Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Water Damage Cleanup - How to Do a Proper Water Damage Clean Up

The main cause of water damage is the forceful entry of water into home building materials such as steel and wood among other materials. This intrusion of water results in the decay of the materials and finally causing water damage. However, the rate at which this process takes place depends on some factors such as the moisture content and the area of damage. A good example is when the basement sump pump has issues which lead to its failure and thus resulting in the flooding of the basement.

When it comes to water damage cleanup, some factors have to be considered, and one of these factors is the type of water involved. Water can be divided into different categories depending on the level of cleanliness and the health risks involved. The first category is safe water which is harmless to human beings, and it is considered to be clean. The second category is grey water which is contaminated and may result in sickness if exposed for some time. It may be contaminated with harmful chemicals and/or bacteria. The last category is black water which is not sanitized and may contain harmful fungi and bacteria like E.coli. This class of water damage occurs when sewage water seeps into a building or a house. If treatment is not done immediately it might result in sickness.

Water damage cleanup should always be done soonest possible because it becomes worse with time. A good example is when grey water is the cause of the damage and it is not treated in good time, it eventually becomes black water damage. Other issues associated with the delay in water damage cleanup include mold formation which poses a very high health risk. The most common signs such as discoloration of the walls at home are always ignored, and this gives ample time for the mold to grow and develop. This mostly happens in areas which lack direct sunlight and air.

It is always best to use professional services for your water damage cleanup needs to perform a safe and clean job. However, be keen to ensure that the person or company is certified so as to be assured of the best results. On the other hand, if you choose to do the job yourself, then there are a few basic steps which you should follow. Turn off any live electric current in the house and shut off all the mains too. When cleaning water damage on the walls, be gentle on it and use less force so as not to break the fragile and thin material.

Other key materials and equipment required during the water damage cleaning process include deodorizers and mold inhibitors. If the water damage is on the carpet, then you will need special disinfectants to help get rid of the bacteria.  If it is raining, you can use drying equipment to blow dry any wet areas. This also applies to areas with no free flow of air and sunlight. It is also paramount to keep in mind that you can make insurance claims for the costs of the damage and cleanup.

Do you have water damage at your office building or home? The sooner you treat it, the better and cheaper it will be. On top of that, think of the risks it poses to your health. To get more insight on water damage cleanup, please click on the link:

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Hire a Flood Damage Restoration Contractor

Flood water can cause a lot of damage in a house, this mostly happens in spring when the frozen ground warms up and the melting ice can get into your basements and flood it. A sudden downpour, broken gutters, leaking or burst pipes, or a damaged foundation can also cause flooding. The water not only accelerates growth of mold and mildew which affects the health of the house dwellers; it starts a rot that sets in slowly and ultimately destroys your house. Coming into contact with the unsanitary water without the right protective gear can also cause waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid and leptospirosis especially to children and the elderly. It is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified contractor to do flood water damage restoration, this not only stops further damage, it reverses the effects too. The water needs to be removed; the flooded area completely dried and sanitized then mold remediation and removal done. All this requires special equipment and personnel, restoring a flooded home to its initial condition is a complicated process that needs certified contractors. So what do you do when disaster strikes?

1. Contact your home insurance company

When getting home insurance, ensure it covers all aspects of water damage, most policies will cover water damage if the cause is sudden or accidental. After a claim is lodged, they will send over their preferred water damage restoration contractor and inspector to do a full inspection of the extent of the damage. You can also hire your own contractor then seek payment once the restoration is done. Homeowner's policies, however do not cover repairing the source of the water damage or providing a backup water source.

2. Reduce your losses

To avoid electrocution; ensure power has been switched off by an electrician or at the main switch, find a waterproof suit, gumboots and rubber gloves and take out the furniture and appliances in the flooded room or basement. Protective gear is important because flood water may be contaminated by hazardous chemicals or raw sewage.

3. Hiring a water damage restoration contractor

Doing a clean up after the house floods is time consuming; you need to have the right equipment to ease this daunting task. Moisture sensors are required to detect if water seeped into the walls. This is why hiring a certified contractor to do the restoration is always recommended. So, what should you look for when looking for a suitable flood and water damage restoration contractor?

a. How experienced are they and are they certified?

The number of years in the business matter, the longer the better because when it comes to flood damage restoration; experience matters. Are they also certified by the International Cleaning And Restoration Association (ICRA). This standards body provides certification to many professions including those that deal with flood water damage restoration.

b. What are the charges?

Compare the prices of the different companies that offer these services. Do they charge an inspection fee? Call their service lines and get the detailed analysis of what it is they do and for how much. Also explain fully the situation of your home after the flooding to get an estimate of the cost before inspection.

What does a flood damage restoration technician do?

Water can destroy walls, roofs, sewage systems, HVAC systems and the structural components of the house. Water damage restoration contractor's aim is to get your house back to the way it was and prevent future occurrences of the same problem. They first pump out all the water, clean out the trash and mud, then use strong industrial fans and dehumidifiers to remove all the remaining moisture. Complete drying ensures that mold no longer grows and is also vital before repairs can be done. Sanitization of the whole area is also necessary if the flood water was contaminated. The final step is doing repairs to all sections that had been destroyed. A good flood damage restoration company does everything quickly and efficiently so that you can everything can go back to normal.

Remember to ask for advice on what to do to prevent such a catastrophe next time. Water damage restoration can be a pricy affair, but hiring an experienced restoration company like ours ensures you get the best rates and services. Don't hesitate to call us anytime your house floods, our certified contractors are always ready to help 24/7. Browse through our website to get the full list of our services. We will help you mitigate the damages and restore your home to a better state than it was.


Monday, November 21, 2016

Costs of Water Damage

Your house could be looking good and well maintained after removing all the flooded water that was caused by rain, melting ice, a burst pipe, a leaking roof or a washing machine. After you have dried out the water, all might seem well but the damage in the subflooring and fungus growing may go unnoticed. The cost of clean up and repair when the adverse effects of the water damage start being felt is extensive. Water damage is often underestimated and without proper mitigation and restoration may lead to a huge financial dent in repair costs. The effect of seeing your home crumble also affects homeowners emotionally because they worked so hard for it. Luckily, when noticed early; you can maintain your home in its pristine condition for years. There are some hidden costs associated with water damage, they include:

* Adverse health effects of mold, especially on children and the cost of removal and remediation. Allergies, respiratory problems and rashes may also affect those who live in the water damaged house

* Personal belongings destroyed like furniture, electronics and documents have to be replaced, insurance never covers these

* Water damage can ultimately destroy a house, making it inhabitable and it has to be brought down.

* It reduces the value of your home, when it's time to sell and an inspection gets done, the effects of a small leak can greatly reduce earnings expected from the sale.

Luckily, you can avoid all these problems by always preventing water damage and hiring a water damage restoration expert at least once a year to do a thorough inspection of your house, this not only detects and prevents water from damaging your house, it also protects your investment and ensures your family has a healthy place to live. You need to always protect your home, be on the lookout for any damage and call our team of certified contractors. Some of the red flags pointing to unseen water damage include:

* Walls and ceiling discoloration indicate that there may be a leak in the roof

* A musty, damp odor is an indication of mold growth beneath the flooring

* Fluctuations in the water usage and bill may be a sign of a damaged underground pipe, this if not sealed detected may lead to high excavation costs.

* Water marks on the carpet, increased humidity in the air may also be an indication of a leak

* When wallpaper and pain begins to peel, water has definitely seeped into the walls

* Soft spots in the attic and bowing of the ceiling is an indication of a leak or a broken shingle on the roof

We are the premier water damage restoration company that handles and rectifies all the problems associated with leaks and floods. We do restoration, mold remediation and removal, damage cleanup, odor restoration and plumbing to ensure your house is livable. Our contractors can also be called to inspect the house for any unseen water damage and consult on ways to prevent water damage. Our emergency response teams work 24/7 to ensure damage from floods and leaks in your house is minimized before restoration is done. You need to watch over your investments at all times, insure your house against water damage and when it happens call in the experts.


Sunday, November 20, 2016

Treat Water Damage At Home

The most common causes of water damage at home are pipes that are leaking or floods. If the damage is not identified in good time or if it is not treated properly, the ultimate costs would be very expensive. Therefore, whenever you notice any signs of water damage, it is recommended that you take the necessary measures. Always remember that the more you delay the repair, the more extensive and expensive the damage will be.

As the homeowner, some actions should be taken once you have identified any signs of the water damage. The sooner you confront the situation, the better and cheaper it will be. Some of the options that you have include doing it yourself or consulting professional services. Below is a guideline on how to treat water damage at home:

1. Assessment of the damage

Before taking any action, it is essential to do a thorough evaluation, to identify the extent of the damages incurred. This assessment will also guide you on the immediate action in which you should take. For example, if the water damage has been caused by pipes that are leaking, then this will direct you to call a plumber because they are in the best position to repair the damages. Plumbers are always there for you especially when you need plumbing services. On the other hand, if inundation is the cause of the water damage, then you should find a way to remove the water as soon as possible before any more damage can be incurred. On top of that, you should also unplug all the electrical appliances in the house.

However, if the water is too much, then you should consider calling water removal companies who are certified. Certified companies in this niche know the best solutions to inundation and other water-related damages. They follow the set rules and regulations to ensure that they eliminate any possible health risks and also to make sure that the water has been removed. They also offer assessment services before starting ay repairs. Moreover, they will also help you in figuring out the cost of the damage.

2. Insurance claims

If your property is in need of water damage repairs, you can claim your insurance to help you settle the expenses incurred. However, for you to qualify for the insurance claim, you will need a proper documentation of the damages right from the start. You must also remember to take pictures of the damages so as to provide proof of the damage during the insurance claims. Be aware that it is not that easy to claim water damage repairs. Therefore, it is advisable that you make use of professional water company services to act as proof that repairs are needed. A significant advantage of these certified water company services is that they will do a thorough assessment ad collect the necessary data required. They will also make use of the set standards to estimate the budget according to the various organizations that are responsible for certifications. It would be hard when claiming your insurance without using the services of these certified water companies.

In conclusion, it is always good to make use of professional certified water companies. They will make it easier for you to claim your insurance for the repairs when needed. Nevertheless, if the extent of the damage is not that large, you can choose to do the repairs yourself and cut down on the costs incurred. Do the repairs soonest possible before the situation becomes unbearable.


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

How To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

When it comes to water damage; all it takes is a single leak in the pipes, roofs, sinks or a flood and valuable property gets destroyed. Many of the insurance claims relating to homes are as a result of water damage. It is costly to repair a house that has been damaged by water and insurance companies will not fully cater for all your losses and therefore, it's better to prevent any damage from happening. Even the simplest of leaks can cause mold damage when it seeps inside the tiles. A broken shingle on the roof can set a homeowner back up to $300 to replace it, add the cost of repairing the water damage the leaky roof caused and it's a pricy affair.

What should a homeowner do to mitigate water damage?

1. Know the geography and the flood level of the area you live

This information can easily be found at your local building department, insurance agent or online flood maps. Elevation is the first step if you are building a new house, but if you live in an older building consider these methods:

* safeguard your electric system by raising all switches and sockets at least a foot above the flood level in your area, if you have any appliances in the house, place them on floor pans or stands where the water cannot reach.

* for old houses, check if all the pipes are properly insulated; during the winter, pipes can freeze and crack, subsequently flooding your house or basement. Use foam insulation on all the exposed pipes to ensure they don't crack and leak.

* determine how water drains around your house, find the slope or grading and angle the soil or pavement around so the water isn't directed towards the house.

* raise all outdoor equipment like generators and air conditioning 

2. Regular checkups

* check the faucets, the tubs and shower tiles to ensure that the caulking around is watertight with no cracks

* Observe your water bills, if there is an unusual fluctuation then there might be a leak that you are yet to see.

* install water alarms that detect points of leak and trigger off to warn you of a water threat

3. Preventive measures

* check the roof for worn out or missing shingles and have them replaced before the wet season begins

* if your house has an attic, ensure it is well insulated to prevent formation of ice dams on its roof which slowly seep in the shingles.

* If you are leaving your house for some days, consider turning off the water at the main gate valve, this way, you are guaranteed that you won't arrive to a flooded house.

* place all your valuables and documents in waterproof bags

Despite all these measures, accidents still happen at times and water gets into the house and floods your floors. What should you do then? How can the damage be fixed if the flooding or leakage has already occurred?

* The first step is always to switch off the electricity from the main switch. This prevents accidents and appliances being short circuited.

* Find the source of the water and turn it off, if it's a flood; dig trenches to drain the water or use sandbags to raise the level. 

* Remove all the furniture and appliances that got into contact with the water out to dry, then clean the surface and dry it out completely to prevent mold and mildew growing.

* call in the experts to help you repair the water damage, they've got the tools and the skills to do a fast and thorough job and prevent further damage.

Why you need to hire our water damage restoration professionals

* they respond fast to any emergencies and are dedicated to lessening the damage and reducing your repair costs.

* hiring the experts ensures they come with the right equipment that not only clean and dry the water faster, but also detects hidden moisture thus preventing mold from growing.

* they are highly trained and will give you further tips and tricks on how to keep your home secure and water free. After the job is done; sanitizing agents and deodorants are used to kill off any bacteria and odor caused by the dampness.

Call the experts when disaster occurs, but always find ways to prevent water damage. The more secure your house is from water damage the lower your insurance premiums will be. Always opt for safety first.  Source:

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Water Damage Cleanup and Repair Process





Safety is the Priority


Stop Further Water Damage



Clean Up and Dry Out





About Rotator Cuff Injuries

Each year approximately 250,000 Americans get rotator cuff surgery. The rotator cuff is a network of 4 muscles that support your arm and shoulder. A torn rotator cuff is most commonly caused by an acute injury or natural degeneration and can result in severe pain and disability without proper treatment. Fortunately, only 50% of rotator cuff injuries require surgery. Read the following guide to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about rotator cuff injuries.

What Are the Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

The following are the 2 most common causes of rotator cuff injuries:

  • Injuries: Lifting a heavy object with a jerking motion or falling down on an outstretched arm can tear the rotator cuff. Tears can also be caused by other types of shoulder injuries such as a dislocated shoulder or a broken collarbone.

  • Degeneration: Rotator cuff tears can develop over time from gradual degeneration. This type of injury is often the result of repetitive motions common in sports or employment, insufficient blood supply, or bone spurs.

What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury?

The following are some of the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury:

  • Pain when lifting or lowering the arm in specific directions

  • Pain at rest and at night

  • Weakness when rotating or lifting the affected arm

  • Cracking or popping sounds when moving the affected shoulder

What Are the Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Injury?

It is important to consult a physician or chiropractor in San Diego for any type of acute or chronic shoulder pain. Early treatment can help prevent a rotator cuff tear from becoming larger over time, reduce pain, and restore function. Depending upon the type and severity of the injury, a variety of nonsurgical or surgical treatment options may be recommended. The following are some of the most common treatment options for rotator cuff injuries:

  • Rest and protective care

  • Activity modification

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

  • Physical therapy

  • Electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves

  • Ultrasound

  • Steroid injections

  • Surgery