Archive for October, 2010

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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