Posts Tagged ‘Water Damage Super Restoration’

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

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

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

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

Do you have the proper insurance for water damage?

Friday, September 17th, 2010
No one goes to sleep and thinks that they will wake up to a major flood or natural disaster. However, emergencies and accidents are not planned. If your home or office has experienced water damage, it is important to really protect yourself. The right insurance means that you will be able to clean up and repair your space after there is some serious water damage. The following are some of the many things to consider when searching for proper coverage for such issues.

First, always read up on any home or property insurance plan you may have. Make sure that it specifically states that it will cover water damage. You do not want to have a natural disaster strike only to realize that because the word water is not mentioned in the plan that you will not be covered. The fine print really does matter. This is why you should ask any and all questions before you sign on the dotted line and commit to any one plan or company. Be smart about this investment so that you always have the help you need when a crisis or emergency strikes.

Similarly, talk to the company to see how such damages or issues are dealt with. Some companies will work with a restoration company and have any and all repairs – from dealing with mold to cleaning up the water – dealt with directly. However, other coverage or plans will offer you payouts so that you can then handle the damage yourself. It is important to know how this process works so that you are not surprised when it comes time to deal with such an issue.

The more prepared you are, the better off you will be. Do not wonder if your insurance plan covers water damage. Ask the company and try to amend this if you find out you do not have coverage. Water damage can ruin a home: not only can it destroy your property but it can result in mold and wood warping, which could make your home unlivable. Protect yourself so that you have the help you need following a flood or emergency.

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

Where did this water come from?

Monday, September 13th, 2010
The most common cause of water damage is flooding due to a river or creek jumping its banks and coming into your home. Other less common causes of water damage can be just as detrimental to your home and your belongings.

Water Heater Leaks
Most homes have a water heater, and most homeowners do not think about it unless it is either not working properly or bursts. Therefore, it is often out of sight, and out of mind for most homeowners. It is common for these to leak as they age, and over time, the leaking can cause significant damage to the floor and subfloor on which the water heater sits. Therefore, it is important to check your water heater and if there is water leaking from either the top or bottom, call a maintenance man to take a look to determine if you could have a larger problem on your hands.

Pipe Bursting Or Leaking
The walls of most homes not only separate living spaces from one another, but also house wiring and plumbing that serves your family’s needs. Pipes buried in between pieces of plaster or sheetrock can burst from freezing or just from age. Older pipes are prone to have weak spots that could burst and cause water damage within the walls that can go unnoticed if it is only a small drip. If you notice wet spots at the bottom of your walls, it may be indicative of a larger problem.

Ew… Mold!
All water damage, large or small, can cause mold to incubate and grow in your home. Mold is unhealthy to all people, but especially young children and the elderly. Breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory issues and can cause you to develop a more serious problem. Therefore, it is important that if your home sustains water damage from an obvious flood or one of the more subtle ways described above, you must contact a remediation company immediately to ensure that the damage is addressed.

Hopefully, these helpful tips on water damage have been helpful and will allow you to be more aware of what may be going on in your home that is difficult to detect.

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

How a Restoration Company Can Help with Water, Fire, and Mold Damage to Carpet

Monday, September 6th, 2010
Water damage to carpet will be inevitable for many people. With the amount of pipes that burst during winter seasons, or just faulty water pipes in general, homes and businesses can be affected with massive amounts of damage. There is also fire damage that can happen if a home or a business catches on fire. When water is left in carpet for a long period of time, mold can start to set in, and a home can be a dangerous and toxic place to be in. Most water damaged carpets in small areas can be taken care of with a water filtration vacuum cleaner, but if a person’s entire house is damaged, or if a business has many floors of water damaged carpet, they are going to need a better recourse. Restoration companies were created to help homes and businesses save their property from massive amounts of water, fire, flood, and mold damage to carpet.

Restoration companies can bring carpets back from the brink by returning carpets back to their original conditions. Most restoration companies are equipped to help homes and businesses that have been affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, rainstorms, mudslides, monsoons, and windstorms, as well as burst pipes, sewer damage, fires, and explosions. No job is too big for most restoration companies. The areas of a home or business that a restoration company can work with are, fire damage, burned walls, clean up, restore, recover, redesign, and reconstruction. Restoration companies have the most state of the art equipment that can perform a dry down of a home or business when water damage has occurred. Their equipment can extract water from any carpet and floor boards underneath. Then,they will use a combination of demolitions, drying equipment, and air movers to further the restoration process. They are also equipped with infra red cameras that can find water damage that is unseen by most people. Once a home or business has been dried down, the recovery stage can take place. This is where the carpet will be restored, redesigned, and reconstructed.

Once a home or a business has been accessed for damages, a restoration company can have carpet back to new again within a few days time. Getting to the water damaged areas as quick as possible will help to save a home or a business from destruction.

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

How to protect and prolong the life of tile

Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Decorative tile has become a popular decorating item in many homes. While tile adds to the home’s appeal, it is not without its weakness. Water can extensively damage tile and cause mold to grow in a person’s home.

A common place to find tile in a home is in the bathroom, specifically in a shower. These tiles are most often placed over drywall, as in homes built between 1965 to 1990, or cement walling, as found in newer homes. While tiles make for a sturdy shower space, they remain susceptible to damage from water left after a person bathes.

If a shower has a drywall backing, the remaining water will travel to the drywall, causing it to expand and swell. This expansion then causes the tile to become loose and perhaps even crack. The damage from cracked and loose tiles can be so significant as to warrant a shower’s needing to be entirely replaced. Cement walls do not absorb water; however, the water, instead of being absorbed into the walls, will travel to the showers floor. The water will then seep onto any surrounding floor tiling or carpeting and cause mold. Again, the damage can be so great that the homeowner may need to replace the flooring.

Home restoration professionals commonly recommend that a homeowner using grout to seal the cracks in between tiles to prevent the water from seeping into drywall. Grout is a cement-based product that, while not waterproof, prevents for some time the seeping of water into the drywall. Even more so, a homeowner should use inspect a shower’s grout and routinely replace it to ensure that the tiles will not be damaged. The grout should then be sealed with caulking. For newer showers that have cement walls, it is recommended that a weephole be placed in the shower. A weephole allows the water to travel back into the shower without damaging outside flooring or tiling. A weephole should never be filled with grout or caulk. Without an adequate weephole, a cement-backed tile shower stands to suffer damage to the shower pan and surrounding flooring.

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

Call One Company if You Have an Emergency

Friday, August 27th, 2010
People do not like to think that emergencies can happen to them, but ignoring the possibility does not prevent them from occurring. It is always best to be prepared and know what to do if you should find it necessary to deal with an unpleasant situation. When you have a plan in mind, it is easier to remain calm and reassure your family if you are faced with a disaster.

If fire, water or mold causes damage to your home, it may not be safe to live there until you get the damage repaired, so you will want restoration to begin as soon as possible. It is wise to have an arrangement with a reputable company in place, so that if an emergency occurs, one quick phone call will get the process started immediately. Large loss response capabilities allow a customer to call one company for large and small emergencies. An emergency is always traumatic, but a dependable restoration company can help you to get back in your home in a reasonable time, so the disruption of your family’s lives will not need to be any longer than necessary.

When you deal with experienced restoration experts, you can have the assurance of knowing that they will handle your valuable possessions with the utmost care and get your family back in your home as quickly as possible. They will know the correct process to use during the entire procedure so that all details are covered. For instance, if you have water damage, they must dry the area thoroughly to prevent mold from forming, and inspect electronic appliances and equipment to ensure that they are safe to use again.

It is better to be prepared for something that does not happen than for something to happen for which you are not prepared. When you are ready for possible emergencies, you can be stress free and know that you have done the best that you can to take care of your family in any situation. Like the insurance that we hope we will never need, we hope we will not need emergency recovery services, but if we need either, we will be thankful that we took the necessary steps to have them.

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

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