Blog Archives

Three Steps for Drying Out in Port Republic N.J.

2/25/2021

There are many causes of water damage to homes and buildings, ranging from heavy rains, leaky roofs, broken pipes, failure hot water heaters, sewage back-ups and more.

The cause of the damage must be considered when drying out a home or building. If it is “fresh” water, such as a broken pipe or leaky roof, the drying process is a little simpler than a sewage back-up.

Small water damages that are concentrated to an area, such as under a kitchen sink, can quickly be cleaned up. Large water damages can take days to clean and dry out, often resulting in pesky odors that then must be dealt with. It’s that pesky odor that tells you not all is well, and more work needs to be done.

Remove, Clean, Dry

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces quickly means less microbial growth, which can lead to potentially dangerous mold. Some people are highly sensitive to mold spores, while others show no physical reaction at all. Don’t take the chance in learning the hard way how you might react to mold. Prevention is best.
To ensure the safety of your family, there are three basic steps:

Remove the water/contamination: This means get the affected areas dry, and quickly.
Clean the area: No matter the water source, a quality disinfectant should be used.
Dry the area: Air movement is important. Directed air on damp areas aids in the evaporation process.

If you still feel concerned about a mold issue, getting a mold inspection in Port Republic, N.J. is always a good idea.
Remember, water damage in Port Republic N.J. can be potentially dangerous even after you think surfaces are dry. If it feels dry, it just might be… but it might not. Professional water damage removal pros have meters and devices to determine when surfaces are totally dry. And they have the products and equipment necessary to do the job right — items you can’t buy at your local grocery or hardware store.

Play it safe. Protect your family. Call your restoration pros for any type of water damage to your home.
If you do find mold in your home, it is always best to have a professional handle mold removal in Port Republic, N.J.

The True Value of a Restoration Company Osborne Island, N.J.

2/23/2021

When a fire, flood, water leak, mold growth or other issue that makes your home either inhabitable or just an inconvenience to deal with, you must decide “Will I clean this up myself, or hire a pro?”

While some small, minor “disasters” can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer, most restoration projects are best left to the pros.

Here’s why.

Safety

Obviously, keeping your family and loved ones safe is important to you. When dealing with disaster issues, what might seem like a minor issue may actually be a dangerous situation. Water damage In Osborne Island, N.J., even from the smallest leaks, can result in mold growth. Wet materials that might seem to be drying out could hold moisture in hidden areas. Smoke from a fire can be dangerous as well.

Back to normal

Anyone that has never suffered from a loss might not understand the emotions, frustrations and feeling of hopelessness that are common during a restoration project. Using a professional company means things move along quickly, and you are back in your home or able to use damaged rooms as soon as possible. Doing it yourself can make the project drag on for days longer than necessary, often with undesirable results. The best Idea is to get a mold inspection in Osborne Island, N.J. to be safe.

Insurance coverage

Water, fire, smoke, wind, mold… what’s covered? And what’s not? Insurance policies are difficult to interpret, yet a professional disaster restoration company works with insurance companies every day, so they are best equipped to help you through the process of dealing with insurance agents and adjusters. You want to be treated fairly and receive fair coverage from your insurance company. Having a qualified, reputable restoration contractor in your corner helps with the entire process.

Do what’s right. Call your disaster restoration company when you suffer any type of loss.

Dripping Your Way to Trouble in Ocean City, N.J.

2/12/2021

IDrip… Drip… Drip… a leaky pipe or drain may not seem to be that big of a deal, but it could be the first indicator of big trouble coming your way.

Most people — just like you — think of water damage situations as a broken pipe spewing water all over the place, or perhaps a failing sump pump resulting in a basement that imitates a swimming pool you did not want.

Other water damages in Ocean City, N.J. can occur from an overflowing toilet or — even worse — sewage backup that can mean replacement of surfaces and belongings in your home.

Catastrophic water damage situations, such as from a storm, flood waters and similar water intrusions, are about impossible to predict and prepare for.

But when it comes to smaller issues, you can do quite a bit to keep your home nice and dry and free of musty, moldy odors.

The first step is prevention. If you have a faucet dripping, you may think the only loss would be pennies a day. But what if your drain plugged up and you were gone for an extended period of time? Drips can quickly add up and create an overflow that can cause expensive water damage. And a leaky pipe under a cabinet or toilet is really bad news as that can quickly get worse and flood your home. So be sure to either fix these issues yourself or hire a plumber.

The second step is to dry out any existing moisture that may exist in areas that can be damp from either dripping water supply pipes and hoses to drains. Wipe up as much water as you can and get some air movement onto the surfaces affected.

The third step is to get professional help. Call your water damage pro not only when emergencies strike, but to receive valuable advice in advance.

After you have everything dried and clean, you may want to call for a mold inspection in Ocean City, N.J., to be safe.
If mold removal in necessary in Ocean City, N.J., always call in a professional.

Do what’s right. Call your water damage pro!

3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in Mystic Island, N.J.

2/11/2021

What is a water damage? It’s anything that happens in your home that causes problems for you and your family.

It can be a simple over-flowing of a sink onto the kitchen floor. Or perhaps a toilet didn’t flush properly and it sloshed out a bit onto the bathroom floor. Then again it can be a little more serious such as from a broken pipe that spewed water everywhere in the basement when it was time for spring watering of the flowers.

No matter what, a water damage in your home is bad news. Even the tiniest bit of water can cause all kinds of problems, from the worse (mold damage) to the least (pesky odors).

There are three things you can do to help prevent water damage in Mystic Island, N.J., in your home.

Know the water supply turn-off location. If a pipe breaks and spews water all over, knowing how to turn off the water is important. You have pipes and water supply points all over your home. The one main turn-off location should be on everyone’s mind.

Repair leaking faucets now. What may be dripping slowly can quickly become a bigger problem soon. And don’t forget those hoses under the sink that feed the dripping faucet. They can burst, too. Look for wet areas under all sinks.

Change the hoses on your washing machine. Washing machine hoses are pretty cheap to replace but if one of them were to burst, it’s disaster time. These hoses are always under pressure and if they, for some reason, tend to break when you are not at home.

While there are other ways water damage situations an occur in your home, these are the common ones. Don’t make a mistake… prepare now and avoid problems in the future.

If it water damage has already happened, calling for a mold inspection in Mystic Island, N.J. should be your next move.
If needed, mold removal in Mystic Island, N.J. is just a phone call away to your local restoration company.

But when the worst thing happens, such as a water damage in your home, don’t delay. Call your water damage pro today!

Until Help Arrives in Margate, N.J.

2/10/2021

There are many steps you can take as a responsible homeowner when flooding occurs in your home, whether from an overflowing toilet or a failed sump pump.

First of all, keep it safe. Do not do anything that can cause physical harm to yourself or your family, which can mean working in areas with electricity that have water damage issues.

Pick things up. When water intrudes, picking up smaller items and placing them out of harm’s way is important.

For objects you value, normally smaller items, and can get to without danger to yourself, start wiping them off and getting them dry. Although your water damage pro will handle the final cleaning and restoring of valuable objects, you can do much to help the process.

Some materials are sensitive, and need special attention. These can include wood furniture, fabrics, upholstery, rugs, art and other valuable items. If you can remove these from flooded areas and wipe them off and allow them to dry, you might assist the drying and restoration process. Especially pick up and allow to hang in a safe place items such as valuable rugs. Sometime after the clean up, it is best to have a mold inspection in Margate, N.J.

As a general rule, get things up off the floor. These would be especially larger, more valuable items, such as sofas, chairs, tables, etc. Most water damage situations in Margate, N.J. are just a few inches deep, so putting these items up could be possible and very helpful to preserve their value. But if not, don’t worry… your water damage pro (who is no doubt now on the way) can handle it. He has special wood or foam blocks or other items to do the job to protect your furniture and larger items.

But no matter what, don’t delay in doing what is best: Calling your water damage pro!
If needed, mold removal in Margate, N.J. is always best handled by professionals.

Keep Mold at Bay: Take Away its Food in Manahawkin, N.J.

2/10/2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes how water damage situations (such as from a flood, leaky or broken pipe, sewage backup, etc) can be potentially hazardous… not just initially, but over time as well.

Why? Because of the potential of mold and how it affects human health. Exposure to damp and moldy environments and materials can be especially harmful to those sensitive to irritants common to mold contamination. Some find that even being outside near plant life in the process of decomposition is a problem. Mold and mildew can run rampant under certain conditions, causing allergic reactions.

So when a water damage in Manahawkin, N.J. does happen in your home, don’t take chances. Mold needs moisture. It needs to be fed. It will grow on organic materials that are wet. If you take away its “food” you inhibit the ability of mold to grow.

Important reminders

Remember that mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, anywhere there is a leak. This can be around windows, behind walls where water has intruded, from leaky roofs, and especially from leaky pipes – especially those that are leaking and you didn’t know about it! When in doubt, have a mold test done in Manahawkin, N.J.

Many homeowners are tempted to clean up water that comes into their home, such as when a sump pump might fail or when a toilet might overflow. Good intentions for sure. But if you don’t get it really dry, really fast, there can be problems.

Here’s a scary thought: Some professional water damage experts won’t even do a water removal job if they can’t get to it within 24 hours. They know mold could have started to grow and that means more work than simply extracting water and drying the home could be required.

You don’t want all that headache. When any water intrudes into your home, remember it’s more than water. It’s breeding ground for mold. Do what’s best. Call your water damage pro! Mold removal in Manahawkin, N.J. is always best left to the professionals!

How Dangerous is Mold in Your Home in Long Port, N.J.

2/8/2021

Everyone wants the safest, healthiest home environment for their families. You would do anything to protect your loved ones from exposure to any substance that could cause them harm.

One of those feared substances is “mold” and with what you have seen in the news in recent years, exposure to harmful or “toxic” mold has affected the health of countless people — folks just like you.

This brings up the all-important question: Just exactly how dangerous is mold in homes?

That’s a tricky question, because there are many types of mold and mold is virtually everywhere. There is probably a little bit in your basement right now. Your shoes when you came home yesterday no doubt brought in a few mold spores. Mold spores can be in breathable space and travel in the air.

When you step outside, you are surrounded by mold. There’s nothing you can do about that. The main concern is usually what’s in the home, not outside, although if you are sensitive to mold you should avoid all damp areas that could promote mold growth, inside and out.

Some people are affected by even the smallest amounts of mold. They may have nasal issues, watery eyes, coughing and other physical reactions. A smaller segment of the population are very sensitive to exposure to mold, having severe reactions that can be life threatening. Others aren’t affected at all, and can be around and/or exposure to all types of molds with no apparent sensitivities.

The CDC has plenty of information for those concerned with mold in homes. One of the issues they raise is keeping moisture out of homes. “Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding,” according to the CDC government website. ;so if you have concerns, get a mold test in Long Port, N.J.

The issue is twofold if mold is growing in your home. You must clean it up or have it cleaned up, and you must fix the moisture problem. You can do your research on how to fix the problem, but the best solution is, no doubt, getting expert advice from your professional water damage in Long Port, N.J. restoration contractor or mold removal in Long Port, N.J. or remediation company. Keep your family safe. Call the experts.

When a Pipe Breaks in Long Beach Island, N.J.

2/7/2021

DID YOU KNOW that every home and business has water pipes, sewer pipes and lots of other pipes?

Of course you do, and you also know that they can leak and break and create quite a mess.

One thing that you need when this happens is a company to come to your aid — fast! When a flood happens in a home, there are many causes, such as a broken pipe, or maybe the hot water tank breaks, or sometimes the sump pump fails and the basement fills up with water. A flooded basement is not fun to come home to after a weekend away. Isn’t that when it seems things happen?

Have you ever thought of turning off your water source when you leave for a long vacation? You might consider it, doing so if you don’t have someone staying at your home. Even though water damage in Long Beach Island, N.J. companies can quickly put things back in order for you, it’s best you don’t go through the experience at all!

But accidents happen. When you do have the unfortunate luck of a broken pipe or water coming into your home, you can, of course, clean it up yourself. But a professional water damage restoration company specializing in flood cleanup jobs has the professional equipment to quickly remove the water and then dry out your house so you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew starting to grow. But if you are concerned, it is always a great idea to get a mold inspection in Long Beach Island, N.J.

Have you heard the horror stories about mold growing after a pipe breaks, a roof leaks or some other catastrophe? Some of these stories are true. Don’t let this happen to you. When disaster strikes, you need quick, professional and capable help. Call someone in the business of mold removal in Long Beach Island, N.J.

It's Not 'Just the Carpet' In Harvey Cedars, N.J.

2/5/2021

Many water damage pros have been called by good people just like you who need help “just sucking up the water from the carpet.”

This can be water from an overflowing sink, toilet, maybe a washing machine that got a little ambitious during the spin cycle… or it could be from something more serious, like a broken water pipe or roof damage from a storm.

No matter what, some homeowners only see and think about the squishy carpet and don’t know about all those other areas in the home where water has affected it. The damage can spread and getting a mold test in Harvey Cedars, N.J. can be a good idea.

That kind of thinking can get you into a lot of trouble.

While water can just damage the carpet, it usually goes other places as well… such as down the register vents into floors below, behind baseboards and then under the walls and then up the drywall, into other rooms, under furniture that you never move, and into all kinds of other areas. It can also get into wood floors you thought were watertight, creating all kinds of very expensive problems if you don’t get it all dried out quick.

Sucking up the water is just part of the job. Detecting where the moisture really went is important, as well as using professional tools and drying equipment to reach those areas and get them like they were before — bone dry, and safe for your family.

Calling your water damage in Harvey Cedars, N.J., pro immediately and then listening to his expert advice is something smart consumers (just like you) must do when water causes damage to your home. If you wait too long, you invite a host of difficulties, such as mold and odors that are challenging to remove.

Remember, it’s not “just the carpet” — it can be other areas of your home as well. Don’t take a chance. Call your water damage pro. Be sure to use a professional company for mold removal in Harvey Cedars, N.J.

Hiding in the Shadows in Forked River, N.J.

2/4/2021

DID YOU KNOW that mold can develop in your home and all it takes are three common things?

1.    Moisture: Mold needs moisture to grow, which is why you see it all the time in showers and baths… and, unfortunately, in basements. You can clean up the mold in a shower or bath, but when you see it in other parts of the home, it’s best to call a pro. A pro can find mold from old water damage in Forked River, N.J.

2.    Food: Mold is alive, and needs to eat. So usually you won’t see mold growing on plastic surfaces in your home. It will grow on wood and other organic surfaces. However, dirt in the carpet or on the floor can be a food source, so keeping your house super clean is smart.

3.    Darkness: Mold likes the shadows of your home, and grows quickly in the dark. That’s why basements are often the first place mold is discovered. It's easy enough to get a mold inspection in Forked River, N.J.

Do-it yourself mold removal?

If you are going to clean up some mold in your house, it’s important to protect yourself. A mold removal In Forked River, N.J. specialist knows the dangers of mold, and if you hire a pro, you will see him all suited up and protected against possible contamination.

For cleaning up very small amounts of mold, like you might find in a shower stall, be sure to wear rubber gloves, the type that come up to your elbows. And wear a good mask, the type the EPA recommends (like an N-95 from your hardware store) so that you don’t inhale mold spores. Spores are actually the dangerous part of mold, and they are very tiny and float in the air, which means you can breathe them in. Eye protection goggles are also smart, but avoid goggles that have holes in them.

Remember, do-it-yourself mold removal is only for those common molds like in showers and baths. Anything else? Call a pro!

The Awesome Power of Flood Waters in Brigantine, N.J.

2/2/2021

DID YOU KNOW that just a little bit of water can become a huge headache?

This is true for water that might get into your basement, such as from a pipe break or a sump pump failure.

When this happens, you should quickly call your water damage In Brigantine, N.J. pro because you know that it is really tough to clean it up yourself, plus you don’t want the added headache of dealing with mold.

But another type of water you should be aware of isn’t one that always comes into your home from a broken pipe or a failed sump pump.

It’s one that you can encounter while traveling, and you might not realize the danger.

That’s right. We are speaking of flood waters. When you see the stories on television, you know how dangerous they can be. We’ve all seen the clips and photos. But… did you know that it doesn’t take much water at all to put you and your family in danger?

Beware! It can happen to you…

The amount of water you can wade in safely at the beach doesn’t mean it is safe on the road. It only takes a tiny amount of water, maybe just an inch or two, to cause hydroplaning and loss of control of your vehicle.

And if you encounter six inches of flood waters, you can be in big trouble. You not only can hydroplane and lose control, but when you stop, your car can stall, leaving you stranded.

Add in another six inches of water and now your car can float away, with you inside of it!

You think big trucks are safe? Normally, they are, but it only takes two feet of surging flood waters to float away a big truck.

So play it safe. Stay in when there are reports of flooding. And when you must travel when there is heavy rain, stick to designated (and safe) driving routes.

While your water damage pro can handle anything that happens in your home, such as a flooded basement, he won’t be much help if you are in your car and you are floating away!

And after the damage is cleaned and dry, getting a mold test in Brigantine, N.J. would be a great idea!

Safe or Not Safe in Beach Haven N.J.?

2/1/2021

Have you ever walked or drove down a road and came across a sign that declared, “Floodplain Zone!”

If it was near your home, you might have panicked. But if it was somewhere far from your home, you felt safe.

A floodplain can be dangerous because any home in or near one is subject to flooding. If you have a basement, you have more to worry about.

But did you know that even if you live outside a floodplain, there are flooding issues that you must be aware of?

That’s right. According to some expert sources, up to 1/3 of flood damage occurs outside designated flood areas. A flood in your home can occur from outside sources… or even inside sources.

What can you do right now to be safe?

1.    Ensure that your basement is moisture free. Ask for an inspection from an honest and reputable basement waterproofing company.
That same water proofing company can do mold testing in Beach Haven, N.J.

2.    Talk to your plumber about sewer backflow valves. These can really protect your home in the event of a sewer flooding event in your neighborhood.

3.    And while talking to your plumber, have him take a look at your sump pump. If that fails, you are in trouble!

4.    When you travel, consider turning off the main water supply to your entire home. But even if you don’t do that, be sure to turn off both hot and cold water supplies to your washing machine. For some reason, those break first!

Play it safe. Talk to the experts about how safe you really are and how healthy your current insurance plan is.

And keep your water damage in Beach Haven, N.J. professional on speed dial — just in case!

Always call on a professional when in need of mold removal in Beach Haven, N.J

Jo Lucas

Archives