Archive for 2010

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Remediation of Contaminated Chinese Drywall

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Defective or tainted drywall imported from China between 2001 and 2007 could give off sulfur gases which create a noxious odor and corrode metal surfaces. Sulfur emissions have been found to damage air conditioners, electrical wiring, copper plumbing, appliances, and electronics. Known adverse health effects from the contaminated drywall include nosebleeds, allergies, rashes, and headaches. Long term health effects of exposure to the sulfur fumes from the tainted drywall are unknown, although the United States government has begun several studies. The tainted drywall includes an estimated 20 million square feet in more than 65,000 American homes.

Issues with the contaminated drywall were first reported in 2008. The affected drywall (also known as wallboard, gypsum board, or plasterboard) was transported through ports in Florida, Texas, New Orleans, and California. The exact cause of the high concentrations of sulfur in the gypsum used to make the drywall has not been ascertained although experts believe the drywall was contaminated with fly ash during mining.

Homeowners who suspect they have tainted Chinese drywall should first consult a physician regarding the health effects. Then a certified electrician should be hired to examine the property for electrical or fire hazards. Following the inspection, homeowners should notify state/local officials as well as their insurance company, who can direct the homeowner to resources available to assist in remediating the contaminated drywall.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the Interim Remediation Guidance for Homes with Problem Drywall on April 3, 2010, which recommends that all possible problem drywall, all fire safety alarm devices including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, all electrical components and wiring, all service piping, and all fire suppression systems be removed and replaced by a qualified professional. Additional items subjected to cross-contamination may also need to be replaced. Common items susceptible to cross-contamination include furniture, air conditioners, carpet, hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, tile flooring, cabinets, countertops, trim, moldings, baseboards, and bathroom fixtures.

During and following removal of contaminated drywall and associated materials, the Consumer Safety Commission recommends using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum and periodic ventilation of the residence to reduce the concentration of sulfur in air.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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The Insured’s Responsibility to Mitigate Immediately

Monday, August 23rd, 2010
If you have homeowner’s or flood insurance, are you aware of your responsibility to mitigate the loss? You need to take action to keep a problem from getting worse after making a claim or observing a problem. Failure to do so may affect the amount that your insurance will pay.

~What Does Mitigation Mean?

Imagine that a pipe breaks, causing a flood in your home. You have a responsibility as the insured party to make arrangements to stop the leak and clean up the water to prevent further damages. If you do not take these steps, the damage will get worse and more expensive. In this case, mold may begin to grow or water damage will increase.

~What are the Consequences of Not Mitigating Loss?

One legal case, Higginbotham v. New Hampshire Indem. Co., found that homeowners whose roof was damaged could receive payment for the damaged roof, but not for the water damage that occurred over several months before the roof was repaired. The judge determined that the homeowner could and should have taken action to prevent water from leaking through the damaged roof.

~How to Mitigate Against Further Damage

Be sure to contact your insurance company immediately and to take pictures of the damage that has already occurred. Then, take steps to prevent the problem from getting worse. This may include making temporary repairs, such as boarding up a broken window, or shutting off utilities, such as water to a damaged pipe. If a flood occurred, be sure to allow the area to completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or rust. You may also need to contact an expert to assist in repairs or flood cleanup. Save all of your receipts from supplies and repairs. Your insurance company may be able to provide emergency cash for these costs or may reimburse you after the fact.

By taking steps to reduce the chance of further damage, you are protecting your investment and avoiding unpleasant surprises down the road. If you have any questions about your responsibility in an insurance claim, ask your insurance company or a trusted expert for the type of damage that occurred.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Cleaning Soot from Porous and Non-Porous Items

Friday, August 20th, 2010
Cleaning soot from porous and non-porous items is a major task. Soot is a result of the incomplete combustion of wood, coal, diesel oil or other materials. Soot is normally found in the form of a black powdery substance consisting mainly of carbon. Soot will absorb energy from sunlight rather than reflect it thus it is seen as one of the main sources of global warming. This is particularly true if soot happens to settle on snow or ice. Soot particles in the air are a contributing cause for many respiratory illnesses. A common cause of soot is burning wood in a fireplace. Fire damage to residential and commercial properties will require the careful removal of soot during the clean-up process. Fire restoration services will often, due to the nature of the damage, necessitate the need for water and mold restoration in a simultaneous fashion.

Professional fire restoration services will be able to properly and completely clean and remove all soot from the premises. Removing soot from porous items is difficult but possible. Soot can penetrate into porous items due to the unique physical qualities of the surface of the item. Leaving the soot on these items can have drastic negative consequences. Chemical deposits can be left behind which can later be transferred into the air by heating and air conditioning systems and cause respiratory issues. Items that cannot be cleaned of soot completely should be discarded for this reason.

Non-porous items are generally easier to clean. Glass and other non-porous surfaces can normally be restored with appropriate cleaning equipment and supplies. The equipment utilized to clean up after a fire includes high tech Industrial ultrasonic equipment used to clean computers completely. High pressure water is another technique used on appropriate surfaces. The equipment and supplies utilized by professional restoration companies is intended to restore the residential or commercial property to living or working quality with no presence of soot.

Fire restoration services must be sought from a fully trained professional. Cleaning up after a fire is not the same thing as removing excess soot from a fireplace area.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Sewer back-up contamination clean-up methods

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Sewer back-up contamination is not a pleasant thought but is a reality to many otherwise clean households each year. If this happens to you, what is the best clean-up method to tackle the job inside your house? Sewage is any refuse liquids or waste matters that are usually carried away through a sewage pipe. When these pipes back up, quite often brought on during storms when there is an excess of water flowing into these systems, the sewage can back up and end up inside your house. When this happens, it’s important to know how to clean it up.

First and foremost, it should always be assumed that waste carried through the sewage lines is hazardous as some of it could very well contain human feces and various waste products that could transmit numerous diseases such as intestinal diseases, hepatitis and even asthma disorders, just to name a few.

Since not only disease-transmitting waste backs up into the house, but an abundance of water comes along with it, the danger of mold developing is of utmost concern. Certain types of mold can turn a clean, healthy household environment into one that is uninhabitable as mold can cause serious health problems that can even lead to death.

Because of the health risks involved when sewage backs up into your house, they way it is cleaned up is vitally important. While there are helpful tips on how to clean up using bleach mixtures, which kills disease and mold, do-it-yourself sewage cleanup can be tedious, time-consuming and dangerous for your health. it may be best to consider calling a professional waste removal company who is familiar with proper water removal especially when dealing with issues of potential mold and waste. Some such companies even offer 24 hour assistance, so the sooner they are called, the sooner you can rest easy knowing your house is free of potential harmful disease causing invaders. By leaving the clean up to an experienced company that handles sewage backup removal, you can be assured that your household will once again be a clean, livable place to enjoy.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Can Wet Carpets Be Saved?

Monday, August 16th, 2010
In the case of a flood or other emergency, many property owners wonder if their carpets can survive the damage. When a carpet gets very wet, the water or other liquid will seep into the pad that is under the carpet. If the water sits in the pad for too long or takes too long to dry, the carpet pad can mold and give off unpleasant odors.

In the case that the carpet pad has been allowed to mold, the carpet will have to be removed and the either the pad or the carpet and the pad will have to be replaced. A company that specializes in carpet restoration will be able to determine whether the carpet is salvageable or what the best restorative option will be. Unfortunately, in most cases after a flooding, the carpet pad will need to be removed, even if the carpet can be restored.

If the carpet has not been visibly damaged, it may be possible to restore the carpet. If the pad needs to replaced, the carpet will need to be removed from the area and thoroughly cleaned. The floor underneath the padding will also need to be cleaned, disinfected, and allowed to dry. If the flooding only affected a very small area, this may be able to be done alone. However, if a large area was affected, a professional will most likely be needed to complete the job.

When restoring the carpet, the most important thing is to make sure that the carpets are allowed to dry properly. If possible, the carpet should not be placed onto the dry carpet pad until it is completely dry. The carpets should be allowed to dry either outside or in a well ventilated area. If the carpets must be dried inside the property, they can be dried using a wet-dry vac. This machine will suck up the water that is soaking the carpet fibers and help speed up the drying process. Fans should then be placed inside the room and windows should be left open if the conditions permit. While wet carpets may be difficult to save, it is possible if the conditions are right and if done by a knowledgeable and experienced individual.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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How to choose the right emergency restoration company (IICRC certification)

Friday, August 13th, 2010

When you’re dealing with damage that has occurred as a result of an emergency situation, such as water, mold or fire damage, it is imperative that you choose the right emergency restoration company. Many people don’t exactly know which steps to take when dealing with such emergencies. However, a good company who knows what they’re talking about will be able to help anyone deal with the situation at hand and get through it as quickly and calmly as possible. Choosing the right emergency restoration company doesn’t have to be difficult, so long as you know what you’re looking for.

Bottom line, the most important factor is that the company be IICRC certified. Without the proper certification, there’s no reason to go any further. A company who is IICRC certified is one who likely knows what they’re talking about, and will be instrumental to helping you navigate your situation. If certification is not in place, don’t even consider hiring the company.

It is important to also take into consideration the reputation of the company. If a company has a good reputation throughout the community, chances are they will be a good choice. If the company’s reputation is poor, you may want to steer clear of them, no matter how low their rates. Many people set their rates based upon their experience, and as the old saying goes, you often get what you pay for.

Choosing the right emergency restoration company is important, and you should take care in doing so as carefully as possible. The more effort you put in, the more streamlined the situation will be.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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What is Water Damage Mitigation

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Anyone who has ever suffered significant water damage to their home knows how frustrating of a situation it can be. Not only is water damage unhealthy to live in/around, it can significantly decrease the resale value of your home. Fortunately, it is possible to remedy the negative effects of water damage through a process known as water damage mitigation.

Put simply, water damage mitigation is the process of repairing whatever damage has been caused by excessive moisture. The process and extent of the job can vary dramatically by circumstance. For instance, a small patch of mold caused by excessive moisture is something that can be mitigated rather easily. However, a crumbling foundation that has suffered years of water damage can be a massive job. In such cases, structures can be in such bad shape that they must be demolished. While these situations are rare, they do exist.

The fact is, living in a home that has even a small amount of water damage can be unsafe, as well as unhealthy. Mold (especially black mold) that is born out of excessive moisture can be very hazardous to one’s health, and can cause respiratory issues if inhaled. While it may seem as if getting rid of a mold problem is something that one can do on their own, this is never recommended. Since professionals work with mold on a regular basis, they know the process inside and out, and are aware of all necessary safety details. Doing the job on your own can sometimes make the problem worse, and can be hazardous to your health.

Water damage mitigation does not have to be expensive, and is a process that should be done as soon as possible, as the more water damage accumulates, the harder and more intensive the mitigation process becomes. Don’t live in a home riddled with moisture issues any longer – choose water damage mitigation today.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Contingency Planning For A Disaster In Your Home

Monday, August 9th, 2010
A home is most often a lifetime investment. Homeowners take pride in maintaining their property and keeping everything in good, working order. However, accidents and unforeseen damages are bound to occur and affect the order of the home. It is during times like these that you will be thankful if you have a contingency plan in place to remedy the situation.

There are three different, very common, ailments that can come down unexpectedly on a residence. The first is fire. Small kitchen fires, or fires caused by electric wiring, occur every day. The damage left by them can be as minor as the intense smell of smoke in the home, to actual damage to supporting structures and walls.

You can reduce the chance of having to deal with fire damage by following simple, common-sense safety practices when in the kitchen. You should also be aware of the electrical wiring in the home and take immediate action should things begin to seem amiss. Maintaining working fire detectors is also vital.

Another problem could be water damage. Whether this is from flooding in your area or heavy rain from above, water damage can be devastating to a home. Once the water has found a way in, it is sure to begin to rot away the interior walls, beams and maybe even cause damage to appliances.

Water damage can be avoided or reduced by making sure the roof of the home is in good shape, being observant of spots on the walls and ceilings, and installing a drainage pump in the basement in case flooding.

Finally, sometimes as a result of water damage, mold may develop in the home. Mold can not always be seen and may make the people living near it very sick for a very long time. Preventing water damage and looking for discolorations on surfaces are some of the only ways to prevent mold. Regularly cleaning bathrooms and other damp areas with bleach can also help to control this problem.

It is important for every homeowner to have a contingency plan to deal with these situations. If they can not be prevented, then it is imperative to have some money set aside to pay for the services of a restoration company.

A restoration company will come in and repair the damage, restoring your home to its previous state before the disaster. This can be as simple as removing a persistent smoke odor from a fire to replacing damaged wall beams rotted away by water. It can also include safe mold abatement and disposal.

Having a contingency plan will help to restore your home, health and piece of mind as quickly as possible.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance

Friday, August 6th, 2010
A flooded home is something most homeowners think they will never have to deal with, so they often opt for the minimum coverage on their insurance policy. Unfortunately, the cause of the flooding impacts whether or not a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the damages and repairs. Many homeowners do not find out they have the incorrect coverage until they have standing water in their home.

Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance covers the cost of a water, mold and fire restoration company to repair damages caused by flooding that is the result of broken pipes and sewage system backups. Some natural disasters may be covered under a basic homeowners insurance policy. For example, if a storm knocks a tree onto the roof of the home and flooding from the rain results, the homeowners insurance policy will cover the water damages in the home. As a general rule, for the homeowners insurance policy to cover flooding damage the water must come from inside the home or from rain.

Flood insurance picks up where homeowners insurance leaves off, providing coverage for flooding caused from the ground. Flooding caused by flash floods or overflowing streams, creeks and rivers is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Flood insurance must be purchased in addition to the standard homeowners insurance policy, and it does not become effective immediately. A thirty day waiver period applies, meaning that if a flood occurs in the first thirty days of the policy the damages and repairs will not be covered. With this in mind, flood insurance should be purchased at least thirty days in advance of the rainy season for your area.

Prevention and Restoration

It is important to call a professional water and mold restoration company as soon as flooding happens in the home. Standing water can cause a serious health risk, and mold can be very dangerous to remove on your own. Your insurance will cover the costs of repairs, and will require you to use the services of a licensed professional. In widespread flooding, these professionals become very busy, so always plan ahead so you know who you will call in the event of a flooded home. The best way to protect your family’s health and your home is to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place before flooding happens.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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Portable Air Conditioning Rental

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
A portable air conditioning rental is mostly needed after water, mold or fire damage to a home or business. A restoration company that specializes in building restoration and clean-up will be able to offer a portable air conditioning unit for rent until the whole air conditioning is repaired and working properly. While the restoration work is being done, the company will offer a portable air conditioning unit that can be carried from place to place depending on where it is needed. If someone is sitting in their kitchen and it’s hot, they can keep the portable right beside them. When finished in the kitchen, they can easily pick it up and carry it into another room where they can still remain cool.

After the initial restoration work is completed, it still can take a long time for the building to dry. That is why a restoration company should be able to provide temporary climate control including equipment rental to their customers. This not only includes a portable air conditioning unit, but also a heating unit, depending on what time of the year it happens to be, or what part of the country is affected.

There are also companies that specialize in just the portable rentals and necessary temporary equipment needed until the home or business gets back to normal. These companies can come over and see exactly what the problem is, what is needed, and set up the rental process for you.

A restoration company not only cleans up, drys out and repairs any damage caused by many natural or unnatural disasters, but can also provide valuable information on preventative measures to keep this from happening again. They can advise on ways to prevent flooding, stop mold from growing, and to practice safety measures to prevent fires. Just like a doctor will advise someone to quit smoking so they can avoid getting lung cancer, the restoration company can advise customers on ways to stop more damage from happening again.

Of course, there are some things that cannot be helped. There are hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and other disasters that someone can only do so much to prevent damage. So there is always a need for a restoration company and a portable air conditioning rental unit.

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

In your service,

Rene Vargas
Super Restoration
1 800 516 8059

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