http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog Restoration Blog Copyright (c) 2009 Restoration Blog Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:28:06 GMT 5 http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=21&t=What-other-places-have-a-high-risk-for-m There are several places outside your home or place of business that can foster mold growth. These places include antique shops, greenhouses, saunas, farms, mills, construction areas and flower shops to name a few. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=21&t=What-other-places-have-a-high-risk-for-m Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:54:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=7&t=Mold-Factsheet Here are some things you should know about mold:<br><br>- Mold is a type of fungus. Other fungi include yeast and mushrooms.<br><br>- Outside mold is found in soil, decaying vegetation, compost piles, rotting wood and fallen leaves. Outdoor mold can get inside through open windows and doors, ventilation systems and on pets, clothing and shoes.<br><br>- Mold grows year round and in all types of climates although it favors a warm and humid environment. <br><br>- Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. People who are allergic to mold, have asthma or have a weakened immune system are most likely to be harmed through mold exposure.<br><br>- To grow, mold needs food such as high moisture levels, high temperatures and excess humidity.<br><br>- Mold is a decomposer of organic materials such as wood, plants and animals.<br><br>- Molds are strong allergens although most people are not allergic to them. <br><br>- Common indoor mold include: cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus<br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=7&t=Mold-Factsheet Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:38:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=22&t=Where-should-I-check-for-mold When dealing with mold, there are several places on a property that are extra susceptible to mold growth. Here are some key places to check when you suspect that mold is present: <br><br> •Bathrooms and kitchens <br><br> •Carpeting <br><br> •Pipes, faucets and ductwork <br><br> •Basements <br><br> •Attics <br><br> •Window sills <br><br> •Garage walls <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=22&t=Where-should-I-check-for-mold Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:36:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=23&t=Are-there-any-uses-for-mold Although everything so far has focused on the negative side of mold, there are actually uses for it. Here are some ways that mold is important to the environment: <br><br> •The mold penicillium is used to make the antibiotic penicillin. <br><br> •Other types of mold are used to make cholesterol lowering medications. <br><br> •Mold is used to make foods such as cheese, sausages and soy sauce. <br><br> •Some compounds and enzymes are formed by mold such as citric acid, gluconic acid and riboflavin. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=23&t=Are-there-any-uses-for-mold Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:36:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=24&t=Water-Damage-Basics When dealing with water, timing is imperative. The longer you wait to start the clean-up process, the worse the damage is going to get. Once the water has been removed from the premises, you can start the clean-up process by opening all doors and windows. Remember to keep everything open until all parts of the property are dry including floors, furniture, walls and other materials. Unwanted water can destroy materials such as wood, steel and laminate. It can cause the growth of mold and damage walls and floors. Damage can happen instantly with a big storm or slowly overtime with a leaky pipe. <br><br> Water damage is typically placed into one of three categories. The category of water determines how the water will be removed. <br><br> Category 1: This category includes clean water that poses no threat to people. The circumstances that can cause this type of water damage usually include sink and bathtub overflows and appliance malfunctions. These types of messes are easy to clean-up and are only likely to cause minor water damage, if any. <br><br> Category 2: The second category is known as grey water which is contaminated water. This water will have a significant amount of chemical, biological or physical contaminants to be rated in this category. Grey water can cause sickness when one is exposed to or drinks it. This category includes water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows of toilets and water seepage from hydrostatic failures. <br><br> Category 3: This third and final category contains water known as black water, which affects indoor environments. It is very unsanitary and can cause sickness due to high amounts of bacteria and fungi. This category includes water from sewage, seawater, water from rivers and streams, ground surface water and standing water. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=24&t=Water-Damage-Basics Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:36:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=18&t=What-should-I-do-if-I-think-I-am-sick-fr Go to your primary care physician who will determine whether you need to see a specialist for the problem. The specialists your PCP may refer you to include allergists or infectious disease physicians. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=18&t=What-should-I-do-if-I-think-I-am-sick-fr Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:12:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=26&t=What-are-the-different-categories-of-wat There are three basic categories of water. The type of water in your property will help determine the extent of the damage and how the water will be removed. <br><br> The first category of water is clean water that poses no harm to people. This includes water damage caused by a sink or bathtub overflow or an appliance malfunction. <br><br> The second category of water is called gray water. This category includes water that has a significant amount of contamination, which can be chemical, physical and/or biological. Gray water can cause harm and illness to those who are exposed to or drink it. <br><br> The third category of water is known as black water. This water is very unsanitary and contains pathogenic agents coming from other contaminated water sources. It can cause discomfort and illness to those who are exposed to or who drink it. Black water can come from seawater, ground surface water, river water and stream water. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=26&t=What-are-the-different-categories-of-wat Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:20:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=25&t=How-does-the-water-removal-process-work Several steps are taken to remove water from your property in the event of a flood, hurricane, or other water related disaster. First, the water will be removed from the property. Once the water is removed, a de-humidification process will begin to dry the wet areas. Next, evaporation of the water will occur and finally the air will be tested to ensure that all water and moisture is gone from the property and won’t cause any further problems. <br><br> Other processes involved with water damage restoration include wet carpet restoration, odor control, fabric restoration, mold remediation, dry wall restoration and wood floor restoration. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=25&t=How-does-the-water-removal-process-work Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:01:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=11&t=What-are-some-of-the-misconceptions-abou One misconception about mold is that it can be removed with high heat, dry air and sunlight. Although these solutions may make sense considering they are the opposites of what actually causes mold, they are not powerful enough to completely get rid of the mold. The proper sure-free way to clean up mold is to use strong detergents. Mold remediation should be done by professionals using proper equipment and safety measures.<br><br><strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=11&t=What-are-some-of-the-misconceptions-abou Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:47:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=12&t=Does-bleach-kill-mold Contrary to what you have probably heard, bleach cannot kill mold. It can be used to remove mold, but it will only work successfully on hard surfaces. Bleach not only fails to kill mold, but can actually enable it to grow faster as it is primarily composed of water. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=12&t=Does-bleach-kill-mold Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:47:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=15&t=Can-mold-make-me-sick-What-makes-a-pers Yes, mold can make you sick and will pose health risks especially to people who are at high risk for sickness and allergic reactions. This includes infants and children, the elderly, people with respiratory infections and asthma and people with weakened immune systems due to other medical conditions. Other factors include a genetic predisposition to allergies, people working in an occupation that consistently exposes them to mold, people living in a house with a wet basement or high humidity and people living in newer houses. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=15&t=Can-mold-make-me-sick-What-makes-a-pers Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:49:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=34&t=Storm-Supply-List Storms not only cause damage to your property, but they can also destroy your peace of mind. To help you prepare for a flood, hurricane or other natural disaster, here is a list of key items that you should have readily available: <br><br>- Flashlights <br><br>- Battery-operated lanterns <br><br>- Battery-powered radio <br><br>- Battery-operated fan <br><br>- Extra batteries—you should have two extra sets for each battery operated item <br><br>- Special care items for infants or family members with specific medical needs <br><br>- Prescription medication supply <br><br>- First aid kit <br><br>- Clean drinking water <br><br>- Waterproof matches and lighters <br><br>- Propane or gas grill/stove (for outdoor use only) <br><br>- Supply of canned/non-perishable foods <br><br>- Manual can opener <br><br>- Disposable utensils, plates and cups <br><br>- Fuel for your car and/or portable generator along with a funnel <br><br>- Garbage bags <br><br>- Rope and hand tools <br><br>- Insurance agency contact information and other important documents in waterproof containers. <br><br> <strong>Additional storm preparations include:</strong> <br><br>- Fill clean bathtubs with water for miscellaneous use and remember that pool water can be used to flush toilets. <br><br>- Be sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of prescription medications or special care items, as well as a minimum of a three-day supply of food for each person and pet. <br><br>- Transfer perishable food items to an insulated cooler. Try to eat these foods first because of the potential for spoilage. <br><br>- Cover windows and glass doors with hurricane shutters or storm panels. If these materials are not readily available, board them up with plywood and plastic sheeting to protect your property. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=34&t=Storm-Supply-List Sun, 07 Jun 2009 09:25:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=36&t=Emergency-Restoration-Checklist Here is a helpful checklist to minimize damage to your property following a fire, flood, storm or other disaster event. <br><br><br> - Alert your insurance company immediately. Your insurance agent is your partner during this stressful time. He/she will guide you through the claims and clean-up process. <br><br> - Take photos of the damage prior to the property being cleaned-up, boarded-up or demolished. Having photographic documentation of the damage could be helpful for insurance purposes. <br><br> - Determine whether your house or place of business is structurally safe. If not, you will need to evacuate the facility and make alternate arrangements. <br><br> - Shut down the electrical and water supply and close the main gas valve, after the threat of physical danger has passed. These steps will help you avoid further damage, so it is important to know in advance where these important systems are located. <br><br><br> <strong>Protect and secure property assets and/or personal belongings. </strong> <br><br>- Relocate all valuables to a safe and dry place. <br><br>- If there is standing water, try to remove as much of it to the outdoors as possible and run the air conditioning, a dehumidifier or a fan to help dry out the area. WARNING: Standing water will begin to produce dangerous mold within 48 hours, making it imperative to remove all standing water. <br><br>- If conditions allow, cover broken windows and doors as well as damaged walls and roof areas with plywood or plastic sheeting to prevent additional moisture entry and to protect the property from the elements. <br><br><br><strong>Inspect the property thoroughly. </strong>Your observations and comments will help speed up the restoration process when professional help arrives.<br><br>- Determine if there are roof shingles missing or if there is any damage to your home’s exterior, including to the gutters, windows, siding, chimneys, etc. <br><br>- Inspect the property for any signs of water infiltration. <br><br>- Determine if the insulation is wet or damaged. Be sure to check the insulation around your windows and doors and in your attic, crawl spaces and walls. <br><br>- Look closely to verify that your foundation walls are intact. <br><br><br>In most cases your insurance agent will make clean-up/restoration contractor recommendations. However, in some situations, you may be advised to hire a restoration company of your own choosing. The following are tips for hiring the best professional restoration company: <br><br>- Look for a professional restoration company that specializes in working with property owners after a fire, flood, storm or other disaster. These companies are a better choice than general contracting companies that may offer restoration services. <br><br>- Be sure that the company you choose is licensed, bonded and insured in the state where the work will be performed. <br><br>- Do not sign a contract unless the job is described in detail including what will be done, a price estimate and what materials/tools will be used. <br><br>- Ask for a list of references. Also, look at before and after pictures of the company’s work. <br><br>- Do not hire a company that requires a larger than normal deposit in order to start work. <br><br><br> The most effective way to recover from a fire, flood, storm or other disastrous event is to take action quickly. Carefully following this Emergency Restoration Checklist will help the disaster relief experts restore your home and property to normal as quickly as possible. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=36&t=Emergency-Restoration-Checklist Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:43:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=35&t=Storm-Damage-Prevention Storms can wreak havoc on any structure or building they comes across. Preparing for these potential disasters, especially if you live in an area prone to large storms, such as tornados and hurricanes, is essential. Long before a storm hits, it is vital to know the ins and outs of your insurance policy. <br><br> - Have your building appraised every five years and assessed for potential risks so that you and your insurance agency have the most up-to-date information. <br><br>- Make any suggested changes to help prevent damage to your property. <br><br> A generator that can run your heating or air conditioning in the event of a power outage is an advisable storm preparation investment. This will allow you to run equipment such as a dehumidifier, which can help prevent mold growth after flooding. <br><br> <strong>When the storm is imminent, your preparations should include: </strong> <br><br>- Covering windows and glass doors with hurricane shutters or storm panels, or board them up with plywood and plastic sheeting. <br><br>- Knowing where your property’s central water and power shut-offs are located. <br><br>- Securing all outdoor items, such as patio furniture and lawn decorations, or bring them inside, since they can pose a hazard in high winds. <br><br>- Checking for any dead trees or susceptible limbs that can cause serious damage if they fall on your home or building. <br><br> After a storm, walk your property’s exterior and make note of damage, including fallen tree limbs, debris and downed power lines. You should check for missing or damaged roof shingles, gutters and siding. If possible, take photos of the damage. They may be helpful in filing insurance claims and identifying for professionals areas of your property, that need to be restored. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=35&t=Storm-Damage-Prevention Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:43:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=37&t=Flood-Emergency-Checklist Here is a helpful checklist for preventing damage to your property by flooding and to minimize the damage that follows. <br><br> <strong>The Mitigation Phase </strong><br> Prior to a flood, there are actions that you can take to diminish damage: <br><br>- Have a professional assess your property for high-risk areas. Identifying these low-lying areas gives you an indication of where sandbags will be helpful to prevent flooding on your property. <br><br>- Make sure fuel tanks located above ground are well anchored. This will prevent them from floating away in the event of a flood. <br><br>- Consider dry and/or wet flood proofing your property. Dry flood proofing prevents flood waters from entering a building. Wet flood proofing allows waters to enter the building but minimizes the damage to the interior. <br><br>- Install flood warning systems to notify the building’s occupants of potential danger. <br><br>- Consider purchasing a generator for outdoor use only. Keep generators away from air intakes into the building and do not use them in any attached building, such as a garage. <br><br>- Install check valves in sewer traps or catch basins to prevent the unwanted backflow of sewer water up through the trap while permitting the downflow of water through the trap and into the sewer. <br><br>- Develop a plan of action in the event of a flood and make sure all of the property’s occupants are informed of the procedures. <br><br> <strong>The Preparation Phase </strong><br> When a flood is imminent, there are specific steps to take to ensure proper protection for your property: <br><br>- Obtain the necessary materials for sandbags and create a plan for their strategic placement around your property. <br><br>- Secure or bring in outdoor furniture and other items. <br><br>- Stock up on clean water and other necessities. <br><br>- Be sure to read the Storm Supply List and have these items readily available. <br><br>- If evacuating the building, turn off all utilities including electric, natural gas and the main water supply. <br><br>- Place important documents, computer equipment and other valuables in a designated “flood safe” area or store them in waterproof packaging. <br><br> <strong>The Recovery Phase </strong><br> Following a flood, you can prevent further damage to your property and mitigate some of the damage before restoration professionals arrive by following these tips: <br><br>- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. <br><br>- Turn off the main electric power, natural gas and water supply, if you haven’t already done so. <br><br>- Keep electric, natural gas and water turned off for your safety until professionals have inspected these systems for damages. <br><br>- Examine the condition of the facility after flood waters recede. Determine whether the facility is structurally safe to inhabit. If you are unsure, wait for a professional to declare it structurally safe before re-entering the building. <br><br>- Assess the extent of damage to the interior and exterior of your property. Take detailed notes and photograph the damage, if possible. This will help restoration professionals when they arrive and document the damages for insurance claim purposes. <br><br>- Remove standing water from the interior of your property. <br><br>- Remove wet carpeting and furnishings. <br><br>- Run a dehumidifier from a generator, if you have one, to help dry out the property. If you don’t have a dehumidifier run battery operated fans. <br><br>- Relocate wet items to a sunny area, if possible, to speed the drying process. <br><br>- Remove debris to the outdoors for easy pick-up. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=37&t=Flood-Emergency-Checklist Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:55:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=14&t=How-are-people-exposed-to-mold People are usually exposed to mold by breathing in spores or other tiny fragments of it. Exposure can also occur through skin contact or by swallowing it.<br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=14&t=How-are-people-exposed-to-mold Fri, 15 May 2009 14:49:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=13&t=How-can-I-keep-my-property-mold-free There are several steps you can take to ensure that your property stays mold free. First, you must make sure there are no water problems. Open windows and doors for good air flow and, if needed, use a fan in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Attics and crawl spaces should be properly insulated and ventilated. Another key step is to vacuum your property regularly to remove mold spores. Finally, check windows for condensation and wipe away any water droplets you find. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=13&t=How-can-I-keep-my-property-mold-free Sun, 10 May 2009 14:49:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=30&t=How-can-I-prepare-for-expected-water-dam The best way to keep water damage from becoming a major problem is to prepare your property before the damage occurs. One thing you should be sure to know is how to cut-off the power in your home in case of a flood. In case of a storm, water and electricity are a deadly combination. You want to know where your water shut-off valves and fuse box are located in the case that you need to turn the power off.<br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=30&t=How-can-I-prepare-for-expected-water-dam Sun, 10 May 2009 13:25:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=17&t=What-health-problems-can-be-traced-to-mo Mold can cause the following health problems: <br><br> •Allergies and asthma attacks Infections <br><br> •Irritations of mucous membranes in eyes and respiratory system <br><br> •Decreased attention, disorientation and dizziness <br><br> •Suppression of immune system <br><br> •Higher susceptibility to cancer <br><br> •Headaches, tremors and nausea infertility <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=17&t=What-health-problems-can-be-traced-to-mo Fri, 08 May 2009 14:02:00 GMT http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=28&t=What-are-the-major-sources-of-water-dama Water damage can come from many sources. Some of these sources include: hurricanes, storms, leaking pipes and malfunctioning washing machines and heaters. Water damage can also occur as a result of leaks in your roofing, siding and from defective gutters which will cause water to pool around your property and potentially leak into your basement. <br><br> <strong>Source: ACCORD Restoration, <A target="_blank" http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/ href="http://www.ACCORDRestoration.com/">www.ACCORDRestoration.com</strong> http://restoration.home-improvement-blog.com/blog/default.aspx?id=28&t=What-are-the-major-sources-of-water-dama Fri, 08 May 2009 07:13:00 GMT