water-damage-restoration-az

How Does Fire Damage Concrete?

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:11:36 GMT

Structural fires & fire damage are big problems for both homeowners and business owners, as the resulting destruction can end up being costly to remedy. The extent of such damages can spread to even concrete surfaces and structures.

While concrete is known to be a very fire-resistant material, it is by no means impervious to it. In fact, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause permanent damage, affecting it mechanically and chemically. The most obvious damages are cracks, spalls, & discolorations.

To give you a better idea of how fire damages concrete, what to do to avoid a fire, and how to handle concrete fire damage, keep reading to learn more!

The Observable Manifestations of Concrete Fire Damage

The Mechanical Changes

There are two major mechanical changes that prolonged fire exposure can cause: cracking and spalling.

Cracking

Concrete can crack for multiple reasons, the chief of which is excessive temperature changes. Heat causes atoms and molecules to become more active, meaning that a solid surface—like a concrete slab, for example—will expand. However, solid matter can only handle a certain amount of expansion, and if that threshold is exceeded, then the surface will crack.

Spalling

Spalls are what you call the chunks of concrete that break off the slab. Much like concrete cracks, spalling is the result of exposure to extreme heat, although this is usually a more extreme mechanical change. When this change occurs, large chunks fall off the main body, usually exposing the metal support under the concrete.

As mentioned earlier, concrete has a particular threshold of heat that it can take before any mechanical changes are made apparent. The Concrete Society further explains that any concrete surface that is exposed to temperatures exceeding 300 °C should be considered in need of replacement or repair, as its strength may no longer be reliable.

However, take note that the presence of cracks or spalls does not necessarily mean that the concrete is no longer functional or safely usable. The only way to truly know the integrity of your surfaces is to have a licensed professional take a look and assess the damages.

The Chemical Changes

While there are numerous chemical changes that concrete can undergo when subjected to extreme heat, there is only one that is immediately noticeable: color changes. Super-heated concrete can turn red or pink-ish due to the iron-containing compounds within its mix.

This means that the section is compromised and must be repaired or replaced. Although such discolorations may appear even if the concrete is functional, it is still a major sign that its strength and reliability have been affected.

Avoiding a Fire in Your Home

The first step to avoiding a fire in your house is by knowing the most common causes. The primary causes stem from: cooking mishaps , heating equipment malfunctions, electrical fires, improperly disposed of cigarettes, unwatched candles, chemical fires, and sometimes even Christmas tree accidents! By keeping these causes in mind, you can take appropriate steps to prevent them from burning down your beloved home.

The most basic and common-sense approach is to simply watch out for open flames. In doing so, you’re already mitigating the risk of at least four of the common causes of house fires.

Next, you should check all of your appliances and devices for frayed wiring. An open or broken wire can make a spark that will grow into a large fire, so make sure to either repair or toss them into the trash. Also, watch out for faulty outlets—if it sparks when you plug something in, then avoid using it or have it checked by a professional.

Aside from that, make sure to invest in buying and maintaining smoke detectors. Not only are they affordable, but they can alert you of a fire if you aren’t paying attention.

Handling Concrete Damage After a Structural Fire

A structural fire is dangerous no matter how small it was or how fast it was put out, even if the entire structure was made of concrete. In fact, a lot of the damage can happen without observable signs, so it's always best to first contact an expert to assess the damage and draw out plans for repairs.

If you were unfortunate enough to have had a fire, then it’s crucial to vacate the premises and stay out of the structure for the time being. This way, you can avoid any accidents that may result from a weak foundation or falling debris. Next, have a licensed professional handle the assessments in order to ensure that that the tests are done properly and safely. Once done, you can take the appropriate steps to restore your home before moving back in.

For those with homeowners insurance (or who are planning on signing up for a policy), check whether fires are included in the clauses. That way, you can mitigate a bit of the financial burden.

Conclusion

Fire damage is a big deal, as it can be costly to repair and unsafe to leave alone. Although concrete may be more durable than wood in the case of a fire, it too receives damages that can make it unsafe. By understanding how fire affects it, the steps to avoid it, and what to do when fire damage sets in, you’re one step closer to living in a safer and more damage-free home.

Sources

https://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips-nuggets.asp?cmd=display&id=893

7 Tricks for Locating a Water Leak in Your Bathroom

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:16:24 GMT

Your home can suffer from water damage in more ways than one. While some causes are weather-related, perhaps the most insidious source is from your own bathroom plumbing. Left undetected, bathroom leaks can result in increased water bills and potentially thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Here are 7 tips for detecting bathroom leaks before they become problematic:

Check the water meter
Perform a toilet dye test
Look for damaged walls and ceilings
Be alert to musty smells
Inspect seals in and around showers and bathtubs
Test sink and bath drains
Test for tap leaks

Avoid a potentially wet & costly situation by reading more about this not-so-pleasant topic below.

Run a Test Using Your Water Meter

One of the clearest indications of a leak in your household is if there’s a sudden unexplained increase in the water bill. For the most part, your water usage shouldn’t change too much from month to month, so a sudden surge is a surefire warning sign.

For further evidence of a leak, Bob Vila recommends this simple test. First, "turn off all the water faucets in your home, and make sure the washing machine and dishwasher are not running." Go to your water meter and look over the reading. After two hours, see if there is a change in the reading. If there is, you've definitely got a leak on your hands and it may be coming from your bathroom!

Test The Toilet

Toilets are among the leading culprits when it comes to unexplained leaks. The rubber stopper (knowns as the flapper) that separates the tank from the bowl can become brittle over time, creating a leak. If you have a toilet that periodically runs on its own for a few seconds, this is probably why.

To confirm your suspicions, put a couple of drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet. Return after a few minutes and check the bowl. If the dye has entered the bowl, then there’s a leak that should be repaired.

Check for Water Damage to The Walls and Ceilings

If you have a leak emanating from an upstairs bathroom, one of the first things you’ll notice is water damage on the ceiling of the room below. Watermarks and discoloration are clear indicators of leaks, but you might also notice flaking or peeling paint.

Remember: Water doesn't always follow predictable routes. So if you see water marks on the walls, those could also be the result of a leaky upstairs bathroom.

Be Aware of Musty Odors

When it comes to bathroom leaks, the nose often knows best. An undetected leak can go on for quite some time, resulting in the ideal conditions for mold and mildew. Mold has an unpleasant odor and is a sign that your home could be suffering from significant water damage. It’s also a health hazard, especially for those who suffer from respiratory illnesses and allergies, so it's important you have it remedied as quickly as you can.

Inspect Bathtub and Shower Seals

You might not see any leaks or notice any obvious signs of water damage, but it’s important that you look for gaps between the seals surrounding your shower, bathtub, and walls. These kinds of leaks may require extensive renovations if they’re not repaired promptly.

Any presence of moisture on the seals is indicative of a problem, as is peeling or bubbling paint on the bathroom walls. If you have vinyl flooring, be cognizant of curling or bubbles and soft spots in the wood beneath.

Inspect Bathroom Drains

Leaks occurring around bathroom drains are usually very slow and can be extremely difficult to detect. The best way to discover a leak is to plug the drain and fill the tub or sink with water. If you return in an hour and the water has drained, then there’s definitely a leak. Make sure the problem isn’t due to a faulty stopper. There’s no reason to have your tub or sink torn apart if it isn’t necessary.

Investigate a Tap Leak

If water is leaking from the tap itself, that should be easy to discern. The sneakier leak, however, is when errant water is originating from the seals and silicon areas around the base of the faucet. To avoid being surprised by these types of leaks, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the cupboards just below your bathroom sink. When you have a moment, open the cupboards, pour water over the seals at the faucet’s base, and check below for moisture. If water drips into the cupboard, then you know you’ve got a problem.

Conclusion

Water damage is both financially draining and physically taxing. Something as small as a bathroom leak can get out of control in the blink of an eye, but it doesn't have to. By performing these simple tests, and being aware of your surroundings, you'll be able to recognize the warning signs before things get out of hand.

Sources

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-find-a-water-leak/

Chimney Fire Prevention Tips

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:12:27 GMT

Nothing’s better than a warm, toasty fire on a cold winter's night. But if your chimney hasn’t been properly cleaned and cared for, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Chimney fires can cause fire damage , lost homes, and much worse. Thankfully, there are several easy steps you can take to minimize your risks and ensure that you and your family can safely enjoy a crackling, comforting glow this winter.

Here's what you can do to keep your flue in tip-top shape and prevent a chimney fire in your home:

Get an annual chimney inspection from a licensed professional.
Burn only seasoned, dry, untreated firewood.
Prevent creosote accumulation.
Don’t use liquid accelerants.
Install a chimney cap.

A fireplace is a beloved feature of many homes, especially in colder climates — but chimney fires are extremely dangerous. Keep reading for more info on how you can protect your home and family from this low-key killer.

Time for a Yearly Inspection

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) strongly recommends an annual inspection and thorough cleaning of your venting system by a licensed and insured pro. As CSIA states, “clean chimneys don’t catch fire.”

The Institute's website also lists some signs that you may have already had a chimney fire, which increases your risk for another one exponentially. Look for these telltale warnings:

Warped metal on your damper or flue
Creosote pieces in your house or on the roof
Smoke-damaged mortar
Exterior masonry cracks

Beloved morning icon The Today Show reports that the National Fire Protection Association blames dirty chimneys as a leading factor in house fires. They also advise that if your fireplace is new, it should be checked halfway through the first season of use to ensure everything is as it should be.

Your Firewood Matters

Unfortunately, you can’t just burn anything in an indoor fireplace. Many combustible items that might seem ok, contain inks or treatments that can make harmful smoke and lead to creosote build-up — pretty much the biggest cause of chimney fires.

Instead, you’ll want to do a bit of research to find the most appropriate wood to use. Thankfully, home restoration legend Bob Vila has several crucial pointers for homeowners on the best fuel for the fire:

Use hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech.
Make sure it’s completely dry.
Seasoning your wood might take 1-2 years, but it’s worth it.
You can add a bit of fir, pine, or cedar for the scent, but they’re best for kindling.
Buy your wood before you need it!

Planning ahead with an inspection and stocking up on the right wood means you’ll be able to enjoy toasted marshmallows and fireside snuggles all winter long.

Meet The Real Enemy: Creosote

What is it, exactly? Creosote is simply a by-product of burning. It’s a black, tar-like substance that can also appear as a hard glaze. It’s a highly flammable compound, according to HGTV , and if ignited, "it can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees."

That’s why it’s crucial to get your chimney inspected by an expert at least once per year — or even more often if your fireplace is frequently used. This nasty stuff can build up fast, so be sure to check your flue regularly. If there’s even 1/8th of an inch of this yuck, it can start to smoke, make more of itself, and become an even bigger hazard.

You’re Not Outdoor Grilling

Liquid accelerants may be all well and good if you’re firing up the Weber outside for an afternoon cookout, but you shouldn’t use them inside the house. Building a fire indoors is an easy process and a skill everyone should have. Who better to learn from than Popular Mechanics ?

Ready to get toasty and warm?

Gather about 2 handfuls of twigs from outside, and break them into pencil-sized lengths.
Get some newspaper and tear it into 2-inch wide strips.
"Make sure that the chimney’s damper is open."
Pile newspaper into a mound.
Create a wigwam of twigs around the paper mound.
Light it up.
Blow on the bottom of the mound and add branches as needed.
Add larger logs, keeping the teepee shape.

Going slow ensures you’ll have a safe and long-lasting fire to enjoy. Don’t forget to always have a fire extinguisher handy.

To Cap It All Off

Most homeowners don’t think about a chimney cap, but it’s actually quite an important feature. Without one, rain, snow, and miscellaneous other distasteful things can enter your chimney and cause damage or a blockage. While a cap isn’t totally absolutely necessary, it’s best to have one.

They help to prevent sparks from escaping onto your roof and causing a fire that way. Plus, caps keep critters from roosting in your chimney, as well as limiting moisture damage. Excess moisture can warp your damper, leading to an excess of carbon monoxide. Typically made from stainless steel or copper, your certified chimney inspector can help you determine the status of your chimney cap and get one installed if you need it.

Conclusion

Everyone loves to gather in front of a warm and mesmerizing fire. It’s one of the best aspects of winter. But if your chimney hasn’t been properly maintained, you and your family could be at risk for a sudden fire, and perhaps even lose your beloved home. But never fear — just follow the simple steps listed above to ensure that your chimney is clean as a whistle and your fireplace is ready for hours of enjoyment.

Sources

Indications of a Water Leak Behind a Brick Wall

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:53:57 GMT

Bricks are a common building material because they typically last the full lifespan of the building. While they are very sturdy and effective, bricks are not impenetrable to water. In fact, water damage behind a brick wall is more common than you might think!

There are many indications of water leaks behind brick walls, both inside and outside of a home. Inside, walls can become discolored or warped, bubbles may form, the paint may peel, and wallpaper may have ripples. A musty smell can accompany mold or mildew. Outside, the brick can develop efflorescence, which is a white powdery salt deposit.

It's important to know the tell-tale signs so your beautiful brick home does not melt away, literally! Keep reading to learn more!

What Causes Water Leaks Behind a Brick Wall?

There are several ways water can penetrate a brick wall and cause damage. The most common are related to the installation methods. For instance, mortar mixed with too much moisture will shrink when dried. This creates gaps and holes in the dried mortar, which can result in leaking between bricks.

Another common problem with brick installation happens when contractors don't scrape away the extra mortar from the back of the bricks. The extra dried mortar blocks the water from clearing down the weather-resistant barrier, which prevents water from properly draining from the house. The weather-resistant barrier then erodes from constant pooling, and water begins to enter the house.

Go Smart Bricks lists other causes of water leaks behind brick walls, such as:

Leaky pipes
"External wall defects"
"Paleness in water-resisting components"
"Wind-blown rain through the vertical joints"
Landscaping soil sitting too high on the brick foundation.

Signs of Water Leaks

Perhaps one reason that many homeowners don't recognize leaks behind brick walls is that leaks aren't always obvious, especially on the outside of a home. Most homeowners don't routinely inspect the outside brick for indications of leaks, and by the time they notice a change in their brick walls, there can be substantial water damage.

Additionally, if water has penetrated the weather-resistant barrier, there can be signs of water damage to the inside of the home.

Water Leak Signs From The Inside of Your Home

What are the signs of water leaking inside your home? wikiHow gives some advice on what to look for:

"Discoloration" on the walls - A water leak will result in a washed-out stain on your wall or ceiling. The discoloration is also "likely to be irregular."
Changes in the wall's texture - In addition to discoloration, a water leak can cause your wall to warp or form a bubble (or more than one bubble) that sags downward.
Check for mold or mildew - Water leaks that have been present for some time can result in mold or mildew growth. These begin as small patches of "black or brown dots" but can quickly take over a whole wall. You may notice a musty or stale smell when close to the infected wall.

Water Leak Signs From the Outside of Your Home

When looking at the outside of your house, one of the easiest signs of a water leak to spot is efflorescence. Efflorescence is a crystalized deposit of salt on the exterior of brick; the salts remain on the brick after the water evaporates. Efflorescence has a white or greyish color and can have a powdery or scum-like appearance.

While efflorescence isn't a cause for panic--it doesn't always mean a water leak--it's advisable to have a home inspector or mason examine the area of concern to determine the cause.

Prevent Water Leaks Behind Brick Walls

Since water leaks behind brick walls can be difficult to determine until significant water damage has occurred, it's clear that prevention is the best policy for keeping your home safe! Here are some simple steps you can take:

The best prevention is solid, quality brick installation . If you're building a new home, be sure to get the best masonry contractors and bricks within your budget. The better your bricks are installed, the less you'll have to worry about in the future.

If you live in an already constructed home, regularly inspect the inside and outside of your home for problems areas. On the inside of your home, look for discoloration, warping, bubbles, and mold or mildew on the walls and ceilings of each room.

On the outside brick, carefully check for efflorescence. Just like mold & mildew, efflorescence starts in one small area and gradually grows. A hasty examination could lead to bigger problems later on, while a thorough inspection could save you lots of time and money.

Additionally, inspect your home for leaks twice or more a year, especially after periods of heavy rain. The extra moisture could absorb into the brick if it doesn't have adequate time to drain or evaporate.

Another prevention method is to call in the experts . A routine inspection from a mason or other professional every few years (or whenever your mason recommends) will give you extra insight into any current or potential problem areas.

Finally, prevent saturation most commonly caused by piling soil high around the brick foundation. The high levels of water retention in the soil can erode the water-resistant barriers of your brick walls. Also, ensure that water drains away from your house . Gutters or pipes can sometimes drain right at the foundation, once again causing brick saturation.

What Should I Do If I Spot a Water Leak?

First, do your best to determine the source of the leak. A home inspector can also help determine the source. Once you've located the source, in most cases, you'll need to call in a mason for sealing or flashing. If the leak is caused by leaky pipes, you may also need to call a plumber.

While these steps stop the leak, you may still be left with water damage. This can take many forms, such as discoloration or warping, mold or mildew, or efflorescence.

Conclusion

There are many factors at play when it comes to brick water leaks. The quality and installation of the bricks, outside drainage systems, landscaping, pipes inside the home, all play important roles in maintaining a healthy, water-resistant barrier in your brick walls.

Discoloration, bubble formation, or warping of a wall, and mold or mildew indicate a water leak on the inside of your home. On the outside brick, efflorescence is an indication that the water-resistant barrier of the brick wall has eroded. Routine inspection--either by you or a professional--can help prevent water leaks before damage occurs to your home and that includes brick saturation.

Sources

Is It Necessary to Replace Water Damaged Drywall?

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 20:48:48 GMT

If you’ve been through a water damage -related event, you know well the misery of having to clean up the aftermath. Water, dirt, debris - these things can all make a huge mess and ruin treasured family heirlooms. But what about your drywall? Are you going to have to deal with costly wall repairs on top of everything else?

It’s possible you can escape the hassle and expense and ultimately save the drywall you currently have. Here are a few things to consider before ripping it all down:

How wet did it get?
How long was it wet?
Is it warped, sagging, or crumbling?
Do you smell a bad odor?
Has whatever caused the water damage been repaired?

Drywall is used in homes all over the world because it’s both lightweight and durable. But its Achilles’ heel though is excess moisture. Further explore whether your water-damaged home will need replacement drywall or make it through unscathed.

Evaluate The Moisture Levels

Once your house has been cleared of excess water, it’s time to assess the damage. Even a small leak or a bit of rain can degrade your drywall, but sometimes it will dry out and come back to life if it was only wet for a short time.

If you had only a small leak that was caught quickly or only a minor event where the drywall was only lightly dampened, you can probably salvage it. The experts at Hunker suggest opening the windows and using a big fan to help dry things out faster. On the other hand, if any portions of drywall took a real soaking or were submerged in floodwater, you will most likely need to replace it.

Consider The Timeframe

The longer your walls are exposed to moisture, the more likely it is that you’ll need to rip some drywall out and replace it, unfortunately. While drywall is a builder’s go-to material, it’s not meant to come into contact with water for any length of time.

Drywall around the bathroom and kitchen should be periodically checked for leaks & water damage. If you’ve had a weather event of the century and parts of your walls or ceiling were wet for more than a day, you’ll want to remove those panels as quickly as possible.

Check The Consistency

Unsure whether your drywall can be salvaged or not? Ask The Builder recommends that you give it a close examination. "Poke at it" and see if it retains hardness and strength. If it bends easily or feels "spongy," trash it.

Look closely at the fasteners and see if there are any bulges around them. If so, the drywall is droopy because of damage. Once it loses structural integrity, it needs to go. Check your floors for whitish crumbles as well. Crumbling drywall is beyond saving.

Scan your walls and ceilings for any bubbles in your paint. Bubbles could mean water blisters in the paint, but that doesn’t always mean the drywall is ruined. Pierce the bubble, let the water drain out, then examine the drywall behind for excess moisture.

What’s That Smell?

Ugh, one of the worst aspects of dealing with water damage is dealing with the funky smells afterwards. Nobody wants to be around the odors of a wet house for any longer than necessary.

It’s crucial to begin the drying process as soon as possible. Whether you go with a pro to help your family remediate water damage or hope to do it on your own, removing any excess wetness as fast as you can is vitally important to avoid additional damage.

Once everything is as dry as it can be, use your nose to pinpoint musty smells. A gross aroma is a surefire sign that mold and mildew have taken hold. While mold might be naturally occurring and useful in making certain kinds of cheese, it’s exactly what you don’t want lurking in your walls & ceilings.

Plug The Leak

If the water damage in your home was caused by a fire or a “once in a lifetime” flood, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re better protected if such a thing happens again. Even the most luxurious home is susceptible to plumbing mishaps or large appliance malfunctions.

Small leaks can go unnoticed for months, all the while causing insidious damage to drywall and wood. It’s a wise move to regularly go around your house and look for discoloration, warping, paint bubbles, unexplained wetness, & disagreeable mildewy stink. If you can catch a small leak as early as possible, it will save you a world of headaches later.

Conclusion

Water damage is a giant pain in the butt that nobody wants to deal with. From your ceilings to your carpeting, excess moisture can really wreak some havoc. Are you going to have to replace a bunch of drywall? The answer is… maybe, depending on how long it was exposed to water, and if mold or mildew has had a chance to take hold. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek outside help.

Sources

Can Glass Withstand Fire Damage?

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:31:04 GMT

You've done your best to protect your Tucson, AZ home from every type of damage, including fire damage . However, there is one specific material you are unsure of how to protect, your glass windows. Windows are the eyes of your home, allowing in light while keeping out other elements. What they may not be able to keep out though is fire. This leads many homeowners to question whether glass can withstand fire damage.

Answering the question if glass can withstand fire damage requires understanding the following:

Is glass flammable?
At what temperature does traditional glass break?
What's the difference between traditional glass and fire-rated glass?
How does fire-resistant glass get its rating?
What are the types of fire-resistant glass?
Who should use fire-resistant glass?
What other fire safety measures can you take?

Get out the Windex, because it's time to put a shine on whether glass can withstand fire damage or not!

Is Glass Flammable?

Glass is the byproduct of melting sand, making it an oxide of silicon. Because silicon dioxide has already been burned, it cannot burn any further. As Firefighter Insider points out, this means that glass is not flammable. It is very difficult to make glass burn.

At What Temperature Does Traditional Glass Break?

First and foremost, traditional glass can not withstand fire damage. Most house fires reach temperatures as high as 1,100° F (593° C). As Glass on Web points out, traditional glass begins to shatter around 250° F. Since house fires reach that temperature within minutes, ordinary glass will start breaking almost right away.

The Difference Between Traditional Glass & Fire-Rated Glass

Most homes and businesses have windows made of glass. Some windows are double-paned, meaning they have insulated glass between the panes. Keep in mind that the additional insulation does nothing for a raging house fire. Fire-rated glass is considered a barrier that acts to protect anything and everything in the fire's path.

How Does Fire-Resistant Glass Get Its Rating?

Fire-resistant glass is tested and rated in the following way:

A structure is lit on fire.
Monitor the temperature as it reaches 1,000° F.
Bring in trained fire department pros to eliminate the fire with a special hose.

After that, the glass panes are examined to see if they were able to tolerate the "thermal shock," which is basically dumping gallons of water on a very, very hot object. Depending on the amount of time the glass retained its integrity, a rating is assigned.

What Are The Types of Fire-Resistant Glass?

There are a couple of different fire-resistant glass types, two being E-Class Glass & El-Class Glass.

E-Class Glass:

Inhibits fires from spreading & carrying dangerous chemicals beyond the affected room or space
Favorable over household window panes due to the additional protection provided

El-Class Glass:

Known for being strong & heavy-duty
This type of glass also features added insulation that traps the heat as much as possible

Who Should Use Fire-Resistant Glass?

Unless you live in a tall high-rise or work in a large office building, the majority of homes do just fine with traditional glass. However, given the fact that fire-resistant glass is made to help those inside a building escape during a fire, it's not a bad idea to at least consider installing it.

What Are Other Fire Safety Measures You Can Take?

You've probably heard before that it's always best to be over prepared rather than underprepared and the same goes for preventing fires . Using both fire sprinklers and fire-resistant glass inhibits the flames from surrounding your entire home. Although, it's vital to keep in mind that traditional windows and sprinklers can make for a dangerous situation.

Thermal shock, which is the quick cooling of a surface after high heat, is a real problem. This can make the glass window shatter, allowing for the flames to spread and heat to escape easily, according to How Stuff Works .

Conclusion

Since traditional glass shatters around temperatures of 250° F, it cannot withstand fires, which typically reach temperatures as high as 1,100° F. Your best bet, if necessary, is to install fire-rated glass that is specifically designed to withstand fire damage.

Sources

6 Factors That Impact The Fire Damage Repair Process

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:48:30 GMT

Any house fire is a terrible and frightening experience that often leaves substantial fire damage and a detailed clean-up process. It is an overwhelming experience with lots of moving parts. After a fire, you have a lot on your plate, but you mostly want to get things back to normal. One of the first questions you might ask is “how long does it take to repair fire damage?”

Because every fire creates different levels of damage, that is a challenging question to answer. However, there are several factors that impact the fire damage repair process. They include:

Severity of fire damage
Safety measures
Removal of damaged areas
Moisture removal
Sanitation
Repairing the damage

Find out more about the top six factors that impact the fire damage repair process, so you can get back in your home quickly and safely.

1. Severity of Fire Damage

The first step in the fire damage repair process is to assess the extent of the damage. When restoration professionals talk about fire damage, they are not only referring to actual items burned by the fire. They are also referring to the hazardous soot, ash, and smoke damage left behind after a fire is extinguished.

Another important point to mention is that water damage often occurs when there is fire damage because firefighters put out the fire with water. An inspector will come to your house to assess the extent of fire damage as well as any other types of destruction that may be present. This will help guide you and the restoration professionals on how to best move forward with repairing your home.

2. Safety Measures

After the inspector submits the report and you plan the cleanup process with a chosen restoration company, they will block off any damaged areas from the rest of your home. This is to keep you and your family safe as well as to prevent any of the hazardous smoke, soot, and ash from traveling to other areas.

Additionally, your house may need to be boarded up to protect others from entering it during the restoration process. These safety measures are meant to keep everyone safe and your home secure. Not having them in place will lengthen the restoration process, which will likely cost you more money. So, keep safety first.

3. Removal of Damaged Areas

Removing the damaged areas of your home is highly important. You can’t just cover up fire damage. Fire damage leaves behind an odor as well as charred, burnt, and visibly damaged items.

When you have the affected areas removed, you don’t have to worry about the damage worsening or the health hazards. It will also make it easier for your repair team to properly clean the area and rebuild or replace damaged walls, pipes, and wooden items.

4. Moisture Removal

In addition to removing anything damaged by the fire, your cleanup crew will also remove anything damaged by moisture, such as carpeting, flooring, drywall, baseboards, and ceilings.

5. Sanitation

According to the Spruce , once the hazardous soot and smoke are removed, the sanitation process can begin. During cleaning and sanitation, the experts will do a deep, thorough cleaning of any areas that were part of the destruction.

They may:

Scrub floors, ceilings, and walls with special detergents
Use specialized equipment to sanitize
Deodorize the area with unique deodorizing products
Utilize air scrubbing technology
Neutralize lingering odors
Get rid of items beyond repair

6. Repairing The Damage

The final step in the fire damage restoration process is repairing the actual damage. Think of this part as a facelift for your home. Any destroyed walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and more will be fixed and updated at this time. Your repair crew will list everything that needs to be replaced or fixed. Common items include:

Taking out and replacing drywall
Changing windows and doors
Putting in new flooring and carpeting
Renovating or replacing the roof
Repairing damaged plumbing

Because fire damage can cause many issues, you may need to have additional professionals assist in the restoration process. Some of these professionals may include roofers, plumbers, painters, and/or flooring installers.

How Long Does Restoration Take?

Depending on the severity of the damage, you could be unable to live in your home for a few days to a few months... or even longer. Soot, smoke, and ash are corrosive materials and can cause further damage the longer they are left, so prompt assessment and clean-up are essential to prevent a lengthy and costly restoration.

The restoration timeframe also depends on when your contractors are available. While you may be able to get a fire damage expert to do the cleanup quickly, it may take more time to get roofers, plumbers, or other contractors to your home. To mitigate this, it’s best to contact everyone you might need as quickly as possible. Often, fire restoration professionals partner with subcontractors, which will save you time and hassle.

The best solution is prevention . In order to keep everyone safe, consider learning more about the most common causes of house fires. The Spruce says that most house fires start in the kitchen. Be sure to clean your cookware carefully and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, if you experience a kitchen fire, expect to spend some time getting rid of the lingering burnt odor .

Conclusion

While fire damage restoration is a detailed process, doing it properly will keep you and your family safe. Understanding these six factors that impact the process will help you address the damage in your home head-on and with the right professionals at your side.

Sources

How Do Home Inspectors Check for Water Damage?

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:34:09 GMT

Having your home inspected before a sale or remodel can help you identify issues that may keep you from gaining top dollar or slow construction. For example, water damage is a significant issue that home inspectors take seriously. It can also point to other problems within your home.

How do home inspectors check for water damage you may ask? They take a thorough look at your home for any indications of issues, including:

External windows
Siding
External thresholds
Floors
Pipes
Walls

Ready to ensure that you are well-informed about an important aspect of home buying? Continue reading!

Identifying Water Damage on The Outside

When doing an inspection, inspectors start outside your home to look for issues. Then, they circle the perimeter and check the exterior for damage, including water damage. Of particular importance is checking that your home was built on the highest point of your property. The remainder of your yard needs to slope away to prevent water pooling outside your home.

Wall and Sill Below Window

According to Bobvila.com , "windows are a prime spot for water leaks." When it rains or snows, the water can get under the sill and begin to damage the framing studs. They will eventually rot and cause repairs to the windows and walls around it. To the naked eye, however, a professional inspector will notice the problem and alert you.

The outside sill below the windows is a prominent place for water damage, especially in older homes. These areas are often painted over without any inspection of the wood. As the paint cracks, water is allowed against the wood, causing it to rot. With additional coats of paint, the rot may be hidden from view. If you notice cracks in the paint, check with a screwdriver to see how soft the wood is. If it is damaged, the tip will sink in easily.

Under Siding

If your home is covered with siding, then you may have unseen water damage underneath. A home inspector will check the corners where the pieces of siding meet. If there is a crack between them, water can get beneath and cause the wood to rot. A certified inspector should also check the seams around windows and doors.

Door Threshold

Not all external doors have metal thresholds. However, those that do can trap water underneath, damaging the door frame. Despite having treated wood, you may find a rotting threshold during an inspection. The damage may go unnoticed until the metal comes loose from the swelling.

Identifying Water Damage on The Inside

Inside your home, you’ll most likely notice when there is a leak. But, even if you clean up the water immediately, you might have some underlying damage. The certified inspector will check the floors, pipes, walls, and ceilings during the inspection, looking for signs of any potential problems.

Floors

When you think of water damage and flooring, the first thing you might think of is hardwood floors . It’s a well-known fact that water and hardwood don’t mix. The moisture can cause the planks to swell. However, water damage can affect more types of flooring than just hardwood.

Damp carpets, left undried, can start to grow mold. The pad can mold without you being able to see it, and the subflooring may also become damaged. Wood floors don’t have to warp or buckle to show signs of sustained water damage. However, wood may begin to show dark or white stains.

Pipes

While the weather might contribute to external water damage, the most probable culprit is a leaky pipe. Therefore, home inspectors will look to see if there are any leaky pipes around your home. They'll look underneath sinks in bathrooms, the kitchen, and around washers.

One main indicator of potential damage is water stains on the cabinets and walls around where the pipes are. If there is any staining, that could be an indicator of a leak. They also look at the caulking around your home to ensure that it is in decent shape. Missing or damaged caulking can cause water to leak and damage your home. Additionally, offputting smells, and even just dampness indicate water damage.

Walls and Ceilings

According to Doityourself.com , the most obvious place for signs of water damage is on your walls and ceilings. If the paint is cracking or there are visible stains, the inspector will note that there has been a leak. If left unchecked, mold can grow, causing dangerous health issues.

While you might automatically think that it is caused by a pipe leak coming from behind the wall, there are other reasons for the leak. For example, a backed-up condensation line from your air conditioning or an ill-fitting window could be the source. Your inspector will be able to tell you where the leak is coming from so you can correct the problem.

Conclusion

Water damage is a problem that can affect your home’s value . A home inspector can help you discover what areas have been damaged so that they can be fixed. A thorough inspection of the outside of your home will also help to spot any additional problems or drainage issues that could have contributed to the water damage. In the interior, a look at floors, plumbing, and walls can identify trouble spots as well.

Sources

Do I Have to Report Water Damage if I Sell My Home?

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:39:05 GMT

If you reside in the gorgeous desert paradise of Surprise, AZ near the greater Phoenix area, you might think water damage is something that won’t affect you. However, this kind of damage can happen anywhere these days. Plumbing malfunctions and appliance failures can all cause moisture issues in your home.

According to the Arizona Association of Realtors , homeowners in Arizona are required to disclose all known problems relating to their properties to potential buyers. If your house has suffered water damage in the past, how will this affect the resale? Here are some factors to keep in mind:

How severe was the damage?
Was it evaluated by a licensed professional?
What steps did you take to mitigate the issue?
Have you invested in waterproofing?
How much will this subtract from the value of your home?

While this part of the country is typically arid for most of the year, it does experience heavy storms in the late summer, which can cause flash flooding and all kinds of household headaches. But all is not lost - read on for more details on how to get on top of this situation and get a great price for your home!

A Serious Issue

Water damage is no joke, unfortunately. Insidious moisture can weasel its way into your walls and floors, causing rot, hazards, and health concerns. The faster you identify the issue, the better. Small problems are much less expensive to fix.

How do you even know you have a problem? Many times, there won’t be something obvious like a raging torrent of water through the living room. Look for these more subtle signs :

Hearing dripping or trickling water
Unpleasant odors
Bubbling or peeling paint
Stains on the walls
Warped " wood floor planks "
"Loose tiles"
Cracked cement
A higher than usual water bill

If you’ve spotted one or more of these signals, then it’s time to address the issue before it becomes a major (and expensive) problem.

Research Experts in Your Area

Thankfully, there are plenty of reputable companies available that specialize in this very problem. Make sure the company you select has great references and reviews and holds the appropriate licenses. Your home is your castle, so you deserve only the highest quality service.

Depending on the type of moisture intrusion, it may be best to seek more than one opinion, especially if the damage is severe. Consult your homeowner's insurance policy .

The Arizona Department of Insurance recommends that your purchase a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov , so be sure to review those guidelines before filing a claim.

Home repairs and dealing with contractors can be stressful and exhausting, especially for busy families. Taking steps to solve the problem for good will vastly elevate your mood & prevent additional problems from occurring in the future.

Make a Plan

Once you’ve determined the cause of the water damage and know what it will take to fix it, it’s best to proceed as quickly as possible before the problem can get any worse. All moisture needs to be removed, the source of the leak needs to be identified and sealed, and you may need to replace the flooring, drywall, and home decor.

For catastrophic damage, it might be necessary to hire a structural engineer to ensure any damage to the foundation can be rectified. It’s also a smart move to fully document everything, every step you take, from start to finish. Keep all of your related documents, emails, and receipts organized. You may be asked to present them to a potential home buyer at a later date.

Invest in The Future

If your water damage was caused by a weird weather event, consider investing time and money in some waterproofing upgrades. These will protect your home and your belongings and will boost the value when it comes time to sell.

Realtor.com notes that there are several things you can do to minimize or prevent future issues :

Clean and extend your rain gutters
Seal all concrete, gaps, and cracks
Have your roof inspected and resealed
Add weatherstrips to all windows and doors
Use waterproof paint
Install exterior French drains , as noted by Bobvila.com

What’s It Really Going to Cost?

Since homeowners are required to report water damage when selling, it’s best to just be upfront about your home’s history. If you quickly addressed the issue, had it repaired professionally, and have taken steps to prevent another occurrence, then it shouldn’t dramatically affect your asking price.

Buyers also have to take responsibility and do their due diligence before committing to a purchase. Arizona’s own Department of Real Estate gives potential homeowners a crucial list of items to research about a house before making a decision.

Both sellers and buyers should have a professional property appraisal performed by third parties before a sale is confirmed. Depending on the other properties available in your neighborhood, your home could be quite valuable regardless of past damage.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, water damage can happen to anyone, and it’s vital to get these problems solved as quickly as possible before they get worse. Once you’ve mitigated the issues, honesty is always the best policy, and the laws are clear. However, reporting this kind of damage and proving you took the steps to prevent future occurrences will help you get the maximum value for your home.

Sources

How to Eliminate The Smoke Smell After a Kitchen Fire

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:49:42 GMT

When a kitchen fire happens, your adrenaline rushes and the fight-or-flight response kicks in. You may not realize until after the smoke clears that just because you’ve extinguished the fire doesn’t mean your job’s over. Smoke odors stick around, clinging to surfaces, fabrics, and floors in your cooking and dining areas.

You can eliminate smoke odors left behind from kitchen fire damage in a multitude of ways, including:

Take control of air purification & circulation in your home
Launder fabrics & clothing with an added smoke-eliminating boost
Make DIY cleaning solutions for non-porous appliances & surfaces
Freshen up your floors with a simple 3-step repetition
Leave naturally-deodorizing household items throughout your home

Stay tuned below for a look behind each of these helpful tips!

What Can Cause Fire Damage in Your Home?

While house fires can start from many different sources, you should know that the majority begin in the kitchen, the heart of the home, according to Hunker.com . With plenty of flammable appliances and materials nearby, that’s no surprise, but you may not realize how easy it is for a kitchen fire to ignite.

In fact, the most harmless cooking ingredients and items can easily catch your kitchen aflame. Take special caution when using oranges, flour, non-dairy creamers, and aerosols near your oven or stovetop. You should also regularly scrub your stove’s surface.

If you periodically leave caked-on grime and leftover food on the stovetop, you're just inviting a potential fire to happen. Around 8% of kitchen fires start this way, so be careful and stay vigilant when you’re having fun in the kitchen.

Craft Your Own Air Purification & Circulation Solutions

First things first: if you haven’t already, you want to get fresh air flowing throughout your home as soon as possible. Thankfully, you don’t need a professional service to do this for you. Just follow this “All Fans On Deck” Plan:

Immediately open all windows and doors. Let the natural sunlight and airflow kill any smoke-building bacteria.
Gather & turn on all the fans in your home— bathroom & kitchen exhaust fans, ceiling fans, standing fans, and box fans.
Place your box fans in the windows facing outwards to recirculate clean air from outside, back into your home.
Home Made Simple recommends buying an air purifier or dehumidifier . A humid environment is a place where smoke odors can thrive and dehumidifiers can dry any moisture in the air.

Take it up a notch and order some air-purifying plants as another natural way to keep your environment fresh & clear of toxins. Decorate your home with peace lilies, chrysanthemums, snake plants, and aloe vera plants.

Launder Clothing, Linens, & Upholstery

As you air out your home, take advantage of the free time and try using different deep-cleaning agents to remove excess odors.

Vinegar Rinse Cycle

Use your regular household detergent, but at the start of each rinse cycle, Hunker suggests adding a cup of vinegar .

Baking Soda Fabric Softener

Wash your clothes with your preferred detergent. Before you start the cycle, add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your fabric softener dispenser.

Mouthwash Method

According to Food52, the Red Cross has stood by a seemingly unconventional idea . Add two cups of mouthwash to a load of laundry and it'll take care of the smell.

Create Homemade Cleaning Solutions For Non-Porous Surfaces

While your smoky items & smelly fabrics take on a refreshing wash cycle, try your hand at mixing your own cleaning solutions from common household items.

Ammonia Wash

Mop your kitchen floors and wash your walls with a solution of ammonia & room-temperature water. Don’t use an ammonia wash on finished or sealed surfaces like floorboards or cabinets.

Note : Because Ammonia is considered a hazardous material, always make sure to wear rubber gloves & goggles when exposed to that substance.

Baking Soda Solution

A little bit of baking soda mixed with water is a classic solution to removing that nasty smell of smoke. Dip a sponge or washcloth into the mixture and thoroughly wipe down all appliances, cabinets, countertops, etc...

Use a 3-Step Repetition to Freshen Up Your Floors

This 3-step repetition can save you some headache when you’re struggling with how to tackle your floors: sweep, mop, vacuum. Sweeping gets rid of any leftover smoke-smelling debris while mopping and vacuuming clean your floors more thoroughly. Try to add one of the baking soda or vinegar solutions to your mop and vacuum jobs for a deeper scrub.

Don’t forget to change your vacuum filters in between cleaning sessions!

Let Naturally Deodorizing Household Items Do Their Job

Once you’ve cleaned all affected appliances & furniture, laundered smoky fabrics, and deep-cleaned your floors, you can still add one more protective layer to your clean-up plan. Aromatic household items can work wonders for keeping the air fresh for weeks.

According to Home Made Simple, homeowners everywhere use these items to maintain an inviting aroma :

Activated Charcoal
Cat Litter
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Coffee Grounds
Lemon Peels

Conclusion

Depending on the extent of the damage, there are tons of ways to eliminate a pesky smoke odor from your kitchen and the rest of your house. You might be surprised to know that some of the most effective odor eliminators are right under your kitchen sink!

Sources

The Pros & Cons of Buying a Fire Damaged Home

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:10:21 GMT

If you're searching for a new residence in the Fountain Hills, AZ area, it's possible you’ll come across a lovely property that’s unfortunately suffered some fire damage .

This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker - if you know what to look for. A savvy homebuyer will be able to spot the ones still worth snapping up, especially in this volatile housing market.

As with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks to purchasing a house that has survived such a disaster. Here are some important steps to take before buying a fire-damaged home:

Get a thorough inspection and damage assessment.
Determine how much repairs will cost.
Make sure it’s worth your investment.
Find a reputable local company to handle repairs.
Find out how long restoration will take.

A house fire can cause structural damage so severe that it is no longer fit for habitation. But quite often, these homes can be brought back to life with some TLC and quality restoration efforts. Read on for more pros and cons of buying a fire-damaged property.

A Crucial Assessment

This Old House says the very first step for prospective buyers is to confirm that the house has been deemed safe to enter by the local fire authorities. Consider hiring a structural engineer to check the floors, walls, and roofing.

A professional plumber should also inspect your pipes, as the heat can damage PVC and other commonly used plumbing materials. Determine if there was any destruction caused by the water and chemicals used to douse the flames.

Moisture is hard to get rid of completely and can foster mold. It can also cause erosion of vital home components like wood and concrete. Be sure that your inspectors go over the entire structure with the proverbial fine-toothed comb.

Know The Complete Repair Costs

Once you’ve discovered the full extent of damage, now is the time to get repair estimates from a highly rated restoration company. The cost will depend on the severity of the damage, how much square footage of the home is compromised, and what steps will be needed to bring the home back to habitable.

It’s wise to schedule consultations with several local companies to get a good idea of the normal price range for these kinds of damage mitigation projects. Estimates can vary wildly depending on many factors.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many building materials are difficult to get right now due to the pandemic. Shortages in materials like lumber, concrete, and plastics will cause an elevation in price and possible delays.

A Wise Investment

Savvy house flippers frequently search for properties in this condition; when they’re repaired and restored correctly, they can lead to a huge ROI because they're often undervalued on the housing market.

If you’re aiming for a successful flip with a fire-damaged home, then an in-depth inspection before purchase is an absolute must. Before making an offer, you should confirm that all insurance claims have been handled and there won’t be any nasty surprises.

Are you a first-time flipper? The experts at HGTV offer up some key advice, like bringing an experienced contractor along for the ride when taking your first tour of the property. They also recommend leaving larger jobs like electrical systems and plumbing to the pros.

If you're looking for an affordable home, consider buying one of these fire-damaged properties. It might be a wise investment when you compare the costs of professional restoration to buying a place that's move-in ready.
Plus, renovating a home gives you a chance to personalize and showcase your personal style.

Find Your Pros

Once you’ve collected estimates from your local restoration companies, it's time to select your provider. The businesses with the lowest estimates might be your top considerations, but don't rely on price alone. Do your research. Speak to your friends and neighbors - a great word-of-mouth recommendation is worth its weight in gold.

True professionals in your area will have plenty of excellent reviews and up-to-date references, as well as examples of their previous work. Take the time to consider each bid carefully. Check for proper licensing and make sure the firm is properly insured.

You deserve only the best results, so don’t rush to hire just any contractor to do the work. A specialized company with loads of experience in this field that will deliver top-quality results is worth any additional costs.

Stick to Your Schedule

Potential homebuyers are usually on a strict timeline. Relocating families need to keep the school year in mind. And no one wants to have to make double mortgage payments.

A dedicated team of mitigation experts will include a schedule along with their estimates. If you want additional updates that are not fire-related, this will impact the amount of time before the home is ready to be sold or occupied.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the thought of rehabbing a damaged home, especially if you’ve never tackled something like this before. Lifehack blog Budget Dumpster , in their Ultimate Guide to Planning a Home Renovation, offers up valuable tips on building your overall plan, including how to create a strict timeline and stick to it.

They suggest leaving plenty of time for demolition, cleaning, and waste material removal. It’s always smart to build yourself a cushion in case anything goes wrong, which it usually does. Complete major structural projects, like the roof, foundation, and electrical system, first.

Conclusion

A big project like purchasing a fire-damaged home is a huge undertaking. It's vital to do your research and document everything. You and your family could end up saving a ton of money if you know what to look for and how to identify a great investment.

Sources

Can Water Damage The Concrete Foundation of a Home?

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:20:36 GMT

Your home’s foundation is arguably the most crucial part of your home. If it becomes damaged and is not repaired, the walls will fall down around you. As the foundational structure is made from concrete, water damage is the furthest thing from your mind, but it shouldn’t be.

Water can damage a home’s concrete foundation just as it can warp the wood structures. To properly maintain your home, you need to understand:

How standing water gets into the concrete foundation
What other ways water affects the concrete foundation
How long it takes for water to begin damaging the foundation
What preventative measures to take
The signs of foundation damage

Keep reading to learn how to ensure that your home stays on stable ground.

How Does Standing Water Get Into The Concrete Foundation?

To the naked eye, concrete looks like a solid slab, impenetrable. The truth is, concrete is a porous substance that easily allows for water to seep inside. If you live in an area with heavy rain or your yard has poor drainage, water entering the pores can compromise the foundation.

Iamagazine.com explains that water is forced into the concrete due to hydrostatic pressure. It is caused by an oversaturation of water in the soil. The pressure from the standing water forces it into the tiny pores. As this continues to happen, the concrete will crack and break down, causing structural issues.

What Other Ways Does Water Affect The Concrete Foundation?

Water getting inside the concrete is only one way it can affect the foundation. Erosion and soil expansion are additional problems that could occur.

Erosion

Rainwater can wash away the soil surrounding your house and under the foundation. As the soil erodes, the concrete foundation begins to settle or sink due to the lack of dirt.

When your home is built, contractors try to account for average rainfall and temperature for that area.
They'll expect some settling eventually and will account for it during construction. In some instances, extreme weather will occur and cause the soil to erode without warning.

Expanding and Retracting Soil

Erosion is not the only way water can affect the soil around your home. When rain falls, the dirt absorbs the water and begins to swell. As this occurs, the ground then pushes against the foundation. The force from the soil can make the concrete crack.

While expanding soil is a problem, it’s not the only one. When the ground retracts, there can be foundational issues as well. For example, during extreme droughts your home can sink five inches, maybe even more.

How Long Does It Take for Water to Damage The Foundation?

It’s not uncommon to wonder how long it will take before you begin to see a problem with the concrete slab under your home. Unfortunately, no one factor causes damage, and so there is no fixed amount of time.

Underground water sources can cause the concrete to crack. If this is the case, it could be years before you notice any damage. However, these gradual changes are almost a constant attack on the foundation. Therefore, you should periodically check for any noticeable signs of damage.

If your home floods, you may see foundational issues a lot sooner. Once the water is removed and any plumbing damage is corrected, bring in a licensed repair company to inspect your foundation.

What Are Some Preventative Measures?

Keeping your home’s foundation from cracking is not out of the realm of possibility. There are some measures you can take to help keep the concrete from breaking.

Gutters

According to Angi.com , one of the first things you should do is watch your gutters. If you don’t have any, get them professionally installed. The downspouts should direct rainwater away from your home a minimum of 10 feet.

Inspect your gutters at least once a month. Clean out leaves and other debris and make sure that the drains are free of clogs. You should also make sure there is no damage to the downspout that would prevent it from draining correctly.

Grade the Yard

Everyone wants a nice flat yard, but your yard should have a gradual slope to it in actuality. Ideally, the grade should move away from the house so that water drains away from your foundation.

If for some reason your yard slopes, you may need to do a little work to redirect the flow. Build up the yard around your house and create a gradual slope away from the foundation.

What Are Signs You Have Foundation Issues?

Cracks in the concrete foundation are not always obvious. However, some signs can alert you to trouble.

Cracks on Walls and Floors

One of the most common tale-tell signs of foundational issues is cracks. For example, in the basement or on the lowest floor of your home, you may see cracks forming along the floors. In addition, if you have tiles or hardwood, you may notice separation in your tiles or wooden slats as the damages occur.

Even if you don’t notice fissures forming on the floor, you might see cracks on the walls. This is because as the foundation settles, the walls will begin to shift and develop cracks.

Mold Issues Out of Control

When water gets into your home, mold is usually not far behind. You can clean mold and mildew spots, but if you don’t address the source of the problem, the mold will return. For example, suppose you notice a continuing mold problem even after you’ve remediated the area. In that case, you may have a crack in your foundation.

Musty Air in Basement

If you have a basement, you’ll notice that there always seems to be a strange smell. The problem is that being below ground, basements don’t get the same airflow as the rest of a home, so odors tend to develop. If it is a heavy, stale scent, that means water has affected the area and needs to be dealt with immediately!

Conclusion

Water can have a profound effect on your home’s concrete foundation. Through hydrostatic pressure, standing water can enter the pores and cause breaks. Erosion and soil expansion or retraction can cause a loss of support to your structure. You can use preventative methods to mitigate the damage, but always keep an eye out for warning signs.

Sources

Fire Prevention Tips

Thu, 27 May 2021 13:54:12 GMT

Fire is one of the scariest threats for Phoenix, AZ homeowners. Not only can fire damage destroy a lifetime of memories, but you or a family member could be killed or injured in the process. Billions of dollars are spent each year to cover fire-related damages. The good news is, many fires in your home are preventable if you take the proper precautions.

Below, you’ll learn more about the leading causes of fires, as well as how to minimize and prevent them from damaging your home.

1. Know the Leading Causes of Home Fires

Being aware of hazards in your home goes a long way in helping you avoid potential fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) lists five significant causes of fire damage, including:

Cooking
Electrical Malfunctions
Heating
Smoking
Arson

Due to the hot, dry climate, Arizona homeowners also face the potential of yearly wildfires.

2. Install Smoke Detectors

The American Red Cross explains that if you discover a fire in your home, you’ll have but a mere two minutes to escape. Smoke detectors are the best defense against fire damage. Not only do they save lives, but they also help prevent and lower the risk of fire damage.

Install smoke detectors in all bedrooms and on every floor of your house. Putting one near your kitchen is also a wise idea. Never disable a smoke alarm.
Test monthly and replace any malfunctioning batteries. Ensure that you hear the alarm in every room.
Change the batteries twice a year and get a new smoke alarm once every 10 years.
Never disable a smoke detector, and do not ignore an alarm.
Install carbon monoxide alarms outside each bedroom and in central locations within your home. Consider buying a combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide alarm for convenience.

3. Be Careful in the Kitchen

As the U.S. Fire Administration notes, more than half of all home fires start in the kitchen . Here are some tips to follow when cooking to prevent a fire:

Never leave food unattended when cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to start.
Remove any flammable items such as oven mitts, towels, paper products, wooden utensils, or food packaging away from the stovetop area.
Certain foods such as sugar, flour, alcohol, oil, and garlic are highly combustible. Be very careful when using these ingredients near the stove or an open flame.
Do not wear loose clothing when cooking. Stick to short-sleeves and tight-fitted clothing.
Keep the pan’s lid nearby. If a fire starts, put the top on the pan and shut off the burner. Do not lift the lid until the fire is entirely out.
If grease or oil splatters and causes a fire, do not use water to put the fire out. Use baking soda or salt instead.
Ensure that a fire extinguisher is in your kitchen at all times and is easily accessible.
Regularly clean your oven and stovetop.

4. Take Precautions When Smoking

Smoking is not only unhealthy but is the leading cause of fires in a home. If you smoke, be responsible and take the following precautions:

Smoke outdoors
Use fire-safe cigarettes
Do not leave cigarette butts smoldering
Never smoke in bed
Put lighters and matches in a locked cabinet to keep them away from children

5. Inspect Electrical Equipment

Electrical fires are the second leading cause of home fires after cooking. Most electrical fires result from a malfunctioning appliance or mismanagement of cords and wires. Take steps to prevent electrical fires:

Check cords and wires before using an electrical appliance or device. If the cable is frayed, worn, or otherwise damaged, replace it immediately.
Ensure that all outlets have covers and no wiring is exposed.
Avoid overloading outlets, extension cords, and power strips.
Use surge protectors
Unplug appliances when not in use.
Purchase appliances that comply with national safety standards.
Make sure light bulbs are the proper wattage.
Install circuit breakers

6. Be Careful With Heating

While Phoenix experiences relatively mild winters, homeowners do still need to heat their homes.

Have furnaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected on an annual basis.
Do not use heaters to dry clothing.
If you have a fireplace, put a glass or metal screen around the fire to prevent sparks.
Put out the fire when you leave the room
Never heat your home with your oven.
Periodically clean and replace air filters
Keep space heaters away from curtains and drapes.

7. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

While having homeowners insurance won’t prevent fires, it will help protect you if your home suffers fire damage. When reviewing your policy:

Ensure you understand the different types of coverage available in the event of a fire (dwelling, personal property, personal liability, and loss of use).
Know what types of fire damage your policy does and does not cover.
Understand that insurance policies do not cover all property losses.
Check if you need to purchase additional insurance based on where you live.

8. Other Precautions to Prevent Fire Damage

Place a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
Ensure that all household members know how to use a fire extinguisher.
Never leave candles unattended.
If you lose power, use flashlights rather than candles.
Clean outdoor grills before and after use
Consider installing an automatic sprinkler system.
Instruct everyone in your household, especially children, to call 911 as soon as they suspect a fire.
Make sure emergency responders can see your house number from the street.
Teach children fire safety rules.

Conclusion

A home fire can be costly - monetarily and emotionally. However, taking precautions and practicing safe habits can prevent the majority of fires. Install smoke alarms throughout your home, have fire extinguishers handy, and most importantly, educate your family about how to respond should a fire occur.

Sources

Can You Fix Water Damaged Hardwood Floors?

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:18:25 GMT

Your gorgeous hardwood floors can become stained and warped due to water damage from a natural disaster, appliance failure, roofing leak, or other unfortunate occurrences. The good news is you most likely CAN save your floor, depending on the severity of the damage and how long it was submerged.

Before you slip into despair and start pulling up boards, take a deep breath and go through this handy checklist to see if you can fix your water-damaged hardwood floors.

Resolve the cause of the damage
Remove all liquid from the affected area
Take out furniture, rugs, or anything that’s on the floor
Use a brush & gentle cleanser to scrub away grime
Dry with increased airflow
Inspect and evaluate

Once you have thoroughly dried and examined your wood floors, it will be easier to determine if they can be saved or need to be replaced completely. You may want to consider a professional evaluation to make sure there are no hidden issues. A master builder quoted in this HGTV article stated that “95%” of hardwood floors can be brought back to a beautiful appearance with the proper repairs.

Damage to your beloved hardwood floors is stressful to be sure, but read on for some useful tips on how to resolve this situation fast and regain your peace of mind.

Stop the Flow

The very first thing to do is find the cause of the water and repair it as soon as possible. The more water that gets in, the more likely it is that you’ll have serious and costly damage. If the leak is traced to a faulty pipe or large appliance, be sure to cut off power to that area immediately to prevent an electrical short. If your problem is a roofing leak, then you’ll want to carefully examine the interior walls and ceilings for water damage as well.

Sudden storms can also create headaches for homeowners when it comes to wreaking havoc indoors. Melting snow and tropical rain can both cause water-related devastation. If you live in an area that’s prone to severe weather, FEMA has a list of steps to take to make sure your family is prepared for water-related emergencies.

Eliminate Excess Liquid

Once the source of the damage has been remedied, the next step is to remove the water as quickly as possible. The longer your hardwood floors have been submerged, the more severe the damage will be.

The best means of starting the drying process is by using a shop vacuum. The home and garden experts at the Spruce note that this household necessity is specifically designed to suction up to 20 gallons of water. Since these high-capacity hoovers have many uses around the house, it is worth the investment to get one that is ultra-absorbent - the most efficient ones available today have horsepower (HP) ratings of 5 to 6.

As you’re getting rid of the water, check the capacity of your shop vac and empty the canister frequently to prevent overflow. When the final drops of moisture have been removed, clean and sanitize your machine with fresh water and bleach to prevent the formation of mildew.

Clear the Area

After you have removed all of the excess water with the vacuum, take out anything in the area that became wet or was touching the floor. Getting everything off the floor will help you better assess the damage without missing anything.

Throw rugs can almost always be saved. After you have vacuumed as much as possible, drape the rugs over fences or a clothesline and let the sun dry them out, and kill germs. Most other household items such as tables and chairs will also benefit from a sun bath; once they are completely dry, you can examine any remaining stains to see if they can be removed.

Give It a Deep Clean

Next, it is vitally important to give your floors a good scrub down as long as the source is not related to black water, which often contains dangerous and harmful bacteria. Dirt and water-born bacteria can hide in the small crevices between boards and become a haven for moisture and odor causing organisms.

Use a sturdy brush with natural bristles and a bucket with a solution of water and a non-sudsy cleanser. The key is to dislodge any remaining grime. Be sure to cover the entire affected area, and then check baseboards and walls for any additional damage.

Increase Airflow

Next, it’s time to bring in the big drying guns. Open any available doors and windows to create air circulation. Set fans to full blast to draw moist air out and speed evaporation of any damp patches. Dehumidifiers can be utilized as well to draw excess water from the atmosphere, but like your shop vac, you’ll need to empty the canister regularly.

Good quality hardwood floors need time to dry properly or there is the possibility the boards will crack or become warped. Resist the temptation to apply high heat. It’s inefficient and may cause further damage.

Do a Careful Evaluation

Now that your waterlogged hardwood floor is clean and dry, it needs an in-depth inspection. Here are some signs to look out for when evaluating the affected area:

Can you smell anything? An unpleasant or musty odor can be a sign that mildew has reared its ugly head and needs to be dealt with immediately.
Dark stains indicate that the wood has absorbed some moisture and will need additional attention.
Boards that have warped should be fixed to prevent injuries.
Swelling or shrinking boards have been too deeply damaged and should be replaced.
If you observe any bubbles in the floor’s coating, do some research and see if that is something that you can fix or requires additional help.

Conclusion

Water damage to your family’s home is a huge bummer that hopefully you never have to face. But if the unthinkable happens, just stay calm and follow this common sense plan, and you will soon be on the road to recovering your peace of mind and your stunning hardwood floors.

Sources

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:12:21 GMT

There is little more devastating in life than a house fire. Whether it was caused by an electrical malfunction or the cat knocking over a burning candle, the toll can be catastrophic to you and your family. If your home is repairable, there will be losses, even if they are only minor. If your home is burned to the ground, it is an even more devastating loss. Either way, you are left wondering if your Chandler, AZ homeowners insurance will cover fire damage .

For the most part, fire damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance. But to better understand what type of coverage you have, you must first understand:

What is fire insurance
How does fire insurance work
Different types of fire damage covered by your insurance
What types of fires are covered
What types of fires are not covered

For a more thorough explanation of homeowners insurance & fire damage, read on!

What is Fire Insurance?

Fire insurance is as the name implies. It is an insurance policy that covers your home if there is a fire. Most homeowners policies have some form of fire protection as part of the standard package. How much the insurance covers and your deductibles vary from company to company. You should check your policy for information on how much your company will cover.

A fire insurance policy is typically used to repair or rebuild a home that was damaged by a fire. In some cases, it will also help you to replace or repair some of the damaged items.

How Does Fire Insurance Work?

According to The Balance , standard homeowners insurance covers most types of fire damage. All you have to do is file a claim. Fire damage insurance doesn’t just cover burn damage. It also covers smoke damage.

There are some occasions where an event is not covered by your policy. If one of these events occurs and causes your home to catch fire, your home will still be protected. Damage from the event that is not covered will not have reparations paid.

What Are The Different Types of Fire Damage Coverage?

There are different types of damage that a homeowners policy covers. Dwelling, personal liability, personal property, and loss of use are covered after a fire occurs.

Dwelling

The dwelling coverage helps to repair portions of your home that were damaged by a fire. You can use the money to pay for contractors and materials to make your home whole again. Dwelling coverage also accounts for the smoke damage your home may suffer.

Value Penguin notes that if your house burns to the ground, dwelling coverage will cover that structure up to your limits. You will receive a “lump sum” for your home. The amount you receive could be for the cash value of your residence or to cover the “replacement costs.”

Personal Liability

Your home is on fire, and it is spreading rapidly. While you may feel that it couldn’t get much worse as you watch your family’s possessions burn before you, it actually can. If the wind shifts or your neighbors home is built too close, their home may be damaged by the fire consuming your home as well.

Value Penguin points out that the personal liability protection clause in most homeowners insurance will help to protect you from lawsuits. This liability protection will also keep you from having to pay out of pocket for damages related to the fire from your home if it extends to your “neighbor’s property.”

Personal Property

Homeowners insurance fire clauses understand that it is not just the physical home structure that a fire can damage. The personal property coverage helps to replace any items that were either damaged or destroyed following a fire. Your homeowners policy will have a detailed account of what each item is worth.

Loss of Use

Sometimes you can remain in your home while repairs are being completed. However, if your home is too damaged to stay in during that time, the loss of use clause allows you to get reimbursed for relocation & dining-related expenses.

If you are faced with utilizing this coverage, remember that you are only covered for a certain amount. Check your homeowners policy for the account percentage as it varies from company to company.

What Fire Causes Does Your Homeowners Policy Cover?

There are different types of causes that your homeowners policy covers in the event of a fire. In addition to grease, electrical, and candle fires, your policy may cover fires caused by limited natural disasters. While floods and earthquakes might not be covered on your policy, fires caused by these events would be. Not all fires caused by natural disasters are covered, so be sure to always check with your insurance company.

Grease

Grease fires usually happen in the kitchen. You are cooking something on the stove, and the grease catches on fire. While electric ranges don’t often have this particular problem, it can occur on any stove. Homeowners fire policies usually cover damages caused by this type of accident.

Electrical

Power surges in your neighborhood could cause your electrical system to overload and catch fire. These types of problems are covered by homeowners insurance. Electrical fires caused by storm damage are usually covered as well.

Candles

We all know not to leave candles unattended. Even if you only step out of the room for a minute, something could happen that causes the candle to tip over and start a fire. It doesn’t matter who is responsible, fire insurance will cover it.

What Types of Fires Are Not Covered?

Accidents happen, which is why homeowners insurance covers the most common causes of fires. However, they don’t cover every cause of fire damage. Gross negligence may cause your claim to be rejected. If your home is in an area prone to wildfires or if it was intentionally set on fire, you wouldn’t be able to file a standard claim.

Wildfires

There are areas of the United States more prone to fighting wildfires. Damages to homes in these areas may be from mother nature, but if they are regular occurrences, chances are that your homeowners insurance wouldn’t cover them. While you may be able to add additional coverage to your existing policy, homes in these wildfire-prone areas may not be able to add coverage specifically for wildfires.

Arson

Even though you have fire damage coverage, it does not mean that you can set your property on fire and expect the insurance company to reimburse you for the damages. Arson, even of your own dwelling, is illegal. Those who decide to burn their homes to get money from the insurance company commit insurance fraud which is also unlawful.

Conclusion

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage. There are some exceptions, and you should check your policy to make sure. However, electrical, grease, and candle fires are all familiar enough accidents that you should have no problem getting restitution.

Sources

How Is Water Damage Different Than Flood Damage?

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:27:05 GMT

If you’re like most homeowners, you may think that water damage and flood damage produce the same results. After all, both can leave your floors covered with standing water, your drywalls swollen, and your carpets a soggy mess. But once you take a closer look, you’ll notice there are several important differences between regular water damage in your home and flood damage:

Your homeowners insurance probably won’t cover flooding
Floodwaters may pose serious health risks
Future water damage can be avoided with repairs and preventative care
Flood damage presents a recurring threat to homes

Keep reading to see exactly how water damage and flooding differ. From your health to finances to long-term risks, there are many differences that you need to know.

Homeowners Policies Typically Don’t Cover Floods

Think you’re covered by your homeowners insurance policy for flooding? Think again. Most policies do not cover any type of flood damage. No matter if your flooding was the result of bodies of water overflowing, violent storms, pool leaks, or ground oversaturation, it will probably not be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. It is vital to invest in a separate flood insurance policy.

Even neglected home maintenance and repairs for an area that needed to be addressed may invalidate coverage by your homeowners policy, forcing you to cough up the repair costs yourself.

Forbes explains that water damage that is “sudden and accidental” is covered by homeowners insurance policies:

Burst pipes, including pipes that were frozen
Accidental leaks from appliances
Damage due to efforts to put out a house fire
Damage from a roof leak
Damage from seasonal storms

What if you live in a low-risk area? Can you get away with skipping flood insurance and rely on the built-in water damage coverage of your homeowners policy? The answer is a resounding “no!” FEMA notes that 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from homes situated outside of high-risk areas.

Plus, the damage can be far more expensive than you ever realized. The good news is that flood insurance can be very affordable, especially if you live in a moderate-to-low-risk area.

Flood Water Can Present an Immediate Health Risk

Water damage due to a burst pipe or leaky faucet has many long-term consequences for your home, including mold and structural issues. However, unless it’s from an overflowing toilet or septic system, the water itself likely poses little to no health risk immediately.

The EPA warns that you should try to limit your contact with floodwaters as much as possible. Unlike home plumbing mishaps and leaks, that floodwater rushing into your home may be contaminated with countless hazardous materials and chemicals, including raw sewage. According to the EPA , many pathogens can be transmitted into your home as floodwaters from sewage and from waste through farm animal and wild animal populations. This includes many biological agents, including various parasites, bacteria, and viruses.

Symptoms of exposure to these materials can range from relatively minor headache and flu-like symptoms to serious intestinal problems. Children, in particular, can be at risk for the health issues caused by floodwaters. Playing on the floor, for example, puts them in close contact with areas of your home that came in contact with the contaminated floodwaters. Small children may also put soiled items from the floor into their mouths, further increasing the risk for ingesting pathogens, even after the floodwaters have been removed.

Water Damage Can Be Solved With Repairs

Unlike flood damage, which is often caused by an unavoidable act of nature such as a storm surge, torrential rain, or water runoff, water damage from inside your home generally originates from some kind of mechanical or structural failure.

No matter the cause of the water damage, something in your home failed and can be fixed. The repair itself may be costly, but you will be able to sleep well knowing that you immediately solved the issue. Again, homeowners insurance will likely cover most forms of water damage, assuming it falls under the qualifying conditions.

Flood Damage Presents a Recurring Risk to Your Property

Unlike water damage in your home due to mechanical failure, you probably have little control over the risk of future flood damage. Particularly for coastal homes and those in low-lying areas, flood damage may be a constant threat you’ll have to face every year. In addition to the looming property risks, this ever-present danger can take its toll on you emotionally. Depending on the amount of damage and personal items lost, rebuilding after a flood can be a difficult experience to overcome.

Forbes explains that the recurring flood risk also means that you’ll probably be paying a higher premium on your homeowners and flood insurance. This is particularly true if you live in a high-risk flood zone, have higher coverage amounts, and own an older home. It’s also worth noting that homes with a basement pay slightly higher rates on their flood insurance.

Conclusion

The difference between flood damage and water damage extends well past the source of the water. There is a huge difference in how each can impact your health, finances, and continued peace of mind.

Short of raising the elevation of your home, there’s little you can do to reduce your flood risk. However, it’s important to recognize that water damage in your home is largely under your control. If you keep up with regular maintenance and frequently check for signs of excess water, you can dramatically cut down on your risks and your expenses if a leak, malfunction, or failure does occur.

Sources

Is Water Damage Easy to Repair?

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:29:49 GMT

Whether it’s is a leaky pipe, a toilet overflow, or a flood from a severe rainstorm, water damage is a serious matter for homeowners. Once you spot any type of water damage , you have to act fast! It’s essential to determine the source of the water leak and prevent the problem from worsening.

There is no exact yes or no answer on whether or not water damage is easy to repair. It all depends on the type of water damage present. If the leak is minor and you catch it early, you can do the repairs yourself in a short amount of time. Extensive water damage covering a vast area of your house or causing structural damage to the roof and walls requires professional restoration specialists.

This article discusses the types of water damage, steps to take to fix the water damage from minor leaks and overflows, and ways you can prevent water damage in the future.

Causes of Water Damage

Here are some common causes of water damage in your home:

Leaks from pipes, toilets, faucets, and showerheads
Leaks from appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, or dishwashers
Clogged drains
Accidents such as a toilet or bathtub overflowing
Condensation from air conditioning malfunctions
Storm-related water damage from rain or snowstorms
Floods
Sewage backups

Types of Water Damage

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) identifies water damage by four categories that indicate the degree of damage done to a property.

Class 1 damage causes very few problems and generally is linked to uncontaminated sources including water heaters, sinks, and broken pipes. This damage is generally easy to repair.
Class 2 damage impacts an entire room. Water evaporates at a fast rate, with carpets and cushions retaining water. This type of water damage may be more difficult to fix unless you have the right tools and expertise.
Class 3 damage typically comes from an overhead source. Water affects the entire area, including drywall and carpeting. The walls and floors are soaked. In this case, it’s best to have a professional make the repairs.
Class 4 damage primarily affects flooring in a home. It requires special water removal and restoration procedures, all of which need to be performed by trained professionals.

How to Repair Minor Water Damage from Leaks

Locate the Source of the Leak: If the cause of the water damage is not apparent, examine the area to find the source. If for plumbing leaks, shut the water off and try to control the leak. If the cause is a toilet overflow or leaking washing machine, shut off the water to the fixture or appliance. If the leak isn’t visible, it may be in the wall.
Dry Area Immediately: After finding water damage, start drying the area as soon as possible. Mold and mildew start growing within 24-48 hours. Remove any furniture or other items near the water damage. Use fans to circulate air and dry the wet area.
Disinfect Area: Once the area is dry, disinfect the room with a bleach solution or other disinfectant to prevent mold.

Tips to Prevent Water Damage

You can prevent many water damage incidents if you take a few steps to keep your home well maintained. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports “one trillion gallons of water” is wasted each year in U.S. homes due to minor, easy-to-fix leaks. You can protect your home from costly water repairs and restoration with the following tips:

1. Monitor Your Water Bill: Review your water bill for any “spikes” in usage. If you notice any anomalies, inspect your pipes for leaks.

2. Maintain Appliances : Regularly check and maintain your appliances, according to manufacturer instructions. This includes washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Pay particular attention to the refrigerator and washing machine hoses as over time, they have a tendency to become damaged.

3. Replace Old Pipes: Old and rusty pipes are one of the leading causes of water leaks in a home. Replace the pipes before they deteriorate further.

4. Maintain Your Gutters: Home Depot explains that it is essential to “clear out leaves or other debris” from your gutters to avoid clogs.

5. Inspect Your Roof: Missing or damaged shingles can cause water to leak into your home.

6. Detect and Repair Leaks: If you find evidence of leaks, make sure to fix them as soon as possible. Some places to check regularly include:

Floors around your tub, shower, sink, and toilet
Faucets
Pipe fittings
Under the sink

7. Examine Your Water Heater: Check under your hot water tank to look for water, rust, or other signs of leaks.

Conclusion

Water damage in your home can be stressful, and you might not be sure what to do. Use this article to determine if you can fix the damage quickly or if you should contact an outside professional for help.

Sources

Five Tips for Water Leak Detection in Homes

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 14:15:47 GMT

One out of every ten homeowners is literally flushing money down the drain, while at the same time, ignoring the tell-tale signs of potential water damage . The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that ten percent of the homes in this country contain some sort of leak, which can result in about 90 gallons of water being wasted each day. That can add up to big money – about $500 a year on average.

Short of hearing the sound of dripping water or spotting a water stain on your ceiling, how else can you track down the cause of a water leak? Here are five of the top tips for finding water leaks inside your home:

Watch Your Usage
Become a Meter Reader
Play Plumber
Test the Toilet
Use Your Senses

Keep reading for advice on how to detect potentially costly and damaging water leaks in your home. By fixing leaks you not only save water, but you will save money as well.

Watch Your Usage

One of the easiest ways to determine if you have a water leak in your home is to review your water bills. They should remain pretty stable throughout the year, possibly increasing if you get a new appliance that uses water such as a refrigerator with a water dispenser and icemaker or during the summer months if you are watering your lawn a lot. If your water bills are going up but your water usage habits haven’t changed, then you likely have a leak.

According to the EPA , the average family of four should use less than 12,000 gallons of water each month. If your utility bill shows that you are using more water than that, consider that to be a sign that you could have a leak.

Become a Meter Reader

One telltale way to determine if you have a water leak is to monitor your water meter. It’s not nearly as difficult as it sounds.

Start by locating your water meter. It’s typically mounted on the side or back of your house close to where the water supply enters your home. Your water meter might also be found underground near the street, usually under a cover marked “water.”

The next step is to turn off all of the water in the house. Make sure all of your faucets are closed and that appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine, are not running. Don’t forget to turn off the ice maker too.

With everything off, watch the water meter to see if the numbers go up. They shouldn’t because you are not using any water. So, if you see the numbers changing, then you likely have a fast-moving leak. However, many leaks are slow moving. To detect a slow leak, you will want to leave the water off for an hour or two and then read the meter again. If it has changed, with all of the water still turned off, then you know you have a slow leak somewhere in your home.

With a likely leak confirmed, it’s time to play detective and go in search of the cause of the water leak. It could be a plumbing fixture, pipe, or even an appliance.

Play Plumber

If you suspect you have a leak, home improvement expert Bob Vila suggests you start by inspecting the plumbing hook-ups in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. You want to make sure everything is dry under your cabinets and that there are no signs of water dripping or mold growth.

The next step is to search around your appliances for wet spots, especially near the dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater. If you see any puddles, you should immediately turn off the water supply to that appliance until it can be fixed.

The same is true if you see water pooling around the base of the bathtub, shower stall, or toilet. The EPA notes that a leaky faucet “wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year.” It’s usually a simple fix – often all you need to do is replace the worn washers and gaskets.

Check Your Toilet

When it comes to leaks inside a home, the most common culprit is the toilet. That’s a shame because not only are you wasting precious water, but you are literally flushing money down the drain. Alert Labs , a manufacturer of water sensor kits, found that a typical toilet leak can cost you $80 each month. That can skyrocket to $600 if your toilet is running continuously because of a bad flapper. In short, it's that little stopper that prevents your toilet from filling up and eventually flushing.

Fortunately, it’s easy to test to see if your toilet is working properly. Simply put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait about ten minutes. If you see color in the toilet bowl, then you know that you have a leak.

The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association’s Smart Home Water Guide offers the following troubleshooting suggestions:

Check the water in the overflow tube
Evaluate the lift chain
Double check that the “flush handle” is on correctly
Inspect the flapper

Most toilet leaks can be fixed by replacing the flapper. They become brittle over time and generally need to be replaced every three to five years. Most home improvement and hardware stores carry universal flappers that will fit a variety of toilet brands and models.

Use Your Senses

The sound of dripping water is an obvious clue that you have a leak. However, other leaks are more challenging to detect, such as when a leaking pipe is hidden behind the walls of your house. In cases like this, you will need to use your senses in order to find the cause.

Look Around

Stains on the walls or ceiling are often clues that you have a water leak. When water soaks through the drywall it leaves a stain as it dries. If you spot these marks then you may have a hidden leak.

Wet, warped, or spongy spots on the floor are also associated with water leaks. Keep in mind that water follows gravity so it’s not uncommon for your feet to find the first clue of a hidden water leak.

Listen Up

Dripping sounds are not the only indication that you might have a leak. You will want to listen carefully for the sound of running water when no water is being used. That’s a sure sign of a leak.

Use the Sniff Test

The nose knows. If something doesn't smell right, investigate! If you smell something musty, that's definitely a sign of a water leak.

Conclusion

There’s nothing worse than an undetected water leak in your home. Not only can it be costly, but it can cause quite a lot of damage as well. However, with proper home maintenance coupled with following the tips outlined in this article, you can be on the lookout for leaks and avoid further water damage to your home. The sooner you find and fix a leak, the better it will be for your house and your wallet.

Sources

What Are the Leading Causes of Kitchen Fires?

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 18:24:40 GMT

Fire damage caused by kitchen mishaps is more common than you may realize. According to the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, between 2014 and 2018, 172,900 home fires occurred in the United States. Of those, 4,820 fires led to injuries and 550 to death. What causes so many kitchen fires?

The leading causes of kitchen fires are as follows:

Leaving the stove or oven unattended
Being distracted or tired when cooking
Cooking while physically impaired by a substance
Cooking with flammable materials near an open flame
Using cooking materials the wrong way
Leaving the oven or stove on by accident
Having no fire extinguisher nearby
Raising the cooking temperature higher than need be
Failing to clean your cooking surface
Having too many people in the kitchen at once
Wearing loose clothing when cooking
Using a faulty or damaged appliance/device

Yes, those are a lot of main kitchen fire causes, and each is very dangerous in its own way. Keep reading to learn more about what not to do when cooking as well as how to handle a kitchen fire should it arise. You’re not going to want to miss it!

Leaving the Stove or Oven Unattended

The NFPA cited that 31 percent of kitchen fires from 2014 to 2018 were caused by unattended equipment. That’s far more than any of the other causes of fire the organization recorded in those four years.

Even if you’ve cooked a meal so many times that you could practically do it with your eyes closed, that doesn’t mean you should ever leave the room when your food is cooking. Ingredients can be unpredictable, as can your cooking surface, especially if it’s not clean (more on this later).

All it takes is the ingredients of your recipe reacting to the heat source slightly differently than usual and a fire could ignite. You wouldn’t even be in the room to see or hear it. By the time you smell smoke, significant fire damage could have already occurred.

Cooking When Distracted or Tired

Listen, everyone has those days when they’re bone-tired and just don’t feel like cooking. You might try to be the family hero and push yourself to cook when you can barely keep your eyes open.

On nights like these, you’re much better off ordering pizza or Chinese takeout. You’re tired and much more likely to make mistakes, including costly ones that could lead to a kitchen fire.

The same goes for distracted cooking, by the way. Whether you’ve had a bad day at work or you’re mulling something over, don’t cook in this mindset. That’s also true of burying yourself in your phone. There’s nothing wrong with using your phone to browse and follow along with a recipe. Once you’re past the prep stage though, put your phone away.

Cooking While Impaired

This is in the same vein as cooking when distracted or tired. If you’re impaired from any type of substance, even a medication you take every day, you’re not yourself. Your reaction time might be slowed, you stop paying close attention, and you may be less cautious. Please let someone else cook in this situation.

Using Flammable Materials Near an Open Flame

In their report, the NFPA explained that 9 percent of kitchen fires between 2014 and 2018 occurred because of someone using a combustible material near a heat source. Many household items are flammable, including:

Oranges
Flour
Hand Sanitizer
Gas
Non-Dairy Creamer
Aerosols
Linseed Oil

You could have just made pizza dough with flour and your pan is still coated in it, then woosh, the pan goes up in flames. Perhaps you used some hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands before cooking but didn’t realize it was so flammable.

The potential for tragedy here is great. Now that you know which items are flammable, keep them far away from your stove, oven, or any other source of open flames in your kitchen.

Misusing Cooking Materials

How you utilize your cooking materials is incredibly important. Up to 9 percent of kitchen fires tracked over four years by the NFPA started because people misused what was in their kitchen. For instance, you might have seen a YouTube video or several that shows how you can make crepes on the bottom of a pan.

You’re supposed to turn the pan upside down and hold it over a heat source, then pour the crepe batter on top. Since you’re covering the heat source, you can char the top of the pan, not to mention experts have debunked that this cooking method doesn’t really work.

Cook with your pan’s bottom facing the heat source. This part of the pan is meant to be exposed to high heat, which is not the case for the top of the pan.

Accidentally Leaving the Oven or Stove On

If you have an electric stove, it’s not always easy to tell if it’s on or off. The coils can stop burning red if the stove is on but running on low heat. Even with a gas stove, you can sometimes miss the flames if they’re low.

Unless you poke your head in your oven often, you might not realize that’s on either. The NFPA stated that 8 percent of households started kitchen fires from 2014 to 2018 because they thought that they turned the oven/stove off but didn’t or they accidentally turned it on when not cooking.

Not Having a Fire Extinguisher

If the worst happens and your kitchen does catch on fire, having a fire extinguisher close by can control the flames before the blaze takes over your house. An old fire extinguisher is just as bad as having none at all though.

Park Insurance explains that fire extinguishers have different classes or ratings, A through C. Extinguishers rated a B are for gas and flammable liquid fires whereas C-rated extinguishers can put out electrical fires. Besides the alphabetical rating, your fire extinguisher will also have a number. This tells you how much square footage the extinguisher is rated to put out.

Increasing the Cooking Temperature Higher than Necessary

Did you know that the NFPA reported up to 66 percent of kitchen fires are from igniting cooking materials or food? That’s up to two-thirds of fires, which is a pretty significant error to make.

One of the most surefire ways to ignite your food is by cooking it at a temperature that’s too high. When you see recipes recommending a certain cooking temperature, the temp is not selected at random. Cooking at that temperature will ensure a level of doneness without charring your food.

If you take cooking temperature matters into your own hands, you could end up with a kitchen that’s in flames for your troubles. Even though it’s tempting to crank the stovetop temp when you’re in a rush, don’t do it.

Leaving Cooking Surfaces Unclean

As messes accumulate on and within your stovetop and oven, you can’t just leave them. Wait until these cooking surfaces are completely cooled and then wipe up your messes. That little dollop of pancake batter or shred of cheese will burn the next time you cook.

What’s worse is the char from your cooking can also ignite, and quite quickly at that, as can other built-up food accumulations. Leftover oil especially can be very dangerous, as the oil could start a grease fire. These fires tend to spread quickly and burn wildly, potentially engulfing your whole home in flames.

As per the NFPA , 8 percent of kitchen fires start from dirty cooking surfaces.

Using a Faulty or Damaged Kitchen Appliance or Device

You know your mixer is on its way out, but you have to make cookies for your child’s classroom tomorrow and you don’t want to stir the mix by hand. Surely just this once it’ll be okay. Then you try plugging in the mixer and it sparks, starting a fire.

New kitchen appliances and devices usually aren’t cheap. However, it’s much, much more inexpensive to purchase a new mixer than it is to buy a new house and replace everything you lost when your home burned down.

Wearing Loose Clothing When Cooking

That flowy long-sleeved shirt of yours should be saved for a nice romantic candlelit dinner, not worn while cooking. If you get too close to a source of flames, your shirt could ignite. Even aprons, as helpful as they can be, could create obstructions that may lead to a kitchen fire. Make sure that you tie all loose strings securely and away from the front of your body!

Having Too Many People in the Kitchen at the Same Time

The last leading cause of kitchen fires is working in a busy kitchen. The saying “there are too many cooks in the kitchen” wasn’t borne out of nothing after all. When your kitchen is a chaotic place because it’s crowded, the risk of someone making a mistake is simply too high. These mistakes could cause a fire.

What Should You Do if Your Kitchen Catches Fire?

When a kitchen fire begins at home, you might feel paralyzed with fear. Quick action can be the difference between life and death though, so you must act fast. First, get yourself, your family, and your pets out of the house and as far away from the fire as possible. Then call 911 right away. The fire department will come to your home and put out the blaze, hopefully before it damages too much.

Conclusion

Kitchen fires can start for all sorts of reasons, sometimes through simple mistakes like wearing the wrong clothing or accidentally leaving the burner on. Now that you know all the many leading causes of fires in the kitchen, you can be a safer, much more conscientious cook.

Sources

Is My Home Protected Against Water Damage by Homeowners Insurance?

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 20:07:08 GMT

Water damage is one of the leading causes of homeowners insurance claims each year – even here in the Arizona desert. According to the Insurance Information Institute , about one out of every 50 homeowners will file a water damage claim, accounting for almost 24 percent of all homeowners insurance claims. And the average claim is for almost $11,000.

Fortunately, your homeowners insurance policy should cover the costs to repair most water damage. The keyword being “most” – there are exceptions.

Keep reading for a breakdown explaining what’s covered and what’s not when it comes to water damage to your home.

Types of Coverage

Before looking into whether water damage is covered under your homeowners insurance policy, it’s important to understand what homeowners insurance actually is. Simply stated, homeowners insurance is property insurance that covers losses and damages to the residence (the building itself) as well as the stuff inside your home (this includes your furniture, clothing, and personal belongings).

Under the homeowners insurance policy umbrella, there are two different types of coverage. Dwelling coverage helps pay for damage to the structure of your home, while personal property coverage helps pay for damage to your possessions.

In the case of water damage, one or both types of coverage may be involved. For instance, if a pipe bursts behind the wall in your kitchen, you might need to make repairs to the wall itself. If so, your dwelling coverage would help pay for those repairs. That same pipe burst may have damaged your kitchen cabinets and ruined the Oriental rug in the adjacent dining room. In that case, your personal property coverage would kick in and help repair or replace the destroyed items.

It’s important to keep in mind that most homeowners insurance policies have coverage limits and deductibles. You will want to discuss this with your homeowners insurance agent to make sure you carry an ample amount of coverage to protect your home and your assets in the event your house suffers some sort of water damage.

What’s Covered

According to Forbes , most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage if the cause was sudden and accidental, but not if the damage was gradual or caused by neglect. Basically, that means if your water damage was caused by a pipe that burst or a dishwasher that sprung a leak, then you’re covered. On the other hand, if a bathroom faucet was dripping for months before you discovered water damage it is likely not covered. In this case, you were neglectful in your duties as a homeowner – and for that reason that type of water damage would not be not covered by your homeowners insurance.

Your homeowners insurance should cover water damage caused by:

Accidental Leaks : This could include accidental appliance leaks from a malfunctioning washer to a leaky refrigerator.
Burst Pipes : Living in Arizona, burst pipes are not as big a concern as they are for folks living in colder climates where frigid temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. However, tree roots, house settling, even age, can cause pipes to crack and leak.
Water Damage from a Fire : Your homeowners insurance will cover water damage caused by the water used to put out the fire, either from the firefighters’ hoses or a sprinkler system.
Water damage from a Roof Leak : If a tree falls on your home during a storm and damages your roof, any water damage that may have caused should be covered. While damage as a result of an accident is covered by your homeowners insurance, water damage due to neglect is not. So, if you notice a stain on the ceiling that could be a sign of a roof leak, be sure to get it repaired as soon as possible.
Water Damage from Acts of Nature: Homeowners insurance will cover damages due to heavy rains or hail. However, water damage from flooding is not covered.

The Insurance Information Institute breaks it all down quite simply, stating “water that comes from the top down—such as rainfall and burst sprinklers—is covered by a standard homeowners policy. Water that comes from the bottom up—such as an overflowing river—is covered by a separate flood insurance policy.”

What’s Not Covered

As a homeowner, it’s important that you understand what is covered by your insurance policy as well as what is not. Not surprisingly, the list of causes of water damage excluded from coverage is just as long as the list of what is covered under your homeowners insurance policy.

Water damage is not covered when it is caused by:

Neglect or Lack of Maintenance : If your home sustains water damage due to a leaking bathroom faucet that you did not fix, then you will have to pay for those repairs.
Floods : Homeowners insurance does not cover any water damage due to flooding, regardless of the source of water. That includes flooding as a result of storms, over-saturated ground, and overflowing bodies of water. If you live in a flood zone, you can protect your home and possessions by purchasing a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program .
Water Backup : Water damage as a result of a backup from an outside sewer or drain is not covered by traditional homeowners insurance. Similarly, water damage from a broken sump pump is also excluded.
Pool Leaks : Water damage caused by a leak from a swimming pool is not covered by your insurance.
Repair Costs : Last but not least, the cost to repair or replace the source of the water damage is not covered. That means that if your water damage was caused by a broken washing machine, your homeowners insurance policy should pay to replace the damaged floor caused by the gushing water, but it will not pay to repair or replace the washing machine itself.

Preparation is the Key

Between broken appliances and leaky pipes, water damage is a common occurrence.For that reason, it is important that you know what to do if you discover water damage in your home.

The first thing you should do is try your best to control the leak. This generally means turning off the water source either to the appliance or to the entire house. As long as it is safe to do so, you should also take pictures documenting the source and any damage it caused. Make minor repairs to prevent further damage. For instance, if your kitchen is flooded try using a wet-vac or towels to mop up the water to avoid further damage to the flooring and cabinetry. If throw rugs get drenched you can take them outside to air out and dry. You will also want to contact your homeowners insurance company right away. They will help you file a claim and can recommend a water damage restoration company if needed.

There are certain things you can do as a homeowner to help prevent the possibility of water damage. You should be performing regular maintenance on your home throughout the year. On a monthly basis check appliance hoses and plumbing fixtures for leaks and make sure windows and doors are properly sealed. It’s also a good idea to check the sprinkler system for possible leaks and gutters for blockage.

Coverage.com recommends you hire a professional plumber every other year to inspect your home’s plumbing system to make sure everything is in proper working order. The educational resource site on insurance also suggests scheduling a roof inspection every three years.

One final tip to protect your home from water damage – turn off the water supply when you go on vacation. If a pipe or appliance springs a leak, the damage will be minimized if there is no water supply to the house.

Conclusion

Water damage is a common and costly occurrence. Fortunately, your homeowners insurance policy will cover the costs to repair water damage providing it was sudden and accidental. After all, accidents happen. On the other hand, water damage caused by neglect is not covered by homeowners insurance. It’s up to you as a homeowner to make sure your home’s plumbing and appliances are well maintained.

Sources

Signs That You Might Have Water Damage

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 21:00:06 GMT

Water damage is one of the more serious problems that can happen in your home. Water in places that should remain dry can lead to severe home damage. Water can also cause hazards – like puddles that you could slip in – and health concerns, like mold. And water damage is also a likely sign of a water leak, which is not only costly in terms of repairing damages, but also in terms of your water bill. The sooner you can spot signs of water damage , the sooner you’ll be able to put a stop to any leaks and protect yourself, your home, and your wallet. Take a look at some of the signs that you might have water damage and how to spot them.

Use Your Ears

One of the first signs of a water problem isn’t necessarily visible, but instead, it’s audible. Water makes a sound, whether it’s a slow drip or a gush. It’s never a good idea to ignore the sounds of water inside your house when there shouldn’t be sounds of water.

Listen for the sound of water running when there’s no reason for it – when the washing machine and dishwasher are off, when there’s no one taking a shower, and when no sinks are in use. If you hear the sounds of dripping or running water, follow your ears. You may track the sound down to a leaky sink or a toilet that needs a new stopper. But if the sound seems to be coming from behind the walls, under the floor, or from the ceiling, you might have a larger problem. You’ll need to examine the area where you hear the water coming from and track down its source so you can determine whether you have a leaky pipe, a leaky roof, or some other problem that may have caused water damage to your home.

Follow Your Nose

Your hearing isn’t the only one of your senses that can alert you to a water problem. Water damage often comes with a smell – namely, the scent of mold or mildew. If you smell a musty, damp odor anywhere in your house, that’s a sign that you not only have a water problem but that you also already have some water damage.

It’s important to track down the scent of mold as soon as you notice it. Mold grows quickly, and can soon become a much bigger problem if you ignore it. It can also be a health hazard. People who have asthma, respiratory allergies, or other breathing difficulties can be especially sensitive to mold or mildew, and the growth may make sensitive people feel sick. The sooner you hire a mold remediation company to eradicate the mold, the healthier everyone will be.

Another scent that sometimes arises in a house with a water problem is the smell of sewage. You might smell this coming from plumbing fixtures in your bathroom. Needless to say, the smell of sewage in the house is not a good sign, and you’ll want to have that looked at right away.

Know The Visible Signs of Water Damage

If you spot a puddle or actual wet spot in some place where you know no water should be, that’s a pretty sure sign that you have some type of leak and you should look closer for further signs of damage. But the visible signs of water damage aren’t always so obvious.

One thing to look for is an area where your paint is blistering, bubbling, or peeling. For example, if you notice the paint on the ceiling bubbling, it could mean that the roof is leaking, or, if you’re seeing it on a downstairs ceiling in a two-story house, it could mean that a toilet, sink, or bathtub located upstairs is leaking.

You might also notice discolorations on your walls or wallpaper. You probably don’t think of water as something that causes stains, but water that leaks down the walls and isn’t cleaned up properly can damage the paint or wallpaper, leaving discolorations behind.

It’s worth noting that even if you happen not to smell mold, you may see evidence of it. Look for black or green spots on walls and ceilings.

Other signs of water damage include buckling or warping in wood floor planks or laminate flooring, loose tiles, deteriorating caulk, and cracks in cement. You might also notice that wooden door and window frames look swollen or warped, and that doors and windows stick in place and refuse to open or close smoothly. These are all signs that you should call a water damage restoration specialist to check out the problem and get your home on the road to recovery.

Check Your Checkbook

Even if you don’t see any other signs, if you’re losing more and more money every month to your water company, you’ve almost certainly got a problem somewhere. It’s possible for leaky pipes and water fixtures to dump water in a place where you won’t notice it or where it doesn’t cause damage – a leaky toilet, for example, won’t necessarily cause water damage if the leak is inside the toilet system. But it will cost you money. A toilet that’s leaking internally may not damage your floor, but it can drain hundreds of gallons unnecessarily, bringing your water bill higher and higher. And it’s a good idea to get a handle on that kind of leak as soon as possible, because a leak anywhere can lead to water damage eventually, even if it’s not currently causing damage, and that only compounds the expense.

However, sometimes leaks that don’t appear to be causing damage actually are. If you haven’t been in your basement for a while, you might not see the water on the floor or hear it leaking down there, but it’s definitely still causing damage. And a leak that dumps water outside could be slowly damaging your home’s foundation. So if your water bill is showing signs of a leak, take it seriously and investigate, even if you haven’t noticed anything before.

Water damage is a serious thing, and mitigating it isn’t always something that can be done on a do-it-yourself basis. If you’ve located a water leak in your Arizona home, Enviro Clean Abatement Services can help. Contact us right away so we can help you treat your home.

How to Get Your Insurance Company to Pay for Water Damage Restoration

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 19:25:04 GMT

If you’ve had water damage in your home, you know that the last thing you want to have to think about is how much water damage restoration costs. Understandably, your focus is more on salvaging any of your belongings that can be saved as well as getting back to your regular life as quickly as possible. If you have homeowners’ insurance, there is a good chance that it will cover water damage abatement services . At Enviro Clean, we can work with you and your insurance company to submit the claims properly and attempt to expedite the process. Here is what you need to know about getting your insurance company to cover your water damage.

Read Your Insurance Policy’s Fine Print

With so many different types of homeowners’ insurance, it is not always easy to stay aware of what your policy covers. The best time to comb through the details of your policy is before there is a need for repairs, but if you have already experienced water damage, it’s important to look at your policy now.

Be aware that there are certain events that are simply not going to be covered. These vary depending on the specifics of your plan. One common occurrence to be denied coverage is that of a flood: Unless you have separate flood insurance, it is likely (though not absolutely certain) that your regular home insurance will deny the claim. Another is gradual damage. For example, if your roof has been slowly leaking for six months and now you have extensive damage to the wood in your attic or your ceiling, it might not be covered because it was not a sudden event. Again, the coverage will vary based on your plan, so look it up or call the company to learn about what is and is not covered.

Purchase Riders Now

If you are not in the position of dealing with a water damage issue right now, you have the luxury of being able to purchase a flood insurance rider and/or changing your policy so that it covers additional types of damage. There might be a waiting period, so be sure that you are covered by your current plan up until the new plan takes full effect, if that is an issue. Talk to an insurance broker to learn more about your options when it comes to ensuring that your home is covered for various types of damage.

Work With Your Water Damage Abatement Contractor

Water damage restoration specialists are adept at working and negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of their clients. As soon as you notice water damage, contact Enviro Clean Abatement Services . We can be to you within an hour in most cases, and we will be able to walk you through the process of negotiating with your homeowners’ insurance company. We know how and when to submit the claims and how to work with your insurance company’s adjuster.

We can also tell you when not to submit a claim. For example, if you do not have flood insurance and your regular homeowners’ policy is not going to cover damage caused by a flood, we can help you avoid submitting a claim that will be denied. This can help you avoid a rise in premiums later. Even if a claim is not paid, submitting one tells the insurance company that there has been an event at your home, which is recorded by the insurance company. Without a claim, there is no record of the event, so in some cases, it makes more sense not to submit a claim when we know that it will not be paid.

Appeal the Decision If Necessary

If you make a claim for water damage and it is denied unfairly, you do have some rights. You can appeal by presenting supporting evidence that the damage falls under what is supposed to be covered by the plan. In some cases, you might need a second opinion. There is also the Arizona Department of Insurance , a government agency that can help you communicate with your insurance company. In addition, there may be consumer advocacy groups that can step in for you and mediate between you and your insurance company.

Follow Up With Any Additional Damage

In a few cases, water damage might leave behind issues that are not apparent during the initial restoration phase. For example, it is possible that mold will become an issue later. In the rare case that this happens after your abatement, be sure to contact your contractor as well as your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if your initial claim was denied, there might be a case for the policy to cover the new damage. There are so many possibilities that it would be impossible to go into all of them in one article, but talk to your Enviro Clean specialist as well as your insurance company if this becomes an issue.

Remember that timing is important when you are submitting (or appealing) a claim. Call your water damage specialist right away when you notice water damage, and keep all appointments with your insurance adjuster and other specialists called in to look at the damage. It takes some patience, but just keep in mind your goal of restoring your damaged home to its original condition. If you are in Arizona, contact Enviro Clean Abatement Services and we will respond as quickly as we can.

The Cost of Water Damage Restoration

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 12:24:59 GMT

If you have had water damage in your home, you are understandably concerned about how much it will cost to have everything dried, fixed, and back to how it was. At Enviro Clean, we work with homeowners in the Phoenix and Tucson areas every day. Every situation is different; water damage from a broken pipe in the bathroom is a far different story than water damage from firefighters fighting a house fire. This is why it would be impossible to give you a price quote without seeing the extent of the damage. Here are some things to consider when you are thinking about the cost of water damage restoration .

What Type of Water Damage Do You Have?

There are a few factors that contribute to the cost of your restoration process. The first is the type of water damage that you’ve had. In most cases, the damage from small leaks are going to be much less expensive to mitigate than the damage from an incident that led to whole-house flooding. This is not always necessarily the case, however.

First, the type of water that has flooded the area is a consideration. Clean water would be fresh water coming into the home, such as a leak in a pipe supplying fresh tap water to your sink or shower. Grey water is water that is produced by the sink and dishwasher; this would be an issue when there is a leak in the pipe that is used to drain your sink, tub, shower, or washing machine. This water can have some contaminants and is not fit for drinking. Finally, black water is wastewater from your toilet. This is highly contaminated and requires measures to keep disease from spreading.

What Is the Extent of the Water Damage?

The next question is how much water has damaged your home. A tiny leak of fresh water behind your shower might not actually be so tiny after all if you didn’t know it was leaking for months. During that time, mildew and mold might have started to grow and the wood might be completely rotted.

A larger flood, such as from a broken water heater, might look like a lot of damage when in reality it might not have impacted very much other than the floor. If it is cleaned up quickly and the flooring is dried well, it could, in some cases, be a relatively inexpensive restoration project .

One cause of extensive water damage is a house fire. Not only is there fire and smoke damage to contend with but the damage caused by the efforts to put out the fire can be extensive. When a fire is in the attic of a home, the large quantities of water used to put out the fire can leak through the sheetrock into many rooms at once, causing damage to the ceiling, the walls, furnishings, and the flooring.

How Long Did the Water Sit?

If you notice a leak during its earliest stages and you’re able to get the problem under control and call us right away, it’s likely that the cost will be less than if you don’t notice it for several weeks or months. This is because water moves quickly; it will not just stay in one space for long. If the water has time to seep into wood or drywall and stay there, it will continue to saturate other areas. In addition, mold and mildew can form. We understand that you can’t always detect a leak right away, but if you do suspect one, we urge you not to allow much time to pass before you get it addressed.

Are Your Belongings Salvageable?

In most cases, drying out your carpet or furniture is going to be less expensive than replacing it. If a material is salvageable, we usually recommend going through the process to dry it out as a way to save money. Of course, not everything is able to be saved after extensive water damage; in that case, some of the expense will be replacing these items.

Will Your Insurance Cover Your Water Damage Restoration?

Many of our clients are concerned about whether their homeowners’ insurance policies will cover water damage restoration . The answer is that it depends on your policy as well as what happened. If your hot water heater burst and there was a sudden gush of water, many policies will cover that. If there has been a weather event that caused flooding, however, many policies will require that you have a separate rider for that and might not cover the damage. The best thing to do is to allow Enviro Clean to contact your insurance company to find out what your policy says and what it will cover.

Do You Even Need a Water Restoration Company?

If you have had a small leak or a sudden flooding event that didn’t cause a lot of damage, it’s possible that you won’t even need the services of a water restoration company. In that case, a local handyman can often handle the project. For example, if the main issue is that a piece of drywall needs to be replaced, you would not need a full-service water damage restoration company to fix the problem. Instead, you could do it yourself if you are handy or you could hire a less-expensive professional.

But how do you know if you need our services? We can come and inspect the area to let you know if you need us. There are times when we tell homeowners that they will save money handling small issues themselves or hiring a handyman. There are other times, however, when the damage is more extensive than it looks at first glance and remediation services really are needed. At Enviro Clean, we take pride in our honesty; we will not mislead homeowners into thinking that they need more services than they actually need. If you don’t need us, we are happy to tell you so.

Contact Enviro Clean today to learn more about our services and to schedule your consultation appointment. We will help you get your home back to its original condition so you and your family can enjoy full use of the house once again and put all of this behind you.

Water Damage Restoration: Action to Take Before and After Discovering a Water Leak or Flooding

Wed, 01 May 2019 16:36:18 GMT

Serious water damage can be overwhelming and frustrating. You may have come home to find an appliance or water heater has leaked and flooded an area of your house. Perhaps you evacuated your home before a natural disaster and your home flooded. Maybe you went into your attic to get the holiday decorations only to find dampness and mold from a leaky roof. No matter the situation, there are important actions you can take before and after you call your local water damage restoration company.

Turn off the Water Main

If you have stumbled upon a flooded area or a room where it is evident that water is leaking and causing continual damage, shut the water off at the source. Most fixtures have individual valves, and it might be simple enough to turn the water at the leak. If you do not see the source of the leak, or if you suspect a burst or leaking pipe within the wall, find the main water shut off and stop the flow. In most homes, the shut-off valve is located on an exterior wall near other utilities or in the basement. As a last resort, there is always an underground valve shutoff near your property line. Remember to turn valves clockwise to turn them off.

Beware of Electricity and Water Hazards

When in doubt for your safety, leave the area and wait for the professionals. Even though most of the time, the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to automatically shut off when components detect water, electricity and water combined constitute a significant hazard. In some instances – for example to stop any electricity from flowing to wet areas – it is wise to shut off power at the main breaker (the breaker box). Unless you are familiar with these components, however, leave it to the professionals and stay away from the area.

The water is off, and there is clearly no risk of electrocution. Should you attempt any cleanup? It depends on the type of water you discover. There are three types of water: clean, gray and black water. You can begin drying areas of clean water leaks. This type of water leaks from pipes and does not typically expose you to bacterial contamination. Gray water comes from appliances. Food particles and waste contaminate this type of water. This type of water it still safe to clean up, but be sure to properly wash your hands and rags you use for the cleanup. You should avoid the thirst type of water – black water. Black water seeps from sewers, and bacteria and fungi are often present.

Take Photographs or Videos

Depending on whether you make an insurance claim, you may want to document your water damage. Photographs and videos are excellent tools for taking an inventory. They are also critical for documenting the damage if you repair or dry the areas before the insurance adjuster inspects your home.

Speaking of Homeowners’ and Flood Insurance

Ideally, you know your insurance policy inside out, but most people are not sure exactly what is covered. Before you call the insurance company, locate your policy and read the details concerning water-damage and flooding. If you have questions or concerns, consult with the water damage restoration company. Sometimes, calling your insurance company directly to ask questions leads to higher premiums, so it is wise to do your own research, to look through your policy paperwork, and to work with the restoration company first.

It is important to understand that typical homeowners’ insurance does not cover water backup, floods, or sinkholes. You need a separate flood insurance policy to cover this damage. Your water restoration company will work with both you and your insurance carrier to submit claims that might be covered under your plan.

Start Removing Water and Drying Damaged Goods

When it comes to a small leak, you might need only fans and time. However, when you need to dry out and clean up a more expensive mess, how do you know what to salvage and what to toss? Many times, this decision comes down to the amount of water and the amount of time water has saturated the items.

Salvage meaningful and sentimental items like photographs. These days, many of us have most of our photos on a Cloud drive, making them easy to reprint. The most significant losses for homeowners healing with water damage are old photographs that they did not back up. Experts recommend rinsing with clean water if the water that leaked was gray or black and allowing the photos to gently air dry. You can gently air-dry most items with the help of fans and dehumidifiers over time. Air-dry or professionally clean items like area rugs if necessary. When you are not able to properly take care of delicate items like books, photographs, paintings or fabrics (blankets and clothes), temporarily freezing these can prevent mold and dyes or inks from bleeding.

Toss and replace damaged electronics, building materials like drywall, household appliances, and toxic materials like batteries. With significant damage or flooding, garbage haulers and government organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) suggest sorting your refuse into specific categories. Check out your municipality and local waste management guidelines.

Takeaways

As a homeowner, you take pride in your environment. The best remedy for accidents is to be proactive. Inspect your home inside and out regularly. Check for damage, leaks and potential issues. Protect your cherished belongings. Back up photographs and store important papers and treasures in waterproof and fireproof containers and areas. Know your insurance coverage inside and out and review the policy each year.

Accidents and natural disasters happen, and chances are you will need help and advice if you experience water leakage and the associated damage. Your local water restoration company can guide you through the clean-up and restoration process. Call us at Enviro-Clean today.