Month: July 2017

Water Quality Month for Dallas/Ft. Worth Homes

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August is Water Quality Month, a byproduct of the United Nations’ International Decade for Action (2005-2015). The water damage restoration experts at RestoPros want to help spread the word. While this blog has extensively covered the adverse effects of water in homes and buildings, today our focus is on the adverse effects that households can have on water quality. There are dozens of small actions that we perform every week that can have a negative impact on our water supply. How we get rid of trash, how we care for our lawn and the cleaning products we use all are all tied to the results. It’s important to address these actions and make an attempt to change the habits that are the most destructive. We compiled a list of action items from leading environmentalists to help get you started.

Unused pharmaceuticals should not be flushed down the toilet. The chemicals can end up in our water supply. Dissolve the drugs by pouring vinegar into the bottle, pull off the label and then throw into the garbage.

Never dump anything down the storm drain as it eventually flows into lakes and rivers. Storm drains are for rain water runoff only. To help combat additional pollution, remove debris and trash from around storm drains in your neighborhood.

Try to use your garbage disposal minimally. Though they are designed to help get rid of food waste, this waste is not good for the watershed. Additionally, never pour grease down the disposal or sink. Grease can build up in sewer lines and cause blockage.

Replace old water fixtures with low-flow designs including faucets, shower heads and toilets. These modern designs use less water per minute than older, more common fixtures.

4 Benefits to Low-Flow Appliances

Plant native trees, flowers and plants which will help increase water infiltration and require less lawn maintenance.

Super Plants for Texas Landscapes

When using lawn chemicals, never apply before a rain storm or before watering. The toxic runoff will flow into storm drains that flow into local water supplies. Consider using organic lawn fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic Lawn Care

Always collect pet waste in a recyclable bag and dispose of it in the trash. Pet waste can find its way into the water supply and spread bacteria.

Use environmentally safe cleaning products, which will ensure hazardous toxins stay out of your home (and don’t contaminate the water supply).

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

When you need to wash your car, either take it to a professional car wash with wastewater filters – or wash it on the lawn. Washing your car at home (on your driveway or in the street) will produce toxic runoff that will contaminate the gutter water.

Reduce runoff by using a rain barrel to catch water from rain gutters. You can also save money by using the runoff water to water your garden and plants.

Fix leaks in your car to keep the oil, antifreeze and other chemicals off the driveway and polluting the runoff. Park on top of a tarp if you are unable to repair the leak right away.

Stay away from antibacterial soap and other cleaning products. Many antibacterial products contain a pesticide called Triclosan that harm marine life.

Consider using stones when creating walking areas in your front and back yard. Rainwater takes any toxins from pavement back to the closest rain gutter. Without the pavement to block the ground, water can soak inside where the contaminants are diluted.

Learn About Helping Your Local Watershed

The professionals at RestoPros are the Dallas/Ft. Worth water remediation experts. While we are doing our part to keep the local watershed clean, we know firsthand the damaging effects of water on a home. If your property has recently been damaged by rain, ruptured water lines, broken pipes or other causes, contact us today. Our certified experts can quickly assess the damage and offer a solution using the latest water extraction and restoration technology. Call 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment!

Related Blogs:

Moisture Vaporators and Water

Protecting Against Flooding Dangers

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Preventative Roof Maintenance

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This summer has been a particularly wet one for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The heavy rains and hot, humid atmosphere can wreak havoc on roofs, causing cracks and leaks in older designs (and poorly installed new ones). Leaking, as RestoPros customers know, can lead to all kinds of damage – including wood rot and mold growth. A roof leak can also compromise the health and wellbeing of a household. While homeowners plan for the many potential problems that the summer weather can bring, leaky roofs are generally not high on that list. It’s never too late to begin proofing your roof against damaging cracks and leaks. The experts at RestoPros have compiled a simple list of DIY tips for keeping your roof free from damage throughout the summer – and the rest of the year.

Clear Rain Gutters

Rain gutters can very easily become congested, and when they do the water on the roof can’t drain properly. A clogged gutter will hold on to the water and keep it up next to the edge of the roof. This causes rotting and can compromise the entire roof.

How to Clean Rain Gutters

Trim Tree Branches

Make sure that any tree branches that are touching or hovering close to your roof need to be trimmed. Branches can brush up against the roof during a storm and cause considerable damage – including causing a leak.

Look for Weakened Areas

Check for areas on your roof that are rotted, soft or damaged. Pests will sometimes try to access a home through roof. If you notice any suspicious damage or signs of feces, then you might be dealing with a pest situation. Replace any missing shingles immediately – and call a professional if you believe that your home has been infested by pests.

Inspect for Debris

Inspect the roof for debris including leaves, fallen branches and other organic detritus. Clear anything that has fallen into the roof immediately. Leaves and other debris can hold dampness and create pools of stagnant water. These are two common issues that can rot a roof.

Inspect for Algae or Fungus

A particularly rainy summer, like the one we are currently experiencing, can promote algae and fungus growth. Spraying the roof with a 50 percent mixture of water and bleach will get rid of the algae. Several products on the market will not only clean the algae away, but keep it from coming back.

Seal All Penetrations

If you have a chimney, skylight or piping that protrudes from the ceiling, you should check to make sure that there are no leaks in the lining. Chimneys are the main source for leaks. Does it have a cricket to divert water? Has it been properly step flashed and counter flashed? Water can get trapped in skylights. Has this been the case after a hard rain? Caulk or reinforce any areas that look like they may be compromised.

Inspect Attics

Major leaks can occur through the attic because of improper ventilation, plumbing issues, pest infestation and many other . Inspect the attic for mold, condensation, algae stains and other tell-tale signs that dampness has infiltrated the space.

How to Find and Seal Attic Leaks

RestoPros believes in preventive maintenance for damaging water and mold issues. Roof maintenance at least once a year is essential in keeping your roof free from leaks that could potentially harm your home. After you have inspected your roof and you find that a leak has caused water or mold damage, we can help with the cleanup. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with a professional today!

Related Blogs:

Summer Project: Searching for Mold

Healthy Humidity Levels in the Summer

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Humidity Damage in Your Dallas Home

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We’ve discussed how high humidity in a home can trigger mold growth, but it can also cause damage throughout your home. In addition to stripping paint and wall paper, high humidity can cause structural damage, ruin mechanical systems and destroy property. So far, it’s been an especially humid summer with consistent rain storms and highs in the mid-90s. This combination has ensured a high humidity level outside, which can translate into high levels inside the home as well.

RestoPros is the leading water damage restoration company in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and we know firsthand the damaging effects of humidity in a home. We’ve compiled a list of the common problems associated with a high humidity level in the home. If your indoor humidity level is higher than 50%, consider taking steps to reduce that number immediately.

Wall Problems

Humidity can be very destructive to the walls in your home. The dampness can rot wood – not to mention create mold and mildew problems. The humid air can also build up inside of your walls, causing damage internally that you may not notice until it’s too late.

Solution: Adding more insulation inside walls, more air circulation in rooms.

Paint and Wallpaper Problems

Paint and wallpaper are both easily compromised by humidity. Damp air can cause cracking, peeling and bubbling. Mold and mildew can also flourish underneath wallpaper, which is why it’s important to act quickly when you notice dampness affecting

Solution: While the problem is the result of humidity within a wall or room, using moisture-resistant paint is a good idea for rooms that contain a lot of humidity by design. Bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms would benefit by using protected paint.

Flooring Problems

If you have a crawl space (or basement) in your home, there is a chance that your wood flooring could be hurt by humidity. Wood floors can warp and even rot if the humidity is strong and consistent enough. If the floor is covered in carpeting, there is also the danger of mold and mildew. Wall-to-wall carpeting over a wood floor can make it difficult to notice mold until there is a smell. At that point, the mold will be difficult to remove entirely.

Solution: If the problem stems from moisture coming from subfloors (damp concrete slabs, joists that absorb moisture over wet ground), then the problem will need to be assessed by a professional. Bulk water (standing water) from a leak, moisture evaporating from the ground or humid outdoor air coming in through a vent are all causes for flooring problems.

Plumbing System Problems

Humidity can create condensation on water pipes, toilet tanks and water fixtures, especially if the water is 45 degrees or lower. This can result in rust, mildew and mold; resulting in myriad problems.

Solution: Insulation can help with condensation on pipes. Waterproof insulation can also be installed inside a toilet tank.

Attic Problems

A lack of air circulation in your attic can contribute to humidity problems – especially when the humidity outside is high. A hot, humid attic can result in wood rot, paint cracking and mold growth.

Solution: Consider installing a whole house attic fan to help with circulation throughout the house (including the attic).

While most modern HVAC systems are designed to take of humidity problems in a home, not every residence has central air. Even if you own an HVAC system, you might still experience humidity problems due to inadequate installation – or problems with the insulation in your home. Whatever the cause, if you have recently experienced damage from high humidity contact the experts at RestoPros. We can help with most problems associated with water damage. Call 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with one of our service specialists today!

Related Blogs:

Unhealthy Humidity Levels in the Summer

Types of Water Damage

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Pool Safety for Your Dallas Home

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Are you one of the many Dallas home owners with a backyard pool? A pool in the summer can provide many hours of entertainment for a family, but it can also present several safety hazards. According to the Red Cross, an average of 10 people die every day from drowning. When you consider that there are 10.4 million residential pools in the U.S., emphasizing safety becomes even more important.  If your household will be spending some time in a residential pool, it is essential that certain measures are in place. RestoPros wants to make sure that our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors enjoy a safe and enjoyable pool season. We’ve compiled tips from the Red Cross and local safety experts to help get the word out on the proper procedures.

Black Mold Issues: If you are dealing with a black mold infestation around your pool, make sure that it is cleaned and contained before anyone uses it. Mold on your patio or deck can be treated with a solution of 10% bleach and water. You might also look into an EPA-registered disinfectant to clean it and keep it from returning. RestoPros can also help if your mold situation is beyond the scope of DIY home cleaning. (A recurring mold problem around your pool might indicate improper drainage – which should be explored as a cause.)

Pool Rules: If you own a pool, it is important to establish some basic safety rules. Many of these will depend on the ages of the family members and their swimming experience. Basic rules for families with small children include: no swimming without adult supervision, swimming using the buddy system, and no electronics or glass in the pool area. Print out a copy of the rules and have it posted where it is clearly visible.

Adult Supervision: If only one adult is supervising and must leave for even a short amount of time, all swimming must be halted until their return. It only takes 2 minutes for a child to lose consciousness under water. In 4-6 minutes, a submerged child can develop permanent brain damage. Even more unsettling, a toddler can drown in as little as 20 seconds.

Diving: Most residential pools are not deep enough for diving. The minimum depth for safe diving is 8 ft. If your pool depth is under 8 ft., make sure that everyone enters the pool feet first to avoid any head injuries.

Swim Lessons: If there are weak/inexperienced swimmers in your family, enroll them in Red Cross or YMCA swimming lessons.

Dallas YMCA Swim Lessons

Safety Tools: Always keep around readily accessible safety tools including ring buoys, rescue tubes, and other floating devices.

Keep Deck Uncluttered: The area around the pool should be clear of all toys (water toys need a specific storage area), non-pool furniture and any yard debris.

Swimming Gear: If you have young children who are just learning to swim, make sure that they are always wearing proper flotation devices.

Choosing the Right Water Flotation Device

Create an Action Plan: Develop an action plan in case someone is hurt in the pool. An emergency signal and emergency procedures need to be implemented. Calling 911 is always a priority, so keep a smart phone around at all times.

Best Swim Times: The best time to swim is during the day, in the morning or early evening when the sun is not directly overhead. Try to avoid swimming at night – and keep out of the water altogether during a thunder storm.

Sunscreen: Always use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 – even on cloudy days. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass right through dark clouds. Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours.

Cover Skin: In addition to sunscreen, when not in the water, try to keep as much of your skin covered as possible. Wear light clothing, sunglasses and wide brim hats while supervising the kids.

Kiddie Pools: If you own a small inflatable or plastic kiddie pool, empty out the water when it is not in use.

Above Ground Pools: These designs should have the ladder or portable steps removed when not in use.

Hot Tubs: A hot tub temperature should not exceed 104 degrees f. Pregnant women, toddlers and infants are not recommended to use them.

Red Cross Home Pool Safety

RestoPros hopes that you and your family enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer vacation. Enforcing pool safety measures with everyone in the household is a good start. Remember that we can assist if you are dealing with any pool-related mold issues. Don’t let a mold infestation keep your family from enjoying the pool! Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

Related Blogs:

5 Natural Cleaning Methods for Small Mold Spots

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