built between 1960 and 1978 either still have some lead paint, or used to.  The risk is severe enough that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises homeowners to simply assume that any pre-1978 home contains lead paint, and to contact a professional inspector to carry out a thorough assessment.  How to Identify Lead Paint Are you the type of person who prefers to do things on their own — whether to save money or … Continued

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Marijuana Mold Testing

March 18, 2022

Marijuana Mold Testing Mold is shockingly common, outside as well as indoors — and mold can easily find a way in any place that offers a source of food and is sufficiently humid. The agricultural sector is no exception, as numerous different mold species are vulnerable to ruin as a result of mold growth, during every single stage of cultivation and storage. Marijuana is in no way unique, and “bud rot” is infamous among growers and consumers alike. The fact that many cannabis growers are committed to a pesticide-free cultivation process to increase the quality and safety of their end product only makes mold more likely.  Experienced consumers will know exactly what to look out for: A characteristic musty odor can reveal the presence of mold faster than anything else. A powdery, gray, coating on the product.A white and fuzzy growth on the marijuana, starting deep inside the colas.  Growers will, on the other hand, want … Continued

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What are the Steps to Commercial Fire Damage Restoration?

March 9, 2022

Have you experienced fire damage to your business? According to data, there are around 37,000 fires at businesses or manufacturing facilities every year. These fires result in approximately 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and more than $1 billion in property damage.If your building experiences fire damage, you need to take action as soon as possible to mitigate further damage and protect the property. Delaying the fast remediation of your property allows damage from soot and smoke to spread, increasing your repair costs.This post unpacks the steps to commercial fire damage restoration.The Commercial Fire Damage Restoration ProcessCleaning up a property after a fire is an extensive process. If you have no experience working with fire-damaged properties, it’s probably a good idea to call in professionals to assess the damage.Typically, your insurer will require you to hire an assessor, or they will send an in-house assessor to your property to evaluate the damage. … Continued

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Asbestos Tile Removal – What if they are removed by accident?

March 1, 2022

Many older homes in the United States feature asbestos materials used in design and construction. Back in the 1930s to 1950s, home builders viewed asbestos as a strong, lightweight material ideal for roofing and ceiling applications. Asbestos has excellent fire resistance, and it’s a great electrical insulator.However, public opinion on asbestos changed in the 1970s. People exposed to asbestos started to develop respiratory issues involving the lungs. Soon after, medical science started linking asbestos poisoning to building materials used in home construction.As a result, no new construction projects after the 70s used asbestos. However, plenty of old construction features asbestos materials used in the roofing system. In the 60s, people would replace these tiles without a second thought.However, after learning about the health risks associated with the material, homeowners must call a professional contractor to remove asbestos tiles from the roof. Trying to remove the tiles yourself can be dangerous, … Continued

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How Accurate Are Air Mold Tests?

February 23, 2022

 Mold is a severe biological toxin that can potentially create lasting health problems. Many people don’t realize they have a mold infestation in their home. Since mold usually grows in dark spaces, it’s challenging to tell if there’s mold in the walls or the roof.If you recently had a rainstorm and your home smells a bit stuffy a week or so later, you could have a mold problem. So, how do you know if you have a mold infestation in your home?The best way to check for mold spores in the air is to order a professional air quality test of your home. A contractor visits your premises with specialized equipment designed to detect the presence of mold spores in the air. What is an Air Mold Test, and Why do I Need One for My Home?The air mold test samples the air inside each room, taking a reading of the … Continued

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My House Smells After Water Damage – What’s Wrong?

February 14, 2022

Have you noticed your home smelling mustier and mustier over the last few days? It’s like that smell you get opening the door to a house that has been lying dormant for years: stagnant air and the scent of musky, humid air.Let’s start by having you answer this question. Did you experience a severe rainstorm in the last few weeks? Maybe your geyser blew in the roof recently? If that is the case, you’re probably dealing with mold growth caused by water intrusion into the walls, ceiling, or flooring in your home.Water Damage and Your HomeWater can enter your home through several sources. A pipe might burst in the wall or floor, a storm could dislodge tiles in the roof, or an ice dam could form in your gutters.Whatever the reason for the water entry, you need to dry it out within 48 to 72-hours after it enters, or you … Continued

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