Archive for the ‘water damage’ Category

Easy Ways In Stop Water Damage In Your Residence

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.

Replace Old Appliances

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.

Thoroughly Check Hoses

A leaky or broken hose is one of the leading causes of damage in homes. Surprisingly it is also the simplest to prevent or catch in its tracks. Always make sure the hoses on your washer or other appliances show no signs of cracking, leaking, bulging, or containing holes or kinks. If you find any of these replace it as soon as possible, usually an easy and inexpensive process. You may even want to consider taking out rubber hoses entirely and using ones made of stainless steel, which last much longer.

Shut Off Appliances When Gone

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.

Employing these five easy methods can save your home and yourself from all the time, money, and frustration of a water damage disaster. Even if you think this won’t happen to you, or that you don’t need to be so cautious, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and prevention is a much better alternative to a situation that will cost you months of time and many lost possessions, on top of the financial loss.

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Water Damage: What Cannot Be Saved?

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Water Damage is the damage done to any property caused by water, either from an inside source or an outside one. It can be slow and barely noticeable or it can be sudden like a flood.

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.

Water damage can also cause serious health problems by way of mold. Anything from chronic coughing, wheezing, breathing problems and rashes are all symptoms of mold induced illnesses.

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 home maintenance can determine whether or not your claim will be successful. For example, you put in a claim for damage after your pipes burst during an unexpected cold snap. You find out that the insurance company will pay for the damage but not the pipes. However, if you left the house unoccupied and unheated, then the company would reject your claim outright.

It is very important to watch your language when describing any sort of damage that has taken place in your home. The insurance company has a very narrow interpretation of what a flood actually is. To the company, a flood means water coming in from an outside source such as a river, lake or stream. Pipes bursting in the basement never cause a flood even if the water is up to your knees. Sewer backup does not count as a flood neither does seepage.

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 keep a computerized database that other insurers can access too. Even a single water damage claim is reason enough to refuse further insurance. If you lose homeowner insurance, then you will have a very hard time in the future selling a non-insurable property.

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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When It Comes To Water Damage A Rapid Response Counts More Than Intelligence

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Water damage comes in almost any size and shape. Whether you are dealing with a damp paperback or a flood submerged home, speed is what is needed. Every hour spent wondering what to do is an hour that could cost you money.

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.

Start by shoveling any mud that you can move. Every bit of debris that is not in the way when the professionals arrive means they work on what is important. If help is a long time in coming, then this is even more important. Remove what you able to.

If you have had an overflow of a tub or sink and debris is not an issue, then speed is again your best choice. Getting the standing water removed can be as easy as tossing every towel in the house on the floor and then wringing them out in the spin cycle of the washer. Or, if you have a shop vacuum then put it to work getting the water off the floor as fast as possible. The quicker you remove the water the greater the chance you can save the floor or surface involved.

Once the water is removed you have to determine what level of restoration is needed. If the floor was wet for a few minutes then a fan may very well dry out the mess entirely. If the flood waters were there for days then the pros will have to do the work.

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.

Getting to the water damage as quickly as you can is the first step toward saving as much as possible. Extracting or drying as fast as you can is next if you can. If the damage is more than a few gallons you may need profession help. Using a professional when the damage is beyond your own skill can save your valuables when you cannot. The Better Business Bureau will give you information on companies you are considering.

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Approaching Water Damage Restoration Projects

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Tackling a water damage restoration project can be a time consuming endeavor. There are many considerations that one must take into account before, during, and after such a project. Mainly, one must first assess the damage and go about repairing the affected area. Following the repairs, individuals must also see to it the the area is protected from future damage as well. This article will examine such concerns, as well as additional specific aspects that are pertinent to repairing and restoring water damaged property.

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.

Perhaps the most common type of damage due to water is erosion or deterioration. However, a more serious result can be mold. There are plenty of mold types that can result from this type of damage, and some types can even be toxic for humans. Mold can be a less obvious, but much more serious type of water damage.

Assessing the damage for restoration takes a trained and detail oriented eye. For simple issues, property owners can assess and repair or replace damaged goods on their own. For more serious problems, such as mold, professional service is recommended. As part of the assessment process, it is vital not only to assess the damage, but to determine the cause of the problem as well.

Repairs can be quite simple, or extensive and complicated. This is why damage assessment is so important. One may need to simply patch, or completely replace an entire piece of property. For damage within walls, repairs might entail the demolition and replacement of an entire section of the structure. As with assessment, the more serious a problem is, the more necessary professional help is.

Once a game-plan for repairs is in place, it is then necessary to seek out the most inexpensive solution. This means that you must shop around for the least expensive materials with which to use. Additionally, it is wise to compare prices of different professionals, and try to haggle for the best rate. However, never sacrifice the quality of work for a lower price.

As previously noted, the repair process must also include preventative measures. This is necessary to ensure that the same repairs will not need to be conducted in the future. For why repair a certain type of damage, without preventing the same types of damage from reoccurring?

You should now be well aware that looking at and tackling a water damage restoration requires a variety of expertise. A properly done assessment is perhaps the most important initial step. Subsequently, repairs must include preventative work done to ensure that identical damage is prevented in the future. For all phases of this kind of project, a dedicated and educated approach is necessary.

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Information About Water Damage Restoration

Monday, July 5th, 2010

When a home is damaged by water it can be very distressing as many personal items can be affected as well as soft furnishings and general household items. A professional is the best person to deal with Water Damage Restoration in a fast and effective manner. They will not only have the specialist knowledge that is required in situations like this, but also the specialist equipment.

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.

The type of restoration that needs to be done will depend on the kind of water that has penetrated the home. If it is just clean fresh water that has entered then the process is a great deal simpler. If it is what is known as black water then matters can become more complicated, but are still perfectly able to be remedied.

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.

If the home has been contaminated by black water then all the soft furnishings, carpets and carpet pads will need to be removed. They can then be safely disposed of by the restoration professional. If the water damage that has occurred is caused by clean water then it is possible for the contractor to dry the affected areas leaving the carpets in place.

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.

It is important that a place is dried out as soon as possible to avoid the chance of mould formation. Mould can start occurring within forty eight hours of the damage happening, and if left to develop can cause health problems.

Water Damage Restoration is far better carried out by an expert than trying to do it yourself.They have the knowledge, training and equipment to carry out the work thoroughly and effectively meaning that there will be far less stress for the homeowner. Effective restoration could mean less potential damage to the property and its contents. Once everywhere is thoroughly dry then it will be possible to fully assess the extent of the damage and decide how it will be repaired. A homeowner can elect to do the repairs themselves or get a contractor to do any more extensive work that might be needed.

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Helpful Information On Water Damage Restoration

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

For people in flood prone areas, it’s important to know about water damage restoration before calamity strikes. However, even if you don’t live in an area with a reputation of flooding, it’s good to be prepared for water damage as your property may be damaged by hoses, leaking pipes or even just humidity. Not all water damage is serious or life threatening, but you should take the possibility of health concerns seriously and do all in your power to clean and dry items and parts of your home that have been adversely effected by water.

Wood is particularly weak against water. It can catch bacteria easily and mold will grow quickly on it. In addition to rotting wood, water can rust steel and iron which may be in the structure of your house and can also ruin photo albums, books and anything with paper in it. For all of these reasons, it is good to take care of water damage quickly.

The health risks are also serious. You may have what’s classified as black water in your home, this means there’s a significant amount of fungi and bacteria in the water which can lead to potentially deadly illnesses such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. This is often the case with seawater, sewage water and contaminated river water.

Other types of water damage can be less severe. The most benign classification is clean water and it is not contaminated. This refers to problems caused by something like a leaking appliance or overflow in a sink or tub. Though the water is not unsanitary, it can do some damage to materials in the house, like rotting wood or rusting metal, so drying the affected area quickly is advised.

Another classification is gray water, which is slightly more serious than clean. This type of water has some contaminants which could lead to sickness, but is not highly contaminated like black water. While you shouldn’t have trouble cleaning up clean water, if you think you may have gray or black water it’s important to call your water bureau or environmental protection agency to have your home investigated. Otherwise you may be living in a contaminated area that can make you and your family ill.

Particularly following flooding, many people make the mistake of drinking contaminated water. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to boil all of your drinking water or put it through a water purification system, even if you’re unsure if it’s contaminated water or not.

You should also make sure you get rid of any wood items severely damaged by water as mold tends to flourish there. Dishes should be washed with hot water and dried. The more quickly your walls, floors and furniture are dried, the less opportunity there is for mold and bacteria to grow. You can use a dehumidifier to dry areas of your house and a vapor steam cleaner to disinfect.

Everyone should take water damage seriously. By preparing yourself and knowing how to minimize risk, you can help keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. Keeping dehumidifiers, rubber gloves and boots, and vapor steam cleaners on hand can help you be ready to react promptly to flooding and leaking at any time.

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An Insight Into Water Damage Restoration

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.

The government of the United States does not have any policies with regard to the formulation of any set restoration procedures, but two important institutions recommend a set of standard guidelines for this work. One of the institutions is the IICRC and the other is the RIA. The IICRC’s standard is the S500. The majority of restoration companies follow the IICRC recommendations as they are based on sound restoration principles, reliable research and a wealth of experience gained from many years of practical work from a variety of sources.

International and local trade federations, chemical conglomerates, scientific groups, suppliers of equipment, professionals to the trade, and insurance assessors for the restoration industry are the main contributors of the data for the S500 standard. The recommendations contained in the standard are being reviewed constantly in order to stay abreast with new processes, testing techniques and technology.

Specific steps and guidelines have been laid down for the process of restoring buildings, homes and other structures which have sustained water or sewage damage and which require special precautions.

The materials lost after being affected by water contamination, will be professionally appraised by restorers, using the standard pricing guides currently available, to establish the correct value of the residence’s lost materials.

Services for the inspection of water damaged areas include the use of water detecting instruments such as probes, and various infrared devices to locate the source of the damage and the extent of the affected area.

Now, restoration procedures may be started to dry the structure out, sanitize the contaminated areas and deodorize the materials in the areas. Once this has been concluded, the specialized apparatus to recover water damaged areas can be brought into play. This apparatus consists of air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, air movers, wooden floor drying machines and sub floor dryers. A re-evaluation then takes place after a period of about 2 to 3 days to monitor the status. Any equipment not required after this evaluation, is removed from the premises in order to reduce charges.

The workers engaged in the restoration process often perform their duties surrounded by the home contents. The contents may comprise furniture, books, electronics and any other water damaged materials. Moving the contents around is called contents manipulation and restoration firms may levy a charge per hour for doing this. Special treatment may also be required to recover house contents from damage 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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Water Damage Restoration Is Important For Safety And Comfort

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Having the damage of water is not only devastating to losing items and damage to the foundation of your home, but because it can cause health issues. It is important to use a proper manner of water damage restoration. The manner in which the location is cleaned can determine if hazardous molds and mildew has a chance to grow.

There is a set system required to effectively remove the risk from water damage. A guide is established on the method to remove marred materials and establish a clean environment. A method was developed to create a technique on how clean up is done that way there would be no chance that toxic environments would grow.

The cause of the damage comes from a flow of water and so finding the cause it an essential first step.

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.

The first factor in the process is to act quickly. Drying the location first means that the micro organisms do not have a chance to reproduce and cause humans to become sick. The fumes from molds and mildews are extremely poisonous and can develop in under fifty hours. Therefore, it is important to attack the problem head on.

You can do this process yourself however, there is a balance of humidity that must be reached which means utilizing professional restorers might be a better option as they have the tools needed to get the job properly done. While it may seem a simple job that you can manage, the importance of doing things in a specific way is because missing some water would mean the appearance of toxic items that can hugely effect not only health but structure to a building.

The tools necessary blow air through the space with dryers that diminish the initial water. Once the water is gone they purify the area with deep cleaning and sanitizing. Professional grade equipment and products are used to make sure that none is missed.

You may find that some items are damaged beyond repair those items need to be removed. It is important to raise the humidity to at least fifty percent because the mold and mildew cannot grow then.

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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Dealing With Water Damage Restoration

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.

If an insurance policy is in place then it is wise to make the phone call to the agent or broker quickly. This will give them a chance to assess the damage so that repair work can start. The sooner this starts then the less the overall damage will be. Having the policy in front of you when making the call will mean that they can help you more effectively.

The insurance policy may require that an approved contractor is used, and if this is the case then they will be able to supply a list of people who can be contacted. Once the contractor is contacted then the process of drying everything out can begin. Ideally this should start within forty eight hours of the event happening.

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.

Mould spores can be found naturally in the atmosphere and only present a problem in damp areas where they have been able to take hold and flourish. They can easily survive on household items that have become damp. These include soft furnishings, carpets, clothes and books.

The presence of mold in homes can cause health issues as it can affect breathing, cause allergies and headaches. Where a house has become damp through water damage, then a quick drying process can prevent mold from being able to grow.

To avoid this becoming a problem then the approved contractor should fist make sure that the water that has managed to penetrate the property is no longer coming in. They can then take a look at everything that is wet and clear out the items that cannot be saved and start to dry out the items that are salvageable. They should make sure that all areas are thoroughly dried as some may not be easily visible. They should check for any areas that might be hidden such as crawl spaces and basements, or any fitted carpets.

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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Water Damage – Prevention And Cure

Friday, June 25th, 2010

There are many ways that your home can be damaged by water. Most homeowners avoid houses located in flood plains in order to prevent the likelihood of flooding and the higher insurance premiums that accompany living in a flood plain. They may also choose to avoid areas that are subject to weather extremes which may also result in damage to the home.

If your house is ruined by water, there are water damage restoration corporations that will help with cleanup, but some possessions are essential, and most owners would prefer to avoid the effort of coping with a difficulty by preventing the problem first of all. Sadly , there are still sources of damage in and round the home.

Swimming Pools as a Source of Water Damage – An above-ground swimming pool is a refreshing thing to have on a hot summer day, and they’re made to be quite durable. But all it takes is one leak to quickly send a huge amount of water into your home’s basement. Even if you’re standing right there, you can’t stop the water.

Colder weather as a Source of Water Damage – In cold weather conditions, water pipes can freeze and burst. Since the coldest hours are typically in the tiny hours of the morning, you may not find the leak for one or two hours. Dependent on the position of the leak, there might be serious damage to a load more than water pipes. For that reason alone, a damaged water pipe is among the worst sources of water damage in the home.

Appliances as a Source of Water Damage – Dishwashers and washing machines are among the genuine workhorses of the modern house. Day to day, they perform their jobs. But they could be a source of a massive, inconvenient mess when a pipe breaks, a fitting comes loose, or a drain becomes blocked and the machine overflows. Luckily, this customarily occurs when somebody is operating the machine, so it’s certain to be spotted reasonably quickly.

Irrespective of what the source of the damage, fast action is critical. The earlier you address the situation, the better your odds of having the ability to stop further disaster, like mildew and mould. Your first call must be to your insurer’s broker. He will identify if the damage is covered by your householder’s insurance, and start the process for registering a claim. Next, it’s a great idea to take photos of the damage. And list all of the property that was spoilt by the water.

Irrespective of what a homeowner does to stop flood damage to his home, there may still be an occasion when your house suffers water damage. By calling in a pro you can be absolutely certain that the cleanup is inclusive and complete. Be certain that you have called a water damage restoration expert, not only a carpet cleaner. The carpet cleaner will not be well placed to fix structural damage, damaged private property, or furniture. On the other hand a water damage restoration pro is kitted out to handle all types of flood damage promptly and efficiently.

At San Diego Water Damage we are aware about the problems that arise with damage and our experienced water damage restoration services will be sure to dispose any issues that can seriously affect you and your home or business.