Tag: flood damage

How to Prepare for Flood or Water Damage

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how to prepare for flood or water damage

National Preparedness Month, which is recognized every September, serves as a reminder for families and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies. One of the best ways you can be prepared during this month is by gearing up against flood and water damage. September also happens to be a month when hurricanes and heavy rainfall are common and if handled improperly, can lead to severe problems for homeowners. If you want to take measures against water or flood damage but you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. The experts are RestoPros are here to provide some tips on how to prepare for flood or water damage.

1. Emergency Plan and Kit

If you are faced with a situation where your house begins to flood, you will most likely be in panic mode. However, that can be prevented if you have taken some measures to prepare yourself and your family with the right tools and planning. Here are some things in mind while coming up with an emergency plan and creating an emergency kit:

  • Your emergency kit should most definitely include flashlights, necessary medications, copies of personal documents and cellphones with chargers. The Red Cross goes into further detail about the items you should have in your kit. Take a minute to look over their guide and even take the quiz at the end to ensure you’re fully prepared!
  • Pay attention to all flood alerts. Remember: A flood or flash flood WATCH means that a flood is a possibility. A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or is about to occur. If you get a warning, take precautions immediately.
  • Come up with a household evacuation plan based on this helpful template.
  • Take measures to protect your home. Flood damage can cause severe destruction to your home’s foundation, appliances and furniture. Consult a professional about raising your furnace, water heater and electrical panel to floors that are less likely to be affected by flooding. Move furniture and other valuables to safe places. 

2. Install A Sump Pump

A sump pump is an important appliance to have, especially if you live in an area where there is risk of flooding. It is located in a pit in a crawlspace or basement and is designed to pump water away from your home, should flooding occur. Speak to a professional about installing a sump pump in your home, in order to ensure protection from flooding.

3. Install Backflow Valves

Another way to protect your home from flooding is by installing backflow valves. When flooding occurs, sewage can often back up into a house and even flow into the main water supply line. This can be hazardous for your health as sewage can contain a multitude of waste, toxins and pollutants. Backflow valves block drainpipes to ensure that water flows AWAY from your home and never in the opposite direction.

4. Check Water Pressure

Sometimes, it doesn’t take a big flash flood to cause water damage to your home. Often, it can be caused by unregulated water pressure inside your home. If the water pressure in your home is too high, pipes, lines and hoses might burst which can cause water damage. Water damage itself brings a myriad of problems with it such as high restoration bills and mold growth. Take a minute to use a pressure gauge or regulator to ensure the water pressure in your home is maintained. Ideally, you want the pressure to be between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (psi).

5. Tackle Any Leaks

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaks in different places in your home such as showers, faucets and toilets can waste a lot of water over time – in addition to adding to homeowners’ water bills. Serious leaks can also cause water damage around your home. Monitor your water bill to ensure there aren’t any sudden increases. Check for leaks around faucet gaskets and pipe fittings to confirm if there are any leaks or not. You should also consider installing leak detection devices near places in your home that could be susceptible to water damage.

Stay Prepared with RestoPros! 

We hope this guide on how to prepare for flood or water damage was helpful. If you have any questions about water damage prevention or restoration, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at RestoPros! Call us today at 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online!

How to Prevent Mold After Flooding

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how to prevent mold after flooding

A flood damaged home can be a massive source of anxiety for homeowners and renters who face this problem due to hurricanes, heavy rain or burst pipes. A flood damaged home comes with a myriad of other issues such as figuring out the cleanup process, repairing any damage, filing a flood insurance claim,  and finding a temporary place to stay if necessary. On top of that, you might end up dealing with a mold infestation that could potentially further damage your home.

Mold is a fungus that is primarily attracted to damp areas so it’s no surprise it shows up in places where there is a leakage or water damage. However, the team at RestoPros has some tips on how to prevent mold after a flooding so you don’t have to deal with another unnecessary and expensive problem.

Preventative Measures to Take Against Mold

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it can take 24 hours for mold to start growing after being exposed to water. So, you will have to act fast. Here are some quick preventative measures you can take to avoid mold after flooding:

  • You will need to dry up the wet areas as soon as possible. Open windows and doors to air out the rooms in your house and use fans if possible. Consider using dehumidifiers to regulate the humidity in your home. Dehumidifiers are appliances that can remove excess humidity from your home and can be helpful in keeping your home dry, especially after flooding.
  • Mold can especially grow on items that are absorbent and porous. Get rid of items such as upholstered furniture, plush pillows and curtains if they have been wet for more than 24 hours. However, if you think they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried, put them in a place where they can dry out.
  • You’ll probably have to get rid of your carpet if it’s been dampened by dirty water for more than 24 hours. However, if you can’t get rid of it immediately, use a wet vac to remove the water from the surface of the carpet.
  • Clean wet surfaces such as kitchen counters, metal objects, shelves and closets with disinfectant.
  • Consider these natural mold cleaning products you can make with just a few ingredients in your home!
  • You might have to cut some openings in the bases of your walls to let air in. Before you do that, remove any baseboards or moldings as they can prevent the lower portion of your wall from drying out well. If you notice a lot of damage to your drywall, it might be better to let a professional handle it.

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to knowing how to prevent mold after flooding, we also want you to keep these things in mind to ensure your recovery process is safe:  

  • If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company. Remember to let them know if you need an insurance adjuster to visit your home before the cleaning begins. Be sure to document everything so you can show your insurer the extent of the damage!
  • Be careful when it comes to dealing with water damaged electrical appliances. Don’t step into a flooded basement if you think any outlets or cords have been exposed to the water. Remember not to touch any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.
  • Wear protective gear like gloves and rubber boots to avoid contact with chemicals and contaminated water.
  • Remember to keep yourself clean by washing your hands with soap and clean running water.

Need Professional Help? Contact RestoPros!

While you’re armed with the knowledge to prevent mold after flooding, keep in mind that you might need the help of professionals to ensure a safe process of cleaning and repair. You don’t have to handle these problems on your own — the experts at RestoPros are here to help. Our knowledgeable pros are experienced in mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

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How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is a serious threat to you and your home, and it doesn’t take much water to do serious damage. The fact is, an undetected small leak can cause more damage than a major leak that’s detected right away. Many plumbing leaks happen in areas where they might go unseen or unnoticed for weeks. Leaks located behind walls, under floors, underground, or those that happen while you’re away can be costly to the homeowner.

What’s more, you also have to think about rain and flood damage, because while homeowners insurance will cover most sudden accidents, it does not cover flood damage or leaks caused by unresolved maintenance issues. Fortunately for you, the professionals at RestoPros – the leading mold and water remediation company for the greater DFW Metroplex – are going to show you a few things so you know how to avoid water damage in your home.

  1. Invest in a Leak Detector.

Leak detectors are a great way to ensure that you know about a possible leak before it has time to do any damage. While these gadgets used to cost a lot, they’ve come down in price over the years. Some of the most popular brands are available for less than $50 and should have enough sensors to cover your water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine. The sensors work by detecting moisture. If they detect moisture where there shouldn’t be any, they send a notification to your phone, alerting you to the trouble.

  1. Check Your Gutters for Obstructions.

One of the more common ways water enters you home is through the roof. Sometimes that’s because you have damage to your roof or are missing shingles, perhaps due to a storm or high winds. The other way is much sneakier in its attack. Rather than pounding its way inside the home, it reverses directions and sneaks in through perfectly good shingles. Shingles are designed to be a watershed for water flowing down your roof, but they don’t work so well if that water reverses direction. When gutters and down spouts are obstructed and clogged with debris like leaves and vermin, they begin to act like a dam of sorts. As water backs up behind this dam, it enters home by travelling in the opposite direction the shingles were designed for. This can cause major damage to walls, ceilings, and electronics.

  1. Annual Maintenance Checks.

All pipes, lines, and machines that produce or carry water need to be inspected once a year for signs of wear or damage. Think of it as your home’s annual physical. Like putting off getting a check-up from your doctor, putting off your home’s inspection can lead to more problems and damage later. Nothing lasts forever, so do yourself and your home a huge favor this year and schedule an annual check-up with a qualified professional. These inspections can detect problems to come before those problems come for you.

 

While we hope these tips will help you avoid water damage in your home, they’re no substitute for an experienced professional. The water damage experts at RestoPros have a long-standing reputation for expertise, professionalism, and hard work. If you’re looking for a skilled and highly trained technician for mold testing, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or HVAC duct cleaning anywhere in the Dallas Metroplex, call us at (855) 58-RESTO (855-587-3786) to schedule an appointment today!

4 Tips for Dealing With Water Damage

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dealing with water damage

If water damage has occurred in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home, it’s important to learn how to deal with it right away. The longer you let water damage persist without doing anything about it, the more the issue will exacerbate. Therefore, once you notice water damage, be ready to perform some steps to help prevent the situation from worsening. By following the right tips for water damage, you’re helping to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

RestoPros is here to inform homeowners on how to deal with water damage. We have detailed 4 tips below for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home.

Try to Find the Cause of the Water Damage

Water damage can be the result of several different causes. Whether it be roof leakage, poor insulation, faulty plumbing, or flooding, it’s important to see what may have caused the incident. Knowing what caused the water damage in your home is one of the first steps towards resolving it, as you’ll have a clearer idea on what solutions to implement.

You may be able to find the cause easier depending on the location of the water damage. For example, if the water damage is below your sink, the probable cause may be faulty plumbing or improper water pressure levels. If water damage occurs on your ceiling, the cause may be faulty insulation, damaged roof, or improper gutters.

Try to Find the Extent of the Water Damage

If you see one spot of water damage, it’s important to check around and attempt to see the extent of its size. The entirety of water damage may not always be visible at first, so you want to be sure to find as much of it as possible. This can help you determine how bad the situation may be, as well as how much planning you’ll need to do.

Remove Any Items Close to the Water Damage

If there are any items close to the water damage, remove them as quickly and safely as possible. Most household items, especially fabrics, clothing and electronics, do not fare well when close to water damage. They may be hurt beyond repair if too close to the water damaged area. Additionally, electronic items close to water damage can also be a shock risk if the moisture seeps into the components.

Consult with a Water Damage Remediation Professional

After performing these steps, your next objective is to contact a water damage professional. Consulting with experts such as RestoPros will help you determine the most cost-effective solution for your home, as well as having the restoration be done by licensed and trained technicians. Additionally, this will help resolve the situation as soon as possible, which helps to prevent water damage from spreading throughout your home.

Better protect your home from the dangers of water damage by following these tips when the situation occurs. And contact RestoPros if you believe water damage is in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 for our water damage restoration services.

Practical Tips After a Flood in Your Home

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After a flood, the cost of repair coupled with the pressure put on a household can have devastating effects. Plumbing problems and roof leaks can both cause unexpected flooding in a home. The Dallas/Ft. Worth area (and Texas in general) is also prone to extremely heavy and severe rain, and chances of flood are higher compared to other states. It’s helpful to understand a few practical tips to follow in the event of flooding in your home. RestoPros is dedicated to keeping local homeowners educated on post-flood tactics to help minimize the recovery effort. Our experts on water and flood damage services, have compiled some practical tips for you to keep in mind:

Turn off All Power

  • Water and electricity are a dangerous and deadly combination.
  • Power can be turned off using your home’s circuit breaker, but do not attempt this if it means standing in water.
  • If your circuit breaker cannot be reached safely, contact your electric company to shut off power to your home.
  • Do not step in any water that’s in contact with electrical outlets.
  • Keep appliances away from water by storing them in a high, dry area.

Document all Damage That Has Been Lost

  • Be sure to document and photo all damage in your home, and be as specific as possible.
  • Make a list of all damaged property, and keep the documents and photos in a safe place.
  • Photographing and documenting will help in recovering damages through insurance.

Notify Insurance Company

  • Call your insurance company and begin filing a claim for the flood damage in your home.
  • When filing a claim with an insurance company, also ask them if you are in a Declared Disaster Area, as this can help in securing additional funds.
  • After filing a claim, insurance companies will help you select a company to remediate the water damage, opting for professionals such as RestoPros for water damage remediation services.
  • After calling your insurance company, they may give you approval to begin removing damage and clearing water yourself.

Clear Out Water and Debris

  • Once approved by your insurance company, begin clearing water inside your home to prevent damage and mold growth.
  • Sump pumps are available at local department stores, ranging from $75-300, and are placed in standing water to pump out the flood.
  • Wet and dry vacuums are also available at department stores for around $60-100, and are used to suck up water and debris from your home.
  • Allow proper air circulation by opening doors and windows, but be sure they won’t allow more water in.
  • Use a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and prevent mold growth and water damage.
  • Discard any contaminated food or belongings, along with any other items that cannot be salvaged.

Following these practical tips may save your family and home during a flood. Be sure to always contact the right professionals to give you the aid that is needed during a flood. RestoPros offers extensive water and flood damage remediation services to ensure your home gets the treatment it deserves. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and meet your trusted flood experts.

 

How to Replace Baseboards

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How to Replace BaseboardsBaseboards, beautiful work that’s ignored when done correctly.  Baseboards create a seamless appearance in your home by giving a smooth gradient between floor and wall.  Without baseboards, the harsh corner between carpet and wall would look tacky and unappealing.  Baseboards are also one of the first things to sustain damage during flooding or a mold infestation that spreads too far.  So whether you’re remodeling for appearance or repairing damage sustained from a flood or pest invasion, it’s helpful to know how to replace baseboards yourself.  Especially since replacing baseboards is a simple endeavor that can go a long way to sprucing up your home.

How to Remove Baseboards

The first step in replacing baseboards is to remove the old ones.  Now, if this is part of a larger remodel, either because you’re having to replace the wallboard or are building an addition to the room, removing baseboards is easy since you’re removing part of the wall anyway, but if you simple need to replace the baseboards, you’ll want to do your best to avoid damaging the wall behind the board.

To remove baseboards and trim, all you’ll need is:

  • Utility Knife
  • Hammer
  • Trim Puller

Very carefully use the utility knife to cut through any caulk that exists along the trim.  If your baseboards do not use caulk and the trim is just butted up against the wall, then you can skip this entirely.  Place the trim puller firmly against the wall with the wedge pushed between the trim and wall.  Hit the top of the trim puller with a hammer to knock it in between the baseboard and the wall.  Use the trim puller to leverage the base board free of the wall.  You can see how easily this works in the video below:

Installing Baseboards

The main thing to remember when installing new baseboards, it to double check all of your measurements.  Since installing a baseboard is as simple as gluing or nailing the boards into place (just be sure you’re nailing the boards into a wall stud and not just sheetrock) you’ll want to make sure that the length of baseboard is long enough. Before finishing all of your cuts.

If you’re concerned with getting a clean corner for your baseboards, we recommend following the advice seen below:

Be sure to keep any sections of baseboard that you don’t use.  You may find yourself wanting to replace small sections of the board over the life of your house and having a run of the same type of baseboard on hand is useful.

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