Category: Blog

When you consider the statistics, it becomes clear just how common and devastating a problem water damage can be. According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the US experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day, and 98% of basements in the US will suffer from some type of water damage during their lifetime. The costs are just as staggering as the frequency. Water damage restoration and mold remediation services cost the insurance industry approximately $2.5 billion dollars per year, and the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim is $6,965. Read more

Mold remediation is not a job for the inexperienced. Know-it-all contractors and overzealous homeowners often attempt mold removal projects lacking the knowledge, tools and materials required to eradicate mold contamination safely and completely. An uninformed approach to this complicated undertaking generally exacerbates the circumstances with unchecked sporulation and widespread cross contamination. Ultimately, such a naïve attitude regarding this very serious problem will require far more financial input to correct than if trained and certified mold restoration professionals were enlisted initially. Furthermore, deleterious health consequences may result as a byproduct of such hubris. Read more

In very basic terms, dry ice blasting involves “blast cleaning” a surface with compressed air, and dry ice particles, usually in the form of dry ice pellets. Fine CO2 (dry ice) particles are “blasted” on to a surface, the unwanted contaminants freeze and fracture, then an explosion of energy takes place, resulting in the thorough removal of the unwanted coatings. This non-destructive method of safely cleaning surfaces and/or removing unwanted coatings has become the preferred method to remove smoke soot, vaporized synthetic resins, and char associated with fire damage restoration. Furthermore, dry ice blasting can eliminate the musty burnt smell that results from fire, smoke, and water damage. Read more

As a property owner, the distinction between a sewage backup and a sewage overflow is important to understand and be able to identify independently of an insurance carrier. Awareness of the differences and what they entail regarding the possibility and extent of insurance coverage will help property insurance policy holders protect their interests in the event of a flood originating from a wastewater drainage line.
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There are a variety of situations, events and avenues of delivery that could result in water damage to a structure and the contents within. Potential occurrences include human error, vandalism and failure of building systems designed to deliver, remove or protect the structure from water intrusion. Failure of major building systems, such as plumbing, or roofing can be the result of immediate and unexpected physical damage or deterioration over time.
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After sustaining damage to your property that the insurance adjuster confirms as covered, the adjuster will then strongly suggest that you use a restoration service from their preferred list of vendors. They may or may not also inform you that you have the right to use a contractor of your choice to perform the repair work. Under the Insurance contract it is clearly outlined that the policy holder is responsible for the outcome of the “claims process”, however insurance companies’ routinely attempt to convince the insured to use an emergency restoration contractor from their vendor program.
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Through normal occupation, a family can generate a great deal of contaminants; such as dander, dust and chemicals. These pollutants are cycled through the average HVAC system between 5 and 7 times each day. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of debris within the duct system that should be regularly cleaned. Read more

Why Home-Buyers Should Consider Sewer Inspection

Home buyers commonly enlist the services of a real estate inspector to check the roof, foundation, electrical system, HVAC system and other areas of the property that are readily accessible. Issues uncovered by home inspection services are commonly inexpensive repairs that afford the home buyer leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price. The standard home inspection does not take into consideration the condition of the sewer line and perspective home buyers rarely consider sewer line inspection, which can prove an expensive oversight.
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Property owners are responsible for maintaining their sewer laterals, which is the line that connects the sewer pipes in the building to the main sewage system, generally located in a street. Because sewer lines are buried and out of sight, potential problems are commonly not identified and corrected eventually leading to costly repairs. Routine video inspections is a comparatively inexpensive method that can be used to identify sewer system issues. Read more

Disposable wipes have become the bane of sewer systems around the world, which already are being pushed to the limit by growing populations and insufficient infrastructure. Non-woven cloths have been getting stuck in pipes, creating massive clogs requiring expensive drain and sewer cleaning.
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