Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Water damage information
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common problems that people experience in their homes. Water may come in from heavy rains through a leak in your roof, from appliance failures, such as washing machines, dishwashers or ice makers, or from major fire extinguishing efforts. And, most important to note, the longer the water sits over time, the worse the damage becomes. Immediately addressing water problems can often save hundreds of dollars in damage repair costs.
At Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana, we respond to water emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year. We are highly trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in water damage restoration and we have a thorough knowledge of the categories and classes of water damage and how each of these factors impacts our response.
http://restorationnein.com
We use the latest technology and equipment in water extraction and restoration. Using proven science to identify the extent of the water damage and to verify drying results, we can further ensure that all materials are completely dry before we leave your home.
You want your home back to the condition it was in prior to the water damage. At Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana, we know just how to do that.
We assist The following communities with water damage emergencies: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Wabash, Wells, Whitley, Dekalb, Grant, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Fulton, and Miami.
What can you do?
There are some steps you can take before we arrive. However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fire department or other responding agencies as your health and safety are more important than your possessions. Please do not take any unnecessary risks, but time is critical in minimizing additional damages.
-Contact a qualified insurance restoration contractor. Keep in mind that many companies say that they are qualified in water damage restoration yet do not possess the appropriate training or equipment.
-Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies have a toll-free call center number or you can report the loss to your agent.
-If safe to do so, locate the source of the water and turn off any supply valves to stop the flow of water. If you must turn off your water, take steps to prevent your plumbing and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
-Remember, water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and the risk of shock is imminent. Do not allow wet materials or surfaces to come in contact with any electrical source. Always shut off the power if there is any risk.
-Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
-If you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company a phone number where you can be reached.
The best way to deal with water damage is through prevention. Here are some tips to consider:
-Replace washing machine supply lines annually. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses.
-Periodically inspect your ice maker supply line behind your refrigerator. If the line is brittle or leaking, have it replaced.
-Inspect your water heater for corrosion and leakage.
-Clean out your gutters at least once a year. Properly flowing gutters and downspouts help prevent water backing up under shingles.
-Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace missing shingles or tiles. Check flashing installed between surfaces, including chimneys, vent stacks or dormers; they are often the most common sites for leaks.
-In colder climates, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and plenty of attic ventilation. These help prevent the formation of ice dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
-Always remove hoses from any outdoor spigots. Freeze-proof spigots only work when hoses are removed.
-Inspect plumbed rooms, such as the kitchen, laundry room and bath for leaks or signs of leakage in water supply and waste lines.
-Make sure that shower walls and floor are structurally sound and that grout and joints are well sealed and in good condition.
-Inspect commode water supply lines for leakage. Check to make sure the fixture is properly secured to the floor and does not shift or rock when weight is applied.
-Inspect central air-conditioning systems annually for proper operation and drainage.
How can you help?
You’ve suffered a water loss, and you’ve done the right thing by trying to find out more information on how to deal with it. Here are some important things for you to know, so you can face your water loss more confidently:
-Water Source: If possible, stop the source of the water. Turn off your outside water main, or call a plumber or other qualified tradesman to stop the source of water flow. Contact your local utilities department if you can’t find how to turn off the water main.
-Electrical: Disconnect all power to affected areas. Do not operate your TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors (especially if concrete). Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
-Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner (no lower than 72 degrees) to speed drying in the summer, or more humid regions.
-Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. Place a plastic (not metal) bucket under the leak. Do not turn on ceiling light fixtures or fan if the ceiling is wet.
-Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible by squeegee, mopping or blotting.
-Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet. Place a fan so air flows over the carpet, speeding the drying process.
-Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting. Open and empty drawers and cabinets for complete drying. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
-Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.
-Art Objects/Paintings: Remove valuable painting and pictures from wet walls. Transfer all objects to a dry safe place.
-Upholstery: Remove and prop up wet upholstered cushions for even drying. Check for possible bleeding of colors.
-Luggage: Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight if possible.
-Books/Magazines: Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors. High value books should be given to a professional for proper drying and restoration as soon as possible.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
What to do after a fire?
You've suffered fire, smoke or soot damage. What should you do?
If you're reading this, you've already taken the first step. For over four decades, Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana has been there to restore homes and belongings from losses ranging from furnace "puff backs" to major fires. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) certified technicians have the expertise, experience and, above all, empathy for homeowners who have experienced these types of disasters.
At Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana, we know how different materials react to fire, heat and smoke and what steps to take to minimize the damage. We perform the necessary services, required by your insurance company, to preserve, protect and secure your home from further damage. We also know how to work with your insurance representative, as a restoration expert not just as a remodeling or general contractor, an important difference when selecting a qualified specialist.
We assit the following communities with fire and smoke damage emergencies: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Wabash, Wells, Whitley, Dekalb, Grant, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Fulton, and Miami.
What can you do?
The following are some steps that you can take before we arrive. However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fire department or other responding agencies—your health and safety are more important than your possessions. Please do not take any unnecessary risks.
1. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies have a toll-free call center to take your information. Or you can always report the loss to your agent.
2. If you must turn off your water, take steps to prevent your plumbing and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
3. If you have lost power and it is safe to do so, remove perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer. The odor created by spoiled food is usually impossible to remove.
4. Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property. Most likely, your insurance claim representative will ask for these items
5. If you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company a phone number where you can be reached.
You want your home back to the condition it was in prior to the fire and smoke damage. At Paul Davis Restoration, we know just how to do that.
How can you help?
You’ve suffered a fire and smoke loss, and you’ve already taken the next step to deal with it by checking out our website. Here are some important things for you to know to get back on track and face your claim more confidently.
Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
Carpets: Vacuum loose dry soot smoke particles from carpets. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to prevent redistribution of fine soot. Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
Doors: Close doors on affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
Furniture: If possible, avoid using upholstered furniture or handling drapes.
Pets: Remove all pets to a clean environment.
Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
Plumbing: Call a plumber to drain and winterize the system if the heat will be turned off in the winter.
Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
If you're reading this, you've already taken the first step. For over four decades, Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana has been there to restore homes and belongings from losses ranging from furnace "puff backs" to major fires. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) certified technicians have the expertise, experience and, above all, empathy for homeowners who have experienced these types of disasters.
At Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana, we know how different materials react to fire, heat and smoke and what steps to take to minimize the damage. We perform the necessary services, required by your insurance company, to preserve, protect and secure your home from further damage. We also know how to work with your insurance representative, as a restoration expert not just as a remodeling or general contractor, an important difference when selecting a qualified specialist.
We assit the following communities with fire and smoke damage emergencies: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Wabash, Wells, Whitley, Dekalb, Grant, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Fulton, and Miami.
What can you do?
The following are some steps that you can take before we arrive. However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fire department or other responding agencies—your health and safety are more important than your possessions. Please do not take any unnecessary risks.
1. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies have a toll-free call center to take your information. Or you can always report the loss to your agent.
2. If you must turn off your water, take steps to prevent your plumbing and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
3. If you have lost power and it is safe to do so, remove perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer. The odor created by spoiled food is usually impossible to remove.
4. Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property. Most likely, your insurance claim representative will ask for these items
5. If you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company a phone number where you can be reached.
You want your home back to the condition it was in prior to the fire and smoke damage. At Paul Davis Restoration, we know just how to do that.
How can you help?
You’ve suffered a fire and smoke loss, and you’ve already taken the next step to deal with it by checking out our website. Here are some important things for you to know to get back on track and face your claim more confidently.
Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
Carpets: Vacuum loose dry soot smoke particles from carpets. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to prevent redistribution of fine soot. Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
Doors: Close doors on affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
Furniture: If possible, avoid using upholstered furniture or handling drapes.
Pets: Remove all pets to a clean environment.
Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
Plumbing: Call a plumber to drain and winterize the system if the heat will be turned off in the winter.
Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Northeast Indiana is an EPA Certified Lead Renovating Firm
We would like to take a minute and congratulate the following people who attended and passed their EPA Certified Lead Renovator Test:
- Michael Mahler
- Wesley McKnight
- Troy Fox
- Stephan Leffers
- Paul Spurgeon
- Nick Bechtold
- Jordan Numbers
- Scott Richardson
- Len Shady
- Fred Yagodinski
- Kevin Reynolds
- Tom Dikty
- Norm Lengacher
- Daryn Protsman
- Steven Mwaniki
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Restoring Soft Contents
The ES–3300 Restoration Wash System is the disaster restoration industry’s only wet–wash machine designed from the ground up to recover “soft contents” from fire and water disasters. Its patented design features “safe hold” compartments for holding delicates, leathers, and what is known as Category 2 & 3 soiled laundry. It can disinfect, deodorize, and wash up to 160 lbs. of laundry, shoes, and other bulky goods that might have survived your fire and water disaster.
The Certified Contents Restoration Network (CCRN) has been trained and certified to restore smoke, soot, water, and even sewage contaminated soft contents and laundry. CCRN members have undergone a strict certification process to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all parties involved – most importantly the policyholder. The equipment, supplies, and processes used by CCRN have proven in independent laboratory studies to clean, restore and remove organic and non-organic contaminants. http://restorationein.com/
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