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Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

Friday, October 8th, 2010
Water damage in a commercial building can be particularly troublesome because it can affect more than a single occupant of the building. This is particularly true in multi-floor buildings, where water can travel from an upper story all the way to the ground floor. Multiple businesses or offices can be put out of commission until water damage is corrected, leading to loss of income and even severe hardship for the employees if they are unable to return to work for a period of time while damage is dealt with.

Causes of water damage in a multi floor commercial building can include:

*Heavy rain and flooding
*Burst water pipes
*Overflowing toilets or sinks

Water from an upper floor bathroom leak, for example, can cause damage to the ceiling of the floor below. If sufficient water leakage occurs, this damage could even extend to the next floor below the leak.

Water damage is more easily dealt with if it is managed before the damage becomes severe. Leaks that begin when the commercial building is unoccupied, such as overnight or on a weekend, could become severe before anyone notices they have occurred, leading to much worse and more extensive damage. If water reaches expensive business equipment such as copiers, fax machines or computers, damage could prove to be extremely costly. In addition, if water damages vital paperwork, records or files, the company could suffer the loss of irreplaceable data.

In some cases, water damaged items can be restored so that they are once again usable. In addition to taking necessary precautions to prevent water damage in your commercial building, be sure to back up all computer records, maintain duplicate copies of paper records and, if water damage does occur, contact a water damage restoration expert to help recover your damaged items, equipment and information.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Water Damage from Old Pipes and Hoses

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Water damage can be as devastating to a home as fire damage. Whether the water comes from flooding or from a burst pipe, a large portion of your home and possessions can be subjected to major damage or loss.

One major source of water damage is old pipes within your home or old, worn out hoses. Because there is often a large volume of water flowing through pipes and hoses, a great deal of damage can occur when these conduits burst or are damaged. Maintaining the pipes and hoses in your home, as well as turning off or monitoring water flow at certain times, can help prevent this kind of damage.

Prevent Bursting Pipes

Pipes bursting during the winter are a common cause of major water damage. This can be particularly devastating if you are away on a holiday vacation when it occurs. Old pipes, because they can be weaker and may be already partially damaged, are more susceptible to bursting. In order to prevent pipes from bursting, you should:

*Replace old or damaged pipes.
*Install insulation on your pipes. This is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
*Turn the thermostat down to as low as 55 degrees, but do not turn it off completely.
*Have a friend or neighbor stop by to check your home.

Preventing Leakage from Hoses

Garden hoses and hoses attached to appliances can also lead to water leaks and damage. To prevent this type of damage, you should:

* Drain hoses completely after use. Do not leave the hose sitting with water in it.
*Turn off the water flow to washing machine hoses if you are going to be gone for a period of time.
*Replace any old or damaged hoses.

By following these simple guidelines, you can protect your home by greatly reducing the chances of water damage from old pipes and hoses.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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The Leading Causes of House Fires

Monday, October 4th, 2010
House causes can be devastating, leading to the loss of not only your home but everything within it, as well as the memories and emotional attachments associated with the house. Many fires, unfortunately, are preventable. Knowing the top causes for house fires can help you avoid actions that could bring about this catastrophe in your home.

Cooking Fires

The leading cause of house fires in the US is cooking accidents. Over forty percent of fires in the home occur in the kitchen. In order to avoid starting a fire in this vulnerable area, follow these guidelines:

1. Do not leave the stove unattended while it is on.
2. Do not leave flammable items near the stove.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen where it is easily accessible in case of a kitchen fire.

Always follow standard safety procedures while working in the kitchen, and be sure you know how to respond to different types of fires. Grease fires must be dealt with differently than other types of fires, for example.

Smoking Fires

About twenty-five percent of people who die in fires are killed in fires started by cigarettes. Cigarettes fall or brush against flammable materials inside the house, igniting a fire. To avoid these types of fires, smoke outside the house and never smoke while in bed, as the cigarette could fall to the sheets if you fall asleep.

Fires Triggered by Heating Mechanisms

During the winter, keeping the house warm is a necessity. But a large number of wintertime fires are sparked as a result of heating equipment. During the winter, be sure to:

1. Keep flammable objects away from heaters, fireplaces or space heaters.
2. Keep furnaces, heaters and chimneys properly maintained.
3. Do not use fuel that is not meant for the heating mechanism.

By following these safety guidelines, you can greatly reduce the possibility that you will experience a house fire.
Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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How Does Mold Travel in a Home?

Friday, October 1st, 2010
Mold is a common problem in many houses. Fortunately, most mold is fairly harmless, possibly causing mild allergic reactions or simply contributing to aesthetic problems. In some cases, though, mold can lead to serious health problems.

Where Does Mold Come From?

Mold is a fungus, like a mushroom but on a microscopic level. Mold is present at all times in the air, but does not become a problem until conditions allow it to proliferate. Once mold has taken hold, it can damage the surface where it is growing. The growing mold will release additional spores into the air, leading to allergies, asthma, or, depending upon the type of mold, serious breathing problems or permanent cognitive degeneration if the mold releases toxic compounds. Black mold is one type of mold that can lead to long term, serious and even fatal health issues.

Mold grows quickly, and often goes unnoticed until it has affected a large, visible area of the house. Warm, damp conditions are most likely to spur mold growth, meaning that the bathroom area is particularly vulnerable.

How Does Mold Travel?

An opportunistic traveler, mold is carried through the air, into heating ducts, on clothing and even on the fur of the family pet. Mold growing on any surface in the home will release additional mold spores that will then travel to other areas of the house. If these spores find a warm, moist area, they are likely to begin to grow there, leading to another colony of mold and the potential that even more mold will spread throughout the home.

If mold has infested a given area, it is important to eradicate it before it causes damage or proliferates to a point where it is difficult to remove. If mold has become particularly widespread or stubborn, contact a mold removal specialist to help remove it permanently.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Mold Behind Wallpaper: What You Should Know

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inexperienced people who have attempted to remove mold from behind wallpaper usually exacerbate the problem by releasing a “massive” amount of spores when the wallpaper is taken down. They also state that just by killing mold, and not getting rid of it, it can still cause serious health problems to some people. Therefore, when dealing with mold behind wallpaper, what you should know is that it is best to contact an export mold remediation company. This will ensure that the problem will be effectively resolved, and will provide a safe environment for you and your family.

Usually people who have mold behind wallpaper may not suspect that it is there. The most common place for mold to grow is behind the wallpaper that is in bathroom. As you can imagine, this is where there is a lot of moisture present from daily showering, etc. Therefore, it is a breading ground for mold because the glue also attracts organic materials, such as dust, which is the favorite food combination for mold.

The most common type of black mold is called “stachybotrys”, which is very toxic to your health. Many times, before there is even any physical signs of mold present, mold may still be growing, but in a different form. Therefore, if you suspect that you may have a mold problem, but don’t see any evidence of it, there are many clues that you can look for. For instance, if you find faint purple, yellow, blue, or red stains, you might want to investigate further; as mold can be many colors, even colorless. Also, if you find bubbles where the wallpaper no longer sticks, then you should check further. There may be a possibility that mold in underneath other parts of the wallpaper where moisture is trapped.

If you find mold behind your wallpaper, it is best if you call a company who specializes in mold remediation. Damage can be limited to a small area such as a leaking window or air conditioning unit. Or, you can have a bigger problem such as a major plumbing leak. Whatever the case, you want to be able to resume a healthy living environment within your home by leaving this problem up to mold remediation exports. They will not only remove the mold, but investigate the source of the problem, so that it won’t occur again.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Why you shouldn’t paint over mold

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
Mold is not something that only grows on old food in your refrigerator. Instead, it is something that can spread like wildfire around a home or commercial space. If you have mold, you need to deal with this as soon as possible. Mold appears after a flood or after something like an old washing machine breaking down and releasing fluids into a space. If this water is not dealt with, mold can end up growing, which can turn into a health risk. Do not think you can simply hide the mold and call it a day. The following are some reasons for why you shouldn’t paint over mold.

Chiefly, mold is a health risk. Most people are allergic to mold, which can really affect one’s breathing and mobility. You should not have to wake up coughing and with watery eyes just because you decided to hide mold rather than work with a company that can get rid of it for you. Hiding the issue will not get rid of it.

In fact, the mold will keep growing, which will make the paint job a waste of time, money, and resources. Mold is something that will still be able to be seen, especially when it starts to grow again. Even the thickest coats of paint will not be able to help you. This is why you should think about hiring a professional coach to help you.

Be smart if you spot mold in your home: Get rid of it with the help of a professional company. This will protect your loved ones’ health and will ensure your home is not overrun by this issue. Work with experts in the field and the mold will be gone in no time at all, something which will protect your property from wear and tear.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Water Damage Effects on Linoleum Flooring

Monday, September 27th, 2010
When torrential rains or busted water pipes flood a house, homeowners are at a loss. Most people do not know how to deal effectively with a flooded home. Some things in a water-damaged home are not salvageable. However, linoleum is not one of them if handled in the proper manner. That is why many people hire a restoration company to clean up after a floor has been flooded.

Wiping the water from linoleum is simply not sufficient. Linoleum will stain if exposed to water for a long period. The linoleum needs removed quickly and thoroughly dried to salvage it. That is only the beginning step. The sub floor has to completely dry as well. The sub floor is the foundation for the linoleum, so it is vital that that it be done right.

The sub floor requires quick and thorough drying, or the homeowner will experience problems in the future. If linoleum lies on a damp sub floor, mold will grow in the moist environment between the two. It may take a little longer, but if the sub floor is anything other than concrete, it will begin to rot. The homeowner may never see the mold or rot until it is too late to do anything but replace the entire sub floor and linoleum.

One advantage to hiring a restoration company is they have the equipment needed to dry the floor as quickly as possible. A restoration company will remove and salvage the linoleum by using big fans and vacuums. Fans and vacuums brought into the home will thoroughly dry the sub floors. When the floor is completely dry, the salvaged linoleum can be re-laid. Since the floor is dry, no mold or rot will exist between the linoleum and the sub floor.

The majority of insurance companies will pay, or partially pay, for the cost of a restoration company. It will depend on each individual insurance policy and coverage. It is more cost effective, for an insurance company to pay to have everything dried thoroughly, than the replacement cost of linoleum and sub floor later.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Soot damage to a home effects on health

Friday, September 24th, 2010
A fire is often a traumatic event for a person, especially if one’s home or office is affected. However, what many people do not consider following a fire are the after-effects. The property in question may still be intact, but there may be a lot of soot to deal with. Dealing with such an issue is more than simply having a couch vacuumed or washing a rug. Instead, it means that you will have to call in a professional company to deal with all of the soot. The following are some of the major effects of having soot in a home.

Soot can ruin a home. It is incredibly hard to get rid of. This debris has been known to stay in a home for more than a decade, even with constant cleaning. This means that your home may not be the same if you do not enlist the help of experts who know how to rid a space of soot. You do not want your home to smell and look like soot months or years after a fire.

And of course, there are some serious health risks to having soot in a home. This is something that can affect a person’s breathing. If you or loved ones already have allergies and issues with asthma, this can make it nearly impossible to sleep at night. Additionally, soot is more than dirt: It can have harmful chemicals and pieces of glass in it, which is why you should take the time to rid your home or space of this. Talk to professionals and they can come in with the latest equipment and techniques to thoroughly clean your home.

Soot damage is a serious after effect of a fire, which is why it is important to really talk to professionals about cleaning up after a fire. Treat this seriously so that you do not put your loved ones’ health at danger or have to deal with the smell and look of soot in every nook and cranny of your home or office.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Infrared imaging, why you need it after water damage

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
After a fire or flood, it is important to really take care of a space. The property may still be standing, but there will no doubt be a lot of water damage, soot, and debris to take care of. Do not think that you can handle all of this yourself. Dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster or accident can be really difficult. You just may not have the technology, skill, or training to thoroughly clean a space following water damage. This is why you should talk to a company that is well versed in how to detect and deal with water damage. Such companies are often used by huge corporations and companies and by insurance groups looking to deal with such issues in a quick, efficient, and cost effective manner. The following are some reasons for why you should invest in such a group and to invest in infrared imaging.

Sometimes, water damage is not simply mopping up excess water and calling it a day. Water can seep into everything from carpets to walls. By using the latest in infrared imaging, one can spot water damage or leakage they may not normally see with just their eyes. This means that what could ruin a home’s structure and property could be removed. State of the art electronics are important because they can save you a lot of money when it comes to repair costs. After all, you do not want to receive your insurance payout or compensation until you know the full extent of all the damages. This is why infrared imaging is just so valuable an investment and why you should always work with water damage experts after a flood, fire, or similar issue.

Be smart so that your investments are always protected. Using the latest imaging techniques and equipment means that you will never have to worry that there is water still lurking in your home. Cover all your bases and work with professionals who will explore every nook and cranny of a home or commercial space.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Most Common Places To Check For Mold Growth

Monday, September 20th, 2010
Mold Growth – What To Look For
Mold growth can be dangerous. Particularly, if it’s black mold. Mold occurs as a result of too much moisture in an enclosed area. Spores form and begin to grow into full colonies until they are large enough to be visible with the human eye. Mold can be a result of moisture in an enclosed room with too high a temperature or even in ambient temperatures where spores can attach themselves to walls and floors. This is the most common place to find mold growth.

Check Regularly For Mold Growth
In homes where there are high levels of humidity, homes and buildings are often the most common places to check for mold growth. Check basement floors and walls regularly for signs of moisture or moisture vapors in small cracks and crevices. Don’t overlook the upper levels of structures either. Many times, black mold growth can develop around water pipes under the kitchen or bathroom sinks. If the structure has had any damage due to basement flooding or water damage from a fire, it is important to have the structure thoroughly inspected for mold as soon as possible.

Mold In The Refrigerator?
Mold occurs in and around refrigerators as a result of inadequate maintenance. Check behind refrigerators as well as in any collection pans where condensation can occur. Condensation is one of the chief reasons for mold growth. So also check dishwashers and garbage disposal units thoroughly. A reputable inspection and maintenance company that specializes in mold growth remediation is the best way to remediate any problems or potential problems. These professional consultants know all of the most important areas of a structure that can cause mold growth. They can provide a check list after their inspections are done and offer advice to reduce mold growth in the future.

Mold Growth – An Odor Problem
Whenever there is a mold growth problem, by the time mold odors are detected in a structure, it may already be too late to do it yourself to remove the source. Call in a professional for maximum peace of mind.

Call us today for a free consultation 800-516-8059 or by email at: info@superrestoration.comIn your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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