What To Do And Not To Do After A House Fire

Posted by Superior on with 0 Comment

Just a week ago, a home in the area was engulfed in a house fire. It was very devastating and recovering can be difficult.

Suffering from a fire can be terrifying, not to mention the water damage that is usually the immediate consequence of extinguishing the fire. Understanding what to do next, where to start, who to reach out, etc. can all be stressful and overwhelming. But, don’t worry. There is always hope in recovery. With a little help from the article you will be reading below and from the most trusted restoration companies, your life will be back on track and your home will be safe to live again.

Here is the list of things that you should do and NOT do after a house fire.

What TO DO After a House Fire

  • Make sure to protect the area from additional damage by theft, weather, and vandalism.
  • Coordinate with the Fire Department officials to know if your fire-damaged home is safe to enter.
  • Contact your insurance company to report the incident and begin the claim process. The sooner you contact them, the quicker the process will take.
  • Create an inventory of the damaged items. Take pictures or videos as proof of the damage. If possible, include the details of the damaged items.
  • Notify family members, relatives or friends about the incident.
  • Ensure the comfort and safety of your pets.  
  • Contact utility providers for gas, water, and electricity and inform them of the fire incident.
  • If you have to leave your property, make sure to keep valuable items and heirlooms in the area. If the area is unsafe, you may contact the local police department to keep an eye on your property.
  • Make sure to get a copy of the “fire report” issued by the responding fire department and carefully read the details. A fire report is a document that contains the details of the incident. Acquiring a copy of it depends on the area you live in. This is also an important document for insurance claims.
  • A fire can cause trauma and a lot of stress to the occupants. Make sure to take care of each and everyone’s emotional needs and seek counseling, if necessary.
  • Notify the following of the recent incident; your children’s school so teachers are informed of the stress they are dealing with; the local post office to hold or forward your mail; your employer and your banking and other financial institutions.
  • Start processing important documents damaged in fire such as passports, license, etc.
  • If you need assistance or disaster relief, you may contact your local Red Cross or The Salvation Army.
  • Contact a trusted fire damage restoration company, like Superior Restoration. 

 

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Enter your property until it was announced as hazard-free.
  • Attempt to reconnect a utility such as gas, water or electricity by yourself unless checked by a professional trade person.
  • Leave your home unattended.
  • Refreeze thawed items in the refrigerator.
  • Attempt to clean or remove soot and smoke damaged items yourself. Let this job done by professionals who are skilled and equipped.

 

Hire A Fire Damage Restoration Company

A fire can cause a lot of damage to your home and dangers might be invisible to your naked eyes. Doing the job on your own might be risky and restoring a fire-damaged home requires a lot of time and effort. No matter how big the damage is, a repair should be done immediately to prevent further damage. Thus, hiring a professional fire damage restoration company is crucial in reclaiming your home from a house fire. A certified restoration company has the necessary equipment and skills in dealing with fire damage home.

 

What to Expect From a Professional Restoration Company

A fire damage restoration company follows the proper standard of restoring a home. These are the things you can expect from them.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

A trusted restoration company will offer an emergency service, which means they will be available at the moment you contacted them and will provide immediate relief to your property.

Step 2: Assessment

It is an important procedure for restoration. Professionals will assess the severity of the damage so they can create a course of action in repairing or restoring your home and will give you an accurate amount of how much it would cost.

Step 3: Tarp and Sealing

This step helps in mitigating the damage, preventing it from getting worse. They will immediately address the potential source of the damage. 

Step 4: Clean Up

Removing smoke, dust, and soot from different surfaces will be done during clean up. Also, standing water during the extinguishing of fire should be removed. You can also expect the removal and disposal of unsalvageable items during this step. If there is contamination, they sanitize the affected items.

Step 5: Repair and Renovation

The last step of the restoration procedure is restoring furniture and repairing fire-damaged items. For instance, they will repair or replace a cabinet damaged by fire.

House fire can happen to anyone. And, when this disaster hits you, make sure to be prepared. Keep in mind the things that you have to do and NOT to do after a fire. Moreover, having a list of trusted fire damage restoration companies, like Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga, can give you peace of mind. If you need help in restoring your home from fire damage or water damage, please contact us today.

Water in Air Duct

The Danger Of Water in Your Air Duct and How To Avoid It

Posted by Superior on with 0 Comment

Have you noticed water droplets forming around your air duct? It could be the moisture build-up that occurs mostly in summer months when your AC unit works the hardest to cool down your home. Moisture can seem harmless, but when left untreated, it can lead to destructive problems and expensive repairs.

 

There are a few reasons why there is water in your air duct. A tiny amount of dew outside your duct is common when the air outside is hot and your AC is on. But, large water droplets that keep on occurring can mean something is wrong.

 

If there is insufficient insulation, moisture can appear in the air duct. Another culprit of having water in the air duct is the excess indoor humidity that is coming from your attic or crawlspace. Air leak can also cause moisture to collect in summer. It happens when the boot that connects the duct to the vent is not properly sealed.

 

Fortunately, this problem can easily be solved, yet it has to be taken seriously to keep you from facing serious problems.

 

The Danger Of Water In Your Air Duct

These droplets of water might look small, but they can cause negative effects on your health and home.

It Can Lead To Mold Growth 

Moisture build-up on your air duct can cause mold to grow. Giving mold enough time and condition to grow, it can spread in your entire home and cause hazards to your home’s structure. What is even worse is it can easily spread through your vents attacking your carpet, furniture and other materials prone to mold growth. Aside from that, mold spores spreading in your home can reduce your indoor air quality and promote health hazards such as asthma, rhinitis, allergies and other health issues.

 

It Can Affect Your Home’s Insulation 

The water that builds in your duct can drip into your home’s insulation, reducing your home’s insulation R-value. Gradually, the weight and moisture can compress your insulation and the more it gets compressed the lesser it becomes efficient.

Remember that your insulation helps you save up to 10% of your total annual energy bills. When the R-value of your home’s insulation decreases, you might be facing unwanted energy loss and higher utility bills.

 

Water Droplets Can Cause Severe Water Damage

Moisture build-up in your ductwork can be the source of water damage to your ceiling, roof, and walls. Little by little, they can cause corrosion or decay in those materials and if moisture stands for a longer time can compromise your home’s structure.

 

How To Prevent Moisture Build-up In your Ductwork

Now, that you understand the danger water in your ductwork can do, taking some preventative steps is crucial.

 

Insulate Your Duct Work

Insulating your ductwork does not only help in saving energy, but it also prevents them from having condensation build-up. In the cold season, you can prevent moisture to form by allowing warm air to circulate through unused ductwork.

 

Seal Unused A/C Vents

Seal off unused A/C air ducts and supply and return vents if moisture is persistent, especially in winter. Remove the blockage to allow air flows properly and make sure not to airtight the dampers. Moreover, you can use foam-board insulation or plastic sheeting to close the duct.

 

Repair or Remove Underlying Issues

As mentioned, there could be a lot of sources of moisture build-up. It can be the water leak from your pipes or a leak that is coming from the roof. Or, maybe the clothes-dryer vent flows freely and leaks. It can also be your humidifier that is turned up too high or your furnace venting system, bathroom vents, and cook range vents are leaking.

A leak from any of these sources can lead to moisture problems and if not addressed properly and immediately will end up to extensive water damage. You can use a hydrometer to check the humidity level of your home.

 

Use a Dehumidifier

Set up a dehumidifier in the area where your air ducts are accumulating water. This helps in preventing condensation build-up in your ductwork and controlling moisture in the air.

 

Schedule a Regular Maintenance 

Nothing beats proper and timely maintenance. Human hair, dust, debris, pet dander, and dead insects can clog your air ducts. These blockages can restrict air to flow freely in your a/c and could even lead to dehumidifying problems.

However, cleaning your ductwork is not an easy thing to do because they are quite difficult to access. It is best to leave it to professionals. They have the necessary tools and equipment in removing clogs.

 

Don’t let Moisture Affect Your Home’s Structure and Indoor Quality

Now, that you understand the danger moisture in your ductwork can do, take steps to prevent them. Start by cleaning your air duct, even it seems not dirty on the outside, it might be dirty on the inside.

 

Let Rancho Cucamonga help you. We provide air duct cleaning services and inspection to provide our homeowners peace of mind and a healthy home. Please get in touch with us today.

tile flooring water damage

How Can Excessive Water Damage Your Tile Flooring

Posted by Superior on with 0 Comment

Water damage can sometimes occur in its most quiet way, and when you find it, you already have extensive damage that might require expensive repairs. The cost and the type of repairs may vary depending on the location. If it is the drywall that has water damage due to a leak, you might need a minor repair or replacement. But if excessive water damage to your tile flooring (in your bathroom, kitchen, basement, etc.), you might have to spend a lot of money on repairs and experience undesirable inconvenience.

Moreover, the moisture that was accumulated can become an invitation for mold and mildew, spreading in the entire area and causing harmful effects to your tiles and health.

Tile floors can add beauty to the interior of your home. However, they can also be at risk of water damage when excessive water stays on the surface.

What Happens When Water Damage Your Tile Flooring

Fortunately, the tiles that are often used in moisture-prone areas such as bathroom, kitchen, basement and other areas are waterproof. The tile itself doesn’t get damaged by excessive water. However, when water finds its way past to the tile or grout, it can start to create real damage and the most common one is loosening the tile from its subsurface. When under wet conditions, the mortar that holds the tile from its position will become loosen and deteriorated, causing the tile to lift away from the floor or wall.

A subsurface or subflooring that is not waterproof,  could create further damage. Water can cause the subsurface to swell and warp, and pushing the tile to lift even harder.

When excess moisture is present, it could cause mold and mildew growth, eating away the mortar even further.

 A clears sign that you have water damage to your flooring in your home is when tiles are starting to loosen up and lifting away from its subsurface. Fix the damage right after you notice it to prevent expensive repairs.

How Can Water Damage Your Tile Flooring

In any type of water damage, there is always a reason behind it. Luckily, tiles that are often used in our homes today are considered waterproof. However, they can still experience water damage due to the following;

Grout Doesn’t Last Forever

Any type of grout is not designed to last forever. The tile doesn’t allow moisture to penetrate to its subsurface, but the grout (or the thin lines between tiles) is prone to water damage. When the grout becomes deteriorated, it can cause moisture to penetrate to the tile subsurface. Unfortunately, any tiled surface, even in areas resistant to moisture or humid conditions, is not waterproof. When water is left standing on the surface, it can start to seep into the seal, loosening the tile and the grout and causing water to leak to its subsurface.

Sealing grout regularly, for about every six months, can help in repelling water. If not, the grout will start absorbing water causing severe water damage to your tile flooring.

Cracks and Gaps

Aside from deteriorated grout, cracks and gaps can cause extensive water damage to your subflooring that is especially when it is made of wood. The crack doesn’t have to be big to create considerable damage to your flooring. Cracks and gaps can allow water to penetrate and seep underneath or behind your subflooring.

Repairing any tile, grout, cracks, and gaps can prevent you from having excessive water damage.

How to Control Water Damage in Your Tile Flooring

Water damage is a serious business. Whether the damage begins from undetected water leaks and eventually becomes destructive or that damage that occurs accidentally like flooding, water damage can cause major property to lose and health hazards. That is why preventing causes of water damage is vital.

Give your tile flooring regular maintenance and check-up. Make sure that you limit water to get in contact with your tile surface. In case of flooding, remove the standing water immediately. You can use a squeegee and a cloth to remove and wipe off standing water. Reseal the grout regularly, especially in areas where water contact cannot be avoided, like shower floors and walls. When you see caulk started to dry or crack, (edges of sinks and showers), replace it immediately.

What if water has already damaged my tile flooring?

If you see one or two of tiles have started to lose, pull them up to see what damage has occurred. If the subflooring has started to rot, it’s an indication of severe damage. Find the source of the water leak and take care of the affected area. It is also best to inspect the surrounding areas. They might not have been damaged yet, but checking them thoroughly can prevent you from having further damage.

Make sure to perform proper tile care to prevent water damage to your tile flooring. But if you are in situations that you need someone to help you with your tile restoration, consider working with us. Our services include tile and grout cleaning and restoration. We, at Superior Restoration, can help you deal with your water damage tile flooring. Call us today!

Leaking water heater

How To Fix A Leaking Water Heater

Posted by Superior on with 0 Comment

A water heater is an essential equipment in your home that provides comfort. Thanks to the one who made it, we won’t freeze from the cold water in winter. Though a water heater can last long, it can get broken and will start to leak.

A leak from your water heater might seem little and in most cases, the leak is normally ignored.  But your leaking water heater can cause water damage to your wall, flooring, and sub-flooring. Don’t wait for the water heater to cause catastrophe to your home. Act fast.

Why Is There A Leak From Your Water Heater

There are many reasons why your water heater starts leaking, and knowing what is causing your water heater to leak can help you resolve the issue right away. A water heater can leak for several reasons.

1. Loose Drain Valve

A loose drain valve is the most common reason why your water heater is leaking. This problem can be fixed by tightening the valve with a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the drain and not to force it to get tightened.

2. High Pressure

When the tank builds up high pressure inside, your water heater might start to leak. To lessen the pressure inside the tank, the excess pressure will drive the water to leak out. This happens when you set a high temperature on hot water. Fixing this problem can be very risky. So, call a professional to properly check and resolve the issue.

3. Aging Tank

A water heater, when it comes to the end of its life cycle, can become rusted and corroded. When corrosion takes its toll, the water will begin to leak from the tank. In this case, your water heater needs to be replaced immediately, or else you will end up seeing water flooding through your home.

4. Storage Tank is Cracked

The minerals from the water can get hardened and become accumulated inside the storage tank. This is the reason why the glass lining (inside your storage tank) gets cracked and causing a water leak. Another reason that your storage tank gets cracked is the expansion in the glass lining. Glass lining expanded when water is heated.

Unfortunately, the glass lining inside your tank cannot be repaired. Your only solution is to replace your water heater. 

Now, What To Do When Your Water Heater Starts Leaking?

It is important to take immediate action with a leaking water heater. Doing so can help you save money from excessive water damage repairs and can keep you and your family safe from all the damage water can bring to your home, including mold and mildew growth.

1. Turn off the water supply valve

If you notice a leak from your water heater, the first thing that you have to do is to turn off the water supply valve. In most water heaters, the valve is located above the water heater.

If the leak is extreme, then you might need to turn off the main shut off valve. Turning off the main water valve will stop the water from coming in your entire home.

If you are still unsure of the location of the leak, you should turn on the water supply again. 

2. Turn off the Power supply of your Water Heater

A water heater comes in two forms, an electric water heater, and a gas water heater.

If you are using an electric water heater, you can turn off its power supply by shutting down the power at the breaker. Flip off the breaker.

If you are dealing with a gas water heater, you should find an on/off switch or a dial on the gas line leading to the tank. Set it off. If you are having difficulty finding the button, you may check the manuals for its visual illustration of a gas water heater shut off valve.

3. Determine the location of the leak

Now that you have turned off the water and power supply, you can now assess the location of the leak. Here are some of the locations you can check in your water heater

  • Inlet and Outlet connections – check whether the fittings are loose or not. If they are, tighten it with a pipe wrench.
  • Check the pressure relief valve
  • Inspect the bottom of your water heater
  • Check the drain valve

4. Repair or replace

A leak from a water heater is a serious problem and needs to be resolved immediately. Remember that your water heater comes with pressure and hot water, which are extremely dangerous.  You may opt to repair or replace the problem on your own, but it is still best to call a professional in fixing the problem. 

What if Water Heater Has Damaged Your Home?

In this case, it is highly recommended seeking a certified water damage restoration company.

We, at Superior Restoration, can help you with this problem. A team of well-trained and experienced professionals will help you with your needs. We understand the danger water damage can bring to you, your family and your home. You can trust us. Call us now.

water damaged carpet

Salvaging Water Damaged Carpet

Posted by Superior on with 0 Comment

Water damage leads to other damages in the home including the carpet. Carpet is one of the most common and trendy floorings we can see in many homes. It also provides safety to the people living in the house most especially to children. However, water damage in the carpet is also difficult to handle.  Cleaning and drying water damaged carpet takes a lot of work and effort. It can be done by homeowners provided they have the proper tools and equipment to do it. 

Is the Water Damaged Carpet Salvageable or Not?

Here are some things to consider before drying a carpet after water damage

1. Age of the Carpet

If the carpet is already old, water weakens it. Old carpet is difficult to save because the water will most likely damage the backings. When the carpet is old, usually the backing deteriorates or even pull away from the carpeting. If the carpet is old, it is better to replace it with a new one. 

2. The degree of the damage

Salvaging carpet depends on the degree of damage involved. It is difficult to dry carpet when it already absorbed much water. If the water sat for a long time, it might be difficult to handle.

3. The source of the water

There are three types of water that may damage the carpet. Clean water sources such as tap water and broken water line do not pose any harm. But don’t let the water sit on the carpet for a long time. On the other hand, flood water contains contaminants and you need help from a professional to salvage your carpet. They not only dry your carpet but clean it thoroughly using special equipment. 

Drying a Water Damaged Carpet

Here are some things we need to do to dry the carpet. 

1. Remove the Standing Water

It is better to remove the standing water as soon as you can to avoid the growth of mold and other damages. You may need to use a pump to extract the water. You can easily rent pump equipment and rental companies usually recommend which pump is best depending on your situation. 

2. Extract the excess water 

You can use a wet vacuum to extract the excess water from the carpet. It takes time to remove the excess water using this method so it also requires your patience and hard work. 

3. Move the wet carpet from the floor. 

Moving the wet carpet from the floor will prevent more damage. To remove the carpet, carefully pull it away. Avoid using too much force to keep the carpet intact. 

4. Replace carpet padding with a new one. 

Carpet padding is like a sponge which absorbs a lot of water. If you will use it again, it will be damp and develop mildew and molds. Once you remove the carpet padding, dispose of it immediately. 

5. Dry the carpet and the flooring. 

Completely drying the carpet takes time. It depends on your tools and the temperature. Use a high powered blower, fans, and dehumidifier to help in the drying process. 

6. Sanitize your carpet.

Bacteria thrive in the wet and damp area. It is necessary to sanitize an area to remove germs and bacteria and to stop their growth. Use antimicrobial and antibacterial carpet cleaner to sanitize your carpet. 

7. Dry your carpet completely.

After sanitizing your carpet, it is important to dry it one more time. Once completely dry, you should not see any sign of mold. 

 

Call a Water Damage Professional 

Drying a carpet is doable but requires effort and time. If your carpet has severe damage, it is necessary to let a professional handle the situation so that they can assess the extent of the damage and do appropriate steps to fully remove all the water and let your carpet gets back to normal. Trust Superior Restoration & Shamrock Cleaning for all your water damaged carpet needs!

cleaning a water damaged place before professionals arrive

Water Damage: What To do Before Professionals Arrive

Posted by Superior on with 0 Comment

Whatever the type of water damage is, the effect is always dreadful. Truly, water damage restoration professionals can fully mitigate the damage and bring back your property to its pre-loss condition. However, water damage needs to be handled right after you know that there is a problem. So, while waiting for the professionals to arrive on the site, you can do a few things to minimize the damage and prepare it for the restoration process. 

Water Damage Cleanup

Stay calm when you realize that water has damaged your property. There are a few easy things you can do to prevent your home for further damage. 

Assess Safety Before Entering 

Before starting with the cleanup process, make sure that your house is safe to enter. When an ample amount of water intrudes your home, chances are, your house compromised its structural integrity. If you can see that your walls are inclined and the roof is not fixed, do not attempt to enter your home. 

Moreover, water can ruin your electricity. Make sure to switch off the power and all the electricity to prevent danger.

Lastly, when floodwater is involved in the damage, make sure to wear protective gears (boots, gloves, mask, etc.). Flood water contains pathogens and bacteria that are harmful to your health. 

Turn off the water Source

If the cause of the damage is not because of the natural disaster, and it is due to burst pipes, find the location and turn it off immediately. When you are having difficulty finding the location of the leak, shut off your main water valve. But If you are still uncertain, you may ask a plumber or search it on the internet.

Air Out Water Damage Area

Airing out the area can help in reducing moisture and preventing mold to grow. Open up all your windows and allow air to circulate in the affected area. This can be a slow process of drying out but this can make the cleanup process easier. Remember that when moisture is present, mold will follow. Mold can grow as fast as it can when the perfect environment is available. Make sure to air out your room as fast as you can to prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars for mold removal services.

Vacuuming Standing Water

If it is safe to do, use a wet-dry vacuum in removing some amount of water. In most cases, this can help in saving water damaged carpet, floor and furniture. 

Using this type of vacuum (not the regular type of a vacuum cleaner) can help in preventing water to penetrate into porous surfaces. When water gets into these materials (like wood floors), it can begin to warp and buckle. And, it could result in a replacement. 

Use only a wet vac for minor water damaged areas. If the water in your property is more than one foot, let professionals remediate the water. Extracting an ample amount of water very soon can damage your home’s foundation. 

Understanding these steps can help you minimize the damage. But, make sure to call a water damage restoration company to fully mitigate whatever that was lost. 

What Water Damage Professionals will Do

Once the company receives your call, they will be on the site without delay. With them are extraction equipment and dehumidifying fans. The extraction equipment can be used in suctioning a large amount of water. The dehumidifying fans are used to bring the humidity levels back to normal and remove moisture from saturated materials. The team will make sure that the property is fully dry before they begin with the restoration. They will tackle every aspect of the restoration process, use advanced equipment and skills and bring your property back to its normal condition.

A water damage event can be very dreadful for a homeowner. Not only you get worried about the condition of your home, its quality of being liveable, but you also get worried about the cost of the repair and the time involved. A trusted water damage company will work efficiently to address all the issues in your damaged property. It might take some days or weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. However, a certified company will use every moment to make sure that the condition of your home is safe and liveable. 

 

Let Superior Restoration & Shamrock Cleaning Help You

Superior Restoration and Shamrock Cleaning fully understand your worries and we are here to help you. We can manage and assure you that you get the home you deserve at a reasonable price. 

Our professional staff acts fast and we are expert in mitigating water damage property. We will put all the effort to fully restore your home from the aftermath of any water events.

If you are in need of a trusted water damage company, please call our local Superior Restoration company today!